具体实施方式：
[0055]Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
[0056]Disclosed are example basketballs formed by additive or 3D printing. The example 3D printed basketballs are formed from materials and have features that provide the basketballs with the outer surface strips that basketball players are accustomed to when handling and gripping the basketball. At the same time, the 3D printed basketballs have a size, weight, and rebound consistency similar to that of standard or conventional competitive play basketballs currently sanctioned by various organizations such as the National basketball Association (NBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) and other organizations. In contrast to such standard or conventional competitive play basketballs, the disclosed 3D printing basketballs offer a unique aesthetic.
[0057]In some implementations, the example 3D printed basketballs are a single integral one-piece construction. The one-piece construction reduces the number of parts and may simplify assembly. In some implementations, the example 3D printed basketballs may largely comprise a one-piece construction, but wherein an outer, inner or middle skin is provided to reduce airflow resistance when the ball is shot or passed.
[0058]In some implementations, the 3D printed basketballs do not require inflation. As result, the task of maintaining the basketball at a proper inflation level or pressure is eliminated. In addition, rebound performance of the 3D printed basketballs may be more consistent over time.
[0059]For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
[0060]For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “configured to” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the stated function/use to the physical characteristics of the feature proceeding the phrase “configured to”.
[0061]For purposes of this disclosure, the term “releasably” or “removably” with respect to an attachment or coupling of two structures means that the two structures may be repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from one another without material damage to either of the two structures or their functioning.
[0062]FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an example basketball 20. In the example illustrated, basketball 20 comprises a single integral or unitary one-piece construction formed by 3D printing an elastomeric polymeric material. Basketball 20 has a general spherical shape comprising a pair of opposite polar regions 22-1, 22-2 with a series of surface strips 24-1, 24-2 (collectively referred to as surface strips 24), 26-1, 26-2 (collectively referred to as surface strips 26), 28-1, 28-2 (collectively referred to as surface strips 28) and 30-1, 30-2 (collectively referred to as surface strips 30). Surface strips 24-1, 24-2 converge at and extend between polar center points 32-1 and 32-2 of basketball 20. Surface strips 24-1, 24-2 are coplanar, extending in a plane that that intersects a center point of basketball 20. Surface strips 26-1, 26-2 converge at and extend between polar center points 32-1 and 32-2. Surface strips 26-1, 26-2 are coplanar, extending in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane and that intersects a center point of basketball 20. Surface strips 28-1, 28-2 have endpoints offset from polar center points 32-1 and 32-2 and generally bisect portions of the outer circumference of basketball 20 between surface strips 24-1, 24-2 and surface strips 26-1, 26-2.
[0063]In the illustrated examples, each of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 additionally comprises a series of perforations 31 that extend completely through such surface strips. Perforations 31 comprise small openings that facilitate powder removal of cycle time during printing of the basketball 20. In the example illustrated, such perforations 31 may have polygonal shapes. In other implementations, such perforations 31 may have other shapes, such as circular shapes. In some implementations, the perforations may have patterns so as to form a graphic or so as to spell out a logo or name.
[0064]Although the example illustrated perforations 31 extending substantially along the entirety of each of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30, in other implementations, such perforations 31 may be located at the selected portions of selected surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30. For example, in some implementations, the provision of such perforations may be limited to those surface strips that extend along the equator and prime meridian of basketball 20. Such perforations may be omitted and landings, such as landing 90, wherein a logo or emblem may be provided. In yet other implementations, the provision of perforations 31 may be at other selected locations. In some implementations, perforations 31 may be omitted.
[0065]Surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 are integrally formed as part of an outer surface of basketball 20. Each of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 resides in a depressed portion or in a recessed portion of the outer circumferential surface of basketball 20. In the example illustrated, each of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 extends between consecutive circumferential regions that aesthetically appear as panels and that are lobular in shape. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “lobular” and “loby” refer to the surface of a region having a smaller radius of curvature as compared to the overall radius of the basketball. In the example illustrated, basketball 20 comprises eight loby circumferential regions or aesthetic panels 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4, 36-5, 36-6, 36-7, and 36-8 (collectively referred to as panels 36) that mimic the conventional appearance of a regulation or sanctioned competitive play basketball.
