U.S. patent application number 12/011803 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for lighted sports projectile.
Invention is credited to Carson Smith.
Application Number | 20090191990 12/011803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40899818 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090191990 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Carson |
July 30, 2009 |
Lighted sports projectile
Abstract
A sports projectile illuminated with a chemiluminescent light
stick capable of producing a stroboscopic effect. The body is made
of a soft, pliable material such as NERF.RTM. and the light
stick(s) is carried through bores in the body. There are no
ancillary components, only the light stick(s) and the soft, pliable
body. Orifices or various other shapes are cut into the body of the
sports projections allowing for the maximum light transmission.
Inventors: |
Smith; Carson; (Oregon City,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARK S. HUBERT P.C.
516 SE MORRISON- SUITE 1200
PORTLAND
OR
97214
US
|
Family ID: |
40899818 |
Appl. No.: |
12/011803 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2243/0066 20130101;
A63B 2243/0025 20130101; A63B 43/06 20130101; A63B 2102/32
20151001; A63B 2243/0037 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/570 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/06 20060101
A63B043/06 |
Claims
1. An illuminated sports projectile comprising: a monolithic body;
and at least one chemiluminescent light stick, wherein said light
stick is visibly housed within said body.
2. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 1 wherein said
projectile is made of a compressible spongy material which has at
least one cut along the longitudinal centerline of the body, and
wherein said body has at least two orifices extending from an outer
surface of said body normally to said longitudinal centerline of
said body.
3. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 2 wherein said
orifices intersect.
4. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 3 wherein said
projectile is in the shape of a football, with an oval of
revolution configuration having two ends.
5. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 4 wherein said number
of orifices is 12 and are arranged in 4 substantially similar sets
of 3 orifices with the midpoints of each set equally spaced along a
line extending between the ends of said football, and wherein said
sets are arranged equidistant from adjacent sets.
6. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 5 wherein there are
three intersections formed by the convergences of one orifice from
each set.
7. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 6 wherein said
orifices are circular right cylinders.
8. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 7 wherein the number
of light sticks is one.
9. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 7 wherein the number
of light sticks is two.
10. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 7 wherein the number
of light sticks is three.
11. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 7 wherein said
orifices are cylindrical designs selected from the set of designs
including sports team logos, sporting good manufacturers logos.
12. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 6 wherein the number
of cuts is two and said cuts intersect.
13. The illuminated sports projectile of claim 1 wherein said
projectile is configured in the shape of a sports ball selected
from the set of sports balls including, soccer balls, footballs,
basketballs, softballs, rugby balls and golfballs.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sports projectile that is
adapted for use in low light situations. It is designed to provide
safety and a minimal of damage potential, while presenting an
aesthetically appealing throwing projectile. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a soft, durable, spongy football that
presents as an alluring toy to market to sports enthusiasts of all
ages; perfect for evening tailgating events.
[0002] In the past, previous attempts to illuminate sports balls
have relied heavily on battery powered devices. Such devices
require numerous components (i.e., batteries, light emitting
elements such as light bulbs, and the housing units for these
components). All of these additional components are cumbersome and
the added weight increases the chance for injury or property damage
should the projectile not be caught by the intended recipient.
[0003] Recently, various sports balls have been coated with a
phosphorescent paint or material. The ball has to be "charged" by
exposure to light in order to "glow-in-the-dark." This approach,
allows the game ball to remain light weight, but does not to
provide a very intense light.
[0004] Additionally, sports balls have been developed that use
chemiluminescent light sticks. One such device is shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,683,316 to Campbell. A game ball is shown which includes
hollow tubular flexible housing for receiving the chemiluminescent
light stick. The problem with additional internal components still
exists; additional weight is added decreasing the safety factor and
potentially altering the aerodynamics of the ball. U.S. Pat. No.
6,726,580 to Peterson also discusses plastic tubbing to hold the
light stick and threaded screw caps, for retaining the light stick.
These additional elements are not soft and can lead to injury.
[0005] A significant feature of the present invention is the
complete omission of any additional parts; there is simply the
spongy, foam-like projectile and the chemiluminescent light stick.
