Patent Publication Number: US-2007102080-A1

Title: Resilient cover system and method of manufacture

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application ser. No. 60/735,664 entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING, CUTTlNG AND/OR USING BALLS, which was filed on Nov. 10, 2005 and which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
      The present invention relates to multi-purpose tools and devices that are useful in numerous personal, industrial, and commercial applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-purpose resilient cover system and method of manufacture.  
      There exist certain devices and tools that are so useful that their uses are nearly limitless. The rubber baled is one such device. Similarly the tennis ball, while conceived for the purpose of playing the game of tennis, has been adapted for many different applications. For example, it has been found that a tennis ball attached to the end of a broom handle may be useful in removing scuff-marks. Similarly, tennis balls have been used to cover and protect the ball portion of trailer hitches, as well as have been attached to various objects such as chair legs. In these configurations, the tennis ball performing several useful functions such as protecting the device it covers, protecting the items that may come in contact with the device, as well as the floor or wall surface on which, for example the chair, may slide on.  
      in the prior art, tennis balls have been fabricated to fit over these devices by cutting an incision in the ball using single bladed devices such as a razor blade or knife. One such prior art incision or cut consists of a single elongated cut, disposed through the surface of the ball, through which the device may be inserted. However, this configuration has the disadvantage of being non-supportive along the longitudinal axis and as such, permits the device to wobble along this axis of the incision. Further, a single elongated incision can only accommodate a limited width; this width being dictated by the cross-width of the incision. Utilizing a device that exceeds this limited width will rip or tear the incision, thereby causing the ball to become even less stable.  
      Another prior art incision consists of two elongated incision, intersecting diagonally, to form shape of a “+”. However, this type of cut typically lacks adequate strength or gripping force for holding the device inserted therein.  
      The use of tennis halls for the many alternate uses described above is further limited by color. Tennis balls are officially only white or yellow in color. And while they have been made in a few alternate colors, these limited colors are not satisfactory for the multitude of available alternate uses for these balls.  
      Yet another limitation is that prior art tennis balls have only an “official” or regulation weight and thickness. Hence, when these tennis balls are used for alternate purposes, this single weight and thickness may be a disadvantage.  
      Further, the prior art manufacturing method consists of utilizing a single bladed implement such as knife or razor blade to cut a single or double incision into the ball and, this manufacturing process is currently done by hand. As such, there are numerous disadvantages to this prior art manufacturing process inclining quality and safety issues. These quality and safety issues include poor quality, and a slow and dangerous manufacturing process. Other disadvantages are also readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art and need not be explained further.  
      Accordingly, a need exists for a novel system and methods which have, among other advantages, increased quality and decreased cost, while simultaneously being aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, a resilient cover system and method of manufacture that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of these former devices have been identified and a solution is set forth herein by the inventive resilient cover system and method of manufacture which includes, a cover comprising an inner resilient core defining a hollow interior surface. The inner resilient core also includes an exterior surface. The cover also includes an incision in the inner resilient core, wherein the incision defines three resilient fingers.  
      Another aspect of the present invention includes a cover comprising an inner resilient core defining a hollow interior surface. The inner resilient core also includes an exterior surface. The cover also includes an outer covering disposed over the exterior surface of the inner resilient core and three incisions through the inner resilient core and the outer covering, the three incisions defining three resilient fingers, wherein the three resilient fingers are adapted to operably retain an object inserted therethrough.  
      In another aspect of the present invention, a promotional device comprises an inner resilient core defining a hollow interior surface. The inner resilient core also includes an exterior surface; an outer covering disposed over the exterior surface of the inner resilient core; and three incisions through the inner resilient core and the outer covering, the three incisions defining three resilient fingers. The outer covering further comprises an indicia, and the three resilient lingers are adapted to operably retain an object inserted therethrough.  
      And still in another aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a cover comprises the steps of obtaining a cover, wherein the cover includes an inner resilient core defining a hollow interior surface, the inner resilient core further including an exterior surface; obtaining a multiple bladed cutting instrument; securing the covet; pressing the cutting instrument against the exterior surface of the cover with sufficient force to create an incision through the inner resilient core; and, retracting the cutting instrument from the cover.  
