PNEUMATIC OBJECTS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

61/364452, filed on July 14, 2010, and all the benefits accruing therefrom, the content of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to pneumatic coupling devices and more particularly pertains to a threaded valved inflation needle and cover system designed specifically for controlled inflation or deflation (i.e. adjusting the internal pressure) of balls and toys by facilitating communication with standard air sources, inflation methods and pressure monitoring devices.

2) Description of prior art

[0003] The use of pneumatic coupling devices for the inflation of balls and toys is known in the prior art. Pneumatic coupling devices heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations and adapters for the fulfillment of their respective objectives and requirements.

[0004] Known prior art pneumatic coupling devices include U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,001; U.S. Pat. No. 2,969,082; U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,387; U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,081; U.S. Pat. No.

3,932,977; U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,712; U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,098; and U.S. Design Pat. No.

304,817 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,243.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,243 and other prior art in the area of ball inflation describe a multi-component valved or valveless adapters which must be separately assembled and coupled with an inflation needle or an inflation cone to facilitate inflation of balls and toys respectively. While these devices fulfill their respective objectives and requirements, each has shortcomings when used specifically for the adjustment of the internal pressure of balls and toys. Commonly available inflation needles required for use with adapters and pumps are small, easily lost and difficult to manipulate. The use of previously described adapters and pumps with inflation needles can be cumbersome and may require the use of additional devices such as pliers to manipulate and realize the coupling of the adapter and inflation needle. The multi-component nature of adapters and the size of the needle create

opportunities for component loss, bending, breakage, inconvenience and frustration in normal use.

[0006] An assembly describing a lubricating holder for a sidewall tire valve inflation needle in U.S. Pat. No. 2,969,082 is directed to specifically address the needs of sidewall tire inflation. The design of the sidewall tire valve inflation needle renders the aforementioned device ineffective for selection of the internal pressure of balls and toys.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The above and other aspects, advantages and features of this disclosure will become more apparent by describing in further detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1. External side view of the threaded valved inflation needle;

FIG. 2. Cutaway view of the threaded valved inflation needle;

FIG. 3. The threaded valved inflation needle shown inserted into a recreational ball valve;

FIG. 4. A perspective cut-away view of the threaded valved inflation needle inserted into a pull out toy valve;

FIG. 5. Protective cover cutaway showing the threaded valved inflation needle, space for cover's internal lubricating material for the needle, an O-ring at cover-cap union and protruding cap nub for adjusting ball pressure. The example shown is 2.670 inches in length;

FIG. 6. Protective cover and cap assembly;

FIG. 7. Perspective view of a threaded valved inflation needle device; and

FIG. 8. A photograph of the threaded valved inflation needle inserted into a pull out toy valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a threaded valved inflation needle for controlled inflation or deflation of balls and toys by communicating with standard air sources, inflation methods and pressure monitoring devices. The invention is useful with balls that utilize a valve of the type that commonly appears in recreational balls. The invention is also useful for controlled inflation of toys that utilize plastic pull out valves for communicating with external air sources. A cover designed to hold, protect, and lubricate the threaded valved inflation needle when not in use may further enhance the utility and convenience of the threaded valved inflation needle.

[0009] The use of the invention will be apparent to those who have inflated recreational balls. Typically, one fully inserts the needle end into the valve of a ball or toy by hand, whereupon the internal valve of the inventive device will prevent pressure leakage from the ball or toy until purposely opened by the user. In this position, the threaded end of the threaded valved inflation needle can be coupled with standard air pumps, air sources, and pressure monitoring devices. After adjustment of the internal pressure of the ball or toy, the threaded valved inflation needle can be readily removed from the ball or toy by hand. A complementary and common use can involve pre-coupling of the threaded valved inflation needle with the standard air pumps, air sources, and monitoring devices prior to insertion of the needle into ball or toys.

[0010] The inventive device consists of a tube (commonly referred to as a "needle") connected to a body which houses a one-way valve assembly. An example of the device is depicted in FIG. 1. The external surface of the body is threaded at the valved end to enable coupling to pressurized gas sources or to a conventional air pump or hand pump. Sources of pressurized gas and methods of pressure monitoring used with automobile tires and rimmed bicycle tires are applicable to use with the inventive device. Examples include but are not limited to air chuck adapters, air pumps, hand pumps and pressure monitoring devices.

Commonly available standard inflation needles have no barrier to pressure communication when coupled to a ball via a ball valve unless mated to an additional device or airflow is otherwise blocked (for example, by the user's finger), which can present the user with challenges or inconvenience to maintain, adjust or assess the internal pressure of a ball. The internal valve in the inventive device precludes spontaneous deflation of the pneumatic objects when coupled with a ball or toy thus allowing the user controlled inflation and deflation of the pneumatic object. In one embodiment, the inventive device (see FIG. 2) employs a low-tension spring or other means of resistance to opening that can be overcome by pressures achieved with hand powered inflation devices and hand pumps. An example of a Schrader-type valve with this functionality is shown in FIG. 1 and B. (A Schrader valve core with low-tension spring is shown).