[0066]FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views of basketball 20 taken along lines 4 and 5 of FIGS. 3 and 2, respectively. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of basketball 21 opposite sides of surface strip 24-1. FIG. 7 is an enlarged outer view of a portion of basketball 20 on opposite sides of surface strip 24-1. As shown by FIGS. 6 and 7, basketball 20 comprise a single integral and continuous outer wall 40 that comprises an inner lattice 42, an outer lattice 44 and a radial beams 46.
[0067]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of basketball 20 from an inside of basketball 20 to illustrate inner lattice 42, wherein a portion 47 of wall 40 is illustrated without the inner lattice 42 and without the radial beams 46 to better illustrate outer lattice 44. Inner lattice 42 forms an inner layer providing an inner surface of wall 40, adjacent to a generally hollow interior of basketball 20.
[0068]Outer lattice 42 and surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 form an outer layer of wall 40, providing an outermost surface of basketball 20. FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of basketball 20 illustrating the general profile of the inner layer 52 formed by inner lattice 42 and the general profile of outer layer 54 formed by outer lattice 44. As discussed above, the outer layer 54 is loby between consecutive surface strips. In contrast, inner layer 52 is circumferential, having the same radius as that of basketball 20.
[0069]As shown by FIG. 8, inner lattice 42 comprises a matrix of interconnected hexagonal cells 62. Outer lattice 44 comprises a matrix of interconnected hexagonal cells 64 extending between surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the example hexagonal cells 62 in more detail. In the example illustrated, cells 62 and 60 are identical in shape and size. Each of cells 62 and 64 has a center-to-center distance of at least 5 mm and no greater than 12 mm. Each of cells 62 and 54 has a hole size of at least 1 mm and no greater than 10 mm. The hole size of cells 64 is sufficiently small such that human adult fingers may not get stuck in the outer lattice 44.
[0070]In other implementations, cells 62 and 64 may both be the same, but may have different shapes other than hexagonal shapes. For example, cells 62 and 64 may both have a circular shape, a pentagonal shape, and octagonal shape or the like. In other implementations, cells 62 and 64 may have different shapes, wherein cells 62 have a first shape while cells 64 have a second different shape. In some implementations, cells 62 and 60 sizes. For example, cells 62 may be larger than cells 64 or cells 64 may be larger than cells 62.
[0071]Radial beams 46 extend between and interconnect inner layer 52 and outer layer 54. Radial beams 46 extend between inner lattice 42 and outer lattice 44 of panel 36. Radial beams 46 extend between inner lattice 42 and surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 of outer layer 54. As shown by FIG. 12, radial beams 46 extend along radial axes that intersect the center point of basketball 20. As further shown by FIG. 12, each of radial beams has a particular radial height RH. The radial height refers to the radial distance between a top of the beam 46 and a center point of the basketball 20. The radial heights RHs may vary amongst different radial beams 46. In the example illustrated, those particular beams 46 that underlie surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 have a shorter radial height RH as compared to other radial beams 46 that underlie outer lattice 44. FIG. 6 illustrates a particular radial beam 46-1 that has a shorter radial height RH as compared to other radial beams 46 that underlie outer lattice 44.
[0072]As shown by FIG. 13, each of radial beams 46 has a beam length BL. Beam length refers to the radial distance between the top and the bottom of the particular beam 46. Beam length may vary amongst different beams 46. In the example illustrated, those particular beams 46 that underlie surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 have a shorter beam length BL as compared to other radial beams 46 that underlie outer lattice 44. Beam 46-1 in FIG. 6 has a shorter beam length BL as compared to other radial beams 46 that underlie outer lattice 44. In some implementations, a particular radial beam 46 may have a shorter radial height, but the same beam length as compared to other radial beams, where the inner lattice 42 has a corresponding smaller radius underlying the particular radial beams 46 that has a shorter radial height. Conversely, in some implementations, particular radial beams 46 may have the same radial height but a shorter beam length where the inner lattice 42 has a corresponding greater radius underlying the particular radial beams 46 that has the shorter beam length.