      To address the goals stated above, the inventive cover comprises a unique incision and method of manufacturing that allows the cover to attach more securely to any device. By more securely retaining the cover to the device, the inventive cover reduces the amount of play or wobble that is created when using prior art devices. The present invention is useful in many applications where a cover is to be secured to, for example only, a device such as a handle, rod, writing device, chair, table leg, walker, cane, gun barrel, or any other protruding appendage or apparatus. The invention is also useful, for example only, in removing scuff marks from floors, protecting floors from the legs of furniture, protecting walls, reducing noise (such as when object are slid across a floor), reducing friction, making items more stable and/or visible, covering protruding objects to prevent injury or damage or simply to keep a device clean. Of course this is in no way meant to be limiting in any manner and there are a multitude of other uses for such a device. The invention may be applied, for example, to medical walkers, break leavers of wheel chairs, the back of wheel chairs (i.e.. the wheelie bars), broom handles, trailer hitch balls, and even to the barrels of guns so that foreign objects do not enter the barrel. Further, a person having limited mobility of their hands and arms can use the invention to aid in handling smaller items. For example, the cover of the present invention call be used to retain a writing device (e.g.. a pen), an eating utensil, or various other items that are difficult to grip.  
      The present invention also includes a method of manufacture which includes utilizing a multi-bladed cutting instrument, for example a three bladed cutting instrument that is pressed down on the cover until the desired cut is achieved, The cutting instrument is then retracted from the cover. In this manner, the previous issues with quality, and the inherent dangers of using blades by hand, are removed.  
      The invention may also come in various colors depending on the desired use or personal preference. For example, florescent or glow in the dark coloring may be used when the invention needs to be seen in the dark, or a camouflage design may used when it is desired to hide the invention. Conversely, bright colors are used when the invention needs to be seen.  
      The invention is also useful as a promotional device. A message, design, or other indicia may be imprinted on the cover, and when the cover is attached to a device, the indicia is visible and as such, can communicate a message. For example, the cover could be imprinted with a message and given to people as a promotional device. The recipient would then attach the cover to a device and the message would be displayed for others to see. The invention is also low in cost and provides a unique promotional gift or prize that promotes a message as well as serves as a useful tool for the recipient.  
      Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims.  
      In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The cover of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the claims.  
      As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.  
      These and other objects, along with the various features, and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the cover of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention.  
      As such, while embodiments of the cover are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a top view of the cover of the present invention illustrating one embodiment of an incision disposed therein;  
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the cover of  FIG. 1  taken along line II-II;  
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the present invention with an illustrative writing instrument disposed therein;  
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the cover of the present invention used on an illustrative walker;  
       FIG. 5   a  is a side view of one embodiment of a three bladed cutting instrument;  
       FIG. 5   b  is a bottom view of the cutting instrument of  Fig. 5   a;    
       FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of a press system used in one manufacturing process of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7  is a partial top view of a retaining plate used in one method of fabrication of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process of manufacturing for the present invention;  
       FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the cover of the present invention illustrating one embodiment of an incision disposed therein. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of the preferred embodiment, wherein similar referenced characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings.  
      For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”,“front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated ill the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.  
      Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. Further, the dimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included for purposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, particular details in the drawings which are illustrated in hidden or dashed lines are to be considered as forming no part of the present invention.  
      An exemplary embodiment of the cover is shown in  FIG. 1  and is generally designated by reference numeral  10 . While one preferred embodiment uses a tennis ball the invention is not meant to be so limited. As used herein, the term cover is meant to be used and defined in its general and ordinary sense. That is to say to include any resilient device regardless of material, construction, and/or geometry.  
      The most common use for the invention is as a covering on a protruding appendage such as a chair leg, table leg, walker, or the like. However, the applications for the invention are too numerous to list in this specification and so various exemplary uses will be given throughout the specification. For example, the invention can also be used as a scuff remover, either alone or in conjunction with a handle. Of course, these exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and not meant to be limiting in any manner unless so limited by the claims.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an embodiment of the invention that comprises a ball  11  having a cut or incision  12 . As described above, one preferred embodiment uses a tennis ball, hut it is understood that the invention is applicable to any hollow cover. In this embodiment, incisions  12  are illustrated as three symmetrical cuts  12   a ,  12   b , and  12   c  that meet at a common point  12   d . Cut  12  is sufficiently deep to penetrate outer covering  11   a , inner resilient core  11   b , and into the hollow interior of ball  11  ( FIG. 2 ). Cut  12  thereby defines and creates three resilient fingers  14   a ,  14   b  and  14   c . Fingers  14   a - c  may then be either: pushed inward, toward hollow interior  11   c ; or outward, away from hollow interior  11   c , to create a variable sized opening (not shown) whose maximum size is represented by the dashed line  13 . Because opening  13  has a variable size, the dashed line is illustrated to show the maximum size of opening  13  that can be accommodated without tearing. in actual use however, the opening is typically smaller than this maximum size.  
