Method of manufacturing a sport ball having a self-contained inflation mechanism
US6491595B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B2041/005
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a sport ball includes providing a fluid impervious bladder, providing apparatus for penetrating the bladder and including apparatus for receiving an object in sealing engagement, providing a plug dimensioned and configured to engage in sealing relationship the apparatus for receiving in sealing engagement, inserting the plug into the apparatus for receiving, inflating the bladder, and forming additional layers of material on the bladder that is part of a complete sport ball. Thereafter, the method includes providing a self-contained inflation mechanism dimensioned and configured to be disposed within the envelope of the sport ball and dimensioned and configured to engage the apparatus for receiving, removing the plug from the apparatus for receiving, and placing the inflation mechanism into the apparatus for receiving.In some forms of the invention the step of forming additional layers includes adding reinforcing windings, molding a layer of rubber on the windings, and laminating composite panels onto the ball and setting the panels in a molding process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.