Ball with a bladder for receiving an electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a bladder, in particular for a ball, with a patch, wherein the patch comprises a pocket, for at least partly receiving an electronic device with a button. The invention further relates to a ball and to a method for manufacturing a bladder and to a method for manufacturing a ball.

Description

[0001] Ball with a bladder for receiving an electronic device

[0002] The present invention relates to a bladder, in particular for a ball. The present invention further relates to a ball with a ball skin and a bladder. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a bladder. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a ball.

[0003] Nowadays balls according to the state of the art are passive. The existing balls can be used to play a game with standard, pre-defined rules, in particular for example a standard soccer game. For such a game players and / or if available a referee need to take care that the rules are followed during the game. However the ball itself stays passive during the game, which limits the number of game play opportunities.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bladder, and / or a ball and / or method that allows more game play opportunities.

[0005] This task is solved by a bladder according to claim 1 . This task is solved by a ball according to claim 10. This task is solved by a method for manufacturing a bladder according to claim 15. This task is solved by a method for manufacturing a ball according to claim 17.

[0006] According to claim 1 the bladder, in particular for a ball, in particular for a football and / or a basketball and / or a volleyball and / or an American football and / or handball, comprises a patch. Preferably the ball is an inflatable ball. The patch comprises a pocket. The pocket can in particular receive an electronic device with a button. Preferably a bladder comprises a patch, wherein the patch comprises a pocket. Preferably a bladder comprises a patch, wherein the patch comprises a pocket, for at least partly, particular fully, receiving an electronic device with a button. Preferably a bladder comprises a patch, wherein the patch comprises a pocket, wherein in the pocket, at least partly in particular fully, an electronic device with a button is received.

[0007] Preferably the bladder is a standard bladder. Preferably a standard bladder is a bladder that could - hypothetically - be used for a ball without electronics, in particular without a patch and / or without an electronic device. Preferably the bladder is a round bladder, in particular a standard round bladder. Preferably the bladder, in particular the standard bladder, in particular the standard round bladder, comprises a valve. Preferably the bladder, in particular the standard round bladder, is with a patch, in particular wherein the patch is added to the bladder. Preferably the patch is attached to the bladder, in particular attached to the outside, in particular the outside surface, of the bladder. Preferably the bladder with patch is round. Preferably the electronic device is inserted to the pocket from the outside of the bladder. Preferably the pocket extends inside of the bladder. Preferably the bladder including the pocket and / or the electronic device is kept of a, in particular approximately, in particular fully, round shape, in particular the outside of the surface of the bladder, in particular including the pocket and / or the electronic device is of a, in particular approximately, in particular fully, round shape. Preferably the bladder comprises more than one pocket. Preferably every pocket is accessible from the outside.

[0008] The bladder for the ball makes the ball active, in particular it opens the opportunity for a, in particular smart, interaction between the player and the ball. Preferably the flow of the game play is continuous, in particular the game play does not need to be stopped, e.g. by using a smartphone to interact with the ball, but to be able to press the button. The pocket can particularly allow for a safe storage of the electronic device, in particular so that the ball can withstand forces that occur during a game play, for example during a soccer game. Preferably the pocket allows to store the electronic device such that the ball, in particular comprising the bladder, can be round. In particular the pocket extends inside of an imaginary sphere, wherein the imaginary sphere covers the outside of the bladder.

[0009] Preferably the bladder is of a closed shape, in particular beside a valve. Preferably the patch is melted into and / or welded with the bladder. Preferably the bladder comprises a, in particular circular, recess. Preferably a patch covers the recess.

[0010] Preferably the electronic device comprises a speaker. The speaker preferably allows to communicate with the players.

[0011] In the following a list of preferable game play opportunities is presented, however this list is meant to be just a few examples. Preferably the button allows to start a game. Preferably the electronic device , in particular the button, allows to restart the game after a session. Preferably the electronic device , in particular the button, states, in particular via the speaker, a specific place and / or base of the ball and / or one or more players in the game play. Preferably the electronic device , in particular the button, informs the players that the game play goes over to a next phase of the game play. Preferably the electronic device , in particular the button, states that a goal has been scored. Preferably the electronic device , in particular the button, states that the ball now is taken over by the other team in the game play. Preferably the electronic device , in particular the button, changes a mode of the ball, in particular - as one example - after pressing the button the ball fakes to be a bomb that explodes in, for example, five seconds and / or that the ball changes from a battle mode to an energy mode. Preferably the electronic device , in particular the button, gives the players the opportunity to choose between answers and / or choices and / or strategies in the game. Preferably the electronic device , in particular the button, activates gesture commands. In particular and as one example after the press of the button a kick makes the ball, for example, a canon, and / or a throw means that the changes to another player and / or a shake of the ball stops the countdown of the bomb, among others.

[0012] Preferably the electronic device comprises an energy storage, in particular a battery. Preferably the button allows to switch on and of the electronic device. Battery usage can be saved and the life time of the electronic device between charging can be expanded.

[0013] Preferably a cover covers at least partly, in particular fully, the patch. Preferably the cover is a, in particular flexible, tape. In particular the material of the cover is the same material as the material of the bladder. The cover can be manufactured independently of the bladder, in particular the bladder with the patch.

[0014] Preferably at least one thread, in particular a nylon thread, at least partly embraces the bladder. The thread preferably allows that the bladder, in particular a blown up bladder, is, in particular almost, of a spherical shape, in particular after the bladder has been inflated. The thread preferably allows some mechanical stability to the bladder. In particular the thread allows to keep the ball size. Preferably the thread keeps the electronic device from bulging against surface and this, in particular, keeps the ball round.

[0015] Preferably the electronic device comprises two antennas. Preferably the two antennas are on approximately opposite sides of the bladder. Preferably the two antennas are outside of the pocket. Preferably the two antennas are on the outside of the bladder. Preferably the two antennas are on the inside of a ball skin of a ball, in particular the two antennas are between the ball skin and the bladder. Two antennas allow a good communication, in particular when one of the antennas is close to a ground, where the ball lies on, the other antenna is away from the ground and allows a communication.

[0016] Preferably the electronic device is covered at least partly with a tape. Preferably the electronic device comprises a housing, in particular a plastic housing. The tape preferably allows components of the electronic device to be held together. The tape further preferably allows an environmental friendly disposal of the electronic device. Preferably the housing houses an electric device, in particular a battery. Preferably the housing houses the electronic device, at least partly, in particular fully. The housing preferably protects the electronic device and / or battery, in particular from mechanical influences, for example from a kick of the ball during a game play. Preferably the housing has rounded edges and / or corners. The rounded edges and / or corners preferably prevent damage on the bladder. Preferably the electronic device comprises a charge antenna. Preferably the charge antenna is used for wireless charging of a battery of the electronic device. Preferably the wireless antenna is located on the top of the electronic device.

[0017] Preferably the tape and / or the housing comprises a sound opening. Preferably the sound of the speaker exits the sound opening.

[0018] Preferably the electronic device is fixed, in particular is glued, within the pocket. This preferably allows that the electronic device stays in place. This preferably allows that the ball skin of the ball is aligned with the electronic device.

[0019] Preferably a plate, in particular a plastic plate and / or a plate made of foam, is placed on top of the button. The plastic plate preferably simplifies the touch of the button.

[0020] Preferably the bladder comprises a valve. Preferably the valve is opposite the patch. Preferably the position of the valve and the position of the patch are predefined to each other. Preferably, once a ball skin covers the bladder, due to the predefined position to each other, it is well known where the patch is when knowing the position of the valve.

[0021] According to claim 10 the ball comprises a ball skin and a bladder according to any of claims 1 to 8. The ball skin covers the bladder. Preferably by at least partly pushing the ball skin the button is pushable. Preferably the ball skin comprises patches of leather and / or plastic. Preferably the patches of leather and / or plastic comprise foam. Preferably the ball and / or the bladder is inflatable.

[0022] Preferably the ball skin comprises an indent. Preferably the indent is at least partly placed on top of the pocket and / or the button and / or the electronic device. The indent preferably allows to simplify the pushing of the button.

[0023] Preferably a pressure element is placed between the indent and the bladder. Preferably the pressure element is placed, at least partly, on top of the electronic device and / or the button and / or the pocket. The pressure element preferably allows to simplify the pushing of the button. Preferably the pressure element is elastic and / or preferably the pressure element is a plate, in particular a plastic plate.

[0024] Preferably the pressure element is fastened to the ball skin and / or to the bladder. Preferably the pressure element is fastened to the cover according to claim 2. Preferably the valve is accessible through the ball skin. Preferably the ball skin indicates the position of the valve. Preferably the ball skin indicates the position of the patch and / or the position of the electronic device. Preferably the valve is opposite the patch and / or preferably the position of the valve and the position of the patch are predefined to each other. In particular the ball skin indicates the positions of the valve and / or the patch. Preferably, once the ball skin covers the bladder, due to the predefined position to each other, it is well known where the patch is when knowing the position of the valve so that the ball skin can be manufactured accordingly, in particular the positions of the valve and / or patch and / or electronic device can be marked on the ball skin, in particular before the ball skin and the bladder are combined to a ball.

[0025] According to claim 15 the method for manufacturing a bladder, in particular according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprises the following steps: a) connecting a patch with a bladder body, in particular a bladder, wherein the patch comprises a pocket, b) placing an electronic device with a button into the pocket, c) in particular covering the patch, and in particular covering the electronic device, at least partly by a cover.

[0026] Preferably in method step a), a standard, in particular standard round, bladder is used.

[0027] Preferably, in particular after method step a), the bladder with the patch comprising the pocket is, in particular on the outside, of a round shape, wherein the pocket is shaped concave, in particular to the inside of the bladder. In particular the pocket is accessible from the outside, in particular the electronic device can be positioned to the pocket from the outside. Preferably, in particular after method step c), the bladder with the patch comprising the pocket and the electronic device and the cover is, in particular on the outside, of a round shape.

[0028] Preferably in a next method step, a ball skin is mounted on the outside of the bladder.

[0029] Preferably the patch is melted into and / or welded with the bladder. Preferably a recess in a bladder body, in particular the bladder, is covered with a patch, wherein the patch comprises the pocket. Preferably the bladder body is the same as the bladder.

[0030] Preferably the electronic device comprises two antennas, wherein the antennas are placed on opposite sides of the bladder. With opposite sides it is preferably meant to be outside of the bladder, but on different sides of the bladder, in particular on different sides of the bladder in an approximately spherical shape. According to claim 17 the method for manufacturing a ball with a ball skin according to any one of the claims 10 to 14, comprises that a bladder is manufactured with a method according to any one of the claims 15 or 16, and wherein the manufactured bladder is covered by the ball skin.

