Sports ball with component holder

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sports ball comprising a hollow shell (8) comprising an interior surface (9); and a component holder (1) projecting from the interior surface (9) of the hollow shell (8), wherein the component holder (1) comprises at least one rib-shaped support element (3, 4).

Description

[0001] December 12, 2025 adidas AG ADI177544WO MAJ / HAC

[0002] Sports ball with component holder

[0003] 1. Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a sports ball, in particular a soccer ball, football, basketball or game ball. The sports ball comprises a component holder to hold a component in relation to the sports ball. The component maybe an electronic device to provide information regarding various parameters of the sporting activity. The component holder is improved such that the stability of rotation of the ball and the stability of the ball’s trajectory is increased, and abrasion of the sports ball comprising the component holder is decreased.

[0005] 2. Background

[0006] 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.

[0007] Such sports balls, used in sporting activities typically comprise a hollow shell, which may include a bladder. The hollow shell can be empty or can be provided with one or more components, such as one or more electronic devices, which can be stored in houses, casings or the like. These electronic devices are useful for providing information regarding various parameters of the sporting activity. Exemplary information is the position of the sports ball, which could be the position at anytime or various customizable specific times during a 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. Further, the information can include the determination of specific events, such as for example the determination of a ball contact by a player.

[0008] Such information is 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.

[0009] Providing for electronic devices inside of such sports balls so as to provide 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 balls having inflatable bladders. Therefore, a need exists for innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.

[0010] Known solutions are for instance mentioned in the following documents:

[0011] US 2022 / 0296968 At concerns a ball comprising a bladder, a component holder secured to the interior surface of the bladder, and a component secured to the component holder at a distal portion of a sleeve.

[0012] WO 2014 / 151405 A2 concerns a ball comprising a bladder and a pocket shaped as a portion of the bladder extending around an electronic device.

[0013] Further prior art is disclosed in WO 2023 / 230 662 Al, US 2017 / o 106 250 Al, US 2014 / o 194232 Al, US 4577865 A, US 2010 / o 222 165 Al and US 2006 / o 135 297 Al.

[0014] Although the attempts in the prior art already provided for solutions and improvements over the known prior art thus far in some aspects, there still remains room for improvement. For instance, the presence of components such as electronic devices near the bladder of the ball, as well as means for attaching said components to the bladder, increases the risk of having a lower stability of rotation of the ball during flight and a less predictable flight behavior of the ball. Further, the presence of the component holder leads to a more inhomogeneous distribution of load on the shell of the ball, presenting a potential risk for increased abrasion and decreased lifespan of the ball.

[0015] Usually, the shell or bladder of the sports ball comprising an electronic device is provided with a weight to counterbalance the weight of the electronic device and its holder. Such a counterbalance weight is, e.g., a valve arranged opposite of the electronic device, wherein the valve usually needs to have an additional weight to offset the weight of the electronic device and holder. This measure can increase the balance of such balls. However, although the ball thereby has a more stable rotation in specific directions related to individual rotation axes, the angular inertia is still significantly different between those directions. Hence, the risk of having a lower stability of rotation of the ball during flight and / or rolling and a less predictable flight and / or rolling behavior of the ball is still increased, because such balls have different rotational properties when rotating around different rotation axes, as explained.

[0016] Against this background, there is a need to further improve the stability of rotation and the flight properties of the ball comprising the one or more electronic devices. Moreover, the durability of the ball should be improved, and the lifespan of the sports ball should be increased. It is a general objective, that the sports ball should be more cost-effective over the entire life cycle.

[0017] .2. Summary of the invention

[0018] 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.

[0019] The objects are solved by a sports ball, the sports ball comprising a hollow shell comprising an interior surface; and a component holder projecting from the interior surface of the hollow shell, wherein the component holder comprises at least one rib-shaped support element. The ball may in particular be a soccer ball.

[0020] In this manner, the sports ball provides for an increased stability of rotation and improved flight and / or rolling properties, as well as an improved durability. This is, because the at least one rib-shaped support element provides sufficient support for a component such as an electronic device, as well as increased protection against vibration, while at the same time allowing a reduction of material used for the component holder, such that the weight of the component holder is decreased. In this manner, a more uniform moment of inertia is provided, which leads to more stable and predictable flight and / or rolling properties, an increased stability of rotation and a more uniform rotation behavior. This is in particular the case, as also less weight is needed for the counterbalance weight, such as a valve, to offset the weight of the component and component holder. Thereby, the difference of the respective angular inertia between different rotation directions during flight and / or rolling is reduced. Hence, the ball control is improved for the player and the flight and / or rolling behavior being more stable and predictable provide an improved handling of the ball, which the precision of the ball’s trajectory is decisive for. Moreover, by reduction of the weight of the component holder, a more uniform load on the hollow shell is provided and therefore decreased abrasion and an increased lifespan. Further, due to the more uniform moment of inertia, a more efficient energy transfer is provided, and hence, a better performance when using the ball, e.g., during kicking the ball.

[0021] The component holder may be configured to hold any kind of object. The component holder maybe configured to hold one or more electronic devices, such as a battery and / or a wireless transmitter, a sensor, or the like.

[0022] The term “rib” in the context of the present invention also encompasses the term “beam”, e.g., beams forming a cage-like structure. In general a “rib” is understood as an elongated structure. If the component holder comprises a sidewall, a “rib” will protrude from the exterior and / or interior surface of the sidewall, or the “rib” can be distinguished from the sidewall by its larger thickness or diameter compared to the thickness of the sidewall.

[0023] The sports ball as described herein may be useful in any kind of sporting activity, in particular in any one of the examples of the following non-exhaustive list: soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, softball, American football, rugby, and handball.

[0024] The hollow shell may provide sufficient space such that the component holder and the component can be disposed within the hollow shell. Moreover, the hollow shell may provide sufficient space for further components or elements to be disposed within the hollow shell. In some cases, the hollow shell may provide for some structural integrity of the sports ball. Also, the hollow shell maybe filled with air, a gas or a mixture of gases. Alternatively or additionally, a structural component and / or a foamed filling material maybe arranged inside the hollow shell configured to contribute to the structural integrity of the sports ball. The component holder projects from the interior surface of the hollow shell.

[0025] Hence, the component holder projects or protrudes inward and toward a center of sport ball, thereby locating the component within an interior area of the sports ball. In this position, the component is protected from impacts with a foot, surface, or other object when the sports ball is being utilized. It should be noted that the component projects from the interior surface but is not necessarily attached to the interior surface. For example, the component holder maybe attached to an exterior surface (i.e. facing away from the center of the ball) of the hollow shell, protrude through an aperture of the hollow shell and, thus, project from its interior surface.

[0026] The term “center” of the hollow shell as used herein may be understood as a substantially central portion of the hollow shell in a geometrical sense. However, the center 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, whereby it is possible to achieve the same function.

[0027] The component holder may comprise a base portion connecting the at least one rib-shaped support element to the hollow shell. In this way, the component holder can be securely attached to the hollow shell at either its interior or exterior surface. If the base portion is secured to the exterior surface of the hollow shell, it may also act like an air seal because the hollow shell would have an aperture through which the component holder would protrude and project from the interior surface of the hollow shell. Thus, the component holder and its base portion would seal the aperture and make it airtight.

[0028] The at least one rib-shaped support element may comprise a proximal portion extending in a tangential direction of the ball. “Proximal” in this context means closer to the ball’s center, whereas “distal” means further away from the center, i.e. closer to the hollow shell. The proximal portion of the rib-shaped support element secures the component in a radial direction of the ball. Thus, the component is held in place during impacts, e.g. due to a kick of the ball.

[0029] The at least one rib-shaped support element may comprise a distal portion extending in a radial direction of the ball. The proximal portion of the rib-shaped support element secures the component in a tangential direction of the ball. Thus, the component is held in place during impacts, e.g. due to a kick of the ball, or during rapid changes of the angular momentum of the ball.

[0030] The sports ball may comprise a component held by the component holder. Such a component may for example be a sensor measuring useful physical data such as acceleration and spin rate of the ball. The sensor may be configured to transmit such data to a receiver placed nearby and the data may be processed and used for umpiring, generating statistics, coaching or the like.

[0031] The component may comprise a center-facing surface oriented to face a center of the hollow shell, wherein the at least one rib-shaped support element is configured to support the component at the center-facing surface when the component is held by the component holder. Preferably, the proximal portion of the at least one ribshaped support element, which extends in a tangential direction, is configured to support the component at the center- facing surface. Thereby, the component can be secured to the hollow shell. In other words, the function of the proximal portion is to secure the component against movement along a radial direction, by supporting the component at the center-facing surface.

[0032] The component may comprise a shell-facing surface oriented to face the hollow shell in a tangential direction of the ball, wherein the at least one rib-shaped support element is configured to support the component at the shell-facing surface when the component is held by the component holder. Thus, the rib-shaped support element secures the component in a tangential direction of the ball and the component is held in place during impacts, e.g. due to a kick of the ball, or during rapid changes of the angular momentum of the ball.

[0033] The component may comprise an edge and the at least one rib-shaped support element is configured to extend along the edge when the component is held by the component holder and thereby to at least partially enclose the edge. Thus, the contact surface between the component and the component holder is increased which reduces the pressure on both the component and the component holder during impacts. The component may comprise an electronic device. Electronic devices are usually susceptible to mechanical shocks and the risk of damaging an electronic device beyond a certain acceleration threshold increases significantly. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suited for electronic devices which can be securely embedded in a ball according to the present invention by a lightweight construction. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic device may comprise an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). In a preferred embodiment, the electronic device may comprise a battery for supplying the electronic device with electric power.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic device may comprise a charging coil for charging the battery inductively.

[0035] The sports ball according to the invention may further comprise a cushion element configured to be arranged between the hollow shell and a component held by the component holder. In this way, impacts on the ball and subsequently the component can additionally be attenuated by the cushion element. In addition, the cushion element can minimize the abrasion of both the component and the interior surface of the hollow shell caused by a movement of the component relative to the interior surface of the hollow shell.

[0036] The cushion element may comprise a foam material. A foam material can cost- effectively be produced, is lightweight and provides for an effective cushioning.

[0037] The component may comprise an outermost surface facing away from the center of the sports ball, and wherein the component holder comprises a lid element configured to face the outermost surface of the component and configured to secure the component from an outer side of the component holder. In this way, the component can be secured in the component holder from the outside.

[0038] The hollow shell may comprise a bladder and the component holder may be formed integrally with the bladder. A bladder is commonly used in pressurized balls such as balls for soccer, volleyball and handball, and has the function of keeping the air inside the ball under pressure, whereas the outer shell of the ball protects the bladder from damages. Forming the component holder integrally with the bladder allows to place the component at the innermost layer of the ball which helps to protect the component from severe impacts and damages.

[0039] The hollow shell may comprise a bladder and the component holder may be attached to the bladder. In this construction, the bladder and the component holder can be manufactured separately. Yet, the component can be placed at the innermost layer of the ball with the advantages mentioned above.

[0040] The bladder may comprise a bladder opening, wherein the component holder projects through the bladder opening. This allows to insert the component holder into the bladder from the outside which may be advantageous for certain types of bladders or in case of rather large component holders which cannot be inserted into the bladder.

[0041] The sports ball according to the invention may comprise a first rib-shaped support element and a second rib-shaped support element connected to the first rib-shaped support element. In this way, each of the rib-shaped support elements can secure the component in various directions such that the component is firmly held in place even during impacts in various directions. In addition, support is improved, as the support elements can support each other.

