CA2169664A1 - Amusement ball - Google Patents
Amusement ballInfo
- Publication number
- CA2169664A1 CA2169664A1 CA 2169664 CA2169664A CA2169664A1 CA 2169664 A1 CA2169664 A1 CA 2169664A1 CA 2169664 CA2169664 CA 2169664 CA 2169664 A CA2169664 A CA 2169664A CA 2169664 A1 CA2169664 A1 CA 2169664A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- outer ball
- ball
- inner member
- mass
- handle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
- A63B43/04—Balls with special arrangements with an eccentric centre of gravity; with mechanism for changing the centre of gravity
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H5/00—Musical or noise- producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
- A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
- A63B2071/0633—Emitting sound, noise or music without electronic means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
Abstract
An amusement ball comprising an outer ball member made of a light elastic resilient material and an inner member positioned in free-moving relationship within the outer ball. In one embodiment the device comprises an irregular surface defining a plurality of points for making contact with and inner surface of the outer ball and producing sound when moved relative thereto. In another embodiment the device is elongated, and can be provided with a handle
Description
216966~
TITLE
Amusement Ball FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an amusement ball, and particulary to a ball that provides erratic motion. In one embodiment of the invention the ball also emits sounds.
BA~KGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of balls are known including some which provide erratic motion. An example of this is U.S. Patent No. 3,995,855 to Schultz. Also known are balls which emit sounds. An example of a sound emitting ball is disclosed inU.S. Patent to Shishido.
It would be desirable to provide a ball with a highly lively erratic behaviour, and also one which can emit sounds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the pr~sent invention to provide a ball with lively erratic behavior when bounced or thrown.
A further object of one embodiment of the invention is to provide a ball that emits sounds.
The present invention provides an amusement ball comprising an outer ball member made of an elastic resilient material and an inner member positioned in free-moving relationship within the outer ball.
In one embodiment of the invention the device comprises an irregular surface defining a plurality of points for making contact with and inner surface of the outer ball and producing sound when moved relative thereto.
In another embodiment the outer ball is elongated, and may be provided with a handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAVVINGS
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing details of the handle used in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is an end view of the handle shown in Fig. 4.
DESCRIPIION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to Fig. 1, which illustrates one embodiment of the invention, the ball comprises a generally spherical outer ball member 1 made of a elastic resilient material and an inner member 2, shown in the form of a ball, positioned in free-moving relationship within the surrounding outer ball.
For use, the elastic material of the outer ball must be taut or stretched, which can be conveniently done by pressurizing with air or other gas. It will beappreciated that the ball may be provided in deflated form and provided with means allowing inflation by the user.
The material for the outer ball is selected to provide elastic deformation or stretching when struck by the inner member.
To achieve the desired lively erratic effect, the mass of the outer ball should be small relative to the mass of the inner member or members, such that motion of the inner member striking the inner surface of the outer ball producesa relatively large reaction and motion of the outer ball. The outer ball will change direction each time the inner member rebounds from the wall producing the erratic motion of the outer ball.
216966~
When the outer ball 1 strikes an obstacle, or is otherwise accelerated or decelerated abruptly, the inner member 2 will bounce against the inner wall of the outer ball. Upon contact, the moving inner member will stretch the elastic material of the outer ball and rebound off the wall, similar to the bouncing action of a trampoline. Typically the inner member 2 will bounce off the wall of the outer ball repeatedly, altering the path of the outer ball with each bounce and thereby providing erratic motion.
As discussed above, the erratic deviations in motion will be large when the mass of the outer ball is small relative to the mass of the inner member. For a lively erratic effect the mass of the outer ball should be less than 1/4, and preferably less than 1/6 of the mass of the imler member.
Also, for a lively erratic effect the outer ball must be very elastic, with highelastic deformation or stretching when struck by the inner ball. Upon striking the wall, the kinetic energy of inner ball is converted to potential energy as it stretches the outer ball wall and is then converted again to kinetic energy to the ball for travel in a new direction, with little absolption or loss of energy.
It appears that the desired lively motion is obtained when the outer ball material is selected to provide deformation of the wall that is greater than 1/100 of the diameter of the outer ball when struck by the inner member. The desired elastic deformation for the outer ball can be conveniently obtained with a thin walled material such as used for balloons.
Lively erratic motion has been achieved where the outer ball was a balloon having a diameter of approxi,llately 40 cm, and the inner ball was a "supper ball"
type of hard rubber ball 2.5 cm to 4 cm in diameter. It was found that non-elastic vinyl beach balls, used as the outer ball, did not produce the desired lively erratic motion. The absence of the desired motion in such balls is due to the non-elastic properties of the vinyl wall of the such ball.
216966~
The inner ball 2 can be made to roll around the inside of the outer ball by pe,rol,nillg a rapid orbiting motion of the outer ball. If the outer ball is released or thrown while the inner ball 2 is moving within, it will result in an erratic motion of the outer ball.
It may be desirable to be able to kick the ball which would more likely subject it to contacting sharp objects and tend to puncture a balloon-like outerball which is highly stretched. It has been found that by adding another larger light balloon-like layer on the outside the main outer ball provides protection reducing the likelihood of rupture. Such a configuration comprises the required highly stletched ball component which provides a good rebounding surface for theinner member 2, while the ~ulloullding outer ball component provides a low parasitic weight stress reducer. This outer protective layer need not be subjected to the high pressurized stressed condition and hence is less likely to be ruptured.
Alternatively, the outer ball may be made of a single layer puncture resistant material. A thick material is desired for durability, but a thicker wall tends to result in higher mass, which is undesirable. One suitable thick material is now used in some regular balls, which consists of an elastic foamed material with elastomer, such as foamed polyvinvl chloride. This material has the desired elastic properties, is light in weight and the entrained air bubbles act as stress reducers 2 0 making the ball suitable for outdoor use.
Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, which shows two inner members 12 and 13.
In Fig. 2 the inner members are in the form of polygons, defining a number of surfaces and edges. When the inner members roll along the inner wall of the outer ball or othenvise strike the outer ball they produce sound. The inner - members produce vibrations in the outer ball wall when they roll and edges strike the wall, similar to the beating of a drum, thereby producing a relatively loud sound emission.
It has been found that two cubes the size of die produce sounds similar to elephant trumpeting when they roll inside the outer ball. With a single cube, with faces appro~"nately 3 cm in length, a roaring or growling sound was produced.
It will be appreciated that the number, shape, size, mass and number of inner members can be varied for producing different kinds of entertaining sound and motion effects.
In another embodiment the outer ball is elongated, for example, a balloon in the shape of a baton. Similar to embodiments described above, such a device can be pr~vided with inner members that provide unusual motion and/or sounds when the baton is swung.
With reference to Fig. 3, 4, and 5, a handle 30 may be provided at one end of a baton shaped balloon 31 to facilitate handling. The handle 30 has a hollow concave portion 34 to receive one end of the balloon reducing bending so that the the balloon can be used as a baton or toy sword. A narrow slot 32 in the handle holds a knotted end 33 of the balloon. A depression or recess 35 in the end facilitates retention of the knot. Alternatively, the balloon may be retained in the handle by means of a plug placed in the open end of the balloon. Additionally, an air pump for inflating a balloon ma~ be incorporated into the handle.
TITLE
Amusement Ball FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an amusement ball, and particulary to a ball that provides erratic motion. In one embodiment of the invention the ball also emits sounds.
BA~KGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of balls are known including some which provide erratic motion. An example of this is U.S. Patent No. 3,995,855 to Schultz. Also known are balls which emit sounds. An example of a sound emitting ball is disclosed inU.S. Patent to Shishido.
It would be desirable to provide a ball with a highly lively erratic behaviour, and also one which can emit sounds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the pr~sent invention to provide a ball with lively erratic behavior when bounced or thrown.
A further object of one embodiment of the invention is to provide a ball that emits sounds.
The present invention provides an amusement ball comprising an outer ball member made of an elastic resilient material and an inner member positioned in free-moving relationship within the outer ball.
In one embodiment of the invention the device comprises an irregular surface defining a plurality of points for making contact with and inner surface of the outer ball and producing sound when moved relative thereto.
In another embodiment the outer ball is elongated, and may be provided with a handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAVVINGS
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing details of the handle used in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is an end view of the handle shown in Fig. 4.
DESCRIPIION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to Fig. 1, which illustrates one embodiment of the invention, the ball comprises a generally spherical outer ball member 1 made of a elastic resilient material and an inner member 2, shown in the form of a ball, positioned in free-moving relationship within the surrounding outer ball.
For use, the elastic material of the outer ball must be taut or stretched, which can be conveniently done by pressurizing with air or other gas. It will beappreciated that the ball may be provided in deflated form and provided with means allowing inflation by the user.
The material for the outer ball is selected to provide elastic deformation or stretching when struck by the inner member.
To achieve the desired lively erratic effect, the mass of the outer ball should be small relative to the mass of the inner member or members, such that motion of the inner member striking the inner surface of the outer ball producesa relatively large reaction and motion of the outer ball. The outer ball will change direction each time the inner member rebounds from the wall producing the erratic motion of the outer ball.
216966~
When the outer ball 1 strikes an obstacle, or is otherwise accelerated or decelerated abruptly, the inner member 2 will bounce against the inner wall of the outer ball. Upon contact, the moving inner member will stretch the elastic material of the outer ball and rebound off the wall, similar to the bouncing action of a trampoline. Typically the inner member 2 will bounce off the wall of the outer ball repeatedly, altering the path of the outer ball with each bounce and thereby providing erratic motion.
As discussed above, the erratic deviations in motion will be large when the mass of the outer ball is small relative to the mass of the inner member. For a lively erratic effect the mass of the outer ball should be less than 1/4, and preferably less than 1/6 of the mass of the imler member.
Also, for a lively erratic effect the outer ball must be very elastic, with highelastic deformation or stretching when struck by the inner ball. Upon striking the wall, the kinetic energy of inner ball is converted to potential energy as it stretches the outer ball wall and is then converted again to kinetic energy to the ball for travel in a new direction, with little absolption or loss of energy.
It appears that the desired lively motion is obtained when the outer ball material is selected to provide deformation of the wall that is greater than 1/100 of the diameter of the outer ball when struck by the inner member. The desired elastic deformation for the outer ball can be conveniently obtained with a thin walled material such as used for balloons.
Lively erratic motion has been achieved where the outer ball was a balloon having a diameter of approxi,llately 40 cm, and the inner ball was a "supper ball"
type of hard rubber ball 2.5 cm to 4 cm in diameter. It was found that non-elastic vinyl beach balls, used as the outer ball, did not produce the desired lively erratic motion. The absence of the desired motion in such balls is due to the non-elastic properties of the vinyl wall of the such ball.
216966~
The inner ball 2 can be made to roll around the inside of the outer ball by pe,rol,nillg a rapid orbiting motion of the outer ball. If the outer ball is released or thrown while the inner ball 2 is moving within, it will result in an erratic motion of the outer ball.
It may be desirable to be able to kick the ball which would more likely subject it to contacting sharp objects and tend to puncture a balloon-like outerball which is highly stretched. It has been found that by adding another larger light balloon-like layer on the outside the main outer ball provides protection reducing the likelihood of rupture. Such a configuration comprises the required highly stletched ball component which provides a good rebounding surface for theinner member 2, while the ~ulloullding outer ball component provides a low parasitic weight stress reducer. This outer protective layer need not be subjected to the high pressurized stressed condition and hence is less likely to be ruptured.
Alternatively, the outer ball may be made of a single layer puncture resistant material. A thick material is desired for durability, but a thicker wall tends to result in higher mass, which is undesirable. One suitable thick material is now used in some regular balls, which consists of an elastic foamed material with elastomer, such as foamed polyvinvl chloride. This material has the desired elastic properties, is light in weight and the entrained air bubbles act as stress reducers 2 0 making the ball suitable for outdoor use.
Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, which shows two inner members 12 and 13.
In Fig. 2 the inner members are in the form of polygons, defining a number of surfaces and edges. When the inner members roll along the inner wall of the outer ball or othenvise strike the outer ball they produce sound. The inner - members produce vibrations in the outer ball wall when they roll and edges strike the wall, similar to the beating of a drum, thereby producing a relatively loud sound emission.
It has been found that two cubes the size of die produce sounds similar to elephant trumpeting when they roll inside the outer ball. With a single cube, with faces appro~"nately 3 cm in length, a roaring or growling sound was produced.
It will be appreciated that the number, shape, size, mass and number of inner members can be varied for producing different kinds of entertaining sound and motion effects.
In another embodiment the outer ball is elongated, for example, a balloon in the shape of a baton. Similar to embodiments described above, such a device can be pr~vided with inner members that provide unusual motion and/or sounds when the baton is swung.
With reference to Fig. 3, 4, and 5, a handle 30 may be provided at one end of a baton shaped balloon 31 to facilitate handling. The handle 30 has a hollow concave portion 34 to receive one end of the balloon reducing bending so that the the balloon can be used as a baton or toy sword. A narrow slot 32 in the handle holds a knotted end 33 of the balloon. A depression or recess 35 in the end facilitates retention of the knot. Alternatively, the balloon may be retained in the handle by means of a plug placed in the open end of the balloon. Additionally, an air pump for inflating a balloon ma~ be incorporated into the handle.
Claims (13)
1. An amusement ball comprising an outer ball member made of an elastic resilient material and an inner member positioned in free-moving relationship within the outer ball.
2. The device of Claim 1 wherein the mass of the outer ball is small relative tothat of the inner member.
3. The device of Claim 1 wherein the mass of the outer ball is less than 1/4 of the mass of the inner member.
4. The device of Claim 1 wherein the mass of the outer ball is less than 1/6 of the mass of the inner member.
5. The device of Claim 1, further having means for pressurizing the outer ball to provide a taut rebounding wall surface for the inner member.
6. The device of Claim 1 wherein, for use, the outer ball is pressurized to provide a taut rebounding wall surface for the inner member.
7. The device of Claim 1 wherein the outer ball material is selected to provide deformation of the wall that is greater than 1/100 of the diameter of the outer ball when struck by the inner member.
8. The device of Claim 1 comprising a plurality of inner members.
9. The device of Claim 1 wherein the inner member comprises an irregular surface defining a plurality of points for making contact with and inner surface of the outer ball and producing sound when moved relative thereto.
10. The device of Claim 1 wherein the outer ball comprises a plurality of layers, with an inner layer being in a pressurized stretched condition and othersurrounding layers being in a relatively unstretched condition.
11. The device of Claim 1 wherein the outer ball is elongated.
12. The device of Claim 11 further comprising a handle having a hollow portion to receive one end of the outer ball.
13. The device of Claim 12 wherein the handle includes a slot to hold a knotted end of the outer ball for retention of the outer ball within the handle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2169664 CA2169664A1 (en) | 1996-02-16 | 1996-02-16 | Amusement ball |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2169664 CA2169664A1 (en) | 1996-02-16 | 1996-02-16 | Amusement ball |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2169664A1 true CA2169664A1 (en) | 1997-08-17 |
Family
ID=4157585
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2169664 Abandoned CA2169664A1 (en) | 1996-02-16 | 1996-02-16 | Amusement ball |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2169664A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD867471S1 (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-11-19 | Keith Russell Ablow | Fidget device with intelligent mien |
-
1996
- 1996-02-16 CA CA 2169664 patent/CA2169664A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD867471S1 (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-11-19 | Keith Russell Ablow | Fidget device with intelligent mien |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |