Sport-Related Goal Line or Boundary Indicator

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/006,459 filed Jun. 2, 2014.

[0002] A system to detect movement of a game object across an invisible plane or line to indicate that a score has been tallied or that the game object has moved pass the goal line or boundary indicator.

[0003] In many sports, points are scored when a game object such as a ball or puck crosses an invisible line or plane to indicate that a score has been tallied or a goal has been scored. In soccer, a soccer ball crosses an invisible plane created by two goalposts, a crossbar and the goal line (invisible or painted), which is located on the ground. A similar arrangement is found in lacrosse, hockey and water polo, whereby a puck or ball move across an invisible plane created by the goal to indicate that a score has been tallied.

[0004] In baseball, softball or cricket, a ball can pass over an outer wall boundary to indicate that a home run for baseball or six runs in cricket have been tallied.

[0005] In football or rugby, a football must pass through two goal posts to indicate that a score has been tallied (a field goal or extra point in football and a goal in rugby). In billiards, pool (pocket billiards) and snooker, a ball must pass through an invisible line and fall into a pocket to indicate that a score has been tallied.

[0006] However, it is often difficult for spectators watching such sports at live events to see if a game object has crossed an invisible line or plane to indicate that a score has been tallied or a goal has been scored. When watching sports it often occurs that spectators are located in a large stadium or are located a great distance from where the game object passes. For example, in football, it is difficult to determine whether a field goal or extra point has been scored if the spectator is located in the corner of the end zone and does not have a direct line of sight to determine if the football passes through the goal posts.

[0007] Furthermore, there is often human error in sports as an umpire or referee does not have a good line of sight and may make mistakes because the umpire or referee cannot determine whether a game object has crossed an invisible line or plane.

[0008] Thus, it is desired to provide system to indicate to spectators, players and even an umpire or referee, when a game object has crossed an invisible line or plane. It is desired that such a system indicates that a score has been tallied or a goal has been scored. In alternate embodiments, it is desired to indicate that the game object is out of bounds or out of play.

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a system to indicate to spectators, players and even an umpire or referee, when a game object has crossed an invisible line or plane. It is an object of the invention that such a system indicates that a score has been tallied or a goal has been scored. In alternate embodiments, it is desired to indicate that the game object is out of bounds or out of play.

[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide a system to indicate other statuses of game play and to provide additional information related to the game (such as time information), and to both visually and/or orally provide game information relevant to the sport or game being played.

[0011] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a system to detect movement of a game object across an invisible plane or line comprising: at least one sensor; and at least one light source, wherein when a game object passes through a line or invisible plane, said at least one light source is illuminated.

[0012] In certain embodiments, said at least one sensor is located within a goal, and upon illumination of said at least one light source it is indicated that a score has been tallied.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the goal comprises two goal posts and a horizontal bar connecting the two goal posts. In certain embodiments, the two goal posts and horizontal bar are cylindrical. In certain embodiments, the two goal posts and horizontal bar and fused together as one piece. In certain embodiments, the goal is made of weather resistant materials, such as a plastics and/or metals. In certain embodiments, the goal post is painted in yellow and is used for football.

[0014] In certain embodiments, said at least one light source comprises a plurality of light sources, wherein said plurality of light sources are connected in parallel and/or in series and are located within the goal. In certain embodiments, said plurality of slight sources are connected via a circuit to a power source.

[0015] In certain embodiments, said goal is composed of a clear material or is hollow and said plurality of light sources emit light through said goal. In certain embodiments, the plurality of light sources are located within the goal. In certain embodiments, the plurality of light sources are located on an external surface of the goal. In certain embodiments, bores are provided within the goal and the plurality of light sources are placed within the bores.

[0016] In certain embodiments, said at least one light source emits light at different wavelengths and at different colors. In certain embodiments, said at least on the light is programmable to emit colors related to the team(s) playing the sport. In certain embodiments, a control system is provided to control said at least one light source, so that a user can control the color and intensity of the light being provided. In certain embodiments, the at least one light source can emitting a flashing light or can emit a solid light depending upon the type of goal scored. In football, a field goal and an extra point can have a different system for each type of score tallied.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the system includes at least one speaker, wherein when the game object passes through the line or invisible plane formed by the goal, said speaker emits a noise. In certain embodiments, the speaker is a horn. In certain embodiments, the speaker is within the goal and in other embodiments the speaker is located externally from the goal, for example in various parts of a stadium.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the system can be retrofit with existing goals, such that the system can be inserted into existing to goals to indicate to spectators that a goal has been scored.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the system includes a power source, said power source providing power for said at least one sensor and said at least one light source. In certain embodiments, the power source is a solar power source or has a component linked to solar power, which is able to recharge. In certain embodiments, the system includes more than one power source and/or backup powers sources. In certain embodiments, the power source uses electricity.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the power source is located within the goal. In certain embodiments, the power source is located external to the goal. In certain embodiments the power source and goal are connected via one or more cables.

[0021] In certain embodiments, said at least one light source is a light emitting diode (LED) or a floursecent light. In certain embodiments, said at least one light source is a plurality of LED devices. In certain embodiments, said at least one light source is a high frequency or high intensity light. In certain embodiments, said at least one light source emits light at a frequency able to be seen by humans.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the system includes a timing device, said timing device controlling the illumination of said at least one light source. In certain embodiments, the timing device includes a countdown timer and upon the timing device reaching a time of zero, said at least one light source is illuminated. In certain embodiments, the timing device includes a count up timer, so when the timing device reaches a certain time, such as a quarter end, said at least one light source is illuminated.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the system includes a second light source, said second light source indicating various time information. In certain embodiments, the system includes a scoreboard connected to the system, the scoreboard able to display additional information related to the game or sport being played. In certain embodiments, the scoreboard is connected to the system, such that the system is configured to control information displayed on the scoreboard. In certain embodiments, when a game object passes the invisible plane, the scoreboard indicates automatically that a goal has been tallied.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the system includes a signal transmitter embedded in the game object. In certain embodiments, the signal transmitter uses RFID technology. In certain embodiments, the signal transmitter uses GPS technology. In certain embodiments, the system includes Bluetooth technology.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the signal transmitter is embedded in a football, a baseball, a golf ball, a tennis ball, a lacrosse ball, a billiard ball, a soccer ball, or any such ball or game object that may pass an invisible line or plane.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the signal transmitter communicates with the at least one sensor to indicate that the game object passes through the line or invisible plane. In certain embodiments, the sensor is able to sense the game object passing through the line or invisible plane due to the interaction with the signal transmitter.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the signal transmitter has an electronic chip that interacts with a server to electronically track the location of the game object. In certain embodiments, the path of the game object can be tracked throughout the game. In certain embodiments, the electronic chip communicates with a computer, so that the location of the game ball is tracker. In certain embodiments, the game object includes a camera or video camera within the game object, so that a view of the game object can be provided to a server.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the line or invisible plane is an out of bounds line or a boundary marker. In certain embodiments, the line or invisible line is a painted line. In certain embodiments, the line or invisible plane is an out of bounds line or a boundary marker for tennis, volleyball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, hockey, football, baseball, softball, and any such sport that includes boundary lines.

[0029] Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a system to detect movement of a game object across an invisible plane or line indicate that a score has been tallied, the system comprising: a plurality of sensors; a plurality of light sources; and a goal, where the plurality of sensors and the plurality of light sources are located within the goal, wherein when a game object passes through the invisible plane or line, said plurality of light sources are illuminated.

[0030] Other objects of the invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0038] The present invention is directed to a system by which to detect movement of a ball, puck, or other such “game object” across or through an invisible plane or line, such as a goal line, foul line, boundary line or the like.

[0039] The following description is given in a football context, from which it will be readily understood and appreciated that the system is applicable to other games (e.g. hockey, soccer, lacrosse, baseball) in which goal lines and boundaries are a part.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a football goal system 100 having left post 10, right post 20 connected via horizontal bar 15. A base 25 is used to support the horizontal bar. The base can be cemented into the ground and can have additional support sections to hold the goal system 100.

[0041] The football goal 100 has lights that are used to illuminate the goal post, specifically left post 10, right post 20 and horizontal bar 15.

[0042] The football goal system 100 has a power source 50 that is connected to the goal via power cord 55. This allows the lights located within the goal posts to be illuminated and provide light. The lights located within the goal posts can be illuminated at various points in the game, such as during the end of a quarter or when a football passes between the left post and right post.

[0043] The power source is also connected to a clock/timer 40 via a cord 45. The clock/timer 40 counts down the time of the game and sends a signal to the lights to provide illumination at various points in the game. In certain embodiments, the power source is located within the base 25 in the goal system 100.

[0044] The system also is shown having a speaker or multiple speakers 30, which provides sound at various points in the game. The sound can be provided at various points of the game, such as during the end of a quarter or when a football passes between the left post and right post.

[0045] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a portion of FIG. 1 where the goal post lights are off in FIG. 2A are on in FIG. 2B. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the arrangement of the clock/timer 40, power supply 50, speaker 30 and cords 45 and 55.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the power supply is built into the goal post system 100. In certain embodiments, the speaker 30 is built into the goal post system 100. In certain embodiments, the speaker 30 is external to the goal post system 100 and/or is a plurality of speaker devices. In certain embodiments, the plurality of speaker devices are located throughout a football stadium.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the football goal post system. Here football goal system 300 is shown having left post 310, right post 320 connected via horizontal bar 315. A base 325 is used to support the horizontal bar.

[0048] The football goal 300 has lights that are used to illuminate the goal post, specifically left post 310, right post 320 and horizontal bar 315.

[0049] The football goal system 300 has a power source 350 that is connected to the goal via power cord 355. The power source is also connected to a clock/timer 340 via a cord 345. The clock/timer 340 counts down the time of the game and sends a signal to the lights to provide illumination at various points in the game.

[0050] The system also includes a speaker 330, which provides sound at various points in the game. The sound can be provided at various points of the game, such as during the end of a quarter or when a football passes between the left post and right post.

[0051] Also shown in FIG. 3 are sensors 360, 365 and 370 located on the left goal post 310, horizontal bar 315 and right post 320 respectively. The sensors could be located either within the frame of the football goal system 300 or can be adhered or attached to the frame.

[0052] Sensors 360, 365 and 370 are used to create an invisible plane or line, whereby the sensors detect if a football passes through the invisible plane or line to indicate that a score has been tallied. Upon detection of the football, the lights in the goal posts are illuminated and/or a sound is emitted by the speaker.

[0053] In certain embodiments, footballs used in the game each include an embedded signal transmitter. In certain embodiments, the footballs include a chip.

[0054] In certain embodiments, sensors 360, 365 and 370 in the goal posts respond to signals from the football to activate the various lights, thereby to indicate inbounds, out-of-bounds, goal line crossed, kick is good, and so on. In certain embodiments, three sensors are provided, and in other embodiments, more or less sensors are provided. In certain embodiments, the sensors are provided symmetrically on the goal posts 310, 320 and/or in the horizontal bar 315, so as to maximize the surface area of the invisible plan in which the football passes through the goal posts.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows soccer goal system 400 having left post 410, right post 420 connected via top horizontal bar 415 and bottom horizontal bar 415. Also shown are support elements 412, 414, 416 and 418, which provide structural support to the soccer goal system.

[0056] The soccer goal 400 has lights that are used to illuminate the goal post, specifically in left post 410, right post 420, top horizontal bar 425 bottom horizontal bar 415, and support elements 412, 414, 416 and 418. In certain embodiments, some or all of these elements can be illuminated in certain patterns and colors.

[0057] The soccer goal system 400 has a power source 450 that is connected to the goal via power cord 455. This allows the lights located within the goal posts to be illuminated and provide light. The lights located within the goal posts can be illuminated at various points in the game, such as during the end of a quarter or when a soccer ball passes between the left post and right post.

[0058] Illumination of a soccer goal is especially important as it is often difficult to see if a goal is scored if a spectator sits at the opposite end of a soccer stadium.

[0059] In FIG. 4, the power source 450 is also connected to a clock/timer 440 via a cord 445. The clock/timer 440 counts down the time of the game and sends a signal to the lights to provide illumination at various points in the game. In certain embodiments, the power source 450 is located within the goal.

[0060] The system also includes a speaker 430, which provides sound at various points in the game. The sound can be provided at various points of the game, such as during the end of a quarter or when a soccer ball passes between the left post and right post.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows sensor 560 located on the top horizontal bar 425. Additional sensors could be located either within left post 410, right post 420, bottom horizontal bar 415, and support elements 412, 414, 416 and 418. The sensors could be created within the frame of the soccer goal or can be adhered or attached to the frame.

[0062] Sensor 560, is used to create an invisible plane or line, whereby the sensors detect if a soccer ball passes through the invisible plane or line to indicate that a score has been tallied. Upon detection of the soccer ball, the lights in the goal posts are illuminated and/or a sound is emitted by the speaker.

[0063] In certain embodiments, soccer balls used with the goal system 400 each include an embedded signal transmitter. In certain embodiments, the soccer ball includes a chip.

[0064] In certain embodiments, sensor 560 responds to signals from the football to activate the various lights, thereby to indicate inbounds, out-of-bounds, goal line crossed, kick is good, and so on. In certain embodiments, three sensors are provided, and in other embodiments, more or less sensors are provided. In certain embodiments, the sensors are provided symmetrically on the horizontal bar, so as to maximize the surface area of the invisible plan in which the soccer ball passes through the goal posts.

[0065] In certain embodiments, a hockey goal is provided, which is similar to the soccer goal described in FIGS. 4-5.

[0066] FIG. 6 refers to an interval view across section of A in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows light emitting diodes (LEDS) 610, 615, 620, 625, 630, 640 and 645 arranged within the goal posts. The LEDs are supported by a support structure 670 and are connected via power cords 650 and 655, which supply power to the LED devices.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the goal posts are hollow and transparent, clear or have a frost like cover. In certain embodiments, the LEDs are replaced by fiber optics, fluorescent lights or other types of light sources to illuminate the goal posts.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the goal post will be made with hard enough transparent or frosted plastic or vinyl material to protect from any damages to the lights inside of it.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the goal post will be made of materials that are strong enough and durable for any weather conditions or any hard objects that might hit it.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the goal posts may have a camera attached to the goal posts to create a visual of when the game and play time is up and when a score is made for every one that is into the game.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the lights or hollow transparent goal post can come in different shades of colors for any team or stadium.

[0072] The above reference concept described herein is readily applicable to hockey, soccer, or any game in which the object is to cross a goal line or to cause a goal line to be crossed by a game object. One of the objects here is to reduce human error which can happen if an official is not in a good position to see what the sensors in the posts can “see”.

[0073] In certain embodiments, a sensor, signal transmitter or chip is embedded not only in a football but in a soccer ball, puck, or other game object.

[0074] In other sports such as tennis, lights are provided in various other objects, so when a light crosses a boundary, then the lights in the object light up to announce to spectators that a ball is out of bounds. For example, in tennis, when the ball is out of play, an LED or speaker emits a light or sound to indicate that the ball is out.

[0075] While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation and that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made thereto, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.

[0076] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.