Apparatus and method for propelling a rolling hockey ball
US5396876A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B69/406
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A hockey propulsion device that uses an infrared control unit to control speed of hockey ball ejection as well as starting and stopping. A single DC powered motor rolls a ball along a railed guideway using friction of the ball against a rubber ball propulsion drive wheel on the motor and two rails of the guideway providing three point ball stabilization and rolling ejection. At least two rolling speeds are provided. A two solenoid gate periodically releases balls into a propulsion tube that provides rotational inertia to each ball before it encounters the rotating wheel. Low battery and empty ball sensors indicate when the propulsion device is low on or is out of balls. A swivel ejection guideway allows the ball to be directed from side to side. A detachable hopper allows easy ball gathering and reloading.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.