US20100203977A1 - Scented bowling balls - Google Patents
Scented bowling balls Download PDFInfo
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- US20100203977A1 US20100203977A1 US12/763,843 US76384310A US2010203977A1 US 20100203977 A1 US20100203977 A1 US 20100203977A1 US 76384310 A US76384310 A US 76384310A US 2010203977 A1 US2010203977 A1 US 2010203977A1
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- fragrance
- bowling ball
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- bowling
- mixture
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
- B29D99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- B29D99/0042—Producing plain balls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0001—Balls with finger holes, e.g. for bowling
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C39/00—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor
- B29C39/003—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor characterised by the choice of material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/12—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player specially adapted for children
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/0005—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped containing compounding ingredients
- B29K2105/0029—Perfuming, odour masking or flavouring agents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/54—Balls
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to bowling balls and to methods for manufacturing bowling balls.
- the present invention relates to scented or fragrant bowling balls, as well as to methods for fabricating such bowling balls.
- the present invention also relates to other articles of manufacture that include substantially rigid, nonporous, scented rubber or rubber-like material.
- bowling balls have been formed from machinable, thermosetting plastic materials.
- a typical bowling ball that meets the criteria that have been set by the American Bowling Congress (ABC) has an outside diameter of between 8.500 and 8.595 inches, providing such a bowling ball with a circumference of about 27 inches.
- ABC standards require that a bowling ball be within 0.010 of an inch of a spherical shape.
- the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC) has also set size limitations for balls used by members competing in its events.
- a bowling ball may include a core or one or more other weighted members that are formed from a material or materials that differ from the material of the outer shell thereof.
- the materials from which a core or any other weighted members are formed have greater densities than the outer shell of such a bowling ball.
- Polyurethanes are an example of a material from which bowling balls, or the outer shells thereof, may be formed.
- Polyurethanes are polymers that are typically produced by reacting a polyisocyanate, sometimes referred to as an “A-side,” with a material that includes alcohol groups, which is known in the art as a hydroxyl-containing material and is sometimes referred to as a “B-side” of the polyurethane.
- A-side polyisocyanate
- B-side materials that may be used to produce polyurethane include the polyols that are derived from propylene oxide and from trichlorobutylene oxide.
- R and R′ are each hydrocarbons.
- bowling balls are subjected to the often objectionable smells of a bowling alley, including cigarette smoke, sweat, and shoe odors.
- bowling balls are often placed into a bag that includes other items, such as gloves, supports, or braces that are used in bowling, as well as bowling shoes.
- other items such as gloves, supports, or braces that are used in bowling, as well as bowling shoes.
- bowling balls are often exposed to somewhat objectionable odors.
- bowling bags are sometimes stored in the trunks of cars, which may carry other undesirable smells.
- a bowler In use, a bowler typically positions a bowling ball in close proximity to his or her nose, where the often objectionable smells carried by the bowling ball become readily apparent to the bowler.
- the present invention includes scented bowling balls and methods for manufacturing scented bowling balls.
- Other scented articles of manufacture that are formed from substantially nonporous rubber or rubber-like materials are also within the scope of the present invention, as are methods for fabricating these articles of manufacture.
- a bowling ball is formed from a substantially nonporous, substantially rigid rubber or rubber-like material, such as polyurethane, that has fragrance dispersed at least partially therethrough.
- Other articles of manufacture that are within the scope of the present invention include one or more components that are similarly formed from a substantially nonporous rubber or rubber-like material with fragrance dispersed at least partially therethrough.
- fragrance is added to a liquid precursor material and mixed therewith, preferably to homogeneity. Accordingly, it is preferred that the fragrance be compatible with the liquid precursor material.
- the liquid precursor material is hydrophobic (i.e., “water-hating” or oil-based)
- the use of a hydrophobic fragrance is preferable.
- the liquid precursor material is hydrophilic (i.e., “water-loving” or water- or alcohol-based)
- a hydrophilic fragrance may be used.
- a hydrophilic or water-based fragrance may be mixed with a fraction of the polyol portion of the polyurethane. The amount of fragrance in the liquid precursor may then be diluted by adding more of the liquid precursor to the mixture.
- the liquid precursor material may be cured.
- the polyol liquid precursor material may be cured by adding isocyanate, a catalyst.
- the isocyanate and polyol are quickly blended with one another to form a homogeneous mixture, then introduced, or cast, into a mold.
- the material is then cured or permitted to cure for a length of time and by one or more processes that depend, at least in part, upon the type of material that is being used to form the article of manufacture.
- finishing processes may be conducted to further define the article of manufacture from the scented, substantially nonporous, hard rubber or rubber-like material.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a process by which a fragrance may be mixed with a liquid precursor material to form a hard rubber or rubber-like material, which will be used to form an article of manufacture;
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the addition of more liquid precursor material to the mixture shown in FIG. 1 to decrease the concentration of, or dilute, the fragrance;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the application of a vacuum to the mixture of either FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 to substantially remove gas and gas bubbles therefrom;
- FIG. 4 schematically represents introduction of the mixture of FIG. 3 and a catalyst that facilitates curing of at least the liquid precursor material through a static mix element and into a mold;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the removal of an article of manufacture, in this case a bowling ball, from the mold of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a finished bowling ball.
- FIGS. 1-6 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a scented bowling ball is formed from polyurethane, is depicted in FIGS. 1-6 .
- a mixture 16 including a quantity of a liquid polyol 10 , which is a precursor material that is also referred to herein as a “B-side” of the polyurethane, and a quantity of a fragrance 12 , is formed.
- Mixture 16 may also include a quantity of pigment 14 .
- Liquid polyol 10 may be any known type of liquid polyol (e.g., a polyester polyol, a polyether polyol, etc.) that is useful in forming polyurethane.
- polyol 10 is suitable for use in forming substantially rigid, nonporous polyurethane, such as is used in forming bowling balls and other solid articles of manufacture.
- the liquid polyol available from HK Research, Inc. of Hickory, N.C., as product no. VCB 1275 may be used in a method incorporating teachings of the present invention to form polyurethane having the desired characteristics.
- fragrance 12 When polyurethane is being used to manufacture an article such as a bowling ball, fragrance 12 may be either water-based or oil-based. Due to the high hydrocarbon and hydroxyl contents of polyols, both water-based and oil-based fragrances 12 may at least partially dissolve in liquid polyol 10 . It is preferred that fragrance 12 comprises a material such as an ester, a terpene, an aldehyde, a ketone, or any combination thereof. Any portion of fragrance 12 that does not dissolve in liquid polyol 10 may be dispersed therethrough and maintained in suspension by blending liquid polyol 10 and fragrance 12 just prior to or as the A-side isocyanate 22 ( FIG. 4 ) is blended with mixture 16 . HK Research manufactures an exemplary isocyanate under the designation VCA 1100.
- fragrance 12 be compatible with pigment 14 , as well as any other materials that are added to mixture 16 , including any catalyst or A-side, such as isocyanate 22 ( FIG. 4 ). It is also preferred that fragrance 12 does not chemically react with liquid polyol 10 , pigment 14 , isocyanate 22 , or any other materials that are included in a final polymer blend 30 ( FIG. 4 ) in a manner that will inhibit a polymerization reaction between liquid polyol 10 and isocyanate 22 or otherwise undesirably alter the characteristics of a finished article of manufacture 40 ( FIG. 6 ) or in a manner that will substantially mask the aroma given off by fragrance 12 . Further, it is preferred that fragrance 12 be stable at temperatures to which both mixture 16 and final polymer blend 30 will be subjected.
- the amount of fragrance 12 that is added to liquid polyol 10 may depend upon the strength of scent that is desired for finished article of manufacture 40 ( FIG. 6 ), the desired duration for which finished article of manufacture 40 retains the aroma of fragrance 12 , any masking of the aroma of fragrance 12 by the scent of or reaction of fragrance 12 with one or more of the other materials of mixture 16 or final polymer blend 30 ( FIG. 4 ), other factors, or combinations thereof.
- the strength of the aroma given off by fragrance 12 may be determined, at least in part, by one or more of the type of fragrance 12 that is used, the aroma of fragrance 12 , the type of material or materials in which fragrance 12 is dissolved or dispersed, and the aroma of the material or materials in which fragrance 12 is dissolved or dispersed.
- fragrance 12 may be much more concentrated in mixture 16 than in the final polymer blend 30 . Accordingly, the amount of fragrance 12 that is included in mixture 16 is determined on the basis of the desired fragrance 12 concentration in final polymer blend 30 rather than the concentration of fragrance 12 in mixture 16 .
- fragrance 12 may comprise up to about five percent, by weight, of the combination of liquid polyol 10 and fragrance 12 in final polymer blend 30 .
- the concentration of fragrance 12 in a liquid polyol 10 and fragrance 12 mixture is about seventeen pounds of fragrance 12 for every 900 pounds of liquid polyol 10 , which amounts to a concentration of about 2%, by weight, of the combination of liquid polyol 10 and fragrance 12 .
- Fragrance 12 may have any type of aroma, including, without limitation, the scents of fruits, mint, herbs, and the like.
- the scent of fragrance 12 may or may not correspond to the color of the finished bowling ball or other article of manufacture.
- fragrance 12 could be selected to impart a purple article of manufacture 40 ( FIG. 6 ) with a grape or violet (flower) scent; a green article of manufacture 40 with a sour apple or wintergreen scent; a red article of manufacture 40 with a cherry, watermelon, raspberry, rose, or cinnamon scent; a yellow article of manufacture 40 with a lemony smell; a blue article of manufacture 40 with a blueberry or peppermint scent; an orange article of manufacture 40 with the fragrance of an orange, etc.
- Fragrances 12 that are typically associated with aromatherapy and deodorizing and other scents may also be used, as may combinations of fragrances 12 having different scents.
- a selected pigment 14 imparts a polyurethane article of manufacture 40 ( FIG. 6 ), such as a bowling ball, with its color.
- pigment 14 may be either water-based or oil-based and preferably dissolves substantially within the B-side liquid polyol 10 .
- the amount of pigment 14 that is blended with liquid polyol 10 depends upon the desired intensity of the finished product. Of course, since additional liquid polyol 10 may subsequently be added to mixture 16 and isocyanate 22 ( FIG. 4 ) will be added to mixture 16 , the concentration of pigment 14 in mixture 16 is relatively high compared to the concentration of pigment 14 in final polymer blend 30 ( FIG. 4 ).
- an initial quantity of liquid polyol 10 may be added to a dispersing tank 17 .
- Fragrance 12 and pigment 14 may then be blended into liquid polyol 10 of mixture 16 by known processes.
- dispersing tank 17 may have a mixing blade 18 of a known type therein, as well as a motor 19 associated with mixing blade 18 , as known in the art, to rotatably drive mixing blade 18 .
- the force with which liquid polyol 10 , fragrance 12 , and pigment 14 are blended is adequate to form a substantially homogeneous mixture 16 without introducing an undesirable amount of gas into mixture 16 and without forming an undesirable number of gas bubbles within mixture 16 .
- mixture 16 may be added (e.g., by way of dispersing tank 17 ) to an additional quantity of liquid polyol 10 to form a secondary mixture 16 ′ in which the concentration or concentrations of fragrance 12 and pigment 14 , if any, are diluted.
- mixture 16 and liquid polyol 10 may be blended with one another to form a substantially homogeneous secondary mixture 16 ′.
- FIG. 3 depicts the removal of any gas or gas bubbles 20 from mixture 16 or secondary mixture 16 ′.
- FIG. 3 shows the application of a vacuum 21 to mixture 16 , 16 ′ to remove gas or gas bubbles 20 therefrom, any known techniques that are suitable for causing gas and gas bubbles to escape a liquid, such as mixture 16 , 16 ′, without facilitating undesirable effects (e.g., degradation of one or more of the components of mixture 16 , 16 ′, an undesired reaction between components of mixture 16 , 16 ′ that would not otherwise occur, an undesirable alteration of one or more of the components of mixture 16 , 16 ′, etc.) may be employed.
- undesirable effects e.g., degradation of one or more of the components of mixture 16 , 16 ′, an undesired reaction between components of mixture 16 , 16 ′ that would not otherwise occur, an undesirable alteration of one or more of the components of mixture 16 , 16 ′, etc.
- mixture 16 , 16 ′ is blended with an appropriate A-side of the polyurethane, or polymerization catalyst, in this case an isocyanate 22 , to form a final polymer blend 30 .
- the amount of isocyanate 22 that is blended with mixture 16 , 16 ′ depends upon the desired hardness of the finished article of manufacture 40 ( FIG. 6 ).
- Preferably, about 50 to about 100 parts, by volume, of isocyanate 22 are blended with 100 parts, by volume, of liquid polyol 10 to form final polymer blend 30 .
- final polymer blend 30 may have a concentration, by volume, of about 50 to about 70 percent liquid polyol 10 and of about 30 to about 50 percent isocyanate 22 .
- these materials may be introduced substantially concurrently through a static mix element 24 of a known type and blended with one another thereby. Nonetheless, any known processes and equipment that are suitable for mixing the A- and B-sides of polyurethane may be used in the present embodiment of the inventive method.
- the force with which mixture 16 , 16 ′ and isocyanate 22 are blended is preferably sufficient to quickly (i.e., before a substantial amount of polymerization occurs) form a substantially homogeneous mixture without substantially introducing gas or gas bubbles into final polymer blend 30 .
- final polymer blend 30 is introduced, or poured or cast, into one or more cavities 36 of one or more molds 32 through channels 34 that are formed between the top of each mold 32 and each cavity 36 thereof.
- Cavities 36 are shaped and dimensioned so as to form an article of manufacture 40 ( FIG. 6 ) having the desired shape and dimensions.
- cavities 36 of molds 32 are spherical in shape and have dimensions that are useful for forming bowling balls from final polymer blend 30 upon polymerization or curing of the same.
- Each mold 32 preferably includes at least two separable portions 32 a and 32 b to facilitate the removal of an article of manufacture 40 ( FIG. 6 ) from each cavity 36 .
- isocyanate 22 and liquid polyol 10 are permitted to polymerize, or cure, solidify, or gel, forming an article of manufacture 40 within each cavity 36 of mold 32 .
- final polymer blend 30 may be permitted to gel for about two minutes or longer before article of manufacture 40 is removed therefrom, as depicted in FIG. 5 .
- the polymerization reaction between isocyanate 22 and liquid polyol 10 of final polymer blend 30 is exothermic, or heat generating. This exothermic reaction may cause final polymer blend 30 and mold 32 to be heated to temperatures as high as about 300° F. or greater.
- article of manufacture 40 is permitted to cure for an additional period of time (e.g., a few hours or overnight). As article of manufacture 40 cures, it may also shrink somewhat, preferably to substantially a desired size for the finished article of manufacture 40 ( FIG. 6 ). Upon curing to a sufficient degree, finishing processes may be conducted on article of manufacture 40 , as known in the art. When article of manufacture 40 is a bowling ball, finishing processes including lathing to remove any irregularities from the surface thereof, engraving, and polishing may be conducted thereon.
- a finished article of manufacture 40 incorporating teachings of the present invention is preferably a substantially nonporous structure.
- Article of manufacture 40 may also be substantially rigid.
- the size and weight of the bowling ball are preferably within the specifications that have been set by the United States Bowling Congress, although bowling balls of other dimensions and weights, including child-sized bowling balls and solid and hollow toy bowling balls, are also within the scope of the present invention.
- fragrance 12 ( FIG. 1 ) is dissolved within, dispersed substantially throughout, or otherwise embedded in the material of article of manufacture 40 , the aroma of fragrance 12 may be continuously and gradually released from article of manufacture 40 over periods of time reaching about a year or more. Consequently, fragrance 12 may mask odors that may be absorbed into the material of article of manufacture 40 , as well as those of the material or materials of article of manufacture 40 . Fragrance 12 may also cause the material of article of manufacture 40 to resist absorption of such odors.
- FIG. 6 depicts the finished article of manufacture 40 as being a bowling ball
- the present invention includes other scented articles of manufacture.
- the method of the present invention has been described in terms of forming a polyurethane article of manufacture 40
- scented, substantially nonporous articles of manufacture 40 incorporating teachings of the present invention may also be formed from different types of materials, as well as by alternative methods.
- article of manufacture 40 is a bowling ball, it may have a hardness, or durometer, of about 72 Shore D to about 77 Shore D. Of course, other types of articles of manufacture may have different hardnesses.
- an article of manufacture 40 of the present invention such as a bowling ball, may be formed from a thermosetting resin, in which case a suitable fragrance is dissolved in or dispersed throughout a quantity of liquid thermosetting resin, the thermosetting resin introduced into a cavity of an appropriate mold, and heat and/or pressure applied to the thermosetting resin within the mold cavity to cure the same.
- a suitable fragrance may be mixed with a quantity of a suitable thermoplastic resin (which is typically commercially available in a pellet form) either before or after heat and/or pressure are applied to the thermosetting resin to liquify the same.
- a mixture including at least the liquified thermosetting resin and fragrance is then introduced into a cavity of an appropriate mold and permitted to solidify.
- the bowling ball may or may not include internal or external weighted members that influence the manner in which the bowling ball rolls down a lane.
Abstract
A bowling ball including a spherical mass and at least one fragrance in at least a portion of the spherical mass. The at least one fragrance may be dispersed throughout or embedded in the spherical mass. A pigment may also be included in the spherical mass to impart the bowling ball with a color. The color of the pigment may correspond to a scent of the fragrance. A bowling ball including a mass comprising a polymer and at least one fragrance included in at least a portion of the mass is also disclosed.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/832,141, filed Apr. 9, 2001, pending, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/135,285, filed Jun. 9, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,713, issued Apr. 20, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
- The present invention relates generally to bowling balls and to methods for manufacturing bowling balls. In particular, the present invention relates to scented or fragrant bowling balls, as well as to methods for fabricating such bowling balls. The present invention also relates to other articles of manufacture that include substantially rigid, nonporous, scented rubber or rubber-like material.
- Conventionally, bowling balls have been formed from machinable, thermosetting plastic materials. A typical bowling ball that meets the criteria that have been set by the American Bowling Congress (ABC) has an outside diameter of between 8.500 and 8.595 inches, providing such a bowling ball with a circumference of about 27 inches. In addition, ABC standards require that a bowling ball be within 0.010 of an inch of a spherical shape. The Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC) has also set size limitations for balls used by members competing in its events.
- The materials from which bowling balls may be formed may be substantially homogeneous, forming a solid, substantially unitary structure. Alternatively, a bowling ball may include a core or one or more other weighted members that are formed from a material or materials that differ from the material of the outer shell thereof. Typically, the materials from which a core or any other weighted members are formed have greater densities than the outer shell of such a bowling ball.
- Polyurethanes are an example of a material from which bowling balls, or the outer shells thereof, may be formed. Polyurethanes are polymers that are typically produced by reacting a polyisocyanate, sometimes referred to as an “A-side,” with a material that includes alcohol groups, which is known in the art as a hydroxyl-containing material and is sometimes referred to as a “B-side” of the polyurethane. Examples of B-side materials that may be used to produce polyurethane include the polyols that are derived from propylene oxide and from trichlorobutylene oxide. In a so-called “polycondensation reaction,” where a polymer and water, alcohol, or another simple molecule are the products, the A- and B-side molecules combine to form the polyurethane. The following chemical equation illustrates the basic reaction between the A-side (R′NCO) and the B-side (R2OH) to form polyurethane:
-
R′NCO+R2OH6R′NHCOOR2, - where R and R′ are each hydrocarbons.
- In use, bowling balls are subjected to the often objectionable smells of a bowling alley, including cigarette smoke, sweat, and shoe odors. After use, bowling balls are often placed into a bag that includes other items, such as gloves, supports, or braces that are used in bowling, as well as bowling shoes. Thus, even when stored, bowling balls are often exposed to somewhat objectionable odors. Further, bowling bags are sometimes stored in the trunks of cars, which may carry other undesirable smells.
- Unfortunately, polyurethane, from which bowling balls are typically manufactured, as well as other materials that may be used in the manufacture of bowling balls, often possess some capacity to absorb the odors to which they are exposed. Moreover, some bowlers find the smells of the materials from which bowling balls are made objectionable. In some instances, the scents of such materials may even cause physical reactions, such as nausea or headaches.
- In use, a bowler typically positions a bowling ball in close proximity to his or her nose, where the often objectionable smells carried by the bowling ball become readily apparent to the bowler.
- Accordingly, there is a need for bowling balls and other articles of manufacture with pleasant scents, as well as for methods for manufacturing such articles.
- The present invention includes scented bowling balls and methods for manufacturing scented bowling balls. Other scented articles of manufacture that are formed from substantially nonporous rubber or rubber-like materials are also within the scope of the present invention, as are methods for fabricating these articles of manufacture.
- The size and weight of a scented bowling ball incorporating teachings of the present invention are preferably within the specifications that have been set by the United States Bowling Congress, although bowling balls of other dimensions and weights, including child-sized bowling balls, and toy bowling balls are also within the scope of the present invention. A bowling ball, according to the present invention, is formed from a substantially nonporous, substantially rigid rubber or rubber-like material, such as polyurethane, that has fragrance dispersed at least partially therethrough. Other articles of manufacture that are within the scope of the present invention include one or more components that are similarly formed from a substantially nonporous rubber or rubber-like material with fragrance dispersed at least partially therethrough.
- In the method of the present invention, fragrance is added to a liquid precursor material and mixed therewith, preferably to homogeneity. Accordingly, it is preferred that the fragrance be compatible with the liquid precursor material. For example, if the liquid precursor material is hydrophobic (i.e., “water-hating” or oil-based), the use of a hydrophobic fragrance is preferable. Alternatively, if the liquid precursor material is hydrophilic (i.e., “water-loving” or water- or alcohol-based), a hydrophilic fragrance may be used. In the example of forming a polyurethane structure, a hydrophilic or water-based fragrance may be mixed with a fraction of the polyol portion of the polyurethane. The amount of fragrance in the liquid precursor may then be diluted by adding more of the liquid precursor to the mixture.
- Once the liquid precursor includes an amount, or concentration, of fragrance that will provide a final product with the desired scent, the liquid precursor material may be cured. In the case of the formation of a polyurethane structure, the polyol liquid precursor material may be cured by adding isocyanate, a catalyst. Preferably, the isocyanate and polyol are quickly blended with one another to form a homogeneous mixture, then introduced, or cast, into a mold. The material is then cured or permitted to cure for a length of time and by one or more processes that depend, at least in part, upon the type of material that is being used to form the article of manufacture.
- Upon adequate curing of the nonporous, hard rubber or rubber-like material, so-called “finishing” processes may be conducted to further define the article of manufacture from the scented, substantially nonporous, hard rubber or rubber-like material.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
- In the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a process by which a fragrance may be mixed with a liquid precursor material to form a hard rubber or rubber-like material, which will be used to form an article of manufacture; -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the addition of more liquid precursor material to the mixture shown inFIG. 1 to decrease the concentration of, or dilute, the fragrance; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the application of a vacuum to the mixture of eitherFIG. 1 orFIG. 2 to substantially remove gas and gas bubbles therefrom; -
FIG. 4 schematically represents introduction of the mixture ofFIG. 3 and a catalyst that facilitates curing of at least the liquid precursor material through a static mix element and into a mold; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the removal of an article of manufacture, in this case a bowling ball, from the mold ofFIG. 4 ; and -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a finished bowling ball. - An exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a scented bowling ball is formed from polyurethane, is depicted in
FIGS. 1-6 . - In
FIG. 1 , amixture 16, including a quantity of aliquid polyol 10, which is a precursor material that is also referred to herein as a “B-side” of the polyurethane, and a quantity of afragrance 12, is formed.Mixture 16 may also include a quantity ofpigment 14. -
Liquid polyol 10 may be any known type of liquid polyol (e.g., a polyester polyol, a polyether polyol, etc.) that is useful in forming polyurethane. Preferably,polyol 10 is suitable for use in forming substantially rigid, nonporous polyurethane, such as is used in forming bowling balls and other solid articles of manufacture. For example, the liquid polyol available from HK Research, Inc. of Hickory, N.C., as product no. VCB 1275 may be used in a method incorporating teachings of the present invention to form polyurethane having the desired characteristics. - When polyurethane is being used to manufacture an article such as a bowling ball,
fragrance 12 may be either water-based or oil-based. Due to the high hydrocarbon and hydroxyl contents of polyols, both water-based and oil-basedfragrances 12 may at least partially dissolve inliquid polyol 10. It is preferred thatfragrance 12 comprises a material such as an ester, a terpene, an aldehyde, a ketone, or any combination thereof. Any portion offragrance 12 that does not dissolve inliquid polyol 10 may be dispersed therethrough and maintained in suspension by blendingliquid polyol 10 andfragrance 12 just prior to or as the A-side isocyanate 22 (FIG. 4 ) is blended withmixture 16. HK Research manufactures an exemplary isocyanate under the designation VCA 1100. - In addition, if
mixture 16 includes apigment 14, it is preferred thatfragrance 12 be compatible withpigment 14, as well as any other materials that are added tomixture 16, including any catalyst or A-side, such as isocyanate 22 (FIG. 4 ). It is also preferred thatfragrance 12 does not chemically react withliquid polyol 10,pigment 14,isocyanate 22, or any other materials that are included in a final polymer blend 30 (FIG. 4 ) in a manner that will inhibit a polymerization reaction betweenliquid polyol 10 andisocyanate 22 or otherwise undesirably alter the characteristics of a finished article of manufacture 40 (FIG. 6 ) or in a manner that will substantially mask the aroma given off byfragrance 12. Further, it is preferred thatfragrance 12 be stable at temperatures to which bothmixture 16 andfinal polymer blend 30 will be subjected. - The amount of
fragrance 12 that is added toliquid polyol 10 may depend upon the strength of scent that is desired for finished article of manufacture 40 (FIG. 6 ), the desired duration for which finished article ofmanufacture 40 retains the aroma offragrance 12, any masking of the aroma offragrance 12 by the scent of or reaction offragrance 12 with one or more of the other materials ofmixture 16 or final polymer blend 30 (FIG. 4 ), other factors, or combinations thereof. The strength of the aroma given off byfragrance 12 may be determined, at least in part, by one or more of the type offragrance 12 that is used, the aroma offragrance 12, the type of material or materials in whichfragrance 12 is dissolved or dispersed, and the aroma of the material or materials in whichfragrance 12 is dissolved or dispersed. Of course, since more materials will be added tomixture 16, thefragrance 12 may be much more concentrated inmixture 16 than in thefinal polymer blend 30. Accordingly, the amount offragrance 12 that is included inmixture 16 is determined on the basis of the desiredfragrance 12 concentration infinal polymer blend 30 rather than the concentration offragrance 12 inmixture 16. By way of example only,fragrance 12 may comprise up to about five percent, by weight, of the combination ofliquid polyol 10 andfragrance 12 infinal polymer blend 30. In one embodiment, the concentration offragrance 12 in aliquid polyol 10 andfragrance 12 mixture is about seventeen pounds offragrance 12 for every 900 pounds ofliquid polyol 10, which amounts to a concentration of about 2%, by weight, of the combination ofliquid polyol 10 andfragrance 12. -
Fragrance 12 may have any type of aroma, including, without limitation, the scents of fruits, mint, herbs, and the like. The scent offragrance 12 may or may not correspond to the color of the finished bowling ball or other article of manufacture. By way of example only,fragrance 12 could be selected to impart a purple article of manufacture 40 (FIG. 6 ) with a grape or violet (flower) scent; a green article ofmanufacture 40 with a sour apple or wintergreen scent; a red article ofmanufacture 40 with a cherry, watermelon, raspberry, rose, or cinnamon scent; a yellow article ofmanufacture 40 with a lemony smell; a blue article ofmanufacture 40 with a blueberry or peppermint scent; an orange article ofmanufacture 40 with the fragrance of an orange, etc.Fragrances 12 that are typically associated with aromatherapy and deodorizing and other scents may also be used, as may combinations offragrances 12 having different scents. - If included in
mixture 16, a selectedpigment 14 imparts a polyurethane article of manufacture 40 (FIG. 6 ), such as a bowling ball, with its color. As withfragrance 12,pigment 14 may be either water-based or oil-based and preferably dissolves substantially within the B-side liquid polyol 10. The amount ofpigment 14 that is blended withliquid polyol 10 depends upon the desired intensity of the finished product. Of course, since additionalliquid polyol 10 may subsequently be added tomixture 16 and isocyanate 22 (FIG. 4 ) will be added tomixture 16, the concentration ofpigment 14 inmixture 16 is relatively high compared to the concentration ofpigment 14 in final polymer blend 30 (FIG. 4 ). - In an exemplary process for forming
mixture 16, an initial quantity ofliquid polyol 10, along with desired quantities offragrance 12 andpigment 14, may be added to a dispersingtank 17.Fragrance 12 andpigment 14 may then be blended intoliquid polyol 10 ofmixture 16 by known processes. For example, dispersingtank 17 may have amixing blade 18 of a known type therein, as well as amotor 19 associated with mixingblade 18, as known in the art, to rotatably drive mixingblade 18. Preferably, the force with whichliquid polyol 10,fragrance 12, andpigment 14 are blended is adequate to form a substantiallyhomogeneous mixture 16 without introducing an undesirable amount of gas intomixture 16 and without forming an undesirable number of gas bubbles withinmixture 16. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , once the components ofmixture 16 have been blended,mixture 16 may be added (e.g., by way of dispersing tank 17) to an additional quantity ofliquid polyol 10 to form asecondary mixture 16′ in which the concentration or concentrations offragrance 12 andpigment 14, if any, are diluted. Of course, ifmixture 16 is added to an additional quantity ofliquid polyol 10 as depicted inFIG. 2 ,mixture 16 andliquid polyol 10 may be blended with one another to form a substantially homogeneoussecondary mixture 16′. -
FIG. 3 depicts the removal of any gas or gas bubbles 20 frommixture 16 orsecondary mixture 16′. AlthoughFIG. 3 shows the application of avacuum 21 tomixture mixture mixture mixture mixture - Referring now to
FIG. 4 ,mixture isocyanate 22, to form afinal polymer blend 30. The amount ofisocyanate 22 that is blended withmixture FIG. 6 ). Preferably, about 50 to about 100 parts, by volume, ofisocyanate 22 are blended with 100 parts, by volume, ofliquid polyol 10 to formfinal polymer blend 30. Thus,final polymer blend 30 may have a concentration, by volume, of about 50 to about 70percent liquid polyol 10 and of about 30 to about 50percent isocyanate 22. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , these materials may be introduced substantially concurrently through astatic mix element 24 of a known type and blended with one another thereby. Nonetheless, any known processes and equipment that are suitable for mixing the A- and B-sides of polyurethane may be used in the present embodiment of the inventive method. The force with whichmixture isocyanate 22 are blended is preferably sufficient to quickly (i.e., before a substantial amount of polymerization occurs) form a substantially homogeneous mixture without substantially introducing gas or gas bubbles intofinal polymer blend 30. In addition to creating a substantially homogeneous mixture ofliquid polyol 10 andisocyanate 22, blending offinal polymer mixture 30 bystatic mix element 24 or otherwise disperses any undissolved components, such asfragrance 12,pigment 14, or other components (e.g., metal flakes, etc.), to a desired degree throughoutfinal polymer blend 30. - With continued reference to
FIG. 4 , as the substantially homogeneousfinal polymer blend 30 exitsstatic mix element 24,final polymer blend 30 is introduced, or poured or cast, into one ormore cavities 36 of one ormore molds 32 throughchannels 34 that are formed between the top of eachmold 32 and eachcavity 36 thereof.Cavities 36 are shaped and dimensioned so as to form an article of manufacture 40 (FIG. 6 ) having the desired shape and dimensions. As depicted,cavities 36 ofmolds 32 are spherical in shape and have dimensions that are useful for forming bowling balls fromfinal polymer blend 30 upon polymerization or curing of the same. Eachmold 32 preferably includes at least twoseparable portions FIG. 6 ) from eachcavity 36. - When
final polymer blend 30 has been introduced intocavities 36 ofmolds 32,isocyanate 22 andliquid polyol 10 are permitted to polymerize, or cure, solidify, or gel, forming an article ofmanufacture 40 within eachcavity 36 ofmold 32. For example,final polymer blend 30 may be permitted to gel for about two minutes or longer before article ofmanufacture 40 is removed therefrom, as depicted inFIG. 5 . The polymerization reaction betweenisocyanate 22 andliquid polyol 10 offinal polymer blend 30 is exothermic, or heat generating. This exothermic reaction may causefinal polymer blend 30 andmold 32 to be heated to temperatures as high as about 300° F. or greater. - The material of article of
manufacture 40 is permitted to cure for an additional period of time (e.g., a few hours or overnight). As article ofmanufacture 40 cures, it may also shrink somewhat, preferably to substantially a desired size for the finished article of manufacture 40 (FIG. 6 ). Upon curing to a sufficient degree, finishing processes may be conducted on article ofmanufacture 40, as known in the art. When article ofmanufacture 40 is a bowling ball, finishing processes including lathing to remove any irregularities from the surface thereof, engraving, and polishing may be conducted thereon. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , a finished article ofmanufacture 40 incorporating teachings of the present invention is preferably a substantially nonporous structure. Article ofmanufacture 40 may also be substantially rigid. When article ofmanufacture 40 is a bowling ball, as is depicted, the size and weight of the bowling ball are preferably within the specifications that have been set by the United States Bowling Congress, although bowling balls of other dimensions and weights, including child-sized bowling balls and solid and hollow toy bowling balls, are also within the scope of the present invention. - When fragrance 12 (
FIG. 1 ) is dissolved within, dispersed substantially throughout, or otherwise embedded in the material of article ofmanufacture 40, the aroma offragrance 12 may be continuously and gradually released from article ofmanufacture 40 over periods of time reaching about a year or more. Consequently,fragrance 12 may mask odors that may be absorbed into the material of article ofmanufacture 40, as well as those of the material or materials of article ofmanufacture 40.Fragrance 12 may also cause the material of article ofmanufacture 40 to resist absorption of such odors. - Although
FIG. 6 depicts the finished article ofmanufacture 40 as being a bowling ball, the present invention includes other scented articles of manufacture. Moreover, while the method of the present invention has been described in terms of forming a polyurethane article ofmanufacture 40, scented, substantially nonporous articles ofmanufacture 40 incorporating teachings of the present invention may also be formed from different types of materials, as well as by alternative methods. When article ofmanufacture 40 is a bowling ball, it may have a hardness, or durometer, of about 72 Shore D to about 77 Shore D. Of course, other types of articles of manufacture may have different hardnesses. - For example, an article of
manufacture 40 of the present invention, such as a bowling ball, may be formed from a thermosetting resin, in which case a suitable fragrance is dissolved in or dispersed throughout a quantity of liquid thermosetting resin, the thermosetting resin introduced into a cavity of an appropriate mold, and heat and/or pressure applied to the thermosetting resin within the mold cavity to cure the same. - As another example, a suitable fragrance may be mixed with a quantity of a suitable thermoplastic resin (which is typically commercially available in a pellet form) either before or after heat and/or pressure are applied to the thermosetting resin to liquify the same. A mixture including at least the liquified thermosetting resin and fragrance is then introduced into a cavity of an appropriate mold and permitted to solidify.
- When the finished article of
manufacture 40 is a bowling ball, as illustrated inFIG. 6 , the bowling ball may or may not include internal or external weighted members that influence the manner in which the bowling ball rolls down a lane. - Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some exemplary embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the invention, as disclosed herein, which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby.
Claims (16)
1. A bowling ball, comprising:
a spherical mass; and
at least one fragrance in at least a portion of the spherical mass.
2. The bowling ball of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fragrance is dispersed substantially uniformly throughout the spherical mass.
3. The bowling ball of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fragrance is dispersed at least partially throughout the spherical mass.
4. The bowling ball of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fragrance is embedded in the spherical mass.
5. The bowling ball of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fragrance is dispersed substantially homogeneously throughout the spherical mass.
6. The bowling ball of claim 1 , wherein the spherical mass is substantially nonporous.
7. The bowling ball of claim 1 , further comprising:
a pigment in at least a portion of the spherical mass, a color of the pigment corresponding to a scent of the at least one fragrance.
8. The bowling ball of claim 7 , wherein the pigment is dispersed at least partially throughout the spherical mass.
9. A bowling ball, comprising:
a mass comprising a polymer; and
at least one fragrance included in at least a portion of the mass.
10. The bowling ball of claim 9 , wherein the mass is substantially spherical.
11. The bowling ball of claim 9 , wherein the polymer comprises at least one of a thermosetting resin, a thermoplastic resin, and a resin formed from two blended parts.
12. The bowling ball of claim 9 , wherein the polymer comprises polyurethane.
13. The bowling ball of claim 9 , wherein the polymer comprises a reaction product of a polyol and an isocyanate.
14. The bowling ball of claim 9 , wherein the mass comprises a non-porous rubber.
15. The bowling ball of claim 9 , wherein the at least one fragrance is hydrophobic.
16. The bowling ball of claim 9 , wherein the at least one fragrance is hydrophilic.
Priority Applications (1)
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US12/763,843 US20100203977A1 (en) | 2001-04-09 | 2010-04-20 | Scented bowling balls |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US09/832,141 US7803058B2 (en) | 2001-04-09 | 2001-04-09 | Scented bowling balls and methods |
US12/763,843 US20100203977A1 (en) | 2001-04-09 | 2010-04-20 | Scented bowling balls |
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US09/832,141 Continuation US7803058B2 (en) | 2001-04-09 | 2001-04-09 | Scented bowling balls and methods |
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US12/763,843 Abandoned US20100203977A1 (en) | 2001-04-09 | 2010-04-20 | Scented bowling balls |
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US12/135,285 Expired - Fee Related US7699713B2 (en) | 2001-04-09 | 2008-06-09 | Scented bowling balls and methods |
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US7803058B2 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2010-09-28 | Chrisman Iii John W | Scented bowling balls and methods |
US20040209697A1 (en) * | 2003-04-16 | 2004-10-21 | Rhodes Richard D. | Bowling ball retention device |
US8664292B2 (en) * | 2004-05-27 | 2014-03-04 | Croda International Plc | Compositions and articles containing a cross-linked polymer matrix and an immobilized active liquid, as well as methods of making and using the same |
US20110117156A1 (en) * | 2004-05-27 | 2011-05-19 | Arizona Chemical Company | Compositions and articles containing an active liquid in a polymeric matrix and methods of making and using the same |
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US20100087273A1 (en) * | 2007-03-27 | 2010-04-08 | Kyle Matthews | Dual Identification Layered Golf Balls |
US8666546B2 (en) * | 2009-07-10 | 2014-03-04 | The Boeing Company | Autonomous robotic platform |
US9387270B2 (en) * | 2012-01-03 | 2016-07-12 | Elizabeth K Piper | Method and apparatus to dispense fragrance into the air in a bowling structure |
US9730347B2 (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2017-08-08 | Christopher W. E. Cote | Scented universal serial bus drives and methods to make the same |
CN109532076B (en) * | 2018-11-26 | 2021-06-01 | 成都金发科技新材料有限公司 | Preparation method of fragrant automobile sound insulation pad |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20020147053A1 (en) | 2002-10-10 |
US7699713B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 |
US20080248888A1 (en) | 2008-10-09 |
US7803058B2 (en) | 2010-09-28 |
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Owner name: STORM PRODUCTS, INC., UTAH Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CHRISMAN, JOHN W., III;REEL/FRAME:026760/0385 Effective date: 20110726 |
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