Sports ball with suspension system, and apparatus and method for determining the balance of a sports ball

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (200) for determining the balance of a sports ball (100), in particular a soccer ball, the apparatus (200) comprising: a. a weight scale (201); b. a support element (202) for supporting the sports ball (100); c. a beam (205), on which the support element (202) is arranged, the beam (205) arranged on a rotational joint (206) on one end and on the weight scale (201) on the opposing end; d. a frame (210) for receiving the ball in a predetermined manner, the frame being mountable to the support element (202).

Description

[0001] and Method for deter- mining the Balance of a Sports Ball

[0002] 1. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, football, basketball or game ball. The sports ball comprises a suspension system for suspending one or more electronic devices. The suspension system is improved such that the durability of the sports ball is increased, and failure of the electronic devices is reduced. The present invention also relates to an apparatus and a respective method for determining the balance of a sports ball.

[0004] 2. Prior art

[0005] Sports balls, such as soccer balls, footballs, basketballs or game balls for children of different construction as well as various methods for their manufacture are known from the prior art.

[0006] Such sports balls, used in sporting activities typically comprise a hollow shell, which includes a bladder. The hollow shell can be empty or can be provided with one or more electronic devices stored in a housing, a casing or the like. These electronic devices are useful to provide information regarding various parameters of the sporting activity. Exemplary information are the position of the sports ball, which could be the position at any time or various customizable specific times during the game, sporting activity, or the like. Further, the information can include parameters of the sports ball and / or the performance of individual players, athletes or the like.

[0007] Such information are particularly useful not only for the players, but particularly to individuals watching the game, sporting activity, or the like, referees, and other individuals monitoring the game for compliance with the rules, or trainers for performance and medical monitoring.

[0008] Providing for electronic devices inside the hollow shell of such sports balls so as to provide for the afore-mentioned information in an accurate and consistent manner is a challenging task. Not only is said provision generally difficult to achieve but adds to the cost of manufacturing the sports ball as well. This particularly applies to larger balls having inflatable bladders. Therefore, a need pertains for innovative solutions that overcome these challenges.

[0009] Known solutions are for instance mentioned in the following.

[0010] EP 2 281610 Bi concerns a bladder for an inflatable ball, in particular a soccer ball. The bladder comprises at least two planar reinforcing surfaces extending in the interior of the bladder and at least one electronic device arranged within the bladder and maintained in a predetermined position by the planar reinforcing surfaces.

[0011] Unpublished U.S. patent application no 17 / 856,302 relates to a sports ball, in particular a football or soccer ball. The sports ball comprises a hollow shell, and a pit suspended within the hollow shell by a plurality of cords. Each of the plurality of cords comprises a first end coupled to the hollow shell at a first location, a second end coupled to the hollow shell at a second location, and a center portion coupled to the pit.

[0012] Although the attempts in the prior art already provided for good solutions and improvements over the known prior art thus far in some aspects, there still remains room for improvement. For instance, a risk remains that the housing or pit comprising the electronic devices is damaged. As known, the housing is usually provided in the form of two hemispheres, which are joined together whilst containing the electronic device therein. Cords (also referred to as strings) are typically attached to an inner wall of the sports ball and to the hemispheres in such a manner that there are significant forces acting on both hemispheres, pulling them apart. In turn, this may lead to a potential failure.

[0013] Against this background, there is a need to further improve the mechanical integrity of the housing comprising the one or more electronic devices. In particular, the durability of the suspension system for such sports balls and thereby the durability of the sports balls in general should be improved. Moreover, the risk of potential failure of the housing should be reduced and the longevity of the sports balls should be increased. It is a general objective that the sports ball should be more cost-effective over the entire life cycle.

[0014] Moreover, in a second aspect, it is known that sports balls, such as soccer balls, footballs, basketballs or game balls for children can expand over a relatively large length due to an impact during a sporting activity. As an example, a soccer ball can expand over a length from about 4 mm to 10 mm in diameter during an impact, depending on its strength. Such an expansion or deformation in general places relatively high stresses on the cords of the suspension system of the housing comprising the electronic devices.

[0015] Usually, the cords are not provided with sufficient ability to stretch, causing rather high forces on the housing of the electronic device. While a lower stretching may be necessary in order to maintain the electronic device in the center of the sports ball, it may nevertheless contribute to mechanical failure of the housing. Such a failure could adversely affect the correct functioning of the electronic device.

[0016] Against this background, there is a need to further improve the mechanical integrity and durability of sports balls comprising such electronic devices. Particularly, the fixing of the suspension system should be improved. Further, the longevity of the sports balls should be increased. It is a general objective that the sports ball should be more cost-effective over the entire life cycle.

[0017] Moreover, in a third aspect, sports balls, such as soccer balls, footballs, basketballs or game balls for children of different construction usually need to be balanced so as to not adversely affect performing the activity with the ball.

[0018] It is known that such imbalances can usually occur in sports balls. For instance, if a housing inside the sports ball comprising an electronic device is not accurately arranged in the center of the bladder, this could lead to an imbalance of the sports ball. Moreover, manufacturing tolerances can lead to an imbalance of the sports ball. Hence, methods for measuring the balance are needed in order to determine said imbalance. This could be useful for instance to adjust the imbalance or to prevent sports balls having an imbalance that exceeds a certain threshold from being used and / or sold.

[0019] Document US 9,352,195 B2 relates to a bowling ball weighing apparatus. In particular, said bowling ball weighing apparatus comprises a weight scale and a bowling ball support assembly. The ball support assembly has a cradle which holds the bowling ball, and the assembly has weight supports. Whenever the scale is read, one of these weight supports is supported by the scale and another is supported apart from the scale. In a first orientation of the bowling ball with a first hemisphere of the ball closer to the weight support supported by the scale, a first scale reading is determined. Then in a second orientation with the first hemisphere of the ball farther from the weight support supported by the scale, a second scale reading is determined. Comparison of the two scale readings allows determination of the weight imbalance of the ball’s two hemispheres.

[0020] However, the known prior art lacks some deficiencies. For instance, sports balls comprising housings with electronic devices but also sports balls without such housings require a relatively sensitive and accurate imbalance measurement.

[0021] Against this background, there is a need to further improve the known apparatuses for determining the balance of sports balls. There is a further need to provide for a respective method that allows to determine the balance of sports balls in an improved manner. There is a general need to provide an apparatus and a method that allows to determine the balance of sport balls in a fast, cost effective, accurate, consistent and repeatable manner. Summary of the invention

[0022] The above-mentioned objects are at least partially achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims, and other suitable aspects of the present invention are described through the overall disclosure of the present application.

[0023] Sports ball with strings pushing a housing together

[0024] In a first aspect, the objects are solved by a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, the sports ball comprising: a.) a hollow shell; and b.) a housing suspended within the hollow shell by a plurality of strings, wherein the housing comprises at least a first part and a second part coupled together; c.) wherein each of the plurality of strings is attached to the shell and to the first part and / or the second part; d.) wherein the strings are attached to the shell and the housing such that the first part and the second part are pushed together.

[0025] In this manner, the sports ball provides for an increased durability of the housing and / or of the coupling of the first part and the second part of the housing. As the forces on the housing are typically rather large, pushing the first part and the second part together whilst suspending the housing within the hollow shell has the advantage that the housing is less likely damaged and / or pulled apart. In this manner, any electronic devices within the housing are kept safe and can function as intended for a prolonged time. Possible mechanical failure of the housing as known from the prior art is less likely to occur. As known from the prior art, the housing is typically connected with strings such that forces are pulling parts of the housing apart from one another. This is detrimental for instance from a mechanical perspective. The inventors found a way to circumvent this issue by way of the proposed sports ball described herein.

[0026] The hollow shell may provide sufficient space such that the housing can be disposed within the hollow shell. In some cases, the hollow shell may provide for some structural integrity of the sports ball.

[0027] The housing may be configured to house any kind of object. The housing may be configured to house one or more electronic devices, such as a batteiy and / or a wireless transmitter, a sensor, or the like. The housing may provide some rigidity so as to protect the electronic devices from any kind of external impacts, such as dirt, dust, water, vapor, vibrations or the like.

[0028] The housing being “suspended” may mean that the housing maybe arranged somewhere within the hollow shell and that the housing may be supported by way of the plurality of strings. In one example, the housing may hang substantially free on all sides of the housing except at the attachment positions of the strings on the housing.

[0029] The “first part” and / or the “second part” may constitute any parts of the housing. It is noted that the housing may comprise further parts besides the first part and the second part. For instance, there may be a third part, a fourth part, a fifth part, and so forth. In one example, the first part and the second part are two hemispheres. However, as understood, this depends on the shape of the housing.

[0030] The “plurality of strings” may encompass any number of strings. It is noted that when reference is made herein in that each of the plurality of strings is attached to the shell and to the first part and / or second part of the housing, it is encompassed that the sports ball may comprise one or more strings, which are not necessarily attached to the shell and / or to the first part and / or second part of the housing. For instance, the sports ball may comprise one or more strings that are merely arranged within the sports ball and / or within the hollow shell.

[0031] Each of the plurality of strings is “attached” to the shell and to the first part and / or the second part. The possible attachment means may include any means that allow for attachment of the respective elements. In a non-exhaustive list of possible attachment means, the following may be mentioned: adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners (such as screws, nails, bolts, etc.), welding, soldering, sewing, Velcro, riveting, clamping, magnetic connection, interlocking mechanisms, binding with ropes or cords, fusion bonding, stapling, specialized cements and adhesives, snap fasteners.

[0032] The first part and the second part are “pushed together”. This may be understood in such a manner that a force acts from the first part onto the second part and / or from the second part onto the first part. It may not require that the first part and the second part are moving relatively to one another. As understood, said force acting from the first part onto the second part and / or from the second part onto the first part may be described by a force vector. Said vector maybe composed by individual components along different axes. At least one component of said vector may be directed from the first part to the second part and / or from the second part to the first part in order to provide the beneficial effects described herein. It may not be ruled out that the remaining components of the vector comprise values greater than zero. In other words, the (overall) vector may not be solely oriented from a center point of the first part to a center point of the second part and / or from a center point of the second part to a center point of the first part.

[0033] The sports ball as described herein may be useful in any kind of sporting activity, in particular in any one of the following non-exhaustive list of examples: soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, baseball, softball, American football, rugby, cricket, golf, handball, field hockey, table tennis, badminton, squash, lacrosse, bocce ball, bowling, netball, Australian Rules football, Gaelic football, beach volleyball, water polo, paddle tennis, and sepak takraw.

[0034] In one example of the sports ball, the housing may be suspended substantially in a center of the hollow shell.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of strings is attached to either the first part or the second part and, optionally, each of the plurality of strings comprises: a first end coupled to the hollow shell at a first location, a second end coupled to the hollow shell at a second location, and a center portion coupled to the housing, wherein a first length between the center portion and the first end and / or a second length between the center portion and the second end is larger than a shortest distance between the hollow shell and the housing. The term coupling or coupled maybe understood similarly as attaching or attached and may comprise any means possible so as to provide a connection such that the respective parts do not encounter any relative movement with respect to one another. For instance, the first end and / or the second end may not move relative to the hollow shell and / or the center portion may not move relative to the housing.

[0036] The first length and / or the second length being larger than a shortest distance between the hollow shell and the housing enhances the advantageous effect that the first part and the second part are pushed together. The shortest distance between the hollow shell and the housing may be determined by a substantially straight line intersecting the hollow shell and the housing.

[0037] The “center portion” may be understood such that this portion is substantially in a central position with reference to the first end and the second end. However, the center portion shall not be construed as indicating only such an arrangement in a strict literal sense, but also includes a state where the arrangement is relatively displaced by a tolerance, or a distance whereby it is possible to achieve the same function.

