US4073120A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for repressurizing tennis balls
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-08-09
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Granted: 1978-02-14
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Expires: 1996-08-09
Abstract
Abstract The method and apparatus for repressurizing tennis balls or other balls not being normally provided with an air fill valve and for internally sealing the same after repressurizing, which includes: a needle-like element for penetrating the skin of the ball and having a passage therethrough for the passing of a sealing medium and air into the ball, compressing the ball to create a negative pressure therein, a sealant containing member which is penetrable by the extending end of the needle element for drawing the sealant into the ball when the compressive force is released and a source of positive pressure which is attachable to the extending end of the needle element for pressure application to the interior of the ball. The sealant is in flowable condition for a period and and will flow about the internal end of the needle to form a supply about the aperture formed by the needle such that when the same is withdrawn, the sealant will flow in and over the aperture to seal the same.
Inventors
- 👤 Lloyd E. Berggren
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:29
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B39/00; A63B39/02; A63B39/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
The apparatus for repressurizing balls having a continuous exterior skin including: a longitudinally extending injecting and penetrating element having one end thereof arranged to penetrate the exterior skin of the ball and having the other end arranged and constructed to receive a supply of pressurized gas and a supply of sealant; a passage through said injecting and penetrating element for communication between said ends; means for compressing the ball to expel the air therefrom through said injecting and penetrating element for the building of a negative pressure therein; sealant supply containing means having a supply of sealant therein and having an exterior skin penetrable by said other end of said injecting and penetrating element for the delivery of sealant therethrough upon penetration thereof and release of the negative prewithin the ball; and, means for providing pressurized gas through said injecting and penetrating element upon removal of said sealant supply.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
149 words
The apparatus for repressurizing balls having a continuous exterior skin including: a longitudinally extending injecting and penetrating element having one end thereof arranged to penetrate the exterior skin of the ball and having the other end arranged and constructed to receive a supply of pressurized gas and a supply of sealant; a passage through said injecting and penetrating element for communication between said ends; means for compressing the ball to expel the air therefrom through said injecting and penetrating element for the building of a negative pressure therein; sealant supply containing means having a supply of sealant therein and having an exterior skin penetrable by said other end of said injecting and penetrating element for the delivery of sealant therethrough upon penetration thereof and release of the negative prewithin the ball; and, means for providing pressurized gas through said injecting and penetrating element upon removal of said sealant supply.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and said sealant supply means including a rupturable exterior covering providing a containing capsule and a supply of sealant of a flowable form contained therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and pressure relief means associated with said injecting and penetrating element opening upon the internal pressure of the ball reaching a predetermined level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and said means for providing pressurized gas including a compressable envelope having an outlet attachable to said other end of said injecting and penetrating element and means for compressing said envelope to force the gas therefrom.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
99 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 and said compressable envelope being longitudinally extending and said compressing means including a pair of roller members arranged in side by side relation to position said envelope therebetween and means for rotating at least one of said rollers whereby said rollers will advance longitudinally along said envelope to force the gas therefrom. 6. The apparatus set forth in claim 4 and said sealant supply being arranged interiorally of said envelope adjacent said injecting and penetrating element, said compressing means arranged to force said sealant into and through said injecting and penetrating
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
element. 7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and said other end of said injecting and penetrating element arranged and constructed with a
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
134 words
penetration portion. 8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and: a housing providing a cavity therein, said injecting and penetrating element extending through said housing having the penetrating end extending exteriorally therefrom with said other end being arranged to communicate with said cavity; a movable piston arranged in said cavity; means for providing reciprocating motion to said piston; a source of sealant arranged to communicate with said cavity, the movement of said piston drawing said sealant into said cavity when said piston moves in a first direction and forcing said sealant into and through said injecting and penetrating element when said piston moves in a second, opposite direction; and, a source of pressurized gas connected to said housing and communicating with said injecting and penetrating element when said piston has moved a
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
predetermined distance in said second direction. 9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 and check valve means permitting the flow of sealant into
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
said cavity and preventing the flow thereof back to said source. 10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 and said sealant being delivered to said injecting and penetrating means during the movement of said piston to said
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
predetermined distance. 11. The apparatus set forth in claim 8 and means for compressing the ball prior to the introduction of said sealant to
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
97 words
create a negative pressure therein. 12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 and: said injecting and penetrating element extending into said cavity; said source of pressurized gas being connected to the interior of said piston; a passage arranged through said piston to receive said injecting and penetrating element therein to communicate with said pressurized gas; and, a valving member arranged to normally seal said passage through said piston and being penetrable by said injecting and penetrating element for delivery of pressurized gas therethrough upon movement of said piston said predetermined distance in said first direction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-02-13 | 1981-08-15 | 1982-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-02-13 | 1985-08-15 | 1986-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-02-13 | 1989-08-15 | 1990-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |