Lighted ball

• US 5,054,778 A
• Filed: 01/18/1991
• Issued: 10/08/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John R.K. Maleyko
• Original Assignee: John R.K. Maleyko
• Inventors: Maleyko, John R. K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marlo, George J.
• Application Number:
  US07/642,830
• Time in Patent Office: 263 Days
• Field of Search: 273/58 R, 273/58 A, 273/58 B, 273/58 BA, 273/58 F, 273/58 G, 273/58 J, 273/DIG. 20, 273/DIG. 8, 446/484, 446/485, 446/438, 446/439, 362/190
• US Class Current: 473/570
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/06 with illuminating devices ; with reflective surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/00 Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 273/08 Urethane

Abstract

A lighted ball having high velocity bounce capability which comprises a solid spherical body of soft, pliable, transparent rubber having a plurality of LEDs embedded in the body. An electrical switch with push button action is embedded in the body and connected in circuit with a battery set for energizing the LEDs. The removable closure is provided in a battery passage. A switch access passage extends from the switch actuator to the surface of the body.

Claims

1. An amusement device for throwing, catching and bouncing comprising:

a solid spherical body of soft pliable transparent rubber having a high degree of elasticity for providing said body with high velocity bounce capability,

a plurality of LEDs embedded in said body in spaced relation with each other,

an electrical switch embedded in said body and having a push responsive switch actuator for operating said switch between open and closed positions,

a battery compartment in said body adapted to receive a battery set with first and second electrical terminals adapted to be engaged by battery terminals of said battery set,

electrical conductor means in said body connecting said electrical terminals and said switch in series with each other and for connecting said LEDs with said battery set through said switch,

said battery compartment having a battery access passage extending therefrom to the exterior surface of said body for removal and replacement of said battery set,

a removable closure in said battery access passage and having an outer surface conforming to the surrounding exterior surface of said body,

said LEDs, switch, actuator, conductor means and said battery compartment being disposed entirely inside the exterior surface of said body,

and a switch access passage extending from said switch actuator to the exterior surface of said body and being adapted to receive a slender rod-like tool for pushing said switch actuator.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said removable closure threadedly engages the wall of said battery access passage and has a tool receiving socket on the exterior surface thereof, said closure being effective to seal said passage against entry of foreign particulate matter and water and wherein said removable closure includes a mechanical interlock for inhibiting reverse rotation of said closure.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said switch access passage includes a throat portion of reduced diameter which is elastically enlarged by insertion of said rod-like tool.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said spherical body comprises two identical hemispherical parts joined together and having opposed recesses in the flat face of each hemispherical part to accommodate said LEDs, said battery compartment, said electrical switch and said electrical conductor means.

4. The invention as defined in claim wherein said rubber is polyurethane rubber.