The present invention relates to sport or game balls that contain integral mechanisms for inflating or adding pressure to the balls. The inflation mechanisms are double action pumps instead of the single action pumps currently available in certain inflatable sport balls.
Conventional inflatable sport balls, such as basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs and playground balls, are inflated through a traditional inflation valve using a separate inflation needle that is inserted into and through a self-sealing inflation valve on the ball. A separate pump, such as a traditional bicycle pump, is connected to the inflation needle and the ball is inflated using the pump. The inflation needle is then withdrawn from the inflation valve which then self-seals to maintain the air pressure within the ball. This system works fine until the ball needs inflation or a pressure increase and a needle and/or pump are not readily available.
More recently, inflatable sport balls have been developed that have integral pumps, but these pumps are only single action pumps. If a relatively large pressure increase is needed, it can be quite time consuming to add air and increase the ball's pressure. This is because the pumps are small and do not add a large volume of air with each stroke.
An object of the present invention is to inflate or add pressure to a sport ball without the need for separate inflation equipment such as a separate inflation needle and pump, and to be able to add the air more quickly by reducing the number of strokes otherwise needed.
The present invention provides a sport ball having a self-contained dual action inflation mechanism. The invention also provides a ball having multiple self-contained inflation mechanisms, in which at least one of the inflation mechanisms is of the dual action type. As used herein, a “dual action” or “double action” pump or inflation mechanism refers to a pump that adds air on both the in (or down) stroke and the out (or up) stroke. Restated, the dual action pump introduces air to the ball in both directions of the pumping action.
More specifically, the invention relates to a sport ball that has at least one self-contained pump device which is operable from outside the ball and which pumps ambient air into the ball to achieve a desired pressure. Additionally, the pump is a double action or dual action pump. The dual action of the pump allows air to be introduced into the interior of the inflatable sport ball on both the forward stroke and the reverse stroke by drawing air into separate chambers on each stroke. The dual action pump will be described in more detail below. The pump mechanism may also have a pressure relief mechanism and/or a pressure indication device.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a sport ball having an integral pump. The ball comprises a flexible hall, body adapted to retain pressurized air. The body also defines an aperture. The ball additionally comprises a pump disposed in the aperture and retained within the ball body. The pump includes a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder, and a valve assembly configured to introduce air into the ball body upon movement of the piston from an extended position to an inserted position. The valve assembly is also configured to introduce air into the ball body upon movement of the piston from the inserted position to the extended position.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an inflatable ball having an integral dual action pump assembly for changing air pressure within the ball. The ball comprises a rubber bladder defining an interior region adapted for retaining pressurized air. The ball also comprises an outer layer disposed about the rubber bladder. And, the ball comprises a pump assembly disposed in the interior region of the rubber bladder. The pump assembly includes a movable plunger sealingly disposed within a cylinder secured to the rubber bladder. The plunger is movable in both a forward stroke and a reverse stroke. The pump assembly is adapted to transfer air to the interior region of the rubber bladder by moving the plunger in either of the forward stroke or the reverse stroke.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an inflatable sport ball having an integral dual-action pump assembly for changing air pressure within the ball. The ball comprises a ball carcass which defines an interior region for retaining air at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The carcass defines an aperture between the interior region and the exterior of the ball. The ball also comprises a pump assembly disposed within the aperture and extending into the interior region. The pump assembly comprises a pump cylinder including an open end, a nozzle end, and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the open end and the nozzle end. The cylinder defines a generally hollow interior. The pump assembly also comprises a pump plunger having a cap end, a sealing end, and a tubular wall extending between the cap end and the sealing end. The plunger defines a generally hollow interior accessible from the sealing end. The plunger is movably disposed within the hollow interior of the cylinder between a forward position at which the sealing end of the plunger is proximate the nozzle end of the cylinder, and a reverse position at which the sealing end of the plunger is proximate the open end of the cylinder. Air is transferred into the interior region of the ball carcass upon movement of the plunger from the forward position to the reverse position or from the reverse position to the forward position.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dual action pump adapted for incorporation in an inflatable sport ball. The pump comprises a cylinder having a head end, a nozzle end, and a cylindrical sidewall extending therebetween. The sidewall has an exterior surface and an oppositely directed interior surface. The cylinder defines a generally hollow interior chamber accessible from the head end and the nozzle end. The pump also comprises a movable plunger disposed in the hollow interior chamber of the cylinder. The plunger has a cap end, a sealing end, and a tubular wall extending therebetween. The plunger defines a hollow interior region accessible from the sealing end. The pump also comprises an air transfer tube extending within both the hollow interior chamber of the cylinder and the hollow interior region of the plunger. The air transfer tube is secured to the nozzle end of the cylinder.
These and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the specification, drawings and claims.
The following is a brief description of the drawings, which is presented for the purposes of illustrating the invention and not for the purposes of limiting the same.
The present invention relates to a sport or game ball having an integral dual action pump. The pump is retained within the ball and may be easily used to introduce air into the ball and thereby inflate the ball.
The pump preferably comprises three components, a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder, and a valve assembly. The piston is movable within the cylinder between an extended position and an inserted position. The valve assembly includes a plurality of valves, described in greater detail herein, that enable air to be admitted into the ball during each direction of movement of the piston. That is, air is introduced into the ball during movement of the piston from an extended position to an inserted position. And, air is introduced into the ball during movement of the piston from the inserted position to the extended position. Furthermore, it is not necessary that the piston be displaced along the entire stroke length, i.e. between a fully extended position and a fully inserted position or vice versa. The unique pump of the present invention delivers air to the ball during movement in either direction of the piston. It will be appreciated however that some minimum or threshold degree of piston travel in either direction may be necessary to achieve a sufficient pressure to cause air to enter the ball.
Referring to
Other sport ball constructions, such as sport balls produced by a molding process, such as blow molding, may also be used in the invention. For an example of a process for molding sport balls, see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,400, incorporated herein by reference.
Materials suitable for use as the bladder include, but are not limited to, butyl, latex, urethane, and other rubber materials generally known in the art. Examples of materials suitable for the winding layer include, but are not limited to, nylon, polyester and the like. Examples of materials suitable for use as the outer layer, or cover, include, but are not limited to, polyurethanes, including thermoplastic polyurethanes; polyvinylchloride (PVC); leather; synthetic leather; and composite leather. Materials suitable for use as the optional foam layer include, but are not limited to, neoprene, SBR, TPE, EVA, or any foam capable of high or low energy absorption. Examples of commercially available high or low energy absorbing foams include the CONFOR™ open-celled polyurethane foams available from Aearo EAR Specialty composites, Inc., and NEOPRENE™ (polychloroprene) foams available from Dupont Dow Elastomers.
Referring to
Referring to
The pump cylinder 240 is generally in the shape of a right cylinder having two open ends and a unique sidewall configuration, with an interiorly disposed air transfer tube. Specifically, the cylinder 240 includes a head end 242, a nozzle end 270, and a generally cylindrical sidewall 246 extending therebetween. The head end 242 defines two apertures 250 and 262 which provide access to hollow passages defined within the sidewall 246. The cylinder 240 also includes a base 272 proximate the nozzle end 270. The inside of the cylinder 240 is generally hollow and is defined by an interior circumferential surface 290 which is the inner surface of the sidewall 246. The sidewall 246 also defines an exterior surface, opposite from the interior surface 290. The hollow interior of the cylinder 240 is also defined by an end wall 292 proximate the base 272.
Disposed within the hollow interior of the cylinder 240 is an air transfer tube 280. The air transfer tube provides communication between the interior of the cylinder 240 and the nozzle end 270 of the cylinder 240. Preferably, the tube 280 is concentrically positioned within the center of the interior of the cylinder 240. The air transfer tube 280 is also hollow and is supported by and affixed to the base 272 of the cylinder 240 generally along the end wall 292 of the cylinder 240. The air transfer tube 280 preferably extends parallel and co-linearly with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 240. The air transfer tube 280 defines a first aperture 282 preferably near the head end 242, and a second aperture 284, preferably near the endwall 292 of the cylinder base 272. The first and second apertures 282 and 284, respectively, are preferably in the form of apertures extending through the sidewall of the air transfer tube 280. Also disposed within the air transfer tube 280 and between the first and second apertures 282, 284, respectively, is a one-way valve 286. The one-way valve 286 only permits flow of air from the first aperture 282 to the second aperture 284.
The base 272 of the cylinder 240 defines a discharge passage 274. The passage 274 generally extends from the air transfer tube 280 to the nozzle end 270 of the cylinder 240. And so, the discharge passage 274 provides communication between the interior of the cylinder 240 and the interior of the sport ball.
As noted, the sidewall 246 of the cylinder 240 features a unique passageway configuration. An intake, i.e., “Chamber A” intake 248, is provided by a first sidewall passage 252 extending between the first head aperture 250 and a first sidewall aperture 254. The first sidewall aperture 254 is defined near the base 272 of the cylinder 240. A one-way valve 255 is fitted over the aperture 254 that only allows air to flow into the interior of the pump cylinder 240. It will be appreciated that although valve 255 is depicted schematically in
A further intake, i.e., “Chamber B” intake 260, is provided by a second sidewall passage 264 extending between the second head aperture 262 and a second sidewall aperture 266. A one-way valve 267 is disposed over the aperture 266 to only allow air to flow into the interior of the pump cylinder 240. As with valve 255, it will be appreciated that although valve 267 is depicted schematically in
Upon assembly of the preferred embodiment dual action pump according to the present invention, the plunger 210 is inserted in the hollow interior of the cylinder 240. Specifically, the plunger 210 is disposed within the annular hollow region defined between the air transfer tube 280 and the interior circumferential surface 290 of the sidewall 246 of the cylinder 240. The plunger 210 is inserted in the cylinder 240 such that the sealing end 232 of the plunger 210 is urged toward the end wall 292 of the cylinder 240.
As shown in
The primary seal 300 is preferably provided by an O-ring 302 disposed within the annular recess 234 defined along the sealing end 232 of the plunger 210. The O-ring 302 is disposed within the annular region between the sealing end 232 of the plunger 210 and the interior circumferential surface 290 of the pump cylinder 240. As will be appreciated, as the plunger 210 is moved relative to the pump cylinder 240, as described in greater detail herein, the primary seal 300 and specifically, the O-ring 302, provides an air-tight seal between Chamber A below the seal 300 and Chamber B above the seal 300. As the plunger 210 is moved along the length of the pump cylinder 240, the O-ring 302 is carried along with the sealing end 232 of the plunger while maintaining sealing contact with the interior circumferential surface 290 of the pump cylinder 240. A sealing member 301 is also preferably provided between the sealing end 232 and the outer surface of the air transfer tube 280.
Although the embodiments described herein refer to an O-ring such as O-ring 302 for certain seals, it will be appreciated that other types of seals may be utilized. For example, a seal having a non-circular cross-section may be used. Of these, representative examples include, but are not limited to, loaded lip seals and U-cup type seals.
The secondary seal 320 is preferably provided by an assembly of sealing members that extend within the annular region between the air transfer tube 280 and the interior circumferential surface 290 of the pump cylinder 240. The assembly of sealing members include an upper sealing member 322 and a lower sealing member 324. The lower sealing member 324 is preferably disposed between the upper member 322 and the end wall 292 of the pump cylinder 240. The secondary seal 320 operates by temporarily providing an air-tight seal between the region below it, i.e. the region defined between the lower sealing member 324 and the end wall 292, and the region above the secondary seal 320. The secondary seal 320 is configured to only provide this seal as the plunger 210 is withdrawn or pulled out from the pump cylinder 240. Upon movement of the plunger 210 in an opposite direction, i.e. when inserted or pushed into the pump cylinder 240 toward the end wall 292, the secondary seal 320 allows passage of air between the regions above and below the seal 320.
The preferred dual action pump 5 according to the present invention also includes additional sealing members such as an inner annular seal 330 and an outer annular seal 332. Preferably, each of the seals 330 and 332 are in the form of O-rings. The inner annular seal 330 is disposed at the distal end of the air transfer tube 280. The inner annular seal 330 is generally seated around the perimeter of the tube 280 and extends between the outer surface of the tube 280 and the circumferential interior surface 236 of the plunger 210. The inner annular seal 330 prevents passage of air between the regions above and below the seal 330. As the plunger 210 is moved relative to the cylinder 240, the inner annular seal 330 generally maintains its position at the distal end of the air transfer tube 280.
The outer annular seal 332 is generally seated around the perimeter of the plunger 210 and the interior circumferential surface 290 of the pump cylinder 240. The outer annular seal 332 prevents passage of air between the regions above and below the seal 332. As the plunger 210 is moved relative to the cylinder 240, the outer annular seal 332 generally maintains its position proximate the head end 242 of the cylinder 240.
The inner and outer annular seals 330 and 332, in addition to performing the noted sealing functions, also serve to maintain alignment of the plunger 210 with respect to the pump cylinder 240. That is, the seals 330 and 332 promote alignment between the plunger 210 and the cylinder 240, and preferably, ensure that the longitudinal axis of the plunger 210 is not only parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 240, but also that these two axes are co-linear with each other. Furthermore, the seals 330 and 332 not only promote the noted alignment between the plunger 210 and the cylinder 240, but also ensure that this alignment is maintained during movement of the plunger 210 relative to the cylinder 240.
In a preferred embodiment of the pump, a spring (not shown) is provided within the pump to urge the plunger 210 up and away from the nozzle end 270 of the cylinder 240. The plunger may optionally contain a pressure-indicating device (not shown), such as a ball or slide, and pressure indication lines, and/or a pressure relief mechanism to reduce the pressure of the ball.
Generally, the operation of the preferred dual action pump 5 is as follows. When the plunger 210 is pulled up or out (reverse stroke) from the cylinder 240, the secondary seal 320 is closed, and the valve 255 for Chamber A is open, allowing air to fill Chamber A. When the plunger 210 is pushed in or down (forward stroke) with respect to the cylinder 240, the secondary seal 320 opens, the valve 255 closes, and the one-way valve 286 opens to allow air from Chamber B to enter the ball through the aperture 284 and then through the nozzle end 270. While the air in Chamber B is being forced into the ball, the Chamber A is drawing in air from outside the pump. As the piston is pushed back in, the air in the Chamber A enters the ball by the action of the piston while Chamber B fills with air again. This process is repeated until the desired amount of air has been added to the ball. With each stroke, both in and out, air is forced into the ball.
Unlike a typical single action pump where the seal between plunger and cylinder only forms a seal in one direction, the primary seal 300 of the preferred dual action pump 5 seals the Chambers A and B in both stroke directions. This allows the air in Chamber A to be forced into the ball during the down or forward stroke while preventing the air from escaping. The seal provided by seal 300 also allows the air that is drawn into Chamber B to be forced into the air transfer tube 280 and then into the ball during the up or reverse stroke while the Chamber A refills with air through the Chamber A intake 248.
More specifically, the operation of the preferred dual action pump 5 is explained as follows with reference to
As shown in
As best shown in
As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, fibers or other reinforcing materials for the cap may be incorporated into the rubber compound or thermoplastic material during mixing. Examples of fibers materials suitable for use include, but are not limited to, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, Kevlar, cellulistic, glass and combinations thereof. Incorporation of fibers or other reinforcing materials into the button or cap improves the durability of the button and improves the union of the button or cap and the piston rod, thus preventing the button or cap from shearing off during use. Although the pump would still function without the button, it becomes very difficult to use.
