The Story Behind
The Crooked Ball™
One inventor. One simple idea. An object that makes people stop, laugh, and ask — "Wait, how does it do that?"
The Inventor
Don Stonebarger
Don Stonebarger is the inventor of The Crooked Ball™ — a patent-pending novelty product born from a simple but brilliant observation: what if a ball didn't roll straight?
The idea is deceptively simple. A hidden internal offset weight shifts the center of gravity just enough to make the ball veer, curve, and change direction as it rolls — creating a reaction in everyone who sees it. People pick it up, roll it again, and can't quite believe what they're seeing.
What started as one man's idea has grown into a full family project. Don's sons have joined the mission — and the rights to The Crooked Ball™ will carry on with the Stonebarger family for generations to come.
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The Family
A Crooked Bunch Who Shoot Straight.
The Crooked Ball™ is a family business. Don's sons have stepped in alongside him — bringing their own hustle, heart, and straight-shooting work ethic to a product that's anything but straight. The Stonebarger name is on it, and the Stonebarger family will carry it forward.
Don Stonebarger
Inventor & Founder
The original crooked thinker. Don dreamed up the idea, filed the patent, and has been rolling with it ever since — literally.
The Sons
Family Partners
They grew up watching their dad think differently. Now they're all in — helping build, promote, and protect The Crooked Ball™ for the long haul.
The Stonebarger Legacy
Family-Owned Rights
The intellectual property, the brand, and the mission stay in the family. Whatever comes next, The Crooked Ball™ is a straight up winner.
The Idea
Simple physics. Surprising results.
The Insight
Every ball rolls straight — until this one. A hidden offset weight inside changes everything, creating a roll that defies expectation every single time.
The Reaction
The moment someone sees it roll, they want to try it themselves. That instant, shareable surprise is what makes The Crooked Ball™ a natural conversation starter and gift.
The Protection
The invention is currently in the patent process. Don is actively preparing The Crooked Ball™ for production, licensing, and distribution partnerships across sports, novelty, and gift markets.
Product Background
Built for novelty. Ready for market.
What It Is
A solid novelty ball with a hidden internal offset weight. No batteries, no motors, no electronics — just clever engineering that creates an unpredictable, crooked rolling path.
Who It's For
Gift shops, toy retailers, novelty stores, sports shops, stadium stores, museum shops, promotional product companies, and online marketplaces. Anyone who sells products that make people smile.
Why It Works
The reaction is immediate and universal. People of all ages respond the same way — they laugh, they try it again, and they want to show someone else. That's the magic of The Crooked Ball™.
Where It's Headed
Don is seeking partners for manufacturing, licensing, marketing, and distribution across sports, novelty, and gift channels. The product is patent-pending and ready for the right team to bring it to shelves worldwide.