Orifices are bored through the spongy, foam-like material, allowing
the projectile to be extremely light weight, and the additional
safety benefit of providing a simulated stroboscopic effect
(temporal aliasing) when thrown. Since there is nothing between the
light emitted by the chemiluminescent light stick and the human
eye, the highest optical efficiency is achieved. The ball comes
alive as light is cast out from its orifices as it bounces, spins,
or moves.
[0006] Henceforth, a lighted, spongy sports projectile, with no
additional components, capable of producing a stroboscopic effect
would fulfill a long felt need in the sports industry. This new
invention utilizes and combines known and new technologies in a
unique and novel configuration to overcome the aforementioned
problems and accomplish this.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a novel
lighted sports projectile, which is not anticipated, rendered
obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art, either
alone or in any combination thereof.
[0008] In accordance with the invention, an object of the present
invention is to provide an improved lighted sports projectile with
the maximum light transmission.
[0009] It is another object of this invention to provide an
improved lighted sports projectile with enhanced safety
features.
[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
improved lighted sports projectile that is easy to throw and
catch.
[0011] It is still a further object of this invention to provide an
improved lighted sports projectile capable of producing a
stroboscopic effect.
[0012] It is still a further object of this invention to provide an
improved lighted sports projectile capable of producing varying
degrees of light intensity.
[0013] It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an
improved lighted sports projectile that is water resistant.
[0014] The subject matter of the present invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of
this specification. However, both the organization and method of
operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof,
may best be understood by reference to the following description
taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like
reference characters refer to like elements. Other objects,
features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in
greater detail below.
[0015] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the lighted sports
projectile;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the lighted sports
projectile rotated approximately 45 degrees;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an axial cross-section view taken at the midpoint
of the lighted sports projectile with a chemiluminescent light
stick inserted;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an axial cross-section view taken at the midpoint
of the lighted sports projectile with multiple chemiluminescent
light sticks inserted;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an axial cross-section view taken at the midpoint
of the lighted sports projectile with the chemiluminescent light
stick withdrawn;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an axial cross-section taken at the 1/3 and 2/3
positions along the longitudinal axis of the projectile;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the projectile illustrating a sport's logo
thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The preferred embodiment of lighted sports projectile
according to this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. It's
novel design provides for the following features that enhance the
safety factor of utilizing this invention in the dark: limited mass
(by massive orifice sizes),limited velocity (due to reduced mass
and friction introduced by the massive orifices), adjustable
overall mass and velocity for experienced players (by addition of
numerous light sticks), compressibility, adjustable brightness (by
adding more light sticks for differing conditions), stroboscopic
effect (enhanced by the large orifices), maximum light
transmission, enhanced gripability (from the large orifices) and a
monolithic structure (no ejected pieces).
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment the illuminated projectile is
shaped like a standard American football 2. Body 4 of football 2 is
made from a soft, spongy polymer material. One such material is
commonly know as a NERF.RTM.. NERF is made from a solid, spongy
cellular material produced by the reaction of polyester with a
diisocyanate while carbon dioxide is liberated by the reaction of a
carboxyl with the isocyanate. Polyester resin reacts with a
compound while CO.sub.2 is simultaneously released by another
reaction. It is this gas that creates open pockets within the
polyurethane that, in turn, makes the material soft and light. Use
of the NERF.RTM. material reduces the mass of the object and
subsequently the potential for injury should someone or something
be struck by the ball.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 for illustrative purposes
body 4 is marked into quarter sections by four exterior
longitudinal grooves spaced 90.degree. apart 5. Body 4 includes
simulated laces 6 (made of the NERF.RTM. material) in the style of
a regulation American football. Additionally, the body 4, includes
twelve round orifices 8 extending axially into the midpoint of the
body 4 (only six are visible in FIG. 1). FIG. 4 shows the axial
cross-section of the preferred embodiment at the mid-point of the
football 2 with one light stick 10, while FIG. 5 shows the axial
cross-section at the mid-point of football 2 with three light
sticks 10 and FIG. 6 shows the axial cross-section of the preferred
embodiment at the mid-point of the football 2 with no light stick.
There are four sets of orifices 8 bored normally inward from the
side of body 4. Each set of orifices is arranged in groups of three
orifices wherein the three orifices' midpoints are aligned along an
axis extending between the ends of the football. There are four of
these axes equally spaced about the exterior of the football. In
this configuration all orifices 8 the same distance form the end of
the football meet up at a point along the longitudinal center axis
of the football.
[0027] The orifices 8 allow the highest degree of light
transmission from the chemiluminescent light stick 10. Since there
is no additional barriers between the light stick 10 and the human
eye, there is no additional refraction of the emitted light. The
emitted light travels directly from the light stick to the eye.
[0028] The orifices 8 limit the mass of the football 2, which in
turn limits the at speed the object can be thrown further
decreasing the risk of injury should the football not be caught by
the intended recipient. Additionally, the orifices 8, serve as an
additional means to grip the football 2, making the football 2,
easier to catch again decreasing the risk of injury. The
combination of the spin imparted by throwing of the football 2, and
the light emitted from the four orifice sets creates a stroboscopic
effect, increasing the visibility and hence safety of the football
2.
[0029] A typical commercial light stick 10 consists of a glass vial
holding a hydrogen peroxide solution encased in a plastic tube
holding a phenyl oxalate ester and a dye. When the plastic tube is
bent the fragile glass vial is broken and the two solutions mix.
The chemicals immediately react to one another, and the atoms begin
emitting light. The particular dye used in the chemical solution
gives the light a distinctive color.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, the body 4 includes a cut 12 along
the longitudinal centerline extending internally along the entire
length of body 4 and extending through the two ends of the
football. The perforation 12 (or X slit) allows the light stick 10
to be inserted (slidably engaged) into the body 4 through either
end 7 of football 2. Perforation 12 serves as a "sloppy fit" bore
although in reality it is just an "X" shaped cut. (Reference FIGS.
6 and 7 at the 1/3, middle and 2/3 positions of the football.) This
"sloppy fit" easily accommodates any variations in length and
diameter of light sticks 10 produced by different manufactures. The
compressibility of the NERF.RTM. material allows 1 or more light
sticks 10 to be inserted via perforation 12 into the same body 4 to
increase brightness (See FIGS. 4 and 5). This X slit 12 design
allows the football 2 to remain as a monolithic foam unit as the x
slit 12 extends from end to end of the football 2 and can be made
by passing a long razor cutter through the football 2. This allows
simplification in fabrication. Essentially, the present invention
can be made from an existing foam sports throwing object with a
minimum of tooling, procedures and cost. Since it is the friction
of the light stick with the foam in the x slit 12 that retains the
light stick 10 in place, as more sticks are added, the foam is
compressed more and the friction increases. This is important as it
secures the light sticks 10 further as the football gains mass and
can be thrown faster and further. This serves as another self
regulating safety feature. Essentially, there is no cavity in which
to retain the light sticks.
[0031] Once light stick 10 has been activated and inserted into the
body 4, through the x slit 12, the football 2 can be thrown at
night or in dimly lit places. The football's visibility is safely
linked to the velocity and distance with which the football can be
thrown. As the number of light sticks 10 utilized at once
increases, so does the football's overall mass and the distance the
object can be thrown. Thus the safety feature is self regulating.
FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment when different shapes
could be cut into the body of the projectile. The large orifices
act to increase the wind drag along the surface and thus increase
the spiraling effect when the ball is thrown. This in turn speeds
up the stroboscopic effect, thereby enhanced visibility.
[0032] The overall end to end length about the surface of the
projectile is approximately 10-12 inches, the diameter is
approximately 5-6 inches and the orifice diameter is 1-2 inches,
with the preferred embodiment having dimensions of 11 inches 5.5
inches and 1.5 inches respectively. This dimension is dictated
primarily by the size of commercially available light sticks
10.
[0033] The above description will enable any person skilled in the
art to make and use this invention. It also sets forth the best
modes for carrying out this invention. There are numerous
variations and modifications thereof that will also remain readily
apparent to others skilled in the art, now that the general
principles of the present invention have been disclosed.
[0034] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. For example other sports throwing projectiles may be
similarly configured such as softballs, baseballs etc. It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *