U.S. patent application number 10/549806 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for sports ball valve.
Invention is credited to David Horton, Allan Dolph Meyer.
Application Number | 20060264278 10/549806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37052557 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060264278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horton; David ; et
al. |
November 23, 2006 |
Sports ball valve
Abstract
The present invention provides a valve (10) comprising a
mounting member (12) for mounting of the valve. The valve includes
a collapsible aperture (20) which in an open condition allows for
flow of a fluid in a forward direction through the valve whilst in
a closed condition prevents flow of fluid in a reverse direction.
In one form of the valve, the valve element is connected to the
mounting member (12) via an isolation zone (22) that reduces
likelihood of the collapsible aperture moving to an open condition
under impact. In another form of the valve, the valve element is
configured to provide opening of the collapsible aperture on
application of a predetermined force to the mounting member. In a
final form of the valve, the valve comprises a sports ball valve
having a collapsible aperture which is opened by fluid pressure
alone.
Inventors: |
Horton; David; (Rozelle,
AU) ; Meyer; Allan Dolph; (Cherrybrook, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STITES & HARBISON PLLC
1199 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET
SUITE 900
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
37052557 |
Appl. No.: |
10/549806 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 17, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU04/00329 |
371 Date: |
June 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/593 ;
473/610 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 15/202 20130101;
A63B 41/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/593 ;
473/610 |
International
Class: |
A63B 41/12 20060101
A63B041/12; A63B 41/00 20060101 A63B041/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 17, 2003 |
AU |
2003901224 |
Jul 18, 2003 |
AU |
2003903713 |
Dec 22, 2003 |
PK |
1113/2003 |
Claims
1. A sports ball valve comprising: a mounting member being adapted
to provide for mounting of the valve; and a valve element connected
to the mounting member and being of a conical or frusto-conical
shape having its reduced diameter portion directed in a forward
flow direction, the valve element including a collapsible aperture
located at or adjacent the reduced diameter portion and which in an
open condition allows for flow of a fluid in the forward direction
through the valve whilst in a closed condition the collapsible
aperture prevents flow of the fluid in a reverse direction, the
collapsible aperture being opened by the fluid pressure alone.
2. A sports ball valve as claimed in claim 1 arranged for inflation
without penetrating the valve element or collapsible aperture with
an injector.
3. A sports ball valve as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the
valve element is configured to provide opening of the collapsible
aperture on application of a predetermined axial force to the
mounting member.
4. A sports ball valve as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims wherein the valve includes an isolation zone disposed
intermediate the mounting member and the valve element and being
configured to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent opening of the
collapsible aperture on application of operational forces to the
mounting member.
5. A sports ball valve as claimed in claim 4 wherein the isolation
zone includes a peripheral recess at which the cross-sectional area
of the valve is reduced.
6. A sports ball valve as claimed in either claims 4 or 5 wherein
the isolation zone is approximately 30 to 80% of the maximum
cross-sectional area of the conical or frusto-conical-shaped valve
element.
7. A sports ball valve as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims wherein the mounting member is either disc-shaped or in the
form of a cylinder connected to and coaxial with the conical or
frusto-conical shaped valve element.
8. A valve comprising: a mounting member being adapted to provide
for mounting of the valve; and a valve element including a
collapsible aperture which in an open condition allows for flow of
a fluid in a forward direction through the valve whilst in a closed
condition the collapsible aperture prevents flow of fluid in a
reverse direction, the valve element being connected to the
mounting member via an isolation zone that reduces likelihood of
the collapsible aperture moving to the open condition under
impact.
9. A valve as claimed in claim 8 wherein the collapsible aperture
is arranged to open under fluid pressure alone.
10. A valve as claimed in claim 8 wherein the collapsible aperture
is arranged to receive an injector.
11. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the
valve element is at least in part formed from a resilient
material.
12. A valve as claimed in claim 11 wherein the isolation zone is
more flexible than the valve element.
13. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the
isolation zone comprises an annular recess at which the
cross-sectional area of the valve is reduced.
14. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein the
isolation zone comprises a narrowed neck portion of the valve which
joins the mounting member and the valve element.
