Method of manufacturing multi-layer game ball
AssigneeSpalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
InventorThomas J. Kennedy, III
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process for producing multi-layer game ball products includes the steps of extruding an inner layer precursor as a parison in a partial melt state, forming an outer layer, introducing the inner and outer layers into a mold and expanding the parison within the mold to form the multi-layer game ball product. The outer layer may take the form of pre-cut panels vacuum supported in the mold and an intermediate layer may be provided for dimensional stability in the product. Subsequent to expanding the parison a filler such as foam may be injected into the center space for forming a core.
Claims20
A method for forming a multi-layer game ball product, said game ball having an inner layer and an outer layer, the method comprising:
- forming a parison of a material in a semi-melt state;
- forming an outer layer;
- introducing said outer layer into a mold;
- introducing said parison of a material in a semi-melt state into said mold;
- and
- expanding said parison of a material in a semi-melt state within said mold so that said parison expands to form said inner layer which engages said outer layer to form said multi-layer game ball product wherein said mold comprises separable mold sections and said steps of forming said outer layer and introducing said outer layer into said mold comprise placing a plurality of game ball panels in one said mold section prior to the step of expanding said parison.
A method of forming a paneled game ball product, said game ball product having a paneled outer layer and an inner layer, said method comprising:
- forming an outer layer of panels;
- introducing said outer layer into a mold section having an interior surface;
- supporting said panels on said mold section interior surface;
- extruding a parison of a semi-molten material;
- introducing said parison into said mold;
- and
- expanding said parison within said mold so that said semi-molten material expands to form an inner layer which engages said outer layer to form a paneled game ball product.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.