[0073]As shown by FIG. 14, each of radial beams 46 of basketball 20 has a beam thickness BT. The beam thicknesses (or diameters) of individual beam 46 may vary. In the example illustrated, radial beams have a thickness ranging from 0.8 mm to 3.5 mm. Beam thickness may be uniform for a given beam or may be thicker or wider at the center of the beam to provide more stiffness and prevent buckling.
[0074]In the example illustrated, those radial beams 46 that underlie surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 have a greater thickness as compared to the thickness of those radial beams 46 that underlie portions of outer lattice 44. Such distributions assist in providing a more consistent bounce or rebound performance along different circumferential portions of basketball 20. As will be described hereafter, in some implementations, the beam thicknesses of those radial beams 46 located along the polar regions may have a lesser thickness as compared to those radial beams 46 located between the polar regions.
[0075]As discussed above, outer layer 54 is lobular in shape. As shown by FIG. 15, inner layer 52 is circumferential or “flat”, lacking any depressions. As shown by FIG. 16, in other implementations, both inner layer 52 and outer layer 54 may be loby, wherein the depressions or recessed portions are circumferentially aligned with one another. In such implementations, the beam length of the radial beams 46 connecting the inner layer 52 and the outer layer 54 would be substantially constant, even in regions where the radial outer surfaces of layers 52 and 54 turn concave. In some implementations, although both layers 52 and 54 are loby, layers 52 and 54 may have different curvature radii. For example, inner layer 52 may have a slight inward depression or curvature between adjacent panels 36 while outer layer 54 has a greater inward depression or curvature between adjacent panels 36.
[0076]As shown by FIG. 17, in some implementations, both inner layer 52 and outer layer 54 may have generally circumferential or flat profiles, lacking any depression between panels. In such implementations, panel 36 may not be loby, but may have the same radius of curvature as that of basketball 20. In such implementations, the surface strips may have outer circumferential surfaces that are flush or level with the outer circumferential surfaces of outer lattice 44.
[0077]FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate the outer surface of basketball 20. In the example illustrated, the circumferential beams 66, forming inner lattice 42, have a generally circular or oval cross-sectional shape. In contrast, as shown by FIG. 18B, the circumferential beams 68 forming outer lattice 44 have outer portions 70 that are cut or flat. As shown by FIG. 18A, this provides a smooth or flat outer surface for panels 36.
[0078]FIG. 19 illustrates portions of an alternative outer lattice 144 for an example basketball 120. Basketball 120 is similar to basketball 20 described above except the basketball 120 comprises outer lattice 144. Outer lattice 144 is similar to outer lattice 44 in all respects except that outer lattice 144 comprises circumferential beams 168 which are not flat, but which are rounded. As a result, the tops 170 of beams 168 have a curved or rounded profile to provide a different grip for basketball 120. In some implementations, all of such beams 168 are rounded. In some implementations, selected circumferential beams 168 at selected circumferential portions of basketball 120 are rounded.
[0079]FIG. 20 illustrates portions of an alternative outer lattice 244 for an example basketball 220. Basketball 220 is similar to basketball 20 described above except the basketball 220 comprises outer lattice 244. Outer lattice 244 is similar to outer lattice 44 in all respects except that the flat upper surfaces 70 of circumferential beams 68 are textured rather than being smooth. In the particular example illustrated, the flat tops 70 of circumferential beams 68 are provided with a pebble-like textured surface to enhance grip. In the example illustrated, surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 remain smooth and are not textured. In some implementations, all or some of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 may include the same texture as that of top 70 of circumferential beams 68 or may be provided with a different distinct texture. In some implementations, different portions of each of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 may be differently textured.
[0080]FIG. 21 illustrates portions of an alternative outer layer 354 of an example basketball 320. Basketball 320 is similar to basketball 20 described above except that basketball 320 comprises outer layer 354. The outer layer 354 is similar to outer layer 54 described above except that outer layer 354 comprises surface strips 324 corresponding to surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30, but wherein the surface strips have outer surfaces that are textured. In the example illustrated, the outer surfaces of such surface strips 324 are provided with a pebbled or cobblestone texture. In other implementations, the outer surfaces of such surface strips may have other textures. In some implementations, all or some of surface strips 324 may be provided with a different textures. In some implementations, different portions of each of surface strips 324 may be differently textured.
