Sports ball with component holder

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sports ball comprising a hollow shell (8) which includes an inner surface (9); and a component holder (1) which projects from the inner surface (9) of the hollow shell (8), wherein the component holder (1) comprises retaining means (2) for holding a component (3) and elastically deformable connecting means (4) for connecting the retaining means (2) to the hollow shell (8), wherein the connecting means (4) are configured to expand and / or compress elastically in a radial direction (5) of the ball.

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, football, basketball, or game ball. The sports ball comprises a component holder for holding a component in relation to the sports ball. The component can, for example, be an electronic device for providing information about various parameters of a sporting activity performed with the ball. The component holder is improved in such a way as to reduce abrasion of both the sports ball, which includes the component holder, and the component itself. 2. Background

[0002] Sports balls, such as soccer balls, footballs, basketball balls or children's play balls of different designs, as well as various methods for their manufacture, are known from the prior art.

[0003] Such sports balls, used in athletic activities, typically consist of a hollow shell that may contain an bladder. The hollow shell can be empty or may contain one or more components, such as one or more electronic devices, housed in casings, covers, or the like. These electronic devices are useful for providing information about various parameters of the athletic activity. For example, the ball's position could be its position at any given time or at various customizable, specific times during a game, athletic activity, or similar event. Furthermore, the information may include parameters of the ball itself and / or the performance of individual players, athletes, or the like.Furthermore, the information can include the determination of specific events, such as the determination of a ball contact by a player.

[0004] Such information is particularly useful not only for the players, but especially for people who observe the game, sporting activity or the like, referees and other persons who monitor the game for compliance with the rules, or coaches for performance and medical monitoring.

[0005] Integrating electronic devices into such sports balls to provide the aforementioned information accurately and consistently is a challenging task. This is not only generally difficult to achieve but also increases the cost of manufacturing the sports ball. This is especially true for balls with inflatable bladders. Therefore, there is a need for innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.

[0006] Known solutions are mentioned, for example, in the following documents: US 2022 / 0296968 A1 relates to a ball comprising a bladder, a component holder secured to the inner surface of the bladder, and a component secured to the component holder on a distal portion of a sleeve. WO 2014 / 151405 A2 concerns a ball comprising a bladder and a pocket formed as a section of the bladder extending around an electronic device. EP 2281610 A1 discloses a chamber for holding an electromagnetic transmitter, wherein the chamber is held elastically in the center of a ball by radially extending tension elements.

[0007] Although prior art experiments have already provided solutions and improvements over the known prior art in some aspects, there is still room for improvement. For example, impacts on the sports ball, such as kicking the ball during a football match, can lead to mechanical defects in the electronic device. The risk of damage caused by such impacts is even higher for electronic devices located near the side of the ball compared to solutions where the electronic device is located in the center of the ball. This is particularly true if the impacting object, such as a player's foot, strikes the ball's surface at the location of the electronic device.

[0008] Against this background, there is a need to further improve the durability of the electronic device during use of the sports ball and to reduce the risk of defects and thus failure of the electronic device. A general objective is for the sports ball to be more cost-effective over its entire life cycle. 3. Summary of the invention

[0009] The aforementioned problems are at least partially solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The tasks are solved using a sports ball, in particular a football, the sports ball comprising: a component holder projecting from an inner surface of the hollow shell, the component holder comprising retaining means for holding a component and elastically deformable connecting means for connecting the retaining means to the hollow shell, the connecting means being configured to expand and / or compress elastically in a radial direction of the ball.

[0011] In this way, the sports ball provides increased durability for a component, such as an electronic device, and reduces the risk of mechanical failure. This is because the elastically deformable fasteners dampen the impact on the component, especially when the impact occurs at the point where the component is located. The elastically deformable fasteners allow the retaining elements, and within them the component, to move relative to the hollow shell of the ball by expanding and / or compressing. In other words, a damped connection is formed between the retaining elements and the hollow shell.

[0012] The component holder can be configured to hold any type of object. The component holder can be configured to hold one or more electronic devices, such as a battery and / or a wireless transmitter, a sensor, or the like.

