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: The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a microprocessor that controls illumination of the light. The microprocessor can control the timing of the light to save battery life and respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that interact with the replaceable battery to hold it in place.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a controller that controls illumination of the light. The controller can control emission of the light to conserve battery life, and can respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that secure the replaceable battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suspending core electronics in a sports object is disclosed. The suspension is accomplished in such a manner as to protect the electronics from impact during normal play of the sports object. In one embodiment, a web like membrane is used to suspend the electronics in the sports object. Other embodiments include use of an impact absorbing memory foam, an air inflated inner core, or a flexible membrane in any combination with or without the web-like design, or individually used, suspend and support the core electronics while providing protection to the core electronics.

Abstract: A projectile having light emitting structure and a rechargeable power source is launched by projectile launching apparatus such as a gun. The projectile launching apparatus charges the rechargeable power source and when the projectile is propelled a visual display is produced by the lighted propelled projectile.

Abstract: A golf disc assembly includes a disc configured for flying upon being cast into the air and a sonic finding unit which is attached to the disc and which emits a sonic locating signal after the sonic finding unit conducts a delay of a predetermined amount of time.

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 illuminated arrow is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the arrow includes an elongated arrow shaft, an arrow cavity provided in the arrow shaft, a plurality of fletchings each having a plurality of strands of fiber optic cable communicating with the arrow cavity and a light source communicating with the arrow cavity.

Abstract: A gaming bag including at least one outer wall defining a cavity, at least one light emitting source positioned adjacent the at least one outer wall, a filling material disposed within the cavity, and wherein the at least one light emitting source provides illumination. A method of lighting a gaming bag comprising the steps of providing a gaming bag comprising at least one outer wall defining a cavity, at least one light emitting source positioned adjacent the at least one wall, a shock sensor within the cavity, a filling material within the cavity, and wherein the at least one light emitting source provides illumination, tossing the gaming bag, measuring a force with the shock sensor upon impact with a surface, activating the light emitting source when the force is greater than the predetermined threshold, and deactivating the light emitting source after a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: An archery arrow carries a light transmitting nock plus a light assembly, which comprises a light source positioned so that the light source is visible through the nock, a switch having normally open electrical contacts, and closable upon momentary contact with a magnetic field, and circuitry interconnecting a battery, the switch, and the light source for permitting illumination of the light source when the magnetic field is sensed. By this invention, the light assembly may be free of a housing and occupies a first bore of the nock and a second bore of the arrow shaft rearward end. A unique system for retaining a battery and protecting against high G force, plus a focused beam LED are other optional, advantageous features.

Abstract: A reusable interdiction apparatus that makes use of a housing of dimensions making the housing suitable to be carried and thrown by an individual. A light source is disposed within the housing and adapted to project an optical signal through a portion of the housing. A controller is used for controlling operation of the light source. A power source is disposed within the housing and used for powering the controller and the light source.

Abstract: A detachable, trackable arrow nock, comprising a proximal end for detachably coupling to a hollow distal end of an arrow shaft, a distal end for receiving a bow string, a plurality of fins for engaging the hide of an animal to prevent the nock from penetrating the hide, an electronic tracking device, and an anchor tethered to the nock, wherein the anchor is positioned within the hollow distal end of the arrow shaft when the proximal end of the nock is coupled to the distal end of the arrow shaft. As the arrow shaft moves through the animal, the nock is operable to detach from the arrow shaft when the fins engage the hide of the animal and the anchor is operable to engage internal tissues of the animal to secure the nock to the animal.

Abstract: A golf ball is easily found with lighting and buzzing. A battery in the golf ball is charged with a current from its induction coil through electromagnetic induction. On charging, the circuit in the golf ball can stop functioning. Thus, life-time of the battery is prolonged while power used is cut down. And, contamination owing to frequently replacing the battery is diminished.

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 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: Systems and methods for sensing and monitoring various athletic performance metrics, e.g., during the course of a game, a practice, a training session, training drills, and the like, are described. These systems and methods can provide useful metrics for players and coaches relating to athletic performances in various sports, including various team sports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bladder for an inflatable ball including structure for receiving an electronic device therein. The structure facilitates at least one of cushioning, positioning, locating, and supporting the electronic device. The structure cushions reaction forces arising from a foot strike to the bladder and/or provides a restoring force to the electronic device subsequent to a foot strike to maintain the device in its predetermined position.