[0031] Independent from the claims, this application claims a system comprising a bladder 4 and a patch 8, 8'.

[0032] Independent from the claims, this application claims a method for manufacturing a bladder. Preferably the bladder is a standard round bladder. Preferably in a method step a patch is added to, in particular connected with, the bladder. Preferably the patch is added to the outside, in particular the outer surface, of the bladder. Preferably the bladder with added patch is a system comprising the bladder and the patch. Preferably the patch comprises a pocket. Preferably in a method step an electronic device with a button is placed into the pocket. Preferably in a method step the bladder with added, in particular connected, patch and with electronic device is covered with a ball skin.

[0033] Independent from the claims, this application claims a mold alignment tool. Preferably the mold alignment tool comprises a mold alignment part. Preferably the mold alignment tool comprises a patch part. Preferably the mold alignment tool comprises a mold tape. Preferably the mold alignment tool comprises a magnet, in particular two magnets, in particular not more than two magnets.

[0034] Independent from the claims, this application claims a patch, in particular a patch for a bladder, in particular a patch for connecting, in particular adding, to a bladder. Preferably the patch comprises a pocket. Preferably the pocket receives an electronic device. Preferably the electronic device is mechanically connected to the pocket.

[0035] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0036] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 a side view of a ball,

[0038] Fig. 2 a cut of a part of the ball with a bladder, Fig. 3a to 3h side views of the bladder to illustrate some steps of the method to manufacture the bladder,

[0039] Fig. 3i to 3p side views of the bladder in another embodiment to illustrate some steps of the method to manufacture the bladder in another embodiment,

[0040] Fig. 4 a top view of a patch,

[0041] Fig. 5 a perspective view of a cut of the patch,

[0042] Fig. 6 a perspective view of a cut of the patch,

[0043] Fig. 7 a perspective view of an electronic device,

[0044] Fig. 8 a side view of the electronic device,

[0045] Fig. 9 a side view of the electronic device,

[0046] Fig. 10 a side view of the electronic device,

[0047] Fig. 11 a top view of the electronic device,

[0048] Fig. 12 a perspective view of the electronic device in a further embodiment,

[0049] Fig. 13 a perspective view of the electronic device in a further embodiment,

[0050] Fig. 14 a cut through some elements of the electronic device,

[0051] Fig. 15 a cut through some elements of the electronic device in a further embodiment,

[0052] Fig. 16 a cut through some elements of the ball in a further embodiment,

[0053] Fig. 17 a cut through some elements of the ball in a further embodiment,

[0054] Fig. 18 a cut through some elements of the ball in a further embodiment,

[0055] Fig. 1 a perspective view of the electronic device with antennas, Fig. 20a a top view of the electronic device with antennas in a further embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 20b a side view of the electronic device with antennas in the further embodiment of

[0057] Fig. 20a,

[0058] Fig. 20c a top view of the electronic device with antennas in a further embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 20d a top view of the electronic device with antennas in a further embodiment of Fig.

[0060] 20c,

[0061] Fig. 21 a top view of the electronic device with a housing.

[0062] Fig. 22 a schematic side view of a ball with two antennas.

[0063] Fig. 23 to 34 a schematic illustration of a method to manufacture the bladder.

[0064] Fig. 35 a perspective side view of a mold alignment tool in a first position,

[0065] Fig. 36 a perspective side view of the mold alignment tool in a second position.

[0066] Fig. 37 a perspective slice view of the mold alignment tool in the second position,

[0067] Fig. 38 a perspective side view showing mainly the back of the mold alignment tool.

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a ball 1 , in particular a soccer ball or football. The ball 1 comprises a ball skin 2. The ball skin 2 preferably defines the outer shape of the ball 1 . The boll 1 is an inflatable boll and in a spherical shape. In another embodiment the ball 1 can have a different shape, for example oval shaped, in particular as an American football or rugby ball.

[0069] The ball skin 2 comprises ball skin patches 3 of leather and / or plastic. Preferably the ball skin patches 3 made of leather and / or plastic comprise foam. One of the ball skin patches 3a can show a sign and / or a emble, in particular a printing that identifies this patch 3a as a patch where a user can press a button 6, as later described in more detail.

[0070] The ball 1 comprises a bladder 4 as shown in Fig. 2. The bladder 4 is inflatable. The ball skin 2 encloses the bladder 4 completely. The ball 1 comprises an electronic device 5, in particular with a button 6. In the embodiment, the button 6, in particular at least parts of the electronic device

[0071] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP 5, are located under the ball skin patch 3a. When a user presses the patch 3a, the user presses the button 6. By pressing the button 6, the electronic device 5 can be switched on and / or off. Also by pressing the button 6, different game play opportunities can be chosen. Among others, in the following some of the game play opportunities are listed:

[0072] In the following a list of preferable game play opportunities is presented, however this list is meant to be just some examples. Preferably pressing the button allows to start a game. Preferably pressing the button allows to restart the game after a session. Preferably pressing the button states, in particular via the speaker, a specific place and / or base of the ball and / or one or more players in the game play. Preferably pressing the button informs the players that the game play goes over to a next phase of the game play. Preferably pressing the button states that a goal has been scored. Preferably pressing the button states that the ball now is taken over by the other team in the game play. Preferably pressing the button changes a mode of the ball, in particular - as one example - after pressing the button the ball fakes to be a bomb that explodes in, for example, five seconds and / or that the ball changes from a battle mode to an energy mode. Preferably pressing the button gives the players to choose between answers and / of choices and / or strategies in the game. Preferably pressing the button activates gesture commands. In particular and as one example after the press of the button a kick makes the ball, for example, a canon, and / or a throw means that the changes to another player and / or a shake of the ball stops the countdown of the bomb, among others.

[0073] Fig. 3a to 3h show how the bladder 4 and / or ball 1 can be manufactured in a first embodiment. Fig. 3a shows the bladder 4. In a first step a, the bladder 4 is opened such that the bladder 4 comprises a, in particular circular, recess 7. In a next step, a patch 8 covers the recess 7, as shown in Fig. 3b and 3c. The material of the patch 8 is, in a preferred embodiment, the same as the material of the bladder skin 4. In a further embodiment, the material of the patch 8 and the material of the bladder 4 can be different. Preferably the material of the bladder 4 is synthetic rubber and / or latex. Preferably the patch 8 is made of synthetic rubber and / or latex, preferably molded latex. Latex might be preferable for a ball with a certain performance, in particular latex influences and / or improves the bouncing of the ball 1.

[0074] The patch 8 comprises a pocket 9. Preferably the patch 8 is a molded latex patch 8 with the pocket 9. The pocket 9 is concavely shaped, in particular the pocket 9 extends to the inner side of the ball 1 and / or bladder 4. Preferably the pocket 9 is open to the outer side of the ball 1 and / or bladder 4. Preferably the patch 8 is welded and / or glued to the bladder 4, in particular to the bladder 4 made of latex. In a next step, the electronic device 5, Fig. 3d, can be placed into the pocket 9. Fig. 3e shows the position of the electronic device 5 in the patch 8. Preferably the electronic device 5 is mechanically connected, in particular glued, to the patch 5, in particular inside the pocket 9. The electronic device 5 comprises at least one, in the embodiment two, antennas 10. After placing the electronic device 5 into the pocket 9, the antennas 10 are placed on the outside of the bladder 4, and in particular outside of the pocket 9. Later in the ball 1 , the antennas 10 are placed between the ball skin 2 and the bladder 4. Preferably the antennas 10 are mechanically connected, in particular glued, in particular with a tape, to the bladder 4. In a next step, as shown in Fig. 3f and 3g, a cover 1 1 is placed on top of the patch 8. The cover 11 covers at least partly, in the exemplary embodiment fully, the patch 8, and in particular the cover

[0075] 1 1 covers at least partly the electronic device 5. Preferably the cover 1 1 is a tape. In another embodiment preferably the material of the cover 1 1 is the same material as the material of the bladder 4 (Fig. 3a). In another embodiment the materials of the cover 1 1 and the material of the bladder 4 are different. In particular the material of the cover 1 1 is latex and / or the cover 1 1 is a tape. The cover 1 1 preferably supports that the ball 1 comprises a round shape. In a next step, Fig. 3h, at least one thread 12, preferably more than one thread 12, at least partly, and / or fully, embraces the bladder 4. The thread 12 is preferably made of nylon. In another embodiment the thread 12 can preferably be made of a glued textile cover, in particular carcus covering. The thread 12 allows the bladder 4, and in particular later the ball 1 , of having a spherical shape. In particular the thread 12 gives some mechanical stability to the bladder 4 and / or ball 1 . The thread

[0076] 12 can overreach the electronic device 5. In this case the thread 12 can also hold the electronic device 5, at least partly, in the pocket 9.

[0077] In another embodiment a tread, in particular instead of a thread 12, at least partly, and / or fully, embraces the bladder 4. In a further embodiment a thread 12 and a tread at least partly, and / or fully, embraces the bladder 4. The tread is preferably made of nylon. In another embodiment, in particular for a bladder 4 made of synthetic rubber and / or latex, the thread 12, in particular a nylon winding, can be omitted.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the bladder 4 is preferably made of rubber, in particular synthetic rubber. The bladder 4 made of synthetic rubber is preferably used for a ball that obtains a certain weight and / or strength and / or durability. In a preferred embodiment, the bladder 4 is preferably made of latex. The bladder 4 made of latex is preferably used for a ball that has a light weight, in particular a lighter weight than a bladder made of synthetic rubber. Preferably a handball or a volleyball or a football comprise a bladder 4 made of latex. Preferably, during manufacturing, in particular during mounting the bladder 4 into ball skin 2, the bladder 4 is preferably free of any raping around the bladder 4, in particular a free floating bladder 4.

[0079] Preferably the nylon thread 12 and / or the nylon tread is used for a bladder 4 made of synthetic rubber. It can be preferable, in particular in another embodiment of the invention, that a cloth, in particular instead of nylon threads 12 and / or nylon treads, at least partly, and / or fully, embraces the bladder 4. A cloth embracing the bladder 4 is preferably a carcass bladder 4. A carcass bladder 4 is preferably usable for thermobonded balls.

[0080] Preferably the thread 12 and / or the tread and / or the carcass, in particular the thread 12 and / or tread and / or the carcass made of cloth and / or nylon, is applied to the bladder 4 before the bladder 4 is mounted inside the ball skin 2. In another embodiment the patch 8 can be added over the pocket to keep the round shape, preferably a latex patch and / or a tape.

