Interactive data retention and display pet ball launcher

• US 9,668,456 B2
• Filed: 06/30/2015
• Issued: 06/06/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Make Ideas, LLC
• Original Assignee: Outward Hound LLC
• Inventors: Parness, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): NICONOVICH, ALEXANDER R
• Application Number:
  US14/754,692
• Publication Number:
  US 20170001087A1
• Time in Patent Office: 707 Days
• Field of Search: 119707, 124 5, 700 91
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 15/021 Electronic training devices specially adapted for dogs or cats
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 15/025 Toys specially adapted for animals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/20 having means, e.g. pockets, netting or adhesive type surfaces, for catching or holding a ball, e.g. for lacrosse or pelota
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/12 contoured according to the anatomy of the user's hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/16 Caps; Ferrules
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 65/122 Hand-held mechanical projectors, e.g. for balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 3/04 Centrifugal sling apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel interactive pet ball launcher wherein digital circuitry in the ball and launcher will wirelessly track and record throw data, allowing a User to view the data on a readout in the launcher handle, or to transfer the data to a smartphone or computer via wireless technology or a data dongle that connects via USB in the handle of the launcher.

Claims

1. An interactive data retention and display pet ball launcher comprising:

a) an elongated flexible handle with a grip at one end and scoop portion at an opposing end wherein the handle has one end for receiving a data device and wherein the opposing end is the scoop portion having two opposing portions forming a generally ball-shaped recess to frictionally retain a ball until the handle is swung with force sufficient to release the ball from the scoop

b) a receiving piece for a smartphone connected to the handle portion

c) a removable data dongle located in the end of the handle portion for receiving and storing data

d) a digital module with display located on the handle of the launcher

e) a ball equipped with electronics for communicating to the launcher'"'"'s digital module or a smart phone.

2. The interactive data retention and display pet ball launcher as in claim 1 wherein internal electronics in the ball transmit data to the receiving ball launcher or to a smartphone wherein the smartphone is attached by a user to the handle.

3. The interactive data retention and display pet ball launcher as in claim 1 wherein the handle is designed to comfortably fit a user'"'"'s hand and wherein the scoop portion holds the ball via a friction fit until a user swings the handle with sufficient force that the ball overcomes the frictional retaining force of the scoop and is then launched from the scoop.

4. The interactive data retention and display pet ball launcher as in claim 1 wherein the receiving piece is located on the handle for receiving and securely holding most brands of smartphones.

5. The interactive data retention and display pet ball launcher as in claim 1 wherein the removable data dongle is located in a recessed slot at a tip of the launcher handle and wherein the dongle is removed from the recessed slot and allowing the transfer of its stored data via connection to a computer.

6. The interactive data retention and display pet ball launcher as in claim 1 wherein the digital module is integrated into the launcher handle and which displays collected throw data communicated from the transmitting ball.

7. The interactive data retention and display pet ball launcher as in claim 1 wherein internal electronic circuitry within the ball will communicate with the data dongle and provide readable data back to the handle'"'"'s digital module.