Patent Application
20250001256
Hockey pucks intended to communicate with puck tracking systems generally suffer from poor performance characteristics. Existing technologies utilize custom rubber formulations required to make multi-part rubber subassemblies. This custom rubber and designs in use apparently change the way the puck interacts with the ice, leading to NHL players reporting issues such as noticeable differences in feel (i.e., stick handling), slide (i.e., on ice), and “bobbling.” Some existing technologies use a two-part outer shell construction that is prone to catastrophic and dangerous failure during play. Prior art also cite the use of adhesives such as epoxy which are used to bond composite puck designs with material similar—but importantly not the same—as puck rubber. There remains a need in the art for hockey pucks having acceptable performance that can also be tracked by optical (e.g., light) or other convenient electronic means.
The present disclosure provides trackable hockey pucks including infrared LED(s) and having performance characteristics substantially the same or the same as traditional solid rubber hockey pucks.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a trackable hockey puck comprising: a hockey puck-shaped outer shell including a top face, a bottom face disposed opposite the top face, a first bore disposed in the top face, and a second bore disposed in the bottom face; and a core disposed in each of the first bore and the second bore, wherein each core comprises: at least one signal emitter (e.g., an infrared LED lamp) proximal to a top end of the core; a switch (e.g., a shock sensor) in operative communication with the at least one infrared LED lamp; and a battery in operative communication with the switch and the at least one signal emitter.
In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a trackable hockey puck comprising: a first core disposed in a first bore of a top face of a hockey puck-shaped rubber shell, the first core comprising: a first core enclosure including a cavity; a first core beacon disposed within the cavity and including: exactly one infrared LED lamp disposed proximal to a top end of the first core enclosure, a shock sensor in operative communication with the infrared LED lamp, and a battery in operative communication with the shock sensor and the infrared LED lamp; and cured potting material disposed throughout the cavity; a second core disposed in a second bore of a bottom face of a hockey puck-shaped rubber shell, the second core comprising: a second core enclosure including a cavity; a second core beacon disposed within the cavity and including: exactly one infrared LED lamp disposed proximal to a top end of the second core enclosure, a shock sensor in operative communication with the infrared LED lamp, and a battery in operative communication with the shock sensor and the infrared LED lamp; and cured potting material disposed throughout the cavity.
In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a beacon for incorporation into a movable object, the beacon comprising: a core comprising a signal emitter in operable communication with a battery; and a core enclosure configured to permanently mate with a movable object, the core enclosure comprising: a cavity configured to substantially surround the core, and a window configured to enable the signal emitter to emit a signal outside of the beacon.
In still other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of making a trackable hockey puck, the method comprising: creating at least one bore in each of a top face and in a bottom face of a hockey puck; inserting a core into each of the bores, wherein each core comprises: (i) at least one signal emitter proximal to a first end of the core, (ii) a switch in operative communication with the at least one signal emitter, and (iii) a battery in operative communication the switch and the signal emitter; inserting a potting material into each of the cores; and curing the potting material by a rotational molding (“rotomolding”) process.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of tracking a trackable hockey puck, the method comprising: contacting a tracking beacon of the trackable hockey puck with an activation signal; receiving a tracking signal from a signal emitter associated with the tracking beacon; and repeating the steps of contacting and receiving for a period of time sufficient to determine a location of the trackable hockey puck.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of making a trackable hockey puck, the method comprising: creating a cavity in a top face and/or a bottom face of a hockey puck; and inserting a core into the cavity, wherein the core comprises: (i) at least one signal emitter proximal to a first end of the core, (ii) a switch in operative communication with the at least one signal emitter, (iii) a battery in operative communication the switch and the signal emitter, and (iv) cured potting material substantially surrounding the signal emitter, the switch, and the battery.
The detailed description and examples provided herewith depict various embodiments of this disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of embodiments described herein.
The present disclosure provides trackable hockey pucks 10 including infrared LED(s) and having performance characteristics substantially the same or the same as traditional solid rubber hockey pucks. In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides trackable golf balls 10′ including infrared LED(s) and having performance characteristics substantially the same or the same as traditional golf balls.
A tracking puck with minimal alterations compared to a standard non-trackable hockey puck and filled with actual rubber as opposed to adhesives like epoxy would create a homogeneous material throughout that responds to temperature and the ice in the same way (e.g., substantially the same way) that a standard hockey puck does. A simple, scalable design would allow for more hockey leagues to adopt trackable hockey pucks, using their pre-existing puck rubber formulation and at a more economical price.
Referring generally to
Referring now specifically to
The outer shell 20 includes one or more cavities 210 at the top face 230 and/or the bottom face 240. The cavities 210 may have any suitable shape to accommodate the core component(s) 30. For example and without limitation, the cavity 210 shown specifically in
In some embodiments, the cavity 210 includes a texture or pattern to enhance purchase of the core component 30. For example and without limitation, the cavity 210 may include threads 220 configured to mate with complementary threads 320 of the core component 30.
In some embodiments, the cavity 210 is formed in a standard hockey puck by drilling (e.g., boring) the cavity 210 into the top face 230 and/or the bottom face 240 of the hockey puck. In other embodiments, the cavity 210 is integrally formed during molding of a hockey puck pre-form. The cavity 210 may optionally be tapped to form threads 220 on the inner walls of the cavity 210. Alternatively, threads 220 may be formed on the inner walls of the cavity 210 during molding of a hockey puck pre-form.
In some embodiments, a cavity 210 is formed by drilling a 10 mm deep hole having a 17.5 mm diameter d′ into the top face 230 and/or the bottom face 240 of a standard hockey puck, and tapping M20×2.5 mm threads 220 into the inner walls of the cavity 210. In other embodiments, a cavity 210 is formed by drilling a 10 mm deep hole having a 14 mm diameter d′ into the top face 230 and/or the bottom face 240 of a standard hockey puck, and tapping M16×2 mm threads 220 into the inner walls of the cavity 210.
In embodiments including a single bore 210 on the top face 230 or the bottom face 240, the single bore 210 is generally disposed coaxial with the central axis A of the outer shell 20. In embodiments including multiple bores 210 on any one face 230/240, the bores are generally disposed symmetrically about the central axis A of the outer shell 20.
Referring now to
The core enclosure 32, when present, is sized and shaped to mate (e.g., permanently mate) with the cavity 210 of the outer shell 20. For example and without limitation, the core enclosure 32 may include threads 320 disposed on an outer surface configured to mate with threads 220 of the cavity 210 of the outer shell 20.
The core enclosure 32, when present, includes a cavity 340 in which the core beacon 35 is disposed. The top 310 of the core enclosure 32 includes an opening 330 configured to enable light from the infrared LED lamp 350 of the core beacon 35 to escape the cavity 340. The window 330 may further include one or more tool features 332 configured to releasably mate with an installation tool (not shown).
The core enclosure 32 has a height h not more than the depth D of the cavity 210 in the outer shell 20. In some embodiments, the core enclosure 32 has a height h about 1 mm to about 5 mm less than the depth D of the cavity 210, for example about 1 mm less, about 2 mm less, about 3 mm less, about 4 mm less, or about 5 mm less than the depth D of the cavity 210. In some embodiments, the core enclosure has a height h about 2 mm less than the depth D of the cavity 210.
The core enclosure 32, when present, protects the core beacon 35 from impact forces, and anchors and retains potting material. In some embodiments, the core enclosure 32 provides a minimum potting material flow path between the inner wall of the core enclosure 32 and the outer wall of the core beacon 35 of about 1 mm. The core enclosure 32 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of plastic, such as ABS plastic or any other durable plastic or rubberized plastic material. In some embodiments, the core enclosure 32 has a density similar to vulcanized rubber. The core enclosure 32 may be manufactured by any suitable process, such as injection molding or 3D printing.
The core beacon 35 is disposed in the cavity 340 of the core enclosure 32, when present, or can be disposed in the cavity 210 of the outer shell 20 when no core enclosure 32 is present. In general, the core beacon 35 includes a signal emitter 350, such as a light emitting element, LED or laser diode, a shock sensor 360 in operative communication with the signal emitter 350, and a battery 370 in operative communication with the signal emitter 350 and the shock sensor 360. A phototransistor 365 may replace the shock sensor 360 in some embodiments. Generally, core beacon 35 consumes a small amount of current, such as not more than about 100 nanoamps. The signal emitter 350 emits a signal capable of being detected by one or more signal receivers. In some embodiments, the signal emitter 350 is an infrared LED that emits infrared light (e.g., light having a peak wavelength between 700-1200 nm) that can be detected by an infrared detection system. In some embodiments, the signal emitter 350 is a laser diode, for example a laser diode configured to emit light at a wavelength of 700-900 nm. In some embodiments, the signal emitter 350 is an LED lamp that emits light at a wavelength other than an infrared wavelength. In still other embodiments, the signal emitter 350 is an RFID tag, such as an ultra wideband UWB RFID tag.
In some embodiments, the core beacon 35 includes exactly one signal emitter 350. In other embodiments, the core beacon 35 includes exactly two signal emitters 350. In still other embodiments, the core beacon 35 includes three or more signal emitters 350, such as 3 signal emitters, 4 signal emitters, 5 signal emitters, 6 signal emitters, 7 signal emitters, 8 signal emitters, 9 signal emitters, 10 signal emitters, or more than 10 signal emitters 350.
The signal emitter 350 is generally disposed on the top 312 of the core beacon 35. In this arrangement, the signal emitter 350 is enabled to emit a signal (e.g., infrared light) at a maximum dispersion angle relative to the top face 230 of the outer shell 20.
In some embodiments, the signal emitter 350 emits infrared light having a wavelength of about 700-900 nm. In some embodiments, the signal emitter 350 has an emission half angle φ of at least 60° or at least 75°. In some embodiments, the signal emitter 350 is a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). In some embodiments, the signal emitter 350 is selected from the group consisting of: Synios P2720 (SFH 4770S, Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH), Oslon Black Series high-power infrared LED (SFH 4716S, Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH), Luxeon IR Compact Line 850 nm infrared emitter (DS190, Lumileds Holding B.V.), 850 nm 500 mW VCSEL Chip (VCC-85A500H, Lasermate Group, Inc.), and 850 nm 2 W VCSEL Diode (VD-08501-002 W-XX-2A0, BrightLaser Limited).
In some embodiments, a filter may be disposed in operative communication with the emitter 350 and, when present, is configured to enable passage of light from the emitter 350 (e.g., infrared light at about 870-950 nm) while reducing or blocking passage of light having other wavelengths. In some embodiments, the filter is a high speed silicon NPN epitaxial planar phototransistor matched to an emission wavelength of the emitter 350 (e.g., VEMT3700F Silicon NPN Phototransistor, Vishay Technology, Inc.).
The shock sensor 360 is in operative communication with the infrared LED lamp 350 such that the infrared LED lamp 350 does not emit infrared radiation until the shock sensor 360 detects that the core beacon 35 has been put into motion or receives an impact force exceeding a predetermined threshold force, for example at least about the force on a puck dropping from a referees hand and colliding with the ice. When the shock sensor 360 detects that the core beacon 35 is no longer in motion, the infrared LED lamp 350 ceases emitting infrared radiation.
Generally, a shock sensor 360 having a micro form factor is preferable, as such shock sensors enable the trackable hockey puck 10 to maintain more vulcanized rubber compared to trackable hockey pucks 10 including a shock sensor 360 not having a micro form factor.
The shock sensor 360 may be any suitable shock sensor. In some embodiments, the shock sensor is an omnidirectional contact switch.
In some embodiments, a phototransistor 365 is present in place of the shock sensor 360. In such embodiments, the phototransistor 365 is in operative communication with the infrared LED lamp 350 such that the infrared LED lamp 350 does not emit infrared radiation until the phototransistor 365 detects an activation signal. The phototransistor 365 may cause the infrared LED lamp 350 to cease emitting infrared radiation upon detection of a deactivation signal, or when the activation signal ceases. The activation and/or deactivation signal may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more flashes of light (e.g., infrared light having a wavelength of about 700-900 nm). In such embodiments, activating and/or deactivating the hockey puck 10 may include flashing one or more pulses of infrared light into the core beacon 35, for example with an infrared flashlight or strobe “key.” Alternatively, activating and/or deactivating the hockey puck 10 may be controlled by a tracking system, for example installed above the playing surface, that includes an infrared pulse generator.
In still other embodiments, a Hall effect sensor is present in place of the shock sensor 360 or the phototransistor 365. In these embodiments, the Hall sensor is in operative communication with the infrared LED lamp 350 such that the infrared LED lamp 350 does not emit infrared radiation until the Hall effect sensor detects an applied magnetic field. The Hall effect sensor may cause the infrared LED lamp 350 to cease emitting infrared radiation upon detection of a deactivation signal, such as a second applied magnetic field.
A filter (e.g., bandpass filter) and/or dyed material may be disposed between the phototransistor 365 and the outer surface 230 of the puck 20. When present, the filter and/or dyed material may permit passage of light at one wavelength (e.g., infrared light at 900 nm to 1,000 nm) while reducing or blocking passage of light at a second wavelength (e.g., infrared light at about 850 nm). In some embodiments, the dyed material may be an epoxy composition including an infrared absorbing dye (e.g., IRA 850, Exciton Luxottica, Lockbourne, Ohio).
The battery 370 provides electrical power to the infrared LED lamp 350 and the shock sensor 360. The battery 370 may be any suitable battery capable of powering the infrared LED lamp 350 for multiple hours of continuous or substantially continuous use. In some embodiments, the battery 370 is capable of providing a peak discharge of at least 3C, such as 3C, 4C, or 5C. In some embodiments, the battery 370 is capable of providing a peak discharge of 5C.
In some embodiments, the battery provides power at about 3.7 V.
In some embodiments, the battery 370 is a lithium polymer battery. In other embodiments, the battery 370 is a lithium metal battery.
Generally, a battery 370 having a micro form factor is preferable, as such batteries enable the trackable hockey puck 10 to include more vulcanized rubber compared to trackable hockey pucks 10 including a battery 370 not having a micro form factor.
In some embodiments, the battery 370 is selected from the group consisting of: Varta 1254 A4, Yabopower YB-400909, Panasonic CG-320A, Nichicon SLB08115L140, Max Power IRC1254, Max Power MP1254, and XNRGI micro form factor lithium metal battery.
In some embodiments, the shock sensor 360 and the infrared LED lamp 350 are in operational communication with a system timer 380 configured to interrupt power supply to the infrared LED lamp 350 after a predetermined period of time after an impact force exceeding the predetermined threshold force is detected by the shock sensor 360. In general, the predetermined period of time is longer when the predetermined threshold force of the shock sensor 360 is higher. In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time is about 30 seconds to about 120 seconds, for example about 30 seconds, about 31 seconds, about 32 seconds, about 33 seconds, about 34 seconds, about 35 seconds, about 36 seconds, about 37 seconds, about 38 seconds, about 39 seconds, about 40 seconds, about 41 seconds, about 42 seconds, about 43 seconds, about 44 seconds, about 45 seconds, about 46 seconds, about 47 seconds, about 48 seconds, about 49 seconds, about 50 seconds, about 51 seconds, about 52 seconds, about 53 seconds, about 54 seconds, about 55 seconds, about 56 seconds, about 57 seconds, about 58 seconds, about 59 seconds, about 60 seconds, about 61 seconds, about 62 seconds, about 63 seconds, about 64 seconds, about 65 seconds, about 66 seconds, about 67 seconds, about 68 seconds, about 69 seconds, about 70 seconds, about 71 seconds, about 72 seconds, about 73 seconds, about 74 seconds, about 75 seconds, about 76 seconds, about 77 seconds, about 78 seconds, about 79 seconds, about 80 seconds, about 81 seconds, about 82 seconds, about 83 seconds, about 84 seconds, about 85 seconds, about 86 seconds, about 87 seconds, about 88 seconds, about 89 seconds, about 90 seconds, about 91 seconds, about 92 seconds, about 93 seconds, about 94 seconds, about 95 seconds, about 96 seconds, about 97 seconds, about 98 seconds, about 99 seconds, about 100 seconds, about 101 seconds, about 102 seconds, about 103 seconds, about 104 seconds, about 105 seconds, about 106 seconds, about 107 seconds, about 108 seconds, about 109 seconds, about 110 seconds, about 111 seconds, about 112 seconds, about 113 seconds, about 114 seconds, about 115 seconds, about 116 seconds, about 117 seconds, about 118 seconds, about 119 seconds, or about 120 seconds.
In some embodiments, the system timer 380 is a Nano-Power System Timer for Power Gating (TPL5111, Texas Instruments).
In some embodiments, the core beacon 35 further includes a transceiver 390 in operative communication with the shock sensor 360 and the system timer 380. The transceiver 390 enables a user to place the core beacon 35 in an inactive or “sleep” mode such that the infrared LED lamp 350 will not illuminate even if the shock sensor 360 detects an impact force exceeding the predetermined threshold force. In some embodiments, the transceiver 390 is configured to consume a very low amount of power, such as about 3 mA or less, in a receiver mode (e.g., while the core beacon 35 is in its inactive or “sleep” mode). Upon detection of an activation signal (e.g., by wireless or radio frequency) from a remote trigger (e.g., a second transceiver), the transceiver 390 causes the core beacon 35 to transition from an inactive (“sleep”) mode into an active mode, for example by enabling power from the battery 370 to cause the infrared LED lamp 350 to illuminate and to begin a countdown by the system timer 380.
In some embodiments, the transceiver 390 is additionally configured to transmit a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number) to an external receiver to identify the particular core beacon 35 with which the remote trigger 390 is associated.
In some embodiments, the transceiver is additionally configured to transmit the temperature of the remote trigger 390 to an external receiver.
In some embodiments, the transceiver is additionally configured to transmit acceleration data associated with the core beacon 35 to an external receiver.
In some embodiments, the transceiver 390 transmits and receives data at, 2.25-2.65 GHz, 863-870 MHz, 902-928 MHz, and/or 950-960 MHz.
In some embodiments, the transceiver 390 is selected from the group consisting of: an Ultra-Low Power Integrated UHF Transceiver (SX1211, Semtech Corp.), an LR Series Receiver Module (RXM-433-LR, Linx Technologies), an LR Series Transmitter Module (TX-433-LR, Linx Technologies), and an IEEE 802.15.4 low power wireless MCU (JN5189, NXP Semiconductors).
In some embodiments, the core beacon 35 further includes a recharging coil in operative communication with the battery 370 and configured to receive an induction charge. In these embodiments, application of an induction current to the recharging coil recharges the battery 370.
In some embodiments, the beacon 35 further includes a phototransistor 365 in operable communication with the battery 370 and configured to detect an incoming activation signal, such as a light or RF signal, at a predetermined wavelength or wavelength band. For example, in some embodiments, the phototransistor 365 is configured to observe (e.g., detect) an activation signal entering the beacon 35 having a wavelength (e.g., a peak wavelength) that is different from the wavelength (e.g., peak wavelength) generated by the signal emitter 350. For example and without limitation, in embodiments wherein the signal emitter 350 emits a signal having a wavelength or peak wavelength of about 700 nm to about 900 nm, the phototransistor 365 may be configured to detect an incoming activation signal other than within the range of about 700 nm to about 900 nm, such as within a range of about 900 nm to about 1,000 nm, for example about 900 nm, about 910 nm, about 920 nm, about 930 nm, about 940 nm, about 950 nm, about 960 nm, about 970 nm, about 980 nm, about 990 nm, or about 1,000 nm. The incoming activation signal may be provided by a beacon activator, such as a portable device (e.g., a flashlight including a lamp, laser, or LED that generates light having a wavelength or peak wavelength of about 900 nm to about 1,000 nm) or by a signal transducer (e.g., laser transducer) 3700 mounted proximal to (e.g., above) the playing surface and including a lamp, laser, or LED that generates light having a wavelength or peak wavelength of about 900 nm to about 1,000 nm. Upon detection of the activation signal, the phototransistor 365 may cause the beacon 35 to enter an “awake” state, for example by enabling power to flow from the battery 370 to the signal emitter(s) 350. In some embodiments, the phototransistor 365 is configured to cause the beacon 35 to enter a “sleep” state upon detection of an inactivation signal, such as an incoming signal having a wavelength or peak wavelength of about 900 nm to about 1,000 nm and a different pulse pattern than the activation signal. In some embodiments, the phototransistor 365 is a VCSEL pulsed laser diode, optionally operating at about 940 nm and optionally including a power monitor function (e.g., BIDOS® P2835 C VCSEL V102C121A-940, part no. Q65112A9366, Vixar Osram Optic Semiconductors).
In some embodiments, the phototransistor 365 is configured to cause the beacon 35 to emit a signal (e.g., via the signal emitter 350) upon detection of a “generate signal” command from a signal transducer (e.g., laser transducer) 3700.
In some embodiments, potting material 400 is present in the portion of the cavity 340 of the core enclosure 32 that is not occupied by the core beacon 35. The potting material 400 enhances durability of the core beacon 35, insulates the electronic components from moisture, and substantially preserves performance, for example by providing an even distribution of weight throughout the trackable hockey puck 10 compared to trackable hockey pucks that do not include potting material 400.
Generally, the potting material 400 is transparent or substantially transparent to the signal emitted by the core beacon 35 (e.g., infrared light, such as infrared light having a wavelength of about 700-900 nm). The potting material 400 should not include significant haze or air bubbles after curing. In some embodiments, the potting material 400, after curing, has a glass transition not warmer than about −10° C. and remains relatively soft at temperatures higher than about −10° C.
In some embodiments, the potting material 400 has a substantially clear, colorless hue. In other embodiments, the potting material 400 has an amber hue. In some embodiments, the potting material 400 is compatible with an infrared-transparent dye, such as a black dye. In some embodiments, the black dye is Spectrasol Black RL-D (8.SL.0029D0, Spectra Colors Corp.).
Generally, a suitable potting material 400 bonds to rubber (e.g., to vulcanized rubber), has a relatively low viscosity to enable the potting material to flow into small gaps in the core component 30, and is not electrically conductive.
In some embodiments, the potting material 400 cures in about 4 hours or less. In some embodiments, the potting material cures in the presence of sulfur. In some embodiments, the potting material 400 cures without requiring contact with an organometallic catalyst. In some embodiments, the potting material 400 cures in the presence of UV light. In some embodiments the potting material 400 cures at a temperature not more than 150° F.
After curing, the potting material 400 may have a hardness of about 50 Shore A or greater, such as about 50 Shore A, about 60 Shore A, about 70 Shore A, about 80 Shore A, or about 90 Shore A.
The cured potting material 400 should have a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion to reduce the risk of structural fatigue associated with temperature fluctuations in the environment surrounding the trackable hockey puck 10. In addition, cured potting material 400 with a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion may improve performance of hockey pucks 10 consistent with the present disclosure by, for example, reducing the amount of contraction of the surface of potting material 400 above the core component 30 relative to the amount of contraction of rubber of the hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20.
In some embodiments, the potting material 400 is a urethane (e.g., 1554 Fast, GS Polymers Inc.; PNU-46202, Protavic America, Inc.; or Loctite AA3951, Henkel Corp.). In other embodiments, the potting material 400 is an epoxy, such as Ultrabond TD-748 (Hernon Manufacturing, Inc.); Mereco 1650, Mereco 1650 Mod 2, or Mereco 1650 Mod 2 MA50 (Mereco Technologies Group); ANE-57100 (Protavic America, Inc.); or Norland Electronic Adhesive 123 (NEA123N, Norland Products Inc.).
Generally, the potting material 400 bonds to the rubber material of the hockey-shaped outer shell 20. In some embodiments, the potting material 400 bonds to the rubber during a curing step, described in more detail below. In other embodiments, an adhesive is applied between the potting material 400 and the rubber of the hockey-shaped outer shell 20 to ensure bonding.
In other embodiments, the potting material 400 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a polyisoprene, such as Isolene 400-S(H. B. Fuller), Cariflex IR0310 (Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc.), and/or Cariflex IR0310 K (Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc.). When present, the polyisoprene or polyisoprene-containing potting material 400 should be optically clear to reduce, minimize, or prevent attenuation of the light emitted by the infrared LED lamp 350, while also having a hardness similar to (e.g., substantially similar to) the rubber material used in a conventional hockey puck.
In some embodiments, shown representatively in
Referring now to
Referring now specifically to
Generally, methods of making trackable hockey pucks 10 consistent with the present disclosure comprise securing a core component 30 or a core beacon 35 in a cavity 210 of a hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20. The cavity (ies) 210 may be formed by creating a cavity 210 in a standard already-molded hockey puck, or curing rubber in a mold that includes cavity posts to form a molded hockey puck outer shell including one or more cavities 210.
Regardless of whether the cavity (ies) 210 are molded into the outer shell 20 or formed in a molded hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20, securing the core component 30 (or the core beacon 35 if no core enclosure 32 is present) in the cavity 210 generally comprises inserting the core component 30 or core beacon 35, as appropriate, into the cavity 210 such that the infrared LED lamp 350 of the core beacon 35 is visible in the cavity 210. In embodiments wherein the cavity 210 includes threads, the step of inserting the core component 30 or core beacon 35 includes twisting the core component 30 or core beacon 35 into the cavity, for example by engaging an installation tool with tool features 332 of the window 330, to mate threads 320 of the core component 30/core beacon 35 with threads 220 of the cavity 210. Optionally, an adhesive is disposed between the core component 30/core beacon 35 and the inside walls of the cavity 210 to enhance purchase of the core component 30/core beacon 35 with the cavity.
After insertion of the core component 30/core beacon 35 in the cavity, potting material 400 is added to the cavity 210. The potting material 400 is cured under appropriate curing conditions (e.g., UV irradiation, heat, catalyst, etc.) to harden the potting material 400.
In some embodiments, the step of curing the potting material 400 comprises rotating the trackable hockey puck 10 about an axis generally orthogonal to the puck's axis A under appropriate curing conditions (e.g., UV irradiation, heat, catalyst, etc.). In some embodiments, the trackable hockey puck 10 is secured in a rotational mold 500, such as a rotational mold 500 representatively shown in
Rotating the trackable hockey puck 10 in a mold 500 under appropriate curing conditions may improve curing of the potting material 400, especially at the interfaces of the potting material 400 and the top face 230 and bottom face 240. In some embodiments, no abrasive or chemical processing of the top face 230 or bottom face 240 is necessary to provide a trackable hockey puck 10 that performs on ice substantially similarly to a standard molded hockey puck that does not include a core component 30 or a core beacon 35. In some such embodiments, the mold 500 may include an insert or portion having a concave inner contour adjacent to the top surface 230 and the bottom surface 240 of the hockey puck 10. The concave inner contour of the insert or portion 510a/510b permits the potting material 400 to cure slightly proud of the top surface 230 and the bottom surface 240 of the hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20 to compensate for a relatively greater coefficient of thermal expansion (contraction) of the cured potting material 400 relative to the coefficient of thermal expansion (contraction) of the material of the hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20. At playing temperatures (e.g., about −10 to 5° C.), the cured potting material and the top and bottom surfaces 230/240 are flush or substantially flush. In some embodiments, the insert(s) 510a/510b are glass, such as a borosilicate glass, or include a glass surface adjacent to the potting material 400. In other embodiments, the insert(s) 510a/501b are polyethylene or include a polyethylene surface adjacent to the potting material 400. In other embodiments, the insert(s) 510a/501b are polypropylene or include a polypropylene surface adjacent to the potting material 400. Performance characteristics of the hockey puck 10, such as the coefficient of friction, may be tuned by modifying the degree of concave deflection of the insert(s) 510a/510b relative to the contours of the top surface 230 and bottom surface 240 of the hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20.
In some embodiments, the step of rotating the trackable hockey puck 10 under appropriate curing conditions comprises rotating the trackable hockey puck 10 at a rate of at least about 3,000 RPM, for example at a rate of at least about 3,000 RPM, at a rate of at least about 3,500 RPM, at a rate of at least about 4,000 RPM, at a rate of at least about 4,500 RPM, at a rate of at least about 5,000 RPM, or at a rate greater than about 5,000 RPM.
Optionally, a release agent may be applied to the inner surfaces of the mold 500 before sealing the hockey puck 10 therewithin.
The step of curing the potting material may be performed for any suitable amount of time required to cure all or substantially all of the potting material 400. In some embodiments, the step of curing the potting material 400 may be performed for not more than about 4 hours, for example not more than about 4 hours, not more than about 3.5 hours, not more than about 3 hours, not more than about 2.5 hours, not more than about 2 hours, not more than about 1.5 hours, not more than about 1 hours, or not more than about 0.5 hours.
In some embodiments, the step of curing comprises contacting the potting material 400 with UV light. In such embodiments wherein the step of curing the potting material 400 further includes rotating the trackable hockey puck 10, the rotational mold 500 may include a UV-transparent window 510a/510b in each rotational mold subpart 500a/500b. The UV-transparent windows 510a/510b are disposed in optical communication with the potting material 400. Generally, the UV-transparent windows 510a/510b have a size at least as large, and preferably slightly larger, than the size of the corresponding cavity 210 in the outer shell 20.
In some embodiments, the step of curing comprises applying heat to the trackable hockey puck 10. To avoid damaging components of the core beacon 35 and electrical connections between those components, the step of curing should be performed at a temperature of about 150° F. or less, such as about 150° F., about 140° F., about 130° F., about 120° F., about 110° F., about 100° F., about 95° F., about 90° F., about 85° F., about 80° F.
Alternatively, hockey pucks 10 may be prepared by mating a pre-formed polyisoprene-based core beacon 35 with the cavity 210 of a hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20. The pre-formed polyisoprene-based core beacon 35 may not include the core enclosure 32. Generally, the pre-formed polyisoprene-based core beacon 35 in these embodiments includes the infrared LED lamp 350, a shock sensor 360 or phototransistor 365 in operative communication with the infrared LED lamp 350, and a battery 370 in operative communication with the infrared LED lamp 350 and the shock sensor 360 or phototransistor 365, each of these components operating substantially the same as described in greater detail above. The pre-formed polyisoprene core beacons 35 consistent with these embodiments may be mated with the cavity 210 using an adhesive. The pre-formed polyisoprene-based core beacons 35 may align flush or substantially flush with the top surface 230 of the hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20. Alternatively, the pre-formed polyisoprene core beacon 35 may rest below the top surface 230 of the hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20, and finishing may include a rotomolding process as described above to form a flush surface of the pre-formed polyisoprene-based core beacon 35 and the top surface 230 of the hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20. In some embodiments, a method of making a trackable hockey puck comprises securing a core component 30 that includes cured potting material 400 in the cavity 210 of a hockey puck-shaped outer shell 20, inserting additional potting material 400 into the recess formed by the top surface 230 or bottom surface 240 of the shell 20 and the top of the core component 30, then curing the additional potting material 400 to form the trackable hockey puck 10. Methods consistent with these embodiments may be advantageous in that the core components 30 may be produced efficiently at scale, and the step of securing the core components 30 in cavities 210 of the hockey puck-shaped outer shells 20 with potting material 400 may be performed more rapidly compared to methods that require curing all potting material 400 within the core component 30 and the cavity 210 simultaneously.
When activated, trackable hockey pucks 10 emit a signal from at least one of the top surface 230 and the bottom surface 240. The signal is detectable by active puck strobe detectors, such as infrared cameras. An array of active puck strobe detectors (such as the arrays of 14-18 infrared cameras already installed in each NHL hockey arena) detect the signal emitted by the trackable hockey puck 10 and an associated processor calculates the position of the trackable hockey puck 10 on the playing surface (e.g., ice rink) from the location data provided by each of the infrared cameras. Beacons 35 (with or without protective enclosures 30) may also be disposed on players, referees, etc. to enable tracking of the players, referees, etc.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the signal has a wavelength or peak wavelength of about 900 nm to about 1,000 nm, for example about 900 nm, about 910 nm, about 920 nm, about 930 nm, about 940 nm, about 950 nm, about 960 nm, about 970 nm, about 980 nm, about 990 nm, or about 1,000 nm. In some embodiments, the signal has a wavelength or peak wavelength of about 600 nm to about 700 nm, for example about 600 nm, about 610 nm, about 620 nm, about 630 nm, about 640 nm, about 650 nm, about 660 nm, about 670 nm, about 680 nm, about 690 nm, or about 700 nm.
In some embodiments, the signal is or comprises an activation signal 3715 that has a wavelength (e.g., peak wavelength) that does not interfere or is not similar to the wavelength or peak wavelength of the signal(s) 352a,352b emitted by the signal emitters 350 in the trackable hockey puck 10 or in the beacons 35 affixed to the player P. In some embodiments, the activation signal 3715 includes a pulse pattern that, when detected by the phototransistor 365, causes the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or the beacon 35 to enter an “awake” mode, for example that enables power to flow from the battery 370 to the signal emitter 350. In some embodiments, the pulse pattern of the activation signal 3715 is different than the pulse pattern generated by the activation transducer 3700 in association with a second signal.
In some embodiments, the signal is or comprises a deactivation signal (not shown) that, when detected by the phototransistor 365 in the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or by the phototransistor 365 in the beacon(s) 35, causes the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or the phototransistor 365 in the beacon(s) 35 to enter a “sleep” state, for example to prevent the signal emitters 350 from emitting a signal 352a,352b. The deactivation signal may have a different wavelength than the activation signal 3715, a different peak wavelength than the activation signal 3715, or a different pulse pattern than the activation signal 3715.
In some embodiments, the signal is or comprises a “generate signal” command (not shown) that, when detected by the phototransistor 365 in the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or by the phototransistor 365 in the beacon(s) 35, causes the signal emitter 350 in the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or in the phototransistor 365 in the beacon(s) 35 to emit a signal 352a,352b. In such embodiments, the activation transducer 3700 may be configured to emit a plurality of “generate signal” commands (e.g., each having a different pulse pattern), and each trackable hockey puck 10 and beacon 35 affixed to a player P may be configured to emit a signal 352a, 352b only upon detection of the unique “generate signal” command assigned to that device, for example by associating a serial number with the unique “generate signal” command.
The activation transducer 3700 may, in some embodiments, generate an activation signal 3715, a deactivation signal, and/or a “generate signal” command in response to a controlling signal 3264 generated by the strobe controller 3260.
The strobe controller 3260 may be in operable communication with a backend system 3100 that includes, for example, data analysis capabilities, data storage capabilities, communication capabilities, and/or user control capabilities. For example and without limitation, components 3100, 3260, 3262, and 3264 may be consistent with, may comprise, may consist essentially of, or may consist of the tracking systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,884,741, and/or 5,564,698, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and relied upon.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the signal 3264 is or comprises an activation signal that has a wavelength (e.g., peak wavelength) that does not interfere or is not similar to the wavelength or peak wavelength of the signal(s) 352a,352b emitted by the signal emitters 350 in the trackable hockey puck 10 or in the beacons 35 affixed to the player P. In some embodiments, the activation signal includes a pulse pattern that, when detected by the receiver in the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or in the beacon 35, causes the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or the beacon 35 to enter an “awake” mode, for example that enables power to flow from the battery 370 to the signal emitter 350. In some embodiments, the pulse pattern of the activation signal is different than the pulse pattern generated by the strobe controller 3260 in association with a second signal.
In some embodiments, the signal 3264 is or comprises a deactivation signal that, when detected by the receiver in the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or by the phototransistor 365 in the beacon(s) 35, causes the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or the phototransistor 365 in the beacon(s) 35 to enter a “sleep” state, for example to prevent the signal emitters 350 from emitting a signal 352a,352b. The deactivation signal may have a different wavelength than the activation signal, a different peak wavelength than the activation signal, or a different pulse pattern than the activation signal.
In some embodiments, the signal is or comprises a “generate signal” command (not shown) that, when detected by the receiver in the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or by the receiver in the beacon(s) 35, causes the signal emitter 350 in the trackable hockey puck 10 and/or in the phototransistor 365 in the beacon(s) 35 to emit a signal 352a,352b. In such embodiments, the strobe controller 3260 may be configured to emit a plurality of “generate signal” commands (e.g., each having a different pulse pattern), and each trackable hockey puck 10 and beacon 35 affixed to a player P may be configured to emit a signal 352a,352b only upon detection of the unique “generate signal” command assigned to that device, for example by associating a serial number with the unique “generate signal” command.
The strobe controller 3260 may, in some embodiments, generate an activation signal, a deactivation signal, and/or a “generate signal” command in response to a command received by the strobe controller 3260 from an associated backend system 3100. The backend system 3100 may include, for example, data analysis capabilities, data storage capabilities, communication capabilities, and/or user control capabilities. For example and without limitation, the system 3000 may be consistent with, may comprise, may consist essentially of, or may consist of the tracking systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,884,741, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and relied upon.
Trackable hockey pucks 10 consistent with the present disclosure have a distinct advantage of being selectively activated. For example, a hockey puck 10 during game play will ordinarily have one face (e.g., the bottom face 240) disposed on the ice surface, while the opposite face (e.g., top surface 230) will be exposed to signals emitted from a tracking system 3000 (e.g., by a transducer 3700 and/or by a strobe controller 3260). When an activation signal 3715 is transmitted by the tracking system 3000, only the beacon 35 not facing the ice surface will receive the activation signal 3715 and will then emit signal 352a from the signal emitter 350. In contrast, the beacon 35 facing the ice surface will not receive the activation signal 3715 because its phototransistor 365 will be shielded from the activation signal 3715 by the ice surface and the remainder of the trackable puck 10. Signal 352a will then not be emitted by the signal emitter 350 of the shielded beacon 35.
Similarly, in embodiments wherein the trackable hockey puck 10 is tracked by a method that includes transmitting a “generate signal” command 3264 from a transducer 3700 or a strobe controller 3260, only phototransistors 365 of the beacon(s) 35 of the trackable hockey puck 10 that are not shielded by the ice surface or the remainder of the hockey puck 10 will receive the “generate signal” command 3264. Thus, only signal emitters 350 of exposed beacon(s) 35 will be enabled to emit trackable signals 352a,352b.
Accordingly, battery life of trackable beacons 35 consistent with the present disclosure is substantially improved over known trackable hockey pucks.
Existing trackable hockey pucks 1000/2000 suffer from debilitating performance issues. For example, an early version of a trackable hockey puck 1000 (
A second iteration of a trackable hockey puck 2000 (
A hockey puck (10) consistent with the present disclosure was prepared from a standard NHL-certified rubber hockey puck. A 17.5 mm diameter (d′) cavity (210) was bored into each of the top surface (230) and the bottom surface (240) of the hockey puck to form a hockey puck-shaped outer shell (20). M20 threads (220) were tapped into each cavity (210).
Two core beacons (35) were prepared, each generally consistent with the core beacon shown representatively in
The core component (30) was inserted Into each of the cavities (210) and secured using a cyanoacrylate adhesive. The signal emitters (350) of the top core component (30) and the bottom core component (30) were located approximately 2 cm below the top surface (230) and the bottom surface (240) of the hockey puck (10), respectively.
After securing the core component (30) into the cavity (210), the combined device was inserted into a rotational mold 500 consistent with those shown representatively in
The resulting hockey puck (10) was consistent with that shown in
The slide performance of trackable hockey puck (10) was tested on a regulation hockey rink ice surface and compared to performance characteristics of (i) a prior art trackable hockey puck (
All pucks were conditioned for 24 hours in a freezer prior to testing. This caused the NHL pucks' thermochromic paint to turn purple during the on-ice test. This purple color indicates that the pucks were at game temperature as controlled by the NHL for game use. A repeatable and consistent force was imparted to each puck that was slide tested to consistently push the puck across ice of a regulation hockey rink. Each puck was launched 10 times on the same puck surface with the same applied force. For the pucks with certificates of authenticity, the sticker was left in place and the opposite side made contact with the ice for the slide test. Total glide distance was averaged for each puck. The results are summarized graphically in
The prior art trackable hockey pucks did not slide as far as the game-used and unpainted, unused NHL pucks. In contrast, the test hockey puck (10) consistent with the present disclosure performed consistently similar to or the same as the game-used NHL hockey pucks and the unused, unpainted NHL hockey puck in every test. For example, the test hockey puck (10) slid a similar distance as the NHL pucks In response to similar applied forces applied by the projectile launcher.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing descriptions are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the methods and devices described herein. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. Also, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Similarly, “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “includes” and “including” are not intended to be limiting.
All patents, patent applications, publications, and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/227,326, filed on Jul. 29, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and relied upon.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US22/38953 | 7/29/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63227326 | Jul 2021 | US |
