GAME SCORE KEEPER

Abstract

A wrist-worn game score keeper is disclosed herein. The wrist-worn game score keeper includes a band portion operable to be worn on a wrist by a user. The wrist-worn game score keeper also includes a body portion connected to opposite ends of the band portion. The wrist-worn game score keeper also includes a display module mountably supported by the body portion. The display module has a display screen and a plurality of buttons. The display screen is operable to generate a display of a score of a game. The buttons are operable to be engaged to change the display generated by the display screen. The display module is operable to display scores in a plurality of different formats.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/595,715 for a GAME SCORE KEEPER, filed on Feb. 7, 2012, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/632,716 for a WRISTBAND GAME SCORE KEEPER, filed on Jan. 27, 2012, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device that can receive input and display numeric data for keeping the score of a game.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

Various other score keeping devices have been proposed in the prior art. Representative of the prior art devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,252 to Saunders; U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,127 to Wilson; U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,956 to Thater; U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,748 to Pettis; U.S. Pat. No. D205,077 to Green; U.S. Pat. No. D300,435 to Harris et al.; U.K design patent 2,966 to Wilkinson et al.; U.K. patent application 2,053,003 to Nightingale; and German Pat. No. 3,925,932 to Peter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In summary, the invention is a wrist-worn game score keeper. The wrist-worn game score keeper includes a band portion operable to be worn on a wrist by a user. The wrist-worn game score keeper also includes a body portion connected to opposite ends of the band portion. The wrist-worn game score keeper also includes a display module mountably supported by the body portion. The display module has a display screen and a plurality of buttons. The display screen is operable to generate a display of a score of a game. The buttons are operable to be engaged to change the display generated by the display screen. The display module is operable to display scores in a plurality of different formats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention displaying time in a watch or default mode;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention displaying time in a general scoring or first mode;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention displaying time in a tennis scoring or second mode;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention displaying time in a golf scoring or third mode; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of circuitry that can be applied in embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

The invention, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodiment described below, provides a device that can keep the score of a game being played by the user. The exemplary embodiment can be worn by a user and provides score-keeping functions for tennis and golf For tennis scoring, the exemplary embodiment can maintain scoring data associated with the set and with the match. For golf scoring, the exemplary embodiment can maintain score data for the user by hole and by round. Additional modes of the device permit monitoring of the time of day in hours and minutes as well as keeping score between two players or two teams of players in any game whose winner is determined by point accumulation. This mode also allows for keeping track of simple game statistics or counts generally, such as non-athletic activities.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a device 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a body 12 and a band 14. The band 14 extends between opposite ends 16, 18. The ends 16, 18 respectively connect to positions 20, 22 of the body 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the body 12 and band 14 can be integrally-formed. “Integrally-formed” refers to the fact that in the exemplary embodiment the body 12 and band 14 can be formed together rather than being formed separately and then subsequently joined. The term defines a structural feature since structures that are integrally-formed are structurally different than structures that are comprised of subcomponents formed separately and then subsequently joined. “Integral” means consisting or composed of parts that together constitute a whole and thus encompasses structures of more than one part wherein the parts are either integrally-formed or formed separately and then subsequently joined. The positions 20, 22 are spaced from one another such that the body 12 and the band 14 cooperate to form a loop operable to receive a body part of a user, such as an arm.

The exemplary body 12 can house a display module 23 having electric circuitry including one or more processors, memory, and input/output components. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of circuitry that can be applied in embodiments of the invention. Other circuits of varying sizes and functionalities can be applied in other embodiments of the invention. The body 12 can support a viewable display screen 24 of the display module 23 and one or more buttons, such as buttons 26, 28, 30 of the display module 23. The display screen 24 can generate high resolution output. The exemplary display screen 24 can be an LCD screen, but other display technologies can be used in alternative embodiments of the invention. The exemplary display screen 24 can display alphanumeric images. In alternative embodiments, a display screen can display graphic symbols and different colors. The memory of embodiments of the invention could be chosen to be large enough to also store data, such as medical data and personal contact information.

In the exemplary embodiment, the button 26 can allow the user to direct the processor to vary the mode of operation of the device 10. For example, the processor can maintain the device 10 in a “watch mode” as a default setting or default mode. In other words, the display screen 24 can be controlled by the processor to display the time and/or date and/or other data when the device is not being used to keep score. An exemplary display associated with the watch mode is shown in FIG. 2. Another mode of operation could be a timer or stop watch mode.

In the exemplary device 10, upon the user pressing the button 26 once, the processor can control the device 10 to change the mode of operation and act in a first mode as a general score keeper. For example, the display screen 24 can be controlled by the processor to display “0” to “0.” This can be viewed as an “all sports” mode since many games are scored with one number for each contestant. An exemplary display associated with the general scoring mode is shown in FIG. 3, showing a score of “14” to “11.” It is noted that changing the score in any of the modes of operation will be described in greater detail below. It is also noted that the display can be used for tracking statistics and counts for non-athletic activities, such as keeping track of the ingestion of medication.

In the exemplary device 10, upon the user pressing the button 26 twice starting from the default mode, the processor can control the device to act in a second mode as a tennis score keeper. For example, the display screen 24 can be controlled by the processor to display “L” to “L.” An exemplary display associated with the tennis scoring mode is shown in FIG. 4, showing a score of “40” to “15.”

In the exemplary device 10, upon the user pressing the button 26 three times starting from the default mode, the processor can control the device to act in a third mode as a golf score keeper. For example, the display screen 24 can be controlled by the processor to display “0” and “0,” wherein one of the digits represents the score on the immediate hole and the second digit represents the cumulative score. An exemplary display associated with the golf scoring mode is shown in FIG. 5, showing four shots taken on the immediate hole and sixty-two shots currently for the round.

Upon the user pressing the button 26 a fourth time starting from the default mode, the processor can control the device to return to the default mode. Alternative embodiments of the invention can be operable in more than four modes and can display data differently than the exemplary embodiment. It is noted that button 26, as well as the buttons 28 and 30, can be spring-loaded to return to respective extended positions after having been pressed by a user.

The button 28 of the device 10 can allow the user control various functions for each of the different modes of operation described above. For example, when the device 10 is in watch mode, button 28 can be used to set and reset the correct hour of the day. While the device 10 is in watch mode, upon the user pressing and holding the exemplary button 28 for three seconds, the hour digit(s) will blink, indicating that the hour can be changed. The button 28 can be pressed repeatedly, as desired, to advance the hour data up from the currently displayed hour to the desired hour. In this time-change mode, the button 30 can be pressed as desired to reduce the hour data down the currently displayed hour to the desired hour. In the exemplary embodiment, if no button is pressed after five seconds, the time will be set and the device 10 will continue to operate in watch mode.

When in general scoring mode, the button 28 operates to maintain the correct score in the game. The button 28 can be pressed to advance the score in increments of one. The button 28 controls the display of the top value; in FIG. 3 this value is shown as “14.” The button 30 can be pressed to advance the other score in increments of one. The button 30 controls the display of the bottom value; in FIG. 3 this value is shown as “11.” The processor can be programmed to interpret various button presses to accommodate other scoring possibilities including decreasing scores, new games wherein the displayed score reverts to “0-0,” and reversion back to the default mode.

When in tennis mode, the button 28 operates to maintain the correct score in the game. The button 28 can be pressed to advance the “L” of the display, as often as required, to “15,” then “30,” and “40.” The button 28 controls the display of the top value; in FIG. 4 this value is shown as “40.” The button 30 can be pressed to advance the other value displayed, as often as required, to scroll through “L,” “15,” “30,” and “40.” The button 30 controls the display of the bottom value; in FIG. 4 this value is shown as “15.” The processor can be programmed to interpret various button presses to accommodate other scoring possibilities, new games wherein the displayed score reverts to “L-L,” and reversion back to the default mode.

When in golf mode, the button 28 operates to maintain the correct score in the game. The button 28 can be pressed to advance the score of the immediate hole in increments of one. The button 28 controls the display of the top value; in FIG. 5 this value is shown as “4.” The button 30 can be pressed to decrease the score of the immediate hole in increments of one. The button 30 can be pressed and held for three seconds to add the score of the immediate hole to the cumulative, round score and also to reset the hole score to 0. The round score is shown in FIG. 5 as “62.” The processor can be programmed to interpret various button presses to accommodate other scoring possibilities, new games wherein the displayed score reverts to “0” for hole score and “0” for round score, and reversion back to the default mode.

Thus, the display module 23 is operable to display scores in a plurality of different formats. A format can correspond to one particular game or a plurality of different games. For example, the score of a tennis match is displayed in a first format, with letters and only a limited number of numbers (15, 30, 40). A basketball score defines a second format, different from the first format of tennis since a basketball score does not include letters and can include any number. The basketball format can be applied to many general games since only numbers are used. Golf scoring defines another format since it is desirable to show two numbers for each contestant—a cumulative or round score and a current-hole score.

The exemplary band 14 can be worn on the wrist of a user. It is noted that in alternative embodiments of the broader invention, score keeping devices can be worn on the leg or bicep. An alternative embodiment could include a band that can be bifurcated and selectively connected together, like a two-piece watch band. Such an embodiment could be selectively engaged with a golf bag during use. Another embodiment could be mounted in the back of a divot repair tool or in a tennis racket. The exemplary embodiment is water-resistant. It is noted that embodiments of the invention can be waterproof so that such embodiments could be used in games played in the water.

The exemplary band 14 can be formed from silicone. The material used to form the band 14 can be infused with negative ion-emitting material to promote the health of the wearer. Pulverized minerals such as germanium, tourmaline, and/or Si Bin can be mixed in with the raw silicone material prior to molding to infuse the band 14 with negative ion energy. It is believed that negative ions yield health benefits.

A titanium face plate (not shown) can be mounted to the body 12 to protect at least a portion of the display screen 24. Such a face plate can also be desirable for aesthetic reasons.

The processor, the display screen 24, and other electrically-powered components of the device 10 can be powered by a battery operable to supply direct current. Such a battery could be rechargeable. In alternative embodiments, a solar panel could be incorporated to provide power.

Embodiments of the invention can be practiced with display modules that can communicate through the display screen 24 as well as another communication scheme. For example, embodiments of the invention can be operable to communicate through Bluetooth, Wifi, and/or a cellular phone network. Embodiments of the invention may also incorporate a USB port for communication.

In other embodiments of the invention, the display module 23 can also include circuitry, programming, a speaker, and any other necessary components to generate audible sounds. For example, the display module 23 could be operable to operate in an alarm mode, such that the user could set an audible alarm to go off at a desired time. Such alarms could also be communicated to the user by vibration in other embodiments of the invention.

In other embodiments of the invention, the display module 23 can also include circuitry, programming, and any other necessary components to function as a pedometer. U.S. Pat. No. 8,042,390 is hereby incorporated by reference for its teaching regarding the incorporation of pedometer function to a portable electric device. Further, the display module 23 can also include circuitry, programming, and any other necessary components to function as heart rate monitor, a global positioning system, a thermostat, an accelerometer, an altimeter, a barometer, and/or wireless car key.

The particular preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention shown in the Figure is of a design to optimize its use by a game player. The design of the device 10 is intended to minimize interference with various body and arm movements required by game play and to permit efficient and time-saving data entry to provide continuous score updating. While the Figures depict a unified construction embodying the elements of a display screen and multiple data input initiator buttons, it could easily be separated into two or more of its elements wherein the invention may embody a separate display screen comprising multiple data input initiators, which may be attached to one or more strap elements for affixing to a player's wrist. Further, the band 14 and body 12 could be formed separately and connected together in alternative embodiments of the invention. This feature would allow the band 14 to be replaced for aesthetic reasons. Additional embodiments may be considered consistent with the disclosed invention as well.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the “invention” as that term is used in this document is what is claimed in the claims of this document. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other inventions in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved.

Claims

1. A wrist-worn game score keeper comprising:

a band portion operable to be worn on a wrist by a user;

a body portion connected to opposite ends of said band portion;

a display module mountably supported by said body portion and having a display screen and a plurality of buttons, wherein said display screen is operable to generate a display of a score of a game and said buttons are operable to be engaged to change the display generated by the display screen, and wherein said display module is operable to display scores in a plurality of different formats.

2. The game score keeper of claim 1 wherein said display module is further defined as being operable to display the time when not displaying a score.

3. The game score keeper of claim 1 wherein said band portion and said body portion are integrally-formed.

4. The game score keeper of claim 1 wherein said display module is further defined as operable to display two different alphanumeric values corresponding to the score of a game.

5. The game score keeper of claim 4 wherein each of said displays of two different alphanumeric values are changed by operation of different buttons of said plurality of buttons.

6. The game score keeper of claim 1 wherein said display module is operable to display scores in a tennis mode, a golf mode, and an all sports mode.

7. The game score keeper of claim 6 wherein said display module is operable to display a score in the tennis mode including numeric and alphabetic characters.

8. The game score keeper of claim 7 wherein said display module is operable to display a score in the golf mode including a cumulative value and immediate value.

9. The game score keeper of claim 8 wherein said display module is operable to display a score in the all sports mode including at least two different numeric values.

10. The game score keeper of claim 1 wherein said display module is further defined as being operable to display the time when not displaying a score in a twelve-hour clock format and a twenty-four hour clock format.

11. The game score keeper of claim 1 wherein a first button is operated to designate a particular mode of operation of the display module from a group of modes consisting of a watch mode, a tennis mode, a golf mode, and an all sports mode.

12. The game score keeper of claim 1 wherein said display module is water-resistant.