Patent Publication Number: US-11660507-B2

Title: Sports ball with wickerbill

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/870,419, filed Jul. 3, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to inflatable sports balls. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A variety of inflatable sport balls, such as a soccer ball, conventionally exhibit a layered structure that includes a casing, an intermediate structure, and a bladder. The casing forms an exterior portion of the sports ball and is generally formed from a plurality of durable and wear-resistant panels joined together along abutting edge areas (e.g., with stitching, adhesives, or bonding), i.e., via a seam. Designs such as decorative elements and holistic textural patterns may be applied to the exterior surface of the casing. Decorative elements are conventionally applied via processes such as thermal transfer films or a release paper. Textural patterns are conventionally applied via processes such as embossing, debossing, stamping, molding, or laser etching. 
     The intermediate structure forms a middle portion of the sports ball and is positioned between the casing and the interior. Among other purposes, the intermediate structure may provide a softened feel to the sport ball, impart energy return, and restrict expansion of the bladder. In some configurations, the intermediate structure or portions of the intermediate structure may be bonded, joined, or otherwise incorporated into the casing as a backing material. In other configurations, the intermediate structure or portions of the intermediate structure may be bonded, joined, or otherwise incorporated into the interior. 
     SUMMARY 
     A sports ball is provided. The sports ball may include an interior bladder and a cover disposed about the interior bladder. The cover may comprise a plurality of adjoining panels. The plurality of panels may collectively form an outer substrate, which defines an outer substrate surface. The outer substrate surface may define a plurality of plateau sections. 
     The cover may further define a feature surface radially spaced apart from the outer substrate surface. The feature surface may define a plurality of indentations positioned between the plateau sections. Each indentation comprises a first shoulder portion positioned at a first boundary, a second shoulder portion positioned at a second boundary, an indentation width disposed between the first boundary and the second boundary, and an indentation terminus disposed on the feature surface and radially spaced apart from the outer substrate surface by an indentation depth. 
     The feature surface may further define a plurality of protrusions disposed on the plateau sections. Each protrusion extends from the outer substrate surface to a protrusion terminus disposed on the feature surface and radially spaced apart from the outer substrate surface by a protrusion height. At least one of the protrusions is disposed a predetermined distance from at least one of the first boundary or the second boundary of a respective indentation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective view of an example inflatable sports ball. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic perspective view of an example inflatable sports ball, wherein the ball includes an interior bladder and a cover, the cover including an outer substrate layer and an intermediate structure. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic perspective view of one example inflatable sports ball, wherein the cover includes a plurality of indentations, and a plurality of protrusions, which cooperate to define a topographical design on the exterior surface of the inflatable sports ball. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic plan view of one example panel of a four-panel sports ball, wherein the example panel has a generally triangular shape that is formed from three pentagon-shaped sub-panels. 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged view of a portion of the example panel shown in  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic perspective view of another example inflatable sports ball, wherein the cover includes a plurality of indentations, and a plurality of protrusions, which cooperate to define a topographical design on the exterior surface of the inflatable sports ball. 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of a portion of the example inflatable sports ball shown in  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is an example schematic cross-sectional view of a panel of the type shown in  FIG.  4   , taken along line  8 - 8 . 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged view of two plateau sections of  FIG.  8   , wherein the plateau sections have a plurality of protrusions of dimensional ink disposed thereon. 
         FIG.  10    is an enlarged, schematic, example cross-section of the cover shown in  FIG.  2   , taken along line  10 - 10 . 
         FIG.  11    is an enlarged, schematic, example cross-section of a seam coupling two adjoining panels, as shown in  FIG.  1   , taken along line  11 - 11 . 
         FIG.  12 A  is an enlarged, schematic, example cross sectional view of an example indentation. 
         FIG.  12 B  is an enlarged, schematic, example cross sectional view of an example indentation. 
         FIG.  12 C  is an enlarged, schematic, example cross sectional view of an example indentation. 
         FIG.  12 D  is an enlarged, schematic, example cross sectional view of an example indentation. 
         FIG.  12 E  is an enlarged, schematic, example cross sectional view of an example indentation. 
         FIG.  12 F  is an enlarged, schematic, example cross sectional view of an example indentation. 
