SPORTING DEVICE WITH INTERACTIVE DISPLAY

• US 20090029808A1
• Filed: 07/23/2008
• Published: 01/29/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Antonio Fore
• Original Assignee: Antonio Fore
• Inventors: Fore, Antonio
• Application Number:
  US12/178,114
• Publication Number:
  US 20090029808A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/481
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0037 on a target surface or at impact on the ground
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/083 for basketball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0669 Score-keepers or score display devices

Abstract

A sporting device having a display integrated into the construction of the sporting device and preferably configured to be responsive to the sporting activity. Preferably, the display is formed by a liquid crystal sheet that is visible through the structure of the sporting device. The liquid crystal sheet can be remotely operated or otherwise configured to provide a pre-selected display. Alternatively, operation of the liquid crystal sheet is controlled by the activity associated with the sporting device.

Claims

1. A sporting device comprising:

a game structure associated with a game to be played using the sporting device, the structure being less than opaque; and

a display structure positioned proximate the structure and operable to provide an output through the structure.

2. The sporting device of claim 1 further comprising a power source supported by the game structure and configured to power the display structure.

3. The sporting device of claim 1 wherein the sporting device is one of a backboard, a goal assembly, a net assembly, an arena board, or a position indicator and the display device is a liquid crystal sheet.

4. The sporting device of claim 3 further comprising a controller configured to manipulate operation of the liquid crystal sheet.

5. The sporting device of claim 4 further comprising an input connected to the controller and responsive to events associated with the game structure.

6. The sporting device of claim 5 wherein the controller is configured to instruct the display to output one of an event illusion, a team logo, or a graphical display.

7. The sporting device of claim 6 wherein the controller is configured to sequentially generate one or more of the event illusion, the team logo, and the graphical display.

8. A basketball backboard comprising:

a faceplate constructed to withstand impacts by a basketball; and

a liquid crystal sheet disposed proximate the faceplate and configured to generate an output that is visible through the faceplate.

9. The basketball backboard of claim 8 further comprising a controller configured to control operation of the liquid crystal sheet.

10. The basketball backboard of claim 8 further comprising an input operatively connected to the faceplate and responsive to activity of the backboard for providing operating instructions to the liquid crystal sheet.

11. The basketball backboard of claim 8 wherein the liquid crystal sheet includes a number of sections that are independently operable.

12. The basketball backboard of claim 8 further comprising a power source for powering the liquid crystal sheet.

13. A method of manufacturing a sporting device comprising:

shaping the sporting device to cooperate with a play of a game;

incorporating a liquid crystal sheet into the sporting device; and

controlling the liquid crystal sheet to temporarily generate an output in response to interaction of the sporting device during the game.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising providing a database of a number of outputs for the liquid crystal sheet.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein shaping the sporting device further comprises forming one of a backboard, a goal assembly, a net assembly, an arena board, or a position indicator.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of controlling the liquid crystal sheet further comprises generating the output in response to an impact between a ball and the sporting device.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the output is further defined as displaying a translucent graphic within a border of the sporting device.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the translucent graphic is one of sports related or an advertisement.

19. The method of claim 13 further comprising communicating an electrical signal to portions of the liquid crystal sheet to generate the output.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising communicating the electrical signal from a battery source supported by the sporting device.