GB2454518A

GB2454518A - Simulated sports ball

Info

Publication number: GB2454518A
Application number: GB0722102A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Kelly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-09
Filing date: 2007-11-09
Publication date: 2009-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-09
Also published as: GB0722102D0; GB2454518B

Abstract

A simulated sports ball is provided with a visible stitching area 56, the ball comprising means (such as an on/off switch 46, LEDs 42 and sound emission holes 58) located at least in part in the vicinity of the visible stitching area, for enabling an output signal to be generated by the ball. The output signal may be actuated by a button 18 positioned beneath an outer covering 26 of the ball or by force or acceleration sensors. Electronic components for generating the signal may be housed within recesses provided in a moulded core of the ball. The ball may look and behave very closely to a standard ball for a particular sport, e.g. cricket or baseball, with the sounds emitted corresponding to that sport.

Description

SIMULATED SPORTS BALL

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a simulated sports ball that may be used as a toy or novelty item, or as a sports training aid, and which emits a signal such as light, sound, vibration, an infrared beam or radio waves.

Background

Toy and novelty balls are known which contain electronic components enabling them to emit signals of the kind mentioned above. The electronic circuitry is activated by pushbuttons or by other sensors which detect applied force, pressure, shock and acceleration.

The simulated sports ball of this invention may be made to imitate a ball for use in a particular sport, e.g. cricket, baseball, softball, basketball, football ("soccer"), rugby, etc. In some instances it may be made to look, feel and behave dynamically as close as practicable to a normal sports ball that has no electronic components inside it. In other instances, the ball may intentionally differ in selected aspects from the equivalent standard ball for that particular sport, but is preferably still recognisable as a replica of such a ball. For example, a simulated cricket ball or baseball may be made softer than usual, for use as a children's toy or training aid, which is less likely to cause pain or injury to players and spectators, or damage to property if used indoors or close to buildings. Another example would be a large simulated golf ball designed to be played with indoors. Subject to these selected differences, however, it is advantageous for the simulated sports ball to behave very closely to a normal ball as used in its simulated sport, with very little difference in the look, feel, weight, balance and dynamic behaviour of the simulated ball, as perceived by the user.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a simulated sports ball having a visible stitching area, the ball comprising means located at least in part in the vicinity of the visible stitching area, for enabling an output signal. The output signal enabling means may comprise, for example, a light emitting element such as an LED or a light guide such as an optical fibre.

It may additionally or alternatively comprise an on/off or mode control switch, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a data port, or an output signal activating switch or transducer that is conveniently mounted at or on the outer surface of the ball. Because the output signal enabling means is located in the vicinity of the visible stitching area, any surface discontinuities that it may cause are to some extent disguised by the visible stitching. The result is that the output signal enabling means therefore has a reduced influence on the look, feel and dynamic behaviour of the simulated sports ball, compared to the case in which the output signal enabling means is located well outside the visible stitching area.

In one embodiment, the invention may simulate a cricket ball. An activating button for the output signal may be fitted into a recess formed in the outer surface of a corklrubber/composite core moulding. This unit is then wrapped in a layer of rubber or string with a leather/synthetic outer covering or shell. This (apart from the button) is the same construction as a regular cricket ball. Because the button is hidden beneath the outer shell it does not significantly affect the look, feel and dynamic performance of the ball. Nevertheless it can still be deliberately pushed to cause the signal to be emitted, or can be actuated when the ball is thrown or caught or impacts with another object or surface. A logo or other indicia may be applied to the ball on top of the button, as a way of indicating where the button is. The button and/or its location on the ball may be made more visible in other ways, for example by making the outer shell transparent.

In its preferred forms, the simulated sports ball of this invention is robust. By having a solid or foamed core, preferably covered in various further materials, protection is provided for a signal generating device, such as a sound synthesis or playback circuit, a battery, power connections and speaker(s). The ball is therefore able to survive being played with. In the case of a toy ball being in the shape of a simulated sports ball, advantageously it may be able to be used in as many facets of the simulated sport as is practical or possible. In the case of cricket, baseball or softball, the ball is to be able to thrown and caught, especially around a closed environment (indoors) like the home or office.

The core of the ball may be formed in two halves (or more than two constituent parts) made (e.g. moulded) from cork or other light- weight rubber/polymer/elastomer solid or foam material substitute(s). It has at least one recess or space shaped into one or more of the parts, to fit a microchip, data storage, a vibration device, a battery, switches, sensors, transducers, power cables, a charging jack, a data port, speaker(s), lights (e.g. LEDs) and the activating button, or any other components of the signal generating or enabling devices as are conveniently accommodated in or partially within the core. The activating button may fit very snugly into the moulded core, and is then covered by the outer layer of protective material(s).

Preferably, the core is made from two generally hemispherical halves, at least one of which has a protruding circular ridge on its mating face, that fits into a corresponding circular groove or relieved area in the opposite half. It is preferred that the microchip and data storage and/or other electronics is mounted inside its own protective covering so that it can better withstand shock forces (associated with playing) and still continue to operate. This protected unit can also be glued or fixed into the core more easily. For example, the microchip and data storage units along with the speakers, battery, on/off switch, vibration device, activation button and power connections are mounted/fixed into one half of the core. The LEDs are fixed into the other half of the core which is then fixed/glued into position assembled with the first half, matching up the interfitting ridge/groove on each respective half. Of course all of these components, including the LEDs, can be attached to one core half, prior to attachment of the other, or different combinations of the components can be attached to or assembled with each core half prior to assembly of the two core halves. A mesh or grille may then be tacked or otherwise held in place over the speaker(s) to further protect them from impact damage.

In one embodiment, the two halves of the core each have radially outwardly open, diametrically opposed recesses, which are superposed on assembly of the core, to house a pair of loudspeakers let into the core surface diametrically opposite to one another. On either side of one of the speakers, further radially outwardly open recesses are provided.

On one side there is provided a recess for an on/off switch, and on the other side recesses for two LEDs: one to show when the ball is turned on and to indicate power level; the other to flash when good cricket plays happen.

The solid or foam core can then be covered by a wound string layer or wound or moulded rubber/other elastomer compounds, leaving small holes for the power or other connections, and for sound emission from the speakers and light emission from the LEDs.

This coating is also placed so as not to interfere with the working of the push button or any mode control switches, etc. Finally, in one embodiment, an outer layer of leather or suitable synthetic material is used as a second skin over the core and wound or elastomer layer. In other embodiments the core could just be surrounded by a thicker rubber/elastomer layer moulded (e.g. injection moulded) around the core within or at the surface of which the electronic and other components of the signal generating means are held or accommodated. The moulded outer layer could be made in various colours, or transparent to allow lights/LEDs to be seen.

The invention and its preferred features and advantages are further described below with reference to illustrative embodiments shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. I is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention, showing the ball construction and layout of internal components, as well as a charging base and transformer; Figs. 2a -2c are schematic cross-sectional views of a battery housing and electronics package for the ball of Fig. I; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the mating face of a moulded core half for use in the ball of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 shows a variant of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 corresponds to Fig. 1, but shows a second embodiment of the invention, in which the ball is provided with a non-replaceable, internal battery; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the mating face of a moulded core half for use in the ball of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronics package for the ball of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 shows the assembled core for the ball of Fig. 7 prior to fitment of an activation pushbutton; Fig. 9 corresponds to Fig. 8, but with the pushbutton added, and further internal components shown in phantom; Fig. 10 corresponds to Fig. 1, but shows a third embodiment of the invention with components of the signal generating means contained within different cavities distributed within the core; Fig. 11 is a plan view of the mating face of a moulded core half for use in the ball of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a schematic layout of the signal generating means showing the relative positions of its components in the core; Fig. 13 shows the assembled core for the ball of Fig. 10, including some internal components shown in phantom; Fig. 14 shows schematically a core covering layer for the embodiments of Figures 1, 5 and 10; Fig. 15 corresponds to Fig. 14, but showing a loudspeaker grille fitted; Figures ISa and I Sb being plan and side views of the grille respectively; Figure 16 shows a finished cricket ball corresponding to Figures 1,5 and 10, and Figure 17 shows schematically the ball of Figure 16 on its stand/charging base.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The signal (e.g. sound and light) emitting toy ball may be designed to be used in as close a simulation as possible to a particular sports ball. The illustrated sports ball is in the shape of a cricket ball, in which electronic components comprising a sound recording microchip, battery, output speakers, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and/or a vibration device are fitted into a solid corklrubber/synthetic moulded core.

