Sports equipment sanitizer

Abstract

An apparatus for removing mold and mildew from sports equipment includes an ozone generator that supplies ozone to a distribution system that directs ozone at a high velocity to both dry and sanitize sports equipment. The high velocity flow of ozone is directed to the interior portions of the sports equipment to dry and sanitize the equipment. The high speed flow of the ozone provides for drying of the interior surfaces of the equipment while also direction impinging ozone flow on interior surfaces to remove undesirable mold and mildew.

1 . An apparatus for removing odor and bacteria from sports equipment comprising: 
 a sealable cabinet with a latchable and sealable door;    an ozone distribution system disposed within the cabinet;    an ozone generator mounted to the cabinet;    a draw fan for driving ozone from the ozone generator through the distribution system, wherein the distribution system includes a perforated portion for directing ozone into a piece of sports equipment.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , including a spray unit for injecting an anti-bacterial spray into an air flow through the distribution system.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , including a high speed fan for driving ozone through the distribution system such that ozone containing air flows from the perforated portions.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the distribution system includes ducting simulating human structure onto which corresponding sports equipment is mounted.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , including a vent fan mounted within the cabinet for exhausting ozone from the cabinet.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , including an ozone destruction unit for rendering ozone inert prior to being exhausted from the cabinet.  
     
     
         7 . A method of sanitizing and deodorizing sports equipment comprising the steps of: 
 a) mounting an item to a portion of ductwork including a plurality of perforations;    b) enclosing the item and ductwork within a sealable cabinet;    c) generating ozone;    d) drawing the generated ozone into the ductwork and out the plurality of perforations.    
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , including the step of spraying an anti-bacterial fluid into the ductwork for release through the plurality of perforations.  
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , including the step of deconstructing the ozone released from the ductwork.  
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , including the step of venting ozone from the sealable cabinet.  
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the step of venting ozone comprises venting until the cabinet contains a desired level of ozone.  
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the step of generating ozone comprises generating a desired level of ozone determined to sanitize for distribution through the ductwork and out the plurality of perforations.  
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said step of drawing ozone through the ductwork comprise drawing the ozone rich air through the ductwork at a flow rate determined to penetrate the sports equipment.  
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the ductwork includes a portion simulating a human torso for supporting an item worn on a human torso.  
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the ductwork includes a portion simulating a human hand for supporting an item worn on a human hand.