INFLATABLE PLAY BALL

• US 20080064541A1
• Filed: 09/25/2006
• Published: 03/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donald Spector
• Original Assignee: Donald Spector
• Inventors: Spector, Donald
• Granted Patent: US 7,740,552 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/604
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 41/00 Hollow inflatable balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 41/02 Bladders
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 41/085 Closures

Abstract

A play ball comprising an outer casing having a vent and a balloon is provided. The outer casing is substantially non-porous. An uninflated balloon is inserted into the outer casing through an opening. During inflation of the balloon, air from within the outer casing is vented.

Claims

1. An inflatable play ball comprising:

an outer casing formed of a flexible material that is substantially non-porous which assumes a desired play ball configuration when expanded, the outer casing having a first closeable opening and a second closeable opening; and

a removable balloon formed of an elastomeric material, the balloon having a closeable opening and being inside the outer casing;

wherein when the balloon is inflated through the closeable opening in the balloon and through the first closeable opening in the outer casing, air in the outer casing is evacuated through the second closeable opening.

2. The play ball of claim 1, wherein the closeable opening in the balloon is knotted.

3. The play ball of claim 1, wherein the closeable opening in the balloon is closed by a valve.

4. The play ball of claim 1, wherein the flexible material includes a polymeric plastic film.

5. The play ball of claim 4, wherein the polymeric plastic film comprises polyvinyl chloride.

6. The play ball of claim 1, wherein the flexible material comprises a fabric material and a rubber coating adhered to the fabric material.

7. The play ball of claim 6, wherein the rubber coating is adhered to an outer surface of the outer casing.

8. The play ball of claim 6, wherein the rubber coating is adhered to an inner surface of the outer casing.

9. The play ball of claim 1, wherein the flexible material includes an impermeable membrane.

10. The play ball of claim 1, wherein the second closeable opening in the outer casing includes a check-valve that permits evacuation of air from the outer casing as the balloon becomes inflated and prevents inflow of air into the outer casing during use of the ball.

11. The play ball of claim 1, wherein the second closeable opening in the outer casing includes a port and a plug that fits tightly into the port.

12. The play ball of claim 1, wherein the second opening in the outer casing includes a swath of mesh.

13. A method of inflating a play ball comprising:

supplying an outer casing formed of a flexible material that is substantially non-porous, the outer casing comprising an opening, a closure, and a vent therein;

supplying a balloon formed of an elastomeric material and comprising a closeable opening;

inserting the balloon in an uninflated state through the opening and into the outer casing while leaving the closeable opening outside of the outer casing;

inflating the balloon by supplying air or a gas through the closeable opening;

evacuating air from the outer casing through the vent as the balloon inflates;

closing the closeable opening upon inflation of the balloon;

inserting the closeable opening within the outer casing; and

substantially sealing the opening with the closure;

thereby forming a desired play ball configuration.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising closing the vent.

15. A kit comprising:

an outer casing formed of a flexible material that is substantially non-porous which assumes a desired play ball configuration when expanded, the outer casing having a first closeable opening and a second closeable opening; and

a balloon in its uninflated state formed of an elastomeric material adapted to be placed inside the outer casing through the first opening.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the balloon is inside the outer casing.