U.S. patent application number 13/633116 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-04 for motion activated accessories for bowling balls.
The applicant listed for this patent is Peeraya Nilwong, Theodore Bruce Ziemkowski. Invention is credited to Peeraya Nilwong, Theodore Bruce Ziemkowski.
Application Number | 20130085006 13/633116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47993128 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130085006 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nilwong; Peeraya ; et
al. |
April 4, 2013 |
Motion Activated Accessories for Bowling Balls
Abstract
Bowling ball accessories can add both amusement as well as
educational value to the activity. Adding lights can make both a
visually appealing display as well as a visual feedback to the
bowler on spin. Adding telemetry sensors and recording devices can
assist serious bowlers in their quest to perfect their game. Adding
ID devices can assist in rental programs, anti-theft and
personalization.
Inventors: |
Nilwong; Peeraya; (Boise,
ID) ; Ziemkowski; Theodore Bruce; (Windsor,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nilwong; Peeraya
Ziemkowski; Theodore Bruce |
Boise
Windsor |
ID
CO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47993128 |
Appl. No.: |
13/633116 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61542575 |
Oct 3, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/125 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0046 20130101;
A63B 2225/15 20130101; A63B 2225/74 20200801; A63B 2220/16
20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2220/00 20130101; A63B
2225/50 20130101; A63B 2071/0683 20130101; A63B 24/0003 20130101;
A63B 2225/54 20130101; A63B 2220/806 20130101; A63B 2071/0625
20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 43/06 20130101; A63B 2220/803
20130101; A63B 2220/35 20130101; A63B 2220/62 20130101; A63B
37/0001 20130101; A63B 2220/17 20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101;
A63B 2225/72 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/125 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/06 20060101
A63B043/06 |
Claims
1. A bowling ball lighting system comprising: a bowling ball; one
or more motion-activated illumination sources.
2. The system of claim 1, having sealed, diffused or clear
covers.
3. The system of claim 1, having illumination sources that can be
replaced
4. The system of claim 1, having one or more colors or having a
rainbow of colors in one device.
5. The system of claim 1, having a remotely triggered, timed,
enabling circuit.
6. The system of claim 1, having a separate device which can
trigger the timer enabling circuits and keep track or use credits
to allow for the system to be used in a rental, or limited time
application.
7. The system of claim 1, specific illuminations in specific
locations to show a specific spin.
8. The system of claim 1, such that the illumination sources might
have batteries, might be rechargeable, or might be able to capture
energy through motion, solar, or other source.
9. The system of claim 1, having additional devices to produce
sounds when used for bowling, or returned to user, or colliding
with another ball.
10. The system of claim 1, having additional devices to produce
sounds when used including sounds that will insult or comment on
your results.
11. The system of claim 1, Different color lights enabled for basic
play and additional colors and/or display that illuminate
temporarily when obtaining a Strike.
12. A bowling ball telemetry system comprising: A bowling ball; One
or more sensors; A recording device; A communication device;
13. The system of claim 12, being having software analysis
tools.
14. The system of claim 12, being able to record spin, speed and
direction.
15. The system of claim 12, being able to record acceleration.
16. The system of claim 12, being able to record number of times
the ball is used.
17. The system of claim 12, being able to transfer the information
to another device for further analysis.
18. The system of claim 12, incorporating a simple display on the
ball to indicate simple sampled data..
19. The system of claim 12, having a video camera linked to the
spin data such that still pictures can be captured in the same
attitude producing a sequence of pictures showing the same location
each time (creating a video of the ball hitting the pins.)
20. A bowling ball Identification system comprising: a bowling
ball; one or more remote identification devices.
21. The system of claim 20, having an ID device using RFID
technology.
22. The system of claim 20, having an ID device using bar code or
QR code technology.
23. The system of claim 20, using a remotely triggered device to
enable functions within the ball.
24. The system of claim 20, using the remote ID device to alert
bowling operators when a ball is leaving the center.
25. The system of claim 20, using the remote ID device to alert
bowling operators when a ball is leaving the center by sounding a
sound on the ball, a beep, buzz, or even a pre-recorded growl,
scream, or other distress call.
26. The system of claim 20, having a ball locating procedure such
that renter can find the same ball again.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the earlier filed
provisional application Ser. No. 61/542,575, filed on Oct. 3,
2011.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bowling, while primarily a sport, is also an amusement
activity for many. The sport has become a family activity and has
even evolved into more of an amusement activity with the
introduction of special Glow bowling nights, etc.
[0003] While it is possible to enjoy bowling in its original form,
it may be further enhanced with some of today's modern electronics.
These electronics may include lights, sensors, id tags, etc. The
addition and implementation of these devices will enhance the
enjoyment and success of bowling.
SUMMARY
[0004] While the bowling ball itself may have various design
enhancements, it is the addition of accessories to the ball that is
unique. These accessories may or may not invalidate the official
specification for a ball by the Professional Bowlers Association
(PBA). However, these accessories will add both fun and vital
feedback to the bowlers using them.
[0005] These accessories have many forms and functions. One form is
lighted feedback. The lights can be purely ornamental, or they can
actually have vital visual feedback to the bowler. Another form is
telemetry sensors. These sensors can provide feedback on the spin,
speed, release, contact and other parameters. It can also assist
the bowler in practice time and events. Another form may be ID
tags--allowing for rental programs, ball identification and
anti-theft.
[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION [OF DRAWINGS]
[0007] In the drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment
showing a collection of motion activated lights embedded in a
bowling ball covered by a smooth, diffuse protective cover.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment showing precisely
placed, single color LEDs to allow the bowler to visualize specific
spin or other characteristics of the proper or improper throw.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment showing telemetry
device embedded in a bowling ball. This device will wirelessly
transmit collected data to a computer for further analysis.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an embodiment showing an embedded ID
device for identifying, tracking, and preventing the ball from
leaving the building without notice.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Many types of bowling accessories exist, but very few are
included within the bowling ball. Part of the reason for the lack
of accessories within the ball may be due to the fact that many
would invalidate the ball for league play according to the PBA.
However, as bowling is becoming more of an entertainment amusement,
the desire for more entertaining accessories is growing. In
addition, these accessories may be used during training or practice
to aid a professional bowler, while still not qualifying for league
play.
[0012] The first group of these accessories is centered around
illumination sources. The simplest form would be to illuminate the
ball. This source would have to be embedded in the ball and would
be ideally triggered from outside the ball. The illumination source
might be triggered based on movement or remote signals. This
illumination might be one or more sources. As these accessories
might be expensive or undesirable to purchase, amusement centers
may prefer to rent balls containing these devices. Renting these
devices can be facilitated if there is a system for enabling the
balls for the length of the rental period.
[0013] In additional to ornamental illumination, sources may be
added in strategic locations as to visually indicate a particular
spin or throw. Different colors may be added in different locations
to indicate different techniques.
[0014] Other accessories might be centered around gathering
information about the ball's motion. In general this will be
telemetry. Information that might be useful would include but not
limited to Speed, spin speed, spin direction, acceleration
(impact), time in motion, trips down the lane, days used.
[0015] This data might be used to give the bowler immediate
feedback or it might be used later with analysis software to
provide more in depth information about the bowling technique. The
data can be locally stored in the ball and later relayed to a
remote device. The ball may also have some sort of display to
indicate simple results immediately.
[0016] Specific embodiments of the subject matter are used to
illustrate specific inventive aspects. The embodiments are by way
of example only, and are susceptible to various modifications and
alternative forms. The appended claims are intended to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
[0017] Throughout this specification, like reference numbers
signify the same elements throughout the description of the
figures.
[0018] The subject matter may be embodied as accessories for
bowling balls and supporting hardware. In the context of this
document, bowling ball accessories is any embedded device in a
bowling ball that is intended to enhance the bowling
experience.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment showing a bowling ball
with embedded illuminating devices (101)
[0020] In other embodiments, the illuminating sources may be
different colors, may be solid on, or flashing, may be motion
triggered or remotely controlled. These devices may have batteries,
may be replaceable, rechargeable, or may harvest power from motion,
solar or other.
[0021] Some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 2, may use
precisely located illumination sources .
[0022] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an embedded telemetry device.
This device collects information from various sensors and can relay
information such as speed, rotation, impact and other physical
properties that might aid in the bowling process or practice.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an embedded ID device. This
device can be active or passive, one or two directional and can
help with anti-theft, ball tracking and rental.
[0024] The foregoing description of the subject matter has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject matter to the
precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may
be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were
chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the
invention and its practical application. This enables others
skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various
embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended
claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments except
insofar as limited by the prior art.
* * * * *