EP0400105B1 - Device for storing tennis balls - Google Patents

Device for storing tennis balls Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0400105B1
EP0400105B1 EP89909549A EP89909549A EP0400105B1 EP 0400105 B1 EP0400105 B1 EP 0400105B1 EP 89909549 A EP89909549 A EP 89909549A EP 89909549 A EP89909549 A EP 89909549A EP 0400105 B1 EP0400105 B1 EP 0400105B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
pump
pump housing
cover
piston
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP89909549A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0400105A1 (en
Inventor
Nicole Egloffstein
Johann K. Wild
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PMC Patents Management and Consulting Luxembourg Holding SA
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PMC Patents Management and Consulting Luxembourg Holding SA
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Priority to AT89909549T priority Critical patent/ATE73680T1/en
Publication of EP0400105A1 publication Critical patent/EP0400105A1/en
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Publication of EP0400105B1 publication Critical patent/EP0400105B1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B39/00—Hollow non-inflatable balls, i.e. having no valves
    • A63B39/02—Arrangements for maintaining the pressure
    • A63B39/025—Arrangements for maintaining the pressure using containers with pressurising means for balls not in use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/30—Maintenance

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device (according to the preamble of claim 1) for storing tennis balls under pressure.
  • a device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known for example from DE-U-8702 822.
  • the pump housing of this device is arranged at a very small distance close to the tubular container, the pump handle ending approximately in the middle of the container in the inserted state. Due to this construction, holding the device is tedious and the pumping involves a considerable risk of injury (pinching the fingers between the pump handle and the container).
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of designing a device according to the preamble of claim 1 that - while at the same time being simple and inexpensive to manufacture - it is possible to hold the device comfortably and to pump easily and safely.
  • the device according to the invention for storing tennis balls under pressure illustrated in the drawing contains a tubular container 1 and a piston pump 2.
  • the longitudinal axis 3 of the container 1 is kinked in the central region of the height of the container, the upper section 1a of the container 1 running parallel to the axis 4 of the pump housing 5 of the piston pump 2, while the lower section 1b of the container 1 is at an acute angle with the axis 4 of the pump housing 5 forms.
  • the pump housing of the piston pump 2 is arranged at a sufficient distance from the container 1, so that between the pump housing 5 and the container 1 there is a handle opening 6 which - due to the kinked shape of the longitudinal axis 3 of the container 1 - widens upwards .
  • the pump housing 5 of the piston pump 2 is connected to the container 1 both at the lower end (via a common screw thread attachment 7 and additionally via a narrow web 8) and at the upper end (via webs 9, 10).
  • the pump housing 5 and the container 1 are expediently made in one piece by injection molding from impact-resistant plastic.
  • the container 1 is provided at the upper end with a screw cap 11. At the lower end of the container 1 is closed by a screwable bottom 12.
  • the diameter of this base 12 is slightly larger than the sum of the diameters of the container 1 and the pump housing 5, so that the vertical projection of the pump housing 5 lies within the floor plan of the base 12.
  • the piston pump 2 contains a piston 13 which is attached to the lower end of a piston rod 14 which has a pump handle 15 at the upper end.
  • the pump housing 5 is closed at the upper end by a screw cap 16 through which the piston rod 14 is slidably guided.
  • the piston rod 14 is profiled on its circumference (see FIG. 2), so that longitudinal channels 17 are formed between the webs 14a of the piston rod 14, via which air, when a safety valve 18 provided in the piston 13 responds, through the air for sliding the piston rod 14 serving bore of the screw cap 16 can escape.
  • a check valve 21 is attached directly to the bottom 19 of the pump pressure chamber 20. It contains a cup-shaped valve body 22 which is open towards the pump pressure chamber 20 and the peripheral wall of which is at least one Contains air passage opening 23, which is covered on the outside by an elastic sleeve 24.
  • the piston 13 of the piston pump 2 illustrated in detail in FIG. 5 contains a sealing ring 25 which is arranged in a groove 28 delimited by two flanges 26, 27 and which has a conical inner wall 29.
  • the safety valve 18 arranged in the piston 13 contains a valve body 30 which is pressed onto the valve seat 32 by a spring 31.
  • An air passage opening 33 is located in the wall surrounding the spring 31.
  • a sealing ring 34 is arranged, which is provided in a groove 35 of the container 1.
  • the screw thread 36 of the container 1 is provided with at least one ventilation channel 37 running parallel to the longitudinal axis 3, the function of which will be explained in more detail.
  • the container 1 and the cap 11 are provided with stops 38 and 39, which limit the rotational movement of the cap 11 in the closed position.
  • the dome-shaped closure lid 11 is provided on its outside with ribs 40 which serve as gripping aids and enable the lid to be easily closed tightly (up to the stop position).
  • the dome-shaped bottom 12 is provided on its outside with ribs 42 which serve as feet.
  • the outer wall of the pump housing 5 has a profiling 5a, through which the grip of the pump housing 5 designed as a handle is increased.
  • the closure cover 11, the base 12, the pump handle 15 made in one piece with the piston rod 14 and the screw cover 16 of the pump housing 5 are made of impact-resistant plastic by injection molding.
  • the piston 13 is expediently made of a highly slidable plastic with high abrasion resistance.
  • the container 1 After opening the closure lid 11, several tennis balls can be inserted into the container 1 (the container 1 is expediently dimensioned in such a way that it receives four tennis balls after tennis balls are sold predominantly in pressure cans with four balls content).
  • the piston pump 2 is then operated with the pump handle 15.
  • the user holds the device on the pump housing 5, which forms a comfortable and safe handle. Since the pump handle 15 protrudes beyond the container 1 even in the inserted state, safe pumping without any risk of injury is guaranteed.
  • the sealing ring 25 is pressed into the narrowed upper part of the groove 28 and thereby the sliding gap on the circumference of the flange 26 is sealed. As a result, the air is forced out of the pump pressure chamber 20 through the check valve 21 into the interior of the container 1. During the upward movement of the piston 13, the sealing ring 25 is located in the lower, further part of the groove 28, so that air can flow into the pump pressure chamber 20.
  • the safety valve 18 provided in the piston 13 opens during a further pumping movement.
  • the valve body 30 rises from the valve seat 32 and allows air to flow out of the pump pressure chamber 20 via the air passage opening 33 and the longitudinal channels 17 of the piston rod 14 to the outside. The resulting noise indicates to the user that the optimum pressure for storing the tennis balls has been reached.
  • the device according to the invention is thus characterized by very convenient and user-friendly handling.
  • the pump housing 5 not only forms a secure grip during the pumping process and when inserting and removing the tennis balls, but also enables the device to be carried comfortably when going to and from the tennis court.
  • Storing the tennis balls under optimal pressure avoids e.g. after the first opening of pressure-packed tennis balls or after a long storage period of tennis balls, the otherwise inevitable loss of quality, since the air or gas in the tennis ball diffuses through the pores of the rubber cover relatively quickly (even without having played with the balls).
  • the diffusion of air or gas from the tennis balls is avoided and the tennis balls maintain constant, perfect playability.
  • This enables a constant jumping behavior of the tennis balls and thus an undisturbed stroke coordination.
  • the actual lifespan of tennis balls is considerably increased, especially for tennis players who do not play very often.
  • the tennis arm of the players due to the constant optimal playability of the tennis balls.
  • the design of the device also has significant advantages with regard to manufacture, assembly and maintenance.
  • the safety valve 18 is easily accessible after loosening the screw cap 16 and pulling out the piston rod 14.
  • the check valve 21 can be checked if necessary by simply unscrewing the bottom 12 and replaced if necessary.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Compressors, Vaccum Pumps And Other Relevant Systems (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A device for storing tennis balls under pressure comprises a pump housing (5) in the form of a gripping handle connected to the container (1) which holds the tennis balls in such a way that a passage for the hand (6) is located between the pump housing (5) and the container and the pump handle (15) projects above the container (1) even in the retracted position. A device of this type is particularly convenient and completely safe to use.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung (entsprechend dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1) zur Aufbewahrung von Tennisbällen unter Druck.The invention relates to a device (according to the preamble of claim 1) for storing tennis balls under pressure.

Eine Vorrichtung entsprechend dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1 ist beispielsweise durch die DE-U-8702 822 bekannt. Das Pumpengehäuse dieser Vorrichtung ist mit sehr kleinem Abstand dicht neben dem rohrförmigen Behälter angeordnet, wobei der Pumpengriff im eingeschobenen Zustand etwa in der Mitte des Behälters endet. Bedingt durch diese Konstruktion ist das Halten der Vorrichtung mühsam und das Pumpen mit einer beträchtlichen Verletzungsgefahr behaftet (Einklemmen der Finger zwischen Pumpengriff und Behälter).A device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known for example from DE-U-8702 822. The pump housing of this device is arranged at a very small distance close to the tubular container, the pump handle ending approximately in the middle of the container in the inserted state. Due to this construction, holding the device is tedious and the pumping involves a considerable risk of injury (pinching the fingers between the pump handle and the container).

Dieselben Nachteile weist auch die aus der US-A-3888 347 bekannte Vorrichtung auf, bei der das Pumpengehäuse unmittelbar, ohne Abstand, neben dem Behälter angeordnet ist, wobei der Pumpengriff im eingeschobenen Zustand gleichfalls etwa in der Mitte des Behälters endet.The same disadvantages also exist in the device known from US-A-3888 347, in which the pump housing is arranged directly, without a distance, next to the container, the pump handle likewise ending approximately in the middle of the container when inserted.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung entsprechend dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1 auszubilden, daß - bei zugleich einfacher, kostengünstiger Herstellung - ein bequemes Halten der Vorrichtung sowie ein leichtes und gefahrloses Pumpen möglich ist.The invention is therefore based on the object of designing a device according to the preamble of claim 1 that - while at the same time being simple and inexpensive to manufacture - it is possible to hold the device comfortably and to pump easily and safely.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch das kennzeichnende Merkmal des Anspruches 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by the characterizing feature of claim 1.

Zweckmäßige Ausgestaltungen der Erfindurig sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.Appropriate embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung veranschaulicht. Es zeigen

  • Fig.1 einen Längsschnïtt durch die Vorrichtung,
  • Fig.2 bis 4 Schnitte längs der Linie II - II, III - III bzw. IV - IV,
  • Fig. 5 und 6 Einzelheiten ( in vergrößertem Maßstab) der Details V bzw. VI gemäß Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 7 eine Aufsicht auf das Detail gemäß Fig. 6.
An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing. Show it
  • 1 shows a longitudinal section through the device,
  • Fig. 2 to 4 sections along the line II - II, III - III or IV - IV,
  • 5 and 6 details (on an enlarged scale) of details V and VI of FIG. 1,
  • 7 is a plan view of the detail according to FIG. 6.

Die in der Zeichnung veranschaulichte erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Aufbewahrung von Tennisbällen unter Druck enthält einen rohrförmigen Behälter 1 sowie eine Kolbenpumpe 2.The device according to the invention for storing tennis balls under pressure illustrated in the drawing contains a tubular container 1 and a piston pump 2.

Die Längsachse 3 des Behälters 1 ist im mittleren Bereich der Höhe des Behälters abgeknickt, wobei der obere Abschnitt 1a des Behälters 1 parallel zur Achse 4 des Pumpengehäuses 5 der Kolbenpumpe 2 verläuft, während der untere Abschnitt 1b des Behälters 1 einen spitzen Winkel mit der Achse 4 des Pumpengehäuses 5 bildet.The longitudinal axis 3 of the container 1 is kinked in the central region of the height of the container, the upper section 1a of the container 1 running parallel to the axis 4 of the pump housing 5 of the piston pump 2, while the lower section 1b of the container 1 is at an acute angle with the axis 4 of the pump housing 5 forms.

Das Pumpengehäuse der Kolbenpumpe 2 ist in ausreichendem Abstand vom Behälter 1 angeordnet, so daß zwischen dem Pumpengehäuse 5 und dem Behälter 1 eine Handdurchgrifföffnung 6 vorhanden ist, die sich - bedingt durch die erläuterte abgeknickte Form der Längsachse 3 des Behälters 1 - nach oben zu erweitert.The pump housing of the piston pump 2 is arranged at a sufficient distance from the container 1, so that between the pump housing 5 and the container 1 there is a handle opening 6 which - due to the kinked shape of the longitudinal axis 3 of the container 1 - widens upwards .

Das Pumpengehäuse 5 der Kolbenpumpe 2 ist sowohl am unteren Ende (über einen gemeinsamen Schraugewindeansatz 7 sowie zusätzlich über einen schmalen Steg 8) als auch am oberen Ende (über Stege 9, 10) mit dem Behälter 1 verbunden. Das Pumpengehäuse 5 und der Behälter 1 werden zweckmäßig einteilig im Spritzgußverfahren aus schlagfestem Kunststoff hergestellt.The pump housing 5 of the piston pump 2 is connected to the container 1 both at the lower end (via a common screw thread attachment 7 and additionally via a narrow web 8) and at the upper end (via webs 9, 10). The pump housing 5 and the container 1 are expediently made in one piece by injection molding from impact-resistant plastic.

Der Behälter 1 ist am oberen Ende mit einem schraubbaren Verschlußdeckel 11 versehen. Am unteren Ende ist der Behälter 1 durch einen schraubbaren Boden 12 abgeschlossen. Der Durchmesser dieses Bodens 12 ist dabei etwas größer als die Summe der Durchmesser des Behälters 1 und des Pumpengehäuses 5, so daß die vertikale Projektion des Pumpengehäuses 5 innerhalb des Grundrisses des Bodens 12 liegt.The container 1 is provided at the upper end with a screw cap 11. At the lower end of the container 1 is closed by a screwable bottom 12. The diameter of this base 12 is slightly larger than the sum of the diameters of the container 1 and the pump housing 5, so that the vertical projection of the pump housing 5 lies within the floor plan of the base 12.

Die Kolbenpumpe 2 enthält einen Kolben 13, der am unteren Ende einer Kolbenstange 14 befestigt ist, die am oberen Ende einen Pumpengriff 15 aufweist. Das Pumpengehäuse 5 ist am oberen Ende durch einen Schraubdeckel 16 abgeschlossen, durch den die Kolbenstange 14 gleitbeweglich hindurchgeführt ist. Die Kolbenstange 14 ist an ihrem Umfang profiliert ausgebildet (vgl. Fig.2), so daß zwischen den Stegen 14a der Kolbenstange 14 Längskanäle 17 gebildet werden, über die beim Ansprechen eines im Kolben 13 vorgesehenen Sicherheitsventiles 18 Luft durch die zur Gleitführung der Kolbenstange 14 dienende Bohrung des Schraubdeckels 16 entweichen kann.The piston pump 2 contains a piston 13 which is attached to the lower end of a piston rod 14 which has a pump handle 15 at the upper end. The pump housing 5 is closed at the upper end by a screw cap 16 through which the piston rod 14 is slidably guided. The piston rod 14 is profiled on its circumference (see FIG. 2), so that longitudinal channels 17 are formed between the webs 14a of the piston rod 14, via which air, when a safety valve 18 provided in the piston 13 responds, through the air for sliding the piston rod 14 serving bore of the screw cap 16 can escape.

Unmittelbar an den Boden 19 des Pumpendruckraumes 20 ist ein Rückschlagventil 21 angesetzt. Es enthält einen zum Pumpendruckraum 20 hin offenen, becherförmigen Ventilkörper 22, dessen Umfangswandung wenigstens eine Luftdurchtrittsöffnung 23 enthält, die nach außen durch eine elastische Manschette 24 abgedeckt ist.A check valve 21 is attached directly to the bottom 19 of the pump pressure chamber 20. It contains a cup-shaped valve body 22 which is open towards the pump pressure chamber 20 and the peripheral wall of which is at least one Contains air passage opening 23, which is covered on the outside by an elastic sleeve 24.

Der in Fig.5 in seinen Einzelheiten veranschaulichte Kolben 13 der Kolbenpumpe 2 enthält einen Dichtungsring 25, der in einer von zwei Flanschen 26, 27 begrenzten Nut 28 angeordnet ist, die eine konische Innenwand 29 aufweist.The piston 13 of the piston pump 2 illustrated in detail in FIG. 5 contains a sealing ring 25 which is arranged in a groove 28 delimited by two flanges 26, 27 and which has a conical inner wall 29.

Das im Kolben 13 angeordnete Sicherheitsventil 18 enthält einen Ventilkörper 30, der durch eine Feder 31 auf den Ventilsitz 32 gedrückt wird. In der die Feder 31 umschließenden Wandung befindet sich eine Luftdurchtrittsöffnung 33.The safety valve 18 arranged in the piston 13 contains a valve body 30 which is pressed onto the valve seat 32 by a spring 31. An air passage opening 33 is located in the wall surrounding the spring 31.

Zwischen dem Verschlußdeckel 11 und dem Behälter 1 ist ein Dichtungsring 34 angeordnet, der in einer Nut 35 des Behälters 1 vorgeshen ist.Between the cover 11 and the container 1, a sealing ring 34 is arranged, which is provided in a groove 35 of the container 1.

Zur Bildung eines Entlüftungsventils ist das Schraubgewinde 36 des Behälters 1 mit wenigstens einem parallel zur Längsachse 3 verlaufenden Entlüftungskanal 37 versehen, dessen Funktion noch näher erläutert wird.To form a ventilation valve, the screw thread 36 of the container 1 is provided with at least one ventilation channel 37 running parallel to the longitudinal axis 3, the function of which will be explained in more detail.

Der Behälter 1 und der Verschlußdeckel 11 sind mit Anschlägen 38 bzw. 39 versehen, die die Drehbewegung des Verschlußdeckels 11 in der Schließstellung begrenzen.The container 1 and the cap 11 are provided with stops 38 and 39, which limit the rotational movement of the cap 11 in the closed position.

Der kalottenförmig ausgebildete Verschlußdeckel 11 ist an seiner Außenseite mit Rippen 40 versehen, die als Griffhilfen dienen und ein müheloses festes Zudrehen des Deckels (bis zur Anschlagstellung) ermöglichen.The dome-shaped closure lid 11 is provided on its outside with ribs 40 which serve as gripping aids and enable the lid to be easily closed tightly (up to the stop position).

Zwischen dem Boden 12 und dem Schraubgewindeansatz 7 von Behälter und Pumpengehäuse 5 ist gleichfalls ein Dichtungsring 41 vorgesehen. Der kalottenförmig ausgebildete Boden 12 ist an seiner Außenseite mit Rippen 42 versehen, die als Standfüße dienen.Between the bottom 12 and the screw thread 7 of the container and pump housing 5 is also a Sealing ring 41 is provided. The dome-shaped bottom 12 is provided on its outside with ribs 42 which serve as feet.

Die Außenwandung des Pumpengehäuses 5 weist eine Profilïerung 5a auf, durch die die Griffigkeit des als Haltegriff ausgebildeten Pumpengehäuses 5 erhöht wïrd.The outer wall of the pump housing 5 has a profiling 5a, through which the grip of the pump housing 5 designed as a handle is increased.

Ebenso wie der einteilig mit dem Pumpengehäuse 5 hergestellte Behälter 1 sind auch der Verschlußdeckel 11, der Boden 12, der einteilig mit der Kolbenstange 14 hergestellte Pumpengriff 15 sowie der Schraubdeckel 16 des Pumpengehäuses 5 im Spritzgußverfahren aus schlagfestem Kunststoff hergestellt.Just like the container 1 made in one piece with the pump housing 5, the closure cover 11, the base 12, the pump handle 15 made in one piece with the piston rod 14 and the screw cover 16 of the pump housing 5 are made of impact-resistant plastic by injection molding.

Der Kolben 13 wird zweckmäßig aus einem gut gleitfähigen Kunststoff hoher Abriebfestigkeit hergestellt.The piston 13 is expediently made of a highly slidable plastic with high abrasion resistance.

Die Funktion der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist folgendermaßen :The function of the device according to the invention is as follows:

Nach Öffnen des Verschlußdeckels 11 können mehrere Tennisbälle in den Behälter 1 eingelegt werden (zweckmäßig ist der Behälter 1 in seiner Größe so dimensioniert, daß er vier Tennisbälle aufnimmt, nachdem Tennisbälle überwiegend in Druckdosen mit vier Bällen Inhalt verkauft werden). Nach dem Schließen des Verschlußdeckels 11 wird dann die Kolbenpumpe 2 mit dem Pumpengriff 15 betätigt. Hierbei hält der Benutzer die Vorrichtung am Pumpengehäuse 5, das einen bequemen und sicheren Haltegriff bildet. Da der Pumpengriff 15 auch im eingeschobenen Zustand über den Behälter 1 vorsteht, ist ein sicheres Pumpen ohne jede Verletzungsgefahr gewährleistet.After opening the closure lid 11, several tennis balls can be inserted into the container 1 (the container 1 is expediently dimensioned in such a way that it receives four tennis balls after tennis balls are sold predominantly in pressure cans with four balls content). After closing the cover 11, the piston pump 2 is then operated with the pump handle 15. Here, the user holds the device on the pump housing 5, which forms a comfortable and safe handle. Since the pump handle 15 protrudes beyond the container 1 even in the inserted state, safe pumping without any risk of injury is guaranteed.

Bewegt sich beim Pumpvorgang der Kolben 13 abwärts, so wird der Dichtungsring 25 in den verengten oberen Teil der Nut 28 gedrückt und hierdurch der Gleitspalt am Umfang des Flansches 26 abgedichtet. Die Luft wird infolgedessen aus dem Pumpendruckraum 20 durch das Rückschlagventil 21 in das Innere des Behälters 1 gedrückt. Bei der Aufwärtsbewegung des Kolbens 13 befindet sich der Dichtungsring 25 im unteren, weiteren Teil der Nut 28, so daß Luft in den Pumpendruckraum 20 nachströmen kann.If the piston 13 moves downward during the pumping process, the sealing ring 25 is pressed into the narrowed upper part of the groove 28 and thereby the sliding gap on the circumference of the flange 26 is sealed. As a result, the air is forced out of the pump pressure chamber 20 through the check valve 21 into the interior of the container 1. During the upward movement of the piston 13, the sealing ring 25 is located in the lower, further part of the groove 28, so that air can flow into the pump pressure chamber 20.

Hat dann nach einigen Pumpbewegungen der Druck im Behälter 1 den vorgesehenen Wert erreicht (und zwar zweckmäßig den Wert, unter dem Tennisbälle fabrikneu in Dosen druckverpackt sind), so öffnet bei einer weiteren Pumpbewegung das im Kolben 13 vorgesehene Sicherheitsventil 18. Der Ventilkörper 30 hebt sich vom Ventilsitz 32 ab und läßt Luft aus dem Pumpendruckraum 20 über die Luftdurchtrittsöffnung 33 und die Längskanäle 17 der Kolbenstange 14 nach außen abströmen. Das hierbei auftretende Geräusch zeigt dem Benutzer an, daß der für die Aufbewahrung der Tennisbälle optimale Druck erreicht ist.Then, after a few pumping movements, the pressure in the container 1 has reached the intended value (and expediently the value below which tennis balls are factory-packed in cans), the safety valve 18 provided in the piston 13 opens during a further pumping movement. The valve body 30 rises from the valve seat 32 and allows air to flow out of the pump pressure chamber 20 via the air passage opening 33 and the longitudinal channels 17 of the piston rod 14 to the outside. The resulting noise indicates to the user that the optimum pressure for storing the tennis balls has been reached.

Um die Tennisbälle aus dem Behälter 1 zu entnehmen, genügt es, den Verschlußdeckel 11 im Öffnungssinne zu drehen. Nach einer ersten Teildrehung des Verschlußdekkels 11 wird über die Entlüftungskanäle 37 eine Entlüftungsverbindung zwischen dem Innenraum des Behälters 1 und der äußeren Atmosphäre hergestellt, durch die der Überdruck im Behälter abgebaut wird, noch ehe der Verschlußdeckel 11 abgenommen werden kann (ein evtl. gefährliches Wegfliegen des Verschlußdeckels unter der Wirkung des inneren Überdruckes ist daher selbst bei raschem Lösen des Verschlußdeckels ausgeschlossen).In order to remove the tennis balls from the container 1, it is sufficient to turn the cover 11 in the opening direction. After a first partial rotation of the closure lid 11, a ventilation connection between the interior of the container 1 and the outer atmosphere is established via the ventilation channels 37, through which the excess pressure in the container is reduced before the closure lid 11 can be removed (a possibly dangerous flying away of the Closure cover under the effect of the internal overpressure is therefore excluded even if the closure cover is released quickly).

Erst nach einer weiteren Teildrehung des Verschlußdekkels 11 (nachdem der Überdruck im Behälter bereits abgebaut ist), ist ein Abnehmen des Verschlußdeckels 11 möglich.Only after a further partial rotation of the closure lid 11 (after the excess pressure in the container has already been reduced) can the closure lid 11 be removed.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zeichnet sich damit durch eine sehr bequeme und benutzerfreundliche Handhabung aus. Das Pumpengehäuse 5 bildet dabei nicht nur einen sicheren Haltegriff beim Pumpvorgang sowie beim Einlegen und Entnehmen der Tennisbälle, sondern ermöglicht auch ein bequemes Tragen der Vorrichtung beim Gang zum und vom Tennisplatz.The device according to the invention is thus characterized by very convenient and user-friendly handling. The pump housing 5 not only forms a secure grip during the pumping process and when inserting and removing the tennis balls, but also enables the device to be carried comfortably when going to and from the tennis court.

Die Aufbewahrung der Tennisbälle unter optimalem Druck vermeidet z.B. nach dem erstmaligen Öffnen von druckverpackten Tennisbällen oder nach längerer Lagerzeit von Tennisbällen den sonst unvermeidlichen Qualitätsverlust, da die Luft bzw. das Gas im Tennisball durch die Poren der Gummihülle relativ rasch diffundiert (dies sogar, ohne mit den Bällen gespielt zu haben).Storing the tennis balls under optimal pressure avoids e.g. after the first opening of pressure-packed tennis balls or after a long storage period of tennis balls, the otherwise inevitable loss of quality, since the air or gas in the tennis ball diffuses through the pores of the rubber cover relatively quickly (even without having played with the balls).

Dieser sonst unvermeidliche Druckverlust ändert das Sprungverhalten von Tennisbällen ständig derart stark, daß zwangsläufig die gesamte Schlagkoordination eines Spielers ungünstig beeinflußt wird.This otherwise unavoidable loss of pressure constantly changes the jumping behavior of tennis balls so strongly that the entire stroke coordination of a player is inevitably influenced.

Durch die Aufbewahrung der Tennisbälle unter Druck in dem erfindungsgemäßen Behälter wird die Diffusion von Luft bzw. Gas aus den Tennisbällen vermieden und die Tennisbälle behalten eine gleichbleibende, perfekte Bespielbarkeit. Damit wird ein konstantes Sprungverhalten der Tennisbälle und somit eine ungestörte Schlagkoordination ermöglicht. Außerdem wird die faktische Lebensdauer von Tennisbällen besonders bei nicht sehr häufig spielenden Tennisspielern beträchtlich erhöht. Zudem wird durch die gleichbleibend optimale Bespielbarkeit der Tennisbälle der Tennisarm von Spielern weitgehend geschont.By storing the tennis balls under pressure in the container according to the invention, the diffusion of air or gas from the tennis balls is avoided and the tennis balls maintain constant, perfect playability. This enables a constant jumping behavior of the tennis balls and thus an undisturbed stroke coordination. In addition, the actual lifespan of tennis balls is considerably increased, especially for tennis players who do not play very often. In addition is largely spared by the tennis arm of the players due to the constant optimal playability of the tennis balls.

Die konstruktive Gestaltung der Vorrichtung besitzt schließlich auch hinsichtlich Fertigung, Montage und Wartung wesentliche Vorzüge. So ist das Sicherheitsventil 18 nach Lösen des Schraubdeckels 16 und Herausziehen der Kolbenstange 14 bequem zugänglïch. Das Rückschlagventil 21 kann im Bedarfsfalle durch einfaches Abschrauben des Bodens 12 überprüft und gegebenenfalls gewechselt werden.Finally, the design of the device also has significant advantages with regard to manufacture, assembly and maintenance. Thus, the safety valve 18 is easily accessible after loosening the screw cap 16 and pulling out the piston rod 14. The check valve 21 can be checked if necessary by simply unscrewing the bottom 12 and replaced if necessary.

Claims (11)

1. Device for storing tennis balls under pressure, comprising
a) a tubular container (1) which is provided with a screwable cover (11) on at least one end,
b) a piston pump (2) with a pump housing (5) arranged adjacent to the container (1) and connected to one end region of the container and with a piston (13) which is movable in the pump housing by means of a pump handle (15),
c) a non-return valve (21) which connects the pump pressure chamber (20) to the interior of the container (1),
characterised by the following feature:
d) the pump housing (15), which is constructed as a handle, is also connected to the other end region of the container (1) so that there is an opening (6) for a hand to reach through between the pump housing (5) and the container (1), and in the inserted state the pump handle (15) also projects over the container (1).
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the longitudinal axis (3) of the container (1) is bent in the central region of the height of the container so that the upper section (1a) of the container extends parallel to the axis (4) of the pump housing (5), whilst the lower section (1b) of the container forms an acute angle with the axis of the pump housing, so that the opening (6) for a hand to reach through widens towards the top.
3. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the container (1) is provided on its lower end facing away from the pump handle (15) with a screwable base (12) the diameter of which corresponds at least to the sum of the diameters of the container (1) and the pump housing (5).
4. Device as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the hemispherical screwable base (12) is provided on its outer surface with ribs (42) which serve as feet for it to stand on.
5. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the piston (13) is provided with a safety valve (18) which serves to limit the pressure which can be reached in the pump pressure chamber (20) and in the interior of the container (1).
6. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that in order to form an air vent valve the screw thread (36) of the container (1) is provided with at least one air vent channel (37) which is arranged in such a way that after a first partial rotation of the cover (11) air enters the interior of the container and only after a further partial rotation is it possible to remove the cover (11).
7. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the non-return valve (21) which is set directly on the base (19) of the pump pressure chamber (20) has a cup-shaped valve body (22) which is open towards the pump pressure chamber and has in its peripheral wall at least one air hole (23) which is covered towards the exterior by an elastic sleeve (24).
8. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the container (1) and the cover (11) are provided with stops (38 and 39 respectively) to limit the rotary movement of the cover in the closed position.
9. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the outer wall of the pump housing (5) is provided with a profile (5a) which increases the grip.
10. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the hemispherical cover (11) is provided on its outer surface with ribs (40) which serve as hand grips.
11. Device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the container (1) which is produced in one piece with the pump housing (5), the base (12), the cover (11), the pump handle (15) which is produced in one piece with the piston rod (14) and a screw cap (16) of the pump housing (5) are produced from impact-resistant plastic in an injection moulding process.
EP89909549A 1988-08-25 1989-08-23 Device for storing tennis balls Expired - Lifetime EP0400105B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89909549T ATE73680T1 (en) 1988-08-25 1989-08-23 DEVICE FOR STORING TENNIS BALLS.

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE8811383U 1988-08-25
EP88113833 1988-08-25
CA000615392A CA1328094C (en) 1988-08-25 1989-09-29 Device for storing tennis balls

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0400105A1 EP0400105A1 (en) 1990-12-05
EP0400105B1 true EP0400105B1 (en) 1992-03-18

Family

ID=25673213

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89909549A Expired - Lifetime EP0400105B1 (en) 1988-08-25 1989-08-23 Device for storing tennis balls

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5014848A (en)
EP (1) EP0400105B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH02503644A (en)
AU (1) AU614416B2 (en)
CA (1) CA1328094C (en)
WO (1) WO1990001973A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4212419C2 (en) * 1992-04-14 1994-03-24 Peter Eska Containers for regenerating and storing tennis balls under gas pressure
DE4342884A1 (en) * 1993-12-16 1995-06-22 Ralf Boettcher Storage box for used tennis balls
NL1016421C2 (en) * 2000-10-17 2002-04-18 Vacu Vin Innovations Ltd Pump with pressure indicators.
US20120291914A1 (en) * 2007-06-19 2012-11-22 Dirst William F Apparatus for recharging pressurized balls and method
US7588145B1 (en) 2008-09-06 2009-09-15 Tamas Marius Apparatus and method for extending the life of athletic balls
US10981045B1 (en) 2020-06-06 2021-04-20 Rahul Anand Tennis ball pod

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3415357A (en) * 1967-12-26 1968-12-10 William J. Van Natter Self-contained tennis ball storage container and pressurizing device
US3853222A (en) * 1973-06-21 1974-12-10 Matchpoint Ind Inc Pressurization apparatus
US3888347A (en) * 1973-08-06 1975-06-10 Thomas Rollin Kramer Inflated containers for fluid pressurized balls
US4019629A (en) * 1975-02-13 1977-04-26 Dubner Robert B Pressurized tennis ball container
US4362095A (en) * 1981-03-02 1982-12-07 Phyllis A. Wheatley Storage container for ground coffee
US4428478A (en) * 1982-07-07 1984-01-31 Hoffman Allan C Self-limiting pump
DE8702822U1 (en) * 1987-02-25 1987-04-23 Neatby, John Russell, 5000 Köln Device for picking up tennis balls

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH0352991B2 (en) 1991-08-13
JPH02503644A (en) 1990-11-01
AU4077789A (en) 1990-03-23
CA1328094C (en) 1994-03-29
WO1990001973A1 (en) 1990-03-08
US5014848A (en) 1991-05-14
AU614416B2 (en) 1991-08-29
EP0400105A1 (en) 1990-12-05

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