[0042] The first rib-shaped support element and the second rib-shaped support element may form a cross-like structure at a proximal end of the component holder. In this way, the effect of both support elements adds up at the proximal end to secure the component especially in a radial direction of the ball.

[0043] The sports ball according to the invention may comprise a plurality of rib-shaped support elements forming a cage-like structure. Thus, the component is secured in all directions. In addition, the component holder is lightweight because continuous sidewalls can be omitted.

[0044] The sports ball according to the invention may comprise a first rib-shaped support element, a second rib-shaped support element and a side wall extending between the first rib-shaped support element and the second rib-shaped support element. Sidewalls maybe advantageous in some situations, e.g. for insulating the component from air, gas, dust or powder inside the ball. In some embodiments, the side wall may extend continuously around the component. In such a case, the rib-shaped support elements maybe arranged on the outside and / or on the inside of the side wall.

[0045] The sports ball according to the invention may comprise a first rib-shaped support element, a second rib-shaped support element and an aperture extending between the first rib-shaped support element and the second rib-shaped support element. Thus, thanks to the rib-shaped support elements, material can be omitted to save weight, yet the component is firmly held in place by the component holder.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the component holder may comprise a rubber material. In particular, the at least one rib-shaped support element maybe made of a rubber material. As rubber is elastic, impacts on the ball are attenuated and the risk of damaging a component held by the component holder is reduced.

[0047] The sports ball may be an inflatable ball. Inflatable balls are commonly used for football, soccer, volleyball, handball and the like and advantageously allow to adjust the pressure of the ball as desired or as prescribed by sports regulations.

[0048] The sports ball may comprise a structural component and / or a foamed filling material configured to contribute to the structural integrity of the sports ball. In such an embodiment, the sports ball may be a non-inflatable ball. The hollow shell may comprise at least parts of the structural component, wherein preferably the structural component may form the hollow shell, and / or the structural component may extend inside of the hollow shell. The structural component maybe manufactured for example by 3D-printing. The foamed filling material maybe arranged inside of the hollow shell. By such arrangements, the need for inflating the ball and the need to provide a valve to the ball may be obsolete.

[0049] The sports ball according to the invention may comprise a valve, wherein the valve is arranged at a side of the hollow shell opposite of the component holder. By this arrangement, imbalances of the ball are reduced as the valve acts as a counterbalance to the component. In a preferred embodiment, the sports ball may comprise a plurality of component holders holding a plurality of components. The plurality of components maybe at least one electronic device and / or at least one counterbalance weight. In one embodiment, the at least one electronic device may comprise a first sensor device and a second sensor device. The first sensor device and the second sensor device may be configured to measure the same and / or different parameters, such as acceleration, orientation of the ball, pressure inside the ball.

[0050] The sports ball according to the invention may comprise a plurality of counterbalance weights, which are distributed across a first hemisphere of the hollow shell, which is opposite to a second hemisphere of the hollow shell, where the component holder is arranged. In this way, the ball can be balanced to avoid a negative impact on the roll and flight characteristics of the ball.

[0051] In the following, preferred embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed by reference to the accompanying figures. These figures show:

[0052] Figures 1A and 1B: a first embodiment of a component holder of a sports ball according to the present invention;

[0053] Fig. 2: a perspective view of another embodiment of a component holder of a sports ball according to the present invention;

[0054] Fig. 3: a perspective view of a further embodiment of a component holder of a sports ball according to the present invention;

[0055] Fig. 4: a perspective view of a further embodiment of a component holder of a sports ball according to the present invention; and

[0056] Fig. 5: a bladder of an inflatable ball according to the present invention.

[0057] 5. Detailed The subsequent sections provide a detailed description of the invention, referencing the accompanying illustrations for clarity. The descriptions represent examples only and are not intended to limit the invention’s scope. Identical reference numerals across the figures and text denote the same components. The illustrations may not reflect actual size or scale; their dimensions, proportions, and depictions of elements might be enhanced for better understanding and visual convenience.