[0038] The first end and / or the second end may encompass a region in proximity to the physical ends of the string. Thereby, it may be possible that a first end region and / or a second end region are coupled to the hollow shell as understood by the skilled person. In other words, said coupling comprises a larger region of the respective ends than just the physical ending edge of the string.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the first length and / or the second length is larger than the shortest distance between the hollow shell and the housing by a factor of at least i.oi, preferably of at least 1.02, more preferably of at least 1.03, more preferably of at least 1.04, more preferably of at least 1.05, more preferably of at least 1.06, more preferably of at least 1.07, more preferably of at least 1.08, more preferably of at least 1.09, more preferably of at least 1.1; and / or the first length and / or the second length is larger than the shortest distance between the hollow shell by a factor of at most 1.3, preferably at most 1.29, more preferably at most 1.28, more preferably at most 1.27, more preferably at most 1.26, more preferably at most 1.25, more preferably at most 1.24, more preferably at most 1.23, more preferably at most 1.22, more preferably at most 1.21, more preferably at most 1.2. Greater lengths of the strings may facilitate that the contact portions on the first part and the second part provide for an improved mechanical integrity and stability of the housing. In addition, a greater length may provide for a greater elasticity. On the other hand, smaller lengths reduce the amount of material used. Thus an optimal balance should be struck of the first length and / or the second length as proposed herein.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the first location and the second location are spaced apart by at least io%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 60% of a shortest distance between the hollow shell and the housing.

[0041] This has the advantage that the force distribution can be adjusted in a more flexible manner. For example, spacing apart the first location and the second location may entail that the force vectors are oriented in a different direction. This allows to provide an optimized force acting on the first part and the second part of the housing.

[0042] It is generally understood that the spacing may depend on the number of strings of the plurality of strings that are used, on the type of sports ball, and / or on the volume of the sports ball that is employed. The number of strings may likewise depend on the type of sports ball and / or on the volume of the sports ball that is employed.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the first part and the second part are coupled along a plane, wherein each of the plurality of strings crosses the plane.

[0044] The plane may be understood as an imaginary plane that projects through a portion that separates the first part and the second part. The plane may extend to infinity. The coupling along a plane may encompass manufacturing tolerances, such that the plane is not intersecting the coupling portions of the first part and the second part in a purely physical sense. For instance, the coupling portions may be composed of several surfaces, edges, corners or the like, which may not be perfectly arranged on a plane. In this illustrative example, the plane may intersect an average of the coupling portions.

[0045] Crossing of this plane by each of the plurality of strings has the advantage that the first part and the second part are pushed together. In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, each center portion coupled to the housing is spaced apart from the plane by at least 5%, preferably at least io%, preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 35%, preferably at least 40% of a largest dimension of the housing, preferably, wherein each center portion coupled to the housing is spaced apart from the plane in a direction substantially opposite to the first and / or second location.

[0046] This has the advantage that the point of the force vector arranged on the first part and / or the second part of the housing that substantially acts towards the second part and / or the first part, respectively, is spaced further away from the plane. In turn, this may aid in increasing the part of the force vector that is directed towards the respective other part of the housing.

[0047] The largest dimension of the housing may be for instance a diameter, in case the housing adopts the shape of a sphere. In case of a cylinder, the largest dimension may be the length of the cylinder or a diameter of an end face of the cylinder. The skilled person is able to determine the largest dimensions of the housing by employing suitable and commonly known measurement techniques.

[0048] Each center portion coupled to the housing is spaced apart from the plane in a direction substantially opposite to the first and / or second location. This is understood in such a manner that the center portion that is coupled to the first part of the housing is spaced apart from the plane by the amounts specified herein, whilst said center portion is arranged on the first part of the housing and not on the second part of the housing. Likewise, the center portion that is coupled to the second part of the housing is spaced apart from the plane by the amounts specified herein, whilst said center portion is arranged on the second part of the housing and not on the first part of the housing.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of strings is attached to the first part and the second part, wherein each of the plurality of strings preferably comprises two center portions coupled to the housing.

[0050] The attachment to the first part and the second part of the housing may be performed by any kind of attachment means described elsewhere herein. In particular, the plurality of strings maybe wound, wrapped, looped, intertwined or the like about the first part and the second part. For this purpose, there may be dedicated coupling portions provided on the housing. In part, these coupling portions may be similar to the grooves described elsewhere herein. Alternatively or additionally, these coupling portions may comprise hook means, locking means, or the like for winding up the strings. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling portions may comprise any one of loop attachment means, adhesive attachment means, eye screw attachment means, threaded insert attachment means, clamping attachment means, or the like.

[0051] The two center portions may each be similar to the center portion described elsewhere herein and / or may be implemented in substantially the same manner.

[0052] In general, this embodiment may comprise any features of the sports ball described elsewhere herein as long as it is technically possible.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the housing comprises a plurality of grooves, preferably hook-shaped grooves, for coupling with one or more center portions of each string, wherein the center portion of each string is preferably looped through a respective groove.

[0054] This facilitates coupling of the one or more center portions of each string with the housing. The plurality of the grooves may be distributed equally, and / or following a predefined pattern on the housing. The hook-shaped grooves have the advantage that the string can be easily received therein and that no specific further means for coupling are required.

[0055] Looping through a respective groove maybe understood in such a manner that the string is at least partially received within the groove. It may also encompass configurations in which the string is repeatedly received within the groove, e.g., it could be would around the groove in order to improve coupling.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of grooves comprises outer receiving portions for receiving a center portion of a string and a holding portion for holding the received center portion of the string, wherein each of the outer receiving portions comprises one or more fillets and / or chamfers, wherein the fillets preferably have a radius of at least 0.2 mm, more preferably at least 0.3 mm, more preferably at least 0.4 mm, most preferably at least 0.5 mm.

[0057] A groove may refer to a relatively long, narrow, and / or shallow cut or channel. The shape of a groove may depend on its cross-sectional profile, which can vary based on its intended purpose and the manufacturing process. Exemplary shapes of grooves encompassed by the present disclosure may be one or more of the following non-exhaustive list: U-shaped, V-shaped, square, rounded, trapezoidal, customized grooves, and / or any combination thereof. V-shaped grooves have the advantage that the coupling can be particularly improved. A V-shaped groove has a cross-sectional shape resembling the letter V. Such a groove may have two inclined sides that meet at a point at the bottom of the groove.

[0058] A fillet may be understood as a rounding of an interior or exterior corner of a part and / or element or the like. A chamfer may be understood as an interior or exterior corner having an angle or type of bevel or the like. A fillet and / or a chamfer facilitates receiving of the string.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the outer receiving portions are spaced apart by the holding portion by at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.4 mm, preferably at most 0.3 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm.

[0060] Such a spacing of the outer receiving portions of the groove facilitates that the orientation in which the plurality of strings are received can be easily adjusted. For instance, an inclination angle between the one of the strings and a respective one of the grooves maybe adjusted by this embodiment. In one example, the strings may be substantially straight when being received. In one example, the strings may be provided in the form of a tangent with respect to the groove.

[0061] Reducing the spacing of the outer receiving portions has the advantage that the portions of the strings leaving the groove can be arranged closer together. As understood, this may at least partially influence the force acting from the first part to the second part and / or from the second part to the first part.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the housing is a pit, preferably wherein the pit comprises an electronic device, such as a battery and / or a wireless transmitter, preferably wherein the electronic device comprises a sensor selected from the group consisting of: a pressure sensor, a global positioning system sensor, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, a hall sensor, a temperature sensor, a cellular phone module, and a combination thereof. A pit may refer to a small compartment or recess within the sport ball structure. The pit is commonly employed with an electronic device. The pit may comprise one or more electronic devices, such as electronic tracking or sensing devices. These devices are useful for tracking ball movement, player performance, or other data-related purposes.

[0063] The pit has the advantage that any kind of information may be transmitted to one or more external devices (e.g., smartphones or computers) for the purpose of analysis or the like.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the housing has the shape of a sphere, a cube, a cylinder, a cone, a pyramid, a prism, a torus, a tetrahedron, wherein the two parts have substantially the same shape, wherein the two parts preferably have the shape of hemispheres.

[0065] These shapes have the advantage that sufficient volume can be provided so as to store one or more electronic devices therein. The shapes may also facilitate that grooves can be easily provided thereon. Having substantially the same shape may encompass manufacturing tolerances as understood by the skilled person.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the two parts are coupled to each other by means of bonding, gluing, sewing, screwing, preferably by gluing on their contacting faces.

[0067] This facilitates manufacturing of the housing and in particular the coupling of the first part and the second part.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the hollow shell comprises an inflatable bladder.

[0069] An inflatable bladder can encompass the hollow shell at least partially in a manner essentially impermeable to gas. It may further allow adjusting the properties of the sports ball during use by inflating it or letting gas out of the bladder. The sports ball may comprise a valve unit through which the inflatable bladder can be filled or emptied. This allows to easily adjust a pressure inside the sports ball so as to improve the athletic activity according to its intended purpose.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the first location comprises a first pad bonded to an exterior surface of the hollow shell, and / or wherein the second location comprises a second pad bonded to the exterior surface of the hollow shell.

[0071] The first and / or second pad may aid in fixing the plurality of strings. A pad may comprise one or more layers of any kind of configuration. For instance, one or more layers of the pad may be substantially soft or substantially rigid. The pad may aid in supporting the surface of the hollow shell. It may facilitate cushioning. A pad may comprise one or more sheets of material connected to one another. Such connection may be performed by any means, such as gluing, bonding, or the like.

[0072] In some examples, one or more openings maybe formed in the hollow shell. This may facilitate that the strings can extend through the openings. In such an example, the strings may be bonded to the first pad layer and / or the second pad layer, whilst the pads are arranged at least in a periphery of each of the openings. In such embodiments, the first pad layer and / or the second pad layer may comprise a larger effective diameter in comparison to the opening to allow an inner side of the first pad layer and / or the second pad layer to bond to the hollow shell.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, each of the plurality strings comprises fibrous material on the first end and / or the second end, wherein the frayed fibers are bonded to the first pad and / or the second pad.

[0074] This has the advantage that fixing of the plurality of strings to the hollow shell is improved. Bonding may comprise gluing, such as gluing by means of an adhesive. Bonding may comprise curing the adhesive.

[0075] Generally, bonding may refer to the process by which atoms, ions, or molecules adhere to each other to form a solid material. It can involve various mechanisms such as metallic bonding, covalent bonding, ionic bonding, or intermo- lecular forces, depending on the nature of the material.

[0076] Exemplary fibrous materials may be one or more of the following non-exhaus- tive list: cotton (cotton fibers may be soft, fluffy, and widely used in textile industries for making clothing, towels, bed sheets, and many other fabric products), wool (wool may be a natural fiber obtained from the fleece of sheep or other animals. It has beneficial effects in terms of insulation, and softness, making it suitable for any kind of purposes), hemp (hemp fibers maybe used in various industries, including textiles, paper production, and construction. Hemp fibers are durable and have excellent strength properties), flax (flax fibers are derived from the flax plant and are used to produce linen. Linen may be known for its lightweight, breathable, and absorbent properties, making it suitable for clothing and home furnishings), jute (jute is a natural vegetable fiber and may be commonly used to make burlap sacks, twine, rope, and carpet backing due to its strength and affordability), sisal, bamboo, coconut coir, or the like.

[0077] The frayed fibers may have a length of greater than or equal to io millimeters, greater than or equal to 8 millimeters, or greater than or equal to 5 millimeters.

[0078] As an alternative, in some examples, the first end and / or the second may be directly bonded to the hollow shell.

[0079] In some examples, each of the first and second ends may be sandwiched between two pad layers of a pad. In some embodiments, the first and second ends maybe flattened onto a pad layer such that each of the first and second ends spans all or a portion of the entire effective diameter of the pad layer. In some embodiments, the first and second ends may be frayed to form a flattened portion for attaching to the pad. In such embodiments, the frayed ends may increase the effective diameter of the strings to increase the surface area for fixing strings to pads.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of strings comprises one or more string elements, preferably attached to one another, or is a continuous string extending from the first end to the second end.

[0081] A continuous string eases the assembly and the provision of the sports ball.

[0082] One or more string elements maybe implemented by, for instance, two strings, wherein a first string of which is used for the connection to the hollow shell at the first location and wherein a second string of which is used for the connection to the hollow shell at the second location. This could be advantageous, as it simplifies the attachment.

