APPARATUS FOR AN INFLATABLE SPORTS BALL

Abstract

An apparatus for permitting electrical connection between the exterior of an inflatable sports ball and electronics located inside the inflatable sports ball is provided. The apparatus comprises a support member, the support member having separate first and second through-holes provided therein for respectively connecting the exterior of the inflatable sports ball with the interior of the inflatable sports ball. An electrical connection port is located in the first through-hole of the support member for permitting an electrical connection to be made through the first through-hole. An air valve is located in the second through-hole of the support member, the air valve comprising an aperture for selective communication of air.

Claims

1. An apparatus for permitting electrical connection between the exterior of an inflatable sports ball and electronics located inside the inflatable sports ball, the apparatus comprising: a support member, the support member having separate first and second through-holes provided therein for respectively connecting the exterior of the inflatable sports ball with the interior of the inflatable sports ball; an electrical connection port located in the first through-hole of the support member for permitting an electrical connection to be made through the first through-hole; and an air valve located in the second through-hole of the support member, the air valve comprising an aperture for selective communication of air.

2. (canceled)

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second through-holes of the support member are defined by a single unitary element.

4. (canceled)

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection port is recessed into the first through-hole with respect to the exterior side of the first through-hole.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a peripheral flange encompassing the first and second through-holes for attaching the support member to an inner inflatable bladder of the inflatable sports ball and/or an outer cover of the inflatable sports ball.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection port is carried by an electrical connector assembly adapted for insertion into the first through-hole, the electrical connector assembly comprising a plug member configured for insertion into the first through-hole, the plug member comprising an opening through which the electrical connection port is exposed inside the first through-hole.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the plug member comprises a first face carrying the opening through which the electrical connection port is exposed inside the first through-hole, the first face being no larger than, preferably smaller than, the first through-hole, and a second face substantially opposite the first face, the second face being larger than the first through-hole such that the plug member cannot pass through the first through-hole.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the plug member comprises tapering sidewalls for engaging the inside walls of the first through-hole, the sidewalls tapering outward as they extend away from the opening through which the electrical connection port is exposed.

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the electrical connector assembly is arranged in the first through-hole and backfilled with a sealant to provide an air-tight seal of the first through-hole.

15. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising one or more visual indicators, preferably lights such as LEDs, located in the first through-hole for conveying information as regards data transfer with and/or charging of electronics located inside the inflatable sports ball and/of status of a connection to a wireless network, wherein preferably the visual indicators are carried by the plug member of the electrical connector assembly, if provided.

16. (canceled)

17. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection port comprises a USB port, preferably a mini-USB port, a micro-USB port, or a USB Type-C port.

18. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first through-hole connects to a resilient collar on the exterior side of the first through-hole, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a bung for inserting into the resilient collar so as to prevent ingress of materials into the electrical connection port, the bung preferably also being formed of a resilient material.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the bung comprises a bulbous end for insertion into the resilient collar, the bulbous end thereby causing the opening of the resilient collar to tighten around the bung.

20. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a battery located on the support member.

21. (canceled)

22. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the support member defines at least a first supporting wall and a second supporting wall, the first and second supporting walls supporting first and second faces of the battery, wherein preferably one of the first and second supporting walls is defined by a part of the support member defining the first and second through-holes.

23. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the support member comprises a pocket in which the battery is located, wherein preferably the pocket and the first and second through-holes of the support member are defined by a single unitary element.

24. An inflatable sports ball comprising: an outer cover defining the exterior of the inflatable sports ball; electronics located inside the outer cover; and the apparatus according to claim 1 adapted to permit electrical connection between the exterior of the inflatable sports ball and the electronics located inside the outer cover.

25. An inflatable sports ball according to claim 24, further comprising an inner inflatable bladder encased in the outer cover and configured to be inflated through the air valve, wherein the electronics are located inside the inner inflatable bladder.

26. (canceled)

27. An inflatable sports ball according to claim 24, wherein the electronics comprise one or more of MEMS sensors, such as a 3D gyroscope, a 3D accelerometer, a 3D magnetometer, a pressure sensor, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, and a microphone, a microcontroller, flash memory, power management unit, battery monitoring unit and wireless communication unit such as Wi-Fi, Cellular, Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, and alternative locating technologies such as RFID and GNSS.

28. An apparatus for permitting electrical connection between the exterior of an inflatable sports ball and electronics located inside the inflatable sports ball, the apparatus comprising: a support member, the support member having a first through-hole provided therein for connecting the exterior of the inflatable sports ball with the interior of the inflatable sports ball; an electrical connection port located in the first through-hole of the support member for permitting an electrical connection to be made through the first through-hole; wherein, the electrical connection port is carried by an electrical connector assembly adapted for insertion into the first through-hole, the electrical connector assembly comprising a plug member configured for insertion into the first through-hole, the plug member comprising an opening through which the electrical connection port is exposed inside the first through-hole.

29. An inflatable sports ball comprising: an outer cover defining the exterior of the inflatable sports ball; electronics located inside the outer cover; and the apparatus according to claim 28 adapted to permit electrical connection between the exterior of the inflatable sports ball and the electronics located inside the outer cover.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0063] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the top of the apparatus of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the bottom of the apparatus of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 3a shows a top view of the apparatus of the present invention;

[0066] FIGS. 3b and 3c show an end view and a side view respectively of the plate and valve of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 3d shows a top view of the apparatus of the present invention with the bung removed so that the electronic connection port is visible;

[0068] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the apparatus of the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of the top of the support member of the present invention;

[0070] FIG. 5b shows a perspective view of the bottom of the support member of the present invention;

[0071] FIG. 5c shows a perspective view of the bottom of the plate and valve of the present invention;

[0072] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

[0073] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

[0074] FIG. 8 shows a lower perspective view of a bung used in an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; and

[0075] FIGS. 9a and 9b show upper and lower perspective views of a electrical connector assembly for use in an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a plate comprising the apparatus according to the invention. The plate 1 has a valve 25 which is accessed via valve access port 2 that extends away from the plate. The apparatus additionally comprises a battery 3, a circuit board 4 connected to the battery (connection not shown in this figure) and a support member 5 for connecting the battery 3 and the circuit board 4 and supporting the air valve 25 and electrical connection port 27. The electrical connection port 27 is accessible through the opening defined by the resilient collar 7 and is usable to charge the battery 3 and for providing data transmissions to the circuit board.

[0077] In the present example, the plate 1 comprises an extruded portion 11 which extends from the surface of the plate 1. A first elongate groove 8 extends along the length of the extruded portion 11. In the present example, the depth of the groove is such that it extends to the surface of the plate 1. This can be seen later in FIG. 3b.

[0078] The plate 1 additionally comprises a second elongate groove 9 extending substantially perpendicularly to the first elongate groove 8 along a portion of the width of the extruded portion 11. A third groove 10 may also be incorporated into the extruded portion. The third groove 10 may be substantially oval shaped and follow the shape of the extruded portion 11. These grooves are discussed further with respect to FIG. 3.

[0079] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the bottom of the apparatus of the invention. The support member 5 may be attached to the flattened lower surface (i.e. the opposite surface to that on which the extruded portion 11 is formed) of the plate 1 by glue. The battery 3 and the circuit board 4 are located on either side of the support member 5 in order to balance the weight of the apparatus. Furthermore, this provides the maximum surface area for adhesion between the support member 5 and the battery 3/circuit board 4. The battery is preferably located inside a pocket formed by the support member 5. That is, the support member 5 may define five supporting walls for supporting five faces of a cuboidal battery. One face of the battery may be left exposed, e.g. for an electrical connection to the battery. This face may correspond to the opening of the pocket into which the battery is inserted when assembling the apparatus. As can be seen from FIG. 2, a lip 24 of the valve extends outside the second through-hole 16 of the support member 5. This is discussed further later with respect to the other figures.

