EP3319699A1 - Golf ball - Google Patents
Golf ballInfo
- Publication number
- EP3319699A1 EP3319699A1 EP16750468.7A EP16750468A EP3319699A1 EP 3319699 A1 EP3319699 A1 EP 3319699A1 EP 16750468 A EP16750468 A EP 16750468A EP 3319699 A1 EP3319699 A1 EP 3319699A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- ball
- circuitry
- ring
- game apparatus
- coil element
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
-
- 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
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
- H02J50/10—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/10—Positions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/30—Speed
- A63B2220/34—Angular speed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/801—Contact switches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
- A63B2225/54—Transponders, e.g. RFID
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a ball for a game and in particular to a coded ball for use in a game, such as a golf game as disclosed in WO
- aspects of the present invention seek to provide a coded ball, the appearance and behaviour of which resembles a conventional ball as closely as possible. Further aspects of the present invention seek to provide a ball with an aerial which communicates with other components of the ball game apparatus in an efficient and reliable manner. Other aspects of the present invention seek to provide a charging coil within the ball which can be used to charge a battery within the ball in an efficient and reliable manner. In addition, aspects of the present invention seek to provide a ball, the components within which are securely located in position and capable of withstanding hard impacts and possible mistreatment during use.
- a ball for use in a ball game apparatus comprising circuitry including a communications aerial for communication with external components of the ball game apparatus, the ball comprising an internal holder member in the form of a ring with components of the circuitry being located within the ring and with at least one coil element located externally of the ring.
- the coil element may be the communications aerial itself, which is wound at least partially around the ring.
- the coil element may be a charging coil for charging a battery included within the circuitry.
- the ball may also contain one or more sensor elements included in or coupled with the circuitry.
- the ball may also include one or more counterweights for enabling the ball to be evenly balanced.
- a method of operating a golf facility including a ball for use in a ball game apparatus including: circuitry including a communications aerial for communication with external components of the ball game apparatus, an internal holder member in the form of a ring with components of the circuitry being located within the ring and at least one coil element located externally of the ring.
- the ball may incorporate a memory for storing data, the data being erasable if the ball is removed from the facility.
- Fig 1 is a cross-sectional view of a ball in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ball of Fig 1 as seen in a direction at right-angles to the view of Fig 1 ;
- Figs 3 and 4 are front and rear perspective views respectively of a holder member which, in use, is located substantially at the centre of the ball of Figs 1 and 2;
- Figs 5 and 6 are side views of the holder member of Figs 3 and 4 seen at right-angles to each other;
- Fig 7 is a rear view of the holder member.
- Figs 1 and 2 show a housing in the form of a coded golf ball 10 for use in a golf ball game apparatus.
- the ball is moulded in two interfitting parts 12, 14 which define a central cavity 16 between them.
- Located within the cavity is a generally circular cylindrical holder 20 for various components within the ball 10.
- the holder is of vacuum-formed plastic material and surrounds a rechargeable battery 22 for operating the circuitry within the ball.
- the battery is a nickel-metal-hydride battery.
- the housing has a diameter of 42.8mm, corresponding to that of a conventional golf ball and has a dimpled exterior.
- the circuitry is mounted on a pcb 24.
- the battery 22 is charged by an induction technique from the exterior of the ball, and a charging coil 30 is wound around the holder 20.
- the holder 20 is mounted substantially at the centre of the golf ball.
- the ball also contains one or more sensors of the types disclosed in WO 2013/156778.
- a counterweight 44 is provided so that the ball is evenly balanced and rolls like a conventional golf ball.
- the ball also has a magnetically-operated switch 46 for switching its circuitry on and off.
- the circuitry includes a memory device which stores a code identifying the respective ball. Further memory space temporarily stores data related to a history of the strokes or other actions to which the ball has been subjected, at least since the last time such data was downloaded to a central database held in an external device of the ball game apparatus. This data relating to the latest movements of the ball includes data about its respective speed and direction during such movements.
- Some or all of the memory may be configured to have its data erased, for example if an attempt is made to remove the ball from the vicinity of the ball game apparatus in an unauthorised manner.
- the ball is placed at a charging location in a battery-charging rack which is capable of charging the battery 22 at low or high rates.
- the circuitry within the ball includes means for detecting the charge state of its battery and for causing the rack to charge the battery at a high or low rate as appropriate.
- Part of the memory space in the database stores a count of the number of full charging cycles to which the battery of each ball has been subjected. When a threshold is reached, the battery is determined to have reached the end of its useful life. To avoid premature rejection of batteries, a charging procedure is not counted if the charge of the battery is already above a predetermined threshold when it is placed on the rack.
- additional data relating to the ball may be stored in the ball itself instead of, or in additional to, in the central database of the apparatus.
- the holder 20 may be of a generally square or other desired shape. More than one counterweight 44 may be provided. One or more counterweights may be located separate from the holder 20 rather than being integrated therewith.
- the magnetic switch 46 may be omitted. In this case the circuits may be switched on and off by an alternative method. This may be done by detecting when the ball is placed in a charging and/or activating device, e.g. by a voltage increase being detected via charging coil 30.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
- Near-Field Transmission Systems (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
- Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1512038.9A GB201512038D0 (en) | 2015-07-09 | 2015-07-09 | Ball for game |
| PCT/GB2016/052068 WO2017006132A1 (en) | 2015-07-09 | 2016-07-08 | Golf ball |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP3319699A1 true EP3319699A1 (en) | 2018-05-16 |
Family
ID=54013718
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP16750468.7A Withdrawn EP3319699A1 (en) | 2015-07-09 | 2016-07-08 | Golf ball |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20180369647A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP3319699A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2018527136A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20180054561A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN108025204A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2016290847A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2991296A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB201512038D0 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1255377A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017006132A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP7294894B2 (en) * | 2019-06-04 | 2023-06-20 | ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 | A golf ball containing a module with electronic circuitry and a power supply |
| GB2599078B (en) | 2020-09-10 | 2023-03-22 | World Golf Systems Ltd | Communication system |
Family Cites Families (31)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3782730A (en) * | 1971-12-02 | 1974-01-01 | Euronics Ltd | Golf ball |
| DE4007454A1 (en) * | 1990-03-09 | 1991-09-12 | Int Patent Utilization | Golf ball location arrangement with signal receiver unit |
| US5677499A (en) * | 1992-04-24 | 1997-10-14 | Oceanit Laboratories, Inc. | Lysimeter for collecting chemical samples from the vadose zone |
| US5434789A (en) * | 1993-10-06 | 1995-07-18 | Fraker; William F. | GPS golf diagnostic system |
| GB9915331D0 (en) * | 1999-06-30 | 1999-09-01 | World Golf Systems Limited | Golf balls |
| GB0000105D0 (en) * | 2000-01-05 | 2000-02-23 | World Golf Systems Limited | Golf game |
| US20020177490A1 (en) * | 2001-05-24 | 2002-11-28 | Yook-Kong Yong | Radio frequency identification system for identifying and locating golf balls in driving ranges and golf courses |
| US6884180B2 (en) * | 2002-06-07 | 2005-04-26 | Brian S. Corzilius | Self-recording golf ball, golf ball cup, and reading device system |
| US20040142766A1 (en) * | 2003-01-17 | 2004-07-22 | Chris Savarese | Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to findable golf balls |
| US7691009B2 (en) * | 2003-09-26 | 2010-04-06 | Radar Golf, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods relating to findable balls |
| US20050085316A1 (en) * | 2003-10-20 | 2005-04-21 | Exelys Llc | Golf ball location system |
| US20050143199A1 (en) * | 2003-12-31 | 2005-06-30 | Saroyan Zaven T. | Method and apparatus for monitoring and determining the position of a football |
| US20050227792A1 (en) * | 2004-03-18 | 2005-10-13 | Hbl Ltd. | Virtual golf training and gaming system and method |
| US20050233815A1 (en) * | 2004-03-18 | 2005-10-20 | Hbl Ltd. | Method of determining a flight trajectory and extracting flight data for a trackable golf ball |
| US7095312B2 (en) * | 2004-05-19 | 2006-08-22 | Accurate Technologies, Inc. | System and method for tracking identity movement and location of sports objects |
| US20060105857A1 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2006-05-18 | Stark David A | Athletic ball telemetry apparatus and method of use thereof |
| US20070032314A1 (en) * | 2005-08-02 | 2007-02-08 | Ashley Ratcliffe | Transmitter tag |
| GB2428592B (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2010-02-17 | Ashley Ratcliffe | Transmitter tag |
| WO2008024744A2 (en) * | 2006-08-21 | 2008-02-28 | Jay Vandelden | Adaptive golf ball |
| US7791982B2 (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2010-09-07 | Karr Lawrence J | Impact energy powered golf ball transmitter |
| US7578603B2 (en) * | 2007-08-10 | 2009-08-25 | Chang-Hsiu Huang | Acoustic wave induced light emitting golf ball |
| US8257189B2 (en) * | 2008-04-03 | 2012-09-04 | Geogolf, Llc | Advanced golf monitoring system, method and components |
| US20100151955A1 (en) * | 2008-12-17 | 2010-06-17 | Enfora, Inc. | Global positioning system use for golf ball tracking |
| TWM369161U (en) * | 2009-03-05 | 2009-11-21 | yong-jie Huang | Radiation golf in wireless charging with sound and light control |
| US8882606B2 (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2014-11-11 | Nike, Inc. | Golf swing data gathering method and system |
| US8747241B2 (en) * | 2010-03-12 | 2014-06-10 | Nike, Inc. | Golf ball with piezoelectric material |
| GB201206827D0 (en) | 2012-04-18 | 2012-05-30 | Jolliffe David V | Ball game apparatus |
| US20140128171A1 (en) * | 2012-11-08 | 2014-05-08 | Derek C. Anderson | Golf ball tracking system |
| US9927525B2 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2018-03-27 | Scott Zimmerman | Golf ball locating system |
| US20150094168A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-02 | Inveniet,Llc | Device and system for tracking a golf ball with round indicators and club statistics |
| JP6335046B2 (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2018-05-30 | ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 | Golf ball with built-in IC chip |
-
2015
- 2015-07-09 GB GBGB1512038.9A patent/GB201512038D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2016
- 2016-07-08 CN CN201680040182.2A patent/CN108025204A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-07-08 JP JP2018520035A patent/JP2018527136A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-07-08 WO PCT/GB2016/052068 patent/WO2017006132A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2016-07-08 US US15/742,884 patent/US20180369647A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-07-08 KR KR1020187003606A patent/KR20180054561A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-07-08 HK HK18114516.6A patent/HK1255377A1/en unknown
- 2016-07-08 CA CA2991296A patent/CA2991296A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-07-08 AU AU2016290847A patent/AU2016290847A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-07-08 EP EP16750468.7A patent/EP3319699A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201512038D0 (en) | 2015-08-19 |
| HK1255377A1 (en) | 2019-08-16 |
| CN108025204A (en) | 2018-05-11 |
| JP2018527136A (en) | 2018-09-20 |
| CA2991296A1 (en) | 2017-01-12 |
| AU2016290847A1 (en) | 2018-02-01 |
| KR20180054561A (en) | 2018-05-24 |
| US20180369647A1 (en) | 2018-12-27 |
| WO2017006132A1 (en) | 2017-01-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
| PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
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| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
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| 17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20180122 |
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| AK | Designated contracting states |
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| AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
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| DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
| DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
| REG | Reference to a national code |
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