[0081] Fig. 3i to 3p show how the bladder 4 and / or ball 1 can be manufactured in another embodiment. Same reference signs in Fig. 3a to 3h and 3i to 3p show same subjects. Reference signs with apostrophs show similar subjects. The main differences between the embodiments are described below. Fig. 3i shows the bladder 4' in another embodiment. One main difference of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3i to 3p compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a to 3h is that in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3i to 3p a recess 7' is not made into the bladder 4', at least not a recess 7' as a hole. In particular the bladder 4' could be inflated in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3i to 3p, while, for example, the bladder 4 could not be inflated in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a at the first method step shown in Fig. 3a, because air would escape through the recess 7 as being a hole. In particular the bladder 4' in the second embodiment of Fig. 3i to 3p is of a spheric shape, in particular when inflated. In a first step, a patch 8' is positioned on top of the bladder 4' .

[0082] The patch 8' comprises a pocket 9. The pocket 9 is concavely shaped, in particular the pocket 9 extends to the inner side of the ball 1 and / or bladder 4'. The patch 8' is welded with and / or melted into the bladder 4', in particular the patch 8' is directly welded with and / or melted into the surface of the bladder 4'. Therefore, compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a to 3h, the bladder 4' in the embodiment 3i to 3p does not need a recess 7 in the shape of a hole. Preferably the bladder 4' touches at least partly the patch 8'. In particular, the bladder 4' touches the patch 8' at least partly, in particular fully, on the inner side of the patch 8'. The inner side of the patch 8' is in particular the side facing to the inside of the bladder 4' and / or ball 1 .

[0083] In a next step, the electronic device 5, Fig. 31, can be placed into the pocket 9. Fig. 3m shows the position of the electronic device 5 in the patch 8'.

[0084] In another step, as shown in Fig. 3n and 3o, a cover 1 1 ' is placed on top of the patch 8' . The cover 1 1 ' covers at least partly, in the embodiment fully, the patch 8', and in particular the cover 1 1 ' covers at least partly the electronic device 5. The cover 1 1 ' is optional. In another embodiment, the cover 1 1 ' is not used, in particular wherein the bladder 4', comprising the patch 8', touches the ball skin 2, in particular without the cover 1 1 '. The main difference of the two embodiments shown in Fig. 3 a to 3h and 3i to 3p is that the bladder 4 comprises a recess 7 in the first embodiment, while the bladder 4' does not comprise a recess 7' as a hole in the second embodiment, and that in the second embodiment the patch 8' is in particular directly welded and / or melted on the bladder 4'. Another difference between the two embodiments is that in the second embodiment, the shape of the patch 8' is rectangular. In the first embodiment the shape of the patch 8 is circular. Another difference between the two embodiments is that in the second embodiment the shape of the cover 1 1 ' is rectangular. In the first embodiment the shape of the cover 1 1 is circular. In a further embodiment, however, the shape of the patch 8, 8' and / or cover 1 1 , 1 1 ' can be either rectangular or circular in any of the two embodiments.

[0085] In the following reference signs, in particular for the bladder 4, 4', recess 7, 7', patch 8, 8', and cover 1 1 , I T are used for both embodiments Fig. 3a to 3h and 3i to 3p, are used without apostrophe for simplicity. However both embodiments might be meant.

[0086] The patch 8 is illustrated in more detail in Fig. 4 to 6. The patch 6 is of a circular shape on its outer diameter. The patch 6 comprises a pocket 9. The pocket 9 is located centrally in the patch 6. In the embodiment, the pocket 9 has a squared shape, and in particular a squared cross section. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 the pocket 9 encloses a volume that is, approximately, cuboid, in another embodiment it can be cubic. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 the pocket 9 encloses a volume that is a flattened pyramid. In another embedment the enclosed volume can be of a elliptic and / or spherical shape. It is preferred, in particular in any shape of the enclosed volume, that the corners and / or edges of the pocket 9 are rounded. The depth of the pocket 9 is at least as deep as the height of the electronic device 6, in particular including the button 6. It can be beneficial that the depth of the pocket 9 is bigger than the height of the electronic device 5. In the shown embodiments, both in Fig. 5 and 6, the electronic device 5 is fully inside of the volume that is enclosed by the pocket 9. Some components of the electronic device 5, for example the antennas 10, however can extend outside of the pocket 9.

[0087] Preferably the pocket 9 comprises a bottom 12 that is at least partially, preferably fully flat. On the bottom 12 the electronic device 5 can be positioned. The electronic device 5 is fastened to the bottom 12 of the pocket 9. In particular the electronic device 5 is glued to the bottom 12 of the pocket 9.

[0088] Preferably the electronic device 5 is placed such that it is symmetrical with the center in button 6. The patch 8 and hole in original ball bladder 4 can also be symmetrical. This preferably allows to easily align the integration of the electronic device 5 directly opposite of a valve of the ball 1 . This preferably makes the production more reliable in regards to positioning of the button 6 in exact position of the button graphics on the outer surface of the ball 1 . Also, this preferably gives the ball 1 an even distribution of added weight to the bladder 4 as the valve and patch 8 with electronic device 5 add weight to the ball 1 , in particular spheric ball 1.