      Fingers  14   a - c , when disposed around a device, may be positioned inwardly or outwardly. One characteristic of the present invention are bearing surfaces  16   a - c  that are created when the fingers  14  are pushed inward (or outward). As such, when fingers  14   a - c  are bent inward they create bearing surfaces  16   a - c  that contact or bear upon the device and grip the device with sufficient force to hold the device more securely than the prior art.  
      Conversely, if fingers  14   a - c  are pulled outwardly, the interior side of fingers  14   a - c  become the bearing surface. Bearing surfaces  16   a - c  aid in the retention of the device and offer an improved grip over the prior art, as well as improved performance. Fingers  14   a - c  are resilient so that the pressure from bearing surfaces  16   a - c  is continuously exerted against the device inserted therein. For example, in one preferred embodiment, cover  10  is fabricated from a tennis ball and as such, the resilient rubber of the tennis ball offers a good choice of material characteristics for the resiliency of the  14   a - c.    
      In one embodiment the angle  17  between each of the cuts  12   a - c  is about 120 degrees and all three cuts  12   a - c  are generally symmetrical. Of course, it is to be understood that deviations from the 120 degree embodiment will also work, and may even be advantageous for some applications. Additionally, the symmetry of cuts  12   a - c  may also be varied according to the specific requirements of the end user.  
      Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the design and symmetrical nature of this embodiment is superior to the prior art due to the interaction or interplay between bearing surfaces  16   a - c  and the force exerted on the device by bearing surfaces  16   a - c . The force exerted by bearing surfaces  16   a - c  is created by a hinge surface of fingers  14   a - c  (not shown).  
      To wit, each finger  14   a - c  will have an inherent hinge; the hinge being the part of each finger that will bend to accommodate the device when inserted therethrough. As such, the size and location of this hinge will be depend upon the size of what is inserted through incisions  14   a - c . At its maximum, the hinge of each finger  14   a - c  will be represented by line  13 .  
      To increase the hinge force, the hinge should be maximized. For example, a single slit should produce the maximum hinge force. However, this also produces the minimum, or at least a reduced, bearing surface. On the other hand, to increase the bearing surface it would be desirable to have more slits. For example four slits would provide more bearing area than two slits. However, this also produces the minimum, or at least a reduced, hinge force. Hence the conundrum is that when seeking to maximize bearing area, the hinge force is reduced, and vice versa. Therefore, when taken as a whole, the present invention yields the best accommodation or interplay between, among other things, bearing surface and exerted force.  
      Additionally, the length of cuts  12   a - c  may be varied according to specific requirements. However, incisions  12   a - c  should be fabricated sufficiently long to permit an opening of sufficient size to accommodate the object that it is to be inserted. For typical uses, one preferred length of cuts  12   a - c  is between about 0.50 inches and about 1.50 inches in length.  
      Another aspect of the invention is its use as a promotional device. Cover  10  may be colored, or a message, design, or other indicia  15  may be imprinted thereon. Hence, when the cover is attached to a device the indicia is visible and as such, can communicate a message. For example, the cover could be imprinted with a message and given to people as a promotional device. The recipient would then attach the cover to a device and the message would be displayed for others to see. The invention is also low in cost and provides a unique promotional gift or prize that promotes a message as well as serves as a useful tool for the recipient.  
       FIG. 2  shows a sectional view of cover  10  including ball  11 . Ball  11  comprises an exterior outer covering  11   a , inner core  11   b , and hollow interior  11   c . In one example, covering  11  is a felt or other tennis ball like covering, and inner core  11   b  is a resilient material, for example a rubber. Additionally, while a normal tennis ball weighs between 2 and 2.0625 ounces, one preferred embodiment utilizes a thicker internal resilient core  11   b  which makes cover  10  weigh 2.4 ounces. This change makes the invention stronger and more robust and is advantages for many applications. Of course, this increased weight is not required.  
      Also illustrated in  FIG. 2  is a secondary opening or hole  22 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , hole  22 , in conjunction with incisions  12 , can accommodate and retain a device, for example a writing instrument  30 , eating utensils, or the like. Cover  10  is more easily held than a small device, for example a pen, and for people with certain disabilities the invention can aid in the persons ability to hold these smaller objects.  
      Referring to  FIG. 3 , the invention is illustrated with a writing instrument  30  inserted through incisions  12  and hole  22 . In this example, writing end  30   a  of pen  30  extends through opening  22 . Opening  22  is preferably positioned on the opposing wall from incisions  12  so that the desired object can be inserted, coaxially, through incisions  12  and opening  22 . As illustrated, the invention is shown embodied within a tennis ball having seam  31  and indicia  15 . While  FIG. 3  is shown with a pen  30 , it is understood that many other objects may also be used in place of pen  30 . Additionally,  FIG. 3  illustrates how certain devices may be inserted, for example, coaxially through incisions  12  and opening  22 . However, for use with objects such as chair legs, there is no need for hole  22 .  
