Abstract:
A novel electric method and apparatus for resurfacing Lacrosse balls wherein regulation size and shape of the balls is maintained, and abraded surface debris is safely evacuated into removable bags. The ball resurfacer vastly improves on any method known in the art by causing a more uniform and accurate abrasion and makes resurfacing balls safer for the user.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for resurfacing lacrosse balls effecting extended life of the balls, uniform size, and elimination of surface waste. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention most closely corresponds with USPTO Class 15/28 wherein Class 15 relates to brushing, scrubbing and general cleaning, and sub-class 28 includes a method for grinding a roll, roller, shaft including a spliced shaft, ball, sphere, or piston. 
         [0003]    The invention comprises a novel method and apparatus whereby lacrosse balls can be resurfaced using a method of abrading which removes a very small amount of surface material, retains the spherical shape, evacuates abraded waste, and the ball remains in compliance with national lacrosse regulations. 
         [0004]    The inventive apparatus contains an electric motor within a hollow receptacle outfitted with an inverted abrasive disc. When the inventive method is applied, the disc speed is faster at the outer edge than towards the center. Thus, the ball will spin from the center of the disc to the outer edge, while very slowly rotating the same way as the disc. The ball movement in diametric direction and at differing speed provides even abrasion and allows the ball to retain its original shape. 
         [0005]    The inventive method utilizes a random orbit motion which keeps the side spin on the balls slower. Being barred from gaining too much momentum due to the random action of the motor drive unit, the balls will not tend to bounce or hop. Rather a constant grind action results, and thus a more even removal of surface material is achieved. This is important to retain the ball&#39;s shape and regulation size parameters. 
         [0006]    The abrasive disc is inverted to take advantage of gravity and centrifugal force of the balls being abraded. Pursuant to the spinning action, the ball will be driven outward, rotating slowly with the disc yet oppositely spinning as the surface is gently abraded. In this way, a minute amount of surface material is removed, and the ball&#39;s spherical proportions are retained. 
         [0007]    The typical Lacrosse ball utilizing this apparatus and method may be resurfaced approximately thirty (30) times each and still remain in comportment with regulations regarding lacrosse balls in competition. 
         [0008]    The sole prior art lacrosse ball resurfacer uses a large “bucket” and claims to resurface multiple balls in a single cycle. This, however, is not ideal as the balls bounce erratically as they are ejected off the abrading surface, and will not be as resultantly uniform as in the inventive method. Additionally, the inventive sanding disc is removable with a Velcro-like attachment and does not have to be heated or pried off as with the prior art ball resurfacers. 
         [0009]    In the inventive method, abraded material is evacuated into removable and reusable dust receptacles. Prior art does not provide this important feature as the abraded material contains a variety of plastics and chemicals and is harmful when breathed. Regardless of where the inventive method and apparatus is applied, indoors or out, it is safe for the user as no contaminants will be airborne. 
         [0010]    The inventive apparatus is offered in sizes ranging from 4 inches in diameter to 12 inches in diameter for user choice on how many balls to process at a time, and can resurface multiple balls per cycle while retaining the regulation size and shape. Volume of ball load is the main difference in the sizes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention is described in further detail by reference to three drawings sufficient in detail to describe the invention in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1 ; is a side cutout view of the ball resurfacing chamber; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2 ; is a side cutout view illustrating a ball being resurfaced; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 3 ; is a top down view of the ball resurfacing chamber illustrating the inverted abrading disc. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION, INCLUDING BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Regarding  FIG. 1 , with the ball resurfacer lid  10  open, a ball  20  is illustrated as inserted by a user simply dropping the ball into the chamber  30  of the resurfacer. When the ball comes into contact with the inverted abrading disc  40  it will remain in situ until the resurfacer is powered on. The edges of the abrading disc are near in contact to the walls of the resurfacer&#39;s chamber  50  so that the ball cannot slip through. 
         [0016]    Still regarding  FIG. 1 , beneath the inverted abrading disc is an enclosed chamber  60  for airspace wherein abraded debris from the ball will be vacuumed though holes in the abrading disc plate (shown in  FIG. 3 ), and retained in a reusable bag or receptacle  70 . The abrading discs are easily removed and reattached via a hook and loop attachment to the disc plate. This is also novel in that most sanding discs require some effort to revoke from the apparatus used with them. During operation, the lid  10  will of course be closed. This aids in the strength of suction provided by the vacuum unit  80 . Most standard vacuum motors may be utilized, but they must be of the appropriate size and power. 
         [0017]    The resurfacer is powered by a 220 volt motor encased in the base of the resurfacer&#39;s cylinder  90  and operates applying random orbit motion. A power cord  100  is required, but alternate forms of power would be obvious embodiments. The inventive method utilizes a random orbit motion to keeps the side spin on the balls slower. Being barred from gaining too much momentum due to the random action of the motor drive unit, the balls will not tend to bounce or hop. When a ball being abraded bounces within the chamber, an uneven amount of material is abraded and the ball will lose its shape. This is important as the game is regulated in most areas of the world, and the balls are inspected. 
         [0018]    When the inventive method is applied, the disc speed is faster at the outer edge than towards the center. Thus, the ball will spin from the center of the disc to the outer edge, while very slowly rotating the same way as the disc. A constant grind action results, and thus a more even removal of surface material is achieved. This is important to retain the ball&#39;s shape and regulation size parameters. The ball movement in diametric direction and at differing speed provides even abrasion and allows the ball to retain its original shape. 
         [0019]    Regarding  FIG. 2 , the novel and controlled ball movement is illustrated. The ball  110  is shown emulating the directional motion as when the resurfacer is powered on. The abrading disc spins in a random orbit  120  and the ball will travel in tandem with the spin of the disc  130 . Due to the inverted abrading disc, and apply centrifugal force properties, the speed of the disc is faster at the outer edge. This will allow the ball to slowly rotate in the opposite direction of the disc spin, and down toward the center of the abrading disc  140 . The ball will gently travel this path consecutively until the resurfacing is sufficient. 
         [0020]    Regarding  FIG. 3 , a top down view is provided for understanding of the internal detail. The inverted sanding disc  150  is shown and the air apertures  160  whereby the abraded material can be evacuated are shown. The vacuum unit  170  residing below the sanding disc plate will continuously evacuate the abraded material into a reusable bag or receptacle  180 . A user may thin simply empty and reattach the bag or receptacle. This is critical in the process of resurfacing Lacrosse balls as they are manufactured with rubber which will become airborne particles that are unhealthy for a user to breathe if there were no means of abraded debris evacuation. 
         [0021]    The inventive ball resurfacer is a vast improvement over any forms of prior art in the industry and solves a long felt need of not only properly resizing the balls during resurfacing operations, but to eliminate the abraded material in a safe manner.