[0011] The size of standard inflation needles provide little surface for hand manipulation by its user in normal use, for example when coupling, inserting and removing from ball valves. The shape, length, body and threads of the inventive device facilitate physical manipulation and use by hand. For example, when coupling to balls, toys, common air pressure sources or monitoring devices, the shape and size provide solid purchase for hand manipulation by the user. The shape provides further advantage in normal use by providing the user a surface that improves grip and therefore leverage when removing the device from the ball valve. (For example, FIG. 1 tapered body).

[0012] The body of the inventive device may be tapered and of a length which allows convenient mating and seating with the pull out valves common to inflatable toys. Pull out valves in inflatable toys are often constructed with an internal flap that restricts venting of internal pressure unless the valve is squeezed by hand, mouth or teeth. The force required to deform the plastic valve to allow communication of pressure can be significant, causing fatigue to the user when used as intended. When seated in common toy pull out valves, the needle or tube of the inventive device opens the internal flap while the tapered body of the inventive device seats in the neck or stem of the pull out valve preventing communication of the toy's internal pressure. The internal valve of the threaded valved inflation needle prevents unwanted communication of pressure in or out of the toy at this time. The user' s hands are then free to engage the inventive device to adjust the internal pressure of the toy by communicating with standard air sources, inflation methods and pressure monitoring devices as described above. FIGS. 4 and 8 shows the inventive device in a toy pull out valve.

[0013] The inventive device is effective for inflation of large volume toys and exercise balls by coupling with large capacity pumps and inflation devices.

[0014] The threaded valved inflation needle may be stored in a protective two-piece cover that includes useful features specific to the inventive device and its use. The cover is made of a sturdy material, such as plastic or metal shaped to hold the threaded valved inflation needle. The cover and protective cap mate and seal to protect the threaded valved inflation needle from the external environment, for example as in FIG. 5 and F.

[0015] Common inflation needles encounter significant friction upon insertion and removal from recreational ball valves that can lead to bending and breakage as well as damage to the ball valve. The addition of a lubricant aids the mating process and extends the life of the ball valve. Frequently saliva is used as the lubricant, exposing users to unsanitary conditions. When the needle of the inventive device enters the cover, it may be designed so as to create contact between the needle and the surface of a deformable absorbent material that is permeated with a lubricant or grease compatible with standard materials used in ball and toy valves. The storage or insertion of the inventive device into the cover transfers lubricant onto the needle surface. Space around the needle shown in the cover in FIG. 5 provides space for lubrication materials to needle surface. This lubrication facilitates the mating of the needle with the valves of balls when used as described herein.

[0016] The cover may include an attachment point to allow connection to key chains, lanyards, bags, or other items to protect it from loss and keep it in convenient locations, see FIG. 5.

[0017] The cap of the cover assembly has a protrusion or nub capable of engaging and opening the valve in the inventive device when engaged in a ball or toy to allow controlled release of ball and toy pressure shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The body, needle, valve, and cover elements of the threaded valved inflation needle may be constructed of any durable material consistent with its intended use. The body of the threaded valved inflation needle is externally threaded at one end and internally designed to hold a valve. The external threads may be of any suitable configuration, most commonly it will be 32 pitch and 0.305 inch diameter. The threading may continue any length towards the needle end, most commonly between 3/16* and 5/16 ^th inch. One embodiment of the threaded valved inflation needle includes threads for effective coupling and engagement with standard pneumatic gas pressure sources, including but not limited to air chucks, hand pumps, pressure bottles (whether threaded or not), adapters and digital and mechanical pressure gauges used to measure internal pressure of balls and toys.

[0019] The body of the threaded valved inflation needle further extends towards the needle end in any shape, diameter or length combination that facilitates the inflation of deflation of balls or toys and may be endowed with aesthetic or distinguishing shape or texture elements. The body of the threaded valved inflation needle is either smooth or textured. In one embodiment of the invention, the body extends from the threads in a constant diameter. In another embodiment of the invention, body extends from the threads in a tapered or conical manner. The body is of sufficient length and diameter to hold the internal valve, more specifically the length of the threaded valved inflation needle can be between ½ inch and 12 inches, more preferably between ¾ inch and 2 inches. [0020] In one embodiment the shape and length of the body is intended for mating with pull out toy valves and employs a tapered shape as depicted in FIG. 4. With the valve and internal threading of the threaded valved inflation needle omitted, such a device still meets the needs of a user though lacking some of the important features of the threaded valved inflation needle.

[0021] The threaded valved inflation needle is fitted with a valve that will remain closed when engaged with the intended pneumatic devices such as balls and toys. In one embodiment the valve remains closed unless actuated by mechanical force or a differential pressure which opens the valve according to the valve design. FIG. 2 depicts a Schrader valve core that meets these requirements by utilizing a spring to provide such resistance to ensure the valve is closed at rest. In this embodiment of the invention, the spring tension is in the range of 0 - 50 lbs and more specifically -1 - 5 lbs. A specific example is the Schrader part #015660252, 1566 EN N/P Valve Core. A similar valve type lacking the resistance spring may also be employed. When configured as described, the valve allows for controlled pressurization and depressurization and monitoring of pneumatic devices such as balls and toys. Other valves for instance ball valves or Presta type valves with similar characteristics or functionality may be used.