[0080] Inflatable balls such as rugby balls comprise an inner, inflatable bladder and an outer cover covering the bladder. When the apparatus is installed in a ball, for example a rugby ball, the lower surface of the plate shown in FIG. 2 is fixably attached to an outer surface of the bladder. For example, the plate may be attached to the outer surface of the bladder with adhesive. The battery 3, the circuit board 4 and the support member 5 which extend from the lower surface of the plate 1 protrude into an internal area of the bladder through a hole in the surface of the bladder. Thus, when the bladder is inflated via the valve, the air which enters into the valve exits into the internal space inside the bladder.

[0081] FIG. 3a shows a top view of the apparatus of the present invention. As can be seen from this figure, the plate 1 has a substantially oval shape. In other examples, the plate 1 may have a circular or other shape.

[0082] In the present example, the extruded portion 11 has substantially the same shape as the plate 1 and is located in the centre of the plate 1.

[0083] The plate is sized in order to prevent air escaping from the bladder when the plate is attached to the bladder and the battery 3, the circuit board 4 and the support member 5 into the internal space defined by the bladder. For example, the plate may be approximately 90 mm in length and 73 mm in width. The extruded portion may be approximately 62.5 mm in length and 45 mm in width. The second elongate groove 9 extends across substantially the entire width of the extruded portion 11.

[0084] The grooves 8, 9 and 10 reduce the weight of the apparatus as well as improving the flexibility of the apparatus. This is important for when the apparatus is installed in an inflatable ball as the plate is able to deform when forces are exerted on the ball (for example when the ball is kicked). Furthermore, the extruded portion 11 increases the strength of the apparatus near the more delicate parts within the ball such as the circuit board.

[0085] FIGS. 3b and 3c show the plate 1 and valve access port 2 in cross section. FIG. 3b shows the valve located in the first elongate groove 8 and FIG. 3c shows a cross sectional view of the second elongate grove 9 formed in the extruded portion 11. A cross-sectional view of the lip 24 of the valve 2 can also be seen from these figures. The lip 24 in the present example has a greater cross-sectional area than the rest of the valve. The lip 24 of the valve comprises a slit (not shown). This is to allow air to be forced into the ball when the apparatus is installed in a ball and the ball is being pumped up.

[0086] As can be seen from the cross sectional views of FIGS. 3b and 3c, the plate of the present example has a curved profile when viewed in cross section. Thus, in this way when the apparatus is installed in a ball and the ball is inflated, the plate substantially aligns with the curved surface of the ball and does not alter the shape of or protrude from the curved surface of the ball.

[0087] FIG. 3d shows another top view of the apparatus, but in this case the bung 6 that is usually inserted into the resilient collar 7 in order to close off the port from the environment is removed so that the connection port 27, in this case a micro-USB port, is visible.

[0088] In the present example, the plate is made of rubber. In other examples, different materials may be used.

[0089] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the apparatus. A plug member 14 carrying the electrical connection port sits within the first through-hole 15. Attached to the plug member 14 is an end of a first wire 12. The other end of the wire 12 is attached to the circuit board 4. A second wire 13 has a first end attached to the battery 3 and a second end also attached to the circuit board 4. As a result of the wire connections 12, 13 between the electrical connection port 27, battery 3 and circuit board 4, power can be provided from the port (when connected to a power source) to charge the battery 3 and to provide software updates to the circuit board 4.

[0090] FIGS. 5a and 5b show the perspective views of the top and bottom of the support member 5 respectively. As can be seen from FIG. 5a, the support member has two through-holes 15, 16 in its upper surface. The first through-hole 15 extends through the support member 5 and receives the electrical connection port 27. The second through-hole 16 is configured for receiving the valve 2 which forms part of the plate 1.

[0091] As can be seen from FIG. 5b, the support member 5 is asymmetrical in that it has one side longer than the other. The longer side provides the maximum adhesion surface for the battery 3 on the support member 5. The opposing side on which the circuit board is attached is smaller, thus reducing the weight of the apparatus.

[0092] FIG. 5c shows a bottom perspective view of the plate 1 and valve access port 2 arrangement. As can be seen from this figure, a lower part of the valve extends below the plate and ends with the lip 24. The lip 24 is formed of a flexible material such as rubber so is able to deform to fit into and through the through-hole 16. When the support member 5 is attached to the plate 1, the lip 24 is forced into the through-hole 16 and pushed through until the lip 24 extends outside the support member 5. The technician is able to know when this position has been reached since it is not possible to remove the valve easily from the through-hole 16 at this point as the protruding surface of the lip sits on the lower surface of the support member 5. This was shown previously in FIG. 2.

[0093] The plate 1 additionally comprises an opening 17 in its surface which is configured to receive the resilient collar 7 provided on the support member 5.

[0094] As is discussed above, a rugby ball comprises an inner inflatable bladder and an outer cover. The outer cover is often made up of a plurality of panels, for example four. The panels are connected at seams where they are stitched together. In the present example, the extruded portion 11 of the plate 1 is attached to the cover by adhesive.

[0095] The apparatus of the present invention is attached in between two of the panels of the outer cover, at a seam. It is located substantially halfway between the two ends of the ovoid rugby ball. The outer cover is folded into the first elongate groove 8 of the plate.

[0096] When the apparatus is installed in a rugby ball, the position of the ball can be tracked within a nominated space, for example within a training field or stadium. This is done by the circuit board 4 transmitting radio signals to various receivers. The battery powers the transmitter so that it can transmit the signals. The signal may be transmitted using ultra-wideband (UWB). This technology enables the position of the ball to be recorded accurate to between 20 and 40 cm. UWB uses very low energy thus reducing the required regularity for charging the battery.

[0097] The battery is charged by connecting the electrical connection port 27 to a power source. This also enables software updates of the circuit board to be carried out.

[0098] When the apparatus of the present invention is installed in another type of inflatable ball, for example a round ball such as a football or a netball, a more even weight balance is required. In these applications, the weight of the apparatus may be reduced and the weight balancing arrangement be designed to have a weight equal to that of the reduced weight valve.

[0099] FIG. 6 shows a cross section through another apparatus according to the invention. Here it can be seen the structure of the electrical connection port assembly 30 that is received by the first through-hole 15, and the sealing arrangement provided by the resilient collar 7 and the bung 6 in combination. These features will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 7 to 9b.

[0100] FIG. 7 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 6, but with the bung 6 removed from the resilient collar 7, through which the electrical connection port 27 may be accessed. FIG. 8 shows the bung in more detail.

[0101] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 8, the bung 6 comprises a flat top 6a connected by a narrower neck 6b to a bulbous lower portion 6c of the bung 6. When this bung is inserted into the resilient collar 7, which has a substantially cylindrical shape, the bulbous lower portion 6c, which has a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the resilient collar, presses outwards against the inside wall of the resilient collar. This causes the upper opening of the resilient collar to constrict about the neck 6b of the bung, which forms a tight seal for preventing ingress of materials into the connection port 27.

[0102] FIGS. 9a and 9b show the electrical connector assembly 30 in more detail. As shown in these figures, the assembly comprises the plug member 14, through an opening of which the electrical connector port 27 is exposed, and from the rear of which the first wire 12 extends for connecting to other internal electronics of the ball.

[0103] The plug member 14 comprises a generally frustoconical head 31 that defines sidewalls that taper outwards as they extend away from the connection port 27 towards the interior of the ball. These sidewalls also define a helical groove 32 that extends around the entire circumference of the head 31. These grooves are used to retain adhesive when the plug member is inserted into the first aperture and to thereby promote adhesion.

[0104] FIG. 9a shows that the rear face of the head 31 defines an opening. This opening may be backfilled with a sealant to ensure that air cannot escape from the ball via the connector 27.

[0105] FIG. 9b shows that the forward face of the head 31 includes two windows 34a, 34b that may reveal LEDs for indicating to a user that data transfer is in progress or that charging is in process, when an appropriate cable has been connected to the electrical port 27.