[0058] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a first embodiment of a component holder 1 of a sports ball according to the present invention. Fig 1A shows a perspective view of the component holder 1, whereas Fig. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the component holder 1. As can best be seen inf Fig. 1B, the component holder 1 in this exemplary embodiment is shaped like a hut which is adapted to be imposed on a component 2.

[0059] The component 2 in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B comprises an electronic device 2a, namely a circuit board, a battery or accumulator 2b and an inductive coil 2c. The electronic device 2a is configured for measuring acceleration and rotation of the ball and transmitting the measured data to a receiver being placed in the vicinity. It is powered by the battery or accumulator 2b. The batteiy or accumulator 2b can be charged by means of the inductive coil 2c when placing the component 2 in the vicinity of a time varying electromagnetic field, e.g. generated by a charging coil. In other embodiments, the component could fulfil different functions and comprise different elements, and may also be a nonelectronic component. Also, the component 2 is shown in Fig. 1B to have a rectangular cuboid base shape. Similarly, the component holder i which is imposed on the component 2 comprises a rectangular cuboid base shape as well. Generally, in the context of the present invention, other shapes of the component are possible and the component holder 1 would be shaped accordingly to hold the component in place.

[0060] The sports ball (not shown in Figures 1A and 1B) according to the invention is a ball which is specifically adapted for a certain type of sport. The ball may be filled with air, gas or a mixture of different gases. Also, the ball maybe a pressurized ball or may not comprise any pressure at all. Exemplary sports for which the ball may be used include soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, softball, American football, rugby, and handball. However, the invention is not restricted to these kinds of sport.

[0061] The ball according to the invention comprises a hollow shell (not shown in Figures 1A and 1B) with an interior surface, i.e. facing the center of the ball. “Hollow” in this context does not mean that the interior of the ball is necessarily empty because, as mentioned already, the ball may be filled with air, a gas or a mixture of different gases. Also, the shell may accommodate other components which may or may not be held in place by a component holder as described herein. The component holder 1 projects from the interior surface of the hollow shell, i.e. it points to or faces the center of the ball.

[0062] The component holder 1 in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B comprises a first rib-shaped support element 3 and a second rib-shaped support element 4. In other embodiments, the number of rib-shaped support elements could be different, i.e. more or less than two. The rib-shaped support elements 3 and 4 in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B are realized as reinforcing bulges on the sidewalls 5 of the component holder 1. The first ribshaped support element 3 comprises a proximal portion 3a and distal portions 3b and 3c. “Proximal” in this context means closer to the ball’s center, whereas “distal” means further away from the center, i.e. closer to the hollow shell. Similarly, the second rib-shaped support element 4 comprises a proximal portion 4a and distal portions 4b and 4c.

[0063] The distal portions 3b, 3c, 4b and 4c of the rib-shaped support elements 3, 4 are located at and extend along the four edges of the rectangular cuboid shape of the component holder 1 and essentially extend in a radial direction of the ball. The proximal portions 3a and 4a of the rib-shaped support elements 3, 4 are located at a proximal end or surface of the component holder 1 and essentially extend along a tangential direction of the ball. The proximal portions 3a and 4a intersect in the middle of the proximal surface to form a cross-like structure.

[0064] As such, the distal portions 3b, 3c, 4b and 4c of the rib-shaped support elements 3, 4 support the component 2 at the shell-facing surfaces of the component which are oriented to face the hollow shell in a tangential direction of the ball. In this embodiment, also the sidewalls 5 of the component holder 1 arranged between the distal portions 3b, 3c, 4b and 4c add to the support of the component 2. Similarly, the proximal portions 3a and 4a of the rib-shaped support elements 3, 4 support the component 2 at a center-facing surface which is oriented to face a center of the hollow shell. In this embodiment, also the sidewalls 5 of the component holder 1 arranged between the proximal portions 3a and 4a add to the support of the component 2.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B sidewalls 5 are located between the rib-shaped support elements 3, 4. Consequently, the component 2 is completely sealed from the interior of the hollow shell of the ball.

[0066] The component holder 1 comprises a circular circumferential base portion 6 which may be glued, welded, sewn or otherwise connected to the interior surface of the hollows shell and which connects the rib-shaped support elements 3, 4 to the hollow shell. Other embodiments might not comprise such a base portion 6. Also, in other embodiments, the component holder 1 may not be attached to the interior surface of the hollow shell. For example, the component holder 1 may be attached to an exterior surface (i.e. facing away from the center of the ball) of the hollow shell, protrude through an aperture of the hollow shell and, thus, project from its interior surface.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B, the component holder 1 comprises a foam disc 7 arranged between the component 2 and the interior of the hollow shell. Thus, the foam disc 7 acts like a cushion element for the component 2. The foam disc can be made from a foamable plastic material in a known manner.

[0068] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a component holder 1 of a sports ball according to the present invention which is similar to the embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B. In particular, the casing of the component holder, i.e. the rib-shaped support elements 3, 4 and the sidewalls 5 are similar. Therefore, everything that has been described about those elements in relation to Figures 1A and 1B also applies here. The same is true for the component 2. Different to the embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B, however, the foam disc 7 is arranged between a proximal end of the component and a proximal end of the component holder 1. Thus, in this embodiment, additional cushioning is provided in case of a radial movement of the component 1 towards the center of the ball and away from the interior surface of the hollow shell. In other embodiments, the component holder 1 may comprise two cushioning elements, one arranged at a distal end of the component 2 and one arranged at a proximal end of the component 2. This would result in a combination of the embodiments of Figures 1A / 1B and 2.

[0069] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of a component holder 1 of a sports ball according to the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments. Therefore, everything that has been described here is applicable to Fig. 3 as well. However, different to the previous embodiments, the proximal end of the component holder 1 does not comprise any sidewalls. Thus, in this embodiment, the component 2 is secured in a radial direction towards the center of the hollow shell of the ball by just the proximal portions 3a, 4a of the ribshaped support elements 3 and 4. However, the four sides of the component holder 1 do comprise sidewalls 5 just like in the previous embodiments. Omitting the sidewalls on the proximal end helps to further reduce the weight of the component holder 1.

[0070] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of a component holder 1 of a sports ball according to the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 3. However, in this embodiment, also the sidewalls at the four sides of the component holder have been omitted. Thus, the component 2 is held in place in a tangential direction of the hollow shell of the ball by the distal portions 3b, 3c, 4b and 4c of the rib-shaped support elements 3, 4 which form a cage-like structure. Omitting the sidewalls at the sides of the component holder 1 further reduces the weight of the component holder 1.

[0071] Fig. 5 illustrates a bladder 8 of an inflatable ball according to the present invention. The ball comprises an additional outer shell (not shown in Fig. 5) and optionally a carcass arranged between the outer shell and the bladder 8. Thus, the bladder forms a hollow shell 8 with an interior surface 9. In operation, the bladder is usually filled with air which may be pressurized (i.e. above ambient pressure) or unpressurized (i.e. at ambient pressure). To fill the bladder 8 with air, the bladder 8 comprises a valve io through which air (or a gas) may enter the bladder.

[0072] From the interior surface 9 of the bladder 8 a component holder 1 projects inwardly, i.e. facing the center of the bladder 8. The component holder 1 is arranged opposite the valve 10 such that an imbalance of the ball is minimized. The component holder 1 holds a component 2 which is similar to the components shown in the previous figures. The component holder 1 is attached to the interior surface 9 of the bladder 8 by means of a base portion as described with respect to the previous embodiments.