Abstract: A sport novelty ball has an outer shell and a stabilizing shock absorbing core in which various interior components are embedded. A non-toxic smoke solution is introduced into the ball and stored. Centrally located within the ball is a smoke chamber containing a heating element, A switch/pump assembly is provided for completing an electrical circuit and moving the smoke solution through the ball. Upon actuation of the switch/pump assembly, simultaneously the heating element is actuated and the solution is pressured through fluid lines in the ball to an atomizer for spraying the solution onto the heating element, whereupon smoke is generated in the smoke chamber. Exhaust/intake channels extend from the smoke chamber to the ball periphery. When the ball is thrown, ambient air passing through the exhaust/intake channels causes a stream of air to be emitted from the channels, giving the appearance that the ball is smoking.

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 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: A light-emitting ball includes an inflatable ball bladder, a transparent skin layer that encloses the ball bladder, and an electrically operable display module, such as a flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) display module, that is disposed between the ball bladder and the skin layer and that is operable to generate images visible through the skin layer.

Abstract: A two part arrow employing a tracking device used to track wounded game animals. When the hunting broadhead engages a game animal, a separating slide mechanism that encircles the anterior arrow segment slides toward the rear of the arrow catching the lever component of the release mechanism secured inside the posterior arrow segment releasing the broadhead and anterior arrow segment from the posterior arrow segment. A retainer housed in the anterior arrow segment springs open and engages the animal. An attachment device connects the retainer to the release mechanism ensuring that the posterior arrow segment and the signaling component located in the posterior arrow segment remain tethered to the animal.

Abstract: A projectile illuminated by a chemiluminescent light source is capable of producing a stroboscopic effect when set in motion. The projectile body is a solid body preferably made of a soft, pliable material such as NERF®, in the shape of a sports ball, and the light propagates, unobstructed, through orifices in the body that allow for maximum light transmission. There need not be any ancillary components, only the light stick(s) and the soft, pliable body, however, an optional housing may be included to contain the light source. Orifices through which the light escapes the body may be modeled in the shape of team or corporate logos.

Abstract: Sports ball, and more generally a pneumatic object with at least one internal pressure sensor (10) of said ball, automatic inflator (6), capable of compensating for a decrease in the internal pressure, this inflator having at least one gas micro-generator, said at least one micro-generator being capable of being actuated when the pressure sensor (10) measures an internal pressure below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: When playing a sport it is generally difficult to localize (exactly) an accessory requirement for that sport at a determined point in time. The localizing of sports equipment may however be desired in particular situations, for instance to track down lost articles of sports equipment, or to be able to apply the rules of a sport in efficient manner. The invention therefore relates to a system for localizing sports equipment. The invention also relates to a method for localizing sports equipment using such a system.

Abstract: In particular situations it may be desirable to follow, trace or otherwise localize specific (groups of) objects or animals, in particular people. The invention relates to a localization system. The invention also relates to a method for localizing objects or animals using such a localization system.

Abstract: A device for providing information concerning position and movement of a ball, in particular a basketball, to a user is provided. The device includes a ball having an opening therein. A sensor board is positioned within the opening in the ball. The sensor board carries a three-axis accelerometer electrically connected to a microcontroller and a transceiver. A receiver board is also provided and is located remotely from the ball. The receiver board carries a transceiver electrically connected to a microcontroller and a plug for connecting to a personal computer. The accelerometer on the sensor board continuously senses the position and acceleration of the ball. That information is then transmitted wirelessly to the receiving board by the transceivers.

Abstract: An amusement device includes an outer shell of transparent or semi-transparent plastic or elastomer having good bounce characteristics, and a liquid, preferably water, and light-up device therewithin, the liquid being outside said light-up device. Glitter is also desirably within the liquid.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus is disclosed for providing illumination to an object or surface. In one illustrative embodiment, the light apparatus is used to help improve the visibility of a vehicle by providing illumination to at least part of the vehicle. In other illustrative embodiments, the light apparatus may be used to provide illumination for other objects or equipment including, for example, docks, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper. When so provided, the lighting apparatus may help provide a level of protection to objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse. In other illustrative embodiments, the lighting apparatus may be used to increase the visual appeal of an object or surface, such as a wall, a toy, an appliance or any other object, as desired.

Abstract: A sports projectile illuminated with a chemiluminescent light stick capable of producing a stroboscopic effect. The body is made of a soft, pliable material such as NERF® and the light stick(s) is carried through bores in the body. There are no ancillary components, only the light stick(s) and the soft, pliable body. Orifices or various other shapes are cut into the body of the sports projections allowing for the maximum light transmission.

Abstract: An arrow with gripping claws around the head and a build-in high voltage electronic discharge apparatus for subduing and incapacitating humans and animals. When the plunger hits the target the said claws grab the target and deliver a high voltage charge that immobilizing it.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a microprocessor that controls illumination of the light. The microprocessor can control the timing of the light to save battery life and respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that interact with the replaceable battery to hold it in place.

Abstract: A tracking system and associated methods for locating animals, such as wounded/downed game animals or non-game animals such as research animals, and/or projectiles configured to be shot at an animal are disclosed. The system includes a transmitter and one or more radio frequency reflectors that are coupled to a projectile. After the projectile is shot, a user utilizes the transmitter to locate the reflector. In some cases, the reflector is integrally coupled to the projectile to allow the user to locate the projectile. In other cases, the reflector is selectively coupled to the projectile so as to be removed from the projectile and attached to the animal when the projectile hits the animal. In such cases, the user may use the transmitter to locate the animal. In still other cases, at least one reflector is integrally coupled to the projectile while another is selectively coupled to the projectile. Accordingly, the user can locate the projectile and the animal.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a microprocessor that controls illumination of the light. The microprocessor can control the timing of the light to save battery life and respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that interact with the replaceable battery to hold it in place.

Abstract: A light-emitting golf ball is provided. The light-emitting golf ball is characterized in that hemispherical first hollow portions extend from the surface toward the center of a core, second hollow portions having a diameter less than that of the first hollow portions extend from bottom zones of the first hollow portions toward the center of the core, narrow holes extend through the core from the second hollow portions to portions of the core that are opposed to the second hollow portions, a ball body includes a transparent cover layer extending over the core surface, chemical light-emitting bodies include sealed vessels made of a flexible transparent material, the sealed vessels have cylindrical portions and round light-emitting portions having a diameter greater than that of the cylindrical portions, the cylindrical portions are tightly fit in the second hollow portions, and the light-emitting portions are fit in the first hollow portions.

Abstract: A sports electronic training system with sport ball, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, a sport ball that includes a motion monitor for monitoring motion of the sport ball stores an identification value received when a shoe that includes a motion monitor contacts the sport ball. The stored identification value serves as a record of the contact.

Abstract: One embodiment of a chemiluminescent device, suitable for impact activation, has the external form of a spherical tube structure with a length to width ratio of 0.5:1 to 3:1 and an internal brittle ampoule floating freely within an external tough shell. This form of the chemiluminescent device is very suitable for use in throwing, especially for fixed point throwing and limited space throwing.

Abstract: A system for tracking balls in sports in which players kick, pass, bounce, strike or carry a ball. The ball is equipped with two beacons pulsing in the 5-10 Hz range at a frequency which is not attenuated by the body of the players. one beacon has a very short range of 40-120 cm and the other has a range of 1-5 metres. A data logger worn by the players includes a clock, location and speed sensors, a receiver for the beacon signals and a micro controller to record the data from all the sensors. The micro controller is able to record whether the player is in possession of the ball or is contesting the ball. The path of the ball from player to player is tracked relative to the playing field.

Abstract: A light emitting golf ball is provided that includes a spherical housing, a fixing container, a light emitting device, a first fitting portion, and a second fitting portion. The light emitting device is disposed in the fixing container and includes an acoustic wave sensor, a controller, one or more light emitting elements and an electricity supplier. When the acoustic wave sensor receives an external acoustic wave signal higher than a predetermined value, it sends out an activating signal to the controller so that at least one light emitting element emits light. This invention is irrelevant to the hitting direction. It has an extremely low defective rate. Furthermore, the product life can be prolonged.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow, where the apparatus includes a device configured to provide feedback to a user concerning the arrow shot from a bow, and a processor coupled to the device, the processor configured to control an operation of the device at least during a flight of the arrow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a false activation reducing centrifugal activation system. The system is an activation system that may be used to activate a wide variety of functionalities in a wide variety of devices. The functional elements to the system are a device housing, a power supply module, and one or more activation modules that are activated by a particular motion of the housing, such as when the device housing is able to at least partially spin or rotate about one or more axis' of rotation. The disclosed activation modules include a centrifugally activated electronic system that allows a device's functionality to be turned on or off by moving the device's housing in a particular fashion. In this way, a device equipped with the disclosed centrifugally activated electronic system does not need to have a manual ON/OFF switch or fragile mechanical switch.

