U.S. patent application number 12/894713 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for electronics module support system for use with sports objects.
Invention is credited to John ERARIO, Richard ERARIO.
Application Number | 20110077112 12/894713 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43780997 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110077112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ERARIO; Richard ; et
al. |
March 31, 2011 |
ELECTRONICS MODULE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR USE WITH SPORTS OBJECTS
Abstract
A method and apparatus for suspending core electronics in a
sports object is disclosed. The suspension is accomplished in such
a manner as to protect the electronics from impact during normal
play of the sports object. In one embodiment, a web like membrane
is used to suspend the electronics in the sports object. Other
embodiments include use of an impact absorbing memory foam, an air
inflated inner core, or a flexible membrane in any combination with
or without the web-like design, or individually used, suspend and
support the core electronics while providing protection to the core
electronics.
Inventors: |
ERARIO; Richard; (Wilton,
CT) ; ERARIO; John; (Woodhaven, NY) |
Family ID: |
43780997 |
Appl. No.: |
12/894713 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61247258 |
Sep 30, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 41/02 20130101;
A63B 2225/54 20130101; A63B 43/00 20130101; A63B 2102/00 20151001;
A63B 2225/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/570 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/00 20060101
A63B043/00 |
Claims
1. A supporting apparatus for electronics in a sports object, such
sports object being capable of receiving, storing and transmitting
tracking data comprising: an electronics core including a receiver
for receiving tracking data; a transmitter for transmitting the
tracking data; a programmable microprocessor for controlling the
receiver and the transmitter wherein tracking data is received by
the sports object through the receiver such that the tracking data
passes through the microprocessor before the tracking data is
transmitted from the sports object by the transmitter; and at least
one supporting means connected to the electronic core and the
sports object.
2. The supporting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the supporting means
is a flexible membrane.
3. The supporting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supporting
means is a self contained air bladder.
4. The supporting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supporting
means is a memory foam.
5. The supporting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the supporting means
is connected to an inner wall of the sports object.
6. The sports object of claim 1 wherein the total mass of a
modified sports object with the supporting means, and core
electronics is identical to or closely resembles that of an
original sports object.
7. The sports object of claim 1 wherein a modified sports object
with the supporting means, and core electronics is identical to or
closely resembles the balance and spin attributes that of an
original sports object.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to embedding
electronics in a sports object, and specifically relates to a
method and composition used to embed a Global Positioning Satellite
(GPS) receiver and associated Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter
components in a sports object to allow tracking and sending of
information from the sports object without damage to the
electronics during normal use of the sports object in a sporting or
training event.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Sporting events and sports training activities of today see
more use of electronics for training purposes and spectator
enjoyment. For example, sports objects such as, but not limited to,
baseballs, golf balls, footballs, basketballs, hockey pucks, soccer
balls, lacrosse balls, racquet balls, tennis balls, jai alai balls,
polo balls, billiard pool balls, and the like, may now contain
electronics that provide object positional and flight path
information of the sports object. This information can be used to
assist training instructors, participants, and spectators. For
example, for the participants, these types of electronics used in
the sports object can assist in training events and also provide
detailed information to assist refereeing the sporting event. For
spectators, such electronics can provide enhanced enjoyment of the
sport by allowing for detailed geographical, and positional
information about the sports object to be made available via
display screens at the sporting event, the use of such information
to provide virtual replays of game events, the use of such
information to enhance broadcast descriptions from the announcer's
booth, and the like. In sport objects that do not contain a solid
core, there are several challenges associated with placing
electronics with the sports object.
[0003] In U.S. Pat. No. 7,095,312 (the '312 patent), incorporated
herein in its entirety, a method and apparatus is disclosed for
tracking location and flight path attributes of one or more sports
objects. The '312 patent describes fitting sports objects with
electronic devices that receive and transmit position and location
information obtained from the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)
System, without adversely affecting the sports object's ability to
perform in a standard way. The disclosed method and apparatus in
this patent also illustrates, among other things, association of
the sports objects with individual players, mapping each sports
object location and flight path to surrounding field of play, and
allowing each player to access the location and flight path
attributes of their sports objects. The features offered by sports
objects containing such electronics give sports participants and
spectators a greater ability to play and train in various sporting
events in a manner never before made available.
[0004] The sports objects that contain such delicate electronics
have various characteristics that ordinary sports objects do not.
If the electronics are embedded in the sports objects, it must be
done in such a manner as to not affect the transmission and
reception of the core electronics. In addition protection is
required for the electronics from impact forces. Most sports
objects are subjected to impact in the course of their typical use.
A way of embedding the electronics is needed to protect the core
electronics from damage due to deformation and impact-related
G-forces. In addition, the sports object must have the same weight,
dimensions and other physical attributes as a normal sport object
that does not contain such electronics.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention, provides for an apparatus and method
of containing electronics in a sports object and providing
protection to the electronics from impact and other forces
associated with the normal play of the sports object. The present
invention also provides an apparatus and method of placing
electronics in a sports object that have the ability to track the
distance, location and flight path attributes of one or more sports
objects, associate the sports objects with individual (or groups
of) players, map each sports object location and flight path to a
field of play or an arena, and allow each player or authorized user
to access the location and flight path attributes of their sports
object.
[0006] In one object of the invention, a sports object in a web
like design suspends the core electronics. In further embodiments,
an impact absorbing material such as memory foam, an air inflated
inner core, or a flexible membrane in any combination with or
without the web-like design, or individually used, suspend and
support the core electronics while providing protection to the core
electronics. The core electronics can be within, inserted within
and/or attached to the sports object. Depending on such sports
object, the placement of such material may be in any location
within the sports object or attached thereto. Reception components
such as antennas may also be within the skin or in the threads of
the sport object's stitches.
