Abstract: The crossbow bolt or arrow nock in certain embodiments of the current invention includes a structural support piece that substantially surrounds and structurally supports the distal end of the nock, which may be made of a clear polymeric material to allow the transmission of light.

Abstract: A device for illuminating the impact point of an arrow. The device contains at least one light source. Upon impact with a target, the device detaches from the arrow and attaches to the target to illuminate the impact point. When the target is live game, the illumination highlights the impact point and assists in tracking the game.

Abstract: Devices and methods for illuminating an arrow nock or bolt end are disclosed including providing a nock having a first portion adapted to receive the bowstring in a drawn position and a second portion adapted to receive the bowstring after the bowstring is released from the drawn position; a light source assembly at least partially disposed within the nock body and activated when the bowstring is released from the drawn position; the light source assembly comprising a power source, a light source and a switch; and at least a portion of the light source assembly protruding from the end of the nock body so that releasing the bowstring causes the switch to close, thereby activating the light source and illuminating the nock or bolt end. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An arrow system includes a hollow arrow shaft having a front end and a rear end. A nock is disposed on the rear end of the arrow shaft. An arrowhead disposed at the front end of the arrow shaft. The arrowhead has a forward tip end and a rearward shaft end. A light source is provided to the arrow and arranged to illuminate the nock. A battery is provided to the arrow and coupled to the light source. A flight data sensor is provided to the arrow. A microprocessor is provided to the arrow and coupled to the light source, the flight data sensor and the battery.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention include lighted bounceable toys for play and amusement. Such toys or structures can be made in an infinite number of graceful and useful configurations. Exemplary bounceable ball toys include a light assembly having a power source and a plurality of light emitting elements, and a spherical skeletal structure having a plurality of segments. The spherical skeletal structure defines an open interior cavity, and at least some segments of the skeletal structure include a channel opening that faces toward the interior cavity. Light emitting elements transmit light to the channel openings.

Abstract: A device for recognizing when an object or a person crosses a threshold that is marked by a magnetic field comprises a first magnetic field sensor that is designed to detect a first magnetic field component of the magnetic alternating field and to deliver an associated magnetic field sensor signal. The device comprises a second magnetic field sensor that is designed to detect a second magnetic field component of the alternating magnetic field. The device also comprises an evaluator that is designed to deliver information in response to a change in a phase relationship between the magnetic field sensor signal delivered by the first magnetic field sensor and a reference signal based on the detection of the second magnetic field component by the second magnetic field sensor, said information indicating that the object or person has crossed the marked threshold.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electronic handheld device is provided for receiving information related to a broadcasted sporting contest, and calculating a score based upon the received information. The information is entered into the electronic handheld device via a controller having plurality of buttons, each button having an associated score. The controller includes a display for displaying team information, which may include the team name and the score for each team. The controller further includes circuit board having circuitry operatively connected to the controller for processing the entered information and outputting the processed information to the controller display.

Abstract: A lighted nock assembly is disclosed for use with an archery projectile. A cap fits within the tail end of the projectile shaft. The cap comprises a shoulder to bear against the projectile shaft, a recess terminating in a floor portion, and a face to bear against the shoulder of a nock. An LED/battery assembly fits within the recess of the cap abutting the floor portion. A nock fits over the LED/battery assembly and into the recess of the cap. Ready-to-fire, the LED/battery assembly comprises an activation gap between the LED lamp and the body of the battery assembly. A gap, greater than or equal to the activation gap, is left between the shoulder of the nock and the face of the cap. When fired, the bow string drives an internal surface of the nock into the front end of the LED/battery assembly and illuminates the LED lamp.

Abstract: A lighted nock assembly is disclosed for use with an archery projectile. A portion of an insert fits within, and is shouldered against, the tail end of the projectile shaft. The insert includes a recess terminating in a floor portion, and a face to bear against the nock shoulder. An LED/battery assembly fits within the recess of the insert abutting the floor portion. A nock fits over the LED/battery assembly and into the recess of the insert. Ready-to-fire, the LED/battery assembly comprises an activation gap between the LED lamp and the body of the battery assembly. A gap, greater than or equal to the activation gap, is left between the shoulder of the nock and the face of the insert. When fired, the bow string drives an internal surface of the nock into the front end of the LED/battery assembly and illuminates the LED lamp.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to vanes and/or fletch members having a rearward, extended, flanged base portion for use in association with fletch holders and lighted nock assemblies such as are utilized with crossbow bolts, arrows, and the like. The rearward, extended, flanged base portion provides a floor against which a small-profile LED and battery assembly can bear during firing and subsequent LED activation.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving athletic performance in a sport in which participants employ a projectile during competition. The method includes training for the sport with a sensing system included in the projectile, where flight characteristics of the projectile remain substantially unchanged with the sensing system included in the projectile relative to the flight characteristics of the projectile as used in competition without the sensing system. The method also includes evaluating at least one flight characteristic measured by the sensing system when the projectile is employed with the sensing system, and if the act of evaluating finds that adjusting at least one physical characteristic of the projectile may assist in improving the participant's performance, changing the at least one physical characteristic.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that may include receiving, at one or more sensors in communication with a mobile computing device positioned within a device receptacle portion of a device, the device receptacle portion being configured to substantially enclose and protect the mobile computing device during physical activity, sensor data. The method may include determining, by a processor of the mobile computing device, motion data regarding a movement of the protective device. The method may include estimating a behavior of a user based in part upon the motion data. The method may include generating a response to the behavior including at least one of graphic, audio, tactile, or video output. The method may include providing, through a wireless communications path, the response to a second device in wireless communication with the mobile computing device.

Abstract: An illuminated game projectile with a cradled light source with an outer shell, a light source structure disposed within an open inner volume of the outer shell, and a cradle structure disposed within the open inner volume of the outer shell to retain the inner light source structure in a predetermined position. The outer shell can be spherical or puck or otherwise shaped. The cradle structure can be formed by walls disposed in a general X-shape relative to each hemispherical half of the outer shell to encircle the light source structure substantially entirely and retain the light source structure in a position substantially concentric with the outer shell. Where the outer shell is disk shaped, the cradle structure can be formed by a plurality of radially communicating cradling fins.

Abstract: An illuminated game projectile with external switch access with a casing, a light source structure within the casing, and an actuating rod or other mechanism for actuating an actuation mechanism of the light source structure from external to the casing. The game projectile casing can be spherical, and the actuation switch can be a depression switch. The actuating rod can have a first end adjacent to the exterior surface of the casing and a second end adjacent to the switch. The casing can alternatively be disk shaped as with a hockey puck or football shaped with first and second ends and a bulbous mid portion. With a puck shape, actuation can be effected by pressing on a face of the puck to press the switch. With a football shape, actuation can be effected by pressing on an end of the football to press the switch.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of controlling a boomerang. The apparatus includes: a detection unit for detecting moving information of a boomerang including a plurality of wings; a movement prediction unit for generating movement prediction information of the boomerang by using the detected moving information; and a control unit for controlling an angular velocity of a rotation shaft connected to the plurality of wings or a flap angle of the plurality of wings of the boomerang according to the generated movement prediction information. Accordingly, the boomerang may accurately move to a target place by controlling flight of the boomerang by using moving information of the boomerang. Also, a flight distance of the boomerang may be increased by switching a flight state from non-power flight to powered flight.

Abstract: A sports apparatus for monitoring movement of a sport projectile includes a sensor and a wireless interface disposed within the sport projectile for communicating sampled data signals from the sensor, a portable communication device in wireless communication with the wireless sensor for receiving sampled data signals from the wireless sensor, the sampled data signals indicative of a motion of the sport projectile. The portable communication device includes a controller having a memory including programming instructions that when executed by the processor cause the controller to detect a sensor signal from the wireless interface, determine a motion characteristic of the sport projectile from the motion characteristic from the sensor signal, and determine if the motion characteristic is passage of the sports projectile through a goal structure, motion of the sports projectile after a shot or an impact of the sport projectile with an object.

Abstract: Devices and methods for illuminating an arrow nock or bolt end are disclosed including providing a nock having a first portion adapted to receive the bowstring in a drawn position and a second portion adapted to receive the bowstring after the bowstring is released from the drawn position; a light source assembly at least partially disposed within the flock body and activated when the bowstring is released from the drawn position; the light source assembly comprising a power source, a light source and a switch; and a least a portion of the light source assembly protruding from the end of the nock body so that releasing the bowstring causes the switch to close, thereby activating the light source and illuminating the nock or bolt end. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Devices and systems and methods that can include padded vest and head gear having sensors to be worn by opposing players, for a boxing game and training system and method wherein impacts on the sensors are automatically converted into points on a scoreboard. The sensors can be located on left and right sides of the headgear and on upper and lower portions of the front of the vest of the participants.

Abstract: A hunting arrow for tracking target animals is disclosed and described. The arrow can include a chamber. The arrow may also include a transmitter housing that is installable into the chamber. A pair of bores extending through the transmitter housing and chamber may be configured and adapted for receiving a pair of shear pins. The shear pins may secure the housing in the chamber. The transmitter housing may comprise an animal engagement member, such as a hook. The transmitter housing is ejected from the chamber when the arrow strikes a target animal and the hook stops the forward momentum of the transmitter housing with sufficient force to shear the shear pins, thereby ejecting and embedding the transmitter housing in the hide of the animal. The transmitter within the housing may broadcast the location of the animal to the hunter to enable easy tracking of the animal, if wounded.

Abstract: Sporting devices having the ability to provide dynamic indicia are disclosed. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for altering the output of at least one light-emitting/light reflecting device of a sporting device. In one aspect, the selective utilization of dynamic indicia may be implemented in the training or coaching of athletes. In one embodiment, a user input may be received by manipulating a structure traditionally located on a particular type of sporting device or from an external electronic device, including for example, a portable communication device, such as a wireless telephone, media player, tablet, netbook, or notebook computer. Further aspects relate to utilizing sensors to detect a motion parameter of the sporting device and/or an athletic parameter during a selected athletic routine. Certain implementations may utilize data from multiple sporting devices and/or other structures.

Abstract: A projectile can be fired at a surface vessel and, upon impact, an air bag may be deployed almost instantaneously from underneath the vessel. Through the rapid inflation of the air bag, the stability and orientation of the target surface vessel may be disturbed. Disturbance, at a minimum, may reduce and change the trajectory of the surface vessel, but, in some circumstances, the surface vessel may be overturned. The air bag may be designed with an anti-slip coating to directly couple to the wet hull of the surface vessel. In some embodiments, the projectile may include a delay to enable the air bag to be positioned under the vessel before inflation thereof.

Abstract: An improved LED illuminated game ball designed to be used in Bocce or Petanque. The game ball includes a solid, opaque spherical body with a threadingly connected illuminated cap assembly that is axially aligned and partially extends into the spherical body. The illuminated cap assembly includes an outer housing, and intermediate member, and a lower inner housing. Mounted on the intermediate member is a PCB with a multi-functional switch and a longitudinally aligned plunger switch. The intermediate member also includes a downward extend bridle with a downward extending LED bulb. Located inside the bridle is a plurality of stacked watch batteries. The outer housing includes top plate with a transversely aligned slot and a plunger bore through which the plunger switch and the closed neck on a sealing washer disposed under the top plate partially extends after assembly. The end of the plunger switch is recessed and enclosed in a watertight seal.

Abstract: A data collection and analysis system tracks motion of ball for analysis of a competitor's performance in a sport, such as golf or baseball. The data collection and analysis system comprises a ball equipped with a positioning receiver and a transmitter to acquire and transmit position data, and a handheld unit to receive and process the position data.

Abstract: An arrow, arrowhead and method of shooting an arrowhead are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a plurality of blades extend outwardly from the body of an arrowhead and a sharpened tip extends forwardly. A front laser diode is disposed in the arrowhead and is arranged so that a laser beam emitted by the diode projects forward from the arrowhead through an aperture in the tip and is coaxial with the tip's center axis. In another example embodiment, the housing includes a rear facing light source to selectively light the nock. The method includes indexing the arrowhead to the vanes by tightening a set screw disposed in a portion of the arrowhead disposed in the arrow shaft.

Abstract: A measurement system having a miniature, wireless inertial measurement unit (IMU) disposed within or on a moving object, such as a ball or other member, to calculate the kinematics of the moving object.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for securely retaining electronic components within an inflatable object. For example, basketballs having a boot structure for securely retaining one or more electronic components (e.g., a sensor and/or a battery) within the basketball are provided.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is configured to couple to an arrow-mounted electronic device where the apparatus includes a housing, a receptacle included in the housing and at least one electrical contact configured to couple to a contact included in the arrow-mounted electronic device. According to one embodiment, the receptacle is configured to receive at least a portion of the arrow-mounted electronic device, the at least one electrical contact includes a spring-bias in a first direction and the spring bias is opposed with the arrow-mounted electronic device inserted within the receptacle.

Abstract: A light transmission system for a light emitting game ball provides light passageways extending outwardly from an elongate cavity within the game ball adapted for containing an elongate light source. The shape of each passageway at the exterior surface of the ball is substantially different from the shape of the corresponding joining aperture formed by the intersection of the passageway and the cavity.

Abstract: A ball amusement device including an outer shell of transparent or semi-transparent plastic or elastomer or plastomer having good bounce characteristics, and at least one liquid within the shell. The outer shell may be configured to reduce the transparency to light through the ball.

Abstract: An anti-theft basketball including an identification device that triggers an alert if such basketball passes a boundary including a reader that interrogates the identification device. The basketball incorporates such identification device in a manner that does not affect the integrity, size, shape, or bounce of the basketball, such as on top of, under, or within the cover of the basketball or its inflatable core.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a ball used for an athletic activity includes detecting movement of the ball at a first time, using a sensor module coupled to the ball, determining that the movement of the ball corresponds to a predetermined activation movement, entering an active state of the sensor module in response to the determination that the movement of the ball corresponds to the predetermined activation movement, and detecting movement of the ball at a second time, using the sensor module in the active state.

Abstract: A self-centering nock is provided for use in a well-balanced nock-arrow or nock-bolt assembly. The self-centering nock includes compliant projecting protrusions or compliant arms that are substantially rotationally symmetric about a cross section normal to a main axis of the self-centering nock. The compliant projecting protrusions or compliant arms may be received in bolts that have bores of differing internal dimensions.

Abstract: The illuminated nock assembly of the present invention attaches to the shaft of an arrow to assist in tracking the trajectory of the arrow in flight and in locating the arrow after flight. The illuminated nock assembly includes a housing having two separate parts, lighting components and a power source. The lighting components are illuminated when arrow shaft is placed on the housing.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detection of whether a movable object, such as a sports object, e.g. a football or an ice hockey puck, has passed goal plane. It is known to encircle the goal plane with conductors (1, 2, 3, 4) to produce an electromagnetic field to excite signal emitter means in the movable object, alternatively detect the signal emitted by the emitter means. With the present invention these circuits are sectioned into a plurality of separate circuits, which provides an improved spatial resolution of the system in particularly when the movable object is close to the conductors.

Abstract: A device (120) for acquiring and providing information which can be associated with a football player, said device comprising: an acceleration sensor (129) for detecting accelerations acting on the devices; a memory unit (121) for storing measured acceleration values with associated time stamps and an ID associated with the device (120); and a radio unit (128) for receiving a first radio signal (150) with a first time stamp, wherein the first radio signal represents a deformation of a ball, and for transmitting a second radio signal (160) including the ID associated with the device (120) in case that a check of the values in the memory unit shows that an acceleration was detected by the device at the corresponding time.

Abstract: A method and system for locating an object in which the activation of the alert is predicated on the recent relative movement of the object. As a result, the alert is only activated after an event in which the object might be lost. In addition, a receiver integrated in the object is similarly only activated after a relative movement for a predetermined period of time associated with a search for the object, if a signal is received during the period, the alert is activated.

Abstract: A bladder for an inflatable ball, in particular a soccer ball, has electrical wiring wherein the wiring is at least partially arranged along a bladder wall to interconnect two electrical or electronic devices.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for securely retaining electronic components within an inflatable object. For example, basketballs having a boot structure for securely retaining one or more electronic components (e.g., a sensor and/or a battery) within the basketball are provided.

Abstract: An American style football including an inflatable bladder, a cover surrounding the bladder, and an electronic circuit. The bladder includes first and second side walls defining an expandable cavity and a cross-member configured to extend through the expandable cavity. The side walls and cross-member are coupled together to form a bladder seam. The electronic circuit is coupled to the cross-member and produces a signal to enable the position and movement of the football to be monitored during use.

Abstract: A ball-shaped camera thrown or projected into an airborne trajectory, and an image capture system with network devices collaborating for the purpose of generating panoramic images and video sourced from network ball cameras, and ball cameras capable of capturing stable image and video while spinning, spiraling or precessing through a trajectory.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention include lighted bounceable toys for play and amusement. Such toys or structures can be made in an infinite number of graceful and useful configurations. Exemplary bounceable ball toys include a light assembly having a power source and a plurality of light emitting elements, and a spherical skeletal structure having a plurality of segments. The spherical skeletal structure defines an open interior cavity, and at least some segments of the skeletal structure include a channel opening that faces toward the interior cavity. Light emitting elements transmit light to the channel openings.

Abstract: An oval ball, in particular rugby ball or football with a casing and with at least one electronic component or module with a transmitter unit, which is arranged in the casing and is held in a defined position, wherein the at least one electronic module is fastened on or in a shape part with a positive and/or material fit, in the region of the tips or in the region of a valve of the casing. In a further embodiment, the module is suspended on nets which are connected to the tip region of the casing in a large-surfaced manner.

Abstract: A movable object for use in a system having means for determining whether the movable object passes a flat target plane of the system, the movable object having a plurality of sensor means, radio wave emitter means arranged in the movable object, and control means for controlling the operation of the radio wave emitter means, the control means being arranged to sample an electromagnetic field intensity measured by the sensor means and transmit data relating to the field intensity measured by the individual sensors by means of said radio wave emitter means, wherein the transmitted data allow for a unique identification of which of said plurality of sensor means measured the transmitted data.

Abstract: A fight analysis system to objectively determine the quality and quantity of strikes in a fight. In one exemplary embodiment, one fighter wears a receiving module having a plurality of passive RFID tags at different locations that are read by a striking module (e.g., a knife) when the striking module lands on, or comes in proximity to, the receiving module, to provide the location of a strike. Force sensors in the striking module enable determination of the type and force of a landed strike. A graphical user interface module displays information gathered by the fight analysis system.

Abstract: A sensing device obtains range-related data—such as Doppler data or pulse time-of-flight data—from a sports projectile during flight. The time course of the range-related data is employed, in light of predictable characteristics of the projectile trajectory, to determine and output an accurate determination of the projectile speed for one or more points of interest in its flight. Such determination of speed may, for instance, be the speed at the time of projectile release, even though range-related data is gathered later in the flight, when the projectile is traveling neither so fast, nor straight at the sensor. Such sensing device may employ inexpensive short-range acoustic Doppler, and be incorporated into a target device that automatically displays to a pitcher-in-training the speed and ball/strike condition of each pitch.

Abstract: A ball or sport accessory allows players to interact using a variety of computing functions; combines one or more sensors, displays, cameras, projectors, memory, hardware, processors or other components capable of providing computer functionality; allows users to record and share images and video, to receive live directions from coaches or other players, to understand or correct mistakes by replaying videos instantaneously, or to undertake other computing activity without the need of additional devices; allows users to listen to music or to watch two or three dimensional movie or television files; and/or functions as a cell phone. The ball or sport accessory may allow users to play video games, view holograms, project images or videos, and download websites and/or third party applications. The sport accessory may determine whether the user has sustained an impact that may cause a concussion, or whether the user may suffer a sunstroke.

Abstract: A ball amusement device including an outer shell of transparent or semi-transparent plastic or elastomer or plastomer having good bounce characteristics, and at least one liquid within the shell. The outer shell may be configured to reduce the transparency to light through the ball.

Abstract: Sporting devices having the ability to provide dynamic indicia are disclosed. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for altering the output of at least one light-emitting/light reflecting device of a sporting device. In one aspect, the selective utilization of dynamic indicia may be implemented in the training or coaching of athletes. In one embodiment, a user input may be received by manipulating a structure traditionally located on a particular type of sporting device or from an external electronic device, including for example, a portable communication device, such as a wireless telephone, media player, tablet, netbook, or notebook computer. Further aspects relate to utilizing sensors to detect a motion parameter of the sporting device and/or an athletic parameter during a selected athletic routine. Certain implementations may utilize data from multiple sporting devices and/or other structures.

Abstract: An illuminated skeet target comprises a substantially disc-shaped body that is suitable for launching via a trap or other launching device. The skeet target contains at least two reagents that undergo a chemiluminescent reaction and give off light when combined so that the skeet target can be illuminated and identified when ambient lighting conditions are insufficient.

Abstract: An expandable hunting arrowhead which ejects a signal generator and transmitter into the body of the quarry animal upon impact is described. The action of expanding blades, which rotate radially outwardly and backwardly to deploy from the sides of the arrowhead upon impact, separates the tip of the arrow containing the signal generator and transmitter in a sideways manner from the rest of the arrowhead. The sideways separation is obtained as a result of the rotating action of the blades, and the linear action of a plunger acted upon by the blades within the arrowhead. This way, the signaling tip is more likely to stay within the body of the animal, and not pass through it, to help the hunter locate the body.