Apparatus for and method of refurbishing a lacrosse ball
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for refurbishing lacrosse balls by using a fast, convenient, automated, entertaining, energy efficient, portable, and modular machine/method of removing a thin layer of rubber from the surface of a used lacrosse ball, by applying even pressure and random rotation of abrasive, one to four cups or rings, utilizing a combination of gravity and/or force of the cups against the surface of the ball, and the introduction of a solvent at various speeds, volume, and concentration, during and after the removal of a thin layer of rubber, to maximize the restoration of the rubber surface.
This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 61/650,977, filed on May 23, 2012.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable
DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIXNot Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONLacrosse players prefer using new balls because the freshly manufactured rubber surface of the ball provides a tackiness that enables the player to better control and utilize grip upon the ball when manipulating the ball within the mesh of the lacrosse head. The tackiness of the rubber surface against the mesh makes it better for cradling the ball while running, passing and catching the ball, and shooting the ball accurately. Over the course of time and usage, the rubber surface of a lacrosse ball starts deteriorating due to contact with foreign substances and surfaces as well as exposure to the elements, such as UV light and water caused by weather conditions. The rubber surface becomes slick and hard as a result of such deterioration. After a period of time, the used lacrosse balls become less effective to the point that players will not use them and discard them. Many balls are also lost in the adjacent tall grass, bushes, and woods. Player search/hunt for these balls but often they do not locate the balls until after considerable exposure to the elements causing deterioration. At the present time, there is no convenient and fast way to refurbish and reuse these deteriorated balls. Therefore, if a player cannot find a lost ball soon after it is misplaced, there is no incentive to look for deteriorated balls. Additionally, leaving lacrosse balls in a natural setting is bad for the environment because rubber is not biodegradable. Furthermore, the shortened usable life of a new lacrosse ball that is lost creates the demand for the manufacture of more new balls which increases carbon footprint and adds to pollution. It is desirable for lacrosse players to refurbish and reuse deteriorated lacrosse balls. It is also desirable for the refurbishing method/machine to be fast, light, automated, and consume very little energy or power.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a fast, convenient, automated, energy efficient, portable, and modular machine/method of removing a thin layer of rubber from the surface of a used lacrosse ball, by applying even pressure and random rotation of abrasive one to four cups or rings, utilizing a combination of gravity and/or external springs or elastic bands to regulate the force of the cups against the surface of the ball, and the introduction of a solvent at various speeds, volume, and concentration, during and after the removal of a thin layer of rubber, to maximize the restoration of the rubber surface to a state that is very close to that of a newly manufactured ball.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Additional embodiments may include one or more prongs.
As shown in
An automated way to receive balls and feed them into a assembly line for refurbishment.
An automated way to insert the old ball in between the rotating abrasive cup on one end and another rotating abrasive cup or a static abrasive container at the other end.
An automated way to release the ball from the refurbishing cups, rinse the outer surface, and return the ball to an accessible location outside of the vending encasement.
Claims
1. A lacrosse ball refurbishing mechanism comprising:
- An enclosure which enables leveraging gravity to accomplish the functions of the mechanism
- One or more prongs which enable the application of rotating modular, replaceable, abrasive cups against a lacrosse ball, the attachment of motors on the prongs so that gravity may create force against the lacrosse balls
- The attachment of hinges on the prongs to adjust the application of the rotating abrasive cups against the ball at different angles
- The attachment of hinges or levers on the prongs to adjust the application of the rotating abrasive cups against the ball on one end and a static concave container on the other end.
- The introduction of a solvent or other liquid into the process
- The application of liquid to the ball while the abrasive cups rotate to aid in the removal of the thin layer of rubber
- Treatment of the resurfaced rubber with preferably an organic solvent or an inorganic chemical
- The introduction of liquid from a point above the ball using gravity, varying rates, and varying volumes, to enhance the surface of the rubber.
- An automated way to turn the liquid application on while the abrasive cups are rotating and to stop the flow if the machine is turned off
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fully automated method of refurbishing lacrosse balls using a vending machine that eliminates the need for human labor while providing entertainment value to the customer.
- An automated way to receive balls and feed them into a assembly line for refurbishment.
- An automated way to insert the old ball in between the rotating abrasive cup on one end and another rotating abrasive cup or a static abrasive container at the other end.
- An automated way to release the ball from the refurbishing cups, rinse the outer surface, and return the ball to an accessible location outside of the vending encasement.
Type: Application
Filed: May 22, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 27, 2014
Inventors: Michael Juhyun Kim (Rockville, MD), Matthew Jachyun Kim (Rockville, MD), Edward Hyundeng Kim (Rockville, MD)
Application Number: 13/986,670
International Classification: A63B 47/00 (20060101); B24B 11/02 (20060101); A63B 47/04 (20060101);