[0089] Fig. 7 to 1 1 show the electronic device 6 in more detail. The electronic device 6 comprises the button 6. The button 6 is accessible from the top of the electronic device 6. The button 6 is located, approximately, centrally in the electronic device 6. The electronic device 5 comprises a charge antenna 13. The electronic device 5 comprises an energy supplyl 6, in particular a battery. The charge antenna 13 is used for wireless charging of the battery of the electronic device 5. The wireless antenna 13 is located on the top of the electronic device 5. Therefore it is easily accessible from the outside of the ball 1. The wireless antenna 13 has an outer shape of a rectangle, in particular with rounded edges. In a further embodiment the outer shape can be quadratic, elliptic, circular, and / or of another shape. The wireless antenna 13 encloses the button 6, however the button 6 is accessible.

[0090] The electronic device 5 comprises a printed circuit board 14 (PCB). The printed circuit board 14 comprises, in particular electronic, components, in particular the button 6. The electronic device

[0091] 5 comprises a housing 15. The housing 15 houses, at least partially, in particular fully, the printed circuit board 14 and / or the battery 16 and / or the button 6. The housing 15 can be made of plastic. The function of the housing 15 can be to protect the battery and / or the printed circuit board 14 and / or the battery 16. The housing 15, in a broader meaning, can be a shield, in particular a protective shield, in particular made of plastic. The electronic device 5 comprises a, in particular elastic, housing 17. The elastic housing 17 can be made of a foam. The elastic housing 17 can be to protect the battery and / or the printed circuit board 14 and / or the battery 16. It is beneficial if the elastic housing 17 is, at least partially, in particular fully, enclosed by the housing 15. The elastic housing 17 and / or the housing 15 are in particular beneficial for a ball 1 that has to endure high forces and / or high accelerations, for example a soccer ball that preferably is strongly hit by a foot. The housing 15 and / or the elastic housing 17 preferably ensures that the electronic device 5 can endure such forces and / or accelerations without damage.

[0092] Fig. 12 shows the electronic device 5 in a further embodiment. The electronic device 5 is covered at least partially with a tape 18. Around the button 6 the tape 18 has a recess so that the button

[0093] 6 is accessible from outside. In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, the tape 18 can cover the button 6. In this case the tape 18 needs to be elastic, at least around the button 6, so that the button 6 is pressable through the tape 18. As shown in Fig. 13, but could be applicable as well to the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the tape 18 can have a sound opening, in particular slots 19. The slots 1 are made so that sound can escape. In general, the electronic device 5 can comprise a speaker that is not shown in the figures. The speaker allows to communicate with players and / or referee. In order to allow the sound to escape, slots 19 can be helpful. However, slots 1 are not mandatory. In another embodiment the sound can escape without slots 19 as well.

[0094] Fig. 14 schematically shows the electronic device 5 comprising the tape 18. In particular the tape 18 surrounds the electronic device, preferably the tape 18 covers, at least partially, preferably fully, the button 6. Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of the electronic device 5. The main difference between the embodiments of the electronic device 5 shown in Fig. 14 and in Fig. 15 is that the electronic device 5 shown in Fig. 15 comprises a plate 20, in particular a plastic plate 20. The plate 20 is place on top of the button 6. The plate 20 is placed between the button 6 and the tape 20. In particular the tape 20 covers at least partially, preferably fully the plate 20. The plate 20 supports that a user gets a better tactic feeling of the button 6. In addition the plate 20 preferably enables a good sound.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment the button 6, in particular the dome button 6, is on the printed circuit board 14. The plate 20 enables a certain of the button from the outer surface of the ball 1 . At the same time the plate 20 enables that the distance of the charge antenna 13 is as close as possible to the outer surface of the ball 1 .

[0096] The plate 20 enables that a user can easily press the button 6. The plate 20 enables that the button 6 can be pressed over a wider area of the surface of the ball 1 . Particularly the plate 20 enables that a user can press the button 6 with a foot, which is particularly interesting for a soccer ball.

[0097] The ball skin 2 of the ball 1 can comprise an indent 21 as shown in Fig. 16. The indent 21 is, at least partly, in particular fully, placed on top of the pocket 9 and in particular at least partly, in particular fully, places on top of the electronic device 5 and / or the button 6. The indent 21 is an area of the ball skin 2 where the thickness of the ball skin 2 is reduced. Due to the decrease of the amount of material of the ball skin 2 between the outer surface of the ball 1 and the button 6, a lighter button 6 press can be enabled. Additionally more sound preferably is able to escape the ball 1 , in particular more sound can travel from the speaker of the electronic device 5 outside of the ball 1.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment the indent 20 is so wide that the electronic device 5 can get closer to the outer surface of the ball 1 . The button 6 is easy accessible. The inductive charging is simplified.

[0099] Between the indent 21 and the bladder 2 a pressure element 22, 22' can be placed as shown in Fig. 17 and 18. The pressure element 22, 22' assures the shape of the ball. The pressure element 22, 22' supports the interaction of the user with the button 6. The pressure element 22, Fig. 17, can be added to the ball skin 2, in particular can be glued to the ball skin 2. In another embodiment the pressure element 22', Fig. 18, can be added, in particular glued, to the bladder 4. The pressure element 22, 22' can be made of plastic, i.e. a plastic plate. The pressure element 22, 22' can be made elastic, in particular TPR.

[0100] Fig. 19 to 21 show that the components of the electronic device 5 are wrapped into tape 1 to preferably hold components in a flexible way, in particular to allow certain movements. As can be seen well in Fig. 21 the electronic device 5 preferably has rounded corners and / or edges, in particular rounded by geometry and / or by tape 19. This preferably protects the bladder 4 and / or the ball skin 2 from damage, in particular due to sharp edges. The tape 19 allows to change components, in particular battery and / or printed circuit board and / or the such, of the electronic device 5. The tape 19 simplifies the disassembly of the electronic device 5, in particular for waste management.

