US1691671A - Apparatus for making inflatable ball covers - Google Patents

Description

Nov, 13, 1928.

J. T. RIDDELL APPARATUS FOR MAKING- INFLATABLE BALL COVERS Filed 11 10, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I .Z/Zif'emifl; 749771655 5 Ia/171 I'FZTJde/ f3, Q. W,

Nov. 13, 1928. 1,691,671

J. T. RIDDELL APPARATUS FOR MAKING INFLATABLE BALL'COVERS Filed April 10, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 13, 192 s.

' teale71- JOHN T. RIDDETIL, OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS.

nrrnna'rosron MAKIHG- INFLATABLE BALL covnns.

Application filed April 10,

My invention relates to lHIPI'OVlllGIltS in aoaaratus for makin inflatable ball covers and has for its object the provision of improved means for making covers for footballs, baslretballs and the like whereby'such balls of uniform shape may be provided.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The invention consists in the combination and arrangements of parts hereinafter clescribed and'claimed.

The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which,

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section of apparatus embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 a section taken substantially on line 22 of Fig. 1; 1

F ig. 3 a section taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, the form being illustrated as collapsed; and

Fig. 4: a view of a ball cover completed and ready for reversing.

The preferred form of apparatus for carrying out the invention consists of a collapsible form of an exterior or peripheral shape conforming to the desired interior of the completed ball. The form illustrated consists of a central openwork frame 5 having peripheral portions 6 constituting portions of the periphery of the form and having such desired shape. Retractable end members 7 are slidably mounted in the body or frame thus provided, said end members carrying guide ribs 8 operating in guide grooves 9 in the frame whereby said end members will be guided in their movements. Threaded shafts 10 are mounted as shown in the central framework 5 of the form and engage suitable threaded sockets in the end members 7 whereby by a rotation of said shafts in opposite directions the end members 7 will be simultaneously retracted or protruded. Theshafts 1O carry bevel gears 11 meshing with. bevel gear 12 on a transverse shaft 13. The transverse shaft 13 is also suitably mounted in the central framework of the form and is provided with oppositely threaded portions 1 and 15. Opposite side members 16 are provided in said form as shown and constitute the periphery of a large portion of the sides of the foun. These side members 16 are alsoprovided with guide ribs 17 engaging guide grooves 18 in the frame the form for guiding the movements of said side members. Each of the side mem- 1926. Serial No. 101,217.

bers 16 is provided with threaded engagement as shown with the threaded. portions of the shaft 13 and. shaft 13 v is provided with a squared .end- 19 by means of which the same may be rotated as desired. The squared end 19 l is provided with a transverse opening 20 for the reception of a rod or wire for suspending or mounting the form and also for operatingthe shafts if desired. I g

I have illustrated apparatus adapted for the manufacture of an ordinary football cover. In carrying on such manufacture the football cover is provided as usualin the form of four similar leather parts 21 which when properly assembled will constitute the cover of an ordinary oval-shaped football. These cover parts are suitably dampened and are then stretched an'd sewed together over said form, French seams 22 being employed for such purpose as indicated. On the side of the form where the shaft end 19 protrudes, the seam is not completed, two end portions 23 being formed leaving the usual gap or opening 24: for. the insertion" of the usual rubber inflating ball, lacing openings 25 being provided on opposite sides of said open ing for lacing the ball in the usual way. After this sewinghas been completed, if desired,

the French seams may be flattened by pounding'or rolling them against the inner form. Then the seam portions 23 are ripped out to permit of removal of the cover thus formed from the form and the form is collapsed as much as possible by rotating shaft 13 whereupon said cover may be removed from the form. Then the seam portions 23 are remade,

preferably using the same stitchholes which were left by ripping out the original seam In this way, it is insured that portions 23. the cover will be reformed in exact conformty with the shape assumed originally over the form. If the same stitch holes are not,

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variation and modification without depart ing from the spirit of the invention. 1, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but le'sire to avail myself of such variations and modifications as come Within the scope of the appended claims.

The art or method of forming ball covers as here1n disclosed, is not claimed'in this application, because it is made the subject matter of claims in my copending divisional application Serial No. 157,665, filed Decemher 29, 1926.

Having described my invention, What I claim as IIGW'ZLIlCl desire to secure by Letters Patent is: v

1. A form member in the shape of the interior of a ball cover comprisinga central frame having a portion thereof constitutinga portion of the periphery of said form;

guideways in said frame; end members movand side members, substantially as described.

3. A collapsible form member in the shape of'the inter or of an inflatable ball cover comprising retractable and protrudable end members; retractable and protrudable opposite ide members; a plurality of threaded shafts operatively engaging said retractable and protrudable end members and side members; gearing connecting said shafts for simulta neous operation thereof for simultaneously retracting and protruding said end members and side members; and means for rotating one of said shafts, substantially as described. In testimony whereof I have signedmy name to this specification.

JOHN T; RIDDELL.

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