Method for reconditioning a game ball

Abstract

Method for Reconditioning a Game Ball The invention relates to a method for reconditioning a game ball comprising a core (1) onto which a plurality of panels (2) are glued to form an outer casing, said method providing for gluing the panels (2) with a hot-melt adhesive material and, if it becomes necessary to replace at least one panel (2), for being able to iteratively: heat the ball at least at the level of said panel to a temperature sufficient to detach said panel; remove said panel from the core (1); replace said removed panel by gluing a new panel (2) with a hot-melt adhesive material in order to obtain a reconditioned ball. Figure 4

Claims

Demands

1. A method for reconditioning a game ball comprising a core (1) onto which a plurality of panels (2) are glued to form an outer casing, said method providing for gluing the panels (2) with a hot-melt adhesive material (7) and, if it becomes necessary to replace at least one panel (2), being able to iteratively: - heat the ball at least at the level of said panel to a temperature sufficient to detach said panel; - remove said panel from the core (1); - replace said removed panel by gluing a new panel (2) with a hot-melt adhesive material (7) in order to obtain a reconditioned ball.

2. Reconditioning method according to claim 1, characterized in that the hot melt adhesive material (7) is polyurethane-based.

3. Reconditioning method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the heating temperature is between 90°C and 120°C.

4. Reconditioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the heating is maintained for a time between 5 and 15 minutes before removing the panel (2).

5. Reconditioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the adhesive material (7) is hot-coated to the reverse side of the panel (2) before the application of said panel to the core (1) for the purpose of bonding.

6. Reconditioning method according to claim 5, characterized in that the coating temperature is analogous to the heating temperature.

7. Reconditioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it provides for the application of a primer undercoat on at least one area (4a) of the core (1) before the bonding of a panel (2) to said area.

8. Reconditioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the panel (2) is pressed onto the core (1) for its bonding.

9. Reconditioning method according to claim 8, characterized in that the pressing is carried out in a mold.

10. Reconditioning method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the pressing is carried out at a temperature which is lower than the heating temperature.

11. Reconditioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the core (1) comprises an inflatable bladder (3) which is surrounded by a carcass (4).

12. Reconditioning method according to claim 11, characterized in that a winding (5) is interposed between the bladder (3) and the carcass (4).

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