CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority upon U.S. application Ser. No. 10/743,895 filed Dec. 22, 2003, which claims priority upon U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/435,225 filed Dec. 20, 2002. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The present disclosure relates to sport or game balls that contain mechanisms for inflating or adding pressure to the balls. The inflation mechanisms additionally utilize an integral pressure relief assembly, and/or an integral pressure indicating device. The inflation mechanisms include a pressure sensor and indicator assembly that measures the internal pressure of the ball and provides an indication of the measured pressure.  
         [0003]     Conventional inflatable sport balls, such as basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs and playground balls, are inflated through a traditional inflation valve using a separate inflation needle that is inserted into and through a self-sealing inflation valve on the ball. A separate pump, such as a traditional bicycle pump, is connected to the inflation needle and the ball is inflated using the pump. The inflation needle is then withdrawn from the inflation valve which then self-seals to maintain the air pressure within the ball. This system works fine until the ball needs inflation or a pressure increase and a needle and/or pump are not readily available.  
         [0004]     Additionally, the amount of air pressure present in conventional inflatable sports balls is generally determined by “feel” of the ball to the player. For example, the surface of the ball may be pushed inwardly by the player or “bounced” against a hard surface. Additional air pressure can be added until a general desired “feel” is obtained. However, such a range of feel can vary from player to player. Moreover, it is important in some balls not to exceed the maximum air pressure limitations set forth by the manufacturer.  
         [0005]     More recently, inflatable sport balls have been developed that have built-in integral pumps. For example, the present assignee has filed a number of patent applications and at present, has received several patents directed to various aspects of that subject matter. Although the recently developed sport balls with self-contained inflation mechanisms have received praise and acclaim in the industry, a need remains for an improved sport ball.  
         [0006]     In this regard, one problem associated with inflatable sport balls, relates to determining or confirming, the pressure inside the ball. Inserting a pressure gauge into the inflation valve on a ball to obtain a measurement of the ball&#39;s pressure invariably results in leakage of air from the ball. Such leakage in turn further reduces the ball pressure, and may require another pumping or filling operation to add additional air to the ball.  
         [0007]     It is also desirable to accurately determine the pressure rather than relying upon the “feel” or “bounce” of the ball. Additionally, since the feel or bounce of a ball is subjective, people often have different views as to whether a ball is sufficiently pressurized.  
         [0008]     An inflatable sport ball having an on-board pressure indicator is known and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,634 to Huang, herein incorporated by reference. Although that ball and pressure display may be satisfactory, in order to inflate the ball, a separate pump or inflation mechanism is required. Hence, a need remains for an improved ball having an integral pressure indicator, particularly for inflatable sport balls having self-contained inflation mechanisms.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, it would be desirable to produce an inflatable sports ball with an integral pressure sensor, pressure indicator, and a self-contained inflation mechanism.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION  
       [0010]     An object of the present disclosure is to inflate or add pressure to a sport ball without the need for separate inflation equipment such as a separate inflation needle and pump, and to be able to reduce or relieve the pressure of the ball if necessary.  
         [0011]     Another object of the present development is to easily determine the pressure of a sport ball, without the use of a separate pressure indicating or measuring device.  
         [0012]     Another object of the disclosure is to determine the pressure of a sport ball without significant loss of air from the pressurized interior of the ball.  
         [0013]     The present development provides a sport ball comprising a self-contained inflation mechanism with an optional integral pressure relief device. The development also provides a sport ball comprising multiple self-contained inflation mechanisms in which at least one of the inflation mechanisms includes an integral pressure relief device. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a sport ball that has at least one self-contained pump device which is operable from outside the ball and which pumps ambient air into the ball to achieve the desired pressure. The pump also comprises an assembly for reducing or relieving the pressure of the ball. Additionally, the pump may have an integral pressure sensor and indicator assembly to determine the relative pressure of the ball.  
         [0014]     Since the pressure in a sport ball can be too high through overinflation or a temperature increase, or too low through underinflation or air loss, it is beneficial to have a pressure relief mechanism, and optionally, a pressure-indicating device that is integral with an on-board pump. If the pressure is too low, additional air may be added using the self-contained pump of the development. If the pressure is too high, the pressure may be relieved by bleeding pressure from the ball with the pressure relief mechanism described herein. Once the pressure has been relieved, the pressure-indicating device, if present, may then be used to determine if the ball is correctly inflated. If too much air is removed, additional air may be added using the pump.  
         [0015]     In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an inflatable sport ball having an integral pump, pressure sensor and indicator assembly, and pressure relief mechanism. The ball comprises a flexible carcass including an inflatable bladder having an interior adapted for retaining pressurized air, and an outer layer disposed on the bladder. The ball further comprises a pump cylinder secured to the carcass. The cylinder includes a distal end at which is disposed a valve. The cylinder defines an interior hollow chamber in communication with the interior of the bladder through the valve. The ball also comprises a pump piston disposed in the cylinder. The piston is positionable within the cylinder and includes a distal end at which is disposed an actuating member. The ball also comprises a pressure sensor and pressure indicator assembly incorporated in the ball and adapted to indicate the internal pressure of the ball. The piston and cylinder are configured such that upon selective positioning of the piston, the actuating member engages the valve to selectively provide passage and escape of pressurized air from within the bladder.  
         [0016]     In another aspect, the present development provides an inflatable sport ball having an integral pump and pressure indicating assembly. The ball comprises a flexible carcass including an inflatable bladder having an interior adapted for retaining pressurized air, and an outer layer disposed on the bladder. The ball further comprises a pump cylinder secured to the carcass. The cylinder includes a nozzle end. The cylinder defines an interior hollow chamber in communication with the interior of the bladder through the nozzle end. The ball further comprises a pump piston disposed and positionable within the cylinder. The piston includes a distal end, and further includes a pressure sensor and a pressure indicating assembly. The pressure sensor is adapted to sense and measure the pressure of the interior of the bladder, and provide a signal to the pressure indicator representative of the measured pressure. The pressure indicator is adapted to indicate the measured pressure of the ball. Upon engagement between the distal end of the piston and the nozzle end of the cylinder, the pressure sensor is placed in communication with the interior of the ball. This causes the pressure indicator to indicate the pressure within the ball.  
         [0017]     In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides an inflatable sport ball having an integral pump, pressure relief mechanism, and pressure indicating assembly. The ball comprises a flexible carcass including an inflatable bladder having an interior adapted for retaining pressurized air, and an outer layer disposed on the bladder. The ball further comprises a pump cylinder secured to the carcass. The cylinder includes a distal end at which is disposed a valve for providing communication with the interior of the bladder. The cylinder defines an interior hollow chamber in communication with the interior of the bladder through the valve. The ball further comprises a pump piston disposed in the cylinder. The piston is positionable within the cylinder. The piston includes a pressure indicating assembly and a distal end at which is disposed an actuating member. The piston and cylinder are configured such that upon selective positioning of the piston, the member engages the valve to selectively provide passage and escape of pressurized air from within the bladder, and the pressure sensor is placed in communication with the interior of the bladder to thereby cause the pressure indicator to indicate the pressure within the ball interior.  
         [0018]     In yet a further aspect, the present development provides a pump adapted for incorporation in an inflatable sport ball. The pump comprises a cylinder having a nozzle end, a valve disposed at the nozzle end, an open end opposite from the nozzle end, and a sidewall extending between the nozzle end and the open end. The open end is adapted for engagement with a carcass of the ball. The pump further comprises a piston movably disposed in the cylinder. The piston includes a distal end at which is disposed an actuating member. The pump also comprises a pressure sensor and pressure indicator incorporated in the piston and adapted to indicate the internal pressure of the ball. The piston and the cylinder are configured such that upon selective positioning of the piston within the cylinder, the actuating member engages the valve to selectively open the valve.  
         [0019]     Other objects of the development disclosed herein will become apparent from the specification, drawings and claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for the purposes of illustrating the disclosure and not for the purposes of limiting the same.  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of a basketball utilizing a preferred embodiment pump in accordance with the present development.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a partial cross-sectional view of a football utilizing a preferred embodiment pump in accordance with the present disclosure.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the basketball depicted in  FIG. 1  illustrating a preferred mounting configuration for the preferred pump of the present development.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a cross section of a portion of a sport ball with a preferred pump and integral pressure relief device, showing a position in which a pump piston is pushed down or in a locked position.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates the portion of the sport ball shown in  FIG. 4  in which the piston is positioned for adding air to the ball.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  illustrates the sport ball shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  in which the piston is pushed farther into the pump cylinder and a one-way valve is opened by the pressure relief device to allow air to escape from the ball.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a cross section showing a portion of another preferred embodiment sport ball with a preferred embodiment pump and integral pressure indicating device, showing the piston being pushed down into its locked position.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is another view of the portion of the sport ball shown in  FIG. 7  in which the piston is positioned for adding air to the ball.  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a cross section of a portion of another preferred embodiment sport ball with another preferred pump having an integral relief device and a pressure indicating device in accordance with the present disclosure.  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  illustrates the portion of the sport ball shown in  FIG. 9  in which the piston is positioned for adding air to the ball.  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  illustrates the sport ball shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  in which the piston is pushed farther into the pump cylinder and a one-way valve is opened by the pressure relief device to allow air to escape from the ball.  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a piston of the preferred embodiment pump.  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a preferred cylinder cap used for securing the pump within a ball.  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a cross section of a preferred nozzle component for use in the pump of the present development.  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is a cross section of a preferred duckbill valve used in the nozzle component illustrated in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 16  is another preferred embodiment of a game ball according to the present disclosure.  
         [0037]      FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment pump assembly having a pressure sensor and pressure indicator according to the present development.  
         [0038]      FIG. 18  is another perspective view of the assembly depicted in  FIG. 17 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 19  is yet another perspective view of the assembly depicted in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, a sport ball  10  is illustrated incorporating a preferred embodiment inflation pump  5   a,    5   b,  or  5   c  of the present disclosure. Details of the various pump embodiments  5   a,    5   b,  and  5   c  are described later herein.  
         [0041]     The ball  10  is a typical basketball construction comprising a carcass having a rubber bladder  12  for air retention, a layer  14  composed of layers of nylon or polyester yarn windings wrapped around the bladder  12  and an outer rubber layer  16 . As will be understood, the term “carcass” refers to the flexible body of the ball. For a laminated ball, an additional outer layer  18  of leather or a synthetic material may be used. The layer  18  may comprise panels that are applied by adhesive and set by cold molding to layer  16 . The windings  14  are randomly oriented and two or three layers thick, and they form a layer that cannot be extended to any significant degree. The windings also restrict the ball  10  from expanding to any significant extent above its regulation size when inflated above its normal playing pressure. This layer  14  for footballs, volleyballs and soccer balls is referred to as a lining layer, and is usually composed of cotton or polyester cloth that is impregnated with a flexible binder resin such as vinyl or latex rubber. The outer layer  18  may be stitched for some sport balls, such as a soccer ball or a volleyball. The outer layer  18  may optionally have a foam layer backing or a separate foam layer.  
         [0042]      FIG. 2  illustrates a football  110  incorporating a preferred embodiment inflation pump  5   a,    5   b,  or  5   c  according to the present development. The football  110  comprises a carcass having a rubber bladder  112  for air retention, and an outer layer  118  of leather or synthetic material. As will be appreciated, the carcass of the football  110  may include one or more additional layers such as a winding layer or reinforcement layer, a foam or backing layer, and a secondary rubber lining layer.  
         [0043]     Other sport ball constructions, such as sport balls produced by a molding process, such as blow molding, may also be used in the disclosure. For an example of a process for molding sport balls, see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,400, incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0044]     Materials suitable for use as the bladder include, but are not limited to, butyl, latex, urethane, and other rubber materials generally known in the art. Examples of materials suitable for the winding layer include, but are not limited to, nylon, polyester and the like. Examples of materials suitable for use as the outer layer, or cover, include, but are not limited to, polyurethanes, including thermoplastic polyurethanes; polyvinylchloride (PVC); leather; synthetic leather; and composite leather. Materials suitable for use as the optional foam layer include, but are not limited to, neoprene, SBR, TPE, EVA, or any foam capable of high or low energy absorption. Examples of commercially available high or low energy absorbing foams include the CONFOR™ open-celled polyurethane foams available from Aearo EAR Specialty composites, Inc., and NEOPRENE™ (polychloroprene) foams available from Dupont Dow Elastomers.  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , incorporated into the carcass of the preferred embodiment ball  10  of the present development during its formation is a rubber pump boot or housing  20 . The boot  20  defines a central opening and has an outwardly extending flange  22  which is preferably bonded to the bladder  12  using a rubber adhesive. The boot  20  is preferably disposed between the rubber bladder  12  and the layer of windings  14 . The boot  20  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as butyl rubber, natural rubber, urethane rubber, or any suitable elastomer or rubber material known in the art, or combinations thereof. A molding plug (not shown) is inserted into the boot opening during the molding and winding process to maintain the proper shape of the central opening and to allow the bladder  12  to be inflated during the manufacturing process. The molding plug is preferably aluminum, composite or rubber, and most preferably aluminum.  
         [0046]     The central opening though the boot  20  is preferably configured with a groove  24  to hold a flange extending from the upper end of a pump cylinder, described in greater detail herein. The pump cylinder can optionally be bonded to the boot  20  using any suitable flexible adhesive (such as epoxy, urethane, cyanoacrylate, or any other flexible adhesive known in the art).  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , a preferred embodiment pump  5   a  having an integral pressure relief device is shown. The pump  5   a  comprises a pump piston  30  disposed in a pump cylinder  28 . The pump cylinder  28  includes an open end  26 , an exit nozzle  46  defined at an opposite distal end from the open end  26 , and a cylindrical sidewall  27  extending between the open end  26  and the exit nozzle  46 . The sidewall  27  has an interior face  29 . The cylinder  28  also defines an interior end wall  25  which faces the open end  26 . The cylinder  28  defines a hollow chamber formed from the interior face  29  of the sidewall  27  and the end wall  25 . Although the pump cylinder shown is a right cylinder, other cylinders that are not right cylinders, such as a cylinder having a non-circular cross-section, may be used.  
         [0048]     Sealingly disposed within the hollow chamber of the cylinder  28  is the piston  30 . The piston  30  includes a cap end  58 , and a sealing end  35  opposite from the cap end  58 . Extending between the cap end  58  and the sealing end  35  is a body component  33 . Defined along the sealing end  35  of the piston  30  is a recess  36  extending along the outer periphery of the body  33 , for retaining an O-ring  38 . As seen in the referenced figures, this recess  36  is dimensioned such that the O-ring  38  can move in the recess  36 . The O-ring  38  is forced into the position shown in  FIG. 4  for instance, when the piston  30  is pushed down. In this position, the O-ring seals between the interior face  29  of the cylinder sidewall and an upper flange  40  of the recess  36 .  
         [0049]     The piston  30  further defines an annular recess  32  accessible from the sealing end  35  of the piston  30  that preferably houses a spring  34 . The spring is preferably a coil spring and positioned to urge the piston  30  in the cylinder  28  in a direction away from the cylinder exit nozzle  46 . This configuration is preferred for pumps having an integral pressure relief mechanism as described herein. In these embodiments, the function of the spring is to maintain separation between the sealing end  35  of the piston  30  and a valve used for releasing air from the ball. This aspect is described in greater detail herein. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure pumps include piston configurations that do not include the noted annular recess  32  or spring  34 .  
         [0050]     As noted, a feature of the pump of the present development is the provision of an integral pressure relief mechanism. The preferred pump  5   a  under discussion provides such a mechanism as follows. The piston  30  includes a needle or other suitable device  90  such that upon suitable positioning of the piston  30 , the needle  90  forces a valve  68  open to allow air to escape (see  FIG. 6 ). The valve  68  is preferably positioned at the end of the cylinder  28  near the exit nozzle  46 . The valve  68  is preferably a one-way valve. The needle  90  is mounted to the sealing end  35  of the piston  30  in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown, the piston  30  has an opening or passage extending through it to receive the needle  90 . The opening or passage also provides an exit for air released from the pressurized interior of the ball. The needle  90  is mounted in or on the piston  30  preferably by adhesive bonding. The needle  90  can be constructed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), acrylic (PMMA), acrylonitrile-styrene acrylate (ASA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer, ABS/PC blends, polypropylene (preferably high impact polypropylene), polyphenylene oxide, nylon, combinations thereof, or any suitable material known in the art. Materials with high impact strength are preferred. Alternatively, the piston  30  and needle  90  may be formed as one piece or in one operation of the same or different materials. The needle  90  may also in some embodiments, be provided with an interior passage to further facilitate the passage of air from the interior of the ball.  
         [0051]     The piston  30  undergoes several functions depending upon its relative position within the cylinder  28 . In  FIG. 4 , the piston  30  is in a locked or secure position such as when the ball  10  is in use. In this position, it is preferred that the outer surface of the cap end  58  of the piston  30  is flush with the outer surface of the ball  10 . In  FIG. 5 , the piston  30  is in an unlocked position in which the pump  5   a  may be used to add air to the ball  10 . In  FIG. 6 , the piston  30  is displaced downward into the cylinder  28  such that the distal end of the needle  90  extends into or through the valve  68  to selectively allow escape of air from the ball  10 . As will be understood, the piston  30  is placed in the position shown in  FIG. 6  to activate the pressure relief mechanism of the pump.  
         [0052]     In another embodiment of the development (not shown), the piston  30  of the pump  5   a  includes a button or valve that activates a device, such as a needle, to open the valve  68 . The button could be accessible from the exterior of the ball. In one position when the button is pushed, the needle is engaged with the valve  68  to allow air to escape from the ball interior. When the button or valve is released, the needle is retracted and the valve  68  closes and seals. That is, the button or valve may have two positions, in which the first position opens the valve  68  and allows air to escape, and the second position retracts the needle or device and allows the valve  68  to close or seal. A spring or other member can be used to urge the button or valve to a default position.  
         [0053]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate another embodiment sport ball  10  of the present development.  FIGS. 7 and 8  depict a ball  10  having a preferred embodiment pump  5   b  including a pressure indicating device  72 . The device  72  may be in the form of a movable sphere retained within a hollow region defined in the piston  30 , or may be in the form of a plurality of pressure indication lines disposed along the length of the piston  30 . In determining the pressure of the ball  10 , air is allowed to escape the ball and indicate the pressure by displacing the device  72  to a relative position. This position may be further indicated by pressure indication lines  70 . A variety of configurations for the cylinder  28  and the piston  30  may be used to selectively allow passage and escape of pressurized air from the ball  10 . For example, the distal end of the piston  30  may, upon further displacement into the cylinder, engage a valve such as located in the nozzle of the cylinder or elsewhere, to allow passage of air from the ball, through the hollow region of the piston. An example of a preferred valve and its incorporation in a pump assembly is valve  68  shown in  FIG. 4 . Flow of air through or past the piston is utilized to activate a pressure indicating device. A preferred pressure indicating device is the previously described sphere  72  that is displaced upward within the hollow region of the piston during escape of pressurized air from the ball. The flow rate of such air is proportional to the pressure of the air within the ball. Depending upon the rate of air flow past the sphere  72 , the sphere will be displaced a certain distance within the hollow region of the piston. As noted, it is preferred that the position of the sphere  72  within the piston may be observed. The relative position may be readily noted by providing one or more pressure indication lines  70  to which the position of the sphere  72  may be compared.  
         [0054]     It is also contemplated to use the piston  30  and its relative position within the cylinder  28  to indicate the pressure of the ball. In this embodiment, the piston  30  is backed by a spring which counters the force exerted upon the displaced piston  30  by the pressurized air from the ball interior. The position of the piston  30  indicates the ball pressure.  
         [0055]     Details of the components of an alternative embodiment, i.e., the pump  5   b,  such as piston  30  and cylinder  28 , are as previously described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4-6 . Related to this embodiment, is a pressure indicating device which features a design in which an indicator is actuated without loss of air from the ball. The previously described embodiment utilized a design in which the pressure of the ball was indicated by a characteristic of a flowing air stream allowed to exit the ball. The alternate design under discussion provides a measure of the ball interior pressure by exposing a pressure indicating surface to the interior pressure. For example, a flexible diagram or other member could be exposed to the ball interior. Upon such exposure, the pressurized air of the interior would displace the diagram by a certain amount which could then be correlated to a pressure value. A preferred assembly using this design is the previously described piston which is backed or otherwise countered by a spring. A face of the piston such as the sealing end  35 , is exposed to the ball interior, which results in a force being exerted on the piston causing displacement of the piston within the cylinder. The relative movement of the piston is then correlated to the interior pressure of the ball.  
         [0056]     In another embodiment of the disclosure, shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , a preferred embodiment pump  5   c  includes a pressure indicating device  72  in conjunction with a pressure relieving mechanism. The piston  30  includes a pressure indicating device  72 , such as a movable sphere or graduated slide. The piston  30  may also provide pressure indication lines  70 . In determining the pressure of the ball  10 , air is allowed to escape the ball and indicate the pressure by displacing the device  72  to a relative position thereby indicating the pressure of the ball interior. This position may be further indicated by pressure indication lines provided along the length of the piston  30 . One way of achieving this is to allow the one way valve  68  to be opened by the piston  30  of the pump  5   c.  This allows air to escape from the interior of the ball  10  and actuate or move the pressure indication device  72  in the piston  30  due to air flowing through it and exiting the ball  10 . In a preferred version, a calibrated spring is provided backing the pressure indication device  72  that allows for precise movement of the pressure indicating device  72  when the air from the interior of the game ball  10  pushes against and flows by the pressure indicating piece  72 . Details of the other components of the pump  5   c,  such as piston  30  and cylinder  28 , are as previously described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4-6 .  
         [0057]     The preferred embodiment sport balls utilize a particular mounting configuration for securing and incorporating the pumps, such as the preferred embodiment pumps  5   a,    5   b,  and  5   c,  within the interior of the ball.  
         [0058]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the exterior of the pump piston  30  preferably defines a plurality of recesses or slots  42  in the recess  36  extending from just below the upper flange  40  through a lower or distal most flange  44 . Only one of these slots  42  is shown in  FIG. 12  but there are preferably two or more. When the piston  30  is forced up by the spring  34 , the O-ring  38  moves to the bottom of the recess  36  which opens up a by-pass region around the O-ring  38  through the slots  42  so that air can enter the cylinder  28  below the piston  30 . Then, when the piston  30  is pushed down, the O-ring  38  moves back up to the top of the groove and seals to force the air out through the cylinder exit nozzle  46 .  
         [0059]     At the upper end of the piston  30 , two outwardly extending flanges  48  are provided that cooperate with a cylinder cap  50  shown in  FIG. 13  to hold the piston  30  down in the cylinder  28  and to release the piston  30  for pumping. The cylinder cap  50  is fixed onto the top of the cylinder  28  and the piston  30  extends through the center of the cylinder cap  50 . The cap  50  is preferably cemented into the cylinder  28  using a suitable adhesive, such as a UV cured adhesive.  FIG. 13  shows an isometric view of the underside of the cylinder cap  50  and illustrates open areas  52  on opposite sides of the central opening through which the two flanges  48  on the piston  30  can pass in the unlocked position. In the locked position, the piston  30  is pushed down and rotated such that the two flanges  48  pass under projections  54  and are rotated into locking recesses  56 .  
         [0060]     Referring to  FIGS. 4-11 , attached to the upper end of the piston  30  is a button or cap  58  that is designed to essentially completely fill the hole in the ball carcass. In some embodiments, such as a basketball or football, the button or cap  58  is preferably flush or essentially flush with the surface of the ball. In other embodiments, such as a soccer ball, the button or cap  58  is preferably disposed below the surface of the ball. This button  58  may be of any desired material. Examples of materials suitable for use as the button or cap  58  include urethane rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber or any other material known in the art. A preferred rubber for use as the button or cap is a thermoplastic vulcanizate such as SANTOPRENE™ rubber, available from Advanced Elastomer Systems, Akron, Ohio. The upper surface of the button or cap  58  should preferably be flexible to match the texture and feel of the outer surface of the ball. For example, the button in a basketball may be textured to match the feel of the cover, while for other sport balls, such as a soccer ball or football, the top of the button or cap may be smooth.  
         [0061]     In a preferred embodiment, fibers or other reinforcing materials may be incorporated into the rubber compound or thermoplastic material of the button  58  during mixing. Examples of fibers or materials suitable for use include, but are not limited to, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, Kevlar, cellulistic, glass and combinations thereof. Incorporation of fibers or other reinforcing materials into the button or cap  58  improves the durability of the button and improves the union of the button or cap and the piston  30 , thus preventing the button or cap from shearing off during use. Although the pump would still function without the button, it would become very difficult to use.  
         [0062]     Preferably, the button or cap  58  is co-injected with the piston  30  as one part. Alternatively, the button or cap  58  may be co-injected with a connecting piece, and the button or cap  58  and connecting piece may then be attached to the upper end of the piston  30  using an adhesive suitable for bonding the two pieces together. Co-injecting the button  58  and the piston  30  as one part, or alternatively, the button  58  and the connecting piece as one part that is mounted to the piston, provides a more durable part that is less likely to break or come apart during routine use of the ball. The button or cap material and the piston material need to be selected such that the two materials will adhere when co-injected. Testing of various combinations has shown that co-injecting or extruding a soft rubber button, such as a button comprising SANTOPRENE™, and a harder piston, such as polycarbonate or polypropylene and the like, provides a durable bond without the need for adhesives.  
         [0063]     The piston and the connecting piece may be formed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), acrylic (PMMA), acrylonitrile-styrene acrylate (ASA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer, ABS/PS blends, polypropylene (preferably high impact polypropylene), polyphenylene oxide, nylon, combinations thereof, or any suitable material known in the art. Materials with high impact strength are preferred. The material used for the piston is preferably clear or transparent to allow the pressure-indicating device  72  to be viewed by the user.  
         [0064]     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 4-11 , preferably mounted on the upper surface of the cylinder cap  50  is a pad  60  that is engaged by the button  58  when the piston  30  is pushed down against the previously described spring  34  to lock or unlock the piston  30 . The pad  60  provides cushioning to the pump. The underside of the cap  58  may be flexible or soft to provide further cushioning to the pump.  
         [0065]      FIGS. 4-11  of the drawings depict a pump exit nozzle  46 . Shown in  FIG. 14  is a preferred embodiment of a one-way valve assembly  70  of the duckbill-type to be mounted in the nozzle  46 . This assembly  70  comprises an inlet end piece  74 , an outlet end piece  72  and an elastomeric duckbill valve  80  captured between the two end pieces  72 ,  74 . The end pieces  72  and  74  are preferably plastic, such as a polycarbonate, polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene, or combinations thereof, but may be any material suitable for use. The end pieces may be ultrasonically welded together. Although any desired one-way valve can be used on the exit nozzle  70  and although duckbill valves are a common type of one-way valves, a specific duckbill configuration is shown in  FIG. 15 . The duckbill valve  80  is preferably formed of an elastomeric silicone material and is molded with a cylindrical barrel  82  having a flange  84 . Inside of the barrel  82  is the duckbill  86  which has an upper inlet end  88  molded around the inside circumference into the barrel  82 . The walls or sides  90  of the duckbill  86  then taper down to form the straight-line lower end with the duckbill slit  92 . The duckbill functions wherein inlet air pressure forces the duckbill slit  92  open to admit air while the air pressure inside of the ball squeezes the duckbill slit closed to prevent the leakage of air. Such a duckbill structure is commercially available from Vernay Laboratories, Inc. of Yellow Springs, Ohio. Any type of one-way valve or other valve capable of sealing known in the art may be used, as long as it prevents air from flowing out of the interior of the ball when not desired.  
         [0066]     A pump assembly of the type described and illustrated in the referenced figures is preferably made primarily from plastics such as polystyrene, polyethylene, nylon, polycarbonate and combinations thereof, but it can be made of any appropriate material known in the art. Although the assembly is small and light weight, perhaps only about 5 to about 25 grams, a weight may optionally be added to the ball structure to counterbalance the weight of the pump mechanism. In such an application, the weight, i.e. the counterweight, is positioned on or within the ball, and has a suitable mass, such that the resulting center of mass of the ball coincides with the geometric center of the ball. In lighter weight or smaller balls, such as a soccer ball, the pump assembly may weigh less and/or be smaller (shorter) than a corresponding pump assembly for a heavier ball, such as a basketball.  FIG. 16  illustrates such a counterbalance arrangement wherein a pump mechanism generally designated  5   a,    5   b,    5   c  is on one side of the ball and a standard needle valve  100  is on the opposite side of the ball. In this case, the material  102  forming the needle valve  100  is weighted. Additional material can be added to the needle valve housing or the region surrounding the valve. Alternatively, a dense metal powder such as tungsten could be added to the rubber compound. The use of another pump or inflation valve is referred to herein as a secondary pump or inflation valve.  
         [0067]     The description and the drawings referenced herein describe a particular and one preferred pump arrangement. However, other pump arrangements can be used within the scope of the disclosure. Examples of other pump arrangements that may be used with the development are shown in co-pending Application Ser. No. 09/594,980, filed Jun. 15, 2000; Ser. No. 09/594,547, filed Jun. 14, 2000; Ser. No. 09/594,180, filed Jun. 14, 2000; and Ser. No. 09/560,768, filed Apr. 28, 2000, incorporated herein by reference. Additional details and features that may be implemented in conjunction with the balls and pumps described herein are provided in U.S. Application publication No. US 2002/187866, filed as Ser. No. 10/183,337 on Jun. 25, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,595, filed as Ser. No. 09/712,116 on Nov. 14, 2000; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,225 filed as Ser. No. 09/478,225 on Jan. 6, 2000, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0068]     Since the pressure in a sport ball can be too high through overinflation or a temperature increase, or too low through underinflation or air loss, it can be beneficial to have a pressure relief device and/or a pressure-indicating device that is integral to the pump. If the pressure is too low, additional air may be added using the self-contained pump of the disclosure. If the pressure is too high, the pressure may be relieved by bleeding pressure from the ball with the conventional inflating needle or other implement that will open the conventional inflation valve to release air. Alternatively, the pump may have a mechanism that allows the pressure to be relieved, either through action of the pump, or through the use of a relief mechanism built into the pump, such as a mechanism to open the one-way valve if desired to allow air to flow out of the interior of the ball. The pressure-indicating device of the present development may then be used to determine if the ball is correctly inflated. If too much air is removed, additional air may be added using the pump.  
         [0069]     In a particularly preferred embodiment, a pressure sensor and indicator are incorporated in a sport ball having a self-contained inflation mechanism as described herein.  
         [0070]      FIG. 17  illustrates a preferred embodiment pump, pressure indicator, and pressure sensor assembly  200  in accordance with the present disclosure. The assembly  200  comprises a cylinder  240  and a plunger (or piston)  210 . Affixed or otherwise secured within the plunger  210  is a pressure sensor and indicator component  250 .  
         [0071]     Specifically, the plunger  210  defines a first end  212  at which is disposed a needle member  220  defining an air flow passage. The needle extends from a base  222  of the plunger  210 . The base  222  supports the needle  220  and defines an aperture  225  which provides flow communication to the interior of the plunger  210 . The plunger  210  also defines a second end  214 , generally opposite from the first end  212 . The second end  214  is adapted to receive the pressure sensor and indicator component  250 . The plunger  210  is generally hollow and defines an interior volume accessible from the second end  214 . An optional adapter component  230  can be utilized to engage or promote receipt of the pressure indicator and sensor component  250 .  
         [0072]     The cylinder  240  also defines a generally hollow interior region extending between a first end  246  and a second end  244  opposite from the first end  246 . Disposed at the first end  246  of the cylinder  240  is a valve component  248  defining an actuation port  242 , described in greater detail herein.  
         [0073]     The pressure indicator and pressure sensor component  250  includes a member or substrate  252  on which are disposed a pressure sensor  260 , a pressure indicator  270  providing a display  275  or other visual indicia representative of the sensed pressure, and one or more batteries  280 ,  282 . The pressure sensor  260  senses, measures, or otherwise determines the pressure of its surroundings, i.e. the internal region of the plunger  210  and transmits that information to the pressure indicator  270 . The indicator  270  provides a visual display of the sensed pressure, such as at display  275 . The pressure sensor  260  and/or the pressure indicator  270  may be powered by one or more sources of electrical power such as for example low voltage batteries  280 ,  282 .  
         [0074]     The assembly  200  can further comprise an optional end cap  290  that engages the end  214  or component  230  of the plunger  210 . The end cap  290  also serves to seal the interior hollow region of the plunger  210  from the external environment and thus ensure that the pressure sensor  260  only measures the pressure within that region. This is described in greater detail herein.  
         [0075]     In this particular embodiment assembly  200 , since the pressure indicator and sensor component  250  is affixed and sealed within the plunger  210 , it is preferred that the plunger  210  be formed of a transparent material or at least define a viewing window through which the pressure indicator  270  and specifically the display  275 , is observable.  
         [0076]     Operation of the preferred assembly  200  is as follows. Referring to  FIG. 17  and also  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the plunger  210  is inserted or otherwise depressed into the cylinder  240  so that the distal end of the needle  220  is inserted within, or otherwise engaged with, the actuation port  242  of the valve component  248 . This actuation opens the valve and allows air (or other gas) external to the cylinder  240 , such as within the interior of the ball, to flow through the valve component  248 , through the needle  220 , out of the aperture  225 , and into the interior region of the plunger  210 . Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , in this operation, air flows from region A to region B.  
         [0077]     Pressure equalization between regions A and B occurs rapidly as region B is soon at the same pressure as the interior of the ball, i.e. region A. The pressure sensor  260  senses, measures, or otherwise determines this pressure and transmits an electrical signal to the pressure indicator  270  for display.  
         [0078]     It will be appreciated that it is generally preferred that the pressure sensor and/or pressure indicator provide a memory function such that a sensed pressure to be displayed is displayed for an extended period of time, such as for example from about 1 to about 10 seconds. After engaging the plunger within the cylinder to allow pressurized air to enter the region within the plunger and enable the pressure sensor to sense the pressure of that air, in order to view the displayed or indicated pressure, the plunger is withdrawn or extended away from the cylinder. That operation disengages the needle from the valve disposed at the base of the cylinder and thereby closes air flow between regions A and B. Depending upon the valving arrangement or configuration (if any) at the needle, the contents of the hollow plunger can escape thereby resulting in a loss of pressure. Without a memory or “temporary hold” of the measured pressure, upon withdrawing the plunger to view the pressure reading, that value would rapidly plummet.  
         [0079]     The present disclosure, however, also includes the use of various valving and sealing arrangements to accomplish this pressure hold. These configurations could be used instead of, or in addition to, an electronic memory or pressure hold for the pressure indicator. For example, it is contemplated to use a selectively releasable one-way valve in the needle which allows air flow into the interior of the plunger but not out of the plunger. After reading a measured pressure, a user could selectively release the one-way valve to allow air to travel out of the plunger interior. Alternately, the needle could be configured to allow flow in both directions, and a sealing assembly could be used between the plunger and interior of the cylinder. A representative sealing assembly  226  is shown in  FIG. 17 .  
         [0080]     The actuation of a pressure measurement is preferably only performed upon a full engagement or depression of the plunger within the cylinder. That is, in typical pumping operations, the needle  220  is not engaged with the port  242  of the valve member  248 .  
         [0081]     A wide array of pressure sensors may be used in the preferred embodiment sport balls. It is generally preferred that the sensor be configured to measure gauge pressure, and so, measure the pressure of the ball with respect to atmospheric pressure. However, it is also contemplated to utilize a sensor adapted to provide an absolute pressure measurement.  
         [0082]     The term “pressure sensor” is used herein. However, it will be understood that, that term includes both pressure sensors and pressure transducers. A wide array of sensors and transducers may be used, such as, but not limited to piston technology, mechanical deflection, strain gauge, semiconductor piezoresistive, piezoelectric (including dynamic &amp; quasistatic measurement), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), vibrating elements (silicon resonance, for example), and variable capacitance.  
         [0083]     Similarly, a wide variety of strategies, for receiving and displaying data relating to the measured pressure can be used in the preferred embodiment balls. An electrical signal from the pressure sensor or transducer representing the measured pressure is preferred and can be in either analog or digital form.  
         [0084]     Similarly, the pressure indicator or display can be in nearly any form. Although a numeric digital readout or display is preferred, the present development includes the use of graphical or pictorial displays to indicate pressure within the interior of the ball. Besides or in addition to a numerical display, it is also contemplated to use an alpha-character display or one in which words or phrases are displayed in response to particular pressure levels detected by the pressure sensor. For example, if the pressure is within a predetermined acceptable range, a designation of “GOOD” or “OK” can be shown. Other words, terms, or phrases are contemplated such as, but not limited to “CORRECT”, “PROPER”, “FINE”, “ALL-RIGHT”, “SUPER”, “COOL” and the like. Alternatively, if the measured pressure is too high or too low, designations of “HIGH” or “LOW” could be shown. Other words, terms, or phrases are contemplated such as for example “EXCESS”, “EXCESSIVE”, “TOO MUCH”, “OVERKILL”; or “TOO LITTLE”, “NOT ENOUGH”, “MORE”, “DEFICIENT”, “NEEDING”, and the like.  
         [0085]     The present development can be utilized, wholly or partially, in conjunction with any type of inflatable sport ball or object, such as, but not limited to, basketballs; volleyballs; footballs; soccer balls; rugby balls; exercise balls; water polo balls; net balls; and miscellaneous sport balls; beachballs; other beach inflatable items; toy inflatable baseballs, golfballs, and other replica products; tennis balls; racquet balls; sport seat cushions; inflatable furniture such as chairs, mattresses; miniature inflatables; giant inflatables; inflatable pool products, toys, floatation mats, rafts, mattresses; inflatable wading pools; balloon-based products; inflatable structures and tents; inflatable snow products; and the like.  
         [0086]     The foregoing description is, at present, considered to be the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is contemplated that various changes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art may be made without departing from the present development. Therefore, the foregoing description is intended to cover all such changes and modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, including all equivalent aspects.
An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volleyball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism, or multiple self-contained inflation mechanisms, for inflating or adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is retained inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball. The pump additionally contains an integral pressure relief device to selectively relieve the pressure of the ball. Instead or in addition to the pressure relief device, the pump optionally contains a pressure indicating device to determine the relative pressure of the ball. The pressure indicator provides a numerical indication of the internal pressure of the ball as measured or determined by a pressure sensor.