15. A valve as claimed in either of claims 13 or 14 wherein the
cross-sectional area of the valve at the isolation zone is
approximately 30 to 80% of the maximum cross-sectional area of the
valve element.
16. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 15 wherein the
isolation zone is one of two or more isolation zones.
17. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 16 comprising
another mounting member, the other mounting member being connected
to the mounting member via one or more of the isolation zones or
additional isolation zones which allow the mounting member and
other mounting member to move substantially independently of each
other.
18. A valve as claimed in claim 17 wherein the mounting member and
other mounting member are connected to, or arranged for connection
to, a mounting surface.
19. A valve as claimed in claim 18 wherein one of the mounting
surfaces is connected to or forms part of a first vessel.
20. A valve as claimed in claim 19 wherein another of the mounting
surfaces is connected to or forms part of a second vessel.
21. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the
one or more additional isolation zones comprise a flexible sleeve
that surrounds at least in part the isolation zone of the valve
element.
22. A valve as claimed in claim 21 wherein the flexible sleeve
comprises a sleeve which is extendable and contractible in an axial
direction.
23. A valve comprising: a mounting member being adapted to provide
for mounting of the valve; and a valve element connected to the
mounting member and including a collapsible aperture which in an
open condition allows for flow of a fluid in a forward direction
through the valve whilst in a closed condition the collapsible
aperture prevents flow of the fluid in a reverse direction, the
valve element being configured to provide opening of the
collapsible aperture on application of a predetermined force to the
mounting member.
24. A valve as claimed in either of claims 3 or 23 wherein
application of said predetermined force to the mounting member
promotes opening of the collapsible aperture for inflation of the
ball.
25. A valve as claimed in either of claims 3 or 23 wherein
application of said predetermined force to the mounting member
promotes deflation of the ball.
26. A valve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein
the mounting member is formed integral with the valve element so
that the valve is of a one-piece construction.
27. A valve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims formed
predominantly of a polymeric or rubber material.
28. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 27 wherein the
mounting member is connected to, or is arranged for connection to,
an inflatable bladder.
29. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 28 wherein the
valve element is of a conical or frusto-conical shape having its
reduced diameter portion directed in the forward flow direction and
the collapsible aperture is located at or adjacent the reduced
diameter portion.
30. A vessel having a valve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to
29.
31. A sports ball having a valve as claimed in any one of claims 8
to 30.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates broadly to a valve and relates
particularly, though not exclusively, to a sports ball valve.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] FIGS. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional representations of a
sports-ball valve 1. The valve 1 is encased in a casing 2 that is
glued or otherwise fixed to an inflatable bladder 3. The valve 1
includes an axially disposed and throughgoing passageway 4 having
an expandable but otherwise normally closed valve port 5.
[0003] In operation the inflatable bladder 3 is inflated by a
manual pump (not shown) to which an injector 6 is threadably
connected 4. The injector 6 is, as best shown in FIG. 2, pushed
through the passageway 4 of the valve 1 so that it penetrates the
expandable port 5. The valve 1 forms a seal about the injector 5 to
limit the escape of air during inflation of the bladder 3.
[0004] This conventional sports ball valve 1 suffers from at least
the following drawbacks:
1. forcing the injector 6 into the valve passageway 4 and
penetration through the expandable port 5 damages the material of
the valve 1 resulting in leakage;
2. forcing the injector 6 through the valve 1 when the bladder is
deflated is known to puncture the opposing side of the bladder
rendering it useless;
3. the injector 6 may during this relatively forceful insertion
process or during inflation of the bladder 3 be snapped off within
the valve 1; and
4. the sports ball cannot be inflated without an injector which may
not always be readily available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a sports
ball valve comprising:
[0006] a mounting member being adapted to provide for mounting of
the valve; and
[0007] a valve element connected to the mounting member and being
of a conical or frusto-conical shape having its reduced diameter
portion directed in a forward flow direction, the valve element
including a collapsible aperture located at or adjacent the reduced
diameter portion and which in an open condition allows for flow of
a fluid in the forward direction through the valve whilst in a
closed condition the collapsible aperture prevents flow of the
fluid in a reverse direction, the collapsible aperture being opened
by the fluid pressure alone.
[0008] The sports ball valve is preferably arranged for inflation
without penetrating the valve element or collapsible aperture with
an injector thereby avoiding damage to the valve element and
adjoining components.
[0009] The sports ball valve may be configured to provide opening
of the collapsible aperture on application of a predetermined axial
force to the mounting member.
[0010] Suitably, the sports ball valve includes an isolation zone
disposed intermediate the mounting member and the valve element and
being configured to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent opening of
the collapsible aperture on application of operational forces to
the mounting member. In a preferred form of the first aspect of the
present invention, the isolation zone includes a peripheral recess
at which the cross-sectional area of the valve is reduced.
Suitably, the isolation zone is approximately 30 to 80% of the
maximum cross-sectional area of the conical or
frusto-conical-shaped valve element.
[0011] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a valve
comprising:
[0012] a mounting member being adapted to provide for mounting of
the valve; and
[0013] a valve element including a collapsible aperture which in an
open condition allows for flow of a fluid in a forward direction
through the valve whilst in a closed condition the collapsible
aperture prevents flow of fluid in a reverse direction, the valve
element being connected to the mounting member via an isolation
zone that reduces likelihood of the collapsible aperture moving to
the open condition under impact.
[0014] Suitably, the collapsible aperture of the second aspect of
the present invention is arranged to open under fluid pressure
alone.
[0015] The valve of the second aspect of the present invention may
comprise another mounting member, the other mounting member being
connected to the mounting member via one or more of the isolation
zones or additional isolation zones which allow the mounting member
and the other mounting member to move substantially independently
of each other.
[0016] The valve element is preferably at least in part formed from
a resilient material. Suitably, the isolation zone is more flexible
than the valve element. The isolation zone may comprise an annular
recess at which the cross-sectional area of the valve is reduced.
In a preferred form the isolation zone comprises a narrowed neck
portion of the valve which joins the mounting member and valve
element. The cross-sectional area of the valve at the isolation
zone is preferably approximately 30 to 80% of the maximum
cross-sectional area of the valve element The isolation zone may be
one of two or more isolation zones.
[0017] The mounting member and other mounting member may be
connected to, or arranged for connection to, a mounting surface.
One of the mounting surfaces may be connected to or form part of a
first vessel. Another of the mounting surfaces may be connected to
or form part of a second vessel.
[0018] The one or more additional isolation zones may comprise a
flexible sleeve that surrounds at least in part the isolation zone
of the valve element. The flexible sleeve may comprise a sleeve
which is extendable and contractible in an axial direction.
[0019] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a valve
comprising:
[0020] a mounting member being adapted to provide for mounting of
the valve; and
[0021] a valve element connected to the mounting member and
including a collapsible aperture which in an open condition allows
for flow of a fluid in a forward direction through the valve whilst
in a closed condition the collapsible aperture prevents flow of the
fluid in a reverse direction, the valve element being configured to
provide opening of the collapsible aperture on application of a
predetermined force to the mounting member.
[0022] Suitably, the valve element of the second and third aspects
of the present invention is of a conical or frusto-conical shape
having its reduced diameter portion directed in the forward flow
direction and the collapsible aperture is located at or adjacent
the reduced diameter portion.
[0023] The collapsible aperture of the second and third aspects of
the present invention may be arranged to receive an injector.
[0024] The mounting member of the second and third aspects of the
present invention may be connected to, or arranged for connection
to, an inflatable bladder.
[0025] Suitably, the mounting member is either disc-shaped or in
the form of a cylinder connected to and coaxial with the conical or
frusto-conical shaped valve element.
[0026] Suitably, application of said predetermined force to the
mounting member involves applying a predetermined axial force which
promotes opening of the collapsible aperture for inflation of the
ball. Application of said predetermined axial force to the mounting
member may promote deflation of the ball.
[0027] The mounting member is preferably formed integral with the
valve element so that the valve is of a one-piece construction.
[0028] The valve may be formed predominantly of a polymeric or
rubber material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0029] In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of
the present invention a preferred embodiment of a valve will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings which:
[0030] FIGS. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views of a conventional
sports ball valve;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a side elevational, sectional and bottom view of a
valve according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
valve according to the invention;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an elevational, sectional and inverted plan view
of a further valve according to the invention;
[0034] FIG. 6 is an elevational and sectional view of yet another
embodiment of a valve of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 7 are schematic cross-sectional and plan views of yet
further embodiments of valves according to the invention; and
[0036] FIG. 8 is a sectional, plan and photographic representation
of yet another embodiment of a valve according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3 there is a valve 10 of one embodiment of
the invention which according to this particular aspect is designed
to be installed in a sports ball (not shown). This sports ball
valve 10 comprises a mounting member designated generally as 12 and
a valve element 14.
[0038] The mounting member 12 includes a relatively thin disc
having an increased wall thickness toward its axis. The mounting
member 12 is connected or in this example formed integral with the
valve element 14 which is frusto-conical in shape. The valve 10
includes an axially disposed passageway 16 which is throughgoing.
The passageway 16 is shaped generally cylindrical at the mounting
member 12 and tapers inwardly to form a wedge-shaped portion 18
within the valve element 14. The wedge-shaped portion 18 is then
formed continuous with a collapsible and generally
rectangular-shaped aperture 20 which extends through the valve
element 14 and exits the reduced diameter portion of the cone.
[0039] The sports ball valve 10 of this embodiment includes an
isolation zone located intermediate the mounting member 12 and the
valve element 14. In this particular embodiment the isolation zone
comprises a peripheral recess 22. The peripheral recess 22 is
generally circular in cross-section and has a cross-sectional area
approximately 50% of that of the maximum cross-sectional area of
the valve element 14. The sports ball valve is as such of a bulbous
configuration.
[0040] In use, the isolation zone reduces the sensitivity of the
collapsible aperture 20 to external operational forces applied to
the ball, for example from bouncing, kicking or passing of the
sports ball. The collapsible aperture 20 is thus less likely to
inadvertently open as a result of these operational forces which
result in pressure loss from the sports ball.
[0041] The sports ball valve 10 of this embodiment is constructed
of a rubber-like material. The valve 10 is of a one-piece
construction and the rubber-like material serves to bias the
collapsible aperture 20 into a closed condition.
[0042] The sports ball valve 10 is fitted to a sports ball or
sports ball bladder in a traditional manner where for example it is
glued or otherwise adhered to an inner surface of the ball or
bladder. The sports ball valve 10 is designed to be used without an
injector whereupon the inflating pressure alone of the inflation
fluid, most typically air, serves to open the collapsible aperture
20 into its open condition. Otherwise, the collapsible aperture 20
is biased in a normally closed condition. In one example a manual
air pump (without an injector) is pressed against the inlet of the
passageway 16 and on inflation the inflating fluid which is forced
into the passageway 16 expands the collapsible 20 aperture and
inflates the sports ball.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a sports ball valve 30 of
the present invention which is identical to the valve 10 except
that it has two isolation zones in form of recesses 32 rather than
the recess 22. The valve 30 is therefore less sensitive to external
operational forces than the valve 10.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a valve 36 which is
described by reference to the sports ball valve 10 of FIG. 3. Likes
features of valves 10 and 36 are referred to by common reference
numerals. The valve 36 comprises a valve element 14 which is
attached to a mounting member 12 via an isolation zone having a
peripheral recess 22. The valve 36 also includes another mounting
member generally designated as 38 which is connected to the
mounting member 12 via additional isolation zones designated
generally as 40. The mounting members 12 and 38 form part of
respective inner and outer vessels (not shown). The isolation zones
40 allow the mounting members 12 and 38 to move a small amount
independently of each other to minimise transferral of operational
forces between the outer and inner vessels.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a valve 46 which is also
described by reference to the sports ball valve 10 of FIG. 3. Like
features of the valve 10 and 46 are referred to by common reference
numerals. The valve 46 includes a valve element 14 and mounting
member 12 connected via an isolation zone having a peripheral
recess 22, as described above in relation to valves 10 and 36. The
valve 46 also includes another mounting member generally designated
as 48 which is connected to the mounting member 12 via a flexible
sleeve in the form of a flexible tube 50. The mounting members 48
and 12 may form part of respective inner and outer vessels as
described above in relation to the valve 36. The inner vessel of
the valve 46 may for example be a water or fuel tank and the
flexible tube 50 may provide access to the tank via an associated
outer vessel which may for example comprise a housing of the inner
vessel.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 7 there are further examples of a valve
such as 70 which are preferably in the form of sports ball valves.
