US20120231906A1 - Game device with impact indication - Google Patents

Abstract

A game device (1) comprises a ball (2) and twelve indicators (3). Each indicator (3) comprises a suction cavity (4) and a release ring (5). Each indicator (3) may be releasably attached by suction to the ball (2) by manipulating the suction cavity (4) of the indicator (3) to create a suction force between the indicator (3) and the ball (2). The release ring (5) protrudes from the ball (2) substantially perpendicular to an external surface of the ball (2). Upon an impact to the release ring (5), for example a user kicking the device (1), the release ring (5) acts to release the suction attachment force between the indicator (3) and the ball (2). The indicator (3) thus becomes detached from the ball (2). By detaching the indicator (3) from the ball (2), the indicator (3) acts to indicate the region of the impact to the game device (1).

Description

INTRODUCTION
• This invention relates to a game device.
STATEMENTS OF INVENTION
• According to the invention there is provided a game device comprising means to indicate the region of an impact to the device.
• The game device may be used as a test of a user's skills. For example a user may attempt to kick the device with the user's foot or leg, or impact the device with the user's head at a pre-determined number of regions on the outer surface of the device. By indicating the region of the impacts to the device, the game device enables a user to know whether the user's attempts were successful.
• In one embodiment of the invention the indicating means is releasably attachable to a main body of the device. The indicating means may be attachable by suction to the main body of the device. Preferably the indicating means comprises a suction cavity for creating a suction force between the indicating means and the main body of the device. The indicating means may comprise a first attachment element, and the main body of the device may comprise a second attachment element for mating with the corresponding first attachment element. Preferably one of the first attachment element or the second attachment element comprises a male element, and the other of the second attachment element or the first attachment element comprises a corresponding female element. The attachment element may comprise a magnetic material. The attachment element may comprise a loop-and-pile fastener material. Preferably the indicating means is configured to become detached from the main body of the device upon an impact to the device. When the indicating means becomes detached from the main body of the device, this provides a simple visual indication that a region of the device has been impacted. Ideally the indicating means comprises one or more release elements for releasing an attachment force between the indicating means and the main body of the device upon an impact to the one or more release elements. The release element may be configured to protrude from the main body of the device. The release element may be configured to extend substantially parallel to an external surface of the main body of the device.
• In another embodiment the indicating means comprises means to emit energy. Preferably the indicating means comprises means to emit light.
• In one case at least part of the indicating means is housed within a main body of the device. At least part of the indicating means may be located in the region of an outer wall of the main body of the device. At least part of the indicating means may be located in the region of the centre of the main body of the device. Preferably the indicating means comprises means to determine whether the device has been impacted. Ideally the determining means is configured to determine the region of an impact to the device. The determining means may comprise one or more pressure sensors. The determining means may comprise an accelerometer. Preferably the indicating means comprises means to emit energy upon an impact to the device. By emitting energy, this provides a simple indication that the device has been impacted. Ideally the indicating means is configured to emit energy at the region of an impact to the device. By emitting energy at the region of impact, this provides a simple indication that this particular region of the device has been impacted. Most preferably the indicating means comprises means to emit light.
• In another case the device comprises means to communicate between the indicating means and an ancillary device. This arrangement enables data relating to a user's attempts to kick the device with the user's foot or leg, or impact the device with the user's head at a pre-determined number of regions on the outer surface of the device to be stored. This data may include the number of regions which the user was successful in impacting, and/or the time required for the user to impact the number of regions, and/or which regions were impacted. This data may be stored using any suitable means, for example a mobile telephone, and/or a portable memory device such as a USB key, and/or a computer memory drive.
• In one embodiment a main body of the device comprises a ball.
• In another embodiment the invention provides a computer implemented game device.
• In another aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product comprising computer program code capable of causing a game device to operate as described herein when the computer program product is run on a computer system.
• The computer program product may be embodied on a record medium. The computer program product may be embodied on a carrier signal. The computer program product may be embodied on a read-only memory.
• The invention also provides in a further aspect an indicating means to indicate the region of an impact to a game device.
• In one embodiment of the invention the indicating means is releasably attachable to a main body of a game device. The indicating means may be attachable by suction to a main body of a game device. Preferably the indicating means comprises a suction cavity for creating a suction force between the indicating means and a main body of a game device. The indicating means may comprise a first attachment element for mating with a corresponding second attachment element on a main body of a game device. Preferably one of the first attachment element or the second attachment element comprises a male element, and the other of the second attachment element or the first attachment element comprises a corresponding female element. The attachment element may comprise a magnetic material. The attachment element may comprise a loop-and-pile fastener material. Preferably the indicating means is configured to become detached from a main body of a game device upon an impact to a game device. Ideally the indicating means comprises one or more release elements for releasing an attachment force between the indicating means and a main body of a game device upon an impact to the one or more release elements. The release element may be configured to protrude from a main body of a game device. The release element may be configured to extend substantially parallel to an external surface of a main body of a game device.
• In another embodiment the indicating means comprises means to emit energy. Preferably the indicating means comprises means to emit light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a game device according to the invention with an indicating means detached from a main body of the device,
• FIG. 2 is an enlarged isometric view of the game device ofFIG. 1 with the indicating means detached from the main body of the device,
• FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the game device ofFIG. 1 with the indicating means attached to the main body of the device,
• FIG. 4 is a cut-away isometric view of the game device ofFIG. 1 with the indicating means attached to the main body of the device,
• FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the indicating means of the game device ofFIG. 1,
• FIG. 6 is a cut-away isometric view of the indicating means ofFIG. 5,
• FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an indicating means of another game device according to the invention,
• FIG. 8 is a cut-away isometric view from below of the indicating means ofFIG. 7,
• FIG. 9 is a cut-away isometric view from above of the indicating means ofFIG. 7,
• FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an indicating means of another game device according to the invention,
• FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an indicating means of another game device according to the invention,
• FIG. 12 is an isometric view of another game device according to the invention with an indicating means detached from a main body of the device,
• FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the game device ofFIG. 12 with the indicating means detached from the main body of the device,
• FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the game device ofFIG. 12 with the indicating means attached to the main body of the device,
• FIG. 15 is an isometric view from above of the indicating means of the game device ofFIG. 12,
• FIG. 16 is an isometric view from below of the indicating means ofFIG. 15,
• FIG. 17 is an isometric view of another game device according to the invention with an indicating means detached from a main body of the device,
• FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the main body of the device of the game device ofFIG. 17,
• FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the game device ofFIG. 17 with the indicating means attached to the main body of the device,
• FIG. 20 is an isometric view of another game device according to the invention with an indicating means detached from a main body of the device,
• FIGS. 21 and 22 are isometric views of the game device ofFIG. 20 with the indicating means detached from the main body of the device,
• FIG. 23 is an isometric view of another game device according to the invention,
• FIG. 24 is a cut-away isometric view of the game device ofFIG. 23,
• FIG. 25 is an isometric view of another game device according to the invention,
• FIG. 26 is a cut-away isometric view of the game device ofFIG. 25, and
• FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the game device ofFIG. 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring to the drawings, and initially toFIGS. 1 to 6 thereof, there is illustrated agame device1 according to the invention.
• Thegame device1 comprises aball2 and twelveindicators3.
• In this case theball2 is provided in the form of an inflatable soccer ball. Theball2 may be a standard ball or a training ball.
• Eachindicator3 comprises asuction cavity4 and arelease ring5. Theindicator3 may be releasably attached by suction to theball2 by manipulating thesuction cavity4 of theindicator3 to create a suction force between theindicator3 and the ball2 (FIG. 4). Therelease ring5 protrudes from theball2 substantially perpendicular to an external surface of theball2.
• Upon an impact to therelease ring5, for example a user kicking thedevice1 with the user's foot or leg, or impacting thedevice1 with the user's head, therelease ring5 acts to release the suction attachment force between theindicator3 and theball2. Theindicator3 thus becomes detached from theball2. By detaching theindicator3 from theball2, theindicator3 acts to indicate the region of the impact to thegame device1.
• In use, theball2 is inflated. The twelveindicators3 are releasably attached by suction to theball2 by manipulating thesuction cavity4 of eachindicator3 to create a suction force between theindicator3 and the ball2 (FIG. 4). Upon an impact to therelease ring5 of one of theindicators3, for example a user kicking thedevice1 with the user's foot or leg, or impacting thedevice1 with the user's head, therelease ring5 acts to release the suction attachment force between theindicator3 and theball2. Theindicator3 thus becomes detached from theball2.
• FIG. 1 illustrates the mechanical suction arrangement. Theelement3 may be fixed to the exterior of theball2 by suction. Thevacuum cup3 is placed in position and pushed to seal. Upon a kick or head applied, theouter rim5 dislodges thedisc3. Thefinger5 protrudes from theelement3 to assist removal of the suction when theelement3 is kicked. Thedisc3 then falls away to the ground.
• A timer device may be employed to time how long it takes a user to knock eachelement3 off theball2.
• InFIGS. 7 to 9 there is illustrated anindicator10 of another game device according to the invention, which is similar to thegame device1 ofFIGS. 1 to 6, and similar elements inFIGS. 7 to 9 are assigned the same reference numerals.
• FIG. 10 illustrate anindicator20 of a further game device according to the invention, which is similar to thegame device1 ofFIGS. 1 to 6, and similar elements inFIG. 10 are assigned the same reference numerals.
• In this case theindicator20 comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED)21 to emit light.FIG. 10 illustrates theLEDs21 embedded into thesuction cup20.
• Referring toFIG. 11 there is illustrated anindicator30 of another game device according to the invention, which is similar to theindicator20 ofFIG. 10, and similar elements inFIG. 11 are assigned the same reference numerals.
• In this case theindicator30 comprises oneLED31 to emit light.FIG. 11 illustrates thesingle LED31 in the centre of thesuction cup30.
• InFIGS. 12 to 16 there is illustrated anothergame device40 according to the invention, which is similar to thegame device1 ofFIGS. 1 to 6, and similar elements inFIGS. 12 to 16 are assigned the same reference numerals.
• FIG. 14 illustrates thevacuum cup3 placed in position and pushed to seal. Upon a kick or head applied, the outer member pulls up the sealing rim. Thecup3 is thus released from thefootball2.
• FIGS. 17 to 19 illustrate afurther game device50 according to the invention, which is similar to thegame device1 ofFIGS. 1 to 6, and similar elements inFIGS. 17 to 19 are assigned the same reference numerals.
• In this case eachindicator3 comprises a protrudingmale attachment element51. Theball2 comprises twelve correspondingfemale attachment elements52 for mating with each correspondingmale attachment element51 in a latching arrangement. Theindicator3 may be releasably attached to theball2 by interengaging themale attachment element51 with thefemale attachment element52.
• Upon an impact to theindicator3, for example a user kicking thedevice50 with the user's foot or leg, or impacting thedevice50 with the user's head, themale attachment element51 becomes disengaged from thefemale attachment element52. Theindicator3 thus becomes detached from theball2. By detaching theindicator3 from theball2, theindicator3 acts to indicate the region of the impact to thegame device50.
• FIG. 17 illustrates the mechanical touch latch with thefemale receptor52 embedded in theball2 and themale component51 adhered to thedisc3. Themale attachment element51 is manually pushed into place. Thedisc3 is released once kicked. The twelveplastic elements3 are fixed to the exterior of theball2 by themechanical catches51,52.
• Referring toFIGS. 20 to 22 there is illustrated anothergame device60 according to the invention, which is similar to thegame device50 ofFIGS. 17 to 19, and similar elements inFIGS. 20 to 22 are assigned the same reference numerals.
• In this case eachindicator3 comprises afirst attachment element61, arelease arm63, and anabutment nose64. Thefirst attachment element61 comprises a magnetic material. Theball2 comprises twelve correspondingsecond attachment elements62 for mating with each correspondingfirst attachment element61. Eachsecond attachment element62 comprises a magnetic material. Theindicator3 may be releasably attached to theball2 by engaging thefirst attachment element61 with thesecond attachment element62. When theindicator3 is attached to theball2, theabutment nose64 engages against an external surface of theball2, and therelease arm63 extends substantially parallel to the external surface of theball2.
• Upon an impact to therelease arm63 of theindicator3, for example a user kicking thedevice60 with the user's foot or leg, or impacting thedevice60 with the user's head, therelease arm63 pivots about theabutment nose64 to disengage thefirst attachment element61 from thesecond attachment element62. Theindicator3 thus becomes detached from theball2. By detaching theindicator3 from theball2, theindicator3 acts to indicate the region of the impact to thegame device60.
• It will be appreciated that theindicator3 may be releasably attached to theball2 by a variety of possible means, for example the attachment element may comprise a loop-and-pile fastener material such as Velcro, and/or an adhesive material, and/or by means of electrical static.
• FIG. 20 illustrates the mechanical Velcro/magnet arrangement. The Velcro/magnet62 is embedded into thefootball2, and the Velcro/magnet61 is located on thedisc3. Thedisc3 is manually placed into position. Once kicked or headed, the cantilever action releases thedisc3. The twelveplastic elements3 may be fixed to the exterior of theball2 by Velcro or by magnets.
• InFIGS. 23 and 24 there is illustrated anothergame device70 according to the invention, which is similar to thegame device1 ofFIGS. 1 to 6, and similar elements inFIGS. 23 and 24 are assigned the same reference numerals.
• In this case thegame device70 is a computer implemented game device. Thegame device70 comprises twelve indicators.
• Each indicator comprises a pressure sensor and an LED. The pressure sensor acts to determine whether thegame device70 has been impacted, for example a user kicking thedevice70 with the user's foot or leg, or impacting thedevice70 with the user's head. The LED emits light upon an impact to thegame device70. Thegame device70 comprises a controller to control operation of the LEDs responsive to the readings of the pressure sensors. In particular the controller monitors the pressure sensors to determine the region of an impact to thegame device70, and activates the appropriate LED to emit light at the region of the impact to thegame device70. By emitting light, the indicator acts to indicate the region of the impact to thegame device70.
• Each indicator is housed within theball2 embedded in theouter wall71 of theball2.
• The controller comprises means to communicate between the controller and an ancillary device, such as a mobile telephone, and/or a portable memory device such as a USB key, and/or a computer memory drive. The communication may be by means of wireless, or infrared, or Bluetooth or any other suitable means.
• FIG. 23 illustrates the touch pads which determine if theball2 is impacted by a head or a foot. The twelve LEDs are provided on theball2 located in the centre of each star pattern. Astart button72 and acharger connection point73 are provided in the external surface of theball2.
• FIG. 24 illustrates theouter cover74, a 4 mm thick foaminner lining75, and anair bladder76. The circuit processes the signals from the touch pads. A battery, Bluetooth communication means, and the circuit board may be stored in ahousing77.
• FIGS. 25 to 27 illustrate afurther game device80 according to the invention, which is similar to thegame device70 ofFIGS. 23 and 24, and similar elements inFIGS. 25 to 27 are assigned the same reference numerals.
• In this case thegame device80 comprises a single indicator.
• The indicator comprises an accelerometer and an LED. The accelerometer acts to determine whether thegame device80 has been impacted, for example a user kicking thedevice80 with the user's foot or leg, or impacting thedevice80 with the user's head. The LED emits light upon an impact to thegame device80. Thegame device80 comprises a controller to control operation of the LED responsive to the reading of the accelerometer. In particular the controller monitors the accelerometer to determine the region of an impact to thegame device80, and activates the LED to emit light in the appropriate direction at the region of the impact to thegame device80. By emitting light, the indicator acts to indicate the region of the impact to thegame device80.
• The indicator is housed within theball2 in the region of the centre of theball2.Passageways81 are provided between the centre of theball2 and theouter wall71 of theball2 for passage of light from the LED to theouter wall71 of theball2.
• FIG. 26 illustrates thetransparent panel82 and theleather panel83.
• FIG. 27 illustrates the light shining from the centre. The electronic housing with the accelerometer detects the direction of a kick. The light is then directed to that position.
• The embodiments of the invention described previously with reference to the accompanying drawings comprise a computer system and processes performed by the computer system. However the invention also extends to computer programs comprising computer program code capable of causing a game device to operate as described herein when the computer program product is run on a computer system, particularly computer programs stored on or in a carrier adapted to bring the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code, object code, or a code intermediate source and object code, such as in partially compiled form or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the invention. The carrier may comprise a storage medium such as ROM, such as a CD-ROM, or magnetic recording medium, such as a floppy disk or hard disk. The carrier may be an electrical or optical signal which may be transmitted via an electrical or an optical cable or by radio or other means.
• The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims (18)

1. A game device, comprising means to indicate the region of an impact to the device, the indicating means being releasably attachable to the main body of the device, the indicating means being configured to become detached from the main body of the device upon an impact to the device, and the indicating means having one or more release elements for releasing an attachment force between the indicating means and the main body of the device upon an impact to the one or more release elements.

2. (canceled)

3. A device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the indicating means is attachable by suction to the main body of the device.

4. A device as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the indicating means comprises a suction cavity for creating a suction force between the indicating means and the main body of the device.

5.-10. (canceled)

11. A device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the release element is configured to protrude from the main body of the device.

12. A device as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the release element is configured to extend substantially parallel to an external surface of the main body of the device.

13.-25. (canceled)

26. A device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the main body of the device comprises a ball.

27.-32. (canceled)

33. An indicating means to indicate the region of an impact to a game device, the indicating means being releasably attachable to the main body of the device, the indicating means being configured to become detached from the main body of the device upon an impact to the device, and the indicating means having one or more release elements for releasing an attachment force between the indicating means and the main body of the device upon an impact to the one or more release elements.

34. (canceled)

35. An indicating means as claimed inclaim 33, wherein the indicating means is attachable by suction to a main body of a game device.

36. An indicating means as claimed inclaim 35, wherein the indicating means comprises a suction cavity for creating a suction force between the indicating means and a main body of a game device.

37.-42. (canceled)

43. An indicating means as claimed inclaim 33, wherein the release element is configured to protrude from a main body of a game device.

44. An indicating means as claimed inclaim 33, wherein the release element is configured to extend substantially parallel to an external surface of a main body of a game device.

45.-47. (canceled)

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