Abstract: A game ball and game for play by a plurality of players with a ball to be passed for player to player that emits a sound at different intervals from slow to rapid during a single play period to indicate to the players a stage of the game is provided.

Abstract: A harness (10) for illuminating a sports article (39) is provided. The harness (10) includes elongated means (11) of elastic material that can be releasably secured to an exterior surface of the sports article (39). The harness (10) further comprise transparent generally flat and planar members (22), transparent sections (18), holes (16) and passageways (36) to releasably secure a light source such as a chemi-luminescent light stick (23) and light emitting diodes (33).

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor configured to provide data concerning one or more flight characteristics of the arrow in flight and a communication link coupled to the sensor, the communication link configured to communicate the data to a device external to the arrow.

Abstract: A play object consisting of a larger ball with an open, substantially spherical-section cavity into which a smaller ball fits snuggly, yet is easily removable and re-insertable due to the diameter of the rim of the cavity being slightly smaller than the diameter of the smaller ball. The rim of the cavity is rounded. When the smaller ball is positioned in the cavity, it protrudes to roughly the spherical boundary defined by the larger ball to allow the combination to roll. When the smaller ball is removed from the cavity, the smaller ball is rollable, and the larger ball is relatively stable when placed on a flat surface with the cavity side down. Furthermore, multiple larger balls oriented with the cavity side downwards may be stacked. The balls are preferably soft, and their surfaces can be smooth, ribbed or furry. Ribbed larger balls provide the advantages of facilitating stacking, and obscuring deviations in the trueness of rolling produced by the lip of the cavity.

Abstract: A multifunction badminton unit includes a badminton racket and a badminton. The badminton racket is provided with plural luminous elements, a control switch and a buzzer mutually connected by an electric wire, and the head of the badminton is also provided with plural luminous elements, a control switch and a buzzer connected together by an electric wire. The control switches of the badminton racket and the badminton head are respectively actuated to start a cell to produce electric energy to be transmitted by the electric wire to the buzzer or to the luminous elements for giving out sounds or light. In addition, the nets of the badminton racket are coated with fluorescent paint. Thus, the badminton can conveniently be played at night or at a dim place by means of light of the luminous elements or the fluorescent paint and the sounds of the buzzer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light-emitting ball, including surface layers and a tube covered therewith, for a ball game. A plurality of light-transmissive, elastic luminescent-body fixtures including light-emitting panels and luminescent body-retaining sections are arranged in the ball such that the light-emitting panels are exposed from holes, arranged in the surface layers, having substantially a circular shape. The luminescent body-retaining sections are substantially circular and have a size greater than that of the light-emitting panels. Outer end portions of the luminescent body-retaining sections are fixed between the surface layers and the tube. Luminescent-body insertion ports laterally extending in surface portions of the light-emitting panels are connected to cavities laterally extending in the luminescent body-retaining sections; hence, luminescent bodies can be detachably attached to the ball. The ball is practical in that the ball can be hit by a hand, kicked, or thrown against a floor.

Abstract: A photoluminescent, light-emitting golf ball comprises a substantially solid core with an outer shell, both formed of a light transmissive material. Photoluminescent particles are distributed within the light transmissive material. A light-emitting circuit assembly embedded within the core includes at least one battery, a control circuit coupled to the at least one battery, a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled to the control circuit, and an impact switch electrically connected between the battery and the control circuit. The control circuit actuates the light-emitting diodes for a predetermined time period in response to an impact of the golf ball by a golf club. Actuation of the light-emitting diodes by an impact on the golf ball excites the photoluminescent particles, causing the particles to glow in excess of the predetermined time period of actuation of the light-emitting diodes.

Abstract: A game ball wherein in the vicinity of a goal, or in a goal area, an electronic system is activated in the goal area by an activation signal, which may be a magnetic field or a radio signal, so as to subsequently facilitate, e.g., highly precise position measurement of the game device, or game ball.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-propelled football with an internally ducted fan and electric motor. An exemplary embodiment has an oblate spheroidal body. The body has a front section, a center section, a back section, and a longitudinal axis. The ducted fan is located within the body substantially within the center section and substantially along the longitudinal axis. The electric motor is located within the body and mechanically coupled to the ducted fan. At least one electrical power source is located within the body and electrically coupled to the electric motor. At least one air-inlet is located within the front section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. At least one air-outlet is located within the back section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. A means for automatic activation and deactivation of the electrical motor is located within the body.