Patent Application
20230397681
This disclosure relates generally to belt apparatus embodiments and related systems, for instance, including embodiments of a belt apparatus for securing a wearable player electronic device to a player.
Team sports invariably involve a series of practices incorporating a recursive, repetitive learning process in order to maximize performance. During such practices, coaches can keep copies of plays in notebooks, on laptop computers, handheld computing devices and elsewhere. Likewise, during such practices, players can access copies of plays carried on them using a wristband type notebook or other device.
A team participating in any one of various team sports typically will include players on that team of differing sizes. For example, a football team will have certain players who play positions on the offensive or defensive line that are larger than other players who play offensive positions on the outside (e.g., wide receiver) or in the backfield (e.g., running back) and defensive positions in the secondary (e.g., defensive back). Accordingly, it has typically been the case that each player requires his own play access mechanism fitted to that player (e.g., fitted to the wrist of that player) in order to access plays during practice. As such, this generally requires that a play access mechanism be purchased for each player on a team, thereby increasing costs associated with leveraging play access mechanisms to improve efficiency and learning during practice.
In general, this disclosure relates to belt apparatus devices, systems, and methods. Certain belt apparatus embodiments disclosed herein can facilitate securement of a wearable player electronic device to a player in a manner that relatively quickly and efficiently fits to players of various sizes. Such belt apparatus embodiments can, therefore, allow a wearable player electronic device to be interchanged and utilized by more than one player at different times throughout a practice because these belt apparatus embodiments can be relatively quickly taken off of one player and applied and appropriately fit to another player of a different size. As a result, such belt apparatus embodiments can facilitate cost-effective utilization of wearable player electronic devices by allowing for different players of different sizes to easily transfer the wearable player electronic device to one another and quickly resize the belt apparatus to an appropriate fit for that individual player. And, at the same time such embodiments can increase utilization of a single wearable player electronic device, these embodiments can also minimize lost practice time due to the ability of such belt apparatus embodiments to be quickly taken off of one player and resized and applied to another player of a different size.
In addition, some such embodiments can provide further useful advantages in their inclusion of certain features adapted to suit the type of sport for which the belt apparatus will be utilized. For instance, where a belt apparatus is intended to be used for a contact sport, such as football, belt apparatus embodiments disclosed herein can include one or more features that adapt the belt apparatus for considerations associate with contact sports. As one example, specific belt apparatus embodiments disclosed herein can include a buckle component made of a force-absorbing polymer material so as to render the buckle component better suited, and more robust, for contact sports. As another example, specific belt apparatus embodiments disclosed herein, including those having a buckle component made of a force-absorbing polymer material, can have a mass equal to or less than eight ounces (e.g., equal to or less than six ounces) so as to render the belt apparatus better suited for sports that involves a significant amount of player movement. As an additional example, specific belt apparatus embodiments disclosed herein, including those that are relatively lightweight and have a buckle component made of a force-absorbing polymer material, can be configured to create a tight fit of the belt apparatus at an individual player so as to maintain a wearable player electronic device in close proximity to the player's body to help reduce instances of damage to the wearable player electronic device.
One embodiment includes a system. This system embodiment includes a wearable player electronic device and a belt apparatus. The belt apparatus can be configured to secure the wearable player electronic device to a player. The belt apparatus can include a band and a buckle. The band can be configured to receive the wearable player electronic device. The band can include a plurality of size adjustment mating features. The buckle can be configured to adjust a size of the belt apparatus by selectively locking to the band. The buckle can include a locking mechanism and an actuation mechanism. The locking mechanism can have a locked configuration and a released configuration. The locked configuration can be configured to secure the buckle to the band via the locking mechanism, and the released configuration can be configured to release the buckle from the band. The actuation mechanism can have a belt size adjustment configuration and a belt size locked configuration. The belt size adjustment configuration can be configured to allow the band to move relative the buckle. The belt size locked configuration can be configured to secure a locking feature of the actuation mechanism to at least one of the plurality of size adjustment mating features at the band to fix the band relative to the buckle.
