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JP-2026075082-A - How to repair a competition ball

JP2026075082AJP 2026075082 AJP2026075082 AJP 2026075082AJP-2026075082-A

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a method for repairing a sports ball. [Solution] The present invention relates to a method for repairing a sports ball having a core (1) on which a plurality of panels (2) are bonded to the core (1) so as to form an outer covering, the method comprising the steps of bonding the plurality of panels (2) using a hot melt adhesive material, and replacing at least one panel (2), wherein the replacement step includes: - heating the ball to a temperature sufficient to peel off the panel at least at the location of the panel; - removing the panel from the core (1); and - replacing the removed panel by bonding a new panel (2) using a hot melt adhesive material to obtain a repaired ball. [Selection Diagram] Figure 4

Inventors

  • イ テリー
  • ニ モントン
  • テクシエ カロリーヌ
  • ボーフレール フィオナ
  • ル カンフ ユイザン

Assignees

  • デカスロン

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20251021
Priority Date
20241021

Claims (12)

  1. A method for repairing a sports ball, which includes a core (1) and has a plurality of panels (2) bonded onto the core (1) so as to form an outer covering, A step of bonding a plurality of the panels (2) using a hot melt adhesive material (7), A step of replacing at least one panel (2), Includes, The aforementioned step of replacement is, - A step of heating the ball to a temperature sufficient to peel off the panel, at least at the location of the panel; - Step of removing the panel from the core (1); A method comprising the step of obtaining a repaired ball by replacing the removed panel by bonding a new panel (2) using a hot melt adhesive material (7).
  2. The repair method according to claim 1, characterized in that the hot-melt adhesive material (7) is polyurethane-based.
  3. The repair method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heating temperature is 90°C to 120°C.
  4. The repair method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the heating step is maintained for 5 to 15 minutes before removing the panel (2).
  5. The repair method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the adhesive material (7) is heat-applied to the back surface of the panel (2) before the panel (2) is attached to the core (1) for bonding.
  6. The repair method according to claim 5, characterized in that the coating temperature is the same as the heating temperature.
  7. A repair method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by including the step of applying a primer undercoat to at least one region (4a) of the core (1) before bonding the panel (2) to said region (4a).
  8. The repair method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the panel (2) is pressed onto the core (1) for adhesion.
  9. The repair method according to claim 8, characterized in that the crimping is performed within a mold.
  10. The repair method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the crimping is performed at a temperature lower than the heating temperature.
  11. The repair method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the core (1) includes an inflatable bladder (3) surrounded by a carcass (4).
  12. The repair method according to claim 11, characterized in that a winding layer (5) is interposed between the bladder (3) and the carcass (4).

Description

Detailed description of the invention This invention relates to a method for repairing a sports ball. This invention is particularly applicable to the repair of balls used in sports activities, especially in team sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, or handball, or more generally, to the repair of balls suitable for use in other sports and/or leisure activities. Such a ball generally includes a core, which is specifically formed by an inflatable bladder surrounded by a carcass. Multiple panels are bonded onto the core so that an outer shell is formed. Such panels generally have an inner surface bonded to the outer surface of the carcass and an outer surface that forms part of the ball's rebound surface. The outer surface may have embossed patterns, particularly to increase the coefficient of friction of the rebound surface, and/or printed patterns, especially for aesthetic and/or commercial purposes. Due to their arrangement, the panels are susceptible to damage and/or wear over time. As a result, the ball's lifespan is limited, even if the core and/or certain other panels remain usable. Furthermore, the desire to personalize the ball, particularly by altering the appearance and/or material of at least some of the panels, can lead to the discarding of balls that are still in good condition. This results in a considerable amount of waste. This is all the more problematic considering that recycling sports balls remains complex, especially given the variety of components that require processing. This invention aims to improve the prior art, particularly by proposing a process that allows for easy repair of a ball by replacing at least one panel, thereby increasing the lifespan of the ball while the other components of the ball remain in good condition. For this purpose, the present invention relates to a method for repairing a sports ball, which includes a core, wherein a plurality of panels are bonded onto the core so as to form an outer covering. A step of bonding multiple panels using a hot melt adhesive material, The process involves replacing at least one panel, Includes, The aforementioned step of replacement is, - A step of heating the ball to a temperature sufficient to peel off the panel at least at the location (layer) of the panel; - A step of removing the panel from the core; We propose a method that includes the step of replacing the removed panel by bonding a new panel using a hot melt adhesive material to obtain a repaired ball. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. - Figure 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of a competition ball according to the present invention; - Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing how the panel is bonded to the core; - Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the assembled state of the competition ball obtained after gluing the panels shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the process of removing the panel to be replaced. In relation to these diagrams, the following describes how to repair a competition ball. The illustrated sports ball is intended for use in team sports, particularly basketball. However, this method can also be applied to sports balls intended for use in other team sports, such as football, volleyball, or handball, or more generally, to balls for other sports and/or leisure activities. The competition ball includes a core 1, and multiple panels 2 are bonded to the core 1 to form an outer shell. With respect to Figure 1, the core 1 includes an inflatable bladder 3 surrounded by a carcass 4. The inflatable bladder 3 is made of natural rubber (e.g., latex) or synthetic rubber. The carcass 4 is made of nylon, and is sometimes reinforced. Panels 2 are bonded to the carcass. In particular, a winding layer 5 is positioned between the bladder 3 and the carcass 4. The winding layer 5 is made of natural and/or synthetic fibers. Panel 2 may be made of natural, hybrid, or synthetic leather, rubber, or plastic. Each panel 2 has an inner surface 2a and an outer surface 2b. The inner surface 2a is attached to the outer surface of the carcass 4 by bonding. The outer surface 2b forms part of the ball's rebound surface. The outer surface 2b of each panel 2 may include patterns, particularly embossed patterns to increase the coefficient of friction of the rebound surface, and/or printed patterns for aesthetic and/or commercial purposes. In particular, to allow for the replacement of panels 2 not only when wear and/or deterioration 6 occurs, but also when it is desired to customize at least some of the panels 2 of the ball later, the method includes a step of bonding the panels 2 to the carcass 4 using a hot-melt adhesive material 7. This allows, if it becomes necessary to replace at least one of the panels, to be removed by heating