CA2414439A1 - Game ball with clock - Google Patents
Game ball with clock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2414439A1 CA2414439A1 CA002414439A CA2414439A CA2414439A1 CA 2414439 A1 CA2414439 A1 CA 2414439A1 CA 002414439 A CA002414439 A CA 002414439A CA 2414439 A CA2414439 A CA 2414439A CA 2414439 A1 CA2414439 A1 CA 2414439A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ball
- timer
- reset
- period
- time period
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B41/00—Hollow inflatable balls
- A63B2041/005—Hollow inflatable balls with counterweight for adjusting the centre of gravity
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
- A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
- A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
- A63B2071/063—Spoken or verbal instructions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
- A63B2243/0037—Basketball
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
- A63B2243/0066—Rugby; American football
- A63B2243/007—American football
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Measurement Of Predetermined Time Intervals (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention includes ball having integrated timers for measuring or counting at least one time period.
Description
,. ' ' , __~.~
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to game balls and, more particularly, recreational sport balls having clocks or timers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many sports activities, timing or counts can be important. For example, in a professional basketball game, officials have a shot clock that provides a specific amount of time for the offensive team to take a shot. In recreational basketball games, often times participants wish to simulate the shot clock.
Similarly, in recreational football games, often a "pass rusher" counts off a number of seconds prior to rushing the passer to simulate the time a professional quarterback would have to stand in, for example, the pocket prior to throwing a pass.
In some case, such as the basketball shot clock, timers can be used off the court. Alternatively, the basketball hoop can be modified to incorporate a timer that resets after each basket. However, even simple timers require equipment to be attached to the basket or carried from court to court. This is difficult as conventional timers are relatively non-portable. Thus, it would be desirous to provide a ball with a clock or timer to perform these and other functions of timers.
The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Further, the advantages and purpose of the invention will be realized and attained .
I
by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, balls having a timer integrated into the ball are provided. The balls also have a sound generator.
The timer is capable of measuring at Ieast one time period and the sound generator can provide a sound indicating the end of the at least one time period.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles thereof. Like items in the drawings are referred to using the same numerical reference.
FIG. 1 shows a game ball having a timer in accordance with a possible embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows another game ball having a timer in accordance with a possible embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 shows a possible control panel 30 in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 4A and 4B show possible cross-sectional views of control panel 30;
FIG. 5 shows another possible control panel SO in accordance with the present invention; arid FIGS. 6A and 6B show possible cross-sectional views of control panel 50.
DETAILED DESCRIFTiON
Some embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a basketball I O having a timer 12, a control panel 14, and a sound generator 16. Not specifically shown, basketball would also have a power source, which could be any conventional power source, such as, for example, conventional double A or triple A batteries.
Basketball 10 can be ariy type of basketball, such as, for example, a NBA
5 regulation basketball, other conventional basketballs, or other basketballs, such as a foam ball (like a NERF~ ball), synthetic leather balls, plastic balls, etc.
Timer 12 could be a conventional clock circuit, a microprocessor, a microchip, or other type of device capable of measuring time or counts. Control panel 14 could be simply a reset device for the timer to reset the timer for the next period.
10 However, control panel 14, which will be explained in more detail below, is not necessary. Sound generator 16 could be a microprocessor, microchip, or other device capable of generating sound. Generally, sound generator 16 would have a speaker (not specifically shown) associated with it that could be mounted on the control panel 14 or elsewhere on the ball. Further, sound generator could be more complex, such as a voice synthesizer, or less complex, such as a buzzer.
Also, while timer 12 and sound generator 16 are shown separately for convenience, they could be combined into a single unit. Similarly, FIG. 2 shows a football 20 having a timer 22, a control panel 24, and a sound generator 26.
While the present invention is shown incorporated into a basketball and football, one of ordinary skill in the art on reading the disclosure would understand that other balls could be used.
Further, while FIGS: 1 and 2 shoe the timer, sound generator, and/or control panel on one side of the game ball, it is possible to arrange the pieces along a geometric axis of the ball for proper weight and balance of the ball.
In other words, the speaker and timer may be on one side of the ball, the power source (not shown) close to the center, and the access port (also not shown) to the power source on the opposite side of the speaker. Further, it is better to __ place the equipment as close to the geometric center of the ball as possible, again for weight and balance. To the extent the timer, sound generator, and/or control panel cause weight and balance issues with the ball, those issues can be corrected with a sufficient counter balance.
In operation, a player would reset the timer 12, which will be further explained in conjunction with the control panel description below, at the start of the desired count period. The timer 12 would begin counting, in this case, seconds until the shot clock period expires. At the end of the time period, the timer would send a signal to sound generator I6 that would generate a sound, such as a buzzer, indicating the end of the period. In more complex arrangements, the timer 12 could send a signal to sound generator 15 that causes sound generator 16 to make audible all or some portion of the countdown period, i.e:, sound generator I6 could produce a 10, 9, 8, . . . countdown to the end of the period. The count down could be a voice synthesis countdown or simply clicks that start at the 10 second point (or some other point such as 5 second).
Moreover, the countdown could be a combination of clicks or voice synthesis, such as a verbal I0, 9, 8 . . . and a buzzer at zero.
For a "pass rush" application in football, it may be desirable to provide a random feature to the timer 22 to simulate, for example, a blitz. In other words, the timer 22 may be capable of counting several periods, and each actuation of the counting, which will be explained in more detail below, caused timer 22 to randomly select various time periods. To provide the random feature, a randomize could be integrated into timer 22 or provided separately (not shown in the drawings). In one example, the timer 22 may be able to selectively count between a 5 second normal rush period; a 3 second speed rush, and a I second blitz rush. Other time periods, of course, could be possible: Thus, on each actuation of the timer 22, the actual period prior to rushing would be unknown, ., which would further simulate an actual football game. Also, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize on reading the disclosure, the random feature of timer 22 could be a pure randomizer or, alternatively, it could be based some predetermined pattern.
After the count period, if the game ball has a control panel, the player can reset the timer I2 to being the next period. Alternatively, the timer could simply being the next period after the end of the previous period without need for a reset. If the timer 12 did not get reset, but rather started counting the next period at the end of the pervious period, the entire control panel could be eliminated if desired. Instead of a manual reset on a control panel, a reset device could be mounted in, for example, the basketball hoop that would automatically reset the timer I2 when the basketball comes within a predetermined distance of the reset device. Alternatively, a remote control style device could be used to reset the timer 12. Also, the timer I2 could be voice- activated by commands such as, for example, start, stop, shot, etc. to start, stop, or even pause the timer period. If voice actuation is employed, it may be desirous to use a microphone, which could be mounted on the control panel or elsewhere.
FIG. 3 shows a possible control panel 30 for timer or clock. As explained above, the.features of control panel 30 are not necessary for the present invention. Generally; control panel 3p may have a reset 34 and a count period select 36. . Control panel 3Q may also have a display ,3.2. If a display is used, the display could receive a signal from the time to display the current tizrie, the time .period select length (i.e., 24 second shot clock, 5 second rush count, etc.) Also, depending on the application, the display may be configured tp count up or down with the timer.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the reset 34 and count period select 36 could either be raised or depressed. In order to inhibit inadvertent resets andlor S
count period selections, a protective cover could be implemented (not shown) to cover the reset 34 and count period select 36. In this ease, actuating reset would reset the timer 12 to the beginning of the count period. Similarly, actuating count period select 36 would cycle through the available choices in the count period. For example, the count period could be originally set for 24 seconds, but include options for count periods of 30, 32, and I5 seconds (notice the period length is arbitrary and a matter of design or customer choice).
Actuating count period select 36 could cycle the count period between the various choices. In other words, the first time count period select 36 is actuated, the count period would change from 24 seconds to 30 seconds, the second time to 32 seconds, the third time to 15 seconds and the fourth time back to 24 seconds, etc. A display 32 would facilitate the selection by displaying the count period length on the display each time the count period select 36 is actuated.
FIG. 5 shows another possible control panel 5Q. Control panel 50 has a display 52, a reset 54, and a count period select 56. In this case, reset 54 and count period select 56 have more of a slide actuation than a press 'actuation.
One advantage of the slide actuation is that the count period select 56 could have predefined spats on the slide to select time periods instead of cycling through time periods. In other words, count period select 56 could have 5 predefined positions for time period, such as, a first position for 15 seconds, a second position far, 24 seconds, ete. As one of ordinary skill in the art would reccagnize on reading the disclosure, resets 34 and 54 arid count period selects 36 and could be any style of actuator. Mor.eaver, resets and count period selects could be the same.or different types of actuators.
The above reset and count period select controls are described in relation to simply single action style actuators or switches with multiple presets. It would be possible to incorporate a keyboard into the control panels. The keyboard could be a conventional alpha, numeric or alphanumeric keyboard.
As one of skill in the art would recognize on reading this disclosure, while the timers 12 and 22, and sound generators I6 and 26 are shown mounted internal to the balls I0 and 20, they could be mounted on the surface of the balls.
Moreover, the timers and sound generators could be incorporated into the control panel. Alternatively, the control panels 14 and 24 could be removed and the timers 12 and 22, and sound generators 16 and Z6 could mounted on the surface or internal to the balls 10 and 20.
If a control panel is not used, timers I2 and 22 and sound generators I6 and 26 could be preset to particular counts periods and sounds or preset to random count periods and sounds, etc. Alternatively, a receiver (not shown) could be incorporated into the balls to receive control signals from a remote control device. The remote control device would operate similar to the control panels 30 and 50 discussed above.. The timers and sound generators could also respond to proximity. signals (such as a reset for the shot clock when the shot is close to the.basket), or motion detectors (such as the pass rush counting beginning on the snap motion). In other words, many types of control schemes are possible using the present invention, but only a few illustrative examples are given.
For actuation of the timer one particular embodiment of the invention includes a target area oi- strike surface; not shown. Using football 20 as ari example, a player using the football 20 would snap the football 20 into his palm, hitting the target or strike surface. The snap and abrupt stop would cause timer 22 to begin counting a timer period. The time period counted could be preset to, for example, a 5 mississippi count so that each actuation produces a 5 mississippi time period, a random mississippi count so that each actuation produces a ,, random mississippi count between predetermined counts (i.e., a random 0 to 10 mississippi count), or a cycling mississippi count so that the mississippi count depends on what point in the cycle the user actuates the timer.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to some embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to game balls and, more particularly, recreational sport balls having clocks or timers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many sports activities, timing or counts can be important. For example, in a professional basketball game, officials have a shot clock that provides a specific amount of time for the offensive team to take a shot. In recreational basketball games, often times participants wish to simulate the shot clock.
Similarly, in recreational football games, often a "pass rusher" counts off a number of seconds prior to rushing the passer to simulate the time a professional quarterback would have to stand in, for example, the pocket prior to throwing a pass.
In some case, such as the basketball shot clock, timers can be used off the court. Alternatively, the basketball hoop can be modified to incorporate a timer that resets after each basket. However, even simple timers require equipment to be attached to the basket or carried from court to court. This is difficult as conventional timers are relatively non-portable. Thus, it would be desirous to provide a ball with a clock or timer to perform these and other functions of timers.
The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Further, the advantages and purpose of the invention will be realized and attained .
I
by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, balls having a timer integrated into the ball are provided. The balls also have a sound generator.
The timer is capable of measuring at Ieast one time period and the sound generator can provide a sound indicating the end of the at least one time period.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles thereof. Like items in the drawings are referred to using the same numerical reference.
FIG. 1 shows a game ball having a timer in accordance with a possible embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows another game ball having a timer in accordance with a possible embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 shows a possible control panel 30 in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 4A and 4B show possible cross-sectional views of control panel 30;
FIG. 5 shows another possible control panel SO in accordance with the present invention; arid FIGS. 6A and 6B show possible cross-sectional views of control panel 50.
DETAILED DESCRIFTiON
Some embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a basketball I O having a timer 12, a control panel 14, and a sound generator 16. Not specifically shown, basketball would also have a power source, which could be any conventional power source, such as, for example, conventional double A or triple A batteries.
Basketball 10 can be ariy type of basketball, such as, for example, a NBA
5 regulation basketball, other conventional basketballs, or other basketballs, such as a foam ball (like a NERF~ ball), synthetic leather balls, plastic balls, etc.
Timer 12 could be a conventional clock circuit, a microprocessor, a microchip, or other type of device capable of measuring time or counts. Control panel 14 could be simply a reset device for the timer to reset the timer for the next period.
10 However, control panel 14, which will be explained in more detail below, is not necessary. Sound generator 16 could be a microprocessor, microchip, or other device capable of generating sound. Generally, sound generator 16 would have a speaker (not specifically shown) associated with it that could be mounted on the control panel 14 or elsewhere on the ball. Further, sound generator could be more complex, such as a voice synthesizer, or less complex, such as a buzzer.
Also, while timer 12 and sound generator 16 are shown separately for convenience, they could be combined into a single unit. Similarly, FIG. 2 shows a football 20 having a timer 22, a control panel 24, and a sound generator 26.
While the present invention is shown incorporated into a basketball and football, one of ordinary skill in the art on reading the disclosure would understand that other balls could be used.
Further, while FIGS: 1 and 2 shoe the timer, sound generator, and/or control panel on one side of the game ball, it is possible to arrange the pieces along a geometric axis of the ball for proper weight and balance of the ball.
In other words, the speaker and timer may be on one side of the ball, the power source (not shown) close to the center, and the access port (also not shown) to the power source on the opposite side of the speaker. Further, it is better to __ place the equipment as close to the geometric center of the ball as possible, again for weight and balance. To the extent the timer, sound generator, and/or control panel cause weight and balance issues with the ball, those issues can be corrected with a sufficient counter balance.
In operation, a player would reset the timer 12, which will be further explained in conjunction with the control panel description below, at the start of the desired count period. The timer 12 would begin counting, in this case, seconds until the shot clock period expires. At the end of the time period, the timer would send a signal to sound generator I6 that would generate a sound, such as a buzzer, indicating the end of the period. In more complex arrangements, the timer 12 could send a signal to sound generator 15 that causes sound generator 16 to make audible all or some portion of the countdown period, i.e:, sound generator I6 could produce a 10, 9, 8, . . . countdown to the end of the period. The count down could be a voice synthesis countdown or simply clicks that start at the 10 second point (or some other point such as 5 second).
Moreover, the countdown could be a combination of clicks or voice synthesis, such as a verbal I0, 9, 8 . . . and a buzzer at zero.
For a "pass rush" application in football, it may be desirable to provide a random feature to the timer 22 to simulate, for example, a blitz. In other words, the timer 22 may be capable of counting several periods, and each actuation of the counting, which will be explained in more detail below, caused timer 22 to randomly select various time periods. To provide the random feature, a randomize could be integrated into timer 22 or provided separately (not shown in the drawings). In one example, the timer 22 may be able to selectively count between a 5 second normal rush period; a 3 second speed rush, and a I second blitz rush. Other time periods, of course, could be possible: Thus, on each actuation of the timer 22, the actual period prior to rushing would be unknown, ., which would further simulate an actual football game. Also, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize on reading the disclosure, the random feature of timer 22 could be a pure randomizer or, alternatively, it could be based some predetermined pattern.
After the count period, if the game ball has a control panel, the player can reset the timer I2 to being the next period. Alternatively, the timer could simply being the next period after the end of the previous period without need for a reset. If the timer 12 did not get reset, but rather started counting the next period at the end of the pervious period, the entire control panel could be eliminated if desired. Instead of a manual reset on a control panel, a reset device could be mounted in, for example, the basketball hoop that would automatically reset the timer I2 when the basketball comes within a predetermined distance of the reset device. Alternatively, a remote control style device could be used to reset the timer 12. Also, the timer I2 could be voice- activated by commands such as, for example, start, stop, shot, etc. to start, stop, or even pause the timer period. If voice actuation is employed, it may be desirous to use a microphone, which could be mounted on the control panel or elsewhere.
FIG. 3 shows a possible control panel 30 for timer or clock. As explained above, the.features of control panel 30 are not necessary for the present invention. Generally; control panel 3p may have a reset 34 and a count period select 36. . Control panel 3Q may also have a display ,3.2. If a display is used, the display could receive a signal from the time to display the current tizrie, the time .period select length (i.e., 24 second shot clock, 5 second rush count, etc.) Also, depending on the application, the display may be configured tp count up or down with the timer.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the reset 34 and count period select 36 could either be raised or depressed. In order to inhibit inadvertent resets andlor S
count period selections, a protective cover could be implemented (not shown) to cover the reset 34 and count period select 36. In this ease, actuating reset would reset the timer 12 to the beginning of the count period. Similarly, actuating count period select 36 would cycle through the available choices in the count period. For example, the count period could be originally set for 24 seconds, but include options for count periods of 30, 32, and I5 seconds (notice the period length is arbitrary and a matter of design or customer choice).
