WO2024251366A1

WO2024251366A1 - Improved pump apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2024251366A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/065412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Mooney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-08
Filing date: 2023-06-08
Publication date: 2024-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-08

Abstract

A pump apparatus is used for the inflation of a sport or recreational ball manufactured from plastics material, rubber, leather or the like material. The pump apparatus comprises an elongated pump cylinder, having a first end and second end, a movable portion engageable in the first end and an air outlet provided at the second end. An elongated needle valve is engageable with the air outlet. A ball retaining member extends from the elongated pump cylinder adjacent its second end. The ball retaining frame engages the ball to be inflated with the elongated needle so that the ball remains stationary while being inflated by the pump apparatus.

Description

IMPROVED PUMP APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved pump apparatus and more particularly to a pump to be used to inflate round balls of varying diameters

Background of the Invention

The current football pumps on the market vary between simple single action pumps with an attachable solid inflation needle to more complex double action pumps with better design that are sold with flexible fittings to be used to join the pump and the inflation needle. The simple pump is fine for ball inflation but is prone to bending and breaking inflation needles at a high rate, especially if children are using it. The reason the needle bends is because of uncontrolled ball movement and pump movement. Any movement introduces bending into the needle where it will at best, bend and leak, or at worst, bend to the point of being unusable or break off entirely.

The more expensive ball pumps have alleviated this problem to a point by the use of a flexible joint between the pump and the inflation needle. This solution is fine but requires assembly each time it is used or if left assembled it gives no protection to the inflation needle.

The object of the invention is to alleviate the above disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a pump apparatus for the inflation of a sport or recreational ball manufactured from plastics material, rubber, leather or the like material, the pump apparatus comprising; an elongated pump cylinder, having a first end and second end, a movable portion engageable in the first end and an air outlet provided at the second end, an elongated needle valve engageable with the air outlet, and a ball retaining member extending from the elongated pump cylinder adjacent its second end, wherein the ball retaining frame engages the ball to be inflated with the elongated needle so that the ball remains stationary while being inflated by the pump apparatus.

Advantageously, the ball retaining member extends outwardly from the pump cylinder so as to engage with a substantial portion of the ball to be inflated.

Preferably, the ball retaining member is of generally conical construction extending outwardly from the second end of the elongated pump cylinder.

Conveniently, the conical end of the ball retaining member is generally flat to enable the pump apparatus to stand on a flat surface.

Ideally, the ball retaining member is spring loaded relative to the pump cylinder assisting in contact with the ball and allowing the needle valve to engage with the ball.

Advantageously, the ball retaining member includes one or more inspection holes to allow the user to see the needle valve inserting into the ball.

Preferably, the pump is a single action pump requiring longitudinal compressive force to be directed towards the ball held by the ball retaining member.

Ideally, the pump apparatus includes a pressure gauge.

Conveniently, it includes a chamber for retaining one or more needle valve when not in use.

Additionally, it also includes an inflation pressure chart mounted on or fixed to the pump apparatus.

The invention is an improved ball pump that incorporates a ball holding frame which will greatly help to prevent inflator pin bending and a pressure gauge that is to be used with a chart recommending inflation pressures. The proposed invention is to have a ball holding frame at its base that will minimise the movement of the ball during inflation and has a clip on protective cover to prevent inflation needle damage when not in use. The ball inflator pump will have a single action pump and incorporate a pressure gauge that directly shows the inflation pressure of the ball. The pressure gauge is to be used with an all weather durable sticker chart on its side that will show the recommended inflation pressures of most ball types. The ball inflator pump’s protective cover will also be wall mountable in a garage, for example, that will keep the pump in a known position for ease of finding and also help prevent it from being stored loosely where damage may occur. Spare needles are to be supplied in the pump’s handle.

The invention is an improved ball pump that incorporates a ball holding frame which will greatly help to prevent inflator pin bending and a pressure gauge that is to be used with a chart recommending inflation pressures.

The invention comprises a single action ball pump incorporating a ball holding frame, pressure gauge, inflation pressure chart, spare inflation needles and a wall mounted pump storage solution.

Single action pump: The single action pump requires the force that compresses the air to be applied towards the ball and thus aiding in keeping the ball holding frame firmly pressed against the ball.

Ball holding frame: This frame will be at the base of the ball inflator pump and be conical in shape with one flat surface. The flat surface facilitates vertical storage of the pump but also access to the base of the ball inflation needle in the event of its change out. A shaped visual access hole is provided on the opposite side of the flat surface to enable the user to guide the needle into the inflation valve. The conical ball holding frame can be a simple fixed frame that is added to the pump during the manufacturing process or can be formed as part of the pump. The ball holding frame can also be spring loaded. In this case the ball holder is placed against the ball where it will make contact, pressure is then applied by the user to compress the spring and move the needle towards and into the inflation valve.

Pressure Gauge: The pressure gauge is to be provided so that the user no longer has to guess or estimate the inflation pressure of the ball. Only the upper tiers of professional ball sports measure the ball inflation pressures and they have to use a separate pressure gauge. Usually a user of a normal ball pump will squeeze the ball or maybe bounce it in order to have some idea what the inflation pressure is. The present pump will combine that ability to inflate and measure the pressure at the same time using one product and one process. This will provide for fast and efficient checking of multiple balls in a local club for example and help to remove any pressure inconsistencies.

Inflation Pressure Chart: The chart is to be used in conjunction with the pressure gauge. The chart will have a list of ball types and their recommended inflation pressures which can be attained from the professional bodies representing each sport, for example basketball pressure can be attained from the NBA etc. The list of balls is to include Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, GAA football, Soccer ball and has the scope to include more if necessary. The information about each ball can be displayed in text of various languages or symbols representing each type of ball. The chart will also have a disclaimer that the user must check the manufacturers recommended inflation pressure for their ball and that the chart is there for guidance only, or something to that effect.

Spare Needles: The ball inflator pump of the invention will have at least three spare needles held in the handle of the pump.

Wall mountable Storage Bracket: The storage bracket will have two screw slots present to facilitate it being hung on protruding screws enabling it to be attached to a vertical surface. The holder will be shaped so that it holds that flat section of the ball holding bracket and will have a closed top which provides protection to the inflation needle. The pump can then be removed from the wall and brought in a ball bag or gym bag with its protective cover attached. Providing this storage option will help to protect the user’s investment by keeping the pump out of boxes or drawers where damage may occur.

The design of the ball inflator pump of the invention has some scope for change with regard to its dimensions and general shape. The pump cylinder can have lengths ranging from 120mm to 250mm and have diameters of 25mm to 75mm. The pressure gauge will have measurement units in Bar and Psi and have a gauge face diameter ranging from 20mm to 50mm. The conical ball holding frame can range in depths from 50mm to 120mm and a base diameter of 75mm to 150mm. The overall pump design can be ergonomically designed to suit a person’s hand or be of a simple shape, it can be made of alloy metal or of plastic and can have various colours or combinations of colours.

Brief description of the drawings The Invention will herewith be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by example only, from Figure 8 onwards an embodiment of a pump in accordance with the invention.

Fig 1 represents prior art of a product that is currently on the market and shows a simple standard pump (9) with its plunger closed;

Fig 2 represents prior art of a product that is currently on the market and shows a simple standard pump (9) with its plunger open;

Fig 3 represents prior art of a product that is currently on the market and shows an inflation needle (3);

Fig 4 represents prior art of a product that is currently on the market and shows a cross section of a standard size soccer ball (10) with its inflation valve (11);

Fig 5 represents prior art of a product that is currently on the market and how a standard pump (9) inserted into a standard size soccer ball (10);

Fig 6 represents prior art of a product that is currently on the market and shows an uncontrolled ball rotation causing damage to the inflation needle (3);

Fig 7 represents prior art of a product that is currently on the market and shows a closer view of inflation needle damage (3);

Fig 8 shows the plan view (Fig 8A), front view (Fig 8B), rear view (Fig 8C) and side view (Fig 8D) of the ball inflator pump fully assembled and ready for use;

Fig 9 shows the front view (Fig 9A) and end view (Fig 9B) of the assembled plunger (1);

Fig 10 shows the front view of the plunger (1) disassembled into its components;

Fig 11 shows the front view (Fig 11 A), side view (Fig 11 B) and plan view (Fig 11C) of the plunger subcomponent named plunger handle (1.1); Fig 12 shows the front view (Fig 12A) and plan view (Fig 12B) of the plunger subcomponent named plunger head (1.3);

Fig 13 shows the front view (Fig 13A) and plan view (Fig 13 B) of the plunger subcomponent named plunger seal (1 .4);

Fig 14 shows the section of the plunger (1) and all of its subcomponents and subfeatures;

Fig 15 shows the front view of the ball inflator pumps main component pump cylinder (2);

Fig 16 shows the front view of pump cylinder’s (2) subcomponents named pump cylinder casing (2.2) and pump cylinder cap (2.1);

Fig 17 shows the front view (Fig 17A) and plan view (Fig 17B) of the pump cylinder’s subcomponent pump cylinder cap (2.1);

Fig 18 shows the section of the pump cylinder (2) and all of its subcomponents and subfeatures.;

Fig 19 shows a front view (Fig 19A) and a cross-section view (Fig 19B) of the ball inflater inflation needle (3);

Fig 20 shows the front view (Fig 20A), plan view (Fig 20B) and a cross-section view (Fig 20C) of the ball inflater pumps main component named fixed frame (4);

Fig 21 shows the front view (Fig 21 A), side view (Fig 21 B), rear view and a cross-section view (Fig 21 C) of the ball inflater pump’s main component named moving frame (5);

Fig 22 shows the plan view of the moving frame (5);

Fig 23 shows the plan view (Fig 23A) and side view (Fig 23B) of the ball inflater pressure gauge (6);

Fig 24 shows the plan view (Fig 24A), rear view (Fig 24B) and a cross-section view (Fig 24C) of the ball inflater pumps main component named protective cover (7); Fig 25 shows the front view of the ball inflater compression spring (8);

Fig 26 to Fig 42 show how the parts are assembled to make the ball inflater pump and are all section drawings to show the details;

Fig 26 shows the plunger components (1.1-1.4) and the pump cylinder cap (2.1) before assembly;

Fig 27 shows the plunger components (1.1 -1.4) and the pump cylinder cap (2.1) after assembly;

Fig 28 shows the plunger (1) in position for insertion into the pump cylinder (2);

Fig 29 shows the plunger (1) inserted into the pump cylinder (2);

Fig 30 shows the fixed frame (4) in position for attachment to the pump cylinder (2) Fig 31 shows the fixed frame (4) attached to the pump cylinder (2);

Fig 32 shows the compression spring (8) in position for insertion to the fixed frame (4) Fig 33 shows the compression spring (8) inserted into the fixed frame (4);

Fig 34 shows the moving frame (5) in position ready for insertion into the fixed frame (4) Fig 35 shows the moving frame (5) inserted into the fixed frame (4) with the fixed frame assembly ring (4.3) and the moving frame assembly clip (5.5) remaining disengaged;

Fig 36 shows the pressure gauge (6) in position ready for assembly through the moving frame (5) and into the pump cylinder (2);

Fig 37 shows the pressure gauge (6) having been assembled to the pump cylinder (2) through the moving frame (5);

Fig 38 shows the attachment of the moving frame (5) to the fixed frame (4) by engaging the fixed frame assembly ring (4.3) and the moving frame assembly clip (5.5);

Fig 39 shows the inflation needle (3) in position ready for assembly to the pump cylinder (2); Fig 40 shows the inflation needle (3) having been assembled to the pump cylinder (2); and

Fig 41 shows the protective cover (7) in position for attachment to the moving frame (5) Fig 42 shows the protective cover (7) having been attached to the moving frame (5).

Detailed description of the drawings

Fig 1 to Fig 7 show prior art. Fig 1 and 2 show a single action ball pump (1) that is currently and has been for a long time on the market. It is a simple design that gives reliable service, except for the tendency to break inflation needles. The issue arises when the inflation needle (2) is installed into the simple pump (1) and the assembly is inserted into ball (3) Fig 4, through the inflation valve (17), this can be seen in Fig 5. Damage to the inflation needle occurs when unexpected or uncontrolled movement is introduced to the ball during inflation, Fig 6. When this movement occurs the user will usually be holding the simple pump (1) and the result is the bending of the inflation needle (2) as shown in Fig 7. Another issue with the simple pump and needle is its storage, which can be in boxes with other products, loose with the balls etc which can lead needle breakage if the inflation needle is not withdrawn after each use.

The ball inflater pump of the invention is made up of 8 main components. These main components will have sub components and or sub features. To enable easier understanding of the drawings the following system has been adopted.

The eight main components are numbered 1 to 8 and are identified by its identification number placed beside a leader line with an astrix on the end.

An individual main component will have its subcomponents numbered using the main components number first followed by dot and a subcomponent number, for example, an element of the ball inflater pump numbered 1.2 is main component 1 subcomponent 2. Further to this a subcomponent can have sub features requiring individual identification and will have an additional number, for example 1.2.1.

The purpose of this system is when the ball inflater pump is shown fully assembled a minimal amount of component identification numbers are required resulting in uncomplicated and easier understood drawings. All the components will be named in Fig 8 to Fig 25 and assembly of said components will take place from Fig 26 to Fig 42.

Fig 8 shows the front view, side view, rear view and plan view of the ball inflater pump in its fully assembled form and ready for use. In the figure some of the main components are identified to aid with the visualisation of where the main components of the ball inflater pump are relative to each other. The main components that are visible in Fig 8 are as follows, plunger (1), pump cylinder (2), fixed frame (4), moving frame (5) and the pressure gauge (6). Other main components that are not shown in Fig 8 are the ball inflation needle (3), protective cover (7) and the compression spring (8).

Fig 9 shows the front and side view of the first main component plunger (1).

Fig 10 shows the plunger (1) broken down into its subcomponents. The plunger handle (1.1) has a plunger handle male joint (1.1.2) formed to facilitate the attachment of the plunger handle end cap (1.1.1) and all three subcomponents are made from plastic. Beneath the plunger handle (1.1) is the plunger shaft (1.2) which is made of metal and has each end threaded, namely plunger shaft upper male thread (1. 2.2) and plunger shaft lower male thread (1.2.1) the plunger head (1.3) is made from plastic also and has a plunger head female seal groove formed at its base. The last subcomponent of the plunger (1) is the plunger head seal (1.4) which is made from rubber.

Fig 11 shows the front, side and plan view of the plunger head (1.1), its subcomponents and sub features. The side view in Fig 11 shows how the plunger handle (1.1) facilitates the storage of spare needles using 3 formed cylindrical holes namely (1.1 .3), (1.1.4) and (1.1.5).

Fig 12 shows the front view and plan view of the plunger (1) subcomponent plunger head

(1.3). In the plan view the plunger head female thread (1.3.1) can be seen as a circular hole.

Fig 13 shows the plan and front view of the plunger (1) subcomponent plunger head seal

(1.4).

Fig 14 shows the section through all of the plungers (1) subcomponents.

Fig 15 shows the front view of the pump cylinder (2) and its subcomponents. The pump cylinder cap (2.1) is made from plastic. The pressure inflation chart (2.2.6) is to be made of an all weather hard wearing material that is attached to the front of the pump cylinder (2) using a durable adhesive. The pump cylinder attachment ridges (2.2.2) are formed on the pump cylinder and will be used to permanently attach the fixed frame (4). There is also a female thread for inflation needle (2.2.4) at the base of the pump cylinder.

Fig 16 shows the pump cylinder cap (2.1) removed to reveal the pump cylinder male thread (2.2.1) used to attach the pump cylinder cap (2.1) to the pump cylinder.

Fig 17 shows front view and plan view of the pump cylinder cap (2.1) where in the plan view the plunger shaft hole (2.1.1) can be seen.

Fig 18 section through the pump cylinder (2) and pump cylinder cap (2.1} reveals additional subcomponents. The section of the pump cylinder cap (2.1) shows the pump cylinder cap female threads (2.1.2). In the section of the pump cylinder (2) the female thread for pressure gauge (2.2.3) can be seen along with the air pressure measuring chamber (2.2.5)

Fig 19 shows the front view and section of the inflation needle (3) that is made up of the inflation needle male thread (3.1) and the protruding inflation needle (3.2).

Fig 20 shows the front, plan and section views of the fixed frame (4). The section shows the fixed frame attachment ridges (4.1) that will be used to attach the fixed frame (4) to the pump cylinder (2), the compression spring ridge (4.2) and the fixed frame assembly clip (4.3).