These are essentially variants of the sports ball valve 10 of FIG.
3 but without the isolation zone or periphery recess 22. The
alternate sports ball valves 70 each include a mounting member
designated generally as 72 connected to and in this example formed
integral with a valve element 74. The mounting member 72 is a
disc-shaped member and is connected coaxially with the valve
element 74 which is conical in shape. The valves 70 each include a
throughgoing and axially located passageway 76. The passageway 76
includes a cylindrical portion located at the disc-shaped mounting
member 72 and extending into the valve element 74 whilst being
formed continuous with a collapsible aperture 78. The collapsible
aperture 78 exits the conical-shaped valve element 74 at its apex.
The collapsible aperture 78 comprises a single slit. However, the
collapsible aperture 78 may comprise multiple slits that intersect
at a line which is coaxial with the valve element 74 and exits the
valve element 74 at its apex.
[0047] The valves 70 of FIG. 7 are similarly designed to be
inflated relying on the inflating fluid pressure alone without the
need for an injector. In a similar manner to the described
inflation of the sports ball valve of FIG. 3, these alternate
sports ball valves 70 are inflated by applying the manual inflation
pump (or other inflation means) to the sports ball so as to apply
sufficient fluid pressure to the passageway 76 to expand the
collapsible aperture 78. These ball valves 70 are also designed so
that application of a predetermined and axially directed force to
the mounting member 72 within a circular region 80 promotes opening
of the collapsible aperture 78. The predetermined force is
relatively high and exceeds that which may under normal working
conditions be applied to the sports ball when it is bounced, kicked
or passed. This application of the predetermined force to the
mounting member 72 promotes opening of the collapsible aperture 78
either during inflation of the sports ball or so as to partly or
fully deflate the sports ball.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a valve 90 which
according to this aspect of the invention is designed to be fitted
to an inflatable tyre (either tubed or tubeless). The tyre valve 90
is in this example designed to replace a conventional Schrader
valve design. The tyre valve 90 is fitted to a screw-threaded
adapter 92 which allows it to be fitted to an existing tyre
installation.
[0049] The tyre valve 90 is of a one-piece construction and
fabricated from a polymer material. The valve 90 includes a
mounting member 94 formed integral with a valve element 96. The
mounting member 94 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes
an inwardly directed flange 98 which engages a complementary-shaped
recess 100 within the adapter 92. The valve element 96 is a
relatively thick walled and conically-shaped member having a
collapsible and coaxially located aperture 102.
[0050] A bike tyre (not illustrated) containing a tube having a
threaded valve stem to which the tyre valve 90 is fitted. The tyre
is inflated by the introduction of pressurised fluid into the
collapsible aperture 102 so as to expand it and inflate the tyre.
The adapter 92 includes an inlet port 104 to which inflating fluid
pressure is applied for opening of the collapsible aperture 102.
The adapter 92 is designed for connection to a standard inflation
coupling (not shown) to which a pneumatic air supply is connected.
The tyre valve 90 is thus actuated by the inflating fluid pressure
alone without the need for an injector.
[0051] Now that a preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been described in some detail, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art that the valve has at least the following advantages
over the admitted prior art:
[0052] 1. The valve can be actuated or opened relying on the
inflating fluid pressure alone and as such an injector is not
required;
[0053] 2. The valve is relatively simply in construction;
[0054] 3. The valve is designed and configured to reduce leakage or
flow in the reverse direction; and
[0055] 4. The valve can in an alternate construction be deflated or
opened by application of a predetermined force to its mounting
member.
[0056] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications
other than those specifically described. For example, the valve
need not be of a one-piece construction as described and it may be
fabricated from any suitable material depending on the application
and working parameters. The specific shape and configuration of the
valve need not be limited to that described and illustrated but
rather extends to other configurations which are within the scope
of the broadest aspects of the invention.
[0057] All such variations and modifications are to be considered
within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to
be determined from the foregoing description.
* * * * *