      Another aspect of the invention may be used to cover the barrel of a gun, the legs of chairs, tables, furniture, and the like. This protects both the leg of the chair and the floor surface on which they stand. In addition, when the invention is applied to the leg of a device, the invention permits the object to more easily slide across many floor surfaces and slides more quietly. Another embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Here, invention  10  is applied to the legs  41  of a walker  40 . Walkers  40  are commonly used by elderly or disabled persons to assist them in walking. In use then, a person takes a step while holding onto walker  40  and then stops, lifts up walker  40  and moves it ahead so that another step can be made. This process is repeated for each step. This is a tiring and laborious activity. However, by affixing cover  10  to the feet of the walker, walker  40  can be more easily slid along the surface, thereby requiring less effort to walk. Still further yet, when outer covering  11   a  is a felt or tennis ball like covering, it is slightly abrasive. As such, covers  10  are also useful as a scuff remover. Hence, whether used alone, or when mounted to a device, covers  10  can aid in reducing and/or removing scuff marks on, for example, floor and wall surfaces.  
      The specific configurations and features of cover  10  may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment, cover  10  is generally round in shape and is fabricated in a one-piece configuration from a generally resilient inner core material, such as rubber, and an outer covering, such as felt. However, the shape and material characteristics of cover  10  may vary according to specific requirements. Further, although one preferred embodiment of first cover  1 O uses a tennis ball that has been molded, other objects and fabrication techniques may be used and multiple pieces may even be utilized.  
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate one embodiment of a cutting instrument  50  of the present invention. Cutting instrument  50  is similar to a broad head arrow tip and includes three blades  51  that each have cutting edges  53 . Cutting head  50  also may include a tip  52 , and a shaft  54  which is used to hold or secure cutting instrument  50 . In one preferred embodiment, the angle  53  between blades  51  is approximately 120 degrees. Of course, the invention may also be practiced with deviations from 120 degrees as explained previously.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cutting system or press  70  of the present invention. Cutting system  70  automates the process of cutting or incising cover  10  and offers the advantages of speed, safety, precision and quality control. In this embodiment, ball  11  is placed oil base  73  of press  71 . Blade  50  is attached to chuck  74  by shaft  54 . Chuck  74  is moved up and down by, for example by moving handle  72 . The mechanical functioning of presses is well known in the art and therefore is not explained in detail here. Blade  50  is retracted after cutting into ball  11 . Retaining plate  60  stops ball  11  from remaining attached to blade  50 . Of course, this is only one embodiment and other machines, and automation techniques may be utilized.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates retaining plate  60 , which is used to restrain ball  11  when cutting instrument  50  is retracted. Plate opening  61  is made to correspond with blades  51  such that cutting instrument  50  passes through opening  61  in plate  60  uninhibited. When cutting instrument  50  is retracted plate  60  stops ball  11  from moving with cutting instrtumnenit  50  and thereby dislodges ball  11  from cutting instrument  50 . This is one preferred embodiment. Of course, alternate restraining means may also be suitable. For example, various shapes of retaining plates may be used or alternatively, other retaining instruments, for example rods, maybe used. The base or holder  73  may also have a gripping apparatus to hold ball  11 .  
       FIG. 8  shows the method of manufacturing as a flowchart. First a desired cover (e.g. a tennis ball) is obtained ( 81 ). Next an appropriate bladed cutting instrument is obtained ( 82 ). A press  70  for holding ball  11  and cutting instrument  50  is obtained ( 83 ). Ball  11  is placed onto the base or holder of press  70  and ball  11  is secured by plate 60  ( 85 ). Step  86  includes causing cutting instrument  50  to be pressed against ball  11  with sufficient force to make the desired cut  12 . Step  87  then retracts cutting instrument  50 , and in step  88 , ball  11  is removed from the press.  
      Advantageously, the cover of the present invention is efficiently fabricated and elegantly designed while being engineered to be long lasting. Consequently, the embodiments of the preferred invention disclosed herein reveal a cover which has been reduced in cost, and is more robust than existing designs. Additionally, the cover of the present invention is more aesthetically appealing than the prior art.  
      The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To whit, a novel cover which is cost effective, easily installed, strong, and aesthetically pleasing has been invented. While preferred embodiments and example configurations of the inventions have been herein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations disclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is to appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.