SEMI-AUTONOMOUS WEB ENABLED SKATE RECONDITIONING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND PROCESS

FIELD

The present inventions relate to the field of semi-autonomous systems. The present inventions more specifically relate to the field of semi-autonomous reconditioning or sharpening devices and systems.

BACKGROUND

Historically, pro shops in ice rinks and/or arenas were required to be staffed with a skilled operator capable of resurfacing and/or sharpening the blades for a variety of different skates, such as figure skates, hockey skates, speed skates and/or other equipment requiring periodic reconditioning with a variety of differentiating blade hollow radii and/or blade rocker circumferences for use on the ice in a wide range of different applications. The typical scenario for a patron of an ice rink and/or arena consisted of coordinating with the availability of a satisfactory skate sharpening service performed by a skilled and well-trained skate-sharpening technician.

The challenge with this arrangement is the availability of adequately trained staff, in conjunction with sufficient demand for skate sharpening services to provide enough justification to cover the expenses of providing these services. This challenge is further exacerbated by the hours in which the rink is available for use—typically, twelve-to-fourteen hours per day; seven days per week. These circumstances have resulted in a trend of pro-shops closing in ice rinks and/or arenas closing worldwide. The closure of these pro shops in ice rinks and/or arenas has created a greater need for ice skate sharpening services.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a system for reconditioning an ice skate that includes an ice skate sharpening assembly having a housing defining a slot, and an ice skate sharpening device positioned within the housing, the slot configured to receive a portion of an ice skate, the portion of the ice skate configured to engage with the ice skate sharpening device. A user interface is in communication with the ice skate sharpening assembly, the user interface is web enabled and configured to communicate through the Internet, the user interface further configured to provide instructions to selectively operate the ice skate sharpening device.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of reconditioning an ice skate that includes inputting a unique alphanumeric identification number into a user interface, confirming the unique alphanumeric identification number is associated with a valid account, positioning a first ice skate into engagement with an ice skate sharpening assembly, selecting a confirmation on the user interface to proceed with sharpening the first ice skate, initiating operation of the ice skate sharpening assembly to sharpen the first ice skate, illuminating a visual indicator to emit light having a first color associated with sharpening the first ice skate, and detecting completion of sharpening the first ice skate, wherein in response to detecting completion of sharpening the first ice skate, illuminating the visual indicator to emit light having a second color different that the first color.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a system for reconditioning an ice skate.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an ice skate sharpening assembly and a user interface associated with the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an ice skate sharpening assembly and a user interface associated with the system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a controller in direct communication with an ice skate sharpening device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an ice skate sharpening assembly and a user interface associated with the system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a user interface in direct communication with the Internet.

FIG. 5A is a first portion of a flow diagram of an embodiment of an ice skate reconditioning application.

FIG. 5B is a second portion of the flow diagram of an embodiment of the ice skate reconditioning application.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term ice skate, as used herein, is used with reference to metal blades that are attached, or otherwise worn, underfoot. Ice skates are used to propel a wearer across a sheet of ice while ice skating. The terms “ice skate” or “ice skates” include, but are not limited to, figure skates, hockey skates, speed skates, racing clap skates, short track speed skates, long track speed skates, touring skates, Nordic skates, bandy skates, and/or any other skate-like equipment that is worn by a user on at least one foot and that has a metal blade that requires periodic reconditioning (or periodic sharpening).

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a system for reconditioning an ice skate 100. The system 100 is configured to be semi-autonomous in that the system 100 does not require a dedicated employee to recondition the ice skate. Instead, the system 100 can recondition the ice skate with limited interaction by a user, and that interaction is provided in the form of informational prompts by the system 100 to the user. Stated another way, the system 100 reconditions (or sharpens or re-sharpens) the ice skate without the user performing the reconditioning (or sharpening or re-sharpening) activity. The system 100 is also configured to be internet enabled (or web enabled) in order to facilitate remote operation and/or remote troubleshooting (or remote error correction). This further minimizes (or eliminates) the need for a dedicated employee to operate each system 100. Thus, the system 100 can provide on demand ice skate reconditioning (or sharpening) services without a dedicated ice skate sharpening technician (or ice skate sharpening employee).

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the system 100 includes an ice skate sharpening assembly 104 (or an ice skate reconditioning assembly 104) and a user interface 108. The user interface 108 is in communication with the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 by a first communication link 112. The user interface 108 includes a screen 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 108 is a computer device, and more specifically a tablet computer incorporating a touch screen 116. In other embodiments, the user interface 108 can be any suitable computer device with a screen, and more specifically can be any suitable touch screen device (e.g., a phone, a tablet, a laptop, etc.) that facilitates communication with a user and communicates with the ice skate sharpening assembly 104.

The system 100 can also include a cabinet 120. The cabinet 120 can provide structural support for the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 and the user interface 108. For example, the cabinet 120 can include a surface 124 upon which the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 and the user interface 108 can be positioned (or mounted). The cabinet 120 can also define an interior space 128 within which one or more components of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 and/or the user interface 108 can be positioned, as discussed further below. The cabinet 120 can be decorated or otherwise display one or more trademarks associated with the system 100.

The system 100 can further include a display 132. The display 132 can be a monitor, a television, or any other suitable display device that is configured to display information associated with the system 100. For example, the display 132 can provide instructions for registering to use the system 100, instruction for operating the system 100 (i.e., a “how to” operate the system, etc.), or any other suitable information associated with the system 100. The display 132 can be a local display, in that information that is displayed is provided locally (e.g., by a USB flash drive, a local digital storage device, etc.). In other embodiments, the display 132 can be in communication with the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 and/or the user interface 108 to acquire information to be displayed. In yet other embodiments, the display 132 can be in communication with the Internet (or web enabled) to present information that is distributed remotely from the internet (e.g., the information is stored on a server that is remove from the physical location of the system 100 and is communicated through the Internet, etc.). Accordingly, the display 132 can be in wired communication or wireless communication with the Internet to enable web based messaging.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the system 100 can also include a camera 136. More specifically, the camera 136 can be a video camera that is configured to observe a portion of the system 100. For example, the video camera 136 can observe a portion of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104. Further, the video camera 136 can observe the user interface 108 and/or a user performing one or more tasks on the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 and/or the user interface 108 in association with the reconditioning (or sharpening) of at least one ice skate. The camera 136 is preferably Internet enabled (or web enabled). Stated another way, the camera 136 is in communication with the Internet to facilitate the transfer (or streaming) of video captured by the camera 136. Once the camera 136 is activated and capturing video, the video can be streamed (or otherwise communicated) across the internet. The video can be immediately viewed by a party responsible for the system 100 (e.g., a remote technician that maintains the system 100 during troubleshooting activities, etc.) or stored on a remote server (or video storage location) for later viewing. The communication between the camera 136 and the Internet can be a wired communication or a wireless communication to facilitate the transfer of video captured by the camera 136 to a remote location. The camera 136 can be used during remote troubleshooting (or remote error correction), to monitor operation or use of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 and/or the user interface 108, and/or to provide video security to reduce the risk of misuse or damage to the system 100. For example, the camera 136 can include a motion sensor that upon detection of motion initiates the capture of video for a predetermined period of time (e.g., until motion is no longer detected, or fora period of time (i.e., 30 seconds, one minute, etc.) after motion is no longer detected). Thus, if someone attempts to damage the system 100, the camera 136 can initiate video acquisition upon detection of movement to detect and/or observe any potential offending individual(s).

As indicated above, the system 100 is Internet connected (or web connected or web enabled). In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 108 includes a unique uniform resource locator address (or URL address). This URL address provides for engagement with each specific system 100 through the Internet. For example, a plurality of systems 100 can be deployed at one or more locations (e.g., one or more ice rinks, a plurality of systems 100 at a single ice rink, etc.) throughout the world. Each of the systems 100 can be remotely accessed through the unique URL address of each system 100. This allows a remote technician to monitor, troubleshoot, and/or interact with each system 100 independent of the physical location of the system 100 and the physical location of the technician. This also allows each system 100 to interact with an Internet based remote database that associates a personal identification number (or PIN) with customer information stored remotely to facilitate proper billing of the ice skate sharpening service. To facilitate the Internet connection, the user interface 108 can be in communication with the Internet. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the user interface 108 is in communication with a wireless internet router 140 (or a Wi-Fi hub 140). The router 140 is in operable communication with an Internet source to facilitate communication with the Internet. For example, the router 140 can be in communication with a local network within a location (e.g., at an ice rink, etc.). The router 140 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as positioned within the interior space 128 defined by the cabinet 120. In other embodiments, the router 140 can be positioned within the ice skate sharpening assembly 104. It should also be appreciated that the wireless internet router 140 is optional, and may not be needed in embodiments of the user interface 108 that is configured to electronically communicate with the Internet. In other examples of embodiments, the user interface 108 can be a hand held device (e.g., a cellular phone, a tablet computer, etc.) that includes a web-enabled application (or a web-based application or an application or a mobile app) that is configured to communicate with the ice skate sharpening assembly 104. The hand held device can belong to a user, and through the web-enabled application can perform one or more steps associated with an ice skate reconditioning application 200, which is discussed in additional detail below.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a portion of the system 100 is illustrated in greater detail. More specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 and the user interface 108. The ice skate sharpening assembly 104 includes an outer housing 144 (or outer shell 144 or housing 144). The housing 144 can be any suitable shape (e.g., geometric, stylistic, etc.) or color, and can be branded (e.g., can include one or more trademarks, etc.). The housing 144 defines a slot 148 (or an opening 148). The slot 148 provides an opening through the housing 144 and is configured to receive a portion of an ice skate. The slot 148 also provides access to an ice skate sharpening device 152.

The ice skate sharpening device 152 (or ice skate reconditioning device 152) is positioned within the housing 144. A portion of the ice skate sharpening device 152 is accessible to a user through the slot 148. More specifically, a use can insert a portion of an ice skate, including the ice skate blade to be sharpened (or reconditioned), through the slot 148 and into engagement with the ice skate sharpening device 152. The ice skate sharpening device 152 includes, among other components, an ice skate blade holder 154 and an ice skate blade reconditioning device 156 (or ice skate blade sharpening device 156 or ice skate blade grinding device 156). The ice skate blade holder 154 can include a receptacle with an adjustable blade holder (or equipment holder). The blade holder can be releasably and/or slideably moved to grip and hold an ice skate, an ice skate blade, or any suitable portion of an ice skate in a position in relation to the ice skate blade reconditioning device 156. The ice skate blade reconditioning device 156 can include a grinding ring (or at least one grinding ring) that is driven by a motor, and an electronic control configured to operate the motor. The ice skate sharpening device 152 also includes a power switch 158, and a lighting feature 162. The power switch 158 is configured to initiate operation of the ice skate blade reconditioning device 156, and more specifically initiate operation of a reconditioning cycle (or sharpening cycle or ice skate sharpening cycle). The reconditioning cycle includes the process associated with sharpening one ice skate blade. The grinding ring is configured to engage and traverse the ice skate blade at least once, and preferably a plurality of times. As the grinding ring engages and traverses the ice skate blade, the grinding ring sharpens (or reconditions) the ice skate blade. The lighting feature 162 can include a light pipe in optical communication with a light emitting diode (LED) or other lighting source. The lighting feature 162 is configured to emit one or more colors of light. More specifically, the lighting feature 162 emits a color unique to completion of the reconditioning cycle. Stated another way, at the completion of the reconditioning cycle, the lighting feature 162 emits a light color that provides a visual indication of completion of the reconditioning cycle. An example of an ice skate sharpening device 152 includes the Sparx ES100 Sharpener (with a grinding ring) available from Velasa Sports, Inc. One or more aspects of that device is disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/057078, filed on Oct. 23, 2015 and titled SKATE BLADE SHARPENING SYSTEM, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 also includes a controller 164. The controller 164 is an electronic controller that can include a microprocessor and a plurality of communication ports to communicate with one or more components of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104. The controller 164 is in communication with the router 140, and thus in communication with the Internet. This allows the controller 164 to send and/or receive commands to devices associated with the ice skate sharpening assembly 104, including the user interface 108 and/or a remote user engaging with the system 100 through the Internet. The controller 164 is in communication with the router 140 by a second communication link 166.

The controller 164 is in operable communication with a user indicator 168. The user indicator 168 provides cues or instructions to a user of the system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the user indicator 168 is a visual indicator. The visual indicator can include a plurality of lights 168. More specifically, the user indicator 168 is a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached to a light strip (or LED lighting 168). The LED lighting 168 can emit a plurality of different colors to guide a user during operation of the system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the LED lighting 168 is coupled to a portion of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104, such as the housing 144. The controller 164 is configured to control the colors emitted by the LED lighting 168. The LED lighting 168 (or user indicator 168) is in communication with the controller 164 by a third communication link 170. In other embodiments, the user indicator 168 can be an audible indicator, such as a speaker configured to deliver verbal instructions, a tone, a chime, or other suitable audible message. In yet other embodiments, the user indicator 168 can be any suitable combination of visual and audible indicators to properly guide a user during operation of the system 100.

The controller 164 is also in operable communication with a sharpening initiator 172 configured to initiate operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the sharpening initiator 172 includes a servo motor 172 that is operably connected to an actuator 174. The servo motor 172 is in communication with the controller 164 by a fourth communication link 176. The controller 164 is configured to communicate an initiate operation command to the servo motor 172, where the servo motor 172 moves that actuator 174 into engagement with the power switch 158. The actuator 174 contacts and physically depresses (or trips) the power switch 158 to initiate operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152. In other embodiments, the sharpening initiator 172 can be one or more electrical wires (or other suitable communication link) operably connecting the controller 164 and the ice skate sharpening device 152. This will facilitate the controller 164 to initiate operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152 through an electrical communication/process.

The controller 164 can also be in operable communication with a photoreceptor 178. The photoreceptor 178 has a light detection zone 180 where it can detect at least one light wavelength that is emitted by the lighting feature 162. The photoreceptor 178 is in communication with the controller 164 by a fifth communication link 182.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the controller 164 is also in operable communication with a vacuum system 184. The vacuum system 184 is configured to vacuum (or collect) any debris generated during the process of sharpening (or reconditioning) an ice skate. For example, the controller 164 can instruct the vacuum system 184 to operate during the reconditioning (or sharpening) cycle of the ice skate sharpening device 152 to reduce (or minimize) debris from the reconditioning (or sharpening) process. The vacuum system 184 is in communication with the controller 164 by a sixth communication link 186.

It should be appreciated that the housing 144 can be removable (or a portion of the housing 144 can be removable) to provide access to one or more of the operational components of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 (e.g., the ice skate sharpening device 152, the controller 164, the user indicator 168, the servo motor 172, the actuator 174, the photoreceptor 178, the vacuum system 184, etc.) for servicing, maintenance, and/or replacement.

It should be appreciated that the first communication link 112, the second communication link 166, the third communication link 170, the fourth communication link 176, the fifth communication link 182, and/or the sixth communication link 186 can be wired, wireless, or any suitable system for communication (e.g., radio, cellular, BLUETOOTH, etc.).

It should be appreciated that in other embodiments of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104, the servo motor 172, the actuator 174, and/or the photoreceptor 178 can be optional features. These components are provided to facilitate operation of the system 100 with certain third party (or commercially available) ice skate sharpening devices 152. These components allow for operation of the commercially available ice skate sharpening devices 152 without alteration of the ice skate sharpening devices 152. In these other embodiments, the controller 164 can be in direct operable communication with the ice skate sharpening device 152a (e.g., hard wired, electrically connected, etc.). Thus, the servo motor 172, the actuator 174, and/or the photoreceptor 178 may be unnecessary, as the controller 164 can be configured to control operation (or initiate operation) of the ice skate sharpening device 152a. With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the controller 164 can directly command the ice skate sharpening device 152a to operate through an electronic communication (e.g., by a wired communication link, by a wireless communication link, etc.). For example, the controller 164 can be in operable communication with the ice skate blade reconditioning device 156 to facilitate operation of the device 156. In this embodiment, the controller 164 is in communication with the ice skate sharpening device 152a by the fourth communication link 176.

With reference to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the system 100 is provided. In this embodiment, the user interface 108 can include a connection to the Internet to facilitate a web connection for the system 100. For example, the user interface 108 can include cellular communication (or the user interface 108 can be in communication with a device that has cellular communication), the user interface 108 can connect to a separate Wi-Fi router, etc.

For example, some locations of the system 100 may not have a local network or other Internet access. As such, the user interface 108 can serve as a local Internet “hot-spot” to facilitate communication of the system 100 with the Internet. As another example, some locations of the system 100 may not need a dedicated Wi-Fi or Internet connection. As such, the user interface 108 can access the Internet through a local area network (LAN) associated with the location (e.g., an ice rink LAN, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 108 is in communication with the controller 164 by the first communication link 112.

It should be appreciated that the different Internet/network connections shown in FIGS. 2-3 and in FIG. 4 can be used with the different ice skate sharpening devices 152, 152a shown in FIGS. 2-4. Stated another way, the Internet/network connections are interchangeable and usable with the different ice skate sharpening devices 152, 152a disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an ice skate reconditioning application 200. The application 200 facilitates semi-autonomous operation of the system 100 to recondition (or sharpen) an ice skate (or a pair of ice skates). The application 200 can be a module that operates on (or is associated with) the user interface 108 (shown in FIGS. 1-4). The application 200 may be distributed and stored on the user interface 108 (as shown in FIGS. 1-4), and/or can be accessible for execution from a remote location, such as through a web portal, web site, or generally over the Internet. In other embodiments, the application 200 can be a module that operate on (or is associated with) the controller 164, and can be distributed and stored on the controller 164. The ice skate reconditioning application 200 includes a series of processing instructions or steps that are depicted in flow diagram form.

Referring to FIG. 5, the process begins at step 202, where a user approaches the system 100. If the user does not have an account, the user will proceed with step 204 and make an account. This is preferably a one-time process for a user. The user can register online through an Internet website (e.g., through a third party Internet enabled device, through the user interface 108, etc.). During registration, the user can provide personal data, such as legal name, address, cell phone number, email, and billing information. The user will also provide a billing source, such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic payment system (e.g., PAYPAL, VENMO, ZELLE, etc.), or any other payment system. At least one of the user registration information will be used to develop a personal identification number (or customer identification number or PIN or a unique alphanumeric identification number) for use with the system. That PIN is then be communicated to the user. Communication can be by email, text message, phone call, or any other suitable system for communication. Separate instructions for account registration can be provided near the system 100. Alternatively, if the user has already registered for an account, or after account registration at 204, the user proceeds to step 208 where registration has been completed and an account exists.

At step 210, the user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, displays a prompt (or icon) for the user to “Sign In” to the system. At step 212, the user interacts with the prompt (or icon), for example by contacting the touch screen 116. At step 214, the user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, displays a prompt (or icon) on the user interface 108 to request the user to “Enter PIN.” The PIN is the unique personal identification number provided to the user following account registration. At step 216, the user enters the unique PIN through the user interface 108.

The application 200 then communicates over the Internet to confirm that the unique PIN entered by the user is correct and corresponds to a registered customer. Once confirmed, the application proceeds to step 218. At step 218, the user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, displays a prompt for the user indicating the price for ice skate sharpening (or ice skate reconditioning) services. The user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, also displays a prompt (or icon) to provide the user the option to accept the charge and proceed with the ice skate sharpening services.

At step 220, the user interacts with the user interface 108 to accept the charge. For example, the user can contact the screen 116 to accept the charges (e.g., the user touches an “Accept Charges” icon on the touch screen 116, an “Accept” icon on the touch screen 116, etc.). Once the charges are accepted by the user, the application proceeds to step 222.

At step 222, the application initiates (or changes) a user indicator 168. For example, during steps 210-220, the user indicator 168, which is depicted as the LED lighting 168, can emit light of a first color. In the present embodiment, the first color can be green. In other embodiments, the first color can be any suitable color. At step 222, the LED lighting 168 changes from the first color to a second color. In the present embodiment, the second color can be blue. In other embodiments, the second color can be any suitable color that is different than the first color. The LED lighting 168 changes colors following instructions provided by the controller 164, which received instructions from the user interface 108 operating the application 200.

Next, or concurrently, at step 224 the user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, displays a prompt for the user to “Enter First Ice Skate” or “Position First Ice Skate in Machine” or the like. The user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, can also display a prompt (or icon) for the user to “Start” or “Confirm” (or the like) operation of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104. The LED lighting 168 is preferably positioned adjacent the slot 148 of the housing 144 of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 to direct the user to position the ice skate into the slot 148 of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104.

At step 226, the user positions a first ice skate into the slot 148 and into engagement with the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. The placement can include positioning the first ice skate into the adjustable blade holder (or equipment holder) such that the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a retains (grips, holds, locks, etc.) the first ice skate in a position to be sharpened.

At step 228, the user interacts with the user interface 108 to “Start” or “Confirm” (or the like) operation of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104, and initiate sharpening of the first ice skate. More specifically, the user can contact the screen 116 to proceed with sharpening of the first ice skate (e.g., the user touches a “Start” icon on the touch screen 116, a “Confirm” icon on the touch screen 116, etc.). Once the user actuates an icon on the screen 116, the user interface 108 responsively generates and sends certain commands to the controller 164.

At step 230, the application changes the user indicator 168. More specifically, at step 230, the LED lighting 168 changes to a third color (or from the second color to the third color). In the present embodiment, the third color can be red. In other embodiments, the third color can be any suitable color that is different than the first color and the second color. The LED lighting 168 changes colors following instructions provided by the controller 164, which received instructions from the user interface 108 operating the application 200.

Next, at step 232, the application initiates a charge of the user's account. More specifically, the user interface 108 communicates with a remote server over the Internet to proceed with a charge to the account (or payment system) on record with the user and associated with the user's account. At step 234, the remote server responds to the user interface 108 with a determination (or confirmation) as to whether the charge was successful. If “No,” the charge was not successful (e.g., the credit card was expired, there were multiple charges to the card within a short period of time, etc.), the application returns to step 224, and the process repeats. This provides sufficient additional time to resolve the most common charge failure, which is multiple charges from the same source to the same card within a short period of time (e.g., caused by multiple, concurrent sharpening of different pairs of ice skates, etc.). If “Yes,” the charge was successful, the remote server will make the necessary payment to the account (or payment system) on record with the user. The remote server will also provide confirmation to the user interface 108 that the charge was successful.

Next, at step 236, the user interface 108 has received confirmation that the charge was successful. The user interface 108 proceeds with providing instructions to initiate operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. For example, the user interface 108 sends instructions (or a command) to the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 (e.g., directly, over WiFi, through an internet connection, etc.) to initiate operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. More specifically, the user interface 108 sends instructions (or a command) to the controller 164, which in turn initiates operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. In one embodiment, the controller 164 initiates operation of the servo motor 172 that is operably connected to an actuator 174. The servo motor 172 actuates the actuator 174 into engagement with the power switch 158. The actuator 174 contacts the power switch 158 with sufficient force to initiate operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152 (e.g., the actuator 174 depresses the power switch 158, etc.). In another embodiment, the controller 164 sends a command to initiate operation directly to the ice skate sharpening device 152a through an electronic communication. The ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a then begins to operate to sharpen (or recondition) the ice skate.

Next, or concurrently with step 236, the application proceeds to step 238 and initiates operation of the vacuum system 184. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the controller 164 will instruct the vacuum system 184 to begin operation to generate a vacuum to collect any debris generated during the process of sharpening (or reconditioning) the ice skate. The user interface 108 can provide the instruction to the controller 164 to initiate operation of the vacuum system 184.

At step 240, the user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, displays a prompt to the user to “Do Not Remove Ice Skate Until Blue Light Appears” or the like. In the present embodiment, the term blue light relates to the second color of light being emitted by the LED lighting 168. It should be appreciated that the color selected for the light can be any suitable color to provide a visual cue that sharpening (or reconditioning) of the ice skate is complete. The figure refers to [SELECTED] color, as it may be the second color, a blue color, or any other suitable color that is selected and different than the third color being emitted by the LED lighting 168 during ice skate sharpening (or reconditioning).

While the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a is sharpening (or reconditioning) the ice skate, the application proceeds to step 242. At step 242, the application is detecting whether sharpening is complete. In one embodiment, the photoreceptor 178 uses the light detection zone 180 to detect at least one light wavelength that is emitted by the lighting feature 162 of the ice skate sharpening device 152. More specifically, the lighting feature 162 emits a selected wavelength of light when the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle for the ice skate is complete. The photoreceptor 178 will continue to monitor the light emitted by the lighting feature 162 (or will await light to be emitted by the lighting feature 162). Once the photoreceptor 178 detects the wavelength of light emitted by the lighting feature 162 that corresponds to the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle for the ice skate being complete, the photoreceptor 178 will provide notification to the controller 164 (or the controller 164 will detect completion using a signal from the photoreceptor 178. In another embodiment, the controller 164 can use an alternative system to detect completion of the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. For example, the controller 164 can utilize a sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor, a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.) to detect the grinding ring (or a component thereof) as it traverses the ice skate blade. The sensor can acknowledge when a predetermined number of traverses, which corresponds to a complete sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle, is complete. In yet other embodiments, the controller 164 can monitor a motor or other device associated with operating the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. When the motor (or other device) being monitored shuts down, which is associated with completion of the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle, the controller 164 can acknowledge completion of the cycle. In other embodiments, such as where the controller 164 is in communication with the ice skate sharpening device 152a, and more specifically in operable communication with the ice skate blade reconditioning device 156 to facilitate operation of the device 156, the controller 164 can control and/or electrically detect completion of the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle. It should be appreciate that any suitable sensor, process, or communication can be used to detect completion of the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle of the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a.

If at step 242 the application determines that “No,” sharpening has not been determined to be complete, the application returns to step 242 and continues to detect whether sharpening is complete. If at step 242 the application determines that “Yes,” sharpening has been determined to be complete, the application proceeds to step 244.

At step 244, the application has determined that sharpening of the first ice skate is complete (or a first sharpening cycle is complete). The application changes the LED lighting 168 from the third color back to the [SELECTED] color, which in the present embodiment is the second color. The LED lighting 168 changes from emitting the red light to the blue light. This provides a visual cue to the user that the sharpening cycle is complete. The LED lighting 168 changes colors following instructions provided by the controller 164, which received instructions from the user interface 108 operating the application 200. The application also terminates operation of the vacuum system 184. The controller 164 will instruct the vacuum system 184 to end operation of the vacuum. The user interface 108 can provide the instruction to the controller 164 to terminate operation of the vacuum system 184.

Next, at step 246, the user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, displays a prompt for the user to “Enter Second Ice Skate” or “Position Second Ice Skate in Machine” or the like. The user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, can also display a prompt (or icon) for the user to “Start” or “Confirm” (or the like) operation of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104.

At step 248, the user positions a second ice skate into the slot 148 and into engagement with the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. Effectively, the process taken by the user is the same as in step 226, however with the other of the pair of ice skates.

At step 250, the user interacts with the user interface 108 to “Start” or “Confirm” (or the like) operation of the ice skate sharpening assembly 104, and initiate sharpening of the second ice skate. More specifically, the user can contact the screen 116 to proceed with sharpening of the second ice skate (e.g., the user touches a “Start” icon on the touch screen 116, a “Confirm” icon on the touch screen 116, etc.). Once the user actuates an icon on the screen 116, the user interface 108 responsively generates and sends certain commands to the controller 164.

Next, at step 252, the application changes the user indicator 168. More specifically, the LED lighting 168 changes to the third color (or from the second color to the third color). In the present embodiment, the LED lighting 168 changes from emitting the blue light to the red light. The LED lighting 168 changes colors following instructions provided by the controller 164, which received instructions from the user interface 108 operating the application 200.

At step 254, the user interface 108 proceeds with providing instructions to initiate operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. For example, the user interface 108 sends instructions (or a command) to the ice skate sharpening assembly 104 (e.g., directly, over WiFi, through an internet connection, etc.) to initiate operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. More specifically, the user interface 108 sends instructions (or a command) to the controller 164, which in turn initiates operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. In one embodiment, the controller 164 initiates operation of the servo motor 172 that is operably connected to an actuator 174. The servo motor 172 actuates the actuator 174 into engagement with the power switch 158. The actuator 174 contacts the power switch 158 with sufficient force to initiate operation of the ice skate sharpening device 152 (e.g., the actuator 174 depresses the power switch 158, etc.). In another embodiment, the controller 164 sends a command to initiate operation directly to the ice skate sharpening device 152a through an electronic communication. The ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a then begins to operate to sharpen (or recondition) the ice skate.

Next, or concurrently with step 254, the application proceeds to step 256 and initiates operation of the vacuum system 184. The controller 164 will instruct the vacuum system 184 to begin operation to generate a vacuum to collect any debris generated during the process of sharpening (or reconditioning) the ice skate. The user interface 108 can provide the instruction to the controller 164 to initiate operation of the vacuum system 184.

At step 258, the user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, displays a prompt to the user to “Do Not Remove Ice Skate Until Blue Light Appears” or the like. In the present embodiment, the term blue light relates to the second color of light being emitted by the LED lighting 168. It should be appreciated that the color selected for the light can be any suitable color to provide a visual cue that sharpening (or reconditioning) of the ice skate is complete. The figure refers to [SELECTED] color, as it may be the second color, a blue color, or any other suitable color that is selected and different than the third color being emitted by the LED lighting 168 during ice skate sharpening (or reconditioning).

While the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a is sharpening (or reconditioning) the ice skate, the application proceeds to step 260. At step 260, the application is detecting whether sharpening is complete. In one embodiment, the photoreceptor 178 uses the light detection zone 180 to detect at least one light wavelength that is emitted by the lighting feature 162 of the ice skate sharpening device 152. More specifically, the lighting feature 162 emits a selected wavelength of light when the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle for the ice skate is complete. The photoreceptor 178 will continue to monitor the light emitted by the lighting feature 162 (or will await light to be emitted by the lighting feature 162). Once the photoreceptor 178 detects the wavelength of light emitted by the lighting feature 162 that corresponds to the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle for the ice skate being complete, the photoreceptor 178 will provide notification to the controller 164 (or the controller 164 will detect completion using a signal from the photoreceptor 178. In another embodiment, the controller 164 can use an alternative system to detect completion of the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. For example, the controller 164 can utilize a sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor, a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.) to detect the grinding ring (or a component thereof) as it traverses the ice skate blade. The sensor can acknowledge when a predetermined number of traverses, which corresponds to a complete sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle, is complete. In yet other embodiments, the controller 164 can monitor a motor or other device associated with operating the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a. When the motor (or other device) being monitored shuts down, which is associated with completion of the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle, the controller 164 can acknowledge completion of the cycle. In other embodiments, such as where the controller 164 is in communication with the ice skate sharpening device 152a, and more specifically in operable communication with the ice skate blade reconditioning device 156 to facilitate operation of the device 156, the controller 164 can control and/or electrically detect completion of the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle. It should be appreciate that any suitable sensor, process, or communication can be used to detect completion of the sharpening (or reconditioning) cycle of the ice skate sharpening device 152, 152a.

If at step 260 the application determines that “No,” sharpening has not been determined to be complete, the application returns to step 260 and continues to detect whether sharpening is complete. If at step 260 the application determines that “Yes,” sharpening has been determined to be complete, the application proceeds to step 262.

At step 262, the application has determined that sharpening of the second ice skate is complete (or a second sharpening cycle is complete). The application changes the LED lighting 168 from the third color back to the [SELECTED] color, which in the present embodiment is the second color. The LED lighting 168 changes from emitting the red light to the blue light. This provides a visual cue to the user that the sharpening cycle is complete. The LED lighting 168 changes colors following instructions provided by the controller 164, which received instructions from the user interface 108 operating the application 200. The application also terminates operation of the vacuum system 184. The controller 164 will instruct the vacuum system 184 to end operation of the vacuum. The user interface 108 can provide the instruction to the controller 164 to terminate operation of the vacuum system 184.

Next, at step 264, the user interface 108, and more specifically the screen 116, displays a prompt for the user of “Thank You” and/or “Please Remove Skate” or the like to indicate appreciation for using the system 100 and application 200, and to provide a reminder to remove the second ice skate from the ice skate sharpening assembly 104. This prompt is displayed for a first predetermined time limit (e.g., fifteen seconds, thirty seconds, etc.). Once the time limit elapses, the application proceeds to step 266, where the LED lighting 168 changes back to emit light of the first color (or changes from emitting light of the second color to emitting light of the first color). The LED lighting 168 changes from emitting the blue light to the green light. This provides a visual cue to the user that the sharpening cycle is complete, and the system is prepared to sharpen another pair of ice skates. The application then returns to step 210 to await interaction with the user (or another user).

It should be appreciate that at any point in the application 200, should an error occur, or a user walk away from the system 100, the application can include a timeout feature. More specifically, a timer can be counting down in the background. The timer can be any suitable amount of time, and can be programmed. For example, the timer can be set to five minutes. If the timer elapses before a user engages with the system 100 or application 200 in accordance with the listed steps, the application 200 can terminate and reset to step 210.

Aspects of the semi-autonomous web enabled reconditioning device 152, 152a, system 100, and process 200 described herein are implemented on a software system running on a computer system. To this end, the methods and system can be implemented in, or in association with, a general-purpose software package or a specific purpose software package.

The software system described herein can include a mixture of different source codes. The system or method herein may be operated by computer-executable instructions, such as but not limited to, program modules, executable on a computer. Examples of program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like which perform particular tasks or implement particular instructions. The software system may also be operable for supporting the transfer of information within a network.

While the descriptions can include specific devices or computers, it should be understood the system and/or method can be implemented by any suitable device (or devices) having suitable computational components. This may include programmable special purpose computers or general-purpose computers that execute the system according to the relevant instructions. The computer system or portable electronic device can be an embedded system, a personal computer, notebook computer, server computer, mainframe, networked computer, workstation, handheld computer, as well as now known or future developed mobile devices, such as for example, a personal digital assistant, cell phone, smartphone, tablet computer, mobile scanning device, and the like. Other computer system configurations are also contemplated for use with the communication system including, but not limited to, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable electronics, network personal computers, minicomputers, smart watches, and the like. Preferably, the computing system chosen includes a processor suitable for efficient operation of one or more of the various systems or functions or attributes of the communication system described.

The system or portions thereof can also be linked to a distributed computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communication network(s). To this end, the system may be configured or linked to multiple computers in a network including, but not limited to, a local area network, wide area network, wireless network, and the Internet. Therefore, information, content, and data may be transferred within the network or system by wireless means, by hardwire connection, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, the devices described herein communicate according to now known or future developed pathways including, but not limited to, wired, wireless, and fiber-optic channels.

In one or more examples of embodiments, data may be stored remotely (and retrieved by the application) or may be stored locally on a user's device in a suitable storage medium. Data storage may be in volatile or non-volatile memory. Data may be stored in appropriate computer-readable medium including read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CDRW, magnetic tapes, flash drives, as well as other optical data storage devices. Data may be stored and transmitted by and within the system in any suitable form. Any source code or other language suitable for accomplishing the desired functions described herein may be acceptable for use.

Furthermore, the computer or computers or portable electronic devices may be operatively or functionally connected to one or more mass storage devices, such as but not limited to, a hosted database or cloud-based storage.

The system can also include computer-readable media which may include any computer-readable media or medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code that may be accessed by a computer. The invention can also be embodied as computer-readable code on a computer-readable medium. To this end, the computer-readable medium may be any data storage device that can store data. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed over a network-coupled computer system so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

To best service the patrons of ice rinks and/or arenas, or other facilities, on demand skate sharpening is ideal. The process 200 (or application 200) disclosed herein provides a highly precise method of resurfacing the user's (or patron's) ice skate blade on demand without the need of a skilled-service technician. This is particularly advantageous in locations in demand of these services in which the demand is less than feasible to provide adequate justification of a staffed skilled skate-sharpening technician. Therefore, the semi-autonomous web enabled reconditioning process is highly desirable.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top” and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system, methods, and devices as shown in the various examples of embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventions.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.

The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are exemplary and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

SEMI-AUTONOMOUS WEB ENABLED SKATE RECONDITIONING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND PROCESS

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