Integrated Ball Strap Glove Pocket Former
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for conditioning baseball gloves require separate straps and balls, which can be lost or misplaced, making it difficult to form and maintain a baseball pocket effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising one or more balls with looped straps that are coupled to the balls and inserted through a slot in the glove, allowing the straps to be wrapped around the exterior to secure the ball in place, forming a baseball pocket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate straps and balls are used to condition a glove, then the pocket formation can be achieved, but the straps may be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ball and straps into a single integrated device where the straps are permanently attached to the ball. This merging eliminates the risk of losing separate straps while maintaining the pocket formation function. The ball serves as both the shaping element and the anchor point for the straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: the ball provides the spherical shape for pocket formation, while the attached straps provide both the tightening mechanism and the retrieval handle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the conditioning process.
2Shape
If straps are tied tightly around the ball to form a pocket, then the pocket shape is formed, but the leather may not be evenly softened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple straps distributed around the ball rather than a single concentrated strap. This distribution creates multiple localized pressure points that collectively provide even softening across the leather surface. Each strap targets a specific area, ensuring comprehensive and uniform conditioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of multiple straps applies slightly excessive pressure distributed across different areas of the leather. This partial over-action on multiple zones ensures that no area is left unconditioned, and the cumulative effect achieves uniform softening throughout the glove material.
3Shape
If the ball is tightly pressed against the glove interior, then the pocket is formed, but the device cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjustable straps with buckles or sliding mechanisms that allow the user to dynamically change the tightness and positioning. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to adapt to different glove types, sizes, and desired pocket configurations, making the conditioning process versatile and customizable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device securely forms and maintains a baseball pocket by distributing pressure evenly across the glove, preventing the ball from moving and allowing for adjustable strap lengths to customize the pocket's formation, thus enhancing the glove's functionality and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the two or more looped straps are fed through a slot in the glove and wrapped around the exterior of the glove to secure the one or more balls tightly therein
Data Source
AI summary
A device to aid in conditioning a baseball glove, namely in the formation and/or maintenance of a baseball pocket, typically includes one or more balls, two or more looped straps, and a means for coupling the two or more looped straps to the one or more balls. The one or more balls are placed in a baseball glove proximate a desired location for the baseball pocket, and the two or more looped straps are fed through a slot of the glove interposing an interior of the glove and an exterior of the glove and wrapped around the exterior of the glove to force the ball deeper into the desired location for the baseball pocket and secure the glove around the ball.