[0013] The sports ball, as described herein, can be useful in any type of sporting activity, in particular in any of the examples in the following non-exhaustive list: soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, softball, American football, rugby and handball.

[0014] The hollow shell can provide sufficient space to accommodate the component holder and the component itself. Furthermore, the hollow shell can provide enough space to accommodate additional components or elements. In some cases, the hollow shell can provide a degree of structural integrity to the sports ball. Additionally, the hollow shell can be filled with air, a gas, or a mixture of gases. Alternatively or additionally, a structural component and / or a foamed filler material can be placed within the hollow shell, configured to contribute to the structural integrity of the sports ball.

[0015] The component holder protrudes from the inner surface of the hollow shell. Thus, the component holder projects inwards towards the center of the ball, or extends beyond it, positioning the component within an interior area of ​​the ball. In this position, the component is protected from impacts with a foot, surface, or other object when the ball is in use. It should be noted that the component protrudes from the inner surface but is not necessarily attached to it. For example, the component holder could be attached to an outer surface (i.e., away from the center of the ball) of the hollow shell, protrude through an opening in the hollow shell, and thus extend beyond its inner surface.

[0016] The term "center" of the hollow shell, as used herein, can be understood as an essentially central section of the hollow shell in a geometric sense. However, the center is not to be interpreted as indicating only such an arrangement in a strictly literal sense, but also encompasses a state in which the arrangement is shifted by a certain tolerance, thereby making it possible to achieve the same function.

[0017] It should be noted that the elasticity of elastically deformable fasteners can be achieved through a sufficiently elastic material (e.g., butyl rubber), a suitably designed shape (e.g., a bellows, as described below), or a combination of both. In the case of a butyl rubber bladder, a butyl rubber component holder would be considered the simplest option. Other materials that could be considered include synthetic rubber (e.g., silicone rubber), natural rubber (e.g., latex), a combination of synthetic and natural rubber, and TPE materials such as TPU. One advantage of butyl is its relative rigidity, e.g., stiffer compared to latex, resulting in greater stability for the component holder.

[0018] The component holder can be made of the same material as the hollow shell. This facilitates joining the same material, for example, by gluing or welding. The component holder can also be formed integrally with the hollow shell, resulting in a homogeneous and durable structure.

[0019] The elastically deformable fasteners can include a folding element that is at least partially folded in a rest state and configured to at least partially unfold in a deformed state to elastically expand a first gap between the hollow shell and the retaining elements. In this way, the elastically deformable fasteners can be easily provided by appropriately designing a side wall of the component holder. Additionally, the fasteners can also include an elastic material that enhances the elasticity provided by the design of the fasteners as a folding element.

[0020] The folding element can be a bellows. A bellows allows for a fairly compact design of the fasteners and the entire component holder, while still permitting considerable expansion under mechanical stress. This increases the damping effect of the fasteners against impacts.

[0021] The component holder can include a base section that connects the fasteners to the hollow shell. This allows the component holder to be securely attached to the hollow shell on either its inner or outer surface. If the base section is secured to the outer surface of the hollow shell, it can also act as an air seal, since the hollow shell would have an opening through which the component holder would protrude from the inner surface of the hollow shell. Thus, the component holder and its base section would seal the opening, making it airtight.

[0022] The component holder can include a cover element for securing the component from the outside of the component holder. In this way, the component can be secured in the component holder from the outside.

[0023] The retaining elements can be configured to hold a component radially towards the center of the ball. They can also be configured to hold the component radially away from the center. Finally, they can be configured to hold the component tangentially to the ball. Therefore, in the event of impacts, such as a kick in the case of a soccer ball, the component is held in place by the component holder. Thanks to the elastically deformable fasteners, the impact on the ball is dampened, and the component experiences less stress compared to a rigid component holder. Additionally, abrasion on the hollow shell caused by the component is reduced.

[0024] The sports ball can include a component held by the component holder. Such a component could be, for example, a sensor that measures useful physical data, such as the ball's acceleration and rotation rate. The sensor can be configured to transmit this data to a receiver located nearby, and the data can be processed and used for refereeing, generating statistics, coaching, or similar purposes.

[0025] The component can include an electronic device. Electronic devices are typically susceptible to mechanical shocks, and the risk of damage to an electronic device increases significantly beyond a certain acceleration threshold. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for electronic devices that, according to the present invention, can be securely embedded in a ball in a shock-absorbing manner.

[0026] The sports ball can further include a damping element configured to be positioned between the hollow shell and a component held by the component holder. In this way, impacts to the ball and subsequently to the component are further dampened by the damping element. Additionally, the damping element can minimize abrasion to both the component and the inner surface of the hollow shell caused by movement of the component relative to the inner surface of the hollow shell.

[0027] The damping element can be made of a foam material. Foam materials are cost-effective to manufacture, lightweight, and provide effective damping.

[0028] The sports ball can be an inflatable ball. Inflatable balls are commonly used for football, volleyball, handball and the like, and advantageously allow the pressure of the ball to be adjusted as desired or as required by sports regulations.

[0029] The sports ball can include a valve, with the valve positioned on one side of the hollow shell opposite the component holder. This arrangement reduces imbalances in the ball, as the valve acts as a counterweight to the component.

[0030] The sports ball can include a structural component and / or a foamed filling material configured to contribute to the structural integrity of the sports ball. In such an embodiment, the sports ball can be non-inflatable. The hollow shell can include at least parts of the structural component, preferably the structural component forming the hollow shell and / or extending within the hollow shell. The structural component can be manufactured, for example, by 3D printing. The foamed filling material can be arranged within the hollow shell. Such arrangements can eliminate the need to inflate the ball and the need to provide a valve.

[0031] The sports ball can incorporate a variety of component holders. These holders can be distributed across the inner surface of the hollow shell to minimize imbalance caused by the holders and / or the components they contain. For example, with three holders, they, along with a valve on the ball, can form the vertices of a tetrahedron. The components held in the holders can be electrically connected by at least one wire. This wire can be a conductor or cable. Alternatively, the wire can be formed as a coating on the inner surface of the hollow shell.

[0032] The component holder can comprise a variety of rib-shaped support elements, each with a proximal and a distal section. The distal sections contain the elastically deformable connectors, and the proximal sections contain the retaining elements. "Proximal" in this context means closer to the center of the ball, while "distal" means farther from the center, i.e., closer to the hollow shell. The rib-shaped support elements allow for a lighter component holder design, for example, by omitting side walls. Nevertheless, the elastically deformable connectors protect the component from hard impacts on the ball. 4. Brief description of the characters

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are revealed below with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures show: Fig. 1A: a representation of a first embodiment of a component holder of a sports ball according to the present invention; Fig. 1B: a cross-section of the component holder of Fig. 1A; Fig. 2A: a representation of a further embodiment of a component holder for a sports ball according to the present invention; Fig. 2B: a cross-section of the component holder of Fig. 2A; Fig. 3A: a representation of yet another embodiment of a component holder for a sports ball according to the present invention; Fig. 3B: a cross-section of the component holder of Fig. 3A; and Fig. 4: A representation of a bladder of an inflatable ball according to the present invention. 5. Detailed description of the figures

[0034] The following sections provide a detailed description of the invention, with reference to the accompanying illustrations for clarity. The descriptions are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Identical reference numerals in the figures and text denote the same components. The illustrations may not reflect the actual size or scale; their dimensions, proportions, and representations of elements may have been enhanced for better understanding and visual convenience.

[0035] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B represents a first embodiment of a component holder 1 of a sports ball according to the present invention. Fig. 1A are the component holder 1 and a component 3 which is held by the component holder 1, while the component holder is arranged on the component 3 to hold the component 3, as described in more detail here. Fig. Figure 1B shows a cross-section of the component holder 1, which is arranged on the component 3, i.e., holds the component 3. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the component holder 1 is shaped like a hat-shaped shell adapted to be arranged on the component 3.

[0036] Component 3 in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is an electronic device for measuring the acceleration and rotation of the ball and for transmitting the measured data to a receiver located nearby. The electronic device 3 comprises a printed circuit board 3a, a battery or accumulator 3b, and an inductive coil 3c. The electronic device 3 is powered by the battery or accumulator 3b. The battery or accumulator 3b can be charged by means of the inductive coil 3c when the component 3 is placed near a time-varying electromagnetic field, such as that generated by a charging coil. In other embodiments, the component could perform different functions and comprise different elements, and could also be a non-electronic component. The component 3 is also described in the Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows that it has a cuboid base shape. Likewise, the component holder 1, which is arranged on the component 3, also comprises a rectangular cuboid base shape. In general, other shapes of the component are possible in the context of the present invention, and the component holder 1 would be shaped accordingly to hold the component in place.

[0037] The sports ball (not in the Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows that, according to the invention, a ball is specially adapted for a particular type of sport. The ball can be filled with air, gas, or a mixture of different gases. It can also be pressurized or unpressurized. Examples of sports for which the ball can be used include soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, softball, American football, rugby, and handball. However, the invention is not limited to these types of sports.

[0038] The ball according to the invention comprises a hollow shell (not in the Fig. 1A and Fig. (1B shown) with an inner surface, i.e., facing the center of the ball. "Hollow" in this context does not necessarily mean that the interior of the ball is empty, since, as already mentioned, the ball may be filled with air, a gas, or a mixture of different gases. The shell may also accommodate other components, which may or may not be held in place by a component holder, as described herein. The component holder 1 projects from the inner surface of the hollow shell, i.e., it points toward or is oriented toward the center of the ball.

[0039] How best to Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the component holder 1 includes retaining means 2 for holding the component 3. Thus, in this embodiment, the component 3 is held by the upper section 2 of the component holder, which presses the component 3 downwards and against an inner surface of a hollow shell of a ball when the component holder is mounted in such a hollow shell. In other embodiments, the retaining means could be a circumferential section of the side wall of the component holder 1. In this case, the circumferential side wall forming the retaining means 2 can be adapted to fit snugly against an outer surface of the component 3 to hold the component 3 in place by means of a positive-locking connection. In other embodiments, the retaining means 2 can be based on a different mechanism, such as a latch, a cap, or a thread. Optionally, the component 3 can be glued, screwed, or otherwise secured to the retaining means 2.

[0040] The component holder 1 also includes elastically deformable connecting elements 4 for connecting the holding elements 2 to the hollow shell of the ball. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the holding means 2 are realized by a section of the side wall of the component holder 1, namely by an outwardly curved section 4 of the side wall. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B The retaining means 2 is connected to the inner surface of the hollow shell of the ball by a base section 6, which can be glued, welded, sewn, or otherwise attached to the inner surface. Other embodiments may not include such a base section 6; that is, the connecting means 4 can connect the retaining means 2 directly to the hollow shell of the ball. In other embodiments, the component holder 1 may also not be attached to the inner surface of the hollow shell. For example, the component holder 1 may be attached to an outer surface (i.e., away from the center of the ball) of the hollow shell, projecting through an opening in the hollow shell and thus protruding from its inner surface.

[0041] The connecting elements 4 are configured to expand and / or compress elastically in a radial direction of the ball, which in Fig. 1B is represented by an arrow 5. For example, in the case of a force acting on the ball, component 3 is forced closer to the center of the ball and tends to move away from the inner surface of the hollow shell, as indicated by arrow 5. At the same time, the connecting means 4, which in this exemplary embodiment are realized by the elastically deformable and outwardly curved section 4 of the side wall of the component holder 1, would move in tangential directions of the ball towards component 3, as indicated by arrows 7 in Fig. 1C is displayed. Thus, the outwardly curved side wall section 4 acts like a folding element or bellows and is configured to expand elastically in a radial direction of the ball. In this way, the connecting elements 4 are able to dampen forces acting on component 3.

[0042] It should be noted that this mechanism also functions when component 3 is accelerated outwards from the center of the ball, i.e., towards the inner surface of the hollow shell. In this case, the outwardly curved sidewall section 4 would deform further outwards, i.e., move away from component 3, compressing elastically in a radial direction away from the center of the ball. In this way, too, the connecting elements 4 are able to dampen forces acting on component 3. This mechanism could be improved by placing a damping element, such as a foam disc, between component 3 and the inner surface of the hollow shell, which would compress when component 3 was pressed against the inner surface of the hollow shell.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1A and Fig. In 1B, the side wall of the component holder 1 is flexible and elastic to provide the elastically deformable connecting elements 4. In other embodiments, the connecting elements 4 can be provided by various mechanisms, such as a spring. The component holder 1 in the exemplary embodiments is made of butyl rubber, which is elastic. Other exemplary materials include synthetic rubber (e.g., silicone rubber), natural rubber (e.g., latex), a combination of synthetic and natural rubber, and TPE materials such as TPU. Preferably, the component holder 1 is formed entirely from the same material. The component holder 1 could, for example, be manufactured by molding. The component holder 1 can generally comprise the same material as the hollow shell. Furthermore, the component holder 1 can generally be formed integrally with the hollow shell.

[0044] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the Fig. 1A and Fig. In embodiment 1B and in subsequent embodiments, where the side wall of component holder 1 comprises an outwardly curved section 4, this section may, in other embodiments, curve inward, i.e., toward component 3. Furthermore, other embodiments may comprise a combination of one or more outwardly curved sections and one or more inwardly curved sections. The outwardly curved sections and the inwardly curved sections may alternate to form a pair or pairs of bellows.

[0045] Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B represents a further embodiment of a component holder 1 for a sports ball according to the present invention. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the component holder 1 has a cuboid base shape with a circumferential base section 6. Thus, the component holder 1 is arranged on a component 3, which in this embodiment is an electronic component corresponding to the component of the embodiment of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is similar. Similar to this embodiment, the component holder 1 comprises an upper wall section 2 that acts as a retaining element 2, holding the component 3 in place. Again, in other embodiments, the retaining elements 2 may be based on a different mechanism, such as a precisely fitting circumferential side wall, a latch, a cover, or a thread. Optionally, the component 3 may be glued, screwed, or otherwise secured to the retaining elements 2.

[0046] Unlike in the embodiment of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B The elastic connecting elements 4 are realized as an outwardly curved bellows of the side wall of component 3, i.e., a much stronger curvature. Therefore, in the case of acceleration of component 3, the side wall section 4 would stretch away from the inner surface of the hollow shell and become less curved. In the case of movement of the component in the opposite direction, i.e., towards the inner surface of the hollow shell, the elastic side wall section 4 would curve outwards even more.

[0047] Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B represents a further embodiment of a component holder 1 according to the present invention, which is similar to the previous embodiment. The component holder 1 in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B comprises a first rib-shaped support element 7 and a second rib-shaped support element 8. In other embodiments, the number of rib-shaped support elements could differ, i.e., be more or less than two. The rib-shaped support elements 7 and 8 in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are implemented as reinforcing bulges on the side walls of the component holder 1. The first rib-shaped support element 3 comprises a proximal section 7a and distal sections 7b and 7c. In this context, "proximal" means closer to the center of the ball, whereas "distal" means farther from the center, i.e., closer to the hollow shell. Similarly, the second rib-shaped support element 8 comprises a proximal section 8a and distal sections 8b and 8c.

[0048] The distal sections 7b, 7c, 8b, and 8c of the rib-shaped support elements 7, 8 are arranged at the four edges of the rectangular cuboid shape of the component holder 1 and extend along it, essentially in a radial direction around the ball. The proximal sections 7a and 8a of the rib-shaped support elements 7, 8 are arranged at a proximal end or proximal surface of the component holder 1 and extend essentially in a tangential direction around the ball. The proximal sections 7a and 8a intersect at the center of the proximal surface to form a cross-like structure.

[0049] As such, the distal sections 7b, 7c, 8b, and 8c of the rib-shaped support elements 7, 8 support component 2 on the shell-facing surfaces of the component, which are oriented to face the hollow shell in a tangential direction to the ball. In this embodiment, the side walls of the component holder 1, which are arranged between the distal sections 7b, 7c, 8b, and 8c, also contribute to supporting component 2. Similarly, the proximal sections 7a and 8a of the rib-shaped support elements 7, 8 support component 2 on a surface facing the center, which is oriented to face the center of the hollow shell. In this embodiment, the side walls of the component holder 1, which are arranged between the proximal sections 7a and 8a, also contribute to supporting component 2.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, side walls are arranged between the rib-shaped support elements 7, 8. Consequently, component 2 is completely sealed against the interior of the hollow shell of the ball. In other embodiments, some or all of the side walls between the rib-shaped support elements 7, 8 could be omitted to save weight.

[0051] The component holder 1 of the embodiment of the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B also includes an elastic connecting element 4, which is designed as an outwardly curved bellows of the side wall of component 3, similar to the embodiment of Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B is realized with a similar effect as described in relation to this embodiment.

[0052] Fig. Figure 4 represents a bladder 8 of an inflatable ball according to the present invention. The ball comprises an additional outer shell (in Fig.4 (not shown) and optionally a carcass arranged between the outer shell and the bladder 8. Thus, the bladder forms a hollow shell 8 with an inner surface 9. In operation, the bladder is usually filled with air, which may be pressurized (i.e., above ambient pressure) or not pressurized (i.e., at ambient pressure). To fill the bladder 8 with air, the bladder 8 includes a valve 10 through which air (or a gas) can enter the bladder.

[0053] A component holder 1 projects inwards from the inner surface 9 of the bladder 8, i.e., towards the center of the bladder 8. The component holder 1 is positioned opposite the valve 10, thus minimizing any imbalance of the ball. The component holder 1 holds a component 3, which is similar to the components shown in the preceding figures. The component holder 1 is attached to the inner surface 9 of the bladder 8 by means of a base section as described with respect to the preceding embodiments. In other embodiments, the shell or bladder may include an opening through which the component holder can project. In this case, the component holder 1 may include a base section similar to the base section 5 shown in the figures, and the base section is attached to an outer surface of the shell or bladder. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2022 / 0296968 A1

[0006] WO 2014 / 151405 A2

[0006] EP 2281610 A1

[0006]

Claims

Sports ball comprising: a hollow shell (8) comprising an inner surface (9); and a component holder (1) projecting from the inner surface (9) of the hollow shell (8), wherein the component holder (1) comprises: retaining means (2) for holding a component (3), and elastically deformable connecting means (4) for connecting the retaining means (2) to the hollow shell (8), wherein the connecting means (4) are configured to expand and / or compress elastically in a radial direction (5) of the ball. Sports ball according to claim 1, wherein the elastically deformable connecting means (4) comprise a folding element which is at least partially folded in a rest state and is configured to at least partially unfold in a deformed state in order to elastically expand a first distance between the hollow shell (8) and the retaining means (2). Sports ball according to the preceding claim, wherein the folding element is a bellows. Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component holder (1) comprises a base section connecting the connecting means (4) to the hollow shell (8). Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component holder (1) comprises a cover element for securing the component (3) from an outside of the component holder (1). Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining means (2) are configured to hold a component (3) in a radial direction towards a center of the ball. Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining means (2) are configured to hold the component (3) in a radial direction away from the center of the ball. Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining means (2) are configured to hold the component (3) in respect of a tangential direction of the ball. Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a component (3) which is held by the component holder (1). Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (3) comprises an electronic device. Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a damping element configured to be arranged between the hollow shell (8) and a component (3) held by the component holder (1). Sports ball according to the preceding claim, wherein the damping element comprises a foam material. Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sports ball is an inflatable ball. Sports ball according to the preceding claim, comprising a valve (10), wherein the valve (10) is arranged on one side of the hollow shell (8) opposite the component holder (1). Sports ball according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component holder (1) comprises a plurality of rib-shaped support elements, each comprising a proximal section and a distal section, wherein the distal sections comprise the elastically deformable connecting means (4) and the proximal sections comprise the retaining means (2).

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