Fig 21 shows the front, side, rear and section of the moving frame (5). The semi conical base of the moving frame (5) forms the ball holding frame (5.8) that can be seen in the front, side and rear views. The side view shows that the ball holding frame (5.8) has been shaped to form a flat cut surface which will facilitate the attachment of the protective cover (7) and allow the entire ball inflater pump to be fixed to a wall for storage. The ball holding frame rear edge (5.6) and the ball holding frame leading edge (5.4) will keep the protective cover (7) attached to the moving frame (5). The front view and sections shows the pressure gauge slot (5.2) through which the pressure gauge (6) will be attached to the pump cylinder (2). The pressure gauge housing (5.1) is an open topped cavity in the moving frame (5) whose purpose is to provide protection to the pressure gauge (6). The moving frame assembly clip (5.5) can be seen in the various parts of Fig 21 also. Fig 22 shows the plan of the moving frame (5) where flat surface formed by the ball holding frame rear edge (5.6) can be seen.

Fig 23 shows the plan and side view of the pressure gauge (6) which is made up of the pressure gauge clock (6.1) and the pressure gauge male thread (6.2).

Fig 24 shows the plan, rear and section views of the protective cover (7). Its components are the leading edge clip (7.1), rear edge clip (7.2), screw slot (7.3) and screw slot (7.4).

Fig 25 shows the front view of the compression spring (8) which is the last component.

Fig 26 is the first of the assembly drawings and shows the plunger (1) in its separated components along with the pump cylinder cap (2.1). Firstly, the plunger handle end cap (1.1.1) is attached to the plunger handle (1.1) by pushing it onto the plunger handle male joint (1.1.2) to form the complete plunger handle. The pump cylinder cap (2.1) is slid onto the plunger shaft (1.2) using the plunger shaft hole (2.1.1). Now the plunger handle (1.1) can be attached to the plunger shaft (1 .2) by threading the plunger handle female thread (1.1.6) onto the plunger shaft upper thread (1.2.2). Next the plunger head (1.3) is attached to the plunger shaft (1.2) by threading the plunger shaft lower male thread (1.2.1) into plunger head female thread (1.3.1). The plunger head seal (1.4) must be attached to the plunger head (1.3) by pressing the plunger head male seal groove (1.4.1) into the plunger head female seal groove (1.3.2). The fully assembled plunger (1) can be seen in Fig 27.

Fig 28 shows the plunger (1) in position above the pump cylinder (2) ready for assembly. The plunger (1) must be moved in the direction of the arrows where the plunger head (1.3) will enter the pump cylinder (2) and continue until it reaches full penetration. At this point the pump cylinder cap (2.1) can be attached to the pump cylinder (2) by threading the pump cylinder cap female thread (2.1.2) onto the pump cylinder male thread (2.2.1). Fig 29 shows the assembly complete and shows also that the plunger head (1.3) does not enter the air pressure measuring chamber (2.2.5) which will allow unimpeded measuring of the air from the pressure gauge (6).

Fig 30 shows the fixed frame (4) in position ready for attachment to the pump cylinder (2). This is achieved by moving the fixed frame (4) in the direction of the arrows onto the body of the pump cylinder (2) and upwards to such an extent so as to fully engage the fixed frame attachment ridges (4.1) with the pump cylinder attachment ridges (2.2.2) both sets of ridges will interlock disallowing the fixed frame to move. This can be seen in Fig 31.

Fig 30 shows the compression spring (8) in position for assembly into the fixed frame (4). This is achieved by moving the compression spring (8) in the direction of the arrows onto the pump cylinder (2) and to such an extent that the compression spring makes contact with the fixed frame compression spring ridge (4.2) which can be seen in Fig 33.

Fig 34 shows the moving frame (5) in position and ready for assembly to the pump cylinder (2). The moving frame (5) is moved in the direction of the arrows onto the pump cylinder (2) until the moving frame assembly clip (5.5) makes contact with the fixed frame assembly clip (4.3) but does not engage. This is seen in Fig 35.

Fig 36 shows the pressure gauge (6) in position and ready for assembly. The pressure gauge (6) must be moved in the direction of the arrows where it will clear the top of the pressure gauge housing (5.1) and the pressure gauge male thread (6.2) passes through pressure gauge slot (5.2) in the moving frame (5) where it will be threaded into female thread for pressure gauge (2.2.3) in the pump cylinder (2). This is shown in Fig 37.

Fig 38 shows that the moving frame (5) has been pushed upwards towards the compression spring (8) so that the moving frame assembly clip has moved past and fully engaged with the fixed frame assembly clip (4.3). Fig 38 also shows that the compression spring (8) is now in contact with moving frame compression spring ridge (5.3).

Fig 39 shows the inflation needle (3) in position and ready for attachment to the pump cylinder (2). This is achieved by moving the inflation needle (3) in the direction of the arrows and threading the inflation needle male thread into the female thread for inflation needle (2.2.4) in the pump cylinder. This is shown in Fig 40.

Fig 41 shows the protective cover (7) in position ready for assembly to the moving frame (5). This is achieved by moving the protective cover in the direction of the arrows and clipping the leading edge clip (7.1) onto the ball holding frame leading edge (5.4) firstly and secondly clipping the rear edge clip (7.2) of the protective cover (7) onto the ball holding frame rear edge (5.6) the attached protective cover (7) can be seen in Fig 42. A ball inflater pump (1) comprises a plunger (1) including a plunger handle (1.1) with a plunger handle male joint (1.1.2) formed to facilitate the attachment of a plunger handle end cap (1.1.1), a plunger head (1.3), and a plunger shaft (1.2), having one end threaded with a plunger shaft upper male thread

(1.2.2) for attachment of the plunger handle (1.1) with its plunger handle female thread (1.1.6) and the other end threaded with a plunger shaft lower male thread (1.2.1) for attachment of the plunger head (1.3) with its plunger head female thread (1.3.1).

The plunger head (1.3) further has a plunger head rubber seal (1.4). A pump cylinder (2) includes a pump cylinder cap (2.1) and pump cylinder casing (2.2). The pump cylinder casing contains an air pressure measuring chamber (2.2.5), a female thread (2.2.3) for connection of a pressure gauge (6). The pump cylinder attachment ridges (2.2.2) formed on the pump cylinder casing (2.2) are used to permanently attach a fixed frame (4). The pressure inflation chart (2.2.6) is as attached. There is a female thread (2.2.4) for connection of an inflation needle (3) at the base of the pump cylinder (2).

A pump cylinder male thread (2.2.1) is used to attach the pump cylinder cap (2.1) to the pump cylinder (2) with its pump cylinder cap female thread (2.1.2).

The fixed frame (4) includes fixed frame attachment ridges (4.1), compression spring ridges

(4.2) and a fixed frame assembly clip (4.3) used to attach the fixed frame (4) to the pump cylinder casing (2.2).

The moving frame (5) includes; the moving frame assembly clip (5.5) for attachment to the fixed frame assembly clip (4.3). the moving frame compression spring ridge (5.3) facilitates insertion and retention of a compression spring (8) between the fixed frame (4) and moving frame (5). the ball holding frame (5.8) is shaped to form a flat cut surface which will facilitate attachment of a protective cover (7), the ball holding frame rear edge (5.6) and the ball holding frame leading edge (5.4) facilitates retention of the protective cover (7) to the moving frame (5), a pressure gauge slot (5.2) through which the pressure gauge (6) will be attached to the pump cylinder (2), and a pressure gauge housing (5.1) to provides protection to the pressure gauge (6) inserted through the pressure gauge slot (5.2).

The pressure gauge (6) includes: a pressure gauge clock (6.1) and the pressure gauge male thread (6.2) for connection to the pump cylinder female thread (2.2.3).

The protective cover (7) includes a leading edge clip (7.1), a rear edge clip (7.2), for attachment to the ball holding frame leading edge (5.4) and the ball holding frame rear edge (5.6), screw slots (7.3, 7.4) to allow the entire ball inflator pump, when completed, to be fixed to a wall for storage.

The ball inflation needle (3) includes an inflation needle male thread (3.1) for attachment to the pump cylinder female thread (2.2.4), at the air pressure measuring chamber (2.2.5) at the base of the pump cylinder (2), and a protruding needle (3.2) for insertion into the inflation valve of the ball to be inflated.

The compression spring (8), located between the fixed frame (4) and moving frame (5) allows movement of the moving frame (5) relative to the fixed frame (4). The plunger handle (1.1) facilitates the storage of spare needles within plunger handle end cap (1.1.1), using formed cylindrical holes (1.1.3), (1.1.4) and (1.1.5).

A method of assembly of the ball inflater pump of the invention, comprises the steps of:

(a) attaching the plunger handle end cap (1.1.1) to the plunger handle (1.1) by pushing it onto the plunger handle male joint (1.1.2) to form the complete plunger handle (1.1);

(b) attaching the pump cylinder cap (2.1) onto the plunger shaft (1.2) using the plunger shaft hole (2.1.1);

(c) attaching the plunger handle (1.1) to the plunger shaft (1.2) by threading the plunger handle female thread (1.1.6) onto the plunger shaft upper thread (1 .2.2); (d) attaching the plunger head (1 .3) to the plunger shaft (1 .2) by threading the plunger shaft lower male thread (1.2.1) into plunger head female thread (1.3.1);

(e) attaching the plunger head seal (1.4) to the plunger head (1.3) by pressing the plunger head male seal groove (1.4.1) into the plunger head female seal groove (1.3.2);

(f) allowing the plunger head (1.3) to enter the pump cylinder (2);

(g) attaching the pump cylinder cap (2.1) to the pump cylinder (2) by threading the pump cylinder cap female thread (2.1.2) onto the pump cylinder male thread (2.2.1);

(h) attaching the fixed frame (4) to the pump cylinder (2) to fully engage the fixed frame attachment ridges (4.1) with the pump cylinder attachment ridges (2.2.2);

(i) moving the compression spring (8) onto the pump cylinder (2) so that the compression spring (8) makes contact with the fixed frame compression spring ridge (4.2);

(j) moving the moving frame (5) onto the pump cylinder (2) until the moving frame assembly clip (5.5) makes contact with the fixed frame assembly clip (4.3);

(k) moving the pressure gauge (6) into pressure gauge housing (5.1) and allowing the pressure gauge male thread (6.2) pass through pressure gauge slot (5.2) in the moving frame (5) where it will be threaded into female thread for pressure gauge (2.2.3) in the pump cylinder (2);

(l) allowing the moving frame (5) to be pushed upwards so that the moving frame assembly clip (5.5} has moved past the fixed frame assembly clip (4.3) joining the fixed frame (4) to the moving frame (5) and allowing the compression spring (8) make contact with moving frame compression spring ridge (5.3);

(m) attaching the inflation needle by threading the inflation needle male thread (3.1) into the female thread for inflation needle (2.2.4) in the pump cylinder (2);

(n) attaching the protective cover (7) when the ball inflater pump is not in use, achieved by firstly clipping the leading edge clip (7.1) onto the ball holding frame leading edge (5.4) and secondly clipping the rear edge clip (7.2) of the protective cover (7) onto the ball holding frame rear edge (5.6).

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A pump apparatus for the inflation of a sport or recreational ball manufactured from plastics material, rubber, leather or the like material, the pump apparatus comprising; an elongated pump cylinder, having a first end and second end, a movable portion engageable in the first end and an air outlet provided at the second end, an elongated needle valve engageable with the air outlet, and a ball retaining member extending from the elongated pump cylinder adjacent its second end, wherein the ball retaining frame engages the ball to be inflated with the elongated needle so that the ball remains stationary while being inflated by the pump apparatus.

2. A pump apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the ball retaining member extends outwardly from the pump cylinder so as to engage with a substantial portion of the ball to be inflated.

3. A pump apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the ball retaining member is of generally conical construction extending outwardly from the second end of the elongated pump cylinder.

4. A pump apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the conical end of the ball retaining member is generally flat to enable the pump apparatus to stand on a flat surface.

5. A pump apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the ball retaining member is spring loaded relative to the pump cylinder assisting in contact with the ball and allowing the needle valve to engage with the ball.

6. A pump apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the ball retaining member includes one or more inspection holes to allow the user to see the needle valve inserting into the ball.

7. A pump apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the pump is a single action pump requiring longitudinal compressive force to be directed towards the ball held by the ball retaining member.

8. A pump apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a pressure gauge.

9. A pump apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a chamber for retaining one or more needle valve when not in use.

10. A pump apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including an inflation pressure chart mounted on or fixed to the pump apparatus.