Infrared hockey puck and goal detection system

• US 10,434,397 B2
• Filed: 12/18/2017
• Issued: 10/08/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GLO-Flite, LLC
• Original Assignee: Jamilla Kounellas
• Inventors: Kounellas, Jamilla
• Primary Examiner(s): Vanderveen, Jeffrey S
• Application Number:
  US15/845,681
• Publication Number:
  US 20180104563A1
• Time in Patent Office: 659 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/24 Ice hockey
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/54 Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/00 Balls with special arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/008 with means for improving visibility, e.g. special markings or colours illuminating or reflecting means A63B43/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/004 Goals of the type used for football, handball, hockey or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 67/14 Curling stone; Shuffleboard; Similar sliding games
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0605 Decision makers and devices using detection means facilitating arbitration

Abstract

An illuminating hockey puck and hockey goal monitoring system is provided. The hockey puck comprises a standard size hockey puck with an imbedded RF receiver, electrical circuit, and a power source therein. The receiver functions in coordination with the hockey goal monitoring system, which registers when the receiver passes over its threshold to energize a light source either in the puck or along the goal itself. The monitoring system comprises a transmitter connected to an energized wire disposed within the goal posts and over the threshold of the goal, whereby the proximity of the receiver to the wire can be measured and the system registers when the puck has entered the goal.

Claims

1. A hockey puck system, comprising:

a hockey puck having a radio frequency receiver, a light source, a power supply, and a circuit for determining signal strength;

a hockey goal comprising a goal line and a forward frame, the forward frame at least partially positioned in a plane shared with the goal line, the forward frame having a first and second upright goal post and a cross bar member, said first and second upright goal post and said cross bar member forming an inverted U-shape resting atop a first surface and each having a hollow interior;

said hockey goal further comprising a radio frequency transmitter comprising a power source, a signal generator, and an elongated wire forming a closed loop;

said elongated wire extending through said hollow interior of said first and second upright goal post, through said cross bar member, and between said first and second upright goal post to form said closed loop, wherein at least a portion of the elongated wire is either flush against said first surface or buried below said first surface; and

said radio Frequency receiver being configured to register an emitted signal from said elongated wire, said emitted signal being generated from said signal generator;

wherein said at least one portion of the elongated wire is buried below said first surface inside of a slot, the slot sized to receive said at least one portion of the elongated wire and configured to be covered by ice or snow;

wherein said at least one portion of the elongated wire is inward with respect to said goal line.

2. The hockey puck system of claim 1, wherein said circuit is configured to energize said light source when said radio frequency receiver passes through said closed loop.

3. The hockey puck system of claim 1, wherein said circuit further comprises a timer circuit configured to selectively power or depower said light source being energized.

4. The hockey puck system of claim 1, wherein said radio frequency receiver registers a maximum signal strength when the puck is positioned over said goal line.