Patent ID: 8622856

Claim:
A multi-layer outer panel for forming an outer layer of a game ball which is inflatable by air, a plurality of the multi-layer outer panels being interconnected for forming the outer layer, and the outer panel comprising: (a) a top layer comprising a first material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the top layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to a section of a surface of the game ball; and (b) at least one backing layer comprising a second material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the at least one backing layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to the section of the surface of the game ball, the outer surface of the at least one backing layer configured to connect with the inner surface of the top layer, wherein the top layer and the at least one backing layer are preformed into an arcuate shape having a radius of curvature R P , and the top layer and the at least one backing layer are adapted to have a radius of curvature corresponding to a radius of the game ball in an inflated state P A , wherein the radius of curvature R P is smaller than the radius P A .