[0081]FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an example of basketball 20, wherein the radial beams 46 are provided with a varying radial beam diameter or thickness, wherein different radial beams in different circumferential portions of basketball 20 have different beam diameters or thicknesses. FIGS. 22-25 are heat maps, wherein the different colors correspond to different beam thicknesses/diameter as measured in millimeters. FIG. 23 illustrates basketball 20 without outer layer 54.
[0082]The location of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 are indicated in FIGS. 22, 24 and 25 by broken lines. As shown by FIG. 22, at opposite pole regions 22-1 and 22-2, the regions where the surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 converge, the radial beams 46 (the polar cap beams 76) have a lesser thickness/diameter than the radial beams at other locations about basketball 20. The polar cap beams 76 form a generally uniform circular region wherein the polar cap beams 76 have substantially the same reduced thickness.
[0083]Because the surface strips 24, 26, 28, 30 have a solid density of polymeric material, such surface strips tend to increase the rebound height when the basketballs bounced off of such surface strips. Because the surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 converge at pole regions 22, strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 are closest at the pole regions 22 and have the greatest surface concentration. But for the reduced thickness or diameter of polar cap radial beams 76, the high concentration of the solid surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 might otherwise increase the rebound or bounce height of the basketball when bounced off of the pole regions 22. The reduced thickness of the polar cap beams 76 at the pole regions 22 tends to reduce rebound height. The reduced thickness of the polar cap beams 76 at the pole regions 22 reduces bounce to neutralize or offset any bounce increase caused by the greater concentration (surface area density) of the converging surface strips. The reduced thickness or diameter of the polar cap beams 76 at the pole regions 22-1, 22-2 facilitate a more uniform rebound or bounce. In other words, basketball 20 bounces approximately the same whether the basketball 20 bounces off of the pole regions or other portions of the basketball 20.
[0084]Those radial beams 46 that are located along a circumferential perimeter of polar regions 22 and that form ring 77 (as seen in FIG. 2) around the polar cap beams 76 (polar ring beams 78) have a reduced diameter or thickness. The polar ring beams 78 have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the polar cap beams 76 due to the lesser concentration of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 further away from the converging points of the surface strips but still less than those radial beams 46 located at other portions of basketball 20. The reduced thickness of the polar ring beams 78 reduce or neutralize the enhanced bounce that otherwise might exist at the edges of the regions 22 due to the convergence and concentration of the surface strips. The reduced thickness of the polar ring beams 78 facilitates more consistent uniform bounce across different regions of basketball 20.
[0085]Similarly, those radial beams 46 that directly underlie those portions of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 that extend from ring 77 in the shape of fingers outwardly projecting from the ring 77 (polar flare beams 80) also have a reduced diameter or thickness. In the example illustrated, the polar flare beams 78 have a diameter or thickness similar to the diameter thickness of polar ring beams 78. The reduced thickness or diameter of the polar flare beams 80 neutralizes the additional bounce that might otherwise occur along the surface strips proximate to where the surface strips converge at the polls. The reduced thickness of the polar flare beams 78 facilitates more consistent uniform bounce across different regions of basketball 20.
[0086]As shown by FIGS. 24 and 25, the thickness or diameter of the radial beams 46 also varies based upon its proximity or relationship to the intermediate portions of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 that extend between the pole regions 22. In the example illustrated, those radial beams 46 between the pole regions 22 (other than the polar flare beams 80) have three general thicknesses. Those radial beams 46 directly underlying or in close proximity to the sides of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 (surface strip beams 82) have a first thickness or diameter that is greater than the thickness or diameter of the polar cap beams 76 at the pole regions 22. The greater thickness or diameter of the surface strip beams 78 accounts for the shorter height and shorter beam length of such surface strip beams 82 (providing the loby shape).
[0087]Those radial beams 46 that are equidistantly circumferentially spaced between the surface strips (middle region beams 84) are the farthest from both of the surface strips. To enhance the rebound or bounce of such beams in such regions, the middle region beams 84 are provided with a greater thickness as compared to the thickness of the polar ring beams 78 and a thickness slightly less than the thickness of the surface strip beams 82.