[0073] While in the embodiments depicted in the figures the component holder 1 is manufactured separate from the shell or bladder of the ball and then attached thereto, in other embodiments, the component holder 1 may be manufactured as an integral part of the shell or bladder. Also, in the figures, the component holder 1 is attached to the interior surface of the shell or bladder. In other embodiments, the shell or bladder may comprise an opening through which the component holder may project. In this case, the component holder 1 may comprise a base portion, similar to the base portion 5 shown in the figures, and the base portion is attached to an exterior surface of the shell or bladder. Also, the component holder may comprise a lid element, which is attached to the base portion and / or the exterior surface of the shell or bladder to secure the component within the component holder and eventually seal the component holder airtight to the outside.

[0074] Also, while in the figures a single component holder 1 is shown, in other embodiments, the ball may comprise a plurality of component holders which are distributed such as to minimize an imbalance of the ball. Irrespective of the number of component holders, counterbalance weights may be attached to the interior surface of the hollow shell, for example across a first hemisphere of the hollow shell opposite a second hemisphere where one or more component holders are arranged.

Claims

December 12, 2025 adidas AG ADI177544WO MAJ / HACClaims1. A sports ball comprising: a hollow shell (8) comprising an interior surface (9); and a component holder (1) projecting from the interior surface (9) of the hollow shell (8), wherein the component holder (1) comprises at least one rib-shaped support element (3, 4).

2. The sports ball according to claim 1, wherein the component holder (1) comprises a base portion (6) connecting the at least one rib-shaped support (3, 4) element to the hollow shell (8).

3. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rib-shaped support element (3, 4) comprises a proximal portion (3a, 4a) extending in a tangential direction of the ball.

4. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rib-shaped support element (3, 4) comprises a distal portion (3b, 3c, 4b, 4c) extending in a radial direction of the ball.

5. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sports ball comprises a component (2) held by the component holder (1).

6. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (2) comprises a center-facing surface oriented to face a center of the hollow shell (8), wherein the at least one rib-shaped support element is configured to support the component (2) at the center-facing surface when the component (2) is held by the component holder (1).

7. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (2) comprises a shell-facing surface oriented to face the hollow shell (8) in a tangential direction of the ball, wherein the at least one rib-shaped supportelement is configured to support the component (2) at the shell-facing surface when the component (2) is held by the component holder (1).

8. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (2) comprises an edge and the at least one rib-shaped support element is configured to extend along the edge when the component (2) is held by the component holder (1) and thereby to at least partially enclose the edge.

9. The sports ball according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the component (2) comprises an electronic device.

10. The sports ball according to the preceding claim, further comprising a cushion element (7) configured to be arranged between the hollow shell (8) and a component (2) held by the component holder (1).

11. The sports ball according to the preceding claim, wherein the cushion element (7) comprises a foam material.

12. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (2) comprises an outermost surface facing away from the center of the sports ball, and wherein the component holder (1) comprises a lid element configured to face the outermost surface of the component (2) and configured to secure the component (2) from an outer side of the component holder (1).

13. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow shell (8) comprises a bladder and the component holder (1) is formed integrally with the bladder.

14. The sports ball according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the hollow shell (8) comprises a bladder and the component holder (1) is attached to the bladder.

15. The sports ball according to the preceding claim, wherein the bladder comprises a bladder opening, wherein the component holder (1) projects through the bladder opening.

16. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first rib-shaped support element and a second rib-shaped support element connected to the first rib-shaped support element.

17. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first rib-shaped support element and the second rib-shaped support element form a cross-like structure at a proximal end of the component holder (1).

18. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of rib-shaped support elements forming a cage-like structure.

19. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first rib-shaped support element, a second rib-shaped support element and a side wall extending between the first rib-shaped support element and the second ribshaped support element.

20. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first rib-shaped support element, a second rib-shaped support element and an aperture extending between the first rib-shaped support element and the second rib-shaped support element.

21. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sports ball is an inflatable ball.

22. The sports ball according to the preceding claim, comprising a valve, wherein the valve is arranged at a side of the hollow shell (8) opposite of the component holder (1).

23. The sports ball according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of counterbalance weights, which are distributed across a first hemisphere of the hollow shell (8), which is opposite to a second hemisphere of the hollow shell (8), where the component holder (1) is arranged.

Images