Preferably, the button or cap 212 is co-injected with the plunger 210 as one part. Alternatively, the button or cap 212 may be co-injected with a connecting piece, and the button or cap 212 and connecting piece may then be attached to the upper end of the plunger 210 using an adhesive suitable for bonding the two pieces together. Co-injecting the button 212 and the plunger 210 as one part, or alternatively, the button 212 and the connecting piece as one part that is mounted to the plunger 210, provides a more durable part that is less likely to break or come apart during routine use of the ball. The button or cap material and the plunger material need to be selected such that the two materials will adhere when co-injected. Testing of various combinations has shown that co-injecting or extruding a soft rubber button, such as a button comprising SANTOPRENE™, and a harder plunger, such as polycarbonate or polypropylene and the like, provides a durable bond without the need for adhesives.
The plunger 210 and the connecting piece may be formed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), acrylic (PMMA), acrylonitrile-styrene acrylate (ASA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer, ABS;/PC blends, polypropylene (preferably high impact polypropylene), polyphenylene oxide, nylon, combinations thereof, or any suitable material known in the art. Materials with high impact strength are preferred. The material used for the plunger is preferably clear or transparent, especially if a pressure-indicating device is used so that the user can view it.
Referring further to
A pump assembly of the type described and illustrated herein is preferably made primarily from plastics such as polystyrene, polyethylene, nylon, polycarbonate and combinations thereof, but it can be made of any appropriate material known in the art. Although the assembly is small and light weight, perhaps only about 5 to about 25 grams, a weight may optionally be added to the ball structure to counterbalance the weight of the pump mechanism. In such an application, the weight, i.e. the counterweight, is positioned on or within the ball, and has a suitable mass, such that the resulting center of mass of the ball coincides with the geometric center of the ball. In lighter weight or smaller balls, such as a soccer ball, the pump assembly may weigh less and/or be smaller (shorter) than a corresponding pump assembly for a heavier ball, such as a basketball.
The description thus far and the referenced drawings disclose a particular and preferred pump configuration. However, other pump arrangements can be used within the scope of the invention, as long as they utilize at least two chambers to provide for dual action. Examples of other pump arrangements that may be used with the invention are shown in co-pending application Ser. Nos. 09/594,980, filed Jun. 15, 2000; Ser. No. 09/594,547, filed Jun. 14, 2000; 09/594,180, filed Jun. 14, 2000; and 09/560,768, filed Apr. 28, 2000, incorporated herein by reference. Additional details and features that may be implemented in conjunction with the balls and pumps described herein are provided in U.S. Application publication No. U.S. 2002/0187866, filed as Ser. No. 10/183,337 on Jun. 25, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,595, filed as Ser. No. 09/712,116 on Nov. 14, 2000; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,225 filed as Ser. No. 09/478,225 on Jan. 6, 2000, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Since the pressure in a sport ball can be too high through overinflation or a temperature increase, or too low through underinflation or air loss, it is an advantage to have a pressure-indicating device that is integral to the pump. If the pressure is too low, additional air may be added using the self-contained pump of the invention. If the pressure is too high, the pressure may be relieved by bleeding pressure from the ball with the conventional inflating needle or other implement that will open the conventional inflation valve to release air. Alternatively, the pump may have a mechanism that allows the pressure to be relieved, either through action of the pump, or through the use of a relief mechanism built into the pump, such as a mechanism to open the one-way valve if desired to allow air to flow out of the interior of the ball. The pressure-indicating device of the present invention may then be used to determine if the ball is correctly inflated. If too much air is removed, additional air may be added using the pump.
The foregoing description is, at present, considered to be the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it is contemplated that various changes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art may be made without departing from the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing description is intended to cover all such changes and modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, including all equivalent aspects.
The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/435,222 filed on Dec. 20, 2002.
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60435222 | Dec 2002 | US |