In a further embodiment of this system, the actuation mechanism includes a ratchet clasp and a ratchet clasp release member. The ratchet clasp can include the locking feature, and the ratchet clasp release member can be coupled to the ratchet clasp. The belt size locked configuration of the actuation mechanism can include the ratchet clasp engaging at least one of the plurality of size adjustment mating features at the band via the locking feature. The belt size adjustment configuration of the actuation mechanism can include the ratchet clasp, including the locking feature, disengaged from the plurality of size adjustment mating features at the band. In one such example, the ratchet clasp can be biased to the belt size locked configuration. In this example, the ratchet clasp release member can be configured to be actuated to move the ratchet clasp from the belt size locked configuration to the belt size adjustment configuration. For instance, in this example, upon actuation, the ratchet clasp release member can be configured to cause the ratchet clasp to rotate relative to and away from the band. This can include, upon actuation, the ratchet clasp release member being configured to cause the locking feature to lift off of the at least one of the plurality of size adjustment mating features at the band as the ratchet clasp rotates relative to and away from the band. In some such instances, the ratchet clasp release member can include an arm that extends out from the buckle. And, in some such instances, the buckle can be made of a force-absorbing polymer material.
In a further embodiment of this system, the wearable player electronic device includes a display and an attachment sleeve. The display can be coupled to the attachment sleeve, and the attachment sleeve can be configured to be received at the band to secure the wearable player electronic device to the player. The display can be configured to show a play for execution by the player. The wearable player electronic device can be movable relative to the belt apparatus. For example, the attachment sleeve can be configured to move relative to and along the band.
Another embodiment includes a belt apparatus. This belt apparatus embodiment can be configured to secure a wearable player electronic device to a player. This belt apparatus embodiment can include a band and a buckle. The band can include a plurality of size adjustment mating features. The buckle can be configured to adjust a size of the belt apparatus by selectively locking to the band. The buckle can include a locking mechanism and an actuation mechanism. The locking mechanism can have a locked configuration and a released configuration. The locked configuration can be configured to secure the buckle to the band via the locking mechanism, and the released configuration can be configured to release the buckle from the band. The actuation mechanism can have a belt size adjustment configuration and a belt size locked configuration. The belt size adjustment configuration can be configured to allow the band to move relative the buckle. The belt size locked configuration can be configured to secure a locking feature of the actuation mechanism to at least one of the plurality of size adjustment mating features at the band to fix the band relative to the buckle.
In a further embodiment of this belt apparatus embodiment, the band can include a recess, and the plurality of size adjustment mating features can be included at the recess. In one such example, the plurality of size adjustment mating features can include a plurality of pairs of teeth extending out from the recess, and the locking feature of the actuation mechanism can be configured to engage one of the plurality of pairs of teeth at the recess to fix the band relative to the buckle. For instance, the recess can include a lowest surface at which the plurality of pairs of teeth are anchored at the recess, and the lowest surface can be a solid surface along a length of the recess lacking any hole.
In a further embodiment of this belt apparatus embodiment, the belt apparatus has a mass equal to or less than eight ounces. In one such example, the buckle can be made of a force-absorbing polymer material.
In a further embodiment of this belt apparatus embodiment, the actuation mechanism can include a ratchet clasp and a ratchet clasp release member. The ratchet clasp can include the locking feature, and the ratchet clasp release member coupled to the ratchet clasp. The belt size locked configuration of the actuation mechanism can include the ratchet clasp engaging at least one of the plurality of size adjustment mating features at the band via the locking feature. The belt size adjustment configuration of the actuation mechanism can include the ratchet clasp, including the locking feature, disengaged from the plurality of size adjustment mating features at the band. And, the ratchet clasp can be biased to the belt size locked configuration. For example, the ratchet clasp release member can be configured to be actuated to move the ratchet clasp from the belt size locked configuration to the belt size adjustment configuration. And, upon actuation, the ratchet clasp release member can be configured to cause the locking feature to lift off of the at least one of the plurality of size adjustment mating features at the band as the ratchet clasp rotates relative to and away from the band.
The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The following drawings are illustrative of particular examples of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, though embodiments can include the scale illustrated, and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description wherein like reference characters denote like elements. Examples of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings.
The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing examples of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.
The coach's portable electronic device 102 can be any one of a variety of device types, such as a cell phone, tablet, or laptop. The coach's portable electronic device 102 accesses a memory 104 which may be stored locally and/or accessed via a remote server 111, the memory 104 having an electronic playbook application 106 stored thereon. The electronic playbook application 106 preferably includes multiple animated plays which may optionally be linked or segregated with associated notes from the coach and/or segments of the play being executed as described herein below. The electronic playbook application 106 further includes the ability to add further plays and/or modify existing plays according to the coach user's preferences.
The electronic playbook application 106 is a software application most preferably includes a coaching computer module 106a which is accessed by the coach's portable electronic device 102 so as to enable the coach to provide various inputs, including the transfer button and the review prompt as described below. The electronic playbook application further preferably includes a practice module 106b which may be integrated with or accessed by the coaching computer module so as to receive and store plays and related input selected by a coach to be practiced, and further may receive and store time stamped and cut plays which have been called by the coaching computer module 106a and stored. In addition, the electronic playbook application 106 further includes a playbook generation module 106c which provides a software interface for a coach to generate plays, either on the coach's portable electronic device 102 or separately, away from practice on any computer device (not shown) which can access the coaching computer module 106a.
The coach's portable electronic device 102 can enable a coach to transmit a selected, single animated playbook play from available plays within the electronic playbook application 106 by touching a transfer button 108 (or using a similar activation command or other button) which will cause the electronic playbook application 106 to transfer the selected animated playbook play to all individual players and coaches who are wearing the wearable player electronic device 110 that is registered or otherwise linked to coach's portable electronic device 102 and/or the electronic playbook application 106, such as through server 111 and/or router 112.
By pressing the transfer button 108, the electronic playbook application 106 can further causes a series of local video actions with one or more video cameras 114 that are videotaping the practice for feedback to the coaches and players. Specifically, by pressing the transfer button 108, the electronic playbook application 106 can issue a command to each video camera 114 to time-stamp, cut and transfer the prior videotaped segment (corresponding to the prior play) into the memory 104 to a coaches practice module 106b associated with the electronic playbook application 106, with that play being stored in memory 104 and linked with its associated play within the electronic playbook application 106. In some embodiments, the system 100 provides a separate segment corresponding to each camera or other video corresponding to a given play, with each segments resulting in a separate “thumbnail” view that the coach's portable electronic device 102 can access.
As the same time that the signal provided by the transfer button 108 is causing the time-stamp, cut and transfer of the prior videotaped segment, that action can similarly cause the video camera(s) 114 to begin recording the execution of the next play. This can occurs through the use of a software application trigger 116 which activates the desired video recorder(s) in response to the coach's input from the transfer button. That is, the system may only require a single press of the transfer button 108 executed by the coach's portable electronic device 102 to time stamp and batch the video of the prior play, and to begin video of the current play.
As the electronic playbook application 106 transfers the selected animated playbook play to all individual players and coaches who are wearing the wearable player electronic device 110, each player and coach can watch the transferred animated play execute on respective display screens 113 of the respective wearable player electronic devices 110 and further can identify specific coaching information about the individual play, such as the play name, personnel groupings, coaching sideline signals relevant to their position, and their respective responsibilities within the play.
Upon execution of the selected play, the system further provides for a coach's portable electronic device 102 to include a review prompt 109 (such as a button or other prompt) which enables the coach to transfer video from a clip of the previous play to all wearable player electronic devices 110 for review and to provide immediate feedback about the performance of the executed play, including areas of improvement and additional coaching tips.
In order to prevent the unauthorized access to this system 100, the system further includes an authentication module 118 which can be a software security package for presented unauthorized users from accessing the contents of the system. This authentication module 118 can be a separate module from the modules of the electronic playbook application 106, though like the electronic playbook application 106 modules, the authentication module 118 preferably resides on the memory 104 at the server 111 so as to make such that any communications with the coach's portable electronic device 102 or the wearable player electronic device 110 is, in fact, authorized. The authentication module can be controlled by voice recognition technology, requiring the player or coach user to speak before being permitted to access the contents of the system.
The following terms, when used in the claims, are intended to have their broadest plain and ordinary meaning consistent with the requirements of the law:
A “playbook” is a compendium of plays to be studied and practiced, which are stored in a
Memory, such as in a server or accessible by a server, for access by a coaching computer module and practice module.
A “practice module” is a software module which can be accessed via a coaching computer module or a server or the like which receives and stores plays from the playbook and related input selected by a coach to be practiced, and optionally receives and stores time stamped and cut plays which have been called by the coaching computer module and filmed.
“Wearable player electronic device” are portable hardware assemblies containing electronic display capabilities, which may be worn by a user during a practice.
A “playbook generation module” is a software interface for a coach to generate plays.
A “software application trigger” is a software tool for selecting a camera in response to a signal via a coaching computer module for recording a play being practiced.
An “authentication module” is a software security package for preventing unauthorized users from accessing the claimed system.
Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims set forth below are intended for use in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.
The belt apparatus 205 can include a band 206 and a buckle 207. As shown at the example of
In the illustrated embodiment, to help facilitate securement of the wearable player electronic device 110 at the belt apparatus 205, the wearable player electronic device 110 can include an attachment mechanism, such as an attachment sleeve 210. The attachment sleeve 210 can be configured to be received at the band 206 to secure the wearable player electronic device 110 to the player via the belt apparatus 205. In the example shown, the attachment sleeve 210 defines an inner channel 211 that is configured to receive the band 206 such that the band 206 extends through the inner channel 211 from one end of the attachment sleeve 210 to another (e.g., opposite) end of the attachment sleeve 210. In another example, the attachment sleeve 210 can include an actuatable securement mechanism that, when actuated, can secure to/release from the band 206.
As noted previously, the wearable player electronic device 110 can include the display 113, which can be configured to show, at the wearable player electronic device 110, one or more plays for execution by the player wearing the wearable player electronic device 110. The display 113 can be coupled to the attachment sleeve 210. In some embodiments, such as that shown here where the attachment sleeve 210 defines the inner channel 211 through which the band 206 is received, the wearable player electronic device 110 can be movable relative to the belt apparatus 205. For example, the wearable player electronic device 110 can be configured to move relative to, and along, the band 206. In one specific such example, the wearable player electronic device 110, and associated display 113, can be movable along the band 206 by sliding the attachment sleeve 210 along the band 206 to cause the wearable player electronic device 110, and associated display 113, to move along the band 206. Such adjustment of the location of the wearable player electronic device 110 along the band 206 can be useful to position the wearable player electronic device 110 at a particular circumferential location along the band 206 that is preferred by the particular player wearing the belt apparatus 205 at a given time and can allow for differing positions of the wearable player electronic device 110 along the band 206 as the belt apparatus 205 is interchanged between players.
In some embodiments, the belt apparatus 205 can include one or more features that are adapted to suit the belt apparatus 205 to the type of sport for which the belt apparatus 205 will be utilized. For instance, where a belt apparatus is intended to be used for a contact sport, such as football, belt apparatus embodiments disclosed herein can include one or more features that adapt the belt apparatus for considerations associated with contact sports. As one such example, the belt apparatus 205 can include one or more components made of a force-absorbing material. In particular, the belt apparatus 205 can include the buckle 207 that is made of a force-absorbing polymer material. Exemplary force-absorbing materials that can make up the buckle 207 can include one or more of Sorbothane, Polyoxymethylene, Polycarbonate, Polyamide-imide, and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS). Such buckle 207 made of a force-absorbing polymer material can render the buckle 207 better suited, and more robust, for contact sports. As another example, the belt apparatus 205 (e.g., including the buckle 207 component made of a force-absorbing polymer material) can have a mass equal to or less than eight ounces (e.g., equal to or less than six ounces) so as to render the belt apparatus 205 better optimized for sports that involves a significant amount of player movement. As an additional example, the belt apparatus 205 (e.g., including the belt apparatus 205 having a mass equal to or less than eight ounces and the buckle 207 component made of a force-absorbing polymer material) can be configured to create a tight fit of the belt apparatus 205 at an individual player so as to maintain the wearable player electronic device 110 in close proximity to the player's body to help reduce instances of damage to the wearable player electronic device 110.
The buckle 207 of the belt apparatus 205 can include a locking mechanism 220. The locking mechanism 220 can have a locked configuration and a released configuration. The locked configuration can be configured to secure the buckle 207 to the band 206 via the locking mechanism 220, and the released configuration can be configured to release the buckle 207 from the band 206. In the locked configuration, the locking mechanism 220 can serve to maintain the buckle 207 attached to the band 206, a and in the released configuration the locking mechanism 220 can serve to allow the buckle 207 to be removed from the band 206, such as to replace band 206 and/or buckle 207 in the event maintenance of a new component is needed for the belt apparatus 205.
The band 206 can include a plurality of size adjustment mating features 208. The size adjustment mating features 208 can be configured to selectively secure with the actuation mechanism 215 to thereby lock the band 206 in place relative to the buckle 207 and set the belt apparatus 205 at a particular size for a particular player wearing the belt apparatus 205.
The plurality of size adjustment mating features 208 can have a first geometric configuration that is complementary to, and selectively engageable with, a second geometric configuration of the actuation mechanism 215 (e.g., a locking feature of the actuation mechanism 215). For instance, the plurality of size adjustment mating features 208 included at the band 206 can be teeth 230 that project outward from a surface of the band 206. In one example, such as that illustrated, the plurality of size adjustment mating features 208 can include a plurality of pairs of teeth 230A, 230B, 230C that are spaced apart from adjacent pairs of teeth along a length of the band 206. The pairs of teeth 230A, 230B, 230C can be formed by two, or more, radially aligned mating feature teeth 208. In one example, such radially aligned mating feature teeth 208 can be spaced radially apart by an engagement slot 212, which can be configured to engage with the actuation mechanism 215 (e.g., a locking feature of the actuation mechanism 215).
In some embodiments, the band 206 can include the plurality of size adjustment mating features 208 around at least 25% of the length of the band 206, around at least 50% of the length of the band 206, around at least 60% of the length of the band 206, around at least 70% of the length of the band 206, around at least 75% of the length of the band 206, around at least 80% of the length of the band 206, around at least 85% of the length of the band 206, around at least 90% of the length of the band 206, or around at least 95% of the length of the band 206. In one embodiment, the band 206 can include the plurality of size adjustment mating features 208 around substantially all of the length of the band 206. The greater the length of the band 206 that includes the plurality of size adjustment mating features 208, the greater the number of different sizes the belt apparatus 205 can be adjusted to, and thus, the greater the flexibility in interchanging the belt apparatus 205 between players during a practice.
In the illustrated embodiment, the band 206 includes a recess 209. The recess 209 can extend inward into the belt 206 from the outermost surface of the belt 206. In this illustrated embodiment, the plurality of size adjustment mating features 208 are included at the recess 209. As shown here, the plurality of size adjustment mating features 208 include the plurality of pairs of teeth 230A, 230B, 230C, and these plurality of pairs of teeth 230A, 230B, 230C extend out from the recess 209. For example, the recess 209 can include a lowest surface 213 at which the plurality of pairs of teeth 230A, 230B, 230C are anchored at the recess 209. This lowest surface 213 can be a solid surface of the band 206 along a length of the band 206 lacking any hole. As illustrated, the plurality of pairs of teeth 230A, 230B, 230C extend outward from the lowest surface 213, and the plurality of pairs of teeth 230A, 230B, 230C are spaced apart from one another, along a length of the band 206, by the lowest surface 213. As such, moving along the length of the band 206, the band 206 includes alternating elevations with a higher elevation surface at the locations of the plurality of pairs of teeth 230A, 230B, 230C and a lower elevation surface, between these plurality of pairs of teeth 230A, 230B, 230C, at the lowest elevation surface 213 at the recess 209. These alternating elevations along the band 206 can be configured to provide discrete engagement locations at the band 206 for the actuation mechanism 215.
As noted, as shown in
In some embodiments, such as that illustrated here, the teeth 230 can include an inclined surface 214. The inclined surface 214 can slope, in a direction opposite a band tightening direction 235, from a lower elevation 231 of a tooth 230 toward a higher elevation 232 of a tooth 230. This inclined surface 214 in the noted orientation can be useful in facilitating relatively quick and easy incremental tightening of the band 206 by allowing the locking engagement member 219 to more easily slide along, and over, the inclined surface 214 (in the direction opposite the band tightening direction 235) when the band 206 is tightened, yet the higher elevation 232 of the tooth 230 can help to impeded movement of the locking engagement member 219 in the band tightening direction 235 so as to help prevent unintentional loosening of the band 206.
As shown in
In various embodiments, the ratchet clasp 216 can be biased to the belt size locked configuration, such as that shown in the example of
As shown at
The locking configuration and operation of the belt apparatus embodiments disclosed herein can facilitate securement of a wearable player electronic device to a player in a manner that relatively quickly and efficiently fits to players of various sizes. Such belt apparatus embodiments can, therefore, allow a wearable player electronic device to be interchanged and utilized by more than one player at different times throughout a practice because these belt apparatus embodiments can be relatively quickly taken off of one player and applied and appropriately fit to another player of a different size, for instance by simply actuating the ratchet clasp release member 218. As a result, such belt apparatus embodiments can facilitate cost-effective utilization of wearable player electronic devices by allowing for different players of different sizes to easily transfer the wearable player electronic device to one another and quickly resize the belt apparatus to an appropriate fit for that individual player. And, at the same time such embodiments can increase utilization of a single wearable player electronic device, these embodiments can also minimize lost practice time due to the ability of such belt apparatus embodiments to be quickly taken off of one player and resized and applied to another player of a different size.
Various examples of the disclosure have been described. Any combination of the described systems, operations, or functions is contemplated. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.
