U.S. patent application number 12/573050 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-11 for lighted projectile.
Invention is credited to Carson Kelly Smith.
Application Number | 20100035710 12/573050 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41653469 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100035710 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Carson Kelly |
February 11, 2010 |
Lighted Projectile
Abstract
A projectile illuminated by a chemiluminescent light source is
capable of producing a stroboscopic effect when set in motion. The
projectile body is a solid body preferably made of a soft, pliable
material such as NERF.RTM., in the shape of a sports ball, and the
light propagates, unobstructed, through orifices in the body that
allow for maximum light transmission. There need not be any
ancillary components, only the light stick(s) and the soft, pliable
body, however, an optional housing may be included to contain the
light source. Orifices through which the light escapes the body may
be modeled in the shape of team or corporate logos.
Inventors: |
Smith; Carson Kelly; (Oregon
City, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William A. Birdwell;Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Suite 2300, 1300 SW Fifth Avenue
Portland
OR
97201-5630
US
|
Family ID: |
41653469 |
Appl. No.: |
12/573050 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12011803 |
Jan 29, 2008 |
|
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12573050 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2243/0037 20130101;
A63B 43/06 20130101; A63B 2243/0025 20130101; A63B 2243/0066
20130101; A63B 2102/32 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/570 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/06 20060101
A63B043/06 |
Claims
1. An illuminated projectile comprising: a solid body having a
surface; a cavity formed by removing a portion of the solid body; a
light source disposed within the cavity; and one or more orifices
extending from the surface to the light source, the orifices
allowing unobstructed propagation of light, thus creating a
stroboscopic light display when the projectile is set in
motion.
2. The illuminated projectile of claim 1 further comprising an at
least partially transparent housing for retaining the light source
within the cavity.
3. The illuminated projectile of claim 1 wherein the light source
is a battery-operated light-emitting diode.
4. The illuminated projectile of claim 1 wherein the orifices are
crafted in the shape of an organizational logo.
5. The illuminated projectile of claim 4 wherein the organizational
logo is a team logo.
6. The illuminated projectile of claim 4 wherein the organizational
logo is a corporate logo.
7. The illuminated projectile of claim 1 wherein the orifices are
carved from the solid body.
8. The illuminated projectile of claim 1 wherein the orifices are
molded during fabrication of the solid body.
9. An illuminated projectile comprising: a solid body having a
surface; an at least partially transparent housing for disposed
within the solid body; a light source disposed within the housing;
and one or more orifices extending from the surface to the light
source, the orifices allowing unobstructed propagation of light,
thus creating a stroboscopic light display when the projectile is
set in motion.
10. The illuminated projectile of claim 9 further comprising a
cavity, formed by removing a portion of the solid body, to
accommodate the housing.
11. The illuminated projectile of claim 9 wherein the light source
is a battery-operated light-emitting diode.
12. The illuminated projectile of claim 9 wherein the orifices are
crafted in the shape of an organizational logo.
13. The illuminated projectile of claim 12 wherein the
organizational logo is a team logo.
14. The illuminated projectile of claim 12 wherein the
organizational logo is a corporate logo.
15. The illuminated projectile of claim 12 wherein the orifices are
carved from the solid body.
16. The illuminated projectile of claim 12 wherein the orifices are
molded during fabrication of the solid body.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present patent application is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/011,803, filed on Jan. 29,
2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a projectile that is
adapted for use in low light situations. It is designed to be safe
and to minimize damage potential, while presenting an aesthetically
appealing throwing projectile. In particular, 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.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the past, previous attempts to illuminate sports balls
have relied heavily on battery powered devices. Such devices
require numerous components including, for example, batteries,
light emitting elements such as light bulbs, and housing units for
these components. These additional components are cumbersome and
their added weight increases the chance for injury or property
damage, should the projectile not be caught by the intended
recipient.
[0004] Lighted sports balls have been made by applying an exterior
coating of phosphorescent paint or material that cause the balls to
"glow-in-the-dark" after initially being "charged" by exposure to
light. This approach allows the sports ball to remain light weight,
but it does not provide a very intense light.
[0005] Improved sports balls have been developed that use
chemiluminescent light sources, or "light sticks." One such device
is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,316 (hereafter, "Campbell"), in
which a hollow tubular flexible housing is provided to receive the
chemiluminescent light stick. The ball described by Campbell still
suffers from problems caused by ancillary components, for example,
mass is added, decreasing the safety factor and potentially
altering the aerodynamics of the ball. Furthermore, Campbell
discloses both externally-mounted flexible tubular light sources
that are recessed in grooves around the perimeter of the ball, as
well as internal tubes for accommodating light sources within the
ball. Because light from the internal sources is only visible to
the extent that the material of which the ball is made is
transparent or translucent, the attractiveness of such a lighted
projectile is limited. U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,580 (hereafter,
"Peterson") discloses an illuminated football that secures an
internal light source using plastic tubing and threaded screw caps.
However, these additional elements are not soft and can lead to
injury, and, like Campbell's ball, the light intensity from
internal sources is compromised by transmission through the ball
material.
SUMMARY
[0006] A significant feature of the present invention is omission
of additional parts other than a spongy, foam-like projectile and a
chemiluminescent light source. In place of a housing, a simple
longitudinal perforation may made along a central axis of the
projectile to accommodate one or more light sources. Furthermore,
orifices are bored through the spongy, foam-like material to allow
the light to escape from the body unobstructed, and which allow the
projectile to be extremely light weight. Because the orifices are
preferably unobstructed, light emitted by the chemiluminescent
light source reaches a viewer's eye with the highest optical
efficiency, for maximum visual effect. The orifices provide a
simulated stroboscopic, or temporal aliasing effect as light is
cast out from the orifices as the ball bounces, spins, or moves.
Henceforth, a lighted, spongy sports projectile, capable of
producing a stroboscopic effect without need of ancillary
components, may fulfill a niche in the sporting goods industry.
[0007] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a novel
lighted sports projectile.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
lighted sports projectile with maximum light transmission.
[0009] It is another object of this invention to provide a lighted
sports projectile with enhanced safety features.
[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
lighted sports projectile that is easy to throw and catch.
[0011] It is still a further object of this invention to provide a
lighted sports projectile capable of producing a stroboscopic
effect.
[0012] It is still a further object of this invention to provide a
lighted sports projectile capable of producing varying degrees of
light intensity.
[0013] It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a
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-sectional view taken at the
midpoint of the lighted sports projectile having one
chemiluminescent light source inserted along its central axis.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view taken at the
midpoint of the lighted sports projectile with multiple
chemiluminescent light sticks inserted.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view taken at the
midpoint of the lighted sports projectile in the absence of a light
source.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view taken at the 1/3 and
2/3 positions along the central axis of the projectile.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the projectile illustrating an orifice cut in the
shape of a sports logo.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0024] A lighted projectile, in accordance with the present
disclosure, is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Its novel design
provides the following features that enhance safety when utilizing
this invention in the dark: limited mass due to the presence of
large orifices; limited velocity due to reduced mass and friction
introduced by the large orifices; adjustable mass and velocity for
experienced players by the addition of a plurality of light
sources; compressibility; adjustable brightness by the addition of
a plurality of light sources for differing conditions; a
stroboscopic effect enhanced by large orifices; maximum light
transmission; enhanced gripability provided by large orifices; and
a solid, uniform structure.
[0025] According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
a lighted sports projectile 2 preferably has a solid body 4 which
is shaped like a standard american football. Body 4 of projectile 2
preferably is made from a soft, spongy polymer material. One such
material is commonly sold under the trademark NERF.RTM.. NERF.RTM.
is a solid, spongy cellular material produced by the reaction of
polyester with a diisocyanate. Carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) is
liberated by the reaction of a carboxyl group with the isocyanate.
Polyester resin reacts with a compound while CO.sub.2 is
simultaneously released by another reaction. It is this CO.sub.2
gas that creates open pockets within the polyurethane that results
in a soft and light material. Use of the NERF.RTM. material reduces
the mass of the football and consequently the potential for injury
should someone or something be struck by the ball.
[0026] Body 4 of the NERF.RTM. projectile has a surface 5 that is
divided into quadrants 6 by four longitudinal grooves 7 (resembling
seams) spaced 90.degree. apart on the surface 5. Body 4 preferably
includes simulated laces 8 formed from the NERF.RTM. material in
the style of a regulation american football. Additionally,
according to a preferred embodiment, twelve round orifices 9 are
carved or molded into body 4the orifices 9 arranged in six opposing
pairs, and extending radially inward from surface 5, normal to a
central axis 10 of the body 4 (six of the twelve orifices 9 are
shown in FIG. 1, and three orifices 9 are shown in FIG. 2).
Orifices 9 are preferably arranged in a repeating pattern on the
surface 5 of projectile 2. For example, twelve orifices 9 may be
arranged in groups of three, each group centered within a separate
quadrant 6 so that four groups of three orifices 9 are equally
spaced about the exterior of the football. In a preferred
embodiment, orifice pairs intersect such that their midpoints align
along the central axis 10 extending between the ends of the
football. In this configuration, orifices 9 located at the same
distance from the end of the football converge at a point along the
central axis 10.
[0027] Removal of material to create the orifices 9 limits the mass
of body 4, which in turn limits the speed at which the projectile 2
can be thrown. Reduced mass and slower velocity help to further
reduce the risk of injury or damage should the football not be
caught by the intended recipient. Additionally, the orifices 9,
serve as finger holes that facilitate gripping body 4, making the
football easier to throw and catch, which further decrease the risk
of injury. The combination of spin imparted by throwing the
football, and light emitted from the six pairs of orifices 9
creates a stroboscopic effect, increasing visibility and hence
safety of the football. Large orifices 9 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 enhancing visibility.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, the body 4 includes a perforation
12 along the center axis extending internally along the entire
length of body 4, through both ends of the football. The
perforation 12, which may be in the form of a bore, or simply an "X
slit," allows a light source 11 to be inserted, or slidably
engaged, into the body 4 through either end. The compressibility of
the NERF.RTM. material allows a plurality of light sources 11 to be
inserted via perforation 12 into the same body 4 to increase
brightness (See FIGS. 4 and 5). FIG. 4 shows an axial cross-section
of a preferred embodiment at the center of the body 4, with one
light source 11 inserted; FIG. 5 shows an axial cross-section at
the center of the football with three light sources 11 inserted;
and FIG. 6 shows an axial cross-section of a preferred embodiment
at the center of the football without a light source. This X slit
design allows the body 4 to remain as a uniform, solid foam unit as
the X slit 12 extends from end to end of the football and can be
made by passing a long razor cutter through the football. In
general, perforation 12 serves as a "sloppy fit" bore shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 at the 1/3, middle and 2/3 positions of the football.
This "sloppy fit" easily accommodates variations in length and
diameter of light sources 11 produced by different manufacturers.
This allows simplification in fabrication, and interchangeability
of replacement parts. Essentially, the present invention may 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 perforated foam that retains the light source 11 in
place, as more sources are added, the foam is compressed more and
the friction increases. This is important as it secures the light
sources to a greater extent as the football gains mass and can be
thrown faster and farther. This serves as another self-regulating
safety feature. Although, in this embodiment, there need not be a
cavity in which to retain the light source(s), in an alternative
embodiment, a cavity may be formed to accommodate the light source
by removing material to produce a narrow, cylindrical axial bore
having a radius equal to or slightly smaller than that of light
source 11, so that light source 11 fits snugly into the axial bore
and remains there, held securely. In an alternative embodiment, a
housing may be provided for holding the light source, though the
housing is not needed.
[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, light source 11 is
preferably a chemiluminescent, commercial "light stick," including
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 with one another,
and the atoms begin emitting light. The particular dye used in the
chemical solution gives the light a distinctive color.
Alternatively, light source 11 may be a battery-operated light
source such as a light-emitting diode (LED), or a battery-powered
chemiluminescent light stick in which the chemical reaction is
initiated via a switch.
[0030] Orifices 9 allow the highest degree of light transmission
from the chemiluminescent light source 11. Because there are no
additional barriers between the light source 11 and the human eye,
there is no additional refraction or absorption of the light
emitted from the source. The emitted light propagates unobstructed
from the light source 11 to the eye. Once light source 11 has been
activated and inserted into the body 4, through perforation 12, the
football can be thrown at night, and its visibility is enhanced in
dimly lit environments during daytime use. The football's
visibility is linked to the velocity and distance with which the
football can be thrown. As the number of light sources 11 utilized
simultaneously increases, so does the football's overall mass and
the distance the object can be thrown. Thus the safety feature may
be thought of as self-regulating.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the
orifices 9 may be crafted in accordance with an artistic design or
an organizational logo. For example, orifices of different shapes
may be cut into the body of the projectile, shapes that resemble
the logos of sports teams, sporting goods manufacturers,
corporations, businesses, non-profit agencies and the like, for
marketing purposes. Orifices 9 may be elongated, formed into
alphanumeric characters, sculpted, painted, dyed, or otherwise
shaped or colorized to customize the body 4 for artistic or
commercial advantage. Even without illumination, the shapes of the
orifices themselves lend a unique appearance and gripability to the
projectile 2.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the overall end to end length of
the projectile is approximately within the range of 10-12 inches,
the maximum diameter is approximately within the range of 5-6
inches and the orifice diameter is within the range of 1-2 inches.
These dimensions are dictated primarily by the size of commercially
available light sources 11.
[0033] The above description will enable any person skilled in the
art to make and use the lighted projectile described herein. 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, basketballs, baseballs,
volleyballs, golf balls, rugby balls, and the like. 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.
* * * * *