Golf ball locating system and operating method

• US 5,447,314 A
• Filed: 12/27/1993
• Issued: 09/05/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 12/27/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael A. Minovitch, Yamazaki, Tsuyoshi
• Original Assignee: Michael A. Minovitch, Yamazaki, Tsuyoshi
• Inventors: Yamazaki, Tsuyoshi, Minovitch, Michael A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marlo, George J.
• Application Number:
  US08/172,726
• Time in Patent Office: 617 Days
• Field of Search: 273/213, 273/187.3, 273/58 G, 273/32 H
• US Class Current: 473/353
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0053 for locating an object, e.g. a lost ball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/32 Golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/00 Balls with special arrangements

Abstract

A sound emitting golf ball is provided for locating a golf ball after it is struct by a golf club. The system comprises a miniaturized electronic, battery powered piezoelectric sound generator surrounded by a shock absorber that is embedded inside a golf ball. The sound generating system is constructed with very small, inexpensive shock resistant components and embedded at the center of the golf ball inside the shock absorber. The system can be designed to operate in the audible or ultrasonic range.

Claims

1. A system for locating a golf ball comprising:

a golf ball;

ultrasonic sound generating means operating at a frequency above the range of human hearing;

means for mounting said ultrasonic sound generating means in said golf ball and

ultrasonic sensor means for receiving the ultrasonic sound emitted from said golf ball for locating said golf ball.

2. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said ultrasonic sound generating means is embedded inside said golf ball and further comprising shock absorber means mounted around said ultrasonic sound generating means for absorbing the shock generated by hitting the golf ball with a golf club.

3. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said ultrasonic sound generating means comprises an ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer, battery means for energizing said ultrasonic transducer and switching means for turning said ultrasonic transducer on and off.

4. A system as set forth in claim 3 wherein said switching means further comprises magnetometer means for sensing a magnetic field and electronic circuit means connecting said magnetometer means to said ultrasonic transducer means so that said ultrasonic sound emitted by said golf ball can be turned on and off by passing a magnetic field close to said golf ball.

5. A method for locating a golf ball comprising the step of mounting an ultrasonic sound generating means on said golf ball so that said golf ball can be located by tracking the ultrasonic sound emitted by said golf ball.

6. A method as set forth in claim 5 further comprising the steps of:

mounting a shock absorber means around said ultrasonic sound generating means; and

mounting said shock absorber means containing said ultrasonic sound generating means in a cavity inside said golf ball.

7. A method as set for in claim 6 further comprising the step of conveying the ultrasonic sound generated inside the ball outside the ball.

8. A method as set forth in claim 5 wherein said sound generating means comprises a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer means further comprising the step of tracking the sound emitted by the transducer means by an ultrasonic sensor means.

9. A method as set forth in claim 5 further comprising the step of activating said ultrasonic sound generating means without making physical contact with the ball.