Electronic target for sensing the impact of objects

• US 6,551,205 B1
• Filed: 07/09/1997
• Issued: 04/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Excel Sports, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Excel Sports, Inc.
• Inventors: Koelzer, Mary Elizabeth, Koelzer, Joseph Henry Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): ONEILL, MICHAEL W
• Application Number:
  US08/890,185
• Time in Patent Office: 2,113 Days
• Field of Search: 473/454-456, 473/476, 473/570, 473/571, 273/331, 273/333, 273/334, 273/348, 273/372, 340/323.R
• US Class Current: 473/454
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/004 Multiple detectors or sensors each defining a different zone
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0043 Systems for locating the point of impact on a specific surface
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0006 for pitching
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/022 Backstops, cages, enclosures or the like, e.g. for spectator protection, for arresting balls

Abstract

A target detects the location of an impact of an object against a material by using various sensors. One utilization of the target is for a baseball or softball target whereby strikes and balls are detected depending upon the location of the impact of the ball against the target. The determination of the strikes and the balls is then provided to the thrower of the ball using some type of output device.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a target having one or more designated areas; and

circuitry operable for notifying a user when a moving object is in proximity to the one or more designated areas, wherein the moving object has been thrown by the user at the target, wherein the target comprises one or more surfaces having the one or more designated areas, wherein the notifying circuitry includes one or more sensors operable for detecting which of the one or more designated areas is nearest in proximity to the object, wherein the one or more sensors detect an impact of the object on one of the one or more surfaces, wherein one or more sensors are piezo film sensors,

wherein the one or more surfaces include first and second parallel mats of flexible material mounted in a frame, wherein the first mat has a hole there through providing access to the second mat, wherein the first mat includes the first designated area and the second mat includes the second designated area, wherein an impact of the object in proximity to the second designated area occurs when the object passes through the hole and impacts the second mat.

2. An apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of planes, wherein each of said plurality of planes is spaced apart in a substantially horizontal direction;

at least one sensor in communication with each of said plurality of planes;

circuitry operable for discriminating which sensor is closest to an impact location where an object contacts one or more of said plurality of planes;

circuitry operable for identifying a plane in communication with said sensor closest to said impact location; and

circuitry operable for notifying a user of said apparatus which plane has been contacted.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein one of said plurality of planes has a cut-out.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein a ball entering said cut-out falls between said plurality of planes.