Patent Application
20220401797
The present invention relates to an apparatus for permitting electrical connection between the exterior of an inflatable sports ball and electronics located inside the inflatable sports ball, as well as inflatable sports balls containing such apparatuses. Such electrical connection may provide for data transfer with or charging of the electronics in the sports ball. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for permitting electrical connection between the exterior of a rugby ball and electronics located inside the rugby ball, such as for tracking the position and flight of the rugby ball.
There is a desire to be able to track sports balls, for example rugby balls, whilst they are in use either in training or in a match. This would be able to provide a number of important and interesting statistics for players and coaches. From a performance perspective, if players and coaches could track and understand how different training and techniques affect how the ball can be passed/kicked, it could provide a valuable insight into the best training methods, and give feedback on player technique, which in turn can lead to improvement in players' skills.
During matches, having knowledge of exactly where the ball is would be integral in developing a real-time virtual display of the ball during a game. This would give rise to being able to write programs to allow a match to be created in a virtual world which could be used for player/coach feedback or for TV analysis during broadcast. This data could also be used to recreate all/part of the game if the movement of the players was also tracked.
The most reliable ways of tracking sports balls requires electronics to be provided inside the ball. This poses a number of problems as regards communicating with the electronics inside the ball and charging the electronics inside the ball without compromising the exterior of the ball or the reliability of the electronics.
In some known cases, Inductive Charging systems have been provided inside the ball to allow for charging capabilities without altering the exterior of the ball and to minimise the number of changes needed to conventional manufacturing techniques for inflatable balls. These systems suffer from a number of drawbacks. In particular the charging coil can be brittle and prone to breaking, which is problematic for sports balls that are often subject to large forces, e.g. during kicking, the charging is often slow, inductive charging solutions are expensive, the charging is inefficient and importantly for flight and playability, they are heavy. To accomplish communication with the electronics inside the ball there are many wireless communication technologies available, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC. If the only method of communicating with the electronics inside the ball is through wireless communication technologies then the diagnostic and repair options are limited without destroying the ball to access the electronics. Furthermore, where there is only a wireless connection, diagnosing faults after manufacturing is significantly more difficult and results in a lower manufacture yield, which increases the effective cost per ball.
It is desired to provide a means for connecting with electronics inside an inflatable sports ball that does not suffer from the above problems, and which minimises the changes needed relative to conventional manufacturing techniques for inflatable sports balls. Furthermore, it is desirable to find a low-weight solution so that the impact on the flight dynamics and the playability of the ball are minimised.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for permitting electrical connection between the exterior of an inflatable sports ball and electronics located inside the inflatable sports ball, the apparatus comprising: a support member, the support member having separate first and second through-holes provided therein for respectively connecting the exterior of the inflatable sports ball with the interior of the inflatable sports ball; an electrical connection port located in the first through-hole of the support member for permitting an electrical connection to be made through the first through-hole; and an air valve located in the second through-hole of the support member, the air valve comprising an aperture for selective communication of air. The present inventors have realised that a physical electrical connection port can be provided to an inflatable sports ball with minimal disruption to standard manufacturing techniques by adapting the valve supporting structure of the sports ball. In particular separate through-holes have been provided in the same structural support member to provide access respectively to an air valve and the electrical connection port in such a way that one does not impact the integrity of the other, and so that both can simultaneously be fitted to the sport ball in the same way a conventional valve structure would be fitted to the ball. This realisation has allowed the use of physical connection ports, which offer improvements in reliability and manufacturing yield owing to the physical ports being more robust than wireless charging systems. Furthermore, a physical port improves diagnostic capabilities of malfunctioning balls and enables an additional route for firmware updates to be supplied with greater fidelity. Charging and data transfer speeds are also improved. The present invention also makes the sports ball more user friendly in that both the air valve and the electrical connection port will be located in similar positions on the ball, meaning a user will be able to more quickly find and operate the electrical connection port.
As mentioned above, the apparatus comprises a support member having separate first and second through-holes. The second through-hole receives an air valve for inflating the sports ball. This may be a conventional air valve, as it will be unaffected by the presence of the accompanying electrical connection arrangement. This second through-hole may provide a compressive force to the air valve seated therein in order in order to form an air tight seal.
The first through-hole contains the electrical connection port. A user may thereby access the first through-hole from the exterior of the sports ball and plug in an appropriate cable to form a connection with electronics in the sports ball, said connection passing through the exterior cover of the sports ball via this through-hole.
While the present invention provides advantages over wireless data communication and charging, other wireless technologies can also be incorporated into the apparatus, such as NFC, e.g. attached to the support member, in order to provide the advantages of both systems.
Preferably, the support member is formed of a resilient material, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber. This is advantageous for a number of reasons. Firstly, it enables the first and second apertures to resiliently deform around the elements inserted therein, i.e. the air valve and the connection port assembly, which helps form an air tight seal and helps to retain these elements in their proper through-holes. Secondly, the resilient support member will also be less prone to breaking during use, which could compromise the connection to the internal electronics.
In many embodiments, the first and second through-holes of the support member are defined by a single unitary element. For example, the first and second through-holes may be defined by a single piece of formed rubber. Again, this reduces potential break points in the support structure and reduces the chance that anything would compromise the integrity of the air tight valve arrangement or the seating of the electronic connection port.
Preferably, the first and/or second through-holes are substantially cylindrical through-holes and preferably these cylindrical through-holes are provided substantially parallel with one another. Cylindrical through-holes cooperate well with conventional air valves for sports balls and also cooperate well with the electrical connection assemblies disclosed herein.
A typical electrical connection port, such as a micro-USB port, will comprise metal connectors, and so it is imperative that player safety is maintained and that the electrical connection ports cannot come into direct contact with a player. Therefore, the electrical connection port is typically recessed into the first through-hole with respect to the exterior side of the first through-hole. Recessing the electrical connection port in the through-hole ensures that the port cannot directly contact a player, even if any cover for the port is lost or removed, e.g. during play.
A conventional valve arrangement may comprise a single through-hole that is connected to an inner inflatable bladder of a sports ball via a flange extending around the through-hole. An apparatus according to the present invention may provide that the support member comprises a peripheral flange encompassing the first and second through-holes for attaching the support member to an inner inflatable bladder of the inflatable sports ball and/or an outer cover of the inflatable sports ball. Here, the connecting flange is being made to encompass also the through-hole of the electrical connection port, so that the apparatus of the invention can be sealed to an inner inflatable bladder and/or an outer cover of the inflatable sports ball without requiring additional processing steps.
One particular challenge the present inventors faced was how to seat the electrical connection port in the first through-hole. The present inventors found that a preferred way to do this was to provide that the electrical connection port is carried by an electrical connector assembly adapted for insertion into the first through-hole, the electrical connector assembly comprising a plug member configured for insertion into the first through-hole, the plug member comprising an opening though which the electrical connection port is exposed inside the first through-hole. That is, the electrical connection port is provided in or on a plug member that is then inserted into the first through-hole from the interior side of the through-hole. This plug member helps form an air tight seal around the electrical connection port and also helps prevent the electrical connection port from passing entirely through first through-hole, which may endanger player safety.
Preferably, the plug member comprises a first face carrying the opening through which the electrical connection port is exposed inside the first through-hole, the first face being no larger than, preferably smaller than, (e.g. of a diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of) the first through-hole, and a second face substantially opposite the first face, the second face being larger than the first through-hole (i.e. larger than the narrowest part of the through-hole) such that the plug member cannot pass through the first through-hole. Here, the plug member is shaped such that the rear face of the plug prevents it from passing through the first through-hole, which increases player safety and prevents dislocation of the connection port. The rear face of the plug being larger than the first through-hole also helps adhere the plug to the first through-hole. While preferable, it would also be possible for the plug to be formed to match exactly the interior profile of the first through-hole.
Preferably, the plug member comprises tapering sidewalls for engaging the inside walls of the first through-hole, the sidewalls tapering outward as they extend away from the opening though which the electrical connection port is exposed. For example, the plug member may be substantially frustum shaped, preferably frustoconical. This arrangement provides advantages in that tapering or conical sidewalls will fit various sizes of through-hole to allow for manufacturing tolerances in the sizing of the first through-hole or the plug itself. Furthermore, the tapering sidewall will again prevent the plug and hence the connection port from passing through the first through-hole, which would endanger the safety of the players.
Another important aspect of the electrical connection port assembly is that there is a need for good adhesion between the plug and the first through-hole to prevent dislocation. Preferably, the plug member comprises sidewalls (which will typically be tapered or conical) for engaging the inside walls of the first through-hole, said sidewalls comprising one or more grooves for receiving adhesive to promote adhesion of the plug member to said inside walls of the first through-hole. Preferably the profile of the plug member will substantially correspond to the dimensions of the first through hole. Typically, the electrical connector assembly will be fixed to the support member by gluing the plug member into the first through-hole. However, it has been found by the inventors that a plug with flat sidewalls will typically have much of its adhesive stripped as it is pressed into the first through-hole. The present inventors found that providing one or more grooves in the sidewalls of the plug member enabled it to retain more adhesive and so form a firmer connection with the inside surface of the first through-hole. Again, this improves reliability of the apparatus.
Preferably, one or more grooves in the plug sidewalls extend around substantially the entire periphery of the plug member sidewalls, and more preferably the one or more grooves define one or more helical grooves extending around substantially the entire periphery of the plug member sidewalls. This ensures that a firm connection is made between the periphery of the plug member and the inside surface of the first through-hole.
The electrical connection port itself will typically be a standard port type, such as micro-USB, to facilitate user connection. However, it is necessary to adapt or integrate one of these standard ports into the connector assembly used here. The inventors have found two options for doing this. In one option, the plug member is provided as an integral jacket of the electrical connection port, and in the second option, the plug member is provided as a transition piece into which the electrical connection port is inserted. In the first option, the electrical connection port is overformed (i.e. over-moulded) with a preferably unitary jacket defining the plug member. The connection port and plug member may thereby be unitary. Alternatively, the plug member may be separately formed as a transition piece, and a bare electrical connection port inserted into this transition piece as part of the assembly process.
In order to produce the final apparatus, the electrical connector assembly may be arranged in the first through-hole (e.g. it may be inserted into the first through-hole with adhesive to fix it to the inside wall of the first through-hole) and backfilled with a sealant to provide an air-tight seal of the first through-hole. A suitable sealant that may be used to backfill the electrical connector assembly when inserted into the first through-hole would be an epoxy adhesive.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises one or more visual indicators, preferably lights such as LEDs, located in the first through-hole for conveying information, for example, as regards data transfer with and/or charging of electronics located inside the inflatable sports ball, or the status of a connection to a wireless network. One particularly preferable way that this may be achieved is by providing that the visual indicators are carried by the plug member of the electrical connector assembly. That is, one or more LEDs may be provided surrounding the electrical connector port, exposed through the face of the plug member. These LEDs would also connect via the electrical connector assembly to the electronics of the sports ball.
In most embodiments, the apparatus will further comprise wiring extending from the electrical connection port for connecting the electrical connection port to electronics located inside the sports ball. Where the electrical connection port is carried on an electrical connector assembly, this wiring will typically extend from the rear of the plug member into the interior of the sports ball. While preferable it would be possible for the connector port to be directly connected to, e.g. a circuit board of the electronics.
As mentioned above, the electrical connection port preferably comprises a USB port, preferably a mini-USB port, a micro-USB port, or a USB Type-C port. While preferable, any physical connection port will offer the advantages of the present invention.
Another important consideration of the present apparatus is that it is preferred if the connection port can be shielded from ingress of foreign materials, such as water and dirt. This may involve any sort of capping mechanism, e.g. a threaded cap that screws into the exterior side of the first through-hole. However, preferably, the first through-hole connects to a resilient collar on the exterior side of the first through-hole, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a bung for inserting into the resilient collar so as to prevent ingress of materials into the electrical connection port. Preferably the bung is also resilient. The resilient collar may be integrally formed with the support member, e.g. formed of the same unitary element so that it is an extension of the first through hole, or it may be provided by an attachment to or over the first through hole. Furthermore, it is important that the sealing arrangement makes the apparatus safe. The bung and collar should be soft so that they do not hurt a player who comes into contact with the housing of the charging port, e.g. by kicking it. This arrangement has been found to offer a particularly good combination of a tight seal for preventing ingress of materials while also being soft so that the capping mechanism cannot injure players. Furthermore, the capping mechanism covers the connection port so that this cannot come into contact with and injure the players.
Particularly preferably, the bung comprises a bulbous end for insertion into the resilient collar, the bulbous end thereby causing the opening of the resilient collar to tighten around the bung. That is, the resilient collar may be substantially cylindrical, and the bung may have a lower portion wider than the inner diameter of the resilient collar. When this bung is inserted into the collar, it presses the collar outwards, which causes it to constrict on either side of the wide portion of the bung. This securely holds the bung in place in the resilient collar.
In some embodiments the bung comprises a slot in its exterior surface, i.e. the outer facing surface of the cap element of the bung. This aids in removal of the bung from the collar. Alternatively, or in addition, the exterior surface of the bung may match the appearance of the inflatable sports ball.
Many embodiments further comprise a battery located on the support member. The battery is preferably located on the support member such that it is held inside the sports ball once the apparatus is incorporated into the sports ball. The battery may supply power to any electronics located in the sports ball. Preferably, the battery is electrically connected to the electrical connection port such that the battery may be charged via the electrical connection port. In alternative embodiments, the battery could be located elsewhere in the sports ball, such as on the inside face of the sports ball opposite to the support member.
Preferably, the battery is located adjacent to both the first and second through-holes. For example, a first end of the battery may be adjacent to the first through-hole and a second end of the battery adjacent to the second through-hole. This arrangement is preferred to an arrangement in which one through-hole is arranged between the battery and the other through-hole, since generally it provides a greater surface area of the support member for the battery to be mounted to.
Particularly preferably, the support member defines at least a first supporting wall and a second supporting wall, the first and second supporting walls supporting first and second faces of the battery. That is, the battery may be at least partially enclosed by the support member. Preferably the first and second supporting walls support the two largest faces of the battery. Preferably one of the first and second supporting walls is defined by a part of the support member defining the first and second through-holes. The supporting walls allow the battery to be firmly secured to the support member. For example, the battery may be adhered to the support member and adhering on multiple faces of the battery may provide a stronger adhesion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support member comprises a pocket in which the battery is located. For example, the battery may be enclosed by the pocket of the support member on all but one of its sides or faces. Preferably the pocket and the first and second through-holes of the support member are defined by a single unitary element. For example, the support member and pocket may be formed by a single piece of rubber or injection moulded as a single unit.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is also provided an inflatable sports ball comprising: an outer cover defining the exterior of the inflatable sports ball; electronics located inside the outer cover; and the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention adapted to permit electrical connection between the exterior of the inflatable sports ball and the electronics located inside the outer cover. That is, here we have the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention installed into an inflatable sports ball.
The inflatable sports ball may be any type of sports ball and is preferably one of: a rugby ball, an American football, an association football, a basketball, a netball or a volley ball.
While it is possible that the outer cover itself could be inflatable, typically the sports ball will further comprise an inner inflatable bladder encased in the outer cover and configured to be inflated through the air valve, wherein the electronics are located inside the inner inflatable bladder. In which case, typically, the inner inflatable bladder will be sealed around the periphery of the support member such that both the first and second through-holes connect into the interior of the inner inflatable bladder.
It should be noted that having electronics inside the bladder is advantageous because it protects the electronics and allows the electronics to measure the air pressure inside the ball.
The present apparatus may be used with many different types of electronics that could be incorporated into a sports ball. Preferably, the electronics comprise MEMS sensors, which may include inertial measuring units (IMUs) such as a 3D gyroscope, a 3D accelerometer, as well as a 3D magnetometer, a pressure sensor, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, and a microphone. Additionally, other electronics may be included such as a microcontroller, flash memory, power management, battery monitoring and wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Cellular, Bluetooth, NFC, UWB and alternative locating technologies such as RFID and GNSS.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for permitting electrical connection between the exterior of an inflatable sports ball and electronics located inside the inflatable sports ball, the apparatus comprising: a support member, the support member having a first through-hole provided therein for connecting the exterior of the inflatable sports ball with the interior of the inflatable sports ball; an electrical connection port located in the first through-hole of the support member for permitting an electrical connection to be made through the first through-hole; wherein, the electrical connection port is carried by an electrical connector assembly adapted for insertion into the first through-hole, the electrical connector assembly comprising a plug member configured for insertion into the first through-hole, the plug member comprising an opening though which the electrical connection port is exposed inside the first through-hole.
In contrast with the first aspect of the invention, this apparatus is dedicated solely to providing a connection port for electronics and does not also provide the air valve of the inflatable sports ball. This may be preferred where it is desirable to separate the electronic connection port from the air valve, e.g. for better weigh distribution within the ball.
In this aspect of the present invention, the electrical connection port is provided by an electrical connector assembly comprising a plug member that is inserted into the first through-hole. The advantages of this arrangement have been described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention, for which this features was a preferred implementation.
As above, while the present invention provides advantages over wireless data communication and charging, wireless communication such as an NFC unit could also be incorporated into the apparatus, e.g. attached to the support member, in order to provide the advantages of both systems.
Again, preferably, the support member is formed of a resilient material, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, as this enables the first aperture to resiliently deform around the plug member inserted therein, which helps form an air tight seal and helps to retain the plug member and prevent breakage.
In many embodiments, the first through-hole of the support member is defined by a single unitary element. Again, this reduces potential break points in the support structure and reduces the chance that anything would compromise the integrity of the location of the electronic connection port.
Preferably, the first through-hole is substantially cylindrical as this cooperates well with the electrical connection assembly according to this aspect.
Again, preferably, the electrical connection port is recessed into the first through-hole with respect to the exterior side of the first through-hole. Recessing the electrical connection port in the through-hole ensures that the port cannot directly contact a player, even if any cover for the port is lost or removed, e.g. during play.
An apparatus according to this aspect may provide that the support member comprises a peripheral flange encompassing the first through-hole for attaching the support member to an inner inflatable bladder of the inflatable sports ball and/or an outer cover of the inflatable sports ball. This apparatus may therefore be inserted into a sports ball using conventional techniques.
Preferably, the plug member comprises a first face carrying the opening through which the electrical connection port is exposed inside the first through-hole, the first face being smaller than the first through-hole, and a second face substantially opposite the first face, the second face being larger than the first through-hole (i.e. larger than the narrowest part of the through-hole) such that the plug member cannot pass through the first through-hole. Here, the plug member is shaped such that the rear face of the plug prevents it from passing through the first through-hole, which increases player safety and prevents dislocation of the connection port. The rear face of the plug being larger than the first through-hole also helps adhere the plug to the first through-hole. While preferable, it would also be possible for the plug to be formed to match exactly the interior profile of the first through-hole.
Preferably, the plug member comprises tapering sidewalls for engaging the inside walls of the first through-hole, the sidewalls tapering outward as they extend away from the opening though which the electrical connection port is exposed. For example, the plug member may be substantially frustum shaped, preferably frustoconical. As explained above, this arrangement provides advantages in that tapering or conical sidewalls will fit various sizes of through-hole to allow for manufacturing tolerances in the sizing of the first through-hole or the plug itself. Furthermore, the tapering sidewall will again prevent the plug and hence the connection port from passing through the first through-hole, which would endanger the safety of the players.
Again, preferably, the plug member comprises sidewalls (which will typically be tapered or conical) for engaging the inside walls of the first through-hole, said sidewalls comprising one or more grooves for receiving adhesive to promote adhesion of the plug member to said inside walls of the first through-hole. As explained above, this enables the plug to retain more adhesive and so form a firmer connection with the inside surface of the first through-hole.
Preferably, one or more grooves in the plug sidewalls extend around substantially the entire periphery of the plug member sidewalls, and more preferably the one or more grooves define one or more helical grooves extending around substantially the entire periphery of the plug member sidewalls. This ensures that a firm connection is made between the periphery of the plug member and the inside surface of the first through-hole.
As explained above, the plug member may either be provided as an integral jacket of the electrical connection port, or the plug member may be provided as a transition piece into which the electrical connection port is inserted.
In order to produce the final apparatus, the electrical connector assembly may be arranged in the first through-hole (e.g. it may be inserted into the first through-hole with adhesive to fix it to the inside wall of the first through-hole) and backfilled with a sealant to provide an air-tight seal of the first through-hole. A suitable sealant that may be used to backfill the electrical connector assembly when inserted into the first through-hole would be an epoxy adhesive.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises one or more visual indicators, preferably lights such as LEDs, located in the first through-hole for conveying information, for example, as regards data transfer with and/or charging of electronics located inside the inflatable sports ball and/or status of a wireless network connection. One particularly preferable way that this may be achieved is by providing that the visual indicators are carried by the plug member of the electrical connector assembly.
In most embodiments, the apparatus will further comprise wiring extending from the electrical connection port for connecting the electrical connection port to electronics located inside the sports ball. This wiring will typically extend from the rear of the plug member into the interior of the sports ball. While preferable it would be possible for the connector port to be directly connected to, e.g. a circuit board of the electronics.
As mentioned above, the electrical connection port preferably comprises a USB port, preferably a mini-USB port, a micro-USB port, or a USB Type-C port.
For the same reasons described above the preferable sealing arrangement comprises the first through-hole connecting to a resilient collar on the exterior side of the first through-hole, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a bung for inserting into the resilient collar so as to prevent ingress of materials into the electrical connection port. Particularly preferably, the bung comprises a bulbous end for insertion into the resilient collar, the bulbous end thereby causing the opening of the resilient collar to tighten around the bung, as explained above.
As with the first aspect of the invention, many embodiments further comprise a battery located on the support member. The battery is preferably located on the support member such that it is held inside the sports ball once the apparatus is incorporated into the sports ball. The battery may supply power to any electronics located in the sports ball. Preferably, the battery is electrically connected to the electrical connection port such that the battery may be charged via the electrical connection port. In alternative embodiments, the battery could be located elsewhere in the sports ball, such as on the inside face of the sports ball opposite to the support member.
Particularly preferably, the support member defines at least a first supporting wall and a second supporting wall, the first and second supporting walls supporting first and second faces of the battery. That is, the battery may be at least partially enclosed by the support member. Preferably the first and second supporting walls support the two largest faces of the battery. The supporting walls allow the battery to be firmly secured to the support member. For example, the battery may be adhered to the support member and adhering on multiple faces of the battery may provide a stronger adhesion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support member comprises a pocket in which the battery is located. For example, the battery may be enclosed by the pocket of the support member on all but one of its sides or faces. Preferably the pocket and the rest of the support member are defined by a single unitary element. For example, the support member and pocket may be formed by a single piece of rubber or injection moulded as a single unit.
According to a forth aspect of the invention, there is provided an inflatable sports ball comprising: an outer cover defining the exterior of the inflatable sports ball; electronics located inside the outer cover; and the apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention adapted to permit electrical connection between the exterior of the inflatable sports ball and the electronics located inside the outer cover.
As set out above, the inflatable sports ball may be any type of sports ball and is preferably one of: a rugby ball, an American football, an association football, a basketball, a netball or a volley ball.
The sports ball will typically further comprise an inner inflatable bladder encased in the outer cover and configured to be inflated through a separately provided air valve, wherein the electronics are located inside the inner inflatable bladder. In this case, typically, the inner inflatable bladder will be sealed around the periphery of the support member such that both the first through-hole connect into the interior of the inner inflatable bladder. At a separate location, the inner inflatable bladder may be sealed around a support member of an air valve structure, which will thereby provide the connection for inflating the sports ball.
The present apparatus may be used with many different types of electronics that could be incorporated into a sports ball. Preferably, the electronics comprise MEMS sensors, which may include inertial measuring units (IMUs) such as a 3D gyroscope, a 3D accelerometer, as well as a 3D magnetometer, a pressure sensor, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, and a microphone. Additionally, other electronics may be included such as a microcontroller, flash memory, power management, battery monitoring and wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Cellular, Bluetooth, NFC, UWB and alternative locating technologies such as RFID and GNSS.
Examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
In the present example, the plate 1 comprises an extruded portion 11 which extends from the surface of the plate 1. A first elongate groove 8 extends along the length of the extruded portion 11. In the present example, the depth of the groove is such that it extends to the surface of the plate 1. This can be seen later in
The plate 1 additionally comprises a second elongate groove 9 extending substantially perpendicularly to the first elongate groove 8 along a portion of the width of the extruded portion 11. A third groove 10 may also be incorporated into the extruded portion. The third groove 10 may be substantially oval shaped and follow the shape of the extruded portion 11. These grooves are discussed further with respect to
Inflatable balls such as rugby balls comprise an inner, inflatable bladder and an outer cover covering the bladder. When the apparatus is installed in a ball, for example a rugby ball, the lower surface of the plate shown in
In the present example, the extruded portion 11 has substantially the same shape as the plate 1 and is located in the centre of the plate 1.
The plate is sized in order to prevent air escaping from the bladder when the plate is attached to the bladder and the battery 3, the circuit board 4 and the support member 5 into the internal space defined by the bladder. For example, the plate may be approximately 90 mm in length and 73 mm in width. The extruded portion may be approximately 62.5 mm in length and 45 mm in width. The second elongate groove 9 extends across substantially the entire width of the extruded portion 11.
The grooves 8, 9 and 10 reduce the weight of the apparatus as well as improving the flexibility of the apparatus. This is important for when the apparatus is installed in an inflatable ball as the plate is able to deform when forces are exerted on the ball (for example when the ball is kicked). Furthermore, the extruded portion 11 increases the strength of the apparatus near the more delicate parts within the ball such as the circuit board.
As can be seen from the cross sectional views of
In the present example, the plate is made of rubber. In other examples, different materials may be used.
As can be seen from
The plate 1 additionally comprises an opening 17 in its surface which is configured to receive the resilient collar 7 provided on the support member 5.
As is discussed above, a rugby ball comprises an inner inflatable bladder and an outer cover. The outer cover is often made up of a plurality of panels, for example four. The panels are connected at seams where they are stitched together. In the present example, the extruded portion 11 of the plate 1 is attached to the cover by adhesive.
The apparatus of the present invention is attached in between two of the panels of the outer cover, at a seam. It is located substantially halfway between the two ends of the ovoid rugby ball. The outer cover is folded into the first elongate groove 8 of the plate.
When the apparatus is installed in a rugby ball, the position of the ball can be tracked within a nominated space, for example within a training field or stadium. This is done by the circuit board 4 transmitting radio signals to various receivers. The battery powers the transmitter so that it can transmit the signals. The signal may be transmitted using ultra-wideband (UWB). This technology enables the position of the ball to be recorded accurate to between 20 and 40 cm. UWB uses very low energy thus reducing the required regularity for charging the battery.
The battery is charged by connecting the electrical connection port 27 to a power source. This also enables software updates of the circuit board to be carried out.
When the apparatus of the present invention is installed in another type of inflatable ball, for example a round ball such as a football or a netball, a more even weight balance is required. In these applications, the weight of the apparatus may be reduced and the weight balancing arrangement be designed to have a weight equal to that of the reduced weight valve.
As can be seen in particular in
The plug member 14 comprises a generally frustoconical head 31 that defines sidewalls that taper outwards as they extend away from the connection port 27 towards the interior of the ball. These sidewalls also define a helical groove 32 that extends around the entire circumference of the head 31. These grooves are used to retain adhesive when the plug member is inserted into the first aperture and to thereby promote adhesion.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1915532.4 | Oct 2019 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2020/052692 | 10/23/2020 | WO |