The ball can be activated by motion, or by one or more push buttons that can be actuated either deliberately or incidentally as the ball is played with. The motion sensor may sense acceleration and/or shock/vibration. When the ball is activated it emits sounds and/or lights and/or vibrations associated with a particular activity. It may emit other forms of signal in response to sensed motion, force, vibration, acceleration, etc; these signals for example being radio waves or an infrared beam, or digital signals downloaded from memory over a physical or wireless connection. As illustrated the ball is a simulated cricket ball, so the outputs are preferably associated with the game of cricket.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. I -3, the toy ball 10 encloses electronic components 12 within an internal lightweight moulded core 14. Fitted into a complementary depression 16 in the outside of the core is an activating button 18. When activated the toy ball emits sound(s), vibrations and/or lights(s). The core is preferably formed from two generally hemispherical sections fixed together. The electronic circuit 12 may drive one or more loudspeakers (a pair of loudspeakers 20a, 20b being shown) lights such as LEDs (not shown in Figures 1 -4, but further discussed below); a vibration device, or other signal emitting components such as a radio transmitter. The electronic circuit 12, vibration device 22 and a battery or battery pack 32 are mounted within the solid core 14. As best shown in Fig. 3, the two halves of the solid core 14 each have co-operating aligned hollowed out regions 28a which define a space within or at the surface of the assembled core for mounting these components and their connecting wires, holding them in position and protecting them from impacts as the ball is played with. Figure 4 shows a variant of the core halves shown in Figure 3, having a surface recess for one output speaker, rather than two. As a further alternative, in each of the described embodiments, the core can be moulded around the various electronic components as a single piece.

The moulded core 14 is covered in one or more wound protective layers 24 of string or rubber, and an outer covering 26 of leather/simulated (synthetic) leather. Ideally the 4-piece leather construction of standard cricket balls is used to make the outer covering.

Alternatively, one or more moulded outer covering layers may be used.

As best seen in Figures 2a -2c all the components housed within the core, apart from the battery, are in a protective plastic case 30 to the side of a slot formed in the core for housing an AA battery 32. In a modification, the plastic case 30 may also include a compartment for housing the battery. On assembly, the whole plastic case and the electronic circuit that it contains is fitted/attached to one half of the moulded core, along with the activation button I 8, output speakers 20a, 20b, an on/off switch 34 and LEDs (not shown in these figures, but further discussed below). The button, output speakers, on/off switch and LEDs all have recesses in the core moulding as required, whereby they can be securely accommodated/attached. The second half of the moulded core is then attached to the first half that has the components inside or partially inside. Mesh or protective grilles are then attached over the output speakers. One or more microphones can be mounted within the ball in a similar way. The core assembly is now ready for the rubber/string/synthetic covering and the rest of the finishing process. In the embodiment shown in Figs. I -3, the battery 32 is removable/replaceable through a hatch 36 hingedly attached to the casing 30, for mounting to the core. The hatch is held closed by a releasable latch 37. The layers 24, 26 covering the core 14 do not obscure the battery hatch 36. The hatch instead has its own covering of outer material flush with the remainder of the outer covering 26. The activation button 18 is disposed underneath the outer covering 26 and intermediate layer 26, where present. It can be activated by incidental contact and/or if the button is deliberately pushed. Alternatively motion, force, pressure or vibration sensing means may be used to activate the signal generating means.

