Patent Publication Number: US-9901786-B2

Title: Basketball having grooved seams

Description:
RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA 
     The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/598,732 filed on Aug. 30, 2012, which claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/530,487, filed on Sep. 2, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to sport game balls. In particular, the present invention relates to a basketball having an improved seam construction to improve the playability of the basketball. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Game balls for sports such as basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, rugby balls, baseballs and softballs are well known. Many game balls, such as basketballs, typically include an inflatable bladder covered with a layer of windings and encased in a layer of elastomeric material, typically molded in a carcass forming mold to form the carcass of the ball. One or more additional layers of material, such as a cover or padding may be placed over portions, or all, of the outer surface of the carcass to form the basketball. Covers of game balls are commonly formed of rubber, leather, synthetic leather or a polymeric material. 
     Basketballs typically include an arrangement of interconnected seams or channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The seams typically are arranged to define eight to twelve cover regions in the outer surface of the basketball. The seams are typically recessed into the outer surface of the basketball, and the seams can facilitate a player&#39;s ability to grasp, handle, shoot, pass, dribble and otherwise control the ball during play. Many players, if given the time during play, will rotate the ball in their hands prior to shooting so that they can align one or more of their fingertips with one or more of the seams. Such alignment can facilitate the player&#39;s ability to shoot the ball and to impart a spin on the ball upon shooting. Other players rely on or utilize the recessed seams of a basketball to facilitate one-handed grasping, or overall control, of the basketball. 
     Although existing seam construction provide benefits to players, a continuing need exists to provide a seam construction that will significantly improve the grippability, and playability of a game ball. Additionally, there is a continuing need for a basketball that can be more readily grasped and manipulated by a player with a single hand or with both hands. What is needed is a basketball that improves the player&#39;s ability to easily grasp, handle, pass, shoot, dribble and otherwise control the ball during use without radically departing from the ball&#39;s traditional design. There is also an ever present need to improve the feel of a basketball during play. Further, a continuing need also exists to produce a game ball with an improved aesthetic. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a generally spherical basketball defining a center point. The basketball includes a carcass, a plurality of cover panels having peripheral edges, and a plurality of elongated cover strips. The carcass has an outer surface defining a first set of channels and a plurality of cover panels regions between the first set of channels. The cover panels are respectively positioned over the plurality of cover panel regions and are spaced apart from each other. The cover strips are positioned over the first set of channels and between the peripheral edges of the spaced-apart cover panels. The cover strips have inner and outer surfaces extending between first and second side walls. The cover strips have a thickness that is measured in a direction extending radially from the center point from the inner surface to the outer surface of the cover strip, and a width that is measured from the first side wall to the second side wall. At least one narrow elongate groove is formed into the outer surface of the cover strips. The groove has a width that extends between the range of 20 to 60 percent of the width of the cover strip and having a maximum depth from the outer surface of the cover strip that is at least 50 percent of the maximum thickness of the cover strip. 
     According to a principal aspect of a preferred form of the invention, a generally spherical basketball defining a center point. The basketball includes a carcass and a plurality of cover panels. The carcass has an outer surface that includes a set of outwardly extending ribs and a plurality of cover panels regions between the ribs. The ribs include an elongated central surface extending between first and second rib side walls. The ribs have a rib height that is measured in a direction extending radially from the center point from a first point positioned at the same radial dimension as the outer surface of the cover panel region to the central surface. The cover panels are respectively positioned over the plurality of cover panel regions. The central surface of the ribs and the outer surface of the cover panels collectively form the outer surface of the basketball. The central surface has a central surface width defined by the exposed distance from the first rib side wall to the second rib side wall. At least one narrow elongate channel is formed into the central surface of the rib. The channel has a width that extends between the range of 20 to 60 percent of the width of the central surface of the rib and a maximum depth that is at least 60 percent of the maximum rib height. The central surface is generally smooth and non-pebbled. 
     According to another preferred aspect of the invention, a generally spherical basketball defining a center point. The basketball includes a carcass and a plurality of cover panels. The carcass includes a bladder, a layer of windings surrounding the bladder, at least one layer of sponge rubber substantially surrounding the layer of windings, and a plurality of seam strips positioned in a pattern over the one or both of the layers of windings and the at least one layer of sponge rubber. The carcass is molded such that the plurality of seam strips define a set of outwardly extending ribs. The outer surface of the carcass defines a plurality of cover panel regions between the ribs. The ribs include an elongated central surface extending between first and second rib side walls. The ribs have a rib height that is measured in a direction extending radially from the center point from a first point positioned at the same radial dimension as the outer surface of the cover panel region to the central surface. The cover panels are respectively positioned over the plurality of cover panel regions and at least a portion of the seam strips. The central surface of the ribs and the outer surface of the cover panels collectively form the outer surface of the basketball. The central surface has a central surface width defined by the exposed distance from the first rib side wall to the second rib side wall. At least one narrow elongate channel is formed into the central surface of the rib. The channel has a width that extends between the range of 20 to 60 percent of the width of the central surface of the rib and a maximum depth that is at least 70 percent of the maximum rib height. 
     This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front side perspective view of a generally spherical basketball in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the basketball of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3 through 7  are sectional views of the basketball similar to the sectional view of  FIG. 2 , but in accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are lateral cross-sectional views of a layer of elastomeric material and outwardly extending rib in accordance with additional alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 10 through 13  are sectional views of the basketball similar to the sectional view of  FIG. 2 , but in accordance with additional alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a basketball is indicated generally at  10 . The basketball  10  is one example of a game ball. The present application is directly applicable to other games balls, including, for example, footballs, rugby balls, soccer balls, and volleyballs. 
     The basketball  10  is a generally spherical inflatable object. The basketball  10  is preferably includes a carcass  12  and a cover assembly  14 . The carcass  12  is a combination of ball components that are molded in a carcass-forming mold to produce an inflatable ball structure. In one preferred embodiment, the carcass  12  includes a bladder  16 , a layer of windings  18  and at least one layer of elastomeric material  20 . The cover assembly  14  includes a plurality of cover attachment pieces. In one preferred embodiment, the cover assembly  14  includes a plurality of cover panels  22 . The cover panels  22  are preferably spaced apart by a set of channels or a set of outwardly extending ribs  24 . 
     The bladder  16  of the carcass  12  is an inflatable air tube preferably having a generally spherical shape. The bladder  16  is disposed within the windings  18 . The bladder  16  enables the basketball  10  to retain a predetermined amount of air thereby achieving the desired air pressure within, or firmness to, the basketball  10 . The bladder  16  is typically made of latex, butyl rubber or other suitable material. The bladder  16  includes a valve (not shown) that extends through the windings  18 , the layer of elastomeric material  20  and the cover assembly  14  for access by a user. 
     The layer of windings  18  of the carcass  12  includes one or more elongate threads, which are wound around, or applied to, the bladder  16 . The threads form the layer of windings  14  that reinforces the bladder  16  and retains the generally spherical shape of the bladder  16 . The threads of the winding  18  are formed of a high tensile strength material, preferably nylon. In alternative embodiments, the thread can be a textile, a wire, or other conventional thread material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the layer of windings  18  is comprised of 2100 meters of 210 denier Nylon thread. In an alternative embodiment, the basketball can be formed without a layer of windings. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the layer of windings can be formed through one or more segments of adhesive tape, or similar material. 
     The layer of elastomeric material  20  of the carcass  12  is a generally spherical body disposed over the layer of windings  18 . In a preferred embodiment, the layer of elastomeric material  20  is formed by placing a plurality of segments of elastomeric material onto an outer surface of the windings  18  and then molding the segments in a carcass-forming mold over the wound bladder  16  to produce a uniform spherical layer of elastomeric material. The layer of elastomeric material  20  can also be injected, or otherwise inserted, within a carcass forming mold. It is common for a portion of the layer of elastomeric material  20  to impregnate, bond to, or otherwise engage the layer of windings  18 . The layer of elastomeric material  20  is, preferably, a sponge rubber. Alternatively, the carcass  16  can be made of other materials such as latex, a butyl rubber, a natural rubber, a synthetic polymeric plastic material, or other elastomeric materials. In another alternative embodiment, the layer of elastomeric material  20  can be a multi-layered body including one or more layers of fabric or elastomeric material. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the carcass  12  is placed into a carcass-forming mold. The carcass forming mold includes an arrangement of recesses, grooves, and/or projections to form the shape and structure of an outer surface  26  of the carcass  12 , after the carcass  12  is molded and cured. In one preferred embodiment, the carcass forming mold produces the set of outwardly extending ribs  24  on the outer surface  26 . The set of ribs  24  defines a plurality of cover attachment regions  28  about the outer surface  26  of the carcass  12 . Accordingly, the set of ribs  24  are integrally formed with the layer of elastomeric material  20  and are part of the carcass  12 . In one preferred embodiment, the carcass  12  defines at least two, and less than or equal to sixteen, cover attachment regions  28 . In particularly preferred embodiments, the carcass defines eight, ten or twelve cover attachment regions  28 . Each cover attachment region  28  is configured to receive at least one cover panel  22 . In alternative embodiments, the carcass can be formed without the set of ribs. The first set of ribs  24  can define a pattern resembling the pattern of channels or ribs found on a conventional basketball. Alternatively, other pattern layouts can also be used. 
     The cover assembly  14  is preferably comprised of the plurality of cover panels  22 . In one preferred embodiment, the cover assembly  14  includes at least two cover panels  22  and less than or equal to sixteen cover panels  22 . In particularly preferred embodiments, the cover assembly  14  includes eight, ten or twelve cover panels  22 . The cover panels  22  are single or multi-layered sheets of material that are coupled to the cover attachment regions  28  of the carcass  12 . Preferably, the cover panels  22  are laminated to the cover attachment regions  28  of the carcass  12 . Alternatively, the cover panels  22  can be attached to the carcass  12  by other means, such as, for example, stitching, molding, pressing, bonding, and combinations thereof. The cover panels  22  preferably include peripheral edges that extend to the ribs  24 . The cover assembly  14  is configured for impact with one or more playing surfaces and for contact with players. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the cover assembly  14  can be connected directly to the bladder  12  or to the layer of windings  14 . 
     The cover panels  22  preferably include an outer layer  30  coupled to a backing  32 . The outer layer  30  is formed or applied to the backing  32  such that a portion of the outer layer  30  impregnates, extends into, or otherwise engages the backing  32 . Alternatively, the outer layer  30  can be attached to the backing  32  through an adhesive, bonding, stitching, or other conventional means. The outer layer  30  is preferably formed of a wear-resistant, resilient material having a high coefficient of friction value (or a high level of grippability). The material used to produce the outer layer  30  can be a natural rubber, a butyl rubber, natural leather, synthetic leather, a polyurethane, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, or other synthetic polymeric materials. 