[0088]Those radial beams 46 that extend between the surface strip beams 82 and the middle region beams 84 (the spacer beams 86) have a thickness less than the thickness of surface strip beams 82 and middle region beams 84. Spacer beams 86 have a thickness or diameter substantially equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the polar ring beams 78. The thickness of spacer beams 86 distributes, spreads or evens out any increase in bounce that may occur at locations where the surface strip beams 78 and the middle region beams 80 are located.
[0089]Overall, the above-described distribution or variation of different radial beam thicknesses/diameters solves rebound or bounce irregularities that might otherwise exist due to the presence and layout of the surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30. In implementations where basketball 20 is provided with a different layout of surface strips or where the surface is not loby, the above-described layout or pattern of thickness variations may likewise be different. For example, in non-loby basketballs, basketballs having a constant outer diameter, the thickness of the radial beams underlying the surface strips need not be increased to accommodate a decrease in beam length. In basketballs where the surface strips converge at regions other than the poles of the basketball, the location of those beams 46 having a reduced thickness may likewise shift to the locations where the surface strips converge. The provision of radial beams 46 having different diameters or thicknesses in different regions of the basketball may be omitted where surface strips are also omitted.
[0090]FIG. 26 illustrates portions of an example basketball 420. FIG. 26 illustrates just the radial beams 46 and surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30, omitting inner lattice 42 and outer lattice 44. The radial beams 46 are further colored to provide a heat map indicating their different diameters or thicknesses. FIG. 26 illustrates another example of how the diameters or thicknesses of the radial beams may be varied and are patterned to provide a more uniform and consistent bounce when the basketball bounces off different portions of its circumference. Basketball 420 comprises the same surface strips 2426, 28 and 30 as basketball 20. Like basketball 20, basketball 420 comprises the above-described inner layer 52 and an outer layer similar to outer layer 54 but being non-loby. The radial beams 46 have a different pattern of radial beam thicknesses. In the example illustrated, those radial beams 46 extending along the surface strips (surface strip beams 482) have a reduced thickness. Those radial beams circumferentially and centrally located between the surface strips (middle region beams 484) have an increased thickness, a thickness greater than that of surface strip beams 482. Those radial beams that extend between the surface strip beams 482 and the middle region beams 484 (spacer beams 486) have a thickness greater than that of surface strip beams 482, but less than that of middle region beams 484.
[0091]FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a portion of a basketball 520, with outer layer 54 omitted. Basketball 520 is similar to basketball 20 except that basketball 520 comprises radial beams 546 in place of radial beams 46. Radial beams 546 each have varying thicknesses along their length and have non-circular cross-sectional shapes. In the example illustrated, beams 546 have triangular cross-sectional shapes. The varying beam thickness profiles in the alternative shapes may be used to vary axial stiffness and thereby vary or control rebound characteristics for the region of the basketball 520 including such radial beams 546.
[0092]FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of a basketball 620, with outer layer 54 omitted. Basketball 620 is similar to basketball 20 except that Best Basketball 620 comprises radial beams 646 in place of radial beams 46. Radial beams 646 have circular cross-sections but have nonuniform thicknesses along their beam lengths. In the example illustrated, each of radial beams 646 has a middle or central portion 647 having a first diameter or thickness and opposite end portions 649 having a second smaller diameter or thickness. In some implementations, the location of the central portion 647 relative to the end portions may be moved up or down, towards inner layer 52 or outer layer 54 to vary or control rebound performance. Likewise, the thickness or diameter of the central portion 647 and/or the end portions 649 may be varied to vary and control rebound performance.
[0093]FIG. 29 illustrates portions of an example basketball 720.
[0094]Basketball 720 is similar to basketball 420 except that basketball 720 various a density of radial beams 46 and additionally comprises an internal skeleton 747. In contrast to basketball 420, outer layer 54 is loby. FIG. 29 omits inner and outer layer 54 for purposes of illustration. FIG. 29 omits surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 for purposes of illustration. As with basketball 420 in FIG. 26, the radial beams 46 are further colored to provide a heat map indicating their different diameters or thicknesses.
[0095]In the two opposite pole regions 22-1 and 22-2 (not shown), basketball 720 has a lower density of radial beams 46. The lower density of radial beams 46 reduces, offsets or neutralizes any extra rebound or bounce that may occur due to the increased concentration of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 32, as well as the higher concentration of portions of skeleton 747. The density of radial beams 46 increases outside of closure 749 formed by the converging portions of skeleton 747. The density of radial beams 46 is reduced in those regions adjacent to or underlying those portions of surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30 that are in close proximity to closure 749.
[0096]Inner skeleton 747 is provided by added reinforcing channels 753 on the outer wall of the inner lattice 42. The reinforcing channels 753 provide additional rebound performance in such regions. Although the reinforcing channels 753 converge to form closure 759, the additional rebound at such pole regions 22-1, 22-2 is offset by the lower density of radial beams 46 and their reduced thicknesses.
[0097]FIGS. 30-39 illustrate various examples of how any of the above-described basketballs may be provided with branding, logos or other information (customized information, manufacture date, style or version data, patent data, advertising or the like) at different locations (hereinafter referred to as an “information landing”, a “landing” or “landings”). FIGS. 30-39 illustrate various examples of how such information may be presented and located so as to have a reduced impact upon the feel and rebound performance/consistency of the basketball. FIGS. 30-39 illustrate various information locations on a single basketball 20. As should be appreciated, basketball 20 may omit all or at least some of the particular information landings.
[0098]FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate information landing 90. Information landing 90 is located or formed along surface strip 30-1 and is wider than those portions of surface strip 30-1 which extend from opposite ends of information landing 90. Information landing is located nearer within polar region 22-1, proximate to where surface strip 30-1 connects to surface strip 26-1. In the example illustrated, landing 90 has embossed thereon logo information comprising “W” and “NBA”. In other implementations, other information may be branded on landing 90, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In yet other implementations, the information may be provided are formed upon landing 90 in other fashions. For example, the information may be placed upon landing 90 by printing, stamping or molding. The recessed nature of such embossing lessons any rebound impact.
[0099]FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate an example landing 92. Landing 92 is formed at the center of pole region 22-2 of basketball 20. Landing 92 is formed along a conjunction of surface strips 24-1 and 24-2. Landing 92 has a width greater than the width of surface strips 24-1 and 24- and is recessed along with surface strips 24-1 and 24-2 (due to the loby shape). In other implementations, landing 92 may be formed at pole region 22-1. In other implementations, landing 92 may be formed at a conjunction of surface strips 26-1 and 26-2 at home region 22-2 or at pole region 22-1. As with landing 90, landing 92 has embossed thereon logo information comprising “Wilson” and “NBA”. In other implementations, information may be provided on landing 92 in other fashions such as by printing, stamping or molding.
[0100]FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate an example landing 94. Landing 94 is formed at a center point of surface strip 24-1, centered between the centers of pole regions 22-1 and 22-2. Landing 94 has a width greater than the width of surface strip 24-1 and is recessed along with surface strip 24-1 (due to the loby shape). In other implementations, landing 94 may alternatively be formed along at center points between the pole regions 22-1 and 22-2 along any of the surface strips 24, 26, 28 and 30. Like the other landings, landing 94 has embossed thereon logo information comprising “Wilson,” the Jerry West NBA logo, and “NBA”. In other implementations, information may be provided on landing 92 in other fashions such as by coating, printing, stamping or molding.
[0101]FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate an example landing 96 of basketball 20. Landing 96 is formed as part of a central portion of surface strip 24-2. Landing 96 does not alter the width of surface strip 24-2. In the example illustrated, landing 96 includes information that projects from the outer surface of surface strip 24-2. The height of the raised portions providing the information is less than the extent to which the outer surface of surface strip 24-2 is recessed. Because landing 96 does not alter the width of surface strip 24-2 and because the raised data portions have a height less than an extent to which surface strip 24-2 is recessed, the provision of landing 96 and his information has a lower impact upon any rebound or bounce variation that might otherwise result from its presence. As should be appreciated, landing 96 may be formed on any of the surface strips a central point along such surface strips between the polar regions 22 or at other locations along the surface strips.
[0102]FIG. 38 illustrates a portion of basketball 20 provided with external information 98. FIG. 38 illustrates an example of how information may be integrated and outer lattice each of the above-described 3D printed basketballs. In the example illustrated, the information is in the form of an example logo “Wilson”. The logo is formed by 3D printing a line of material over and across voids of the cel