BASKETBALL ELECTRONICS SUPPORT

• US 20140200103A1
• Filed: 03/14/2014
• Published: 07/17/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Company (Anta International Group Holdings Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Company (Anta International Group Holdings Ltd.)
• Inventors: Thurman, Robert T., Krysiak, Kevin L.
• Granted Patent: US 10,449,421 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/570
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0028 Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2041/005 with counterweight for adjusting the centre of gravity
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/35 Spin
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/56 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/72 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/54 Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0037 Basketball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 41/02 Bladders
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 41/08 Ball covers; Closures therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/00 Balls with special arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/004 electrically conductive, e.g. for automatic arbitration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/06 with illuminating devices ; with reflective surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 67/002 : Games using balls, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 : Sports

Abstract

A game ball supports electronics. In one implementation, the electronics sense motion of the game ball and are encapsulated by potting compound which forms an encapsulating body sized and shaped to fit within a cavity of the game ball. In one implementation, a game ball comprises an inflatable body which supports the electronics, wherein an electrical conductive line is electrically connected to electronics extends along a surface of the inflatable body at least 60 degrees about the inflatable body.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

electronics to sense motion of a game ball; and

a potting compound encapsulating the electronics, the potting compound forming an encapsulating body sized and shaped to fit within a cavity of the game ball.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a battery external to the encapsulating body and electrically connected to the electronics.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a battery within the encapsulating body and electrically connected to the electronics.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cavity of the game ball is cylindrical and wherein the encapsulating body is cylindrical.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the potting compound is selected from a group of potting compounds consisting of an epoxy, an ABS, polyurethane and silicone.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the encapsulating body completely encloses the electronics.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electrical conductor extending from the electronics to an exterior of the encapsulating body, wherein the encapsulating body seals about and against the electrical conductor.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising an electrically conductive line to extend along a surface of the game ball, the electrically conductive line electrically connected to the electrical conductor.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising the game ball, wherein the electrically conductive line extends along the surface of the game ball.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the game ball comprises an inflatable bladder and a cover about the bladder, wherein the electrically conductive line extends along and between an outer surface of the bladder and an inner surface of the cover.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the electrically conductive line is electrically connected to the battery to facilitate charging of the battery.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the electronics comprises a transmitter and wherein the apparatus further comprises:

the game ball;

a second electrical conductor extending from the transmitter to an exterior of the encapsulating body, wherein the encapsulating body seals about and against the second electrical conductor;

a second electrically conductive line electrically connected to the second electrical conductor and extending along the surface of the game ball, the second electrical conductive line serving as an antenna for the transmitter.

13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive line extends at least 180°

about the game ball.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive line extends at least 360°

about the game ball.

15. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising:

the game ball; and

a plug at least partially received within the cavity between the encapsulating body and an exterior of the game ball.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the plug comprises an embedded electrically conductive line electrically connected to the electrical conductor.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronics comprises a transmitter and wherein the apparatus further comprises:

the game ball;

an electrical conductor extending from the transmitter to an exterior of the encapsulating body, wherein the encapsulating body seals about and against the electrical conductor;

an electrically conductive line electrically connected to the electrical conductor and extending along the surface of the game ball, the electrical conductive line serving as an antenna for the transmitter.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

the game ball;

a rechargeable battery electrically connected to the electronics; and

a secondary inductive coil electrically connected to the rechargeable battery.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a charging platform comprising a primary inductive coil.

20. A game ball comprising:

an inflatable body;

electronics supported by the inflatable body; and

an electrical conductive line electrically connected to the electronics and extending along a surface of the inflatable body at least 60 degrees about the inflatable body.

21. The game ball of claim 20, wherein the inflatable body fauns a cavity and wherein in the game ball further comprises an encapsulating body of potting compound encapsulating the electronics, the encapsulating body sized and shaped to be received within the cavity.