Patent Application
20220370660
The present disclosure relates to a device for disinfecting items. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for disinfecting sports balls.
Infectious diseases commonly spread through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses, or other microbes from contact with contaminated surfaces. Accordingly, disinfecting surfaces of items is important to maintaining health throughout the world. When surfaces are not disinfected to remove the viruses and bacteria thereon, people may become ill. One area where disinfecting items is important, but difficult, is sports equipment. In particular, sports balls come into contact with users' hands regularly, which increases the odds of spreading infectious diseases. However, disinfecting balls is difficult and time consuming.
Current methods in the prior art to disinfect sports balls are chemical sprays and UV light. Chemical sprays must be applied to the entire surface of the ball, which can be challenging. Further, chemicals can have a negative effect on the ball's surface, altering the playability of the ball. While there are a few products in the prior art that use UV light to disinfect sports balls, they have many deficiencies, including bulkiness, inadequate exposure to UV light on all surfaces, and inability to store the sports balls, among others.
Accordingly, there is a need for a disinfectant device for sports balls that can act as a storage rack, that disinfects the entire ball surface, and is inexpensive. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other issues.
In some embodiments, a disinfectant device for sports balls comprises a housing, a ball inlet, a plurality of rails, a plurality of disinfecting lights within the housing, and a ball outlet. In some embodiments, an auger moves a ball within the housing to the outlet so as to release one or more balls from within the housing. The auger may be controlled by a controller so as to ensure adequate exposure within the housing. In some embodiments, the disinfectant device comprises casters for ease of transportation on a sport court or other location.
In some embodiments, the disinfectant device comprises one or more sensors for starting and stopping the auger (or other advancement mechanism) via a controller and motor.
The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.
Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.
It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.
The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.). While ultraviolet (UV) light is used as an example throughout, it will be appreciated that any light, or electromagnetic wavelength of light, capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms is contemplated herein as a “disinfecting light.”
As previously discussed, there is a need for a disinfectant device for sports balls that can act as a storage rack, disinfects the entire ball, and is inexpensive. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other issues.
In some embodiments, as shown in
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As the ball 114 is within the housing 102, it is exposed to UV light from a plurality UV lights. For example, the disinfection device 100 may comprise top disinfecting lights 126A-B, upper disinfecting lights 128A-B, lower disinfecting lights 130B (only one visible, but appreciated that there are a plurality), and bottom disinfecting lights 132A-B. Accordingly, as the ball 114 moves along the horizontal rails 116A-B, the entire surface of the ball 114 is exposed to disinfecting light (e.g., UV light), thereby disinfecting it. It will be appreciated that the number, placement, size, and type of light used within the housing may vary without departing herefrom.
Once the ball 114 travels the entire length of the auger 120 and horizontal rails 116A-B, the ball 114 may exit the housing 102 through the outlet 124. As shown, the ball 114 may be received on a plurality of exit rails 134A-B. Exit rails 134A-B may be sloped so as to feed the ball 114 to a plurality of storage rails 136A-B via outlet 138. The balls 114 may be stored until retrieved by a user. It will be appreciated that the disinfectant device may be used for one ball or numerous balls and may house and store the balls both within the housing 102 and on the plurality of storage rails 136A-B.
In some embodiments, the auger 120 may be electronically controlled via a controller 140. The controller 140 (e.g., microcontroller) may be pre-programmed by a user to control the speed of the auger 120 via the motor 122 to ensure that each ball 114 that passes thereon is sufficiently exposed to the UV light so as to be disinfected. Additionally, the controller 140 may receive signals from one or more switches or sensors. For example, a user desiring to disinfect a ball 114, or retrieve a ball 114 from within the housing 102 may actuate a button or switch 142 (
In some embodiments, one or more sensors may actuate the motor 122 via the controller 140. For example, inlet sensor 144 may be an infrared sensor that, when interrupted, causes the controller 140 to activate the motor 122. In this example, a user may place a ball 114 on inlet rails 106A-B where the ball will roll into the ball inlet 104. As the ball 114 falls onto the horizontal rails 116A-B, it interrupts the infrared light of the inlet sensor 144, which triggers the controller 140 to power the motor 122 for a predetermined amount of time. In one example, the motor 122 operates until the ball 114 passes the length of the horizontal rails 116A-B so as to fall through the ball outlet 124. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may initiate the motor 122 long enough to advance any ball 114 on the horizontal rails 116A-B the distance of one ball. In this scenario, one or more balls 114 remain inside the housing 102 until fully advanced by the auger 120 by the addition of subsequent balls 114 or by a user overriding the inlet sensor 144, such as by actuating the button or switch 142.
In some embodiments, an outlet sensor 146 may stop the auger 120 via the controller 140 and motor 122. For example, a user may insert a ball 114 through the ball inlet 104. The auger 120 may activate via the inlet sensor 144 or via a button or switch 142 or other mechanism. The motor 122 may continue to operate until the outlet sensor 146 (e.g., infrared sensor) is triggered, signaling that a ball 114 has exited the housing 102. It may be the same ball 114 that was inserted or a ball 114 that was previously within the housing 102 awaiting exit. As a result, it is possible to dispense one ball 114 at a time. It will be appreciated that when set for single ball dispensing, an override switch may be activated if a user desires to run the auger 120 continuously. It will be appreciated that, to conserve energy, the plurality of UV lights 126A-132B may also be controlled via the controller 140. For example, in some embodiments, the UV lights only illuminate while the motor 122 is functioning to rotate the auger 120.
While only one row (i.e., horizontal rails 116A-B) of balls is shown within the housing 102, it will be appreciated that additional rows may be used so as to house and disinfect a greater number of balls. In other words, the size of the housing and number of rails 116A-B used therein may change without departing herefrom. Additionally, in some embodiments, a door may be used to close the ball outlet 124. The door may be hinged or pivotable so as to release one or more balls 114 from within the housing 102. The door may be manually operated, spring actuated, or electronically controlled via the controller 140. In some embodiments, the ball inlet may likewise comprise a door or flap so as to contain the UV light within the housing 102. In some embodiments, the disinfectant device 100 comprises casters 148A-D for ease of transportation on a sport court or other location. This allows the disinfectant device 100 to be maneuvered to a desired location by a user. While casters 148A-D are shown, they are not required.
In some embodiments, the disinfectant device 100 comprises an access door 150 for accessing the interior of the housing 102 for inspection or to replace parts, such as the lights. The access door may be hinged and operable using a handle 152. The handle 152 may be lockable so as to prevent unauthorized access to the internal components of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the disinfectant device may comprise a ball release. The ball release may comprise an auger, a retractable stopper, an actuatable door, or other mechanism, or any combination of mechanisms, for controlling the release of balls from within the housing. In some embodiments, a microcontroller controls the ball release to ensure a ball has sufficient exposure time within the housing prior to being released. In some embodiments, the ball release may combine a retractable stopper and an actuatable door.
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Further, although generally referred to herein as a “disinfecting device,” it is understood that a disinfecting device of the present disclosure may disinfect, sterilize, sanitize, or otherwise treat and clean the surface of a contaminated ball to achieve a lessened state or condition of contamination. Additionally, while an auger 120 is used as an example, it will be appreciated that other advancement devices may be used, which may include rollers, chains, belts, conveyors, or other mechanisms capable of horizontally advancing a ball from a first horizontal position to a second horizontal position. If a conveyor is used that inhibits light from the bottom, the speed and length of the conveyor may be adjusted to ensure the ball is sufficiently exposed to light on all sides. The speed with which a ball moves through the housing may be at a constant speed or at a variable speed. The sensors disclosed herein may be of any suitable type, including infrared, laser, mechanical switches, or others.
Housing 102 may include an exterior material having a first property or function, and an interior material having a second property or function that is different than the first property or function. For example, in at least one embodiment, the housing 102 may include an exterior material that is structurally rigid and opaque, and an interior material that is reflective. In some embodiments, the interior material of the housing 102 may include a coating applied to an inner surface of the exterior material of the housing 102. While illustrated with inlet rails 106A-B, it will be appreciated that they are not required. Balls 114 may be fed directly into the ball inlet 104 in top panel 108. In some embodiments, the ball inlet may be on the side of the housing, rather than the top panel 108. In some embodiments, a receiving cage 154 may be used to hold the balls 114 and feed them into the ball inlet 104. It will be appreciated that the cage may comprise solid materials, nets, or other materials suitable to funnel the balls 114 into the inlet 104.
It will also be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.
Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/190,314, filed May 19, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63190314 | May 2021 | US |