         FIG.  12 G  is an enlarged, schematic, example cross sectional view of an example indentation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the present disclosure may be described with respect to specific applications or industries, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the disclosure. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” etc., are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. 
     The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims. 
     The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range. 
     Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Furthermore, no features, elements, or limitations are absolutely required for operation. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description. 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various sports ball configurations and methods relating to manufacturing of the sport balls. Although the sports ball is depicted as a soccer ball in the associated Figures, concepts associated with the configurations and methods may be applied to various types of inflatable sport balls, such as basketballs, footballs (for either American football or rugby), volleyballs, water polo balls, etc. and variety of non-inflatable sports balls, such as baseballs and softballs, may also incorporate concepts discussed herein. 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the several views, a sports ball  10  is provided. In a general sense, the sports ball  10  of the present disclosure includes a plurality of outer panels  28  that each have a surface texture  45  formed thereon comprising a plurality of indentations  34  positioned between a plurality of plateau sections  35 , and a plurality of protrusions  23  additively applied to the plateau sections  35  near the adjacent indentations  34 . The protrusions  23  are disposed upon the respective plateau section  35  as close to the adjacent indentation  34  as possible, to allow the respective protrusion  23  to function as a small tab-like structure projecting from the trailing edge or shoulder portion  29   a ,  29   b  of the adjacent indentation  34 . For example, the protrusion  23  may act as a wickerbill on the ball  10 , such that, in flight, the protrusion  23  operates to trip the boundary layer of air surrounding the ball  10  from laminar to turbulent flow just before the air flows into the respective indentation  34 . This forced alteration of the airflow around the ball  10  from laminar flow to turbulent flow at a predetermined point promotes stability and consistency of the ball  10  during flight. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3  and  6   , the sports ball  10  may be an inflatable sports ball such as a soccer ball or the like or a non-inflatable sports ball  10  such as a softball or the like. A sports ball  10  having the general configuration of a soccer ball is depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 3  and  6   . As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the sports ball  10  may have a layered structure including a cover  12  and an interior  16  ( FIGS.  2  and  8 - 11   ). The cover  12  forms an exterior portion of the sports ball  10 . The interior  16  forms an interior portion of sports ball  10 . The sports ball  10  may also include an intermediate structure  14  located interior to the cover  12  between the cover  12  and the interior  16 . 
     In a non-inflatable example configuration of the sports ball  10 , the interior  16  may be one of a solid mass or a hollow mass, fixed in size. In an inflatable example configuration of the sports ball  10 , the interior  16  may be an interior bladder ( FIGS.  2  and  8 - 11   ). In the inflatable example configuration, in order to facilitate inflation (i.e., fill the interior with pressurized air) to a predetermined internal pressure, the interior  16  generally includes a valved opening  17  that extends through the cover  12 , thereby being accessible from the exterior surface  13  of the sports ball  10 . Upon inflation, the bladder  16  is pressurized and the pressurization induces the exterior surface  13  to be a substantially spherical surface as the sports ball  10  takes on a substantially spherical shape. More particularly, pressure within the bladder  16  causes the bladder  16  to place an outward force upon the cover  12  on an inner substrate surface  20 . 
     The cover  12  forms an exterior portion of the sports ball  10 . The term cover  12  is meant to include any layer of the sports ball  10  that surrounds the interior  16 . Thus, the cover  12  has a thickness  88  and may include both the outer substrate layer  24 , i.e., the outermost layer as well as any intermediate cover layers  22 ,  26 , which are disposed between the interior  16  and the exterior surface  13 . As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  8 - 11   , the cover  12  may be composed as a layered structure including the outer substrate layer  24  and an intermediate structure  14  located interior to the outer substrate layer  24  between the outer substrate layer  24  and the interior  16 . The cover  12  further includes the outer substrate surface  18 , defined by the outer substrate  24 , the inner substrate surface  20  opposite the outer substrate surface  18 , and a feature surface  21  radially spaced apart from the outer substrate surface  18 . The outer substrate surface  18  and the feature surface  21  cooperate to define the exterior surface  13  of the sports ball  10 . The inner substrate surface  20  is disposed opposite the outer substrate surface  18  and the feature surface  21 , and may be disposed adjacent to the ball interior  16 . 
     In some embodiments, the outer substrate layer  24  may be a composed of a polymeric material, a polymer foam material, or the like. Examples of suitable polymer materials include, but are not limited to, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, polyolefin, and the like. 
     The intermediate structure  14  may include a first intermediate cover layer  26  and a second intermediate cover layer  22 . The first intermediate cover layer  26  is positioned between the outer substrate layer  24  and the second intermediate cover layer  22 . The second intermediate cover layer  22  is positioned between the first intermediate cover layer  26  and the interior bladder  16 . The second intermediate cover layer  22  may include the inner substrate surface  20 , wherein the inner substrate surface  20  is positioned adjacent to the ball interior  16 . 
     The respective intermediate cover layers  22 ,  26  of the intermediate structure  14  may be composed of a polymeric material, a polymer foam material, a foam material, textiles, or the like. Examples of suitable polymer materials include, but are not limited to, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, polyolefin, and the like. Examples of suitable polymer foam materials include, but are not limited to, polyurethane, ethylvinylacetate, and the like. Examples of suitable textile materials include, but are not limited to, a woven or knit textile formed from polyester, cotton, nylon, rayon, silk, spandex, or a variety of other materials. A textile material may also include multiple materials, such as a polyester and cotton blend. The intermediate structure  14  may further provide a softened feel to the sports ball, impart energy return, and restrict expansion of the bladder  16 , in an inflatable sports ball  10  example. In one example, the outer substrate layer  24  may be formed a thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU), first intermediate cover layer  26  may be formed from a polymer foam material, the second intermediate cover layer  22  may be formed from one of a polymeric material, a polymer foam material, a foam material, or a textile material. 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the cover may further include an external surface layer  25  disposed upon the outer substrate surface  18  and feature surface  21  of the cover  12 . The external surface layer  25  may be a film that includes a pigment or a graphic thereon. The external surface layer  25  may also be an outer film or clear coat having weather-resistant properties. The external surface layer  25  may be a polyurethane film or the like. The external surface layer  25  may be bonded to the outer substrate surface  18  and feature surface  21  via a bonding material. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , the cover  12  may be generally formed by a plurality of adjoining panels  28 , wherein each panel  28  has a respective panel surface that defines a portion of the outer substrate surface  18 . The plurality of panels  28  includes at least a first panel  30  having a first panel surface and a second panel  32  having a second panel surface. The plurality of panels  28  may comprise the conventional twelve (12) panels or any other number of panels  28 , for example, four joined panels  28  each having nine edges  36  and having a generally triangular shape that is formed from three pentagons, such as the panel  28  illustrated in  FIG.  4   . The cover  12  may also exhibit a substantially-uniform or unbroken configuration that does not include panels  28  joined at abutting edge areas  36  via seams  38 , or includes fewer panels  28 . In configurations, wherein a reduced number of panels  28  are present, or the ball  10  exhibits a substantially uniform or unbroken configuration, indentations  34  or pseudo seams in the cover  12  may be positioned to impart the appearance of panels  28 . Each panel  28  may have a panel center  37  and a panel limit  39 , wherein the panel limit  39  runs adjacent the respective abutting edge area  36 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , each seam  38  may have a seam terminus  63  positioned on the feature surface  21  and radially-spaced apart from the outer substrate surface  18  in a first direction  15  toward the inner substrate surface  20 . Further, each seam  38  may have a seam depth  41  and a seam width  43 . The seam terminus  63  is positioned on the feature surface  21  and radially-spaced apart from the outer substrate surface  18  by the seam depth  41 . 
     The panels  28  may be coupled along the abutting edge areas  36  ( FIG.  4   ) by the seams  38 . The panels  28  may be coupled along the abutting edge areas  36  by the seams  38  with stitching, bonding, welding, adhesives, or another suitable coupling method. As utilized herein, the term “welding” or variants thereof (such as “thermal bonding”) is defined as a technique for securing two elements to one another that involves a softening or melting of a polymer material within at least one of the elements such that the materials of the elements are secured to each other when cooled. Similarly, the term “weld” or variants thereof (e.g., “thermal bond”) is defined as the bond, link, or structure that joins two elements through a process that involves a softening or melting of a polymer material within at least one of the elements such that the materials of the elements are secured to each other when cooled. An example of welded seams  38  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,599 to Raynak, et al., which is hereby entirely incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,599 to Raynak, et al. generally discloses examples of welded seams, in that welding generally produces a heat affected zone in which the materials of the two joined components are intermingled. This heat affected zone may be considered a “weld” or “thermal bond.” Further, welding may involve (a) the melting or softening of two panels that include polymer materials such that the polymer materials from each panel intermingle with each other (e.g., diffuse across a boundary layer between the polymer materials) and are secured together when cooled, as well as (b) the melting or softening a polymer material in a first panel such that the polymer material extends into or infiltrates the structure of a second panel (e.g., infiltrates crevices or cavities formed in the second panel or extends around or bonds with filaments or fibers in the second panel) to secure the panels together when cooled. Further, welding may occur when only one panel includes a polymer material or when both panels include polymer materials. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 12 G , the outer substrate surface  18  and the feature surface  21  may cooperate to define the exterior surface  13  of the sports ball  10 . The outer substrate surface  18  and the feature surface  21  may collectively define a plurality of topographical features such as seams  38 , protrusions  23 , indentations  34 , plateau sections  35 , and the like. The outer substrate surface  18  may define a plurality of plateau sections  35 . The feature surface  21  may define the seams  38  and a plurality of indentations  34  or debossed features. 
     The indentations  34  may impart various advantages to ball  10 . For example, indentations  34  may enhance the aerodynamics of ball  10 , provide a greater amount of consistency or control over ball  10  during play, e.g., during kicking, dribbling, or passing, improve ball feel, and provide for water channeling. Indentations  34  may be formed in the cover  12  via a variety of manufacturing processes including, but not limited to, debossing. Examples of a manufacturing process for forming channels or indentations  34  are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,370,693 to Berggren, et al., which is hereby entirely incorporated by reference herein. U.S. Pat. No. 9,370,693 to Berggren, et al. generally discloses a variety of manufacturing processes that may be utilized to form debossed features in panels. In one example, one of panels is located on a platen. A press plate is positioned above platen and includes a protrusion having a predetermined shape. The protrusion presses into and heats the areas of panel forming the debossed features. The press plate then moves away from panel to substantially complete the formation of the indentation  34  or debossed feature. 
     Each indentation  34  may be spaced apart from each of the other indentations  34 . Accordingly, each plateau section  35  may be disposed between a plurality of indentations  34 , and likewise, each indentation  34  may be positioned between a plurality of plateau sections  35 . Said another way, the plurality of plateau sections  35  and the plurality of indentations  34  define an alternating and repeating series of the plateaus section  35  and the indentations  34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8 - 9  and  12 A- 12 G , each of the indentations  34  may have an indentation terminus  65  positioned on the feature surface  21  and radially-spaced apart from the outer substrate surface  18  in the first direction  15  toward the inner substrate surface  20 . Further, each of the indentations  34  has an indentation depth  67  and an indentation width  61 . 
     Further each indentation  34  comprises a first boundary  87  and a second boundary  89 , such that the indentation width  61  is disposed between the first boundary  87  and the second boundary  89 . Each of the first boundary  87  and the second boundary  89  of the respective indentation  34  border plateau sections  35 . Each indentation  34  comprises a pair of shoulder portions  29   a ,  29   b , one shoulder portion  29   a  positioned at the first boundary  87  and the other shoulder portion  29   b  positioned at the second boundary  89 . The first boundary  87  and the second boundary  89  are spaced apart by the indentation width  61 . The indentation terminus  65  is positioned on the feature surface  21  and radially-spaced apart from the outer substrate surface  18  by the indentation depth  67 . In one example, the indentation depth  67  may be greater than about 0.5 millimeters, and more particularly may be from about 0.5 millimeters to about 1.0 millimeters. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  12 A- 12 G , indentations  34  are formed in the cover  12  and extend in the first direction  15  toward the interior  16 , such that the indentation terminus  65  is positioned on the feature surface  21 . The indentation  34  may include an exterior portion  82  and an interior portion  84 . The exterior portion  82  is defined by the feature surface  21  and has the terminus  65  thereon that is radially-spaced apart from the outer substrate surface  18  by the indentation depth  67 . 
     The intermediate structure  14  is positioned between outer substrate layer  24  and the interior bladder  16 . The outer substrate layer  24  may be bonded to the intermediate structure  14  at the respective indentation  34 . More particularly, the outer substrate layer  24  may be welded directly to the second intermediate cover layer  22  at the indentation terminus  65  of the respective indentation  34  ( FIGS.  12 A-C  and  12 E-G), such that the outer substrate layer  24  extends through an entirety of the indentation depth  67  at each of the indentations  34 . 
     The specific configuration of the indentations  34  may vary considerably. Referring to  FIG.  12 A- 12 D , the interior and exterior portions  82  and  84  may have a generally rounded configuration. As depicted in  FIG.  12 A  the interior and exterior portions  82  and  84  extend to an approximate midpoint of the thickness  88  of the panel cross-section. In another configuration, as depicted in  FIGS.  12 B and  12 C , the exterior portion  82  extends through more of the thickness  88  of panel cross section than the interior portion  84 . In yet another configuration, as depicted in  FIG.  12 C , the exterior portion  82  extends through substantially all of the thickness  88  of panel cross-section. As also shown in  FIG.  12 C , in some embodiments, the second intermediate layer  22  may have a substantially planar configuration opposite the exterior portion  82 . Said another way, in some embodiments, the indentation  34  may have only an exterior portion  82  and no interior portion  84 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  12 D , portions  82  and  84 , as well as the outer substrate layer  24  and the second intermediate cover layer  22 , may be spaced from each other, such that a portion of the first intermediate cover layer  26  extends between portions  82  and  84  and between the outer substrate layer  24  and the second intermediate cover layer  22 . In this configuration, the outer substrate layer  24  is bonded to the first intermediate cover layer  26  at the indentation  34 . In such an example, the first intermediate cover layer  26  has a first thickness  90  between portions  82  and  84  and at the terminus  65  of the exterior portion  82 . In the same example, the first intermediate cover layer  26  has a second thickness  99  between the outer substrate layer  24  and the second intermediate cover layer  22 , in an area spaced apart from indentation  34  and the respective portions  82  and  84  and the terminus  65  of the exterior portion  82 . As shown in  FIG.  12 D , the first thickness  90  is less than the second thickness  99 . 
     Alternatively, the indentations  34  may include an exterior portion  82  and an interior portion  84  that exhibit substantially squared configurations ( FIGS.  12 E- 12 G ). For example, in some embodiments, the indentation portions  82 ,  84  may have substantially squared cross-sectional configurations. Such substantially squared cross-sectional configurations may have a more distinct appearance than indentation portions  82 ,  84  having substantially rounded cross-sectional configurations. In addition, substantially squared indentation portions  82 ,  84  may also provide performance benefits such as aerodynamics, ball feel, and water channeling. 
     As shown in  FIG.  12 E , the exterior portion  82  and interior portion  84  are two opposing indentations having substantially squared cross-sectional configurations. In  FIG.  12 E , the indentation portions  82  and  84  extend to an approximate midpoint of the thickness  88  of the panel cross-section, such that the terminus  65  of the exterior portion  82  is positioned radially inward from the exterior surface  13  to the approximate midpoint of the thickness  88  of the panel cross-section. 
     In  FIGS.  12 F- 12 G , the exterior portion  82  may extend through substantially an entirety of the thickness  88  of the panel cross section. As also shown in  FIG.  12 F- 12 G , in some embodiments, second intermediate cover layer  22  may have a substantially planar configuration opposite the exterior portion  82 . Said another way, in some embodiments, the indentation  34  may have only an exterior portion  82  with and no interior portion  84 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  12 G , in one example embodiment, the indentation  34  may include substantially-squared exterior portion  82  having a rounded shoulder portion  29   a ,  29   b . In some embodiments, a substantially-squared shoulder portion  29   a ,  29   b  may have a minimal radius, as shown in  FIG.  12 F . In another example embodiment, a rounded shoulder portion  29   a ,  29   b  having a larger radius may be used, as shown in  FIG.  12 G . 
     In one example, as illustrated in  FIGS.  3 - 9   , the plurality of plateau sections  35  may include at least a first plateau section  35   a  and a second plateau section  35   b . The plurality of indentations  34  may include a first indentation  34   a  and a second indentation  34   b . The first indentation  34   a  may be disposed between the first plateau section  35   a  and the second plateau section  35   b  and the second indentation  34   b  may be disposed adjacent to the second plateau section  35   b . In such an example, the first boundary  87  of the first indentation  34   a  is adjacent to the first plateau section  35   a , the second boundary  89  of the first indentation  34   a  is adjacent to the second plateau section  35   b , and the first boundary  87  of the second indentation  34   b  is adjacent to the second plateau section  35   b.    
     The feature surface  21  may further define a plurality of protrusions  23  disposed on and additively applied to the outer substrate surface  18  at the plateau sections  35 . Each of the protrusions  23  may have a protrusion terminus  62  positioned on the feature surface  21  and radially-spaced apart from the outer substrate surface  18  in the second direction  19  away from the inner substrate surface  20  by a protrusion height  64 . 
     In some example embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions  23  may comprise a dimensional ink. The dimensional ink may be a solvent-based ink, a resin-based ink, a puff ink, a water-based ink, a water-based silicone ink, or the like suitable for additive manufacturing and/or dimensional printing via an additive manufacturing process. The dimensional ink may also include a Polyurethane powder to add texture to the ink. The dimensional ink may also include an organic compound such as Cyclohexanone (CH 2 ) 5 CO. The dimensional ink may be clear in color, such that the dimensional ink is transparent or translucent. The dimensional ink may also be pigmented to a predetermined coloration. A mechanoluminescent material may be embedded in the dimensional ink. 
     More particularly, the dimensional ink may be a hybrid ink containing a polyurethane resin component and a puff ink component. The dimensional ink may also include an organic compound such as Cyclohexanone (CH 2 ) 5 CO. The dimensional ink may also be a solvent-based ink containing a polyurethane resin component, an additive component, and an organic compound such as Cyclohexanone (CH 2 ) 5 CO; in such examples, the viscosity of the solvent-based ink is from about 150 Decipascal seconds (dPas) to about 600 dPas and the solid content is from about 28% to about 37%. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  8 - 9   , each protrusion  23  may be composed of a single layer of dimensional ink that spans the entire protrusion height  64  from the outer substrate surface  18  to the protrusion terminus  62 . Each protrusion  23  may, alternatively, be composed of a plurality of layers  68 ,  70  of dimensional ink, which, together, span the entire height  64  from the outer substrate surface  18  to the protrusion terminus  62 . The plurality of layers may include a first layer  68  and a second layer  70 . The second layer  70  may be composed of the dimensional ink and may be positioned between the outer substrate surface  18  and the first layer  68 . The first layer  68  may be composed of the dimensional ink and may be positioned between the terminus  62  and the second layer  70 . In one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  9   , each of the plurality of layers  68 ,  70  may be composed of a dimensional ink of a particular color different than the remaining layers, the layers may repeat a color pattern, e.g., alternating colors, or the plurality of layers may all be composed of a dimensional ink of the same color, for example a translucent, transparent, or opaque dimensional ink. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  3 - 9   , each plateau section  35  may have at least two protrusions  23  disposed thereon. Each of the protrusions  23 , defined by the feature surface  21 , extend from the outer substrate surface  18 . As shown in  FIGS.  8 - 9   , each of the plurality of the protrusions  23  has a terminus  62  that is disposed on the feature surface  21  and is radially spaced apart from the outer substrate surface  18  by a protrusion height  64 . The protrusions  23   a ,  23   b  may be additively applied to the outer substrate  24  via an additive manufacturing process. 
     In one example embodiment, the protrusion height  64  may be greater than about 0.05 millimeters. More particularly, the protrusion height  64  may be from about 0.07 millimeters (mm) to about 0.15 millimeters (mm). In such examples, it is beneficial for the height  64  to be at least 0.05 millimeters (mm) and less than 0.15 millimeters (mm) in order to enhance playability of the ball  10 . Protrusions  23  having heights  64  in the aforementioned range exhibit the desired grip or contact between a user and/or player&#39;s hand or foot and the exterior surface  13  of the ball  10 , while still allowing the ball  10  to maintain desired aerodynamic and flight characteristics. 
     The plurality of protrusions  23  may include at least a first protrusion  23   a  and a second protrusion  23   b , which are positioned on a respective plateau section  35  such that they extend along and are proximate to a boundary  87 ,  89  of a respective indentation  34 . More particularly, at least one protrusion  23  is positioned a predetermined distance  100  from each boundary  87 ,  89  of a respective indentation  34 . 
     In one example embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS.  3 - 5 ,  9   , the second protrusion  23   b  positioned on the first plateau section  35   a  is positioned the predetermined distance  100  from the first boundary  87  of the first indentation  34   a . Further, the first protrusion  23   a  positioned on the second plateau section  35   b  is positioned the predetermined distance  100  from the second boundary  89  of the first indentation  34   a . Still further, the second protrusion  23   b  positioned on the second plateau section  35   b  is disposed the predetermined distance  100  from the first boundary  87  of the second indentation  34   b . Said another way, a respective first protrusion  23   a  and second protrusion  23   b  dispose don a respective plateau section  35   a ,  35   b  is placed the predetermined distance  100  from one of the first boundary  87  and the second boundary  89  of a respective indentation  34 . More particularly, the first protrusion  23   a  is positioned the predetermined distance  100  from the second boundary  89  and the second protrusion  23   b  is positioned the predetermined distance  100  from the first boundary  87  of each indentation  34 . The protrusions  23   a ,  23   b  in essence function as a small tab-like structures projecting from the trailing edge or shoulder portion  29   a ,  29   b  of the respective indentation  34 , e.g., the respective protrusions  23   a ,  23   b  may function as wickerbill-like features on the ball  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , each plateau section  35  may also include additional protrusions  23  that are disposed on the interior portion of the respective plateau section  35  between the first protrusion  23   a  positioned proximate the second boundary  89  and the second protrusion  23   b  positioned proximate the first boundary  87  of the adjacent indentation  34 . In the example shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , each plateau section  35  has at least one additional protrusion  23  positioned between the first protrusion  23   a  and the second protrusion  23   b . These additional protrusions  23  allow for enhanced playability of the ball  10  in that these protrusions  23  promote wet traction of the ball  10  with the surface of play, as well as desired grip or contact between a user and/or player&#39;s hand or foot and the exterior surface of the ball  10 . 
     In another example, shown in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , the protrusions  23  comprise closed polygonal shapes. More particularly, the first protrusion  23   a , formed as a closed polygonal shape, disposed on the first plateau section  35   a  is positioned the predetermined distance  100  from the first boundary  87  of the first indentation  34   a . The second protrusion  23   b , formed as a closed polygonal shape and positioned on the first plateau section  35   a , is disposed within an interior of the first protrusion  23   a  in a concentric configuration. In the same way, the first protrusion  23   a , formed as a closed polygonal shape, disposed on the second plateau section  35   b  is positioned the predetermined distance  100  from the second boundary  89  of the first indentation  34   a  and the first boundary  87  of the second indentation  34   b . The second protrusion  23   b , formed as a closed polygonal shape and positioned on the second plateau section  35   b , is disposed within an interior of the first protrusion  23   a  in a concentric configuration. In such an example, the first protrusions  23   a , in essence, function as a small tab-like structures projecting from the trailing edge or shoulder portion  29   a ,  29   b  of the respective indentation  34  and function as wickerbill-like features on the ball  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , each plateau section  35  may also include additional protrusions  23 , formed as a closed polygonal shape, that are disposed within the interior of the second protrusion  23   b  in a concentric configuration. These additional protrusions  23  allow for enhanced playability of the ball  10  in that these protrusions  23  promote wet traction of the ball  10  with the surface of play, as well as desired grip or contact between a user and/or player&#39;s hand or foot and the exterior surface of the ball  10 . 
     As illustrated in the examples shown in  FIGS.  3 - 9  and  12 A- 12 G , the predetermined distance  100  is designed to be a minimal distance. For example, the predetermined distance  100  may be less than about one 1.0 millimeters. In such examples, it is beneficial for the predetermined distance  100  to fall within a particular range, so that, the respective protrusion  23   a ,  23   b  essentially projects outwardly from the trailing edge or shoulder portion  29   a ,  29   b  of the respective indentation  34 . In such cases, in flight, the protrusion  23   a ,  23   b  then operates as wickerbill-like feature on the ball  10 , to trip the boundary layer of air surrounding the sports ball  10  from laminar to turbulent flow just before the air flows into the respective indentation  34 . In essence, the respective protrusion  23   a ,  23   b , trips the boundary layer of air from laminar flow to turbulent flow at a predetermined point on the ball  10 . 
     The respective protrusion  23   a ,  23   b  positioned the predetermined distance  100  from one of the first boundary  87  and the respective protrusion  23   a ,  23   b  positioned the predetermined distance  100  from the second boundary  89  of an adjacent indentation  34  increases a pressure on the pressure side of the protrusion  23   a ,  23   b , i.e., the plateau section  35  side, and decreases a pressure on the suction side or indentation  34  side of the protrusion  23   a ,  23   b . At the same time, a wake of air downstream of the protrusion  23   a ,  23   b , which contains a pair of counter-rotating vortices, becomes trapped within the respective downstream indentation  34 . The presence of the trapped air within the downstream indentation  34  lowers the friction coefficient on the surface of the ball  10 , allowing air to flow past the protrusion  23   a ,  23   b  and the trapped air within the indentation  34  while maintaining attachment of the boundary layer of air flow to the exterior surface  13  of the ball  10  all the way to the trailing edge of the indentation  34  side of the protrusion  23   a ,  23   b.    
     This forced alteration of the flow of air around the ball  10 , e.g., tripping the boundary layer from laminar flow to turbulent flow at a predetermined point on the ball  10 , increases lift on the ball  10  and promotes stability and consistency of the ball  10  in flight, which thereby reduces the likelihood of, for example, unwanted dip of the ball  10  during a driven shot on goal by a player toward the end of the driven shot. Ball consistency is one property that is often commented on by players. The most consistent balls are the ones with the optimum combination of amplitude and frequency of the varying force coefficients relative to the amount of spin. 
     Comparative testing supports that a ball  10  having protrusions  23   a ,  23   b  with a protrusion height  64  greater than 0.05 millimeters and positioned the predetermined distance  100  of less than 1.0 millimeters from a respective boundary  87 ,  89  of a respective indentation  34 , travels more consistently and/or wobbles less in flight than an example ball  10  having the same arrangement of indentations  34  with alternate positioning of the protrusions  23   a ,  23   b , as well as an example ball  10  having the same arrangement of indentations  34  with no protrusions  23   a ,  23   b.    
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 7   , in the present disclosure the indentations  34 , seams  38 , the plateau sections  35 , and the protrusions  23  cooperate to define topographical arrangement  56  across a majority of the outer substrate layer  24  of the cover  12 . The example topographical arrangements  56  shown in  FIGS.  3 - 7    each promote a balanced design across the exterior surface  13  ball  10 . A balanced topographical arrangement  56 , avoids uneven lift of the ball  10  and improves consistency of the ball  10  when kicked in any orientation. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5    the topographical design  56  may be composed of a plurality of predefined panel arrangements, wherein a predefined panel arrangement  75  is defined as the orientation of the seams  38 , the plateau sections  35 , the indentations  34 , and the protrusions  23 , on each of the respective panels  28 . Each predefined panel arrangement  75  may be comprised of a plurality of sub-panel arrangements  73 ,  77 ,  79 . In the examples shown in  FIGS.  3 - 7   , the topographical design  56  is composed of a plurality of panels  28 , namely, four panels, each having the same predefined panel arrangement  75 . The predefined panel arrangement  75  is composed of three substantially similar sub-panel arrangements  73 ,  77 ,  79 . Each sub-panel arrangement  73 ,  77 ,  79  of the example four panel ball  10  would correspond to a single predefined panel arrangement  75  on a conventional twelve panel  28  ball  10 . 
     The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the present teachings, but the scope of the present teachings is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the present teachings defined in the appended claims.