     The backing  32  is configured to increase the tensile strength of the cover panels  22 . The backing  32  is made of a soft material, preferably a felt-like fabric. Alternatively, the backing  32  can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, other woven or unwoven fabrics, plastic, an elastomer, a rubber, and combinations thereof. The backing  32  is preferably configured to contact the outer surface  26  of the carcass  12 . In an alternative preferred embodiment, the cover panels  22  can be formed without a backing. In a particularly preferred embodiment, peripheral regions of the backing  32  (and/or the outer layer  30 ) can be skived (tapered or thinned out) to produce a recess in the outer surface of the basketball  10  near the set of ribs  24 . In alternative preferred embodiments, the thickness of the cover panel can remain generally constant over the entire cover panel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment, the set of ribs  24  outwardly extend from the layer of elastic material  20  projecting from the outer surface  26  of the layer  20  at the cover panel region  28 . Each of the ribs  24  includes an elongated central surface  34  extending between first and second side walls  36  and  38 . A narrow, elongate channel  40  is formed into the central surface  34  of the rib  24 . The ribs  24  have a rib height that is measured in a direction extending radially from a center point  39  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the ball  10  from a first point positioned at the same radial dimension as the outer surface  26  of the cover panel region  28  to the corresponding point on the central surface  34 . For example, the height of the rib  24  at the first and second side walls  36  and  38  is third height, H 3 , and fourth height, H 4 , and the height of the rib at the edges of the channel  40  are first and second heights, H 1  and H 2 , respectively. In one preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the heights H 3  and H 4  are greater than the heights H 1  and H 2  thereby producing slopes in the central surface  34  on either side of the channel  40 . The width of the rib  24 , W r , is the distance from the first side wall  36  to the second side wall  38 . The width of the channel  40 , W e , is preferably greater than 20 and less than 60 percent of the total width of the rib  24 , W r . The channel  40  preferably extends along a substantial length of the set of ribs  24 . In one preferred embodiment, the channel  40  can be one continuous channel or a series of channels, and the channels  40  have a collective total length that is at least 20 percent of the total collective length of ribs  24  extending about the outer surface  26  of the carcass  12 . In another preferred embodiment, the set of ribs  24  forms a collection of ribs forming a pattern, such as the pattern of a conventional basketball, and at least one of the channels  40  is formed on each of the ribs  24  of the set. In another preferred embodiment, the channel(s)  40  extend along approximately the entire length of the set of ribs  24 . In other preferred embodiments, the channels  40  can be formed along the ribs  24  in a spaced apart manner or pattern. For example, each channel  40  can have a length of 2 inches and are defined in the ribs  24  in an end to end fashion spaced apart by at least 0.5 inch. Other lengths, patterns and amounts of spacing between the plurality of channels formed into the ribs can also be used, and are contemplated in the present invention. 
     The channel  40  preferably has a generally U-shape when viewed from a transverse cross-sectional view, such as  FIG. 2 , and a maximum depth, D 1 , that is at least 60 percent of the height of the rib  24  at first and second upper edges  42  and  44  of the channel  40 . The first and second edges  42  and  44  being formed by the upper portion of the channel  40  meeting the central surface  34  of the rib  24 . Third and fourth edges  46  and  48  are formed by the first and second side walls  36  and  38  meeting the central surface  34  of the rib  24 . In  FIG. 2 , the maximum height of the rib  24  occurs at the third and fourth edges  46  and  48 . Preferably, the depth, D 2 , is at least 70 percent of the height H 3  or H 4  of the rib  24  at the third and fourth edges  46  and  48 , or the maximum height of the rib  24 . The first, second, third and fourth edges  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48  are preferably rounded. In other embodiments the first, second, third and fourth edges can be form non-rounded angled edges. The central surface  34  of the rib  24  is preferably smooth or continuous along the length of the rib  24 . In other words, the central surface  34  of the rib  24  (or outermost surface of the rib) is preferably formed without a pebbled texture, without a plurality of pebbles, and without any other plurality of projections, such as protruding grains or ridges. The central surface  34  may be formed as flat or planar, may be formed with a gradual slope or an angled planar shape or may be formed with a slight curvature, as it extends away from the first and second side walls  36  and  38 , but the central surface is preferably formed without a plurality of pebbles, grains or projections. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , in an alternative preferred embodiments, the channel  40  can be formed in a generally V-shape when viewed from a transverse cross-sectional view. Referring to  FIGS. 3 through 7 , the depth, D 1 , and width, W c , of the channel  40  can vary. The width, W c , can vary from 20 percent to 60 percent of the total width of the rib, W r . The depth, D 1 , can be at least 60 percent of the rib height H 1  or H 2 . In other preferred embodiment, the depth, D 1 , can be equal to or greater than the rib height H 1  or H 2  such that the channel  40  extends into the layer of elastomeric material  20 . In one particularly preferred embodiment (see  FIG. 5 ), the depth D 1  of the channel  40  can extend entirely through the thickness of the layer of elastomeric material  20  to the windings  18 . The width, W c , can be selected from the range of 20 percent to 60 percent of the total width, W r , to provide the best feel and performance improvement to the player for a particular skill level and/or application. The depth, D 1 , of the channel  40  can also be varied beyond 60 percent of the maximum height H 3  or H 4 . The relatively narrow width (within 20 to 60 percent of the total rib width W r ) and the large depth, D 1 , of the channel (at least 60 percent of the maxim height H 3  or H 4 ) provides an improved feel during play and facilitates the players ability to grasp, control, shoot, dribble, and/or pass the ball  10 . The narrow, deep channels  70  improve the player&#39;s ability to readily grasp the ball and to accurately shoot or pass the ball. The first and second edges  42  and  44  are readily sensed by the player and provide the player with increased control of the ball. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , in an alternative preferred embodiment, the channel  40  can be substantially filled with a soft, resilient material, such as a cellular foam  98 . The cellular foam  98  has a hardness value that is lower (such that the foam  98  is softer) than the material used to form the rib  24 . In this manner, the central surface  34  of the rib  24  can retain the appearance of a conventional central surface  34  with a flat surface or slightly recessed surface, such as the recess  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the rib heights, H 1  and H 2 , measured at the first and second edges  42  and  44  of the channel  40 , respectively, can be substantially the same height as the rib height, H 3  and H 4  measured at the third and fourth edges  46  and  48 , respectively. Accordingly, the central surface  34  of the rib  24  can be generally planar and unsloped between the first and third edges  42  and  46  and the second and fourth edges  44  and  48 . In other alternative preferred embodiments, the rib heights H 1  and H 2  can be equal or unequal to the rib heights H 3  and H 4 , and the central surface  34  between the rib heights H 1  and H 3  and the rib heights H 2  and H 4  can be sloped, convex, concave or otherwise curved. The channel  40  can be generally U-shaped or generally V-shaped. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The layer of elastomeric material  20  can be formed with a first set of channels  50  in the outer surface  26  of the carcass  12 . The first set of channels  50  defines the plurality of cover attachment regions  28  about the outer surface  26  of the carcass  12 . In one preferred embodiment, the carcass  12  defines at least two, and less than or equal to sixteen, cover attachment regions  28 . In particularly preferred embodiments, the carcass defines eight, ten or twelve cover attachment regions  28 . Each cover attachment region  28  is configured to receive at least one cover panel  22 . The first set of channels  50  can define a pattern resembling the pattern of channels or ribs found on a conventional basketball. Alternatively, other pattern layouts can also be used. 
     A plurality of elongated cover strips  52  can be positioned over the first set of channels  50  between peripheral edges  54  of the spaced-apart cover panels  22 . The cover strips  52  have inner and outer surfaces  54  and  56  extending between first and second sidewalls  58  and  60 . In one preferred embodiment, the outer surface  56  of the cover strips  52  preferably includes a pebbled texture, such as the pebbled texture of the outer surface of the cover panel of a conventional basketball. The shape of the pebbles of the pebbled texture can be any raised shape, such as, for example, circular, oval, polygonal, irregular, and combinations thereof. In another preferred embodiment, the outer surface can be non-pebbled and generally smooth, without pebbles, a pebbled texture or other grains or projections. The cover strips  52  have a thickness measured in a direction extending radially from the center point  39  ( FIG. 1 ) from the inner surface to the outer surface of the cover strip  52 , and a width measured from the first side wall  58  to the second side wall  60 . The cover strips  52  can be constructed in a manner similar to the cover panels  22 . The cover strips  52  can be formed of a single layer of material similar to that of the outer layer  30  of the cover panel  22 . Accordingly, the cover strips  52  can be formed of a wear-resistant, resilient material having a high coefficient of friction value (or a high level of grippability). The material used to produce the cover strip  52  can be a natural rubber, a butyl rubber, natural leather, synthetic leather, a polyurethane, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, or other synthetic polymeric materials. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the cover strips  52  can also include a backing such as the backing  32  of the cover panels  22 . 
     The cover strips  52  define at least one narrow elongate groove  70  in the outer surface  56  of the cover strip  52 . The groove  70  can be substantially the same as the channel  40  and can be sized, shaped and positioned about the ball  10  in the same manners as described above with respect to the channel  40  above. All of the disclosure recited above with respect to the channel  40  is applicable to the groove  70 . The groove  70  has a width, Wg, that extends between 20 to 60 percent of the width of the cover strip, and has a maximum depth from the outer surface  56  of the cover strip  52  that is at least 50 percent of the maximum thickness of the of the cover strip  52 . The depth of the groove  70  can extend up to the entire thickness of the cover strip  52 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , in one preferred embodiment, the groove  70  can extend through the entire thickness of the cover strip  52  to the layer of elastomeric material  20 . In this embodiment, the groove  70  can separate the cover strip  52  into two separate strip segments  52   a  and  52   b . The strip segments  52   a  and  52   b  can be entirely separate elements or can be formed as a one piece strip at some points along the length of the cover strip  52  and at other locations along the length of the cover strip  52 , the cover strip  52  can be spaced apart as the separate cover segments  52   a  and  52   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , like the ribs, the elongated cover strips  52  define a collective first total length and the groove  70  can be one or more grooves that define a second collective total length. The second total collective length is at least 20 percent of the first total length. In another preferred embodiment, the cover strips  52  form a collection of channels forming a pattern, such as the pattern of a conventional basketball, and at least one of the grooves  70  is formed in each of the cover strips  52  of the set. In another preferred embodiment, the grooves  70  extend along approximately the entire length of the cover strips  52 . In other preferred embodiments, the grooves  70  can be formed along the outer surface  56  of the cover strip  52  in a spaced apart manner or pattern. For example, each groove  70  can have a length of 2 inches and are defined in the cover strip  52  in an end to end fashion spaced apart by at least 0.5 inch. Other lengths, patterns and amounts of spacing between the plurality of grooves formed into the cover strips can also be used, and are contemplated in the present invention. 
     Unlike the ribs  24  of the above-disclosed embodiments, the cover strips  52  are preferably not molded as part of the carcass  12 . Rather, the cover strips  52  are preferably applied to the ball  10  after the carcass  12  is removed from the carcass forming mold. Accordingly, the cover strips  52  are part of the cover assembly  14 . The cover strips  52  are preferably bonded to the carcass  12  or to an intermediate layer in the manner similar to that of the cover panels  22 . The cover strips  52  are preferably bonded through use of an adhesive to the first set of channels  50 . Alternatively, the cover strips  52  can be attached to the carcass  12  at the first set of channels  50  through other means, such as an intermediate coupling layer, thermal bonding, chemical bonding or other conventional means. 
     The groove  70  meets the outer surface  56  of the cover strip  52  to form first and second edges  72  and  74 . Third and fourth edges  76  and  78  are formed by the first and second side walls  58  and  60  meeting the outer surface  56  of the cover strip  52 . The maximum thickness of the cover strip  52  can occur at the third and fourth edges  76  and  78 . Preferably, the depth of the groove  70  is at least 50 percent of the thickness of the cover strip  52  at the third and fourth edges  76  and  78 . The first, second, third and fourth edges  72 ,  74 ,  76  and  78  are preferably rounded. In other embodiments the first, second, third and fourth edges can be form non-rounded angled edges. 
     In alternative preferred embodiments, the position of the first, second, third and fourth edges  72 ,  74 ,  76 , and  78  can be varied with respect to each other such that the outer surface  56  of the cover strip  52  can have a generally planar, flat or horizontal surface, or a sloped surface, or a curved surface, a concave surface, a convex surface or other curved surface. Like the channel  40 , the groove  70  can be generally U-shaped or generally V-shaped, and its depth and/or width can be varied. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in another alternative preferred embodiment, the cover strip can be a seam strip  90  that includes a raised central portion  92  positioned between a pair of flanges  94 . The seam strip  90  is preferably an additional component comprising the carcass  12 . The seam strips  90  can be applied over the layer of elastomeric material  20  before the components comprising the carcass  12  (in this embodiment, the bladder  16 , the windings  18 , the layer of elastomeric material  20  and the seam strips  90 ) are placed into the carcass-forming mold to produce the finished carcass  12 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, a seam strip recess  96  is formed within the outer surface of the layer of elastomeric material  20  such that the flanges  94  layer flush with the outer surface  26  of the cover attachment regions  28 . In an alternative preferred embodiment, the layer of elastomeric material  20  can be formed without a seam strip recess thereby allowing for the flanges to project outward form the outer surface  26  of the layer of elastomeric material  20 . In this embodiment, the seam strips  90  can be applied before or after the carcass  12  is formed thereby being included as part of the carcass or applied to the outer surface of the completed carcass through use of an adhesive or other conventional attaching means. 
     The peripheral regions of the cover panels  22  extend over the flanges  94  and engage the sidewalls of the raised central portion  92  of the seam strip  90 . The flanges  94  enable the seam strips  90  to be added as part of the molded carcass  12 . The flanges  94  increase the width of the seam strip  90  and inhibit any portion of the layer of elastomeric material  20  from extending upward between the sidewall of the raised central portion  92  and the peripheral edges of the cover panels  22 . Other than the flanges  94  and being preferably formed as part of the carcass  12 , the seam strips  90  are substantially similar to the cover strip  52 , including the configuration of the groove  70 . The maximum depth of the groove  70  extends at least 70 percent of the height of the raised central portion  92  from the flanges  94 , or at least 70 percent of the height of the sidewalls. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in another alternative preferred embodiment, the seam strips  90  have an increased thickness such that the seam strip  90  is applied as part of the carcass  12  directly over the wound bladder and the layer of elastomeric material  20  is positioned on either side of the seam strip  90 . The flanges  94  and the raised central portion  92  have an increased thickness such that each portion of the seam strip  90  extends inwardly to the windings  18 . The peripheral edges or regions of the cover panels  22  extend over the flanges  94 . 
     The embodiments of  FIGS. 1-7 and 10-13  illustrate basketball configurations wherein the channel  40  or groove  70  is an additional recess in an existing wider, shallower recess  100 . The contour of the central surface  34 , and the outer surface  56  of the cover strips  52  and raised central portion  92  of the seam strip  90  define the shallow recess  100  that generally extends across the width of the central surface  34  and the outer surface  56 . The central surface  34  and the outer surface  56  can be sloped or curved to provide the shallow, wide recess  100 . The shallow, wide recess  100  can be further defined by skiving of the peripheral regions of the cover panels  22  adjacent the central surface  34  and the outer surface  56 . The present invention adds a second narrow and deep channel  40  or groove  70  in addition to the existing shallow wide recess  100  thereby forming a dual recessed configuration that improves the feel and gripability of the ball  10 . 
     Many embodiments of the basketballs  10  built in accordance with the present application are specifically configured for providing optimum performance in all levels of competitive, organized play. For example, many embodiments of the basketballs built in accordance with the present application fully meet the basketball rules and/or requirements of one or more of the following basketball organizations: the Basketball Rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations (“NFHS”); the Basketball Rules and Interpretations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”); and the Official Basketball Rules of the Federation International de Basketball Amateur (“FIBA”). Accordingly, the term “basketball configured for organized, competitive play” refers to a basketball that fully meets the basketball rules and/or requirements of, and is fully functional for play in, one or more of the above listed organizations. 
     Basketballs built in accordance with the present invention can improve a player&#39;s ability to easily grasp, handle, pass, shoot, dribble and otherwise control the ball during use without radically departing from the ball&#39;s traditional design. The narrow, deep grooves and/or channels also facilitate a player&#39;s ability to impart spin on the ball during shooting. The improved maneuverability offered by the basketballs of the present invention can also assist in reducing turnovers. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description but only by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.