[0007] The invention accounts for the mass of the electronics
package or core added to the sports object to be offset by mass
removed from the lining or outer layer of the hollow sports object.
Such exchange of materials will be engineered in a way to guarantee
the performance of the sports object in a manner that matches or
closely approximates the performance and feel of the original
object.
[0008] In an alternate embodiment when mass removed is insufficient
to offset the mass of the electronics package, placement of the
electronics package will be such that normal performance of the
sports object will be affected as little as possible. In such
alternate embodiment, when a weight discrepancy exists in a sports
object, for example a football, placement of the electronics
package will be made with such added mass being engineered to have
as little impact on performance as possible. In one embodiment,
electronics package is installed in the tip of the sports
object.
[0009] An additional object of the present invention is to embed
the replacement core of electronics and protective materials to be
perfectly weighted and balanced to eliminate wobble or off-center
spin behavior in the sports object. Additionally, the core's
response to impact and acceleration will be constructed to be
identical to that of the original sports object. A further object
of the invention is to fully account for the well known mechanics
of deformation, compression and shape restitution in a particular
sports object, and to design the embedded electronics and
suspension package in such a way so as to protect it from the
effects of the deformation and compression envelope.
[0010] The foregoing objects are achieved and other features and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in
light of the following detailed description of exemplary
embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote
similar elements throughout the several views:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view depicting suspension of an
electronically outfitted foot ball embodying one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The invention will now be described in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings. Generally, the disclosed system and
method relates to protection of electronic components suspended or
otherwise supported in a sports object using a protective material
such as a flexible membrane, web like design, memory foam and self
contained inner air pockets and the like. Some sports objects have
a solid core and some do not. Sports objects include, but are not
limited to, baseballs, golf balls, footballs, basketballs, hockey
pucks, soccer balls, lacrosse balls, racquet balls, tennis balls,
jai alai balls, polo balls, billiard pool balls, and the like.
Special challenges occur in placing electronics with objects that
do not have a solid core.
[0015] Adverting to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment
of the invention. A sports object 12, illustrated in this
embodiment as a football, but not so limited in this invention, has
an electronic core 14. The electronic core can include, but is not
limited to, electronic devices to transmit flight, positioning, and
trajectory information concerning the sports object. The electronic
core 14 is in suspended by or within elastic membranes 18. The
membranes are constructed in a web like design to support the
electronic core. There may be at least one membrane or more
attaching and/or suspending the core in the sports object.
[0016] The electronics core can receive and transmit data,
continuously, at intervals or upon the occurrence of a condition or
conditions. For example, the user of the sports object may only
want tracking information from the moment of impact of the sports
object until the sports object comes to rest. In that case, a
microprocessor in the electronics core can be programmed to begin
transmitting data continuously from the time a motion sensor senses
motion or impact until the motion sensor determines that sports
object has come to rest. A motion sensor may be placed in the
electronic core and may be any type of sensor capable of sensing
motion such as an accelerometer, linear velocity sensor, infra-red
sensor, compression sensor or a vibration sensor. Alternatively, a
microprocessor may be programmed to define specific time periods
for which to receive and transmit data. For example, the
microprocessor can be programmed to receive and transmit data
commencing upon impact and terminating after a period of 10 seconds
has elapsed.
[0017] Depending on the embodiment, the membrane 18 may be an
elastic type strapping that allows the electronics to be safely
supported by and/or suspended within the sports object during
normal play of the sport. In some instances the electronic core may
move safely within the sports object. An antenna 16 may be used in
the sports object to allow transmission of information to an
external receiver. The antenna may be in the stitching of the
sports object as shown in FIG. 1 or within the sports object
itself.
[0018] In another exemplary embodiment, foam may be used to support
the electronic core. As shown in FIG. 2, a sports object 22
depicted, but not limited to a football in this figure, contains an
electronic core 24. Electronic core 24 is similar in description to
electronic core 14 depicted above. The foam can inserted before or
after the electronic core is placed within or around the sports
object. Examples of the foam, include, but are not limited to,
polyurethane, polystryrene, polyolefins, silicones, polyvinyl
chloride and any combinations thereof.
[0019] In addition to the memory foam, embodiments include the use
of inflatable bladders, and the like. The bladders can be inflated
to conform around the electronic core similar to the memory foam,
or can occupy the entire inner space of the sports object, or some
combination thereof. In another embodiment, certain types of gases
may be used to stabilize the electronics within the sports object
either in a solid or nonsolid core configuration. For example,
gases included but are not limited to helium, nitrogen, argon and
any combinations thereof.
[0020] Mass may be removed from the sports object to suspend or
embed the electronic core. When mass is removed the electronic core
mass that is added may be insufficient to offset the mass removed
and normal performance of the sports object can be affected. In
such an embodiment, when a weight discrepancy exists in a sports
object, for example a football, placement of the electronics
package will be made with such added mass being engineered to have
as little impact on performance as possible. For example, the
electronics package may be installed in one or both tips of the
sports object.
[0021] The present invention allows embedding the core of
electronics and protective materials to be weighted and balanced to
eliminate wobble or off-center spin behavior in the sports object.
Additionally, the core's response to impact and acceleration is
constructed to be identical to that of the original sports object.
The design of the embedded electronics and suspension package
allows protection of the electronic core and protects it from the
effects of the deformation and compression envelope.
[0022] Other alternative embodiments or implementations according
to the various teachings of the present invention will be
understood by those skilled in the art and are achieved without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is
therefore intended that the present invention is not limited to the
disclosed embodiments described herein but should be defined in
accordance with the claims that follow.
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