[0083] In an alternative embodiment, the one or more string elements may be implemented by one or more, preferably one closed loop. The closed loop may be able to adopt a circular shape. The one closed loop may be stretched at least partially so as to adopt the shape of a triangle having corners in proximity of the first location of the hollow shell, the housing, and the second location of the hollow shell.

[0084] In a further embodiment, the one or more string elements may be implemented by two closed loops. Each of the two closed loops may be able to adopt a circular shape. One of which may be employed for the first location of the hollow shell and the second location of the hollow shell, respectively.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the housing comprises a mass of at most too grams, preferably at most 8o grams, preferably at most 70 grams, preferably at most 60 grams, preferably at most 50 grams, preferably at most 45 grams, preferably at most 40 grams, preferably at most 35 grams, preferably at most 30 grams.

[0086] Sports ball with reduced force on housing

[0087] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, the objects are solved by a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, the sports ball is comprising: a.) a hollow shell; and b.) a housing suspended within the hollow shell by a plurality of strings, c.) wherein each of the plurality of strings comprises a functional element configured to reduce a force acting on the housing during ordinary use.

[0088] In this manner, the sports ball provides the advantage that the durability and longevity is improved. In particular, the suspension of the housing within the hollow shell by means of the plurality of strings is improved. The functional element has the advantage to compensate the force acting on the housing at least partially. Hence, force peaks acting on the housing can be substantially reduced and / or mitigated compared to conventional strings. In turn, the mechanical integrity and mechanical stability can be increased according to the sports ball described herein. In particular, any kind of mechanical damage including tearing of strings, wearing of strings, detachment of strings from the housing and / or detachment of strings from the hollow shell can be reduced.

[0089] “During use” may encompass any situation of the sports ball during any kind of sporting activity. The sporting activity may include any one of the following a non-exhaustive examples: soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, baseball, soft- ball, American football, rugby, cricket, golf, handball, field hockey, table tennis, badminton, squash, lacrosse, bocce ball, bowling, netball, Australian Rules football, Gaelic football, beach volleyball, water polo, paddle tennis, and sepak takraw.

[0090] The functional element may refer to any means, component, part, element that serves a specific purpose and / or performs the particular function of reducing a force acting on the housing during ordinary use. The functional element may be implemented by any means allowing for instance for elasticity and or relaxation of the plurality of strings.

[0091] The “plurality of strings” may encompass any number of strings. It is noted that when reference is made herein in that each of the plurality of strings is attached to the shell and to the first part and / or second part of the housing, it is encompassed that the sports ball may comprise one or more strings, which are not necessarily attached to the shell and / or to the first part and / or second part of the housing. For instance, the sports ball may comprise one or more strings that are merely arranged within the sports ball and / or within the hollow shell.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the functional element is configured to increase and / or decrease a length of the string depending on the force acting on the housing, preferably in a substantially reversible manner.

[0093] Increasing and / or decreasing the length of the string has the advantage that peak forces acting on the housing can be reduced. Hence, mechanical load can be reduced and / or at least mitigated.

[0094] The reversible manner means that such an increase and / or decrease of a length can be reversed and / or undone at least partially. For instance, the string may return to its length before any force was acting on it. In turn, it means that no permanent or irreversible increasing and / or decreasing of the length is performed. In some examples, the reversible manner means that the increase and / or decrease can be reversed back to its initial state completely. However, it is understood that in some cases, a complete reversal into its initial state may not be performed. This may be the case, because minor plastic deformations may pertain after an increase and / or decrease, which may not be reversable.

[0095] The amount of the increase and / or decrease of the length of the string may depend on the situation in which the sports ball is currently used, e.g., a situation in a specific sporting activity. In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the functional element comprises elastomeric material.

[0096] Elastomeric materials are well accepted in the present industry and relatively easy to procure. In addition, they facilitate manufacturing of the string. They offer unique properties and applications.

[0097] Exemplary elastomeric materials that can be employed may include one or more of the following non-exhaustive list: natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyurethane (PU), silicone rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), butyl rubber (HR), fluoroelastomers (Viton), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the functional element comprises a damping element having one or more openings, wherein the string is looped one or more times through one or more of the one or more openings.

[0099] This further contributes to reducing the forces acting on the housing and to alleviate the mechanical loads.

[0100] The damping element may be understood as an integral element, which could be implemented as a part of the string, or as a piece separate from the string. The damping element maybe implemented as a component or mechanism configured to dissipate or reduce energy, such as energy resulting from vibrations, oscillations, and / or mechanical disturbances within the sports ball. Thereby, it allows to absorb or dampen an excessive motion or vibration of the string, thereby reducing the magnitude or impact of these vibrations, oscillations, and / or mechanical disturbances.

[0101] Looping the string one or more times through one or more of the openings has the advantage that damping can be improved. In addition, by adjusting the number of loops provided by the string, the damping effect of the functional element can be adjusted quite easily.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the damping element is a separate piece from each of the plurality of strings and has the outer shape of a circle, such as a ring, a triangle, a rectangle or any combinations thereof. Providing for a damping element as a separate piece has the advantage that each part can be manufactured on its own, which may reduce manufacturing time in general. In addition, replacement of one part thereof is supported rather than replacing one overall and integral part. Hence, costs may be reduced.

[0103] The separate piece can be easily manufactured so as to provide a desired extent of damping. In one example, each string may comprise multiple of these functional elements, implemented by means of separate elements. This increases flexibility in adjusting the damping effect.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the string contacts the damping element on at least two, preferably at least three points.

[0105] The term “contact” means that the string touches the damping element at least partially, e.g., at a contact portion. Such contacting facilitates the connection of the string to the damping element.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the functional element comprises a further damping element being integrally formed with the string.

[0107] The functional element is not limited to merely one damping element, but any number of damping elements may be provided. The further damping element being integrally formed with the string has the advantage that the combined effect of two damping elements can provide for the intended function.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the further damping element comprises one or more loops formed by the string.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the further damping element has the shape of a coil.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the sports ball is a sports ball according to any aspect described elsewhere herein.

[0111] It is understood that that the sports ball according to this second aspect may combine any one of the features associated with the sports ball described elsewhere herein, in particular in relation to the first aspect, even if this combination is not explicitly mentioned herein. Balance determination of a sports ball

[0112] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, the objects are solved by an apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, the apparatus comprising: a.) a weight scale; b.) a support element for supporting the sports ball; c.) a beam, on which the support element is arranged, the beam arranged on a rotational joint on one end and on the weight scale on the opposing end; d.) a frame for receiving the sports ball in a predetermined manner, the frame being mountable to the support element.

[0113] In this manner, the present disclosure provides an apparatus with which the balance of a sports ball can be determined accurately and in a cost effective, consistent and repeatable manner. Particularly attributable to the frame, the determination of the balance of the sports ball is enhanced, as the known solutions of such apparatuses fail to provide for receiving a sports ball in a predetermined manner.

[0114] The weight scale may be any means suitable for measuring a weight. The support element is implemented such that it can provide for a certain stability for the frame. In particular, the frame should not move substantially relative to the support element when the sports ball is received. The beam may also be referred to as a truss, a cantilever, or the like.

[0115] The frame as used herein may be any means suitable for receiving the sports ball. Preferably, the frame maybe a substantially rigid structure, which maybe composed of several elements, such as interconnected beams, columns, and / or joints that provide support, stability, and / or a load-bearing capacity.

[0116] Receiving the sports ball in a predetermined manner is understood in such a way, that the frame comprises characteristics and / or features that allow for receiving the sports ball in a predictable manner, rather than just in an arbitrary manner. Hence, receiving may be enhanced. Such characteristics and / or features may comprise any visual indicators, and / or any structural elements such that positioning of the sports ball in some positions may become more difficult while other positions can be adopted more easily.

[0117] Additionally or alternatively, the frame may be mountable to the support element in a predetermined manner. The frame may comprise means such as physical, magnetic, or digital means that indicate an orientation of the frame. Thereby an orientation of the sports ball is likewise indicated. This may be useful for instance to prevent performing a measurement in cases where the frame is off an intended position / orientation.

[0118] When reference is made herein to the determination of the balance of a sports ball, it is likewise included that by the same manner the imbalance of the sports ball can be determined, as balance and imbalance of one object go hand in hand.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball of the present disclosure, the frame comprises at least two rings substantially perpendicularly oriented to each other and defining a lattice with a substantially spherical shape, wherein the two rings intersect at two opposing intersecting locations.

[0120] This has the advantage that the sports ball can be easily received in the frame. The two rings may have a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the sports ball.

[0121] The two rings being substantially perpendicular to each other means that a plane projecting through the first ring intersects a plane projecting through the second ring in a substantially perpendicular manner. Of course, manufacturing tolerances should be included, hence, the angle described herein may deviate from an angle of 90° slightly.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball of the present disclosure, the frame further comprises a third ring substantially perpendicularly oriented to each of the at least two rings.

[0123] The third ring further contributes to improve the receiving of the sports ball. In addition, the third ring allows rotation of the frame along any one of the three spatial axes.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball of the present disclosure, the third ring intersects at two opposing intersecting locations with each of the at least two rings, thereby providing six intersecting locations, a first pair of which arranged on a first spatial axis, a second pair of which arranged on a second spatial axis, a third pair of which arranged on a third spatial axis, wherein the three spatial axes are substantially perpendicular to one another. The intersecting locations have various advantages. For instance, they provide some structural integrity to the frame. In addition, they may allow for additional mounting space to other parts, such as the support element.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball of the present disclosure, the frame comprises one or more mounting means for mounting on the support element, wherein the frame preferably comprises one, two or three pairs of mounting means each pair being arranged on a first spatial axis, a second spatial axis, and / or a third spatial axis, wherein the mounting means are preferably arranged on the intersecting locations.

[0126] The mounting means facilitate a firm fixing of the frame to the support element. Mounting parts arranged on one spatial axis are understood such that they are arranged on opposite sides of the frame along said spatial axis. This enhances flexibility of the positioning of the frame with respect to the support element. In addition, for an already received sports ball within the frame, the frame may be easily rotated including the sports ball so as to measure the weight after said rotation. This aids in determining the balance of the sports ball.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment of the sports ball of the present disclosure, the mounting means comprise indicators.

[0128] The indicators facilitate that a current position of the sports ball within the frame can be easily seen. In addition, the indicators facilitate that the sports ball can be positioned according to an intended position.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball of the present disclosure, the indicators are indicative of a sign, such as a number, a valve of a ball, a guideline for attaching or the like.

[0130] The indicators have the advantage that a rotation of the frame and / or the sports ball can be easily tracked and / or determined in advance. For instance, the indicators may comprise increasing numbers, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or the like. Colored indicators further aid to recognize the state of rotation. Also a combination of numbers and colors are beneficial.

[0131] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball of the present disclosure, the mounting means comprise grooves for engaging with correspondingly shaped bumps of the support element, and / or the mounting means comprise magnetic means for engaging with corresponding magnetic means of the support element.

[0132] These types of mounting means are widely accepted in the industry and provide for a relatively easy mounting of the frame to the support element with rather low effort. It is beneficial that the grooves with correspondingly shaped bumps and / or the magnetic mounting means can be easily released and fixed so as to support a rather quick rotation of the frame. This reduces the time required for performing the balance measurement.

[0133] A groove may refer to a relatively long, narrow, and / or shallow cut or channel. The shape of a groove may depend on its cross-sectional profile, which can vaiy based on its intended purpose and the manufacturing process. Exemplary shapes of grooves encompassed by the present disclosure may be one or more of the following non-exhaustive list: U-shaped, V-shaped, square, rounded, trapezoidal, customized grooves, and / or any combination thereof.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball of the present disclosure, the frame is separable in two substantially similar parts, preferably wherein the frame is separable along a plane defined by any one of the three rings.

[0135] This has the advantage that the frame can be easily opened and / or closed such that receiving of the sports ball is simplified.

[0136] In accordance with the third aspect of the present disclosure, the objects are solved by a method for determining the balance of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, the method comprising: a. placing the sports ball in a first orientation on an apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball; b. obtaining a first measurement value based on the first orientation; c. placing the sports ball in a second orientation on the apparatus; d. obtaining a second measurement value based on the second orientation; e. determining the balance of the sports ball based on the first measurement value and the second measurement value; f. wherein placing the sports ball in the first orientation and / or the second orientation is performed in a predetermined manner. It is also to be understood that the features and advantages described with reference to the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball as described elsewhere herein are equally applicable to the method steps for determining the balance of a sports ball. The method particularly allows for an improved fixation of the sports ball within the frame. This improves manual operation precision and accuracy. In addition, the method supports automatic placing, e.g., rotating of the sports ball in any kind of orientations, particularly in six different orientations. Placing the sports ball in a desired orientation byway of placing the frame in said respective desired rotation has the advantage that the method is less dependent on the size of the sports ball.

[0137] The first orientation, the second orientation, and / or any further orientation may encompass any amount of rotation of the sports ball about any spatial axis. Hence, the respective orientations may be distinguished from one another by way of the degree to which the sports ball is rotated and the spatial axis about which the sports ball is rotated.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present disclosure, the method further comprises using the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball as described elsewhere herein.

[0139] It is noted that the method steps as described herein may include all aspects and / or embodiments described herein, even if not expressly described as method steps but rather with reference to the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball as described elsewhere herein. Hence, it goes without saying that the technical properties shown or described for the apparatus, the advantages and the improvements over the state of the art are likewise applicable to the method.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present disclosure, placing the sports ball in the first orientation and / or the second orientation is automated.

[0141] This simplifies the method and has the further advantage that the balance measurement can be performed more accurately.

[0142] Such automated placing may be understood in such a way that a minimal human intervention is required. Hence, the need for direct human involvement in executing the method can be significantly reduced. Automation is commonly employed in various industries, such as manufacturing, logistics, finance, healthcare, and information technology, to improve efficiency, productivity, accuracy, and scalability of processes. However, such automation has not been performed to methods for determining the balance of a sports ball. The inventors thus paved a way to a more efficient measurement method.

[0143] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present disclosure, determining the balance of the sports ball comprises determining a hypothetical mass of imbalance positioned at an outer surface of the sports ball.

[0144] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present disclosure, the second orientation corresponds to a rotation of the sports ball of substantially i8o° about a first spatial axis, wherein method steps a.) to e.) are repeated for a second spatial axis and a third spatial axis, each substantially perpendicularly to the first spatial axis and to one another, to determine the balance of the sports ball in three spatial axis.

[0145] This further aids in determining the balance of the sports ball. In particular, this improves said determination by taking into account the further spatial axes.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present disclosure, the method further comprises the step of comparing the balance of the sports ball with a predetermined upper threshold value.

[0147] This facilitates quality control of the sports ball. It may be the case that a sports ball can be modified after identifying that the balance is greater or equal than an upper threshold value. In this manner, the imbalance may be reduced for quality purposes.

[0148] Alternative balance determination of a sports ball

[0149] In an alternative third aspect, i.e. an alternative to the third aspect described above, of the present disclosure, the objects are solved by an apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, the apparatus comprising: a.) a weight scale; b.) a support element for supporting the sports ball and / or for receiving the sports ball; c.) a beam, on which the support element is arranged, the beam arranged on a rotational joint on one end and on the weight scale on the opposing end; d.) movement means for moving the sports ball in a predetermined and preferably automatic manner.

[0150] The movement means may be configured such that the sports ball can perform any kind of translational and / or rotational movements.

[0151] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the alternative third aspect, the movement means is a rotating means for rotating the sports ball in a predetermined and preferably automatic manner. In one example, the rotating means is not configured such that the sports ball performs translational movements.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the alternative third aspect, the support element comprises receiving means suitable for receiving the sports ball. This facilitates that the sports ball can be easily received byway of the support element. In one example, the support element may define at least partially a recess such that the sports ball may be received therein by way of gravity. The receiving means of the support element may be configured to allow a relative rotation of the sports ball to the support element and / or the beam.

[0153] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the alternative third aspect, the movement means, preferably the rotating means, is arranged separately from the support element and / or the receiving means on the apparatus. Thereby, the movement means may define pieces separate from the support element and / or the receiving means. This may have the advantage that the functionalities of moving the sports ball and receiving the sports ball can be provided by separate pieces. This may provide improved interchangeability and accessibility. In addition, in case one piece may be broken or the like during its lifetime, merely the broken piece needs to be replaced.

[0154] Alternatively, the support element comprises the movement means, preferably the rotating means. This may have the advantage that the support element and the movement means can be integrally formed so as to reduce the number of parts.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the alternative third aspect, the movement means, preferably the rotating means, comprises at least one rotating element, wherein the at least one rotating element is configured to contact the sports ball at least partially, when the sports ball is received in the support element. Preferably, the at least one rotating element is configured to transmit a movement, preferably a rotation, to the sports ball, when the sports ball is received in the support element. The at least one rotating element may be configured to transmit a rotation to the sports ball about one or more, in particular two, different spatial axes of the sports ball, the one or more different spatial axes preferably being substantially perpendicularly to one another. The at least one rotating element maybe configured to rotate the sports ball by a predetermined angular segment about the one or more different spatial axes.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the alternative third aspect, the at least one rotating element is at least one, preferably two, roll(s). In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the alternative third aspect, the at least one rotating element has the shape of a cylinder. Alternatively, the rotating element has the shape of a sphere. Alternatively, the rotating element is a rolling ball.

[0157] The at least one rotating element may be driven by one or more drive units, in particular one or more electric drive units. In this manner, the at least one rotating element is configured to rotate the sports ball about at least one, preferably two spatial axes.

[0158] Similar advantages as mentioned in the context of the third aspect of the present disclosure apply to the alternative third aspect of the present disclosure. Further, as understood by the skilled person, features mentioned in the context of the third aspect of the present disclosure also apply to the alternative third aspect of the present disclosure, as long as this is technically meaningful.

[0159] In particular, the alternative third aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus with which the balance of a sports ball can be determined accurately and, in a cost effective, consistent, and repeatable manner. Particularly attributable to the movement means, in particular the rotating element(s), the determination of the balance of the sports ball is enhanced, as the known solutions of such apparatuses fail to provide for rotating and thereby positioning a sports ball in a predetermined manner.

[0160] The apparatus according to the alternative third aspect of the present disclosure may also serve to provide a respective method according to an alternative third aspect. The method according to the alternative third aspect may comprise similar method steps and, hence, advantages as the method according to the third aspect. The steps of placing of the method according to the alternative third aspect may comprise rotating the rotating element(s) so as to transmit the rotation to the sports ball such that the sports ball is rotated into a first orientation and / or into second orientation.

[0161] The second orientation corresponds to a rotation of the sports ball of substantially i8o° about a first spatial axis. Method steps a.) to e.) as mentioned in the context of the method according to the third aspect are repeated for a second spatial axis and a third spatial axis, each substantially perpendicularly to the first spatial axis and to one another, to determine the balance of the sports ball in three spatial axis.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the alternative third aspect of the present disclosure, the support element and / or the rotating ele- ment(s) comprises indicators. The indicators facilitate that the sports ball can be positioned according to an intended position.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the alternative third aspect of the present disclosure, the indicators are indicative of a sign, such as a number, a valve of a ball, a guideline for attaching or the like.

[0164] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the alternative third aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus may comprise an inspection system, preferably comprising a camera. The first and / or second orientation of the sports ball may be compared to a predetermined first and / or second orientation, respectively. The first and / or second orientation of the sports ball may be adjusted in case a deviation exceeding a predetermined threshold is determined based on the comparison. The adjustment may be performed automatically, in particular by way of an electronic processing device. Brief description of the figures

[0165] In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures:

[0166] Fig. 1: shows a schematic view of an exemplary sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, in a cross-section according to an embodiment of the present disclo- sure. Fig. 2: shows an exemplary interior of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, in a perspective view according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0167] Fig. 3: shows a detailed view of the exemplary interior of a sports ball of Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] Fig. 4: shows a detailed view of the exemplary interior of a sports ball of Fig. 2, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0169] Fig. 5: shows two schematic views of an exemplary string of a suspension system of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, with a functional element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] Fig. 6: shows a schematic view of an exemplary string of a suspension system of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, with a functional element according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] Fig. 7: shows two schematic views of an exemplary string of a suspension system of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, with a functional element according to yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure in two different states.

[0172] Fig. 8: shows a schematic view of an exemplary string of a suspension system of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, with a functional element according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Fig. 9: shows an exemplary view of an apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0174] Fig. 10: shows a detailed view of the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball of Fig. 9.

[0175] Fig. 11: shows the apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball of Fig. 9 in six different orientations.

[0176] Fig. 12: shows a schematic diagram of a method for determining the balance of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13: shows an exemplary view of an apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, according to an alternative embodiment.

[0177] Fig. 14: shows an exemplary view of an apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, according to a further alternative embodiment. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

[0178] In the following only some possible embodiments of the invention are described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and a multitude of other embodiments are applicable without departing from the scope of the invention. The presented embodiments can be modified in a number of ways and combined with each other whenever compatible and certain features may be omitted in so far as they appear dispensable. In particular, the disclosed embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment.

[0179] It is to be understood that not all features of the described aspects / embodiments have to be present for realizing the technical advantages provided by the present disclosure, which is defined by the subject-matter of the claims. The disclosed aspects / embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one aspect / embodiment with one or more features of another aspect / embodiment. Specifically, the skilled person will understand that features, and / or functional elements of one aspect / embodiment can be combined with technically compatible features, and / or functional elements of any other aspect / embodiment of the present disclosure given that the resulting combination falls within the definition of the present disclosure. In this regard it is noted that references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, or the like, indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, functional element, structure, and / or characteristic, but it is not necessarily required that every embodiment needs to have the particular feature, functional element, structure, and / or characteristic.

[0180] While the embodiments below are described primarily with reference to a sports ball and / or an apparatus and method for determining the balance of a sports ball, the skilled person will recognize that the disclosure according to the invention can equally be applied in a plurality of different technical fields and / or use cases.

[0181] Throughout the present figures and specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain aspects of components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail where such detail would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein and / or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

[0182] The terms “one end”, “the other end”, “outer side”, “upper”, “under”, “below”, “central”, “end” “part”, “length”, “outer end” etc., which indicate the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings.

[0183] Sports ball with strings pushing a housing together

[0184] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary sports ball too, in particular a soccer ball, in a cross-section according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary interior of a sports ball too, in particular a soccer ball, in a perspective view according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the exemplary interior of a sports ball too of Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the exemplary interior of a sports ball too of Fig. 2, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0185] The sports ball too may be for use in any kind of athletic activity. For instance, the sports ball too may be used in soccer, basketball, volleyball, rugby, football, tennis, or the like.

[0186] The sports ball too is comprising: a hollow shell 130 and a housing 50 suspended within the hollow shell 130 by a plurality of strings 110 (110a, 110b, 110c), wherein the housing 50 comprises at least a first part 51, 52 and a second part 52, 51 coupled together. Each of the plurality of strings 110 is attached to the hollow shell 130 and to the first part 51 and / or the second part 52. Each of the plurality of strings 110 is attached to the hollow shell 130 and the housing 50 such that the first part 51 and the second part 52 are pushed together. Pushing together means that a force acts from one portion of the first part 51 to one portion of the second part 52. In Fig. 1, merely one string noa is indicated for brevity. However, as seen in Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4, the sports ball 100 may comprise a plurality of strings 110.

[0187] As seen in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, each of the plurality of strings 110 is attached to either the first part 51 or the second part 52. Further, each of the plurality of strings 110 comprises: a first end 111 coupled to the hollow shell 130 at a first location, a second end 113 coupled to the hollow shell 130 at a second location, and a center portion 112 coupled to the housing 50, wherein a first length Li (as indicated in Fig. 1) between the center portion 112 and the first end 111 and / or a second length L2 (as indicated in Fig. 1) between the center portion 112 and the second end 113 is larger than a shortest distance Wi (as indicated in Fig. 1) between the hollow shell 130 and the housing 50.

[0188] The first length Li and / or the second length L2 can be larger than the shortest distance Wi between the hollow shell 130 and the housing 50 by a factor of at least 1.01 and / or at most 1.3 as described elsewhere herein.

[0189] As best seen in Fig. 1, the first location (which may be in proximity to reference sign 111) and the second location (which may be in proximity to reference sign 113) are spaced apart by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 60% of a shortest distance Wi between the hollow shell 130 and the housing 50.

[0190] In one illustrating example, the first location (111) and the second location (113) may be spaced apart in terms of absolute numbers by at least 5 cm, preferably at least 6 cm, preferably at least 7 cm, preferably at least 8 cm, preferably at least 9 cm, preferably at least 10 cm. Additionally or alternatively, the first location (111) and the second location (113) may be spaced apart by at most 20 cm, preferably at most 18 cm, preferably at most 16 cm, preferably at most 14 cm, preferably at most 12 cm, preferably at most 10 cm. Of course, this depends on the type of sports ball 100.

[0191] As seen in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, the first part 51 and the second part 52 are coupled along a plane 54, wherein each of the plurality of strings 110 crosses the plane 54. Each center portion 112 coupled to the housing 50 may be spaced apart from the plane 54 by at least 5%, most preferably at least 40% of a largest dimension W3 of the housing 51. As can be gathered from Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, each center portion 112 coupled to the housing 50 is spaced apart from the plane 54 in a direction substantially opposite to the first (111) and / or second location (113). The parts 51, 52 may be coupled to each other by means of bonding, gluing, sewing, screwing, preferably by gluing on their contacting faces.

[0192] In Fig. 4, an embodiment of a sports ball 100 is shown according to which each of the plurality of strings 110 is attached to the first part 51 and the second part 52 of the housing 50. Moreover, each of the plurality of strings 110 comprises two or more center portions 112 coupled to the housing 50. For instance, a first one of the two center portions 112 of string 100b is coupled to the part 51 of the housing 50 at a respective holding portion 53b and a second one of the two center portions 112 of string 100b is coupled to part 52 of the housing 50 at a respective holding portion 53b’.

[0193] As particularly derivable from Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, the housing 50 comprises a plurality of grooves 53, preferably hook-shaped grooves, for coupling with one or more center portions 112 of each string 110. The center portion 112 of each string 110 is preferably looped through a respective groove 53. Each of the plurality of grooves 110 may comprise outer receiving portions 53a (best seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) for receiving a center portion 112 of a string 110 (see string 110b in Fig. 2 and string 110a in Fig. 3) and a holding portion 53b for holding the received center portion 112 of the string 110 (see string 110b in Fig. 2 and string 110a in Fig. 3). Each of the outer receiving portions 53a comprises one or more fillets and / or chamfers with a respective radius as described elsewhere herein. As best seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the outer receiving portions 53a are spaced apart by the holding portion 53b by a maximum distance. Exemplary numbers thereof are at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.4 mm, preferably at most 0.3 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm.

[0194] The housing 50 may be a pit, and the housing 50 may comprise one or more electronic devices, such as a batteiy and / or a wireless transmitter, a sensor, such as a pressure sensor, a global positioning system sensor, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, a hall sensor, a temperature sensor, a cellular phone module, and combinations thereof.

[0195] As can be seen, the housing 50 has the shape of a sphere in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and the shape of a cylinder in Fig. 4. However, any kind of shapes are encompassed as described elsewhere herein.

[0196] In Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4, a suspension system 105 is indicated, which may be comprised by the sports ball too. The suspension system 105 may serve the purpose to suspend the housing 50 within the hollow shell 130. The suspension system 105 may comprise for instance the plurality of strings 110.

[0197] The first location (in proximity to reference sign 111) may comprise a first pad bonded to an exterior surface 132 of the hollow shell 130. Further, the second location (in proximity to reference sign 113) may comprise a second pad bonded to the exterior surface 132 of the hollow shell 130. The pad or the pads may comprise multiple layers. For instance, the pad or the pads may comprise a patch and / or a plate. In such an example, the patch may form a first pad layer and the plate may form a second pad layer. Each of the plurality strings 110 can comprise fibrous material on the first end 111 and / or the second end 113. Further, frayed fibers can be bonded to the first pad (in proximity to reference sign 111) and / or the second pad (in proximity to reference sign 113).

[0198] In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball 100 described herein, each of the plurality of strings 110 may comprise one or more string elements, preferably attached to one another. Also, each of the plurality of strings 110 may be a continuous string extending from the first end 111 to the second end 113.

[0199] In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball 100 described herein, the housing 50 has a mass of at most 100 grams, preferably at most 80 grams, preferably at most 70 grams, preferably at most 60 grams, preferably at most 50 grams, preferably at most 45 grams, preferably at most 40 grams, preferably at most 35 grams, preferably at most 30 grams.

[0200] In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball 100 described herein, said sports ball 100 may comprise an outer layer 120. The hollow shell 130 may be arranged substantially within outer layer 120. In the case the sports ball too is a soccer ball, the outer layer 120 may be provided with a plurality of panels, such as pentagons or hexagons. Said plurality of panels may be adhered, sewn, or welded together. The outer layer 120 maybe alternatively or additionally provided with a textured surface. A texture may advantageously influence the feel, handling and aerodynamics of the sports ball too. For example, a surface that is too smooth may not only result in poor handling of the sports ball too, but also lead to a sports ball too that wobbles quite considerably during flight. In embodiments where the outer layer 120 (i.e., facing the environment) of the sports ball too is directly textured, a plastic coating or a plastic foil material may not be needed. Nevertheless, said plastic coating or said plastic foil material can be advantageously added, for example, to stabilize the texture, improve the appearance and / or to protect it against abrasion and other external influences.

[0201] In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball too described herein, a carcass may be arranged between the outer layer 120 and the hollow shell 130. The carcass may serve to reinforce and / or support the hollow shell 130. The carcass may have the advantage of reducing and / or preventing that the hollow shell 130 is damaged from external impacts, such as shocks or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the carcass may improve the shape stability of sports ball too. In some embodiments, the carcass may comprise a band or the like, which could be wound around the bladder. Further, the carcass maybe adhered to hollow shell 130.

[0202] In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball too described herein, the hollow shell 130 may comprise an exterior surface 132 and / or an interior 134. Said exterior surface 132 may comprise a coating, such as a transparent film, which has the advantage that the hollow shell 130 may be used as a sports ball too without necessitating a separate outer layer, such as outer layer 120. A plastic coating and / or a plastic foil material can be arranged on an outward facing surface of the ball. The exterior surface 132 may alternatively or additionally comprise a plastic coating or a plastic foil material (this may be for instance provided in partial regions of the exterior surface 132). This may increase the durability, abrasion resistance and / or tear-strength of the sports ball too and in particular of the exterior surface 132. Also, a plastic coating or a plastic foil material can serve to influence the appearance of the sports ball too in case no outer layer 120 is provided (otherwise, such plastic coating or plastic foil material may be provided on the outer layer 120). A plurality of properties maybe influenced byway of such a plastic coating or a plastic foil material. For instance, handling of the sports ball too, for example the grip of the sports ball too or its water-repellant properties, and / or its aerodynamic properties may thus be influenced and adjusted according to the desired needs. The interior 134 may be a hollow portion, or void, substantially provided in the hollow shell 130.

[0203] Although the hollow shell 130 is depicted in Fig. 1 as having a certain thickness, it is understood that in some embodiments, the thickness can be substantially zero. Particularly, the hollow shell 130 maybe rather thin. In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball too described herein, the hollow shell 130 may comprise a bladder. In particular embodiments, the bladder may be an inflatable bladder. An inflatable bladder can encompass a cavity of the hollow shell 130. In one example, the bladder may encompass the hollow shell 130 to about at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99% or substantially about 100%. The bladder may be essentially impermeable to gas. It may further allow adjusting the properties of the sports ball too during use by inflating the sports ball too and / or letting gas out of the bladder. This may serve the purpose to adjust a pressure inside the sports ball too, which could be useful to adapt the sports ball too to conditions of an outer environment and / or the needs of athletes using the ball too. In particular, filling the inflatable bladder with gas at above ambient pressure can serve to change and control the elastic- and rebound properties of the sports ball too. It could additionally be useful to deflate the sports ball too during transport. The sports ball too may comprise a valve unit through which the cavity within the inflatable bladder can be filled or emptied. The inflatable bladder maybe filled with gas or gases like air or nitrogen, which facilitates keeping the resultant weight of the sports ball too rather low.

[0204] In one example, the hollow shell 130 of the sports ball too may not comprise an inflatable bladder. This maybe viable due to the various possibilities for the design of the sports ball too encompassed by the present disclosure. In such an example, the sports ball 130 maybe provided with certain supporting structures such that it still comprises elastic properties. In such an example, a sports ball too which does not have to be inflated and yet permanently exhibits the desired properties can be provided.

[0205] In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball too described herein, one or more of the plurality of strings 110 may comprise nylon and polyester. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of strings 110 may comprise rubber. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of strings 110 may comprise KEVLAR® (a para-aramid). In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of strings 110 may comprise rubber and KEVLAR® molded together.

[0206] In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball too described herein, the sports ball too may comprise polyurethane and / or polyester. For instance, the sports ball too may comprise polyurethane in an amount of at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, preferably at least 8o%, and / or of at most ioo%, preferably at most 8o%, preferably at most 6o%, preferably at most 40%, preferably at most 20%, and / or polyester in an amount of at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, preferably at least 80%, and / or of at most 100%, preferably at most 80%, preferably at most 60%, preferably at most 40%, preferably at most 20%. Preferably, the sports ball 100 comprises about 60% polyurethane and about 40% polyester. The term “about” may encompass a variation of manufacturing tolerances and / or a variation of about 2% to 5%.

[0207] In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball 100 described herein, the sports ball too may additionally or alternatively comprise particles of an expanded material. The particles may be randomly arranged. For example, different layers, sectors or regions of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU) and expanded polyetherblockamide (ePEBA) maybe used in the sports ball too to influence the physical properties of the sports ball too as desired. Moreover, the sports ball too may comprise further materials like non-ex- panded plastic materials, foamed plastics (for example, a two-component polyurethane foam with a continuous and homogeneous structure), leather, rubber, metal wires, foils, and so forth.

[0208] In any one of the aspects and / or embodiments of the sports ball too described herein, the housing 50 comprising electronic devices may be assembled separately with the plurality of strings 110. Further, additionally or alternatively, the plurality of strings 110 and the hollow shell 130 maybe assembled separately from the housing 50 comprising electronic devices. It may be possible that one or more first fixtures are used to cut a string 110a, 110b, 110c to a suitable length. First and second string lines may extend along the first fixtures and be fixed to the first fixtures to cut the string 110a, 110b, 110c. These first fixtures may be removed from the sports ball too after assembly, such as after cutting the string 110a, 110b, 110c. In some embodiments, second fixtures may be used to bond a first end 111 and a second end 113 of the string 110a, 110b, 110c to the hollow shell 130.

[0209] In an alternative example, a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, may comprise: a.) a hollow shell; and b.) a housing suspended within the hollow shell by a plurality of strings, wherein the housing comprises two parts coupled along a plane; c.) wherein each of the plurality of strings crosses the plane. The plane may be understood as an imaginary plane that projects through coupling portions to infinity. It is understood that that this alternative example may combine any one of the features associated with the sports ball described elsewhere herein, even if this combination is not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0210] Sports ball with reduced force on housing

[0211] Fig. 5 shows two schematic views of an exemplary string noa of a suspension system 105 (as best seen in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4) of a sports ball 100, in particular a soccer ball, with a functional element 115 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of an exemplary string 110a of a suspension system 105 of a sports ball too, in particular a soccer ball, with a functional element 115 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0212] The sports ball too comprises a hollow shell 130 and a housing 50 suspended within the hollow shell 130 by a plurality of strings 110 (as best seen in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4). As shown in Fig. 5, one or more of the plurality of strings 110 (in Fig. 5 merely one string 110a is indicated) comprises a functional element 115 configured to reduce a force acting on the housing 50 during ordinary use. The functional element 115 is configured to increase and / or decrease a length of the string 110a depending on the force acting on the housing 50, preferably in a substantially reversible manner. The functional element 115 may comprise elastomeric material.

[0213] The functional element 115 may comprise a damping element 116 having one or more openings 118. Further, the string 110a maybe looped one or more times through one or more of the one or more openings 118. In Fig. 5, two openings 118 are indicated. In Fig. 6, one opening 118 is indicated.

[0214] The one or more openings 115 maybe implemented as through holes. The one or more openings 115 may have any shape. Exemplaiy shapes of the one or more openings 115 may comprise one or more of the following non-exhaustive list: circle, triangle, square, rectangle, trapezoid, parallelogram, rhombus, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, ellipse, star, crescent, heart, arrow, diamond, kite, scalene triangle, isosceles triangle, equilateral triangle, irregular polygon, regular polygon, spiral, quatrefoil, semicircle, trapezium, cross, infinity symbol, pentagram, hexagram, arrowhead, and crescent moon. The damping element 116 may be a separate piece from each of the plurality of strings no as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Further, the damping element 116 may have the outer shape of a circle, such as a ring, a triangle, a rectangle or any combinations thereof. As also seen in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the string 110a contacts the damping element 116 on at least two, preferably at least three points.

[0215] The functional element 115 can comprise a further damping element 117 as described in detail below.

[0216] Fig. 7 shows two schematic views of an exemplary string 110a of a suspension system 105 of a sports ball 100, in particular a soccer ball, with a functional element 115 according to yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure in two different states. In the upper part of Fig. 7, the string 110a is depicted having a smaller length. In the lower part of Fig. 7, the string 110a is depicted having a larger length. The embodiment of Fig. 7 may incorporate any one of the features of the embodiments of the sports ball too described elsewhere herein.

[0217] The functional element 115 comprises a further damping element 117 being integrally formed with the string 110a. An example of an integrally formed damping element 117 maybe a portion of the string 110a that is curled as depicted in Fig. 7. This may act in a manner substantially similar to a spring cable or the like. The curled portion provides for a shorter length of the string when substantially no force acts on the string 110a. The length may then increase when a force acts on the string 110a. The direction of force is indicated in Fig. 7 by way of the arrows along the longitudinal direction of the string 110a. The curled portion of the string 110a may comprise elastically deformable material. As seen in the upper part of Fig. 7, the further damping element 117 of string 110a has the shape of a zig-zag. Certainly, the further damping element 117 of string 110a may adopt the shape of a coil.

[0218] Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of an exemplary string 110a of a suspension system 105 of a sports ball too, in particular a soccer ball, with a functional element 115 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of Fig. 8 may incorporate any one of the features of the embodiments of the sports ball too described elsewhere herein.

[0219] In Fig. 8, the further damping element 117 comprises one or more loops formed by the string 110a.

[0220] Balance determination of a sports ball Fig. 9 shows an exemplary view of an apparatus 200 for determining the balance of a sports ball 100, in particular a soccer ball according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0221] Fig. 10 shows a detailed view of the apparatus 200 for determining the balance of a sports ball 100 of Fig. 9.

[0222] The apparatus 200 comprises a weight scale 201, a support element 202 for supporting the sports ball 100 (as best seen in Fig. 11); a beam 205, on which the support element 202 is arranged, the beam 205 being arranged on a rotational joint 206 on one end and on the weight scale 201 on the opposing end, a frame 210 for receiving the ball 100 (as best seen in Fig. 11) in a predetermined manner, the frame 210 being mountable to the support element 202.

[0223] The frame 210 may comprise at least two rings 211, 212 substantially perpendicularly oriented to each other and defining a lattice with a substantially spherical shape. The two rings 211, 212 intersect at two opposing intersecting locations 211a, 211b.

[0224] As seen in this figure, the frame 210 may comprise a third ring 213 substantially perpendicularly oriented to each of the at least two rings 211, 212. The third ring 213 intersects at two opposing intersecting locations 212a, 212b, 213a, 213b with each of the at least two rings 211, 212, thereby providing six intersecting locations 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b, 213a, 213b, a first pair of which arranged on a first spatial axis, a second pair of which arranged on a second spatial axis, a third pair of which arranged on a third spatial axis. The three spatial axes are substantially perpendicularly to one another.

[0225] The frame 210 may comprise one or more mounting means 211’, 212’, 213’ for mounting on the support element 202. As can be seen, the frame 210 may comprise one 211’, 211’, two 212’, 212’, or three 213’, 213’ pairs of mounting means each pair being arranged on a first spatial axis, a second spatial axis, and / or a third spatial axis. It is noted that for brevity not all mounting means are indicated. The mounting means 211’, 211’, 212’, 212’, 213’, 213’ are arranged on the intersecting locations 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b, 213a, 213b.

[0226] The mounting means 211’, 211’, 212’, 212’, 213’, 213’ may comprise indicators 211”, 211”, 212”, 212”, 213”, 213”. It is noted that for brevity not all indicators are indicated, however, as understood, the frame may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, or even more indicators 211”, 211”, 212”, 212”, 213”, 213”. Two indicators 211”, 211” (and / or 212”, 212”; and / or 213”, 213”) of the indicators maybe arranged on one spatial axis.

[0227] The indicators 211”, 211”, 212”, 212”, 213’, 213” may be indicative of a sign, such as a number, a valve of a ball, a guideline for attaching or the like.

[0228] As can be seen in particular in Fig. 10 the mounting means 211’, 211’, 212’, 212’, 213’, 213’ comprise grooves for engaging with correspondingly shaped bumps of the support element 202. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting means 211’, 211’, 212’, 212’, 213’, 213’ comprise magnetic means for engaging with corresponding magnetic means of the support element 202.

[0229] As shown in the partly exploded view in Fig. 10, the frame 210 is separable in two substantially similar parts. In particular, the frame 210 is separable along a plane defined by any one of the three rings 211, 212, 213.

[0230] Fig. 11 shows the apparatus 200 for determining the balance of a sports ball of Fig. 9 in six different orientations. These different orientations maybe adopted in particular due to rotation of the frame 210 whilst performing the method for determining the balance of the sports ball too. For brevity, most of the reference signs have been left out, however, the skilled person recognizes the elements depicted in this figure at least in view of the reference signs of Figs. 9 and 10.

[0231] The sports ball too maybe arranged within the frame 210. For this purpose, the frame 210 may be opened, as exemplarily depicted in Fig. 10. The sports ball maybe inflated, for instance to about 0.4 bar. The sports ball too and the frame 210 may have a tight fit at full pressurization. Hence, it is beneficial to no inflate the sports ball too to such a great extent in order to ease the balance measurement. The sports ball too maybe positioned such that the sports ball too is aligned with its valve to an indicator 211”, e.g., a text with position 1. The indicators 211” may also be useful to align the top part of the separated frame 210 with its bottom part in order to receive the sports ball too.

[0232] The sports ball too and / or the frame 210 may be placed on the support element 202 such that the indicator 211”, e.g., number 1 and / or color green is oriented to the top. This is shown in the top left picture in Fig. 11. A first measurement value based on this first orientation may then be obtained by means of the weight scale. The sports ball 100 and / or the frame 210 may subsequently be placed in a second orientation as shown in the top right picture in Fig. 11. In this orientation, the frame 210 was rotated about 90° such that indictor 212”, e.g., number 2 and / or color blue is oriented to the top. A second measurement value based on this second orientation may then be obtained by means of the weight scale.

[0233] This procedure of placing the sports ball 100 and obtaining a measurement value is continued for all remaining four orientations. This is shown in the second row from left to right and in the third row from left to right in Fig. 11, respectively.

[0234] Determining the balance of the sports ball based on the measurement values maybe understood as follows and / or may comprise one or more of the followings: imbalance is when the center of mass is not at the geometrical center of the sports ball. For instance, “x grams imbalance” means removing x grams from a specific location leads to a balanced ball. On one spatial axis, two measurement values may be obtained (e.g., the second one after a rotation of about 180°). A measurement value may comprise a weight indicated by the weight scale. As understood the weight indicated on the weight scale depends on a possible imbalanced mass, the gravitational acceleration (commonly known to the skilled person), as well as the distance from the location of the possible imbalanced mass to a reference point (e.g. the lever arm). From these two measurement values, the difference may be determined. From this difference, an actual position of the center of mass can be determined. From this, one could derive the change in position required of the center of mass between a balanced ball, and the imbalanced ball of the spatial axis on which the two measurement values were obtained. In one example, the difference of the measurement values may lead to an imbalance vector, comprising for instance a mass being positioned at a predefined radius spaced apart from the geometrical center of the sports ball. The predefined radius may be the radius of the sports ball. Obtaining the measurement values on the two remaining spatial axes allows to determine a 3D actual position of the center of mass. This allows to determine the mass that should be removed from a specific location of the three spatial axes at the predefined radius (e.g., the radius of the sports ball).

[0235] Placing of the sports ball may be performed manually and / or automatically. Manual placing may be performed by an operator’s hand or the like. Automatic placing maybe performed by means of a robot or the like. For instance, a 3-D robot may be performed, also termed robotic manipulator or robot arm. Said robot may be a mechanical device designed to mimic the movements of a human arm. The robot may comprise an end effector, which may be a part of a robot arm that interacts with frame 210 and / or the sports ball 100. The end effector may be implemented by means of a gripper, a suction cup, or any other specialized tool. The end effector may allow the robot arm to grasp, manipulate, or perform tasks with the frame 210 and / or the sports ball 100 in its environment, such as placing.

[0236] The above description of the apparatus 200 of Figs. 9 to 11 equally apply to the method described in the following Fig. 12. Hence, all features and advantages mentioned in the context of the apparatus 200 also apply to the method and vice versa.

[0237] Fig. 12 shows a schematic diagram of a method 1000 for determining the balance of a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0238] The method 1000 comprising placing 1010 the sports ball in a first orientation on an apparatus for determining the balance of a sports ball; obtaining 1020 a first measurement value based on the first orientation; placing 1030 the sports ball in a second orientation on the apparatus; obtaining 1040 a second measurement value based on the second orientation; determining 1050 the balance of the sports ball based on the first measurement value and the second measurement value; wherein placing 1010, 1030 the sports ball in the first orientation and / or the second orientation is performed in a predetermined manner.

[0239] The method enables precise and consistent placing of the sports ball too in the frame 210 and in particular in any one of the six orientations. It is noted that angular precision and accuracy are key for measuring the balance properly. In addition, the method allows a rather fast and repeatable measurement of the balance.

[0240] Optionally a calibration procedure may be performed. Preferably, this is performed prior to placing the sports ball in a first orientation.

[0241] For this calibration, the frame 210, which maybe separated in advance, is assembled such that the indicators thereon match one another. The measurement procedure according to method 1000 may then be performed in order to measure the balance / imbalance of the frame 210 without the sports ball too. The resulting data may be used for calibration. Alternative balance determination of a sports ball

[0242] Fig. 13 shows an exemplary view of an apparatus 300 for determining the balance of a sports ball 100, in particular a soccer ball, according to an alternative embodiment. Merely an excerpt of the apparatus 300 is depicted and most of the features and advantages with respect to the apparatus 200 described elsewhere herein apply to the apparatus 300 as well. For brevity, the following description mostly focuses on the differences of apparatus 300 and the apparatus 200 described elsewhere herein.

[0243] The apparatus 300 comprises a support element 202 for supporting the sports ball 100 and / or for receiving the sports ball too. The support element 202 defines at least partially a recess such that the sports ball too may be received therein by way of gravity. The receiving means of the support element 202 is configured to allow a relative rotation of the sports ball too to the support element 202. The apparatus 300 further comprises movement means 305, 306 for moving the sports ball too in a predetermined and preferably automatic manner. The movement means 305, 306 is in this example rotating means 305, 306 comprising at least one rotating element, in particular a first roll 305 and a second roll 306.