[0022] The threaded valved inflation needle includes a needle of sufficient length to pass into typical recreational ball valves and allow communication of gas pressure into and out of the ball or toy. The needle can be between 0.75 - 1.5 inches. In one embodiment of the inventive device, the threaded valved inflation needle includes a plated steel needle. In another embodiment the needle is stainless steel. In another embodiment the needle is brass or plated brass.

[0023] The needle may optionally include a side port located a sufficient distance from tapered body to pass into recreational ball valves such that communication of gas pressure into and out of the ball or toy may occur through the side port. In one embodiment the side port is located as in FIG. 1 -0.05 - 0.25 inches from the end of the needle. In one embodiment the open end on the needle of the inventive device is shaped for ease of insertion and use when coupling with ball valves and toy pull out valves, with a tapered or rounded end providing smooth engagement and decreased friction that could damage the ball or toy valve in normal use. [0024] The diameter of the needle of the inventive device is sized for use in recreational ball valves. For example the needle outside diameter (O.D.) is between 0.05 - 0.11 inches and inside diameter (I.D.) is between 0.03 - 0.09 inches. In combination with the needle material, the needle I.D, O.D. and thickness are chosen to provide mechanical resistance to bending or breakage under normal use while providing sufficient I.D. to effectively communicate gas pressure into and out of the ball or toy.

[0025] In one embodiment the needle the material is stainless steel and the OD is 0.083 inches and the ID is I.D. 0.063 inches, and the end is tapered or rounded as in FIG. 1 and B.

[0026] As part of the inventive device, the threaded valved inflation needle may include a matched cover that facilitates its identification, protection, lubrication, storage, transport, and its use in ball and toy pressure adjustment. The inventive device cover may be made of any material that serves the intended purpose including but not limited to metals or plastic. The minimal cover dimensions are defined by its need to contain the threaded valved inflation needle, and could be any size or shape that accommodates the threaded valved inflation needle and is commensurate with its intended purpose but may be optionally of any size or shape to accommodates additional functionality including for instance electronic devices, a compasses, knives, bottle openers, pens or pencils, whistles, lights or additional design elements, materials or features that may be ergonomic or distinguishing logos, designs, textures or trademarks.

[0027] The inventive device cover may optionally include a passive needle surface lubrication feature. In one embodiment, the inventive device cover is internally fitted with a deformable, lubricant-containing material that contacts the needle surface when the needle is inserted into the cover. In one embodiment of the invention, the cover includes a passive lubrication feature shown in FIG. 5. The lubricant may be viscous fluid at ambient temperatures and is consistent with its intended use with ball valves. In one embodiment the lubricant is glycerin, petroleum jelly or olive oil.

[0028] The cover of the inventive device (external view in FIG. 6) may optionally include an appropriately sized and located feature that facilitates mechanical opening of the valve of the threaded valved inflation needle to release pressure inside pneumatic devices such as shown in FIG. 5. Description of the Drawings

[0029] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a specific embodiment of threaded valved inflation needle consisting of three elements: a conical shaped body, a Schrader-type valve core and a stainless steel needle. The outside of the shaped body has threading as found on standard automobile and bicycle valve stems (External Thread - 32 Pitch 0.305 Diameter). Common thread pitch and diameter are indicated. The tapered body is shown mated to a stainless steel needle with O.D. of 0.083 inches and the I.D. of 0.063 inches with a rounded or tapered end to facilitate entry into recreational ball valves and toy pull out valves. The conical or taper shaped body may be formed of any metal or plastic that will withstand the rigors of normal use, and are typically made of steel or brass and may be plated for corrosion resistance. The needle is secured into the body in a manner that provides mechanical resistance to bending, breakage and separation in normal use. The tapered body shape affords the user excellent grip when inserting and removing the device when used as intended. The stainless steel needle with side port is shown.

[0030] FIG. 2 provides a cutaway sectional view of a threaded valved inflation needle showing internal threads that support and mate the Schrader valve core to the threaded body which is connected to the stainless steel needle.

[0031] FIG. 3 provides a view of the threaded valved inflation needle inserted into recreational ball valve showing the protrusion of the device body closed in a static position maintaining ball pressure.

[0032] FIG. 4 provides a cut-away view of the threaded valved inflation needle inserted into a pull-out toy valve showing the protrusion of the stainless steel needle past the internal flap and the threads exposed for attachment to air sources. The threaded end of the threaded valved inflation needle protrudes for mating to various devices such as air chucks and hand pumps to facilitate inflation of inflatable toys.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows the protective cover cutaway showing the threaded conical valved inflation needle and cover's internal lubricating material in the main cover and protruding cap nub for adjusting ball pressure.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows the protective cover and cap with a loop element for user attachment to defined objects for storage or transport for instance key chains or hooks.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows the provides a perspetive view of the threaded valved inflation needle. [0036] FIG. 8. is a photograph of the threaded valved inflation needle inserted into a pull out toy valve.