[0101] As can be seen in Fig. 19 and 20, the electronic device 5 comprises in this embodiment two antennas 10. In another embodiment the electronic device 5 can comprise one single antenna 10, or more than two antennas 10. Each of the antenna 10 is connected to the printed circuit board 14 by a cable. The cable allows to place the antenna 10 on any position of the ball 1. The cable preferably is part of the antenna 10. The antenna 10 preferably has a connection strip, in particular a tape, with wich the anteanna 10 can be mechanically connected, in particular glued, to the bladder 4, in particular the outer surface of the bladder 4, and / or the ball skin 2, in particular the inner surface of the ball skin 2.

[0102] Fig. 22 shows a preferred embodiment for placing the antennas 10 on the ball 1. In particular the antennas 10 are placed on opposite sides of the ball 1. Opposite sides means at a maximum distance, but both antennas 10 placed on the inside of the ball skin 2 and / or on the outside of the bladder 4. As exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 22, this allows that at least one antenna 10 is away from the play ground 23. This allows that at least one antenna 10 secures a range of signal. In particular when the ball 1 is in wet grass, the signal range decreases exponentially as it get closer to the ground. By using two, or preferably more, antennas 10, a minimal distance between antenna 10 and ground 23 can be secured.

[0103] Fig. 23 to 34 show a schematic illustration of a method to manufacture the bladder 4. Preferably a mold is used. The mold comprises a first mold part 24 and a second mold part 25. The mold parts 24, 25 may lie on each other. Preferably the mold, in particular the mold parts 24, 25, is heatable. The mold, in particular the mold parts 24, 25, can be particularly considered as a cooking machine.

[0104] In a first method step, shown in Fig. 23 and 24, a mold alignment tool 27 is attached, in particular connected, to the first mold port 24. In a further embodiment the mold alignment tool 27 can be connected to the second mold part 25. In fig. 35 to 38 the mold alignment tool 27 is shown in detail. The mold alignment tool 27 comprises a mold alignment part 28. The mold alignment part 28 is supposed to face to the mold, in particular to the first and / or second mold part 24, 25. The mold alignment tool 27 preferably comprises a patch part 29. Preferably the patch part 29 is adjustable with regard to the mold alignment part 28. Preferably in a first position, as shown in fig. 35, the mold alignment part 28 is close to the patch part 29, wherein in a second position, as shown in fig. 36 and 37, the patch part 29 is in a distance to the mold alignment part 28. The distance is preferably adjustable. Preferably, in the first and / or in the second position, the mold alignment part 28 and the patch part 29 are fixed and / or fixable, for example lockable, relative to each other.

[0105] The mold alignment tool 27 comprises a mold tape 30. Preferably the mold alignment part 28 comprises the mold tape 30. Preferably the mold tape 30 is trapped with the mold alignment part 28, and / or the mold tape 30 is taped to the mold alignment part 28. The mold tape 30 preferably uses up to about 230 deg.

[0106] Preferably the sides of the mold alignment tool 27 are angled. Preferably the edges and / or corners of the mold alignment tool 27 comprises a radius, preferably a radius of at least about 1 mm and / or maximal about 3 mm.

[0107] The mold alignment tool 27 comprises a magnet 31 , in the embodiment shown in fig. 38 the mold alignment tool 27 comprises two magnets 31. Preferably the mold alignment part 28 comprises the magnet 31 and / or the magnets 31 . The magnets 31 are supposed to magnetically fix the mold alignment tool 27 to the first mold part 24 and / or to the second mold part 25, compare fig. 24. Preferably the first and / or second mold part 24, 25 comprises markers. Preferably the mold alignment tool 27 can be slided along the first and / or second mold part 24, 25 into the preferred position, while after sliding the magnets hold the position. The markers define the exact position of the mold alignment tool 27 relative to the first and / or second mold part 24, 25. Preferably the markers are opposite to an opening 26 of the first and / or second mold part 24, 25. The opening 26 is supposed to give access to an air hose 32 , in particular a compressed air hose, in particular an air needle, in particular a compressed air needle. The air hose 32 is supposed to be connected to the bladder 4, in particular to a valve 33 of the bladder 4, and to fill air into the bladder 4, preferably while the bladder 4 is within the mold parts 24, 25.

[0108] Beside and / or in addition to the magnetic fixture, the mold tape 30 can be used in order to fix, in particular to secure and / or hold, the mold alignment tool 27 to the mold, in particular to the first mold part 24 as shown in fig. 25. In a next step the distance between the mold alignment part 28 and the patch part 29 is adjusted, compare fig. 26. Preferably the patch part 29 is pulled out relative to the mold alignment part 28.

[0109] In a next step, as shown in fig. 27, 28, the patch 8 is attached to the mold alignment tool 27. In a next step, shown in fig. 29, 30, the bladder 4, preferably together with the air hose 32, is attached to the first mold part 24.

[0110] Preferably the bladder 4 comprises a valve 33. Preferably the valve 33 is opposite the patch 8. Preferably the position of the valve 33 and the position of the patch 8 are predefined to each other. Preferably, once the ball skin 2 covers the bladder 4, due to the predefined position to each other, it is well known where the patch 8 is when knowing the position of the valve 33.

[0111] Preferably the valve 33 is accessible through the ball skin 2. Preferably the ball skin 2 indicates the position of the valve 33. Preferably the ball skin 2 indicates the position of the patch 8 and / or the position of the electronic device 5. Preferably the valve is opposite the patch 8 and / or preferably the position of the valve 33 and the position of the patch 8 are predefined to each other. In particular the ball skin 2 indicates the positions of the valve 33 and / or the patch 8. Preferably, once the ball skin 2 covers the bladder 4, due to the predefined position to each other, it is well known where the patch 8 is when knowing the position of the valve 33 so that the ball skin 2 can be manufactured accordingly, in particular the positions of the valve 33 and / or patch 8 and / or electronic device 5 can be marked on the ball skin 2, in particular before the ball skin 2 and the bladder 4 are combined to the ball 1 .

[0112] Fig. 31 shows a next step in which the second mold part 25 is attached to the first mold part 24. In a next step, as shown in fig. 32, 33, the bladder 4 is filled with air. Furthermore, the mold parts 24, 25 are heated. Therefore the patch 8 is not only connected to the bladder 4 by heat, but also by pressure, in particular from the air pressure. The expansion of the bladder 4 molds the bladder 4 together with the patch 8, in particular so that the patch 8 is melted into the bladder 4. In a next step, shown in fig. 34, the mold parts 24, 25 are opened from each other and the bladder 4 comprising the patch 8 is removed from the mold parts 24, 25. List of reference

[0113] 1 ball

[0114] 2 ball skin

[0115] 3, 3a ball skin patch

[0116] 4 bladder

[0117] 5 electronic device

[0118] 6 button

[0119] 7, 7' recess

[0120] 8, 8' patch

[0121] 9 pocket

[0122] 10 antenna

[0123] 11, 11 ' cover

[0124] 12 bottom of pocket

[0125] 13 charge antenna

[0126] 14 printed circuit board (PCB)

[0127] 15 housing

[0128] 16 energy supply

[0129] 17 elastic housing

[0130] 18 tape

[0131] 19 slots

[0132] 20 plate

[0133] 21 indent

[0134] 22, 22' pressure element

[0135] 23 ground

[0136] 24 first mold part

[0137] 25 second mold part

[0138] 26 opening

[0139] 27 mold alignment tool

[0140] 28 mold alignment part

[0141] 29 patch part

[0142] 30 mold tape

[0143] 31 magnet

[0144] 32 air hose

[0145] 33 valve

Claims

Claims1. Bladder, in particular for a ball (1 ), with a patch (8), wherein the patch (8) comprises a pocket (9), for at least partly receiving an electronic device (5) with a button (6).

2. Bladder according to claim 1 , characterized in that a cover (1 1 ) covers at least partly, in particular fully, the patch (8), in particular wherein the cover (1 1 ) is a tape.

3. Bladder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one thread (12), in particular a nylon thread (12), at least partly embraces the bladder (4).

4. Bladder according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electronic device (5) comprises two antennas (10), in particular that the two antennas (10) are on approximately opposite sides of the bladder (4), in particular that the two antennas (10) are outside of the pocket (9).

5. Bladder according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electronic device (5) is covered at least partly with a tape (18) and / or that the electronic device (5) comprises a housing (15), in particular a plastic housing (15), and that the housing (15) houses an electric device, in particular a battery (16).

6. Bladder according to claim 5, characterized in that the tape (18) and / or the housing (15) comprises a sound opening.

7. Bladder according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electronic device (5) is fixed, in particular is glued, within the pocket (9).

8. Bladder according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a plate (20), in particular a plastic plate (20), is placed on top of the button (6).

9. Bladder according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bladder comprises a valve (33), and that the valve is opposite the patch (8).

10. Ball with a ball skin and with a bladder according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ball skin (2) covers the bladder (4), and in particular wherein by at least partly pushing the ball skin (2) the button (6) is pushable.1 1. Ball according to claim 10, characterized in that the ball skin (2) comprises an indent (21 ), wherein the indent (21 ) is at least partly placed on top of the pocket (9).

12. Ball according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that a pressure element (22, 22') is placed between the indent (21 ) and the bladder (4), in particular wherein the pressure element (22, 22') is placed, at least partly, on top of the electronic device (5).

13. Ball according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressure element (22, 22') is elastic and / or wherein the pressure element (22, 22') is a plate, in particular a plastic plate.

14. Ball according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the pressure element (22, 22') is fastened to the ball skin (2) and / or to the bladder (4), in particular to the cover (1 1 ) according to claim 2.

15. Method for manufacturing a bladder (4), in particular according to any of claims 1 to 9, with the following steps: a) connecting a patch (8) with a bladder body, wherein the patch (8) comprises a pocket (9), b) placing an electronic device (5) with a button (6) into the pocket (9), c) in particular covering the patch (8), and in particular covering the electronic device (5) , at least partly by a cover (1 1 ).

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the electronic device (5) comprises two antennas (10), wherein the antennas (10) are placed on opposite sides of the bladder (4).

17. Method for manufacturing a ball (1 ) with a ball skin (2) according to any one of the claims 10 to 14, wherein a bladder (4) is manufactured with a method according to any one of the claims 15 or 16, wherein the manufactured bladder (4) is covered by the ball skin (2).

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