[0244] The first roll 305 is being driven by a drive unit 315, in particular an electric drive unit. The second roll 306 is being driven by a drive unit 316, in particular an electric drive unit. In this manner, the first roll 305 and the second roll 306 are configured to rotate the sports ball too about at least one, preferably two spatial axes. It is appreciated that rotation of the sports ball too can thus be effected automatically.

[0245] Fig. 14 shows an exemplary view of an apparatus 300 for determining the balance of a sports ball , in particular a soccer ball, according to an alternative embodiment. Merely an excerpt of the apparatus 300 is depicted and most of the features and advantages with respect to the apparatus 200 described elsewhere herein apply to the apparatus 300 as well. For brevity, the following description mostly focuses on the differences of apparatus 300 and the apparatus 200 described elsewhere herein and the apparatus 300 of Fig. 13.

[0246] The apparatus 300 comprises a support element for supporting the sports ball too (not shown in Fig. 14) and / or for receiving the sports ball too. The apparatus 300 further comprises movement means 310 for moving the sports ball too in a predetermined and preferably automatic manner. The movement means 310 is in this example rotating means 310 comprising one rotating element, in particular a rolling ball 310.

[0247] The rolling ball 310 is being driven by one or more drive units 315, 316, in particular one or more electric drive units. In this manner, the rolling ball 310 is configured to rotate the sports ball too about at least one, preferably two spatial axes.

[0248] In Fig. 14, two drive units 315, 316 are depicted each driving a cylinder 311, 312, that trigger rotation of the rolling ball 310, which transmits the rotation to the sports ball. It is appreciated that rotation of the sports ball too can thus be ef- fected automatically.

[0249] It is noted that the above embodiments and / or examples may be combined with further aspects as described herein and details of the embodiments and / or examples may also be omitted, as will be understood by the skilled person. The scope of protection is determined by the claims and is not limited by the embodiments and / or examples disclosed in the above figures.

[0250] In the following, further examples of the invention are described: A sports ball (100), in particular a soccer ball, the ball comprising: a. a hollow shell (130); and b. a housing (50) suspended within the hollow shell (130) by a plurality of strings (110), wherein the housing (50) comprises at least a first part (51) and a second part (52) coupled together; c. wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) is attached to the shell and to the first part (51) and / or the second part (52); d. wherein the strings are attached to the shell and the housing (50) such that the first part (51) and the second part (52) are pushed together. The sports ball (too) according to example 1, wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) is attached to either the first part (51) or the second part (52) and wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) comprises: a first end (111) coupled to the hollow shell (130) at a first location, a second end (113) coupled to the hollow shell (130) at a second location, and a center portion (112) coupled to the housing (50), wherein a first length (Li) between the center portion (112) and the first end (111) and / or a second length (L2) between the center portion (112) and the second end (113) is larger than a shortest distance (Wi) between the hollow shell (130) and the housing (50). The sports ball (100) according to example 2, wherein the first length (Li) and / or the second length (L2) is larger than the shortest distance (Wi) between the hollow shell (130) and the housing (50) by a factor of at least 1.02, preferably of at least 1.04, more preferably of at least 1.06, more preferably of at least 1.08, more preferably of at least 1.1; and / or by a factor of at most 1.3, preferably at most 1.28, more preferably at most 1.26, more preferably at most 1.24, more preferably at most 1.22, more preferably at most 1.2. The sports ball (too) according to examples 2 or 3, wherein the first location and the second location are spaced apart by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 6o% of a shortest distance (Wi) between the hollow shell (130) and the housing (50). The sports ball (100) according to examples 2 to 4, wherein the first part (51) and the second part (52) are coupled along a plane (54), wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) crosses the plane (54). The sports ball (100) according to example 5, wherein each center portion (112) coupled to the housing (50) is spaced apart from the plane (54) by at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 35%, preferably at least 40% of a largest dimension (W3) of the housing (50), preferably, wherein each center portion (112) coupled to the housing (50) is spaced apart from the plane (54) in a direction substantially opposite to the first and / or second location. The sports ball (too) according to example 1, wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) is attached to the first part (51) and the second part (52), wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) preferably comprises two center portions (112) coupled to the housing (50). The sports ball (too) according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the housing (50) comprises a plurality of grooves (53), preferably hook-shaped grooves (53), for coupling with one or more center portions (112) of each string, preferably wherein the center portion (112) of each string is looped through a respective groove (53). The sports ball (too) according to example 8, wherein each of the plurality of grooves (53) comprises outer receiving portions (53a) for receiving a center portion (112) of a string and a holding portion (53b) for holding the received center portion (112) of the string, wherein each of the outer receiving portions (53a) comprises one or more fillets and / or chamfers, wherein the fillets preferably have a radius of at least 0.2 mm, more preferably at least 0.3 mm, more preferably at least 0.4 mm, most preferably at least 0.5 mm.

[0251] 10. The sports ball (100) according to example 9, wherein the outer receiving portions (53a) are spaced apart by the holding portion (53b) by at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.4 mm, preferably at most 0.3 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm.

[0252] 11. The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the housing (50) is a pit, preferably wherein the pit comprises an electronic device, such as a battery and / or a wireless transmitter, preferably wherein the electronic device comprises a sensor selected from the group consisting of: a pressure sensor, a global positioning system sensor, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, a hall sensor, a temperature sensor, a cellular phone module, and a combination thereof.

[0253] 12. The sports ball (too) according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the housing (50) has the shape of a sphere, a cube, a cylinder, a cone, a pyramid, a prism, a torus, a tetrahedron, wherein the two parts (51, 52) have substantially the same shape, wherein the two parts (51, 52) preferably have the shape of hemispheres.

[0254] 13. The sports ball (too) according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the two parts (51, 52) are coupled to each other by means of bonding, gluing, sewing, screwing, preferably by gluing on their contacting faces.

[0255] 14. The sports ball (too) according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the hollow shell (130) comprises an inflatable bladder.

[0256] 15. The sports ball (too) according to any one of the preceding examples if dependent on example 2, wherein the first location comprises a first pad bonded to an exterior surface of the hollow shell (130), and / or wherein the second location comprises a second pad bonded to the exterior surface of the hollow shell (130). 16. The sports ball (100) according to example 15, wherein each of the plurality strings comprises fibrous material on the first end (111) and / or the second end (113), wherein the frayed fibers are bonded to the first pad and / or the second pad.

[0257] 17. The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) comprises one or more string elements, preferably attached to one another, or is a continuous string extending from the first end (111) to the second end (113).

[0258] 18. The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the housing (50) comprises a mass of at most 100 grams, preferably at most 80 grams, preferably at most 70 grams, preferably at most 60 grams, preferably at most 50 grams, preferably at most 45 grams, preferably at most

[0259] 40 grams, preferably at most 35 grams, preferably at most 30 grams.

[0260] 19. A sports ball (100), in particular a soccer ball, the ball comprising: a. a hollow shell (130); and b. a housing (50) suspended within the hollow shell (130) by a plurality of strings (110), c. wherein one or more, preferably each of the plurality of strings (110) comprises a functional element (115) configured to reduce a force acting on the housing (50) during ordinary use.

[0261] 20. The sports ball (100) according to example 19, wherein the functional element (115) is configured to increase and / or decrease a length of the string depending on the force acting on the housing (50), preferably in a substantially reversible manner.

[0262] 21. The sports ball (100) according to examples 19 or 20, wherein the functional element (115) comprises elastomeric material.

[0263] 22. The sports ball (100) according to any one of examples 19 to 21, wherein the functional element (115) comprises a damping element (116) having one or more openings (118), wherein the string is looped one or more times through one or more of the one or more openings (118). The sports ball (100) according to example 22, wherein the damping element (116) is a separate piece from each of the plurality of strings (110) and has the outer shape of a circle, such as a ring, a triangle, a rectangle or any combinations thereof. The sports ball (100) according to example 22 or 23, wherein the string contacts the damping element (116) on at least two, preferably at least three points. The sports ball (100) according to any one of examples 19 to 24, wherein the functional element (115) comprises a further damping element (117) being integrally formed with the string. The sports ball (too) according to example 25, wherein the further damping element (117) comprises one or more loops formed by the string. The sports ball (too) according to example 26, wherein the further damping element (117) has the shape of a coil. The sports ball (too) according to any one of examples 19 to 27, wherein the sports ball (too) is a sports ball (too) according to any one of examples 1 to 18. An apparatus (200) for determining the balance of a sports ball (too), in particular a soccer ball, the apparatus (200) comprising: a. a weight scale (201); b. a support element (202) for supporting the sports ball (too); c. a beam (205), on which the support element (202) is arranged, the beam (205) arranged on a rotational joint (206) on one end and on the weight scale (201) on the opposing end; d. a frame (210) for receiving the ball in a predetermined manner, the frame being mountable to the support element (202). 30. The apparatus (200) of example 29, wherein the frame (210) comprises at least two rings substantially perpendicularly oriented to each other and defining a lattice with a substantially spherical shape, wherein the two rings intersect at two opposing intersecting locations.

[0264] 31. The apparatus (200) of example 30, wherein the frame (210) further comprises a third ring (213) substantially perpendicularly oriented to each of the at least two rings.

[0265] 32. The apparatus (200) of example 31, wherein the third ring intersects at two opposing intersecting locations with each of the at least two rings, thereby providing six intersecting locations, a first pair of which arranged on a first spatial axis, a second pair of which arranged on a second spatial axis, a third pair of which arranged on a third spatial axis, wherein the three spatial axes are substantially perpendicularly to one another.

[0266] 33. The apparatus (200) of any one of examples 30 to 32, wherein the frame (210) comprises one or more mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) for mounting on the support element (202), wherein the frame (210) preferably comprises one, two or three pairs of mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) each pair being arranged on a first spatial axis, a second spatial axis, and / or a third spatial axis, wherein the mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) are preferably arranged on the intersecting locations.

[0267] 34. The apparatus (200) of example 33, wherein the mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) comprise indicators (211”, 212”, 213”).

[0268] 35. The apparatus (200) of example 34, wherein the indicators (211”, 212”, 213”) are indicative of a sign, such as a number, a valve of a ball, a guideline for attaching or the like.

[0269] 36. The apparatus (200) of example 35, wherein the mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) comprise grooves (53) for engaging with correspondingly shaped bumps of the support element (202), and / or wherein the mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) comprise magnetic means for engaging with corresponding magnetic means of the support element (202). The apparatus (200) of any one of examples 29 to 36, wherein the frame (210) is separable in two substantially similar parts, preferably wherein the frame (210) is separable along a plane (54) defined by any one of the three rings. A method (1000) for determining the balance of a sports ball (100), in particular a soccer ball, the method (1000) comprising: a. placing (1010) the sports ball (100) in a first orientation on an apparatus (200) for determining the balance of a sports ball (100); b. obtaining (1020) a first measurement value based on the first orientation; c. placing (1030) the sports ball (too) in a second orientation on the apparatus (200); d. obtaining (1040) a second measurement value based on the second orientation; e. determining (1050) the balance of the sports ball (too) based on the first measurement value and the second measurement value; f. wherein placing the sports ball (too) in the first orientation and / or the second orientation is performed in a predetermined manner. The method (1000) of example 38, further comprising using the apparatus (200) according to any one of examples 29 to 37. The method (1000) of examples 38 or 39, wherein placing the sports ball (too) in the first orientation and / or the second orientation is automated. The method (1000) of any one of examples 38 to 40, wherein determining the balance of the sports ball (too) comprises determining a hypothetical mass of imbalance positioned at an outer surface of the sports ball (too). The method (1000) of any one of examples 38 to 41, wherein the second orientation corresponds to a rotation of the sports ball (too) of substantially 180° about a first spatial axis, wherein method (1000) steps a. to e. are repeated for a second spatial axis and a third spatial axis, each substantially perpendicularly to the first spatial axis and to one another, to determine the balance of the sports ball (too) in three spatial axis. The method (1000) of any one of examples 38 to 42, further comprising the step of comparing the balance of the sports wall with a predetermined upper threshold value.

[0270] List of reference signs used

[0271] 50 housing / pit

[0272] 5b 52 two parts (first part, second part)

[0273] 53 groove

[0274] 53a outer receiving portions

[0275] 53b holding portion

[0276] 53b’ further holding portion

[0277] 54 plane

[0278] 100 sports ball

[0279] 105 suspension system

[0280] 110 plurality of strings

[0281] 110a, 110b, HOC strings

[0282] 111 first end of string

[0283] 112 center portion of string

[0284] 113 second end of string

[0285] 115 functional element

[0286] 116 damping element

[0287] 117 further damping element

[0288] 118 opening(s)

[0289] 120 outer layer

[0290] 130 hollow shell

[0291] 132 exterior surface

[0292] 134 interior

[0293] Ll first length between the center portion and the first end

[0294] L2 second length between the center portion and the second end

[0295] W1 shortest distance between the hollow shell and the housing

[0296] W2 distance from each center portion coupled to the housing to the plane

[0297] W3 largest dimension of the housing 200 apparatus

[0298] 201 weight scale

[0299] 202 support element

[0300] 203 bumps of the support element

[0301] 205 beam

[0302] 206 rotational j oint

[0303] 210 frame

[0304] 211 first ring

[0305] 212 second ring

[0306] 213 third ring

[0307] 2iia, 211b intersecting locations

[0308] 212a, 212b intersecting locations

[0309] 213a, 213b intersecting locations

[0310] 211’ mounting means

[0311] 212’ mounting means

[0312] 213’ mounting means

[0313] 211” indicators

[0314] 212” indicators

[0315] 213” indicators

[0316] 300 alternative apparatus

[0317] 305 movement means / first roll

[0318] 306 movement means / second roll

[0319] 310 movement means / rolling ball

[0320] 311, 312 cylinder

[0321] 315, 316 drive unit

[0322] 1000 method

[0323] 1010 method step: placing the sports ball in a first orientation

[0324] 1020 method step: obtaining a first measurement value

[0325] 1030 method step: placing the sports ball in a second orientation 1040 method step: obtaining a second measurement value

[0326] 1050 method step: determining

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus (200) for determining the balance of a sports ball (too), in particular a soccer ball, the apparatus (200) comprising: a. a weight scale (201); b. a support element (202) for supporting the sports ball (too); c. a beam (205), on which the support element (202) is arranged, the beam (205) arranged on a rotational joint (206) on one end and on the weight scale (201) on the opposing end; d. a frame (210) for receiving the ball in a predetermined manner, the frame being mountable to the support element (202).

2. The apparatus (200) of claim 1, wherein the frame (210) comprises at least two rings substantially perpendicularly oriented to each other and defining a lattice with a substantially spherical shape, wherein the two rings intersect at two opposing intersecting locations.

3. The apparatus (200) of claim 2, wherein the frame (210) further comprises a third ring (213) substantially perpendicularly oriented to each of the at least two rings.

4. The apparatus (200) of claim 3, wherein the third ring intersects at two opposing intersecting locations with each of the at least two rings, thereby providing six intersecting locations, a first pair of which arranged on a first spatial axis, a second pair of which arranged on a second spatial axis, a third pair of which arranged on a third spatial axis, wherein the three spatial axes are substantially perpendicularly to one another.

5. The apparatus (200) of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the frame (210) comprises one or more mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) for mounting on the support element (202),wherein the frame (210) preferably comprises one, two or three pairs of mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) each pair being arranged on a first spatial axis, a second spatial axis, and / or a third spatial axis, wherein the mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) are preferably arranged on the intersecting locations.

6. The apparatus (200) of claim 5, wherein the mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) comprise indicators (211”, 212”, 213”).

7. The apparatus (200) of claim 6, wherein the indicators (211”, 212”, 213”) are indicative of a sign, such as a number, a valve of a ball, a guideline for attaching or the like.

8. The apparatus (200) of claim 7, wherein the mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) comprise grooves (53) for engaging with correspondingly shaped bumps of the support element (202), and / or wherein the mounting means (211’, 212’, 213’) comprise magnetic means for engaging with corresponding magnetic means of the support element (202).

9. The apparatus (200) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the frame (210) is separable in two substantially similar parts, preferably wherein the frame (210) is separable along a plane (54) defined by any one of the three rings.

10. A method (1000) for determining the balance of a sports ball (too), in particular a soccer ball, the method (1000) comprising: a. placing (1010) the sports ball (too) in a first orientation on an apparatus (200) for determining the balance of a sports ball (too); b. obtaining (1020) a first measurement value based on the first orientation; c. placing (1030) the sports ball (too) in a second orientation on the apparatus (200); d. obtaining (1040) a second measurement value based on the second orientation; e. determining (1050) the balance of the sports ball (too) based on the first measurement value and the second measurement value;f. wherein placing the sports ball (too) in the first orientation and / or the second orientation is performed in a predetermined manner.

11. The method (1000) of claim 10, further comprising using the apparatus (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The method (1000) of claim 10 or 11, wherein placing the sports ball (100) in the first orientation and / or the second orientation is automated.

13. The method (1000) of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein determining the balance of the sports ball (100) comprises determining a hypothetical mass of imbalance positioned at an outer surface of the sports ball (100).

14. The method (1000) of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the second orientation corresponds to a rotation of the sports ball (100) of substantially 180° about a first spatial axis, wherein method (1000) steps a. to e. are repeated for a second spatial axis and a third spatial axis, each substantially perpendicularly to the first spatial axis and to one another, to determine the balance of the sports ball (too) in three spatial axis.

15. The method (1000) of any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising the step of comparing the balance of the sports wall with a predetermined upper threshold value.

16. A sports ball (too), in particular a soccer ball, the ball comprising: a. a hollow shell (130); and b. a housing (50) suspended within the hollow shell (130) by a plurality of strings (110), wherein the housing (50) comprises at least a first part (51) and a second part (52) coupled together; c. wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) is attached to the shell and to the first part (51) and / or the second part (52); d. wherein the strings are attached to the shell and the housing (50) such that the first part (51) and the second part (52) are pushed together.17- The sports ball (100) according to claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of strings (no) is attached to either the first part (51) or the second part (52) and wherein each of the plurality of strings (no) comprises: a first end (111) coupled to the hollow shell (130) at a first location, a second end (113) coupled to the hollow shell (130) at a second location, and a center portion (112) coupled to the housing (50), wherein a first length (Li) between the center portion (112) and the first end (111) and / or a second length (L2) between the center portion (112) and the second end (113) is larger than a shortest distance (Wi) between the hollow shell (130) and the housing (50).

18. The sports ball (100) according to claim 17, wherein the first length (Li) and / or the second length (L2) is larger than the shortest distance (Wi) between the hollow shell (130) and the housing (50) by a factor of at least 1.02, preferably of at least 1.04, more preferably of at least 1.06, more preferably of at least 1.08, more preferably of at least 1.1; and / or by a factor of at most 1.3, preferably at most 1.28, more preferably at most 1.26, more preferably at most 1.24, more preferably at most 1.22, more preferably at most 1.2.

19. The sports ball (100) according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the first location and the second location are spaced apart by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 60% of a shortest distance (Wi) between the hollow shell (130) and the housing (50).

20. The sports ball (100) according to claims 17 to 19, wherein the first part (51) and the second part (52) are coupled along a plane (54), wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) crosses the plane (54).

21. The sports ball (100) according to claim 20, wherein each center portion (112) coupled to the housing (50) is spaced apart from the plane (54) by at least 5%,preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 35%, preferably at least 40% of a largest dimension (W3) of the housing (50), preferably, wherein each center portion (112) coupled to the housing (50) is spaced apart from the plane (54) in a direction substantially opposite to the first and / or second location.

22. The sports ball (too) according to claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) is attached to the first part (51) and the second part (52), wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) preferably comprises two center portions (112) coupled to the housing (50).

23. The sports ball (too) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 22, wherein the housing (50) comprises a plurality of grooves (53), preferably hookshaped grooves (53), for coupling with one or more center portions (112) of each string, preferably wherein the center portion (112) of each string is looped through a respective groove (53).

24. The sports ball (too) according to claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of grooves (53) comprises outer receiving portions (53a) for receiving a center portion (112) of a string and a holding portion (53b) for holding the received center portion (112) of the string, wherein each of the outer receiving portions (53a) comprises one or more fillets and / or chamfers, wherein the fillets preferably have a radius of at least 0.2 mm, more preferably at least 0.3 mm, more preferably at least 0.4 mm, most preferably at least 0.5 mm.

25. The sports ball (too) according to claim 24, wherein the outer receiving portions (53a) are spaced apart by the holding portion (53b) by at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.4 mm, preferably at most 0.3 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm.

26. The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 25, wherein the housing (50) is a pit, preferably wherein the pit comprises an electronic device, such as a battery and / or a wireless transmitter, preferably wherein the electronic device comprises a sensor selected from the group consisting of: a pressure sensor, a global positioning system sensor, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, a hall sensor, a temperature sensor, a cellular phone module, and a combination thereof.

27. The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 26, wherein the housing (50) has the shape of a sphere, a cube, a cylinder, a cone, a pyramid, a prism, a torus, a tetrahedron, wherein the two parts (51, 52) have substantially the same shape, wherein the two parts (51, 52) preferably have the shape of hemispheres.

28. The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 27, wherein the two parts (51, 52) are coupled to each other by means of bonding, gluing, sewing, screwing, preferably by gluing on their contacting faces.

29. The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 28, wherein the hollow shell (130) comprises an inflatable bladder.

30. The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 29 if dependent on claim 17, wherein the first location comprises a first pad bonded to an exterior surface of the hollow shell (130), and / or wherein the second location comprises a second pad bonded to the exterior surface of the hollow shell (130).

31. The sports ball (100) according to claim 30, wherein each of the plurality strings comprises fibrous material on the first end (111) and / or the second end (113), wherein the frayed fibers are bonded to the first pad and / or the second pad.

32. The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 31, wherein each of the plurality of strings (110) comprises one or more string elements, preferably attached to one another, or is a continuous string extending from the first end (111) to the second end (113).33- The sports ball (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 32, wherein the housing (50) comprises a mass of at most 100 grams, preferably at most 80 grams, preferably at most 70 grams, preferably at most 60 grams, preferably at most 50 grams, preferably at most 45 grams, preferably at most 40 grams, preferably at most 35 grams, preferably at most 30 grams.

34. A sports ball (100), in particular a soccer ball, the ball comprising: a. a hollow shell (130); and b. a housing (50) suspended within the hollow shell (130) by a plurality of strings (110), c. wherein one or more, preferably each of the plurality of strings (110) comprises a functional element (115) configured to reduce a force acting on the housing (50) during ordinary use.

35. The sports ball (100) according to claim 34, wherein the functional element (115) is configured to increase and / or decrease a length of the string depending on the force acting on the housing (50), preferably in a substantially reversible manner.

36. The sports ball (100) according to claims 34 or 35, wherein the functional element (115) comprises elastomeric material.

37. The sports ball (100) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the functional element (115) comprises a damping element (116) having one or more openings (118), wherein the string is looped one or more times through one or more of the one or more openings (118).

38. The sports ball (100) according to claim 37, wherein the damping element (116) is a separate piece from each of the plurality of strings (110) and has the outer shape of a circle, such as a ring, a triangle, a rectangle or any combinations thereof.

39. The sports ball (100) according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the string contacts the damping element (116) on at least two, preferably at least three points.

40. The sports ball (100) according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein the functional element (115) comprises a further damping element (117) being integrally formed with the string.

41. The sports ball (100) according to claim 40, wherein the further damping element (117) comprises one or more loops formed by the string.

42. The sports ball (100) according to claim 41, wherein the further damping element (117) has the shape of a coil.

43. The sports ball (100) according to any one of claims 34 to 42, wherein the sports ball (100) is a sports ball (100) according to any one of claims 16 to 33.

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