Voice amplification system for signal calling during the play of a sports competition

• US 20080317263A1
• Filed: 06/25/2007
• Published: 12/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hector C. Villarreal Jr
• Original Assignee: Hector C. Villarreal Jr
• Inventors: Villarreal, Hector C. JR.
• Granted Patent: US 8,340,311 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/120
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/30 Mounting radio sets or communication systems

Abstract

A system that allows the teammates of an individual (such as a quarterback on a football team) to hear signals being called by that individual during the course of a sports competition, despite noise generated by an audience. The system includes a microphone positioned within the helmet of the signal caller connected to an audio amplification device, either positioned in the helmet or in some other part of the clothing or equipment worn by the signal caller. The amplified signal is then directed to one or more loudspeakers, again positioned either on the helmet of the signal caller or on the clothing or equipment worn by the signal caller. The loudspeakers are directed to the signal caller'"'"'s teammates, positioned typically along a line of scrimmage. The system may be time-limited in operation in that the signal caller must specifically activate the system which thereafter remains activated only for a pre-set period of time before automatically shutting off. The components of the system may be connected to each other by wired or wireless signal lines.

Claims

1. A system for amplifying the voice of a signal caller during the course of a sports competition to communicate information to other players on the signal caller'"'"'s team despite a level of extraneous noise, the system comprising:

a microphone positioned on equipment worn by the signal caller in a location for reception of the voice of the signal caller;

an electronic amplifier circuit connected to the microphone and positioned within the equipment worn by the signal caller;

a power supply connected to the amplifier; and

at least one broadcast speaker positioned on equipment worn by the signal caller and connected to the amplifier circuit for re-broadcasting the amplified voice of the signal caller to the other players on the signal caller'"'"'s team.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one feedback speaker positioned adjacent the ears of the signal caller.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a control switch positioned in conjunction with equipment worn by the signal caller for activating or de-activating the operation of the system.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the control switch further comprises a volume control.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein at least some of the components of the system are integrated into the headgear of the signal caller.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the power supply is integrated into a belt worn by the signal caller.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a timer control circuit for de-activating the system after a pre-set period of activation.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the power supply is integrated into shoulder pad equipment worn by the signal caller.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one broadcast speaker is positioned on a helmet worn by the signal caller.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one broadcast speaker is positioned on a belt worn by the signal caller.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one broadcast speaker is positioned on shoulder pad equipment worn by the signal caller.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the microphone is a wireless microphone and transmits a radio frequency signal to the balance of the components in the system positioned on a belt worn by the signal caller.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the microphone is a wireless microphone and communicates a radio frequency signal to the balance of the components positioned on shoulder pad equipment worn by the signal caller.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one broadcast speaker comprises two broadcast speakers oriented in generally opposing directions from each other.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one broadcast speaker comprises three broadcast speakers, two of which are oriented in generally opposing directions from each other and the third oriented orthogonally to the first two.

16. A system for amplifying the voice of a signal caller during the course of a sports competition to communicate information to other players on the signal caller'"'"'s team despite a level of extraneous noise, the system comprising:

a wireless microphone positioned on headgear equipment worn by the signal caller in a location for reception of the voice of the signal caller, the wireless microphone comprising a microphone, a power supply, and a radio frequency transmitter;

an electronic receiver and amplifier circuit positioned within shoulder pad equipment worn by the signal caller for receiving a radio frequency signal from the wireless microphone and amplifying the signal;

a power supply connected to the electronic amplifier and receiver circuit; and

a pair of broadcast speakers positioned on shoulder pad equipment worn by the signal caller and connected to the amplifier circuit for re-broadcasting the amplified voice of the signal caller to the other players on the signal caller'"'"'s team, the broadcast speakers oriented in generally opposing directions from each other.

17. The system of claim 16 further comprising a control switch positioned in conjunction with the shoulder pad equipment worn by the signal caller for activating or de-activating the operation of the system.

18. The system of claim 16 further comprising a timer control circuit for de-activating the system after a pre-set period of activation.