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 multilayer 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.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:  
         [0001]    This invention relates to the field of game balls. More specifically, this invention relates to a multi-layered game ball product and a process for the manufacture thereof.  
           [0002]    Efficient manufacturing processes for game ball products having a single layer are well known. The game ball product can be a finished game ball or form the core of a finished game ball. Game ball products produced of a single layer of a material can display less than optimal characteristics. The material of the single layer typically must be capable of performing several different functions simultaneously. For example, a single layer basketball must be constructed of a material that can form an air-tight bladder. In addition, the same material must provide abrasion resistance for an adequate product life for the game ball product. Furthermore, the same material must have dimensional stability for the game ball product to resist overexpansion as the ball is inflated and is used during the product lifetime. Single layer materials typically cannot provide optimal characteristics for all the performance requirements.  
           [0003]    Given these differing operational requirements and deficiencies of a single layer game ball product, it is well known to produce a game ball product having multiple layers of differing materials. Each layer of the multi-layer game ball product is directed to providing a specific function or characteristic for a given performance requirement. For example, a game ball product may be produced of two layers. The outer layer provides abrasion resistance, and the inner layer, such as a bladder, provides an air-tight seal for the game ball product. Multi-layer game ball products therefore typically have superior performance characteristics relative to single layer game ball products. However, multi-layered game ball products typically require additional manufacturing steps compared to the production of the single layered game ball product. Therefore, multiple layered game ball products typically have a higher relative production cost and a more extended production time.  
           [0004]    For example, basketballs are conventionally constructed by cold molding or hand laying panels of rubber, leather or synthetic leather onto a basketball carcass. These multi-layer basketballs typically require additional manufacturing steps in comparison to a single layer game ball product.  
           [0005]    Single and multi-layer game ball products are also used as game ball cores. Game ball products employed as game ball cores for baseballs and softballs are known to be manufactured of flexible, semi-rigid and rigid polyurethane foam, rotational molded polyolefins, foamed ionomers, cork, kapok and wound string. These conventional game ball cores typically require multiple manufacturing steps in addition to further manufacturing to apply an outer shell to the core. Each additional manufacturing step typically increases final cost of the finished game ball.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    Briefly stated, the invention is for the process of manufacturing a multi-layered game ball product wherein at least the inner layer is formed by a molding process. More specifically, the invention is for the process of manufacturing a multi-layered game ball product by forming the game ball product within a mold wherein at least the inner layer of the game ball product is formed by the blow molding of a parison.  
           [0007]    The process of the invention is for forming a game ball product having an inner and an outer layer. A parison is formed of at least the inner layer. The outer layer is formed. The inner and outer layers are introduced into a mold. The parison is then expanded to form a multi-layer game ball product.  
           [0008]    The process of the invention allows for production of multi-layer game ball products by a reduced number of manufacturing steps relative to the number of manufacturing steps required for conventional processes to manufacture multi-layered game ball products. The process of the invention employs blow molding to manufacture a multi-layered game ball product. The inner layer of the game ball is preferably extruded in a partial melt state to form a parison. The parison can also have 1-5 additional co-extruded layers, each layer preferably chosen to optimize a particular performance requirement of the final game ball product. Pressurized gas is then introduced into the parison to expand the parison against the mold to form the game ball product. After the game ball product has sufficiently cooled, the game ball product is removed from the mold.  
           [0009]    In one preferred embodiment of the process, a co-extruded three layer parison is blow molded to form a finished game ball. The material of the outer layer is selected for feel and abrasion resistance. The material of the intermediate layer is selected for dimensional stability when the game ball product is inflated and the material of the inner layer is selected for air entrapment. The parison of the three layers is blow molded to form the finished game ball product.  
           [0010]    In a further embodiment of the invention, particularly suited for the manufacture of basketballs, an inner layer can be blow molded onto pre-cut panels supported on the inside surface of a mold to produce a multi-layered game ball product. For example, a multi-layered basketball can be produced by vacuum supporting outer layer panels of synthetic leather on the inside of a basketball mold. The inner layer of the basketball is extruded in a partial melt state as a parison into the mold and blow molded onto the outer layer panels. The parison in the partial melt state bonds to the synthetic leather panels to form the finished multi-layer basketball. As an alternative, an adhesive can be applied to the outer layer panels prior to the blow molding to provide bonding between the inner layer and the outer layer panels.  
           [0011]    In still another embodiment of the invention, the multi-layered game ball product can be injected with a filler subsequent to blow molding of the parison. For example, a softball can be produced by blow molding a multi-layer parison onto a softball mold to form a game ball shell. The resulting game ball shell is then filled with a foam to complete the finished game ball.  
           [0012]    In addition, the filled game ball product manufactured by the process of the invention can be employed as the core for a finished game ball. An additional outer layer can be molded onto the filled game ball product. Alternately, a conventional softball or baseball cover can also be stitched onto the filled game ball product to form the finished game ball.  
           [0013]    An object of the invention is to provide a production process for the efficient manufacture of a multi-layered game ball product.  
           [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide a production process to manufacture a multi-layered game ball product with a reduced number of production steps relative to a conventional multi-layer game ball product process of manufacture.  
           [0015]    A further object of the invention is to provide a production process having an increased production rate of game ball products.  
           [0016]    A still further object of the invention is to provide a game ball production process having reduced costs relative to conventional production processes of multi-layer game ball products. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and figures.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a game ball product manufactured by the process of the invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate game ball product manufactured by the process of the invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional side view of a blow molding apparatus and parison employed in the process of the invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional side view of a blow molding apparatus and parison for production of a panelled game ball product by the process of the invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, enlarged cross-sectional view of a game ball produced from the apparatus of FIG. 4; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is a schematic, cross-sectional side view of a blow molding apparatus and parison for production of an alternate embodiment of the panelled game ball product produced by the process of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]    With reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like components throughout the figures, a multi-layer game ball product produced in accordance with the process of the invention is designated by the numeral  10 . The game ball product  10  has at least an inner layer  12  and an outer layer  14 . (See FIG. 1) Interposed between the inner layer  12  and outer layer  14  can be at least one intermediate layer  16 . At least the inner layer  12  is blow molded to form the multi-layer game ball product  10 . The game ball product  10  can be a finished game ball or a game ball core requiring additional manufacturing steps to be completed.  
         [0025]    The game ball product  10  is manufactured by a blow molding process. (See FIG. 3) In the blow molding process of the invention, an extruder head  20  forms or extrudes a preform or parison  22  of at least the inner layer  12  in a semi-melt state. The parison is preferably extruded into a mold  24 . However, the parison  22  can be extruded or formed outside the mold  24  and then positioned within the mold  24 . The outer layer  14  can be co-extruded or co-formed with the inner layer, or the outer layer  14  can be pre-positioned on the interior surface of the mold  24 . The halves of the mold  24  are driven together to close the mold  24  around the parison  22 . The excess portions of the parison  22  extending above and below the cavity formed by the mold  24  are pinched off by the mold  24  as the mold is closed. Next a pressurized gas is introduced into the parison  22  to expand the parison  22  within the mold  24  and form the multi-layer game ball product  10 . The game ball product  10  is then cooled and removed from the mold  24 .  
         [0026]    In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the parison  22  is composed of  2 - 6  co-extruded coaxial layers of material. A co-extruded parison  22  has each layer in a semi-melt state and each layer is generally in surface to surface contact with each adjacent layer. For the manufacture, for example, of a basketball, the parison  22  preferably has two or three layers. The material for the outer layer  14  for either the two or three layer basketball is selected for “feel” and abrasion resistance. The outer layer  14  is preferably a low durometer material such as styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, for example Kraton™ marketed by Shell; a thermoplastic polyurethane; a dynamically vulcanized ethylene; or a propylene diene monomer/polypropylene copolymer, for example ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/olefin copolymers such as Santroprene™ marketed by Monsanto; or Sarlink™ marketed by DSM.  
         [0027]    The material for the inner layer  12  is selected for air entrapment. For a two layer game ball product  10  the inner layer  12  is preferably constructed of a suitable thermoplastic or thermoset material, for example an impact-modified high density polyethylene, a low density polyethylene or a dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic rubber. Typically the material is vulcanized by the resin manufacturer using standard techniques such as the addition of peroxide coupled with high shear rate mixing. A three layer game ball product preferably has an inner layer  12  of a butyl rubber modified material. While the above-identified process is particularly well-suited for the manufacture of basketballs, other multi-layered game ball products can be manufactured by the same process employing the same or similarly identified materials.  
         [0028]    The intermediate layer  16 , when employed, provides dimensional stability to the three layer game ball product. The intermediate layer  16  is preferably a stiff, dimensional stabilizing material such as an impact-modified high density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene with fibers, or low density polyethylene. Additional intermediate layers can be employed for bonding between the layers  12 ,  14 ,  16  when the layers  12 ,  14 ,  16  are not compatible. For example, a layer of ethylene/vinyl acetate adhesive can be provided between a layer of olefin and a layer of polyurethane for bonding therebetween.  
         [0029]    An alternate embodiment game ball product  10 ′ manufactured in accordance with the invention has a solid or filled central volume  26 . For example, the process of the invention can be used for the manufacture of softballs having a multi-layered blow molded shell and a filled central volume. (See FIG. 2) The filled game ball product  10 ′ can be composed of  1 - 3  layers, but is preferably constructed of two layers and a filled central volume. The game ball product  10 ′ has a low durometer outer layer  14  of preferably 40-80 Shore A (ASTM D2240).  
         [0030]    An example includes an EPDM/olefin-type material such as Sarlink™, marketed by DSM, having a durometer of 70-80 Shore A (ASTM D2240). The game ball further has a stiffer harder inner layer  12  of preferably a material having a durometer of 40-70 Shore D (ASTM D2240).  
         [0031]    The inner and outer layers  12 ,  14  are preferably co-formed or co-extruded to form a multi-layer parison  22  and blow molded in preferably an aluminum casting or mold  24  of a soft ball. The inner and outer layers  12 ,  14  form a shell  11  having a central volume that is injected with a filler  26 , preferably a foam, after the blow molding is completed. Examples of fillers  26  include foams such as polyurea, polyurethane and syntactic foam injected into the shell  11 . Preferably a liquid polyurethane mixture is introduced through the blow hole in the shell  11  by the use of a high pressure polyurethane machine. The polyurethane reacts and foams in situ displacing the air in the shell  11  and forming the inner portion or filler  26  of the game ball product  10 ′.  
         [0032]    A filled game ball product  10 ′ in accordance with the invention can also be used as a game ball core. Inner and outer layers  12 ,  14  of the game ball product  10 ′ can be composed of high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene as well as EPDM/olefin materials. In one embodiment, the shell  11  is formed of six layers. Further fillers  26  are be employed in the shell  11  for additional strength. These fillers include polyurethane foams and the other above identified foams. A cover is preferably stitched over the outer layer  14  of the filled game ball product  10 ′ to form a softball or a baseball. Alternately, the cover can be molded over the game ball product  10 ′.  
         [0033]    In another alternate embodiment of a gameball product manufactured in accordance with the invention, a multi-layered game ball product  10 ′″ can be manufactured having a blow molded inner layer  12  and an outer layer comprising panels  28 . (See FIGS. 4 and 5) The process for the manufacture of the panelled multi-layer game ball product  10 ′″ is particularly suited for the production of basketballs. Panels  28  of leather, synthetic leather or rubber are cut from a roll of material in the appropriate shape. The edges of the panels  28  are then preferably cut or “skived” to form bevels  30  for improved adherence or interlocking of the panels  28  to the inner layer  12 . The mold may also be cut so as to allow a bevel at the insert/center carcass interface. In this case, the panels would not need to be skived, just die cut. The panels  28  are positioned on the inside surface of a mold  24 ′. The mold  24 ′ supports the panels  28  by use of vacuum ports  32  holding the panels  28  against the interior of the mold by a vacuum force. (See FIG. 4) Alternately, the mold  24 ′ can be lined with a low peel strength pressure sensitive adhesive  34  to hold the panels  28  to the mold  24 ′. (See FIG. 6) The panels  28  are positioned to define channels  36  therebetween.  
         [0034]    Vents  38  are located in the mold  24 ′ at the channels  36  to allow for air between the parison  22  and the panels  28  to be evacuated when the parison  22  is inflated. The parison  22  of at least the inner layer  12  is introduced to the mold  24 ′ and inflated. The parison  22  preferably adheres to the back of the panels  28  and fills the channels  36  between the panels  28 . (See FIG. 5) The inflated parison, still in the partial melt state, can directly adhere to the panels  28  on the interior of the mold as a result of the adhesive qualities of the blown parison  22  bonding to the material of the panels  28 . Alternatively, an adhesive  40  can be applied to the back of the panels  28  for bonding engagement to the inner layer  12 . (See FIG. 6) Preferably at least one panel  28  is fitted with a valve  42  for the introduction of air into the final game ball product  10 ′″.  
         [0035]    While preferred embodiments in accordance with the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it should be readily appreciated that many modifications and changes thereto are within the ability of those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover any and all of such modifications which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.