Inflatable play ball
First Claim
Patent Images
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 opening, a second opening and a third opening, the third opening being disposed adjacent one of the first and second openings;
a removable balloon formed of an elastomeric material, the balloon having a closeable opening and being inside the outer casing; and
an elastomeric handle secured to the outer casing through the third opening and the adjacent one of the first and second openings;
wherein when the balloon is inflated through the closeable opening in the balloon and through the first opening in the outer casing, air in the outer casing is evacuated through the second opening, andwherein the second 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.
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Abstract
A play ball comprising an outer casing having two adjacent openings, 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. A handle is attached to the outer casing through the adjacent openings in the casing. The handle is stretchable and can be in the form of an elastomeric band.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An inflatable play ball comprising:
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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 opening, a second opening and a third opening, the third opening being disposed adjacent one of the first and second openings; a removable balloon formed of an elastomeric material, the balloon having a closeable opening and being inside the outer casing; and an elastomeric handle secured to the outer casing through the third opening and the adjacent one of the first and second openings; wherein when the balloon is inflated through the closeable opening in the balloon and through the first opening in the outer casing, air in the outer casing is evacuated through the second opening, and wherein the second 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12)
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9. An inflatable play ball comprising:
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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 opening, a second opening and a third opening, the third opening being disposed adjacent one of the first and second openings; a removable balloon formed of an elastomeric material, the balloon having a closeable opening and being inside the outer casing; and an elastomeric handle secured to the outer casing through the third opening and the adjacent one of the first and second openings; wherein when the balloon is inflated through the closeable opening in the balloon and through the first opening in the outer casing, air in the outer casing is evacuated through the second opening, and wherein the second opening in the outer casing includes a port and a plug that fits tightly into the port.
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10. An inflatable play ball comprising:
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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 opening, a second opening and a third opening, the third opening being disposed adjacent one of the first and second openings; a removable balloon formed of an elastomeric material, the balloon having a closeable opening and being inside the outer casing; and an elastomeric handle secured to the outer casing through the third opening and the adjacent one of the first and second openings; wherein when the balloon is inflated through the closeable opening in the balloon and through the first opening in the outer casing, air in the outer casing is evacuated through the second opening, and wherein the second opening in the outer casing includes a swath of mesh.
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13. A method of inflating a play ball comprising:
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supplying an outer casing formed of a flexible material that is substantially non-porous, the outer casing comprising a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening that is disposed adjacent one of the first and second openings, wherein the second 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; supplying a balloon formed of an elastomeric material and comprising a closeable opening; inserting the balloon in an uninflated state through the first 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 second opening as the balloon inflates; closing the closeable opening upon inflation of the balloon; inserting the closeable opening within the outer casing; and securing an elastomeric handle to the outer casing through the third opening and through the adjacent one of the first and second openings in the outer casing; thereby forming a desired play ball configuration. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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14. A kit comprising:
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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 opening, a second opening, and a third opening disposed adjacent one of the first and second openings, wherein the second 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; a balloon in its uninflated state formed of an elastomeric material adapted to be placed inside the outer casing through the first opening; and an elastomeric handle that is adapted to be connected to the outer casing through the third opening and the adjacent one of the first and second openings in the outer casing.
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Specification