US20220054897A1

US20220054897A1 - Enclosure assembly for enclosing game ball

Info

Publication number: US20220054897A1
Application number: US16/998,098
Authority: US
Inventors: Yassir SALEH
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-08-20
Filing date: 2020-08-20
Publication date: 2022-02-24

Abstract

An enclosure assembly is configured to enclose a game ball having an outer game-ball relief feature.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) an apparatus including an enclosure assembly configured to enclose a game ball having an outer game-ball relief feature (and method therefor).

BACKGROUND

A game ball is a device, such as a ball, a balloon, etc., that is used in a ball game. The ball game may include football, baseball, basketball, and American football, etc.

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with the existing game balls (also called the existing technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding (at least in part) of the problem and its solution has been identified (at least in part) and is articulated (at least in part) as follows:
A game that involves a game ball requires speed, quickness and accuracy (regarding the handling of the game ball). Games may be won or lost in seconds or fractions of a second. The reaction time of players (ball users) in handling the game ball is an important aspect of winning the game. Presently, game balls (such as, a basketball) inherently have a correct orientation. The correct orientation is based on the ball features, such as grooves, formed on an outer surface of the game ball. It is believed that relief features (such as the seams) of the game ball may increase the ability of a player to grip (handle or manipulate) the game ball. Players rely on a certain orientation of a game ball (such as a basketball) and/or a certain degree of grip (referred to as the “feel” of the game ball) before handling (shooting) the game ball. Users (players) practice by orienting the game ball so that their fingers grip the game ball in desired locations relative to the seams of the game ball and/or wait until the desired feel is achieved before handling (shooting) the game ball. Without the desired orientation and/or feel, the user may not be able to reliably shoot the game ball, especially when playing in a fast-moving game. Such ball handling habits may negatively affect the game of the user (player), either in terms of the abilities of the player (such as, the shooting accuracy, etc.). Often in game situations, time may not be available to orient the game ball or ensure a sufficient grip before shooting the game ball. In addition, poor shooting form is sometimes compensated for by too much reliance on control of the game ball by the fingers of the player (user). The relief features (such as grooves, etc.) of the game ball specifically permit improved control of the game ball. The known game ball suffers from the drawback of being a poor ball for the purpose of practicing (the practice of ball control) due to the relief feature formed on the surface of the game ball. The user (player) may learn and practise by using the known game ball by relying on the improved grip and feel of the relief pattern formed on the outer surface of the game ball (prior to shooting the game ball, etc.). Such reliance may negatively affect the game of the player (the player may not feel entirely confident during a fast moving game when the player relies on the relief pattern formed on the outer surface of the game ball for the purpose of handling or manipulating the game ball during the play of a game). During game play, the player needs to react and respond near instantly to present and evolving conditions without wasting time trying to line up their hand position relative to the relief pattern formed on the outer surface of the game ball. The player must gain confidence in ball manipulation skills that are beyond reliance on the relief pattern formed on the outer surface of the game ball (in order to be an effective and responsive player in a game).
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with the existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes, and is not limited to, an enclosure assembly configured to enclose a game ball having an outer game-ball relief feature. The enclosure assembly includes a cover having a thickness. The enclosure assembly also includes a relief-free surface being non-graspable (ungraspable) by a body part (such as the fingers) of a user. The enclosure assembly also includes a ball-facing surface. The relief-free surface and the ball-facing surface are positioned on opposite sides of the cover. The ball-facing surface is configured to fit over and cover the outer game-ball relief feature of the game ball. The cover forms an interior enclosure zone being surrounded by the ball-facing surface. The relief-free surface has a portal configured to be in selective fluid communication with the interior enclosure zone. The portal is configured to permit selective insertion of a game ball having an outer game-ball relief feature into the interior enclosure zone. The portal is also configured to permit selective removal of the game ball from the interior enclosure zone. The relief-free surface is entirely positioned over, and entirely covers, the outer game-ball relief feature of the game ball once the game ball is selectively inserted, and positioned, entirely within the interior enclosure zone via the portal. Once (or whereby once) the game ball is selectively removed, by the user via the portal, from the interior enclosure zone, the outer game-ball relief feature of the game ball is exposed for subsequent handling by the user.
Advantageously, the lack of lines of any sort on the outer surface of the game ball causes the game ball to have no particular orientation. Therefore, the user of the game ball with the cover installed thereon is not inclined to align the game ball in a particular fashion prior to shooting the game ball. As such, wasted time is eliminated and a quicker release and greater concentration are potentially gained by the player (user). Additionally, the game ball may be subject to a truer bounce because of the more uniform spherical nature of the game ball.
Other aspects are identified in the claims. Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings. This Summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify potentially key features or possible essential features of the disclosed subject matter, and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball; and

FIG. 2 depicts a side view (a frontal view) of an embodiment of an enclosure assembly installed on (positioned for covering) the game ball of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depict top views of embodiments of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 2 (without the enclosure assembly covering the game ball of FIG. 1); and

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of embodiments of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 3 and/or FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 2 (without the enclosure assembly covering the game ball of FIG. 1); and

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 depict top views of embodiments of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 2 (without the enclosure assembly covering the game ball of FIG. 1); and

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of embodiments of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 8 and/or FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball; and

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 2 installed to (positioned for covering) the game ball of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball; and

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 2 installed to (positioned for covering) the game ball of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball; and

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 2 installed to (positioned for covering) the game ball of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball; and

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly of FIG. 2 installed to (positioned for covering) the game ball of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 depict side views of embodiments of the game ball (of FIG. 1) and the enclosure assembly covering the game ball (of FIG. 2).

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, and well-understood, elements that are useful in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

100 enclosure assembly
101 cover
101A first cover portion
101B second cover portion
101C third cover portion
101D fourth cover portion
102 relief-free surface
103 ball-facing surface
104 interior enclosure zone
106 portal
108 closure assembly
108A connector
108B connector
200 predetermined overlapping gap
202 spread directions
204 spread directions
900 game ball
902 outer game-ball relief feature
904 body part
906 user

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the claim is defined by the claims (in which the claims may be amended during patent examination after the filing of this application). For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described. It will be appreciated that the scope of the meaning of a device configured to be coupled to an item (that is, to be connected to, to interact with the item, etc.) is to be interpreted as the device being configured to be coupled to the item, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, “configured to” may include the meaning “either directly or indirectly” unless specifically stated otherwise.
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the game ball 900 may include (or is) a soccer ball, etc. The game ball 900 has an outer game-ball relief feature 902 (also called a grip surface, outer game-ball relief surface, a ridge, a protrusion, a dimple, etc.). The outer game-ball relief feature 902 has an outer relief feature that permits the user 906 (as depicted in FIG. 20) to improve their handling of the game ball 900 (during game play). The outer relief feature may be called a user feature, such as a grip surface, etc. It will be appreciated that the game ball 900 may include (or is) any type of game ball, such as an American football, baseball, etc. The game ball 900 is a device (that may be shaped like a ball, or balloon of any form) for use in a ball game. The ball game includes, for instance, a football game, a baseball game, a basketball game, a soccer game, and/or an American football game, etc.
FIG. 2 depicts a side view (a frontal view) of an embodiment of an enclosure assembly 100 installed on (positioned for covering or covering) the game ball 900 of FIG. 1.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, there is depicted an embodiment of an apparatus. The apparatus includes, and is not limited to, the enclosure assembly 100. The enclosure assembly 100 is configured to enclose the game ball 900 (as depicted in FIG. 1) having the outer game-ball relief feature 902. The enclosure assembly 100 includes, and is not limited to, a cover 101 having a (predetermined uniform) thickness. The cover 101 may include a web material, a fabric, and any equivalent thereof. For instance, the cover 101 may include a combination of 13% spandex and 87% polyester. Spandex is a lightweight, synthetic fiber that is used to make stretchable clothing such as sportswear. Spandex is made up of a long chain polymer called polyurethane, which is produced by reacting a polyester with a diisocyanate. Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include naturally occurring chemicals, such as in the cutin of plant cuticles, as well as synthetics such as polybutyrate. Natural polyesters and a few synthetic ones are biodegradable, but most synthetic polyesters are not. The material is used extensively in clothing. Once the game ball 900 is received (and held) within the enclosure assembly 100, the outer surface of the enclosure assembly 100 presents a smooth outer surface that is substantially free of any discernible relief feature (to the player or user, as depicted in FIG. 20).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the cover 101 is configured to fit over the game ball 900 in which the game ball 900 has an externally-facing grip feature, texture and/or grip surface. Preferably, the cover 101 includes a slippery, slick, and/or smooth material. The cover 101 makes sports training more difficult for the user to manage, manipulate, and/or handle the game ball 900 during game play (such as dribbling, kicking, passing, bouncing, etc.). The cover 101 forces the user to improve their muscle memory (in hands and/or feet, etc.), so that the user must work harder with more focus on handling the game ball 900, so that the user may improve their skills at muscle manipulation required to confidently handle (manipulate) the game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the enclosure assembly 100 also includes a relief-free surface 102. The relief-free surface 102 may be called a relief-free surface, a non-grip surface, etc. The relief-free surface 102 is non-graspable (ungraspable) by the body part 904 (such as the fingers, the hands, the torso, etc.) of a user 906 (as depicted in FIG. 20). The relief-free surface 102 is configured to provide a relatively smooth surface free from a tactile feature, thereby making the surface elusive for firm handling by the body part 904 of the user 906. The enclosure assembly 100 also includes a ball-facing surface 103. The relief-free surface 102 and the ball-facing surface 103 are positioned on opposite sides of the cover 101. The ball-facing surface 103 is configured to fit over and cover the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900. The cover 101 forms an interior enclosure zone 104 (as depicted in FIG. 5) being surrounded by the ball-facing surface 103. The relief-free surface 102 has (defines) a portal 106 (as depicted in FIG. 3) being configured to be in selective fluid communication with the interior enclosure zone 104. The portal 106 is configured to permit selective insertion of the game ball 900 (having the outer game-ball relief feature 902) in the interior enclosure zone 104 of the cover 101. The selective insertion of the game ball 900 is performed by the user. The portal 106 is also configured to permit selective removal of the game ball 900 from the interior enclosure zone 104. The selective removal of the game ball 900 is performed by the user. The relief-free surface 102 is entirely positioned over, and entirely covers up, the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900 once the game ball 900 is selectively inserted, and positioned, entirely within the interior enclosure zone 104 via the portal 106. Once (whereby once) the game ball 900 is selectively removed, by the user 906 via the portal 106, from the interior enclosure zone 104, the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900 is exposed for subsequent handling by the user 906. A technical effect of the apparatus is that the relief-free surface 102 challenges (forces) the user 906 to improve their ball-handling skills (manual dexterity skills) with the game ball 900. In addition, the relief-free surface 102 makes it more difficult for the user 906 to handle the game ball 900, and helps the user 906 to improve their ball-handling skills.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the cover 101 is fitted over the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900 in such a way that the relief-free surface 102 of the cover 101 remains exposed to the user 906 while the cover 101 covers the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the cover 101 is removable (detachable) from the game ball 900 so that the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900 is exposed to the user 906.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the cover 101 is fitted over the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900 in such a way that the cover 101 does not interfere with the predictability of bounce of the game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the relief-free surface 102 is configured to fit against the outer game-ball relief feature 902 in such a way that the user 906 touches the outer game-ball relief feature 902, and the relief-free surface 102 reduces (masks), at least in part, the tactile sensations of the outer game-ball relief feature 902 sensed by the user 906.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the relief-free surface 102 is configured to selectively cover a substantial majority of the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the relief-free surface 102 is configured to be fitted to the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the apparatus further includes a closure assembly 108 positioned proximate to the portal 106. The closure assembly 108 is positioned proximate to the portal 106. Preferably, the closure assembly 108 includes an invisible zipper having teeth hidden behind a tape, so that the zipper is invisible (hidden). The invisible zipper is also called the concealed zipper. Preferably, the color of the tape matches the color of the cover 101, as would the color of the slider and the color of the puller. The invisible zipper is commonly installed to clothing such as a skirt, etc. The invisible zipper may include a coil zipper. The invisible zipper may include a lighter lace-like fabric on the zipper tape. The invisible zipper may include hidden teeth that are the same color as the zipper base and slimmer than regular teeth to make the invisible zipper visible only from the back side.