The core moulding 14 in these embodiments is fairly large: of sufficient size to accommodate the AA battery. The reason to use AA batteries is they are the most common and cheapest batteries currently available. Of course it is also possible to use smaller replaceable batteries, such as AAA batteries. In these embodiments emulating a current standard cricket ball, the balls measure between 8 /I6 and 9 inches (203 and 229 mm) in circumference.

The ball may be provided with a stand 38. The slot within the core may accommodate a rechargeable battery, with the stand serving as a charging base with electrical contacts 38a connectable to a charging circuit within the ball when it is held in the stand, permitting the battery to be charged from mains power via a transformer 40.

In the preceding embodiments, the use of a changeable battery means a hatch has to be created in the ball, to enable the battery to be changed. This hatch has a hinge arid/or a latch device; however the battery hatch cannot be wrapped in a continuous layer of string/rubber extending around the adjacent portions of the core. The simulated cricket ball 100 embodying the invention as shown in Figure 5 uses a non-replaceable rechargeable battery 132, which means that the hatch can be eliminated, leading to a more robust construction. A charging jack or a charging base 38 with charging contacts 38a and mains power supply transformer 40 are again provided. In either embodiment a rubber or similar plug or dust cap may be provided to protect the plughole from damage or dirt contamination. A practical way to charge the ball is to use a USB port or other plug socket that fits a mobile phone or Blackberry� charger. Then there is no need for a charger to be sold with the ball; it can be sold with a plug connection that fits with a user's current mobile phone, blackberry, or other electronic device. In embodiments that acquire and store data or are programmable, the USB or a similar port may be used for data upload/download. Additionally or alternatively, the ball can sit in a holder and be charged using a contactiess electro-magnetic induction coupling. Then the ball would not require a hole to plug in the charger, or the associated wiring and connections. Or the ball can be charged by an internal inertial dynamo or similar device that produces power as the ball is in motion.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, many of the components of the signal emitting means are packaged together in the centre of the core (see also Fig. 6). Fig. 6 shows one moulded half of the core, with surface recesses for the wiring, output speakers, lights/LEDs and charger plug. There is a large recess 28a in the middle to accommodate the electronic components package shown in Fig. 7. There is also the recess 16 in the top of the core halves for the actuating button 18 to fit into.

The core-accommodated components are assembled into a single package (see Fig. 7), covered by a protective plastic/rubber/synthetic casing 30 and attached to the core within the recess 28a. However, it maybe more practical to separate the battery from the other components, and assemble them separately in the middle of the core, each in its own recess.

Once the components are assembled in one half of the core, the activating button 18 is attached to the top (see Fig. 8), and the other half of the moulded core is attached/glued in place, to form a unified core. Fig. 9 shows the fully assembled core and components of the signal generating means; the central recess 28a and the components accommodated in it being indicated in phantom.

Miniaturised and rugged electronic components can be used, leading to a ball that has the robustness of or similar to a regular cricket ball. Such a ball may be used as a sports training aid. In one embodiment, sensors arranged to detect applied pressure may be provided, with the ball electronics arranged to store and/or transmitlemit data (e.g. sounds or vocalisations which vary with applied pressure), about how players are using the ball.

Multiple buttons or pressure sensors could give indications on how hard someone is bowling the ball into the pitch, or how hard someone is gripping the ball when throwing or bowling. The sports ball could provide instant feedback to the user on how to improve in their sport. In the game of cricket or baseball this could be especially useful. The sports ball can provide instant feedback to the batter as to how hard the ball was hit, how fast the ball was bowled or pitched, how far the ball spun or moved through the air, or how fast the ball was spinning. This requires some form of wireless technology inside the ball, to transmit the information to the players or coaches. For sensing ball position/motion, it may be necessary to set up base stations e.g. for position sensing by triangulation, or to provide a GPS receiver or the like and appropriate processing circuitry within the bail.

The activation button 18 being operated by motion or applied force/pressure can result from when the ball is being used in general play. That is, from when the ball is being thrown and caught, rolled, bounced, hit or dropped.

The ball of this invention has different internal components from a standard cricket or other sports ball: e.g. a sound recording microchip and/or vibration device, battery, output speakers, microphone(s), lights (e.g. LEDs), switches, plastic coverings for electronic parts, circuit boards and wiring. Yet these components can preferably be arranged to have minimum impact of the size, weight and inertial characteristics of the cricket ball.

In the embodiment that uses an AA battery as a power source, the weight may be more than a standard cricket ball, but smaller, lighter batteries can be used in other embodiments.

When the ball is on its holder/charger, the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 and 5 have the activation button 18 on top of the ball, so the button can be easily pushed to activate the signal generation means. Variants of these embodiments may use multiple buttons or a button positioned elsewhere. For example a button positioned adjacent to the stand area can be actuated by pushing the remainder of the ball downwardly against the stand.

It may even be more practical to have the battery in the centre of the core, with the other components around it, in smaller recesses, slots or grooves, to counter balance the weight of the components in the toy and the battery. All the components can be assembled separately in various places the core, with wires connecting them together. In a further embodiment of the ball 200 shown in Figures 10 -12, the battery 232, vibration device 222, and the microchip and other components comprising the signal generating circuit 230 are in three separate sections or packages. These are all joined together by wiring and accommodated in separate recesses 228a, 228b, 228c formed in one or both of the core 14 halves.

The embodiments shown in Figs. 5 and 10 have the battery (as well as other components of the signal generating means) enclosed within the core. This arrangement provides a look and feel more like a standard cricket ball, due to a number of factors: the lower weight of the battery, the absence of a battery changing "hatch", and the optional advantage of more ergonomic (e.g. balanced) weight distribution of the internal components shown in Figures 5 and 10 in comparison to Figure 1. Therefore the ball of Figures 5 and 10 has performance characteristics more similar to an actual cricket ball.

Also the overall strength of the toy ball is better in these embodiments due to all the components being enclosed inside or at the surface of the core, with no hatch.

In all the illustrated embodiments some of the signal generating or enabling components are completely enclosed inside the core (e.g. the battery of Figs 5 and 10, and the electronic circuitry and vibration generator). As shown most clearly in Figures 8, 9 and 13, the LEDs 42, charger plug 38a, and an on/off switch 46 are also attached in specially designed complementarily shaped recesses in the surface of the assembled core. The core also has similar recesses to accommodate the output speakers 20a, 20b or microphones (where present). The mesh or grille covering the outside of the output speakers to better protect them may be preassembled with the speakers rather than being applied after installation of the speakers. The on/off switch 46, speakers 20a, 20b and LEDs 42 are all aligned along a major circumference of the core, so that they may all lie in the vicinity of a seam or simulated seam formed in the outer surface of the finished ball. The on/off switch and other similar mode control switches (not shown) can be in the form of micro-switches recessed beneath the outer surface of the finished ball, and operated using a stylus or similar pointed implement pushed into the recess. The LEDs or other light sources could be fully enclosed within the core; a light guide such as one or more optical fibres being used to transmit the emitted light so as to be visible at the ball's surface. The optical fibres can be incorporated in the seam stitching or simulated seam stitching at the ball's surface, having bends sufficiently sharp to cause light emission, or internal impurities for the same purpose.

Further assembly of the ball proceeds as follows; similar steps being required for each of the particularly described embodiments. The actuating button 18 is fitted/glued into the corresponding recess 16 in the top of the core 14 and the charger plug 38a is fitted to the bottom of the core.

The two moulded halves of the core are attached or assembled together. There is at least one generally circular ridge or series of protuberances, and an opposing complementary recess, relieved area or groove on the respective halves of the core, to ensure a correct fit and mechanical interlock for enhanced strength -see Figs 6 & 11. The interfitting edges of these features are designated by references 50 and 52.

This core unit is then covered in a layer 24 of rubber/synthetic or string like a regular cricket ball (Fig. 14). The speaker grilles 54 are then applied if required (Figs. 15, l5a, 1 5b), followed by an outer layer 26 of leather/synthetic leather or rubber encasing the entire ball (Figs. 16 and 17), giving the cricket ball an authentic feel and look. The on/off switch 46, the sound holes 58 in the outer covering over the speaker grille 54 and the LEDs 42 are all located in the vicinity of a circumferential stitched seam or simulated (e.g. moulded) stitched seam 56 and therefore have a reduced influence on the behaviour of the ball in play.

In all the described embodiments the process of applying two layers around the central core is prefered because this mimics the process of making a regular cricket ball.

However, costs andlor materials may make it more practical to have one layer of rubber/plastic/leather/synthetic leather material directly over the core.

Toy and sports balls are used worldwide as a means of improving co-ordination skills and for the sheer enjoyment of playing a game, sports and exercise. The invention preferably provides a sports ball capable of being used as an actual sports ball, but which also emits sounds and/or lights and/or other signals for a wide variety of purposes.

The ball preferably resembles that used in a particular sport; therefore the sounds emitted will relate to that particular sport. When the sports ball is activated by motion or the button 18 being pressured or pressed a range of pre-recorded or synthesised sounds associated with that particular sport can be produced.

For example, on one press of the button of a ball embodying the invention and which resembles a cricket ball: * you would hear the footsteps and possibly a grunt of effort or breath from the bowler, * followed by the sound of the cricket ball bouncing off the pitch, * the sound of a batter hitting the cricket ball, * the call of the batters to run or not run, * the call of the umpires (if required), * Third party commentary with crowd noise depending on the play that is made, * Encouragement from team mates, * Popular sayings, * Heckling from opposition or the crowd, * Conversations with umpires or other players, * Music.

Analogous sound sequences can be devised for other sports, and the appearance of the ball and the sounds emitted may be varied accordingly. The sports ball is able to be used either in its charger/holder, or it can be thrownlrolled or in more robust embodiments even hit between users. During play, motion or the button(s) being pressurised can activate the signal generating means of the ball.

Such a simulated sports ball can be used in a game in which the objective is not to activate the ball at all. In a game of cricket, it is a skill to have "soft hands" that may not activate the sports ball at all, when thrown between two players. The sports ball is designed to be robust and to mimic as closely as possible the characteristics of a normal sports ball.

The sports ball has the space and capacity to store data inside it to aid the user in general play/training with the ball. The data storage could be downloaded through an extra plughole and subsequent attachment in the holder, or wirelessly. The sports ball of the invention may be able to take downloads of new games and/or plays and/or sounds through a second connection e.g. next to the current charger plug hole. Alternatively a wireless (RF) or infrared data link may be provided.

A miniature microphone or microphone plug could be fitted to the sports ball to enable you to record your own sounds and/or music into the sports ball.

The sounds of the sports ball could also include a famous player or team, with pre-recorded highlights from their career or certain memorable or historic games they played in. The sports ball could be dedicated to one player or team, with the team logos or player(s) signature(s) on it. Obviously, famous sayings of players and/or coaches could be included in the sounds emitted. The sports ball could also be used to commemorate famous series, complete with player signatures, team logo and national anthems.

In an example embodiment, the ball emits the sounds associated with the game of cricket in a random order. It is envisioned that people playing with the ball emitting sounds at random, could use the ball like a kind of fortune teller (or "magic 8-ball"), where a person asks the ball a question and the reply can be related to cricket or another sport appropriate to the type of simulated ball.

For example if you asked the ball a question, and the answer was: "thump, thump, thump, thump (bowlers footsteps), bounce... rattle of stumps... That's clean bowled", is obviously a bad sign, in answer to the question.

Compared with - "thump, thump, thump, thump (bowlers footsteps), bounce... knock, cheering from crowd... that's one, two bounces and four runs", is a positive response. There are many variations to this example; some plays in cricket or other sports are also neutral.

Some models of the toy ball could have different modes: 1. Random mode: where the sounds made come out in random order.

2. Game mode (e.g. cricket): where two players push the button alternatively, until one player has 10 batsmen out, then the player with the most runs wins. It would not exactly mimic a game of cricket, because it would take approximately 300 pushes for each player in a one-day game. A practical limit could be 30-50 pushes for each player, or the equivalent of 3 to 10 overs each.

The pre-recorded sounds can be changed to embrace not just different sports and teams, but also different sports stars and different languages. Obviously, different languages, accents, famous commentators and players can be pre-recorded or synthesised. Also the sports ball can be used to commemorate historic sporting games, with play by play commentary from those sporting fixtures reproduced, in the original or a highlighted form. It can give the user the feeling of having actually attended the sporting fixture, with all the associated sounds.

The ball may be associated with a particular sporting star, with famous plays of theirs revisited, e.g. with well-known commentary on their best plays. It could also include crowd chanting and noises, praise to them from teammates, coaches and commentators, as well as heckling from opposition players andlor the crowd.

Scale models of different sports balls can also be created, from smaller basketballs for the office hoop, to larger sized soft golf balls for squeezing as a form of enjoyment or stress relief, plus you could throw them around indoors without causing too mush damage.

Data sent remotely from one or a larger number of balls embodying the invention could be sent e.g. via a wireless network to provide speed and pressure readings to a display board or computer, for players and/or coaches to view/evaluate. This information can also be instantly logged into a database for further analysis or future comparison.

The present invention seeks to combine the enjoyment and fun of a normal sports ball, but having the added features of noise/sound, lights or other signals, and to be able to use electronic componentry within the sports ball. Preferably the sports ball is able to be used in as close an approximation to the ordinary sports ball that it represents; although there are advantageous exceptions, such as scale models, as in the example of a larger softer golf ball, or a smaller basketball for an indoor hoop. If the simulated sports ball of the invention resembles a real sports ball, then the sports ball may be used in as close an approximation to that sport as is possible or practical.

Claims

Claims 1. A simulated sports ball having a visible stitching area, the ball comprising means located at least in part in the vicinity of the visible stitching area, for enabling an output signal.
2. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 1, in which the output signal comprises one or more of light, sound, vibration or radio waves.
3. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim I or claim 2, comprising a core of substantially solid or foam material having a recess in which electronic circuitry for generating the output signal is accommodated.
4. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 3, in which the electronic circuitry comprises a package accommodated in a single recess in the core.
5. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 3, in which the electronic circuitry comprises components accommodated in a plurality of different recesses formed within the core.
6. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 4 or claim 5 in which the core comprises a plurality of parts fitted together around the electronic circuitry.
7. A simulated sports ball as defined in any of claims 3 -6 comprising a layer of material covering the core.
8. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 7 in which the core covering layer is
9. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 7 in which the visible stitching is formed in the core covering layer.
10. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 7 or 8 comprising an outer covering layer over the core covering layer.
II. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 7 or 8 in which the output signal enabling means are located at the outside of the core.
12. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the output signal enabling means comprise an LED.
13. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the output signal enabling means comprise a light guide.
14. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the output signal enabling means comprise an optical fibre.
15. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the output signal enabling means comprise a microphone.
16. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the output signal enabling means comprise a loudspeaker.
17. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 16 in which the loudspeaker is located below an outermost covering layer of the ball; the outermost covering layer having an aperture through which sound emitted by the loudspeaker may pass.
18. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the output signal enabling means comprise an on/off or an operating mode control switch.
19. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the output signal enabling means comprise a data port.
20. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the output signal enabling means comprise an output signal activating switch or transducer.
21. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 20 in which the output signal activating switch or transducer responds to force or pressure applied to the ball.
22. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 20 or 21 in which the output signal activating switch or transducer responds to shock or acceleration.
23. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim comprising a replaceable battery.
24. A simulated sports ball as defined in any of claims 1 -22, comprising a rechargeable battery.
25. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 24 comprising a charging jack.
26. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 24 comprising an inductive coupling.
27. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim, comprising an inertially powered dynamo.
28. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the visible stitching area comprises simulated stitching.
29. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 28 m which the simulated stitching is : moulded into the visible surface of the ball. S.. * 30 a ** * . S * S.

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* 55 55 5 S *
30. A simulated sports ball substantially as described with reference to or as shown in the drawings. ** * * *. * * S.. S* ** * S * * *

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29. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 28 in which the simulated stitching is moulded into the visible surface of the ball.

30. A simulated sports ball substantially as described with reference to or as shown in the drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows cO Claims 1. A simulated sports ball having a visible stitching area, the ball comprising a control means for enabling an output signal located at least in part in the vicinity of, and disguised by, the visible stitching area.

2. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 1, in which the output signal comprises one or more of light, sound, vibration, infrared beam or radio waves.

3. A simulated sports ball as defmed in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a core of substantially solid or foam material having a recess in which electronic circuitry for generating the output signal is accommodated.

4. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 3, in which the electronic circuitry comprises a package accommodated in a single recess in the core.

5. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim, in which the electronic circuitry comprises components accommodated in a plurality of different recesses formed within the core.

6. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 4 or claim 5 in which the core comprises a plurality of parts fitted together around the electronic circuitry.

7. A simulated sports ball as defined in any of claims 3 -6 comprising a layer of material covering the core. S... * S * S* S

8. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 7 in which the core covering layer is *5 *S * . . * S * 30 9. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 7 in which the visible stitching is *: :: fonned in the core covering layer.

S

*.*.*. * S

10. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 7 or 8 comprising an outer covering layer over the core covering layer.

II. A simulated sports ball as defmed in claim 7 or 8 in which the control means for enabling an output signal are located at the outside of the core.

12. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim comprising an LED.

13. A simulated sports bail as defined in any preceding claim comprising a light guide.

14. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim comprising an optical fibre.

15. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim comprising a microphone.

16. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim comprising a loudspeaker.

17. A simulated sports bail as defmed in claim 16 in which the loudspeaker is located below an outermost covering layer of the ball; the outermost covering layer having an aperture through which sound emitted by the loudspeaker may pass.

18. A simulated sports bail as defined in any preceding claim in which the control means for enabling an output signal comprise an on/off or an operating mode **0* control switch. * * * S * S

* 30 19. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the control means for enabling an output signal comprise a data port.

S.5 S* S * S 20. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the control means for enabling an output signal comprise an output signal activating switch or transducer.

21. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 20 in which the output signal activating switch or transducer responds to force or pressure applied to the ball.

22. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 20 or 21 in which the output signal activating switch or transducer responds to shock or acceleration.

23. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim comprising a replaceable battery.

24. A simulated sports ball as defined in any of claims I -22, comprising a rechargeable battery.

25. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 24 comprising a charging jack.

26. A simulated sports ball as defined in claim 24 comprising an inductive coupling.

27. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim, comprising an inertially powered dynamo.

28. A simulated sports ball as defined in any preceding claim in which the visible *: : : stitching area comprises simulated stitching. * . *