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  Inflatable play ballUSPTO Application #: 20080064542Title: Inflatable play ball Abstract: A play ball comprising an outer casing having a first opening and at least one second opening that operates as 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 released through the at least one vent. The play ball can additional sections and can be provided in kit form. (end of abstract)
Agent: Diehl Servilla LLC - Clark, NJ, US Inventor: Donald Spector USPTO Applicaton #: 20080064542 - Class: 473604 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080064542. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
STATEMENT OF RELATED CASE [0001]This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/534,905, filed on Sep. 25, 2006, which claimed, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/825,553, filed on Sep. 13, 2006, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]This application generally relates to the field of balloon balls. [0003]Balloon balls, for example, those sold under the trade name "Balzac", have a fabric casing over a balloon that is inflated to conform to the shape of the fabric coating. U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,392 discloses one such example. The balloon is inserted into an opening in the casing. Upon inflation, the elasticity of the balloon creates a much higher pressure than a typical ball with a non-expanding bladder. This is the reason why, unlike a football or basketball, no pump is required, and a balloon ball can be inflated by mouth. [0004]Unlike a beach ball, which can be inflated by mouth, however, balloon balls have a higher number of pounds per square inch and bounce much higher. The balloons generally deflate over long periods of time and tend to sag after a day or two. This presents issues for retailers in displaying the products as well as the consumers who cannot leave the balloon balls inflated without deterioration of play value and the replacement of the balloon. [0005]There exists a need, therefore, to provide balloon balls that are configured to readily permit re-inflation or replacement of the internal balloon. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006]Provided are improved balloon balls that readily permit re-inflation or replacement of the internal balloon as compared to conventional designs. In one aspect of the present invention, balloon balls are provided that comprise an outer casing having an opening for the insertion of a balloon and at least one vent to permit evacuation of air or gas from the outer casing while the balloon is being inflated. The outer casings are generally non-porous to air or gas. The vent can be a traditional inflation valve, such as that found on a beach ball. Other examples of vents include check-valves, mesh, holes, flaps affixed with hook and loop fasteners over openings, and the like. The size and shape of the vent can be chosen to permit retrieval of balloon fragments should the need arise. [0007]In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an inflatable play ball includes 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 and at least one second opening and a balloon formed of an elastomeric material, the balloon having a closeable opening and being inside the outer casing. [0008]All of the openings can optionally include closure mechanisms. [0009]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of inflating a play ball is provided. One aspect of the method includes the steps of: supplying an outer casing formed of a flexible material that is substantially non-porous, the outer casing comprising an opening, a closure, and at least one 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 at least one 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. This causes a ball to assume a desired play ball configuration. [0010]Another aspect of the present invention involves providing a kit that includes 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 and at least one second 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011]FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of the play ball in accordance with one aspect of the present invention with a cut-away to show an inflated balloon inside an outer casing. [0012]FIG. 2 illustrates an inflation valve. [0013]FIG. 3 illustrates an uninflated balloon which is inserted into an outer casing. [0014]FIG. 4 illustrates another aspect of the play ball. [0015]FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the play ball. [0016]FIG. 6 illustrates a kit in which the play ball is provided. [0017]FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the play ball. [0018]FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the play ball. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019]One or more aspects of the present invention provide an inflatable play ball including an outer casing formed of a flexible material that is substantially non-porous to air, which, when the outer casing is fully expanded, assumes a desired play ball configuration. The outer casing of some aspects comprises an opening to permit insertion into the outer casing of a balloon in its uninflated state, a closure that is operable to substantially seal the opening during use of the ball, and at least one vent therein to permit evacuation of air from the outer casing as the balloon is inflated. The balloon of various aspects is formed of an elastomeric material, the balloon comprising a stem which initially projects through the opening and is then outside of the outer casing to permit inflation of the balloon within the outer casing, after which, the stem is tied and inserted within the outer casing. Continue reading... Full patent description for Inflatable play ball Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Inflatable play ball patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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