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depict top views of embodiments of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 2 (without the enclosure assembly 100 covering the game ball 900 of FIG. 1).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3, the cover 101 includes a first cover portion 101A, a second cover portion 101B, a third cover portion 101C and a fourth cover portion 101D. Each of the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) have the ball-facing surface 103 on one side thereof. Each of the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) may be connected along neighboring cover portions (along the peripheral edges thereof). Each of the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) are shaped in such a way that once the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) are combined with each other (that is, attached along the peripheral edges thereof by, for instance, a stitching, etc.), the cover portions form the cover 101 (as depicted in FIG. 5).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3, the first cover portion 101A forms the portal 106 (such as a slit extending along a longitudinal length of the first cover portion 101A). The connector 108A is attached to the opposite sides of the portal 106 (of the slit) by, for instance, a stitching, etc.). The portal 106 extends through the thickness of the first cover portion 101A from the relief-free surface 102 to the ball-facing surface 103.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4, the portal 106 is formed between (A) a lateral peripheral edge of the first cover portion 101A, and (B) a lateral peripheral edge of the second cover portion 101B. The connector 108B (such as the zipper) is mounted to the portal 106 via (A) a lateral peripheral edge of the first cover portion 101A, and (B) a lateral peripheral edge of the second cover portion 101B. The connector 108A is attached to the opposite sides of the portal 106 by, for instance, a stitching, etc.).
FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of embodiments of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 3 and/or FIG. 4.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5, the cover 101 forms an interior enclosure zone 104 (as depicted in FIG. 5). The adjacent cover portions are partially separated to improve the view of the interior enclosure zone 104, as depicted in FIG. 5. The stitching is moved back along the seam between adjacently-placed cover portions to reveal the interior enclosure zone 104 (for viewing purposes). Preferably, either the connector 108A (of FIG. 3) is installed as depicted, or the connector 108B (of FIG. 4) is installed as depicted (that is, the connector 108A and the connector 108B are not installed together at the same time to the cover portions).
FIG. 6 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 2 (without the enclosure assembly 100 covering the game ball 900 of FIG. 1).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, the cover 101 includes a first cover portion 101A, a second cover portion 101B, a third cover portion 101C and a fourth cover portion 101D. Each of the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) have the ball-facing surface 103 on one side thereof. Each of the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) may be connected along neighboring cover portions (along the peripheral edges thereof). Each of the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) are shaped in such a way that once the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) are combined with each other (that is, attached along the peripheral edges thereof), the cover portions form the cover 101 (as depicted in FIG. 7) by, for instance, a stitching, etc.).
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 6.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 7, the portal 106 is formed between adjacently positioned cover portions that are not stitched along the adjacent lateral sides thereof. The connector 108A includes two connector portions that are each attached to the respective opposite sides of the portal 106 by, for instance, a stitching, etc.). The connector 108A includes two connector portions that are each attached to the respective lateral sides of the adjacently-positioned cover portions by, for instance, a stitching, etc.). Once the game ball 900 is received within the cover 101, the respective lateral sides of the adjacently-positioned cover portions overlap each other by a predetermined overlapping gap 200 (to a predetermined overlapping relationship). To remove the game ball 900, the respective lateral sides of the adjacently-positioned cover portions are spread apart along the spread directions (202, 204).
FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 depict top views of embodiments of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 2 (without the enclosure assembly 100 covering the game ball 900 of FIG. 1).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 8, the cover 101 includes a first cover portion 101A, a second cover portion 101B, a third cover portion 101C and a fourth cover portion 101D. Each of the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) have the ball-facing surface 103 on one side thereof. Each of the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) may be connected along neighboring cover portions (along the peripheral edges thereof). Each of the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) are shaped in such a way that once the cover portions (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) are combined with each other (that is, attached along the peripheral edges thereof by, for instance, a stitching, etc.), the cover portions form the cover 101 (as depicted in FIG. 10).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 8, the first cover portion 101A forms the portal 106 (such as a slit extending along a longitudinal length of the first cover portion 101A). The connector 108A includes a touch connector (such as a VELCRO (TRADEMARK) connector). The VELCRO trademark is owned by VELCRO BVBA.
The touch connector includes a first portion (a hook portion) and a second portion (a loop portion), as depicted in FIG. 10. The first and second connector portions of the connector 108A are attached to the opposite sides of the portal 106 (of the slit) by, for instance, a stitching, etc.). The portal 106 extends through the thickness of the first cover portion 101A from the relief-free surface 102 to the ball-facing surface 103.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9, the portal 106 is formed between (A) a lateral peripheral edge of the first cover portion 101A, and (B) a lateral peripheral edge of the second cover portion 101B. The connector 108B (such as the touch connector of FIG. 8) is mounted to the portal 106 via (A) a lateral peripheral edge of the first cover portion 101A, and (B) a lateral peripheral edge of the second cover portion 101B.
The first portion of the connector 108B is attached to a lateral peripheral edge of the first cover portion 101A by, for instance, a stitching, etc.). The second portion of the connector 108B is attached to a lateral peripheral edge of the second cover portion 101B by, for instance, a stitching, etc.). The connector 108A is attached to the opposite sides of the portal 106 by, for instance, a stitching, etc.).
FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of embodiments of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 8 and/or FIG. 9.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, preferably, either the connector 108A (of FIG. 8) is installed as depicted, or the connector 108B (of FIG. 9) is installed as depicted (that is, the connector 108A and the connector 108B are not installed together at the same time to the cover portions).
FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 13, the game ball 900 may include (or is) a basketball, etc. The game ball 900 has the outer game-ball relief feature 902 (such as an exterior-facing groove that may be typical for a basketball).
FIG. 12 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 2 installed to (positioned for covering) the game ball 900 of FIG. 11.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 12, the cover 101 is installed to the game ball 900 of FIG. 11 in such a way that the cover 101 covers the outer game-ball relief feature 902 (such as an exterior facing groove) of the game ball 900, and the relief-free surface 102 is exposed for manipulation (handling) by the user (ball player).
FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 13, the game ball 900 may include (or is) an American football, etc. The game ball 900 has the outer game-ball relief feature 902 (such as an exterior-facing lace that may be typical for an American football).
FIG. 14 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 2 installed to (positioned for covering) the game ball 900 of FIG. 13.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 14, the cover 101 is installed to the game ball 900 of FIG. 13 in such a way that the cover 101 covers the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900, and the relief-free surface 102 is exposed for manipulation (handling) by the user (ball player).
FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 15, the game ball 900 may include (or is) a baseball, etc. The game ball 900 has the outer game-ball relief feature 902 (such as an exterior-facing lace that may be typical for a baseball).
FIG. 16 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 2 installed to (positioned for covering) the game ball 900 of FIG. 15.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 16, the cover 101 is installed to the game ball 900 of FIG. 15 in such a way that the cover 101 covers the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900, and the relief-free surface 102 is exposed for manipulation (handling) by the user (ball player).
FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a game ball 900.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 17, the game ball 900 may include (or is) a volleyball, etc. The game ball 900 has the outer game-ball relief feature 902 (such as an exterior-facing groove that may be typical for a volleyball).
FIG. 18 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the enclosure assembly 100 of FIG. 2 installed to (positioned for covering) the game ball 900 of FIG. 17.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 18, the cover 101 is installed to the game ball 900 of FIG. 17 in such a way that the cover 101 covers the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900, and the relief-free surface 102 is exposed for manipulation (handling) by the user (ball player).
FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 depict side views of embodiments of the game ball 900 (as depicted in FIG. 1) and the enclosure assembly 100 covering the game ball 900 (as depicted in FIG. 2).
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 19, the user 906 practices (simulates game play) with the game ball 900 (without the cover 101 installed to the outer surface of the game ball 900). The game ball 900 includes (or is) a basketball, etc. The game ball 900 has the outer game-ball relief feature 902 (that may be typical for a basketball). In this embodiment, the outer game-ball relief feature 902 is exposed for manipulation (handling) by the body part 904 of the user 906.
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 20, the user 906 practices with the game ball 900 with the cover 101 installed to the outer surface of the game ball 900. In this embodiment, the outer game-ball relief feature 902 is covered by the relief-free surface 102 of the cover 101, and the outer game-ball relief feature 902 cannot be manipulated (handled) by the body part 904 of the user 906 (for this case). The cover 101 covers the outer game-ball relief feature 902 of the game ball 900, and the relief-free surface 102 is exposed for manipulation by the user 906.
The following is offered as further description of the embodiments, in which any one or more of any technical feature (described in the detailed description, the summary and the claims) may be combinable with any other one or more of any technical feature (described in the detailed description, the summary and the claims). It is understood that each claim in the claims section is an open ended claim unless stated otherwise. Unless otherwise specified, relational terms used in these specifications should be construed to include certain tolerances that the person skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality. By way of example, the term perpendicular is not necessarily limited to 90.0 degrees, and may include a variation thereof that the person skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality for the purposes described for the relevant member or element. Terms such as “about” and “substantially”, in the context of configuration, relate generally to disposition, location, or configuration that are either exact or sufficiently close to the location, disposition, or configuration of the relevant element to preserve operability of the element within the invention which does not materially modify the invention. Similarly, unless specifically made clear from its context, numerical values should be construed to include certain tolerances that the person skilled in the art would recognize as having negligible importance as they do not materially change the operability of the invention. It will be appreciated that the description and/or drawings identify and describe embodiments of the apparatus (either explicitly or inherently). The apparatus may include any suitable combination and/or permutation of the technical features as identified in the detailed description, as may be required and/or desired to suit a particular technical purpose and/or technical function. It will be appreciated that, where possible and suitable, any one or more of the technical features of the apparatus may be combined with any other one or more of the technical features of the apparatus (in any combination and/or permutation). It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that the technical features of each embodiment may be deployed (where possible) in other embodiments even if not expressly stated as such above. It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that other options would be possible for the configuration of the components of the apparatus to adjust to manufacturing requirements and still remain within the scope as described in at least one or more of the claims. This written description provides embodiments, including the best mode, and also enables the person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. The patentable scope may be defined by the claims. The written description and/or drawings may help to understand the scope of the claims. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood, for this document, that the word “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising” in that both words are used to signify an open-ended listing of assemblies, components, parts, etc. The term “comprising”, which is synonymous with the terms “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Comprising (comprised of) is an “open” phrase and allows coverage of technologies that employ additional, unrecited elements. When used in a claim, the word “comprising” is the transitory verb (transitional term) that separates the preamble of the claim from the technical features of the invention. The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for a game ball having an outer game-ball relief feature, the apparatus comprising:

an enclosure assembly configured to enclose the game ball having the outer game-ball relief feature.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the enclosure assembly includes:

a cover having a thickness; and

a relief-free surface being non-graspable by a body part of a user; and

a ball-facing surface; and

the relief-free surface and the ball-facing surface are positioned on opposite sides of the cover.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

the ball-facing surface is configured to fit over and cover the outer game-ball relief feature of the game ball.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:

the cover forms an interior enclosure zone being surrounded by the ball-facing surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

the relief-free surface has a portal configured to be in selective fluid communication with the interior enclosure zone.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

the portal is configured to permit selective insertion of the game ball having the outer game-ball relief feature into the interior enclosure zone.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein:

the portal is also configured to permit selective removal of the game ball from the interior enclosure zone.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein:

the relief-free surface is entirely positioned over, and entirely covers, the outer game-ball relief feature of the game ball once the game ball is selectively inserted, and positioned, entirely within the interior enclosure zone via the portal.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein:

the outer game-ball relief feature of the game ball is exposed for subsequent handling by the user once the game ball is selectively removed, by the user via the portal, from the interior enclosure zone.

10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein

the cover includes a web material.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein

the cover includes a slippery material.

12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein

the cover includes a smooth material.

13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

the relief-free surface is configured to provide a relatively smooth surface free from a tactile feature, and the relief-free surface is elusive for firm handling by the body part of the user.

14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

the relief-free surface is configured to challenge the user in such a way that the relief-free surface, in use, improves the ball-handling skills of the user.

15. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

the relief-free surface is configured to increase difficulty for the user to handle the game ball in such a way that the relief-free surface, in use, helps the user to improve their ball-handling skills.

16. An apparatus for a game ball having a game-ball relief surface, the apparatus comprising:

an enclosure assembly, including:

a relief-free surface being non-graspable by the fingers of a user; and

an interior enclosure zone being surrounded by the relief-free surface; and

the relief-free surface having a portal configured to be in selective fluid communication with the interior enclosure zone; and

the portal being configured to permit selective insertion of the game ball having the game-ball relief surface into the interior enclosure zone; and

the portal also being configured to permit selective removal of the game ball from the interior enclosure zone; and

the relief-free surface being entirely positioned over, and entirely covering up, a game ball surface of the game ball once the game ball is selectively inserted, and positioned, entirely within the interior enclosure zone via the portal; and

the game ball surface of the game ball is exposed for subsequent handling by the user once the game ball is selective removed, by the user via the portal, from the interior enclosure zone.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein:

the enclosure assembly is configured to receive a soccer ball.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein:

the enclosure assembly is configured to receive an American football.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein:

the enclosure assembly is configured to receive a baseball.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein:

the enclosure assembly is configured to receive a baseball.