System for preventing theft of sporting goods

• US 20040219985A1
• Filed: 05/02/2003
• Published: 11/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Pechiney Rhenalu
• Original Assignee: Pechiney Rhenalu
• Inventors: van Dijk, Antonius F.
• Application Number:
  US10/428,579
• Publication Number:
  US 20040219985A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/125
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/72 Means preventing unauthorised use, e.g. by lowering a tennis net
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0001 Balls with finger holes, e.g. for bowling

Abstract

A loss control device is embedded within a sporting good such as a bowling ball or bowling shoe such that it does not interfere with the operation of the sporting good. The loss control device may be embedded within the sporting good in such a way that it is hidden from the user. A recreation center in which a number of sporting goods are rented or lent out may be outfitted with one or more sensor devices near one or more of its exits. At least some of the sporting goods provided for rental or lending include embedded loss control devices that are sensed by the sensor devices, such that attempted removal of the sporting goods from the sporting facility is detected by the sensor devices.

Claims

1. A system for preventing theft from a recreation center, comprising:

a sporting good; and

at least one loss control device embedded within said sporting good.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one said loss control device is hidden within said sporting good.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said sporting good is a bowling ball.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said bowling ball comprises a core and a shell substantially covering said core, and wherein said loss control device is embedded within said core of said bowling ball.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein said bowling ball comprises a core and a shell substantially covering said core, and wherein said loss control device is embedded within said shell of said bowling ball.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein said bowling ball includes at least one finger opening bounded by a surface, and wherein said loss control device is secured within said finger opening.

7. The system of claim 3, further comprising a plug within which said loss control device is embedded, wherein said plug is secured to said surface of said finger opening.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein said loss control device is secured to said surface of said finger opening, further comprising a plug additionally secured to said surface of said finger opening.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said sporting good is a bowling shoe.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said bowling shoe comprises a heel, and wherein said loss control device is embedded in said heel.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor device positioned in association with at least one exit from the recreation center, said at least one sensor device configured to detect said loss control device.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a force mitigation element configured to protect said loss control device.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said force mitigation element is a cushioning material.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein said force mitigation element is a shock absorber connected to said loss control device.

15. A method of controlling the loss of sporting goods from a recreation center having at least one exit, comprising:

providing at least one sporting good within the recreation center;

embedding at least one loss control device within at least one said sporting good; and

placing at least one sensor device in association with at least one exit from the recreation center, wherein said at least one sensor device is configured to detect at least one said loss control device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said embedding comprises hiding at least one said loss control device within at least one said sporting good.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising connecting at least one sensor device to a security system.

18. A method of manufacturing a loss-resistant item, comprising:

providing a loss control device;

manufacturing a sporting good; and

embedding said loss control device within said sporting good.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said sporting good is a bowling ball.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said sporting good is a bowling shoe.