Actuating count period select 36 could cycle the count period between the various choices. In other words, the first time count period select 36 is actuated, the count period would change from 24 seconds to 30 seconds, the second time to 32 seconds, the third time to 15 seconds and the fourth time back to 24 seconds, etc. A display 32 would facilitate the selection by displaying the count period length on the display each time the count period select 36 is actuated.
FIG. 5 shows another possible control panel 5Q. Control panel 50 has a display 52, a reset 54, and a count period select 56. In this case, reset 54 and count period select 56 have more of a slide actuation than a press 'actuation.
One advantage of the slide actuation is that the count period select 56 could have predefined spats on the slide to select time periods instead of cycling through time periods. In other words, count period select 56 could have 5 predefined positions for time period, such as, a first position for 15 seconds, a second position far, 24 seconds, ete. As one of ordinary skill in the art would reccagnize on reading the disclosure, resets 34 and 54 arid count period selects 36 and could be any style of actuator. Mor.eaver, resets and count period selects could be the same.or different types of actuators.
The above reset and count period select controls are described in relation to simply single action style actuators or switches with multiple presets. It would be possible to incorporate a keyboard into the control panels. The keyboard could be a conventional alpha, numeric or alphanumeric keyboard.
As one of skill in the art would recognize on reading this disclosure, while the timers 12 and 22, and sound generators I6 and 26 are shown mounted internal to the balls I0 and 20, they could be mounted on the surface of the balls.
Moreover, the timers and sound generators could be incorporated into the control panel. Alternatively, the control panels 14 and 24 could be removed and the timers 12 and 22, and sound generators 16 and Z6 could mounted on the surface or internal to the balls 10 and 20.
If a control panel is not used, timers I2 and 22 and sound generators I6 and 26 could be preset to particular counts periods and sounds or preset to random count periods and sounds, etc. Alternatively, a receiver (not shown) could be incorporated into the balls to receive control signals from a remote control device. The remote control device would operate similar to the control panels 30 and 50 discussed above.. The timers and sound generators could also respond to proximity. signals (such as a reset for the shot clock when the shot is close to the.basket), or motion detectors (such as the pass rush counting beginning on the snap motion). In other words, many types of control schemes are possible using the present invention, but only a few illustrative examples are given.
For actuation of the timer one particular embodiment of the invention includes a target area oi- strike surface; not shown. Using football 20 as ari example, a player using the football 20 would snap the football 20 into his palm, hitting the target or strike surface. The snap and abrupt stop would cause timer 22 to begin counting a timer period. The time period counted could be preset to, for example, a 5 mississippi count so that each actuation produces a 5 mississippi time period, a random mississippi count so that each actuation produces a ,, random mississippi count between predetermined counts (i.e., a random 0 to 10 mississippi count), or a cycling mississippi count so that the mississippi count depends on what point in the cycle the user actuates the timer.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to some embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (21)
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a ball;
at least one timer integrated with the ball for measuring at least one time period;
at least one sound generator integrated with the ball; and the at least one sound generator for producing at least one sound based on the at least one time period.
a ball;
at least one timer integrated with the ball for measuring at least one time period;
at least one sound generator integrated with the ball; and the at least one sound generator for producing at least one sound based on the at least one time period.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sound generator produces the at least one sound at the end of the at least one time period.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the at least one timer is mounted on the surface of the ball.
the at least one timer is mounted on the surface of the ball.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:
the at least one sound generator is mounted on the surface of the ball.
the at least one sound generator is mounted on the surface of the ball.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a reset.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a display mounted on the surface of the ball.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:
at least one control panel:
the at least one control panel, comprising:
at least one reset; and at least one count period select.
at least one control panel:
the at least one control panel, comprising:
at least one reset; and at least one count period select.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the at least one control panels has at least one display.
9 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one reset is a push button.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, comprising a cover panel.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:
a receiver integrated with the ball; and at least one remote control capable of sending signals to the receiver:
a receiver integrated with the ball; and at least one remote control capable of sending signals to the receiver:
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one remote control sends at least a reset signal.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the at least one remote control sends at least a count period select signal.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:
a receiver integrated with the ball: and a proximity controller.
a receiver integrated with the ball: and a proximity controller.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the proximity controller is capable of sending a signal to the receiver when the ball is within a predetermined distance such that the received signal actuates the reset.
16. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:
a motion detector integrated with the ball.
a motion detector integrated with the ball.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the motion detector detects motion and actuates the reset on a predetermined motion.
18. An apparatus, comprising:
a ball;
means for measuring at least one time period; and means for indicating the end of the at least one time period.
a ball;
means for measuring at least one time period; and means for indicating the end of the at least one time period.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, comprising:
means for resetting the measuring means.
means for resetting the measuring means.
20. The apparatus according to claim 18, comprising:
means for selecting the at least one time period.
means for selecting the at least one time period.
21. An apparatus, comprising:
a ball having a surface and at least one internal cavity;
at least one timer for measuring at least one time period; and the timer integrated with the ball.
a ball having a surface and at least one internal cavity;
at least one timer for measuring at least one time period; and the timer integrated with the ball.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/014,297 US6945887B2 (en) | 2001-12-11 | 2001-12-11 | Game ball with clock |
| US10/014,297 | 2001-12-11 | ||
| US10/154,055 US20030109339A1 (en) | 2001-12-11 | 2002-05-23 | Game ball with clock |
| US10/154,055 | 2002-05-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2414439A1 true CA2414439A1 (en) | 2003-06-11 |
Family
ID=26685917
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002414439A Abandoned CA2414439A1 (en) | 2001-12-11 | 2002-12-11 | Game ball with clock |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20030109339A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2414439A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8951151B2 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2015-02-10 | Theresa A. Glowinski | Game ball |
| US20120157246A1 (en) * | 2010-12-15 | 2012-06-21 | Robert Michael Glover | Football counting device |
| US20120244969A1 (en) | 2011-03-25 | 2012-09-27 | May Patents Ltd. | System and Method for a Motion Sensing Device |
| US8672782B2 (en) * | 2011-11-21 | 2014-03-18 | Nike, Inc. | Sporting devices and structures having dynamic visual indicia |
| US8747197B2 (en) * | 2012-05-09 | 2014-06-10 | Bradley Morris | Handheld electronic device for entering activity of sporting event by multiple parties having party scores |
| US9662556B2 (en) * | 2013-04-16 | 2017-05-30 | Nicolas San Juan | Electronic sports tracking and coaching system |
| US10596420B1 (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2020-03-24 | Pete Zigouras | Novelty football audio apparatus |
| FR3121050A1 (en) * | 2021-03-25 | 2022-09-30 | Group One Limited | Tennis service let system with shot clock control features |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4577865A (en) * | 1983-06-16 | 1986-03-25 | Molten Corporation | Athletic ball |
| US4775948A (en) * | 1987-01-08 | 1988-10-04 | Monogram Models, Inc. | Baseball having inherent speed-measuring capabilities |
| US4872854A (en) * | 1988-03-23 | 1989-10-10 | Hyman Products, Inc. | Simulated ball used in sports incorporating an electronic component |
| GB2277037B (en) * | 1992-11-19 | 1995-12-20 | David Anthony Pagani | A talking ball |
| US5288069A (en) * | 1992-11-20 | 1994-02-22 | Susan Matsumoto | Talking football |
| US5445375A (en) * | 1992-12-23 | 1995-08-29 | Sweeny; John R. | Gotcha ball toy |
| US5526326A (en) * | 1994-12-20 | 1996-06-11 | Creata Inc. | Speed indicating ball |
| US5468000A (en) * | 1995-04-13 | 1995-11-21 | Bennett; Tommy L. | Remotely activated location identifying arrow attachment |
| US5810685A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1998-09-22 | Willner; Leroy Frederick | Practice ball with sound and acceleration sensor |
| US5779576A (en) * | 1996-08-20 | 1998-07-14 | Smith Engineering | Throw-measuring football |
| US5912864A (en) * | 1997-04-17 | 1999-06-15 | Maurer; Gregory C. | Self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus |
-
2002
- 2002-05-23 US US10/154,055 patent/US20030109339A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-12-11 CA CA002414439A patent/CA2414439A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20030109339A1 (en) | 2003-06-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |