U.S. patent application number 13/496745 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for game device with impact indication.
Invention is credited to Michael Roy Barry, Martin Donnelly, Colin O'Brien.
Application Number | 20120231906 13/496745 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43127049 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120231906 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barry; Michael Roy ; et
al. |
September 13, 2012 |
GAME DEVICE WITH IMPACT INDICATION
Abstract
A game device (1) comprises a ball (2) and twelve indicators
(3). Each indicator (3) comprises a suction cavity (4) and a
release ring (5). Each indicator (3) may be releasably attached by
suction to the ball (2) by manipulating the suction cavity (4) of
the indicator (3) to create a suction force between the indicator
(3) and the ball (2). The release ring (5) protrudes from the ball
(2) substantially perpendicular to an external surface of the ball
(2). Upon an impact to the release ring (5), for example a user
kicking the device (1), the release ring (5) acts to release the
suction attachment force between the indicator (3) and the ball
(2). The indicator (3) thus becomes detached from the ball (2). By
detaching the indicator (3) from the ball (2), the indicator (3)
acts to indicate the region of the impact to the game device
(1).
Inventors: |
Barry; Michael Roy;
(Ratoath, IE) ; Donnelly; Martin; (Clonee, IE)
; O'Brien; Colin; (Julianstown, IE) |
Family ID: |
43127049 |
Appl. No.: |
13/496745 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
September 15, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP10/63549 |
371 Date: |
April 30, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 43/06 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 43/004 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101;
A63B 71/0605 20130101; A63B 2225/055 20130101; A63B 71/0672
20130101; A63B 71/0669 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/570 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/00 20060101
A63B043/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 16, 2009 |
IE |
2009/0702 |
Claims
1. A game device, comprising means to indicate the region of an
impact to the device, the indicating means being releasably
attachable to the main body of the device, the indicating means
being configured to become detached from the main body of the
device upon an impact to the device, and the indicating means
having one or more release elements for releasing an attachment
force between the indicating means and the main body of the device
upon an impact to the one or more release elements.
2. (canceled)
3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indicating means is
attachable by suction to the main body of the device.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the indicating means
comprises a suction cavity for creating a suction force between the
indicating means and the main body of the device.
5.-10. (canceled)
11. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the release element is
configured to protrude from the main body of the device.
12. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the release element is
configured to extend substantially parallel to an external surface
of the main body of the device.
13.-25. (canceled)
26. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body of the
device comprises a ball.
27.-32. (canceled)
33. An indicating means to indicate the region of an impact to a
game device, the indicating means being releasably attachable to
the main body of the device, the indicating means being configured
to become detached from the main body of the device upon an impact
to the device, and the indicating means having one or more release
elements for releasing an attachment force between the indicating
means and the main body of the device upon an impact to the one or
more release elements.
34. (canceled)
35. An indicating means as claimed in claim 33, wherein the
indicating means is attachable by suction to a main body of a game
device.
36. An indicating means as claimed in claim 35, wherein the
indicating means comprises a suction cavity for creating a suction
force between the indicating means and a main body of a game
device.
37.-42. (canceled)
43. An indicating means as claimed in claim 33, wherein the release
element is configured to protrude from a main body of a game
device.
44. An indicating means as claimed in claim 33, wherein the release
element is configured to extend substantially parallel to an
external surface of a main body of a game device.
45.-47. (canceled)
Description
INTRODUCTION
[0001] This invention relates to a game device.
STATEMENTS OF INVENTION
[0002] According to the invention there is provided a game device
comprising means to indicate the region of an impact to the
device.
[0003] The game device may be used as a test of a user's skills.
For example a user may attempt to kick the device with the user's
foot or leg, or impact the device with the user's head at a
pre-determined number of regions on the outer surface of the
device. By indicating the region of the impacts to the device, the
game device enables a user to know whether the user's attempts were
successful.
[0004] In one embodiment of the invention the indicating means is
releasably attachable to a main body of the device. The indicating
means may be attachable by suction to the main body of the device.
Preferably the indicating means comprises a suction cavity for
creating a suction force between the indicating means and the main
body of the device. The indicating means may comprise a first
attachment element, and the main body of the device may comprise a
second attachment element for mating with the corresponding first
attachment element. Preferably one of the first attachment element
or the second attachment element comprises a male element, and the
other of the second attachment element or the first attachment
element comprises a corresponding female element. The attachment
element may comprise a magnetic material. The attachment element
may comprise a loop-and-pile fastener material. Preferably the
indicating means is configured to become detached from the main
body of the device upon an impact to the device. When the
indicating means becomes detached from the main body of the device,
this provides a simple visual indication that a region of the
device has been impacted. Ideally the indicating means comprises
one or more release elements for releasing an attachment force
between the indicating means and the main body of the device upon
an impact to the one or more release elements. The release element
may be configured to protrude from the main body of the device. The
release element may be configured to extend substantially parallel
to an external surface of the main body of the device.
[0005] In another embodiment the indicating means comprises means
to emit energy. Preferably the indicating means comprises means to
emit light.
[0006] In one case at least part of the indicating means is housed
within a main body of the device. At least part of the indicating
means may be located in the region of an outer wall of the main
body of the device. At least part of the indicating means may be
located in the region of the centre of the main body of the device.
Preferably the indicating means comprises means to determine
whether the device has been impacted. Ideally the determining means
is configured to determine the region of an impact to the device.
The determining means may comprise one or more pressure sensors.
The determining means may comprise an accelerometer. Preferably the
indicating means comprises means to emit energy upon an impact to
the device. By emitting energy, this provides a simple indication
that the device has been impacted. Ideally the indicating means is
configured to emit energy at the region of an impact to the device.
By emitting energy at the region of impact, this provides a simple
indication that this particular region of the device has been
impacted. Most preferably the indicating means comprises means to
emit light.
[0007] In another case the device comprises means to communicate
between the indicating means and an ancillary device. This
arrangement enables data relating to a user's attempts to kick the
device with the user's foot or leg, or impact the device with the
user's head at a pre-determined number of regions on the outer
surface of the device to be stored. This data may include the
number of regions which the user was successful in impacting,
and/or the time required for the user to impact the number of
regions, and/or which regions were impacted. This data may be
stored using any suitable means, for example a mobile telephone,
and/or a portable memory device such as a USB key, and/or a
computer memory drive.
[0008] In one embodiment a main body of the device comprises a
ball.
[0009] In another embodiment the invention provides a computer
implemented game device.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a
computer program product comprising computer program code capable
of causing a game device to operate as described herein when the
computer program product is run on a computer system.
[0011] The computer program product may be embodied on a record
medium. The computer program product may be embodied on a carrier
signal. The computer program product may be embodied on a read-only
memory.
[0012] The invention also provides in a further aspect an
indicating means to indicate the region of an impact to a game
device.
[0013] In one embodiment of the invention the indicating means is
releasably attachable to a main body of a game device. The
indicating means may be attachable by suction to a main body of a
game device. Preferably the indicating means comprises a suction
cavity for creating a suction force between the indicating means
and a main body of a game device. The indicating means may comprise
a first attachment element for mating with a corresponding second
attachment element on a main body of a game device. Preferably one
of the first attachment element or the second attachment element
comprises a male element, and the other of the second attachment
element or the first attachment element comprises a corresponding
female element. The attachment element may comprise a magnetic
material. The attachment element may comprise a loop-and-pile
fastener material. Preferably the indicating means is configured to
become detached from a main body of a game device upon an impact to
a game device. Ideally the indicating means comprises one or more
release elements for releasing an attachment force between the
indicating means and a main body of a game device upon an impact to
the one or more release elements. The release element may be
configured to protrude from a main body of a game device. The
release element may be configured to extend substantially parallel
to an external surface of a main body of a game device.
[0014] In another embodiment the indicating means comprises means
to emit energy. Preferably the indicating means comprises means to
emit light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention will be more clearly understood from the
following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a game device according to
the invention with an indicating means detached from a main body of
the device,
[0017] FIG. 2 is an enlarged isometric view of the game device of
FIG. 1 with the indicating means detached from the main body of the
device,
[0018] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the game device of FIG. 1
with the indicating means attached to the main body of the
device,
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cut-away isometric view of the game device of
FIG. 1 with the indicating means attached to the main body of the
device,
[0020] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the indicating means of the
game device of FIG. 1,
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cut-away isometric view of the indicating means
of FIG. 5,
[0022] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an indicating means of
another game device according to the invention,
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cut-away isometric view from below of the
indicating means of FIG. 7,
[0024] FIG. 9 is a cut-away isometric view from above of the
indicating means of FIG. 7,
[0025] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an indicating means of
another game device according to the invention,
[0026] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an indicating means of
another game device according to the invention,
[0027] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of another game device
according to the invention with an indicating means detached from a
main body of the device,
[0028] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the game device of FIG. 12
with the indicating means detached from the main body of the
device,
[0029] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the game device of FIG. 12
with the indicating means attached to the main body of the
device,
[0030] FIG. 15 is an isometric view from above of the indicating
means of the game device of FIG. 12,
[0031] FIG. 16 is an isometric view from below of the indicating
means of FIG. 15,
[0032] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of another game device
according to the invention with an indicating means detached from a
main body of the device,
[0033] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the main body of the device
of the game device of FIG. 17,
[0034] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the game device of FIG. 17
with the indicating means attached to the main body of the
device,
[0035] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of another game device
according to the invention with an indicating means detached from a
main body of the device,
[0036] FIGS. 21 and 22 are isometric views of the game device of
FIG. 20 with the indicating means detached from the main body of
the device,
[0037] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of another game device
according to the invention,
[0038] FIG. 24 is a cut-away isometric view of the game device of
FIG. 23,
[0039] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of another game device
according to the invention,
[0040] FIG. 26 is a cut-away isometric view of the game device of
FIG. 25, and
[0041] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the game device of
FIG. 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1 to 6
thereof, there is illustrated a game device 1 according to the
invention.
[0043] The game device 1 comprises a ball 2 and twelve indicators
3.
[0044] In this case the ball 2 is provided in the form of an
inflatable soccer ball. The ball 2 may be a standard ball or a
training ball.
[0045] Each indicator 3 comprises a suction cavity 4 and a release
ring 5. The indicator 3 may be releasably attached by suction to
the ball 2 by manipulating the suction cavity 4 of the indicator 3
to create a suction force between the indicator 3 and the ball 2
(FIG. 4). The release ring 5 protrudes from the ball 2
substantially perpendicular to an external surface of the ball
2.
[0046] Upon an impact to the release ring 5, for example a user
kicking the device 1 with the user's foot or leg, or impacting the
device 1 with the user's head, the release ring 5 acts to release
the suction attachment force between the indicator 3 and the ball
2. The indicator 3 thus becomes detached from the ball 2. By
detaching the indicator 3 from the ball 2, the indicator 3 acts to
indicate the region of the impact to the game device 1.
[0047] In use, the ball 2 is inflated. The twelve indicators 3 are
releasably attached by suction to the ball 2 by manipulating the
suction cavity 4 of each indicator 3 to create a suction force
between the indicator 3 and the ball 2 (FIG. 4). Upon an impact to
the release ring 5 of one of the indicators 3, for example a user
kicking the device 1 with the user's foot or leg, or impacting the
device 1 with the user's head, the release ring 5 acts to release
the suction attachment force between the indicator 3 and the ball
2. The indicator 3 thus becomes detached from the ball 2.
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates the mechanical suction arrangement. The
element 3 may be fixed to the exterior of the ball 2 by suction.
The vacuum cup 3 is placed in position and pushed to seal. Upon a
kick or head applied, the outer rim 5 dislodges the disc 3. The
finger 5 protrudes from the element 3 to assist removal of the
suction when the element 3 is kicked. The disc 3 then falls away to
the ground.
[0049] A timer device may be employed to time how long it takes a
user to knock each element 3 off the ball 2.
[0050] In FIGS. 7 to 9 there is illustrated an indicator 10 of
another game device according to the invention, which is similar to
the game device 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6, and similar elements in FIGS. 7
to 9 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0051] FIG. 10 illustrate an indicator 20 of a further game device
according to the invention, which is similar to the game device 1
of FIGS. 1 to 6, and similar elements in FIG. 10 are assigned the
same reference numerals.
[0052] In this case the indicator 20 comprises a plurality of light
emitting diodes (LED) 21 to emit light. FIG. 10 illustrates the
LEDs 21 embedded into the suction cup 20.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 11 there is illustrated an indicator 30 of
another game device according to the invention, which is similar to
the indicator 20 of FIG. 10, and similar elements in FIG. 11 are
assigned the same reference numerals.
[0054] In this case the indicator 30 comprises one LED 31 to emit
light. FIG. 11 illustrates the single LED 31 in the centre of the
suction cup 30.
[0055] In FIGS. 12 to 16 there is illustrated another game device
40 according to the invention, which is similar to the game device
1 of FIGS. 1 to 6, and similar elements in FIGS. 12 to 16 are
assigned the same reference numerals.
[0056] FIG. 14 illustrates the vacuum cup 3 placed in position and
pushed to seal. Upon a kick or head applied, the outer member pulls
up the sealing rim. The cup 3 is thus released from the football
2.
[0057] FIGS. 17 to 19 illustrate a further game device 50 according
to the invention, which is similar to the game device 1 of FIGS. 1
to 6, and similar elements in FIGS. 17 to 19 are assigned the same
reference numerals.
[0058] In this case each indicator 3 comprises a protruding male
attachment element 51. The ball 2 comprises twelve corresponding
female attachment elements 52 for mating with each corresponding
male attachment element 51 in a latching arrangement. The indicator
3 may be releasably attached to the ball 2 by interengaging the
male attachment element 51 with the female attachment element
52.
[0059] Upon an impact to the indicator 3, for example a user
kicking the device 50 with the user's foot or leg, or impacting the
device 50 with the user's head, the male attachment element 51
becomes disengaged from the female attachment element 52. The
indicator 3 thus becomes detached from the ball 2. By detaching the
indicator 3 from the ball 2, the indicator 3 acts to indicate the
region of the impact to the game device 50.
[0060] FIG. 17 illustrates the mechanical touch latch with the
female receptor 52 embedded in the ball 2 and the male component 51
adhered to the disc 3. The male attachment element 51 is manually
pushed into place. The disc 3 is released once kicked. The twelve
plastic elements 3 are fixed to the exterior of the ball 2 by the
mechanical catches 51, 52.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22 there is illustrated another
game device 60 according to the invention, which is similar to the
game device 50 of FIGS. 17 to 19, and similar elements in FIGS. 20
to 22 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0062] In this case each indicator 3 comprises a first attachment
element 61, a release arm 63, and an abutment nose 64. The first
attachment element 61 comprises a magnetic material. The ball 2
comprises twelve corresponding second attachment elements 62 for
mating with each corresponding first attachment element 61. Each
second attachment element 62 comprises a magnetic material. The
indicator 3 may be releasably attached to the ball 2 by engaging
the first attachment element 61 with the second attachment element
62. When the indicator 3 is attached to the ball 2, the abutment
nose 64 engages against an external surface of the ball 2, and the
release arm 63 extends substantially parallel to the external
surface of the ball 2.
[0063] Upon an impact to the release arm 63 of the indicator 3, for
example a user kicking the device 60 with the user's foot or leg,
or impacting the device 60 with the user's head, the release arm 63
pivots about the abutment nose 64 to disengage the first attachment
element 61 from the second attachment element 62. The indicator 3
thus becomes detached from the ball 2. By detaching the indicator 3
from the ball 2, the indicator 3 acts to indicate the region of the
impact to the game device 60.
[0064] It will be appreciated that the indicator 3 may be
releasably attached to the ball 2 by a variety of possible means,
for example the attachment element may comprise a loop-and-pile
fastener material such as Velcro, and/or an adhesive material,
and/or by means of electrical static.
[0065] FIG. 20 illustrates the mechanical Velcro/magnet
arrangement. The Velcro/magnet 62 is embedded into the football 2,
and the Velcro/magnet 61 is located on the disc 3. The disc 3 is
manually placed into position. Once kicked or headed, the
cantilever action releases the disc 3. The twelve plastic elements
3 may be fixed to the exterior of the ball 2 by Velcro or by
magnets.
[0066] In FIGS. 23 and 24 there is illustrated another game device
70 according to the invention, which is similar to the game device
1 of FIGS. 1 to 6, and similar elements in FIGS. 23 and 24 are
assigned the same reference numerals.
[0067] In this case the game device 70 is a computer implemented
game device. The game device 70 comprises twelve indicators.
[0068] Each indicator comprises a pressure sensor and an LED. The
pressure sensor acts to determine whether the game device 70 has
been impacted, for example a user kicking the device 70 with the
user's foot or leg, or impacting the device 70 with the user's
head. The LED emits light upon an impact to the game device 70. The
game device 70 comprises a controller to control operation of the
LEDs responsive to the readings of the pressure sensors. In
particular the controller monitors the pressure sensors to
determine the region of an impact to the game device 70, and
activates the appropriate LED to emit light at the region of the
impact to the game device 70. By emitting light, the indicator acts
to indicate the region of the impact to the game device 70.
[0069] Each indicator is housed within the ball 2 embedded in the
outer wall 71 of the ball 2.
[0070] The controller comprises means to communicate between the
controller and an ancillary device, such as a mobile telephone,
and/or a portable memory device such as a USB key, and/or a
computer memory drive. The communication may be by means of
wireless, or infrared, or Bluetooth or any other suitable
means.
[0071] FIG. 23 illustrates the touch pads which determine if the
ball 2 is impacted by a head or a foot. The twelve LEDs are
provided on the ball 2 located in the centre of each star pattern.
A start button 72 and a charger connection point 73 are provided in
the external surface of the ball 2.
[0072] FIG. 24 illustrates the outer cover 74, a 4 mm thick foam
inner lining 75, and an air bladder 76. The circuit processes the
signals from the touch pads. A battery, Bluetooth communication
means, and the circuit board may be stored in a housing 77.
[0073] FIGS. 25 to 27 illustrate a further game device 80 according
to the invention, which is similar to the game device 70 of FIGS.
23 and 24, and similar elements in FIGS. 25 to 27 are assigned the
same reference numerals.
[0074] In this case the game device 80 comprises a single
indicator.
[0075] The indicator comprises an accelerometer and an LED. The
accelerometer acts to determine whether the game device 80 has been
impacted, for example a user kicking the device 80 with the user's
foot or leg, or impacting the device 80 with the user's head. The
LED emits light upon an impact to the game device 80. The game
device 80 comprises a controller to control operation of the LED
responsive to the reading of the accelerometer. In particular the
controller monitors the accelerometer to determine the region of an
impact to the game device 80, and activates the LED to emit light
in the appropriate direction at the region of the impact to the
game device 80. By emitting light, the indicator acts to indicate
the region of the impact to the game device 80.
[0076] The indicator is housed within the ball 2 in the region of
the centre of the ball 2. Passageways 81 are provided between the
centre of the ball 2 and the outer wall 71 of the ball 2 for
passage of light from the LED to the outer wall 71 of the ball
2.
[0077] FIG. 26 illustrates the transparent panel 82 and the leather
panel 83.
[0078] FIG. 27 illustrates the light shining from the centre. The
electronic housing with the accelerometer detects the direction of
a kick. The light is then directed to that position.
[0079] The embodiments of the invention described previously with
reference to the accompanying drawings comprise a computer system
and processes performed by the computer system. However the
invention also extends to computer programs comprising computer
program code capable of causing a game device to operate as
described herein when the computer program product is run on a
computer system, particularly computer programs stored on or in a
carrier adapted to bring the invention into practice. The program
may be in the form of source code, object code, or a code
intermediate source and object code, such as in partially compiled
form or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of
the invention. The carrier may comprise a storage medium such as
ROM, such as a CD-ROM, or magnetic recording medium, such as a
floppy disk or hard disk. The carrier may be an electrical or
optical signal which may be transmitted via an electrical or an
optical cable or by radio or other means.
[0080] The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore
described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may
be varied in construction and detail.
* * * * *