Abstract: An inflatable game ball containing a noise suppression device and a method for inflating the game ball are described. More particularly, a free standing, noise suppression disk is fit snuggly within a central area of the hollow internal cavity formed by the bladder of the game ball. The diameter of the noise suppression disk is slightly larger than the diameter of the hollow internal cavity of the ball, while the thickness of the disk is sufficient to provide necessary rigidity to the game ball noise suppressor without adding excess weight to the ball. An exact amount of SF6 is pre-filled in the balls, when combined with subsequent air, is determined to create the ultimate SF6 to air ratio range at various altitude levels. Subsequently, the balls are only partially inflated at the time of manufacture with the SF6 gas, and no air.

Abstract: An inflatable game ball containing a noise suppression device and a method for inflating the game ball are described. More particularly, a free standing, noise suppression disk is fit snuggly within a central area of the hollow internal cavity formed by the bladder of the game ball. The diameter of the noise suppression disk is slightly larger than the diameter of the hollow internal cavity of the ball, while the thickness of the disk is sufficient to provide necessary rigidity to the game ball noise suppressor without adding excess weight to the ball. An exact amount of SF6 is pre-filled in the balls, when combined with subsequent air, is determined to create the ultimate SF6 to air ratio range at various altitude levels. Subsequently, the balls are only partially inflated at the time of manufacture with the SF6 gas, and no air.

Abstract: An inflatable game ball containing a noise suppression device and a method for inflating the game ball are described. More particularly, a free standing, noise suppression disk is fit snuggly within a central area of the hollow internal cavity formed by the bladder of the game ball. The diameter of the noise suppression disk is slightly larger than the diameter of the hollow internal cavity of the ball, while the thickness of the disk is sufficient to provide necessary rigidity to the game ball noise suppressor without adding excess weight to the ball. An exact amount of SF6 is pre-filled in the balls, when combined with subsequent air, is determined to create the ultimate SF6 to air ratio range at various altitude levels. Subsequently, the balls are only partially inflated at the time of manufacture with the SF6 gas, and no air.

Abstract: An inflatable game ball containing a noise suppression device and a method for inflating the game ball are described. More particularly, a free standing, noise suppression disk is fit snuggly within a central area of the hollow internal cavity formed by the bladder of the game ball. The diameter of the noise suppression disk is slightly larger than the diameter of the hollow internal cavity of the ball, while the thickness of the disk is sufficient to provide necessary rigidity to the game ball noise suppressor without adding excess weight to the ball. An exact amount of SF6 is pre-filled in the balls, when combined with subsequent air, is determined to create the ultimate SF6 to air ratio range at various altitude levels. Subsequently, the balls are only partially inflated at the time of manufacture with the SF6 gas, and no air.

Abstract: A hooded valve and valve assembly for use in inflatable objects, especially inflatable balls with an internal bladder that are inflated through insertion of an air needle, are disclosed. The valve includes an exterior chamber for easy insertion of the needle, a closed central portion for retention of air once the needle is removed, and a flexible interior chamber for enabling air to flow from the needle and to prevent the needle from puncturing the ball or the bladder.