Enhanced Baseball-Like Training Ball System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept improves upon the original baseball-like training ball by introducing advanced features, enhancing the training experience for players in confined areas with minimal equipment.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a baseball-like training ball for playing modified versions of the game in confined areas. However, the existing design had limitations in terms of aerodynamics, grip, and durability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a system that provides improved aerodynamics, enhanced grip, and increased durability.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new system comprises a ball with an outer skin made of synthetic leather, a diameter between 2⅜ and 3 inches, and a weight between 1¼ ounces and 1% ounces. The ball features a hollow round center cavity and an outer polyethylene spherical shell, configured to reduce air resistance and enhance flight stability. The outer skin has a textured surface pattern to improve grip and control. The ball is designed to travel shorter distances and with less velocity when hit, making it suitable for playing modified versions of the game in confined areas. The manufacturing process involves injection molding an inner lightweight round polyethylene core, encasing it with an outer polyethylene plastic spherical shell, and designing the shell to withstand impacts and reduce wear and tear.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in the combination of advanced features, including the synthetic leather outer skin, textured surface pattern, and optimized aerodynamics. The inventive step resides in the specific design and configuration of the ball's components, which provide a significant improvement over the original patent's design.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the ball's size, weight, and material composition. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different sports or training scenarios, such as softball or cricket.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced baseball-like training ball system has significant commercial potential in the sports training and equipment market. It is particularly suited for use in confined areas, such as indoor training facilities, and can be marketed to baseball and softball teams, coaches, and individual players seeking to improve their skills.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B37/04 |
| A | A63 | A63B37/12 |
| A | A63 | A63B43/04 |
| A | A63 | A63B37/14 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Sports equipment design, specifically baseball and softball training equipment, involving materials engineering, injection molding, and sports equipment manufacturing techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or sports equipment designer with expertise in polymer materials, injection molding, and sports training equipment design, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree with 3-5 years of industry experience
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations of the source patent's core design, utilizing standard materials and manufacturing techniques known in the sports equipment field. The modifications to ball size, surface texture, and manufacturing process represent incremental improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize a training baseball. The core structural elements remain substantially consistent with the original patent's teachings, with only minor adaptations to enhance performance and usability.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,846 |
|---|---|
| Title | Baseball like training ball |
| Assignee(s) | SWEETSPOT BASEBALL, LLC |