Abstract:
In a competitive athletic event the disclosed signaling system provides for visually signaling of participants, for example, a lane specific visible indication to begin a race. A sequence of light colors is used to signal the start of a race, and is believed advantageous over an audible start signal, particularly for athletes who are hearing impaired.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/204,483 for a SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATHLETIC COMPETITION SIGNALING, filed Aug. 13, 2015 by Nicholas A. Santino, Jr., and from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/068,892 for a SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATHLETIC COMPETITION SIGNALING, filed Oct. 27, 2014 by Nicholas A. Santino, Jr., both US Provisional applications being hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND &amp; SUMMARY 
       [0002]    The disclosed embodiments relate to a signaling device and system for an athletic competition and, more particularly, to an electronic starting device that includes signaling devices with lights to permit accurate starting and timing of races and other competitive events and games that include hearing impaired athletes. Traditionally a centralized combination sound and light system is used to initiate the start of a race, wherein a sound is produced either from a starting whistle, pistol or through an electronic loud-speaker in the proximity to the start line. A flash of light often accompanies the sound so the contestants, as well as the officials, are made fully aware of the signal to begin the competition. The equivalent in outdoor track and field competition is a starter&#39;s pistol that emits both a sound and a puff of smoke in response to the starter pulling the trigger of the pistol. Although sound generating devices for starting races have long been used, recently they have met objections in that proper placement of the sound source to permit equitable reception of audible signals by all contestants has been difficult to obtain. Furthermore, while hearing impaired athletes and competitors may be disadvantaged by their inability to easily perceive sound, the disclosed embodiments provide a visual cue and an equitable starting method for all athletes. And, the use of a signaling system employing lights may improve the responsiveness and accuracy for hand-timed events as well. 
         [0003]    Often races are decided by milliseconds; therefore, the seemingly minimal delay between the start and the times the various athletes receive the audible start signal has become increasingly important in sporting events. Therefore, a visual starting cue, in the proximity of the competitor, has become preferable. Additionally, hearing impaired athletes are becoming more involved in competitive sports, most notably in swimming events. Lacking an individual visual cue the hearing impaired swimmer must either use peripheral vision to react to a flash of light near the starter, or in the alternative look up and observe the starter&#39;s hand signals, either of which potentially compromises the hearing impaired swimmer&#39;s body position at the start. Consequently, in the interest of equality, it is imperative that an electronic starting system include at least a visual cue for the participants. 
         [0004]    In the Swimmers Official&#39;s Guidelines Manual (July 2012), hereby incorporated by reference, on page 26 under  Modifications for the deaf and hard - of - hearing , the guide states “Deaf and hard of hearing swimmers require a visual starting signal, i.e., a strobe light and/or starter&#39;s arm signals. The modification may include the referee reassigning lanes within the swimmer&#39;s heat, i.e., exchanging one lane for another, so that the strobe light or starter&#39;s arm signal can more clearly be seen by the deaf or hard-of-hearing swimmer.” Given the prerequisite that accommodations for special needs should be as transparent as possible, the interchanging of lanes, visual hand signals and providing a strobe light has been acknowledged as exceedingly intrusive in a hybrid event, and in some cases ineffective. For instance, the preparatory start protocol for any individual competition advises the athlete to first approach the blocks, take their mark and then go, as stated in the Swimmers Official&#39;s&#39; Guidelines Manual (p. 8). Furthermore a central strobe light is not necessarily applicable to the referee&#39;s announcements of the event as stated in the SOGM on page 9;
       “Suggested protocol for forward start whistle preparatory commands when there is only one official (referee/starter):
           to bring the swimmers to the starting area, the referee/starter blows a short series of whistles (no fewer than 4) followed by the announcer or referee/starter announcing the event/distance/heat, e.g., “This is the 200-yard freestyle, heat 2,”   when all swimmers have approached the blocks, the referee/starter blows a long whistle for the swimmers to step onto the blocks and take their positions,   when swimmers are settled into position, give the command, “Take your mark,”   when swimmers are stationary, activate the starting signal.   
           Note: If a swimmer(s) has not responded to the whistle indicating they should step up or step in, the referee/starter should give the verbal commands.”       
 
         [0011]    It is further noted, in particular, that in conventional swimming events a visual queue must be able to be seen from either a standing position (e.g., on the starting platform), or from an alternate position (e.g., in the water during backstroke events). For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,193,167 discloses a single start light integrated within a complete starting platform for the purpose of visually alerting an athlete to the start of a race, similar to the aforementioned strobe light as discussed above. The limitation of a solitary start light is that a competitive athlete traditionally relies on a starting sequence including a “step-up” and a “take your mark” indication to psychologically and physiologically prepare for the start of a race. 
         [0012]    In accordance with a feature of the disclosed embodiment, providing a sequence of visual indicators at the start of a competitive race significantly “levels the playing field” so that each athlete has an equal reaction opportunity, regardless of any hearing deficiency. Practically speaking, however, given that existing competitive swimming pools already include a starting platform for each lane, it would be cost prohibitive to replace the existing platforms with new platforms. 
         [0013]    Therefore it is desirable to provide a signaling system that is modularized and/or self-supporting such that it can be used with various styles of starting platforms or in different athletic event venues (e.g., swimming pools, indoor and outdoor tracks, volleyball and basketball courts, soccer fields, etc.). Moreover, the disclosed embodiments provide a plurality of signaling colors in order to improve the capability for the system to indicate different starting commands. For example, providing at least three signaling elements (e.g., flashing red for ready, solid blue for take your mark, solid green for go) to produce a visual output viewable from a plurality of positions about the start platform. 
         [0014]    As further disclosed in alternative embodiments, the signaling system is suitable for use in various configurations, permitting an adaptable configuration that can be used with different starting platforms as well as different venues. For example, each and every starting platform could include a detachable base and illuminating elements electrically connected to a common controller. 
         [0015]    Additionally, it is contemplated that a single controller would independently energize the signaling elements in a defined sequence, where a controller (wired or wireless) selectively operates at least one of the signaling elements simultaneously. 
         [0016]    Furthermore, each one of the three or more light emitting components could include a unique color, or for color blind athletes a flashing pattern or other nomenclature indicative of the light&#39;s significance. 
         [0017]    Disclosed in embodiments herein is an athletic competition (e.g., swimming) signaling apparatus, comprising: a translucent housing, said housing including an attachment component coupling the housing to a structure, and at least three independent signaling elements operatively associated with said housing; wherein a first of the at least three signaling elements produces a visual output viewable from a plurality of positions including both a starting position and a staging position, and where the remaining two of the at least three signaling elements are viewable from primarily from the starting position. 
         [0018]    Also disclosed herein is an athletic competition signaling apparatus, comprising: a base resting on a surface adjacent the starting position of an athletic competition, said base including a battery compartment therein for holding a battery, and an attachment component extending from said base; a rod, adjustably attached to said attachment component; a translucent light housing, said light housing including a linear tape with a plurality of light emitting diodes of at least two different and individually activated colors sequentially spaced along the linear tape, said linear tape wrapped about a core and inserted within a translucent hollow tube, said tube also including at least one end cap for receiving the core with wrapped tape therein, and a second attachment component coupling the housing to a support structure such as the rod; and control circuitry, operatively connected to said battery and the signaling elements, said circuitry controlling, in response to a plurality of external signals, the on/off state for the signaling elements; wherein a first of the at least three signaling elements produces a visual output viewable from a plurality of positions including both a starting position and a staging position, and where the remaining two of the at least three signaling elements are viewable from primarily from the starting position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a view of an exemplary starting platform for a swimming event with an associated signaling device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the signaling device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a base of the signaling device for use in a self-supporting embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a representation of the components in a translucent light housing used as part of the signaling device; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 5A-5C  are illustrations of the different operating (“on”) modes of the translucent light housing; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating circuitry and various components of a 9-12 volt embodiment of the signaling device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of the operations carried out by the signaling device system in an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is an illustrative example showing the use of the signaling device in accordance with a track and field venue as an alternative embodiment . . . . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    The various embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to those embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments and equivalents set forth. For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been used throughout to designate identical or similar elements. It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and aspects could be properly depicted. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been used throughout to designate identical or equivalent elements. It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts could be properly illustrated. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 1  illustrated is a conventional swim platform  100  having platform surface  102  for a swimmer to stand upon from step  104 . The platform surface  102  of the competitive starting system is situated on and mounted to the pool deck adjacent to a swimming lane. Foot step  104  is oriented to provide access to surface  102  for the get ready position. A rearward facing bar or handle(s)  106  is positioned either vertically or horizontally beneath the platform so a swimmer is able to grasp bar  106  from within the pool for the ready position of a backstroke event. Platform surface  102  further includes at least one support member  118 , which is inserted into or attached to a corresponding mounting feature within the apron or deck of the pool. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment a deck plate  120  may be located in direct proximity of support member  118  to provide connectivity between one or more signaling devices and a central power source and/or controller via a cable or wiring harness  110  to a central connection unit or alternatively a wireless controller to provide a user control device operable by a race official. Alternatively, in the absence of installed deck plates a cable or wiring harness interface may be used between each signaling device. While various forms of interconnection may be used, conventional color-coded banana-type plugs and jacks are illustrated in several embodiments. Such plugs are available from many sources, including Pomona Electronics (e.g., single solderless stackup banana plugs Model 1325, and double plugs with wire guide Model MDP). 
         [0031]    In one embodiment deck plate  120  may include connectors for both conventional timing system signals, as well as the power and signal connections for the signaling components disclosed herein. Deck plate  120  is a multi-layer plastic that is engraveable (Rowmark® HW-853 series) and provides connection for the signaling light system that may be mounted on or associated with swimmer platform  100 . In one embodiment, for example as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the signaling system includes an approximately 16-inch long and generally round translucent tube that forms an outer shell of the light housing. For example, the tube may be an extruded polycarbonate material that is rendered translucent during its manufacture of via a post-manufacturing treatment or coating applied to its interior. While shown in a stand-alone configuration in  FIG. 2 , the signaling system is adaptable such that the light housing position may be adjusted or it may be removed or detached from the base so that the light housing is easily connected to and removed from the start blocks. The connections and adjustments are made using attachment components such as block  250  and a rod  252  to fit just under the platform. In a swimming venue, housing  216 , or at least light tube  210 , is attachable adjacent or on platform structure  102  and/or support member  118  by any suitable means, such as a spring clip, adjustable clamp, Velcro®, adhesive or various connection hardware such as nuts and bolts. The ability to retrofit the disclosed signaling light system into existing swim platforms provides several advantages: (i) only placed on platform during competition events; (ii) portable, can be moved between pools or other event venues; (iii) readily adapts a pool or existing venue to accommodate events that include hearing impaired athletes; and (iv) cost effective by avoiding replacement of existing starting platforms. 
         [0032]    In other sporting venues the light housing may simply rest on the ground (e.g.,  FIG. 8 ), or may be supported in a desired (e.g., vertical or horizontal) position from a weighted base or a multi-leg stand. 
         [0033]    More specifically, as illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the signaling apparatus comprises translucent light housing  216 , which is preferably a water tight, corrosion proof enclosure, further including interface cable  226 , a plurality of color illuminating elements of different colors (see e.g.,  FIG. 4 ), which are viewable from various starting positions including both starting and staging positions. An advantage of the housing  216  is that the activated lights are indeed viewable about the perimeter, from all radial angles (360 degrees) about the housing and thereby eliminates blind spots that may prevent an athlete from seeing the visual cues provided by the lights within the housing. Also referring to  FIG. 4 , housing  216  is generally tubular in shape. The housing includes an attachment component such as a rod  252  coupling the housing, via a coupling  264 , to the support base  216 , and a plurality of signaling elements are operatively distributed within the translucent housing. In one embodiment, ⅜″ aluminum rod may be used, and the attachment components such as block  250  and coupling  264  would include connection holes sized to receive the ⅜″ rod, and also a set screw, thumb screw or similar mechanism to hold the rod within the block. The ends of the translucent tube are covered or sealed with a conventional cap or plug  266  to minimize exposure to water, dirt, etc. 
         [0034]    As noted relative to the embodiments disclosed above, and as further described relative to  FIG. 6 , the system may also include control circuitry within the support base or housing  216 . The base  216  includes two “levels”. A top level  320  includes the connections and circuitry, while a lower level  322  includes a removable and rechargeable battery  364 . The battery further provides mass in the base to assure stability when a light housing is attached. The control circuitry controls the color selection and on/off state (or flashing pattern) for the signaling elements. As seen in  FIG. 3 , an LED illuminated toggle switch  360  is available at one end of the support base  216 , and not only controls the availability of the system and signaling lights, but itself provides a visual indication of the system being “on” and having battery or other source of power. The battery  364 , a Lithium-based 12V battery that may or may not be rechargeable, provides adequate power to not only supply the control circuitry but to also power the signaling LEDs in response to a wired or wireless signal received by the system. The signaling apparatus includes or requires a source of power such as provided by battery  364 , or via a deck plate connection or other source such as 12V connection  368 , and an associated fuse  370 . Base  216  also includes an attachment arm such as an L-shaped rod or handle  380 , whereby the attachment block  250  can be adjustably attached to the unattached (horizontal) end of the rod  380 . In this way the base, via rod  380 , can provide support for rod  252  and associated light housing  210 . In another embodiment, an additional switch  306  may be used to select the mode of operation of the controller—either linked to a timing system or responsive to manual signals (e.g., for training/testing). Lastly, base  216  itself may be formed from two conventional boxes that are modified with the required penetrations and attached to one another, or from a custom-molded unit with upper and lower enclosures to separate the battery from the electrical circuitry and components. 
         [0035]    The control signals may be received via a cable that is either connected to the banana-type jacks  390  on the top of the base, or via one or more of the plurality of pin-type connectors  392  (e.g., a 5-pin connector from wireless receiver) or  394  (e.g., 8-pin connector from adjacent signaling device or deck plate) on the top portion of the support base. It will be appreciated that the wired connection may be facilitated by a deck plate  120  that includes not only timing signal connections, but also connections for power (12V), speakers and the like. 
         [0036]    Referring also to  FIG. 4  and  FIGS. 5A-5C , the translucent light housing  210  includes a cylindrical translucent tube  216 . A tape or ribbon  452  of multiple-colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is spirally wrapped about a cylindrical core  454  and the wrapped core is inserted within the translucent outer tube  216  after electrical connections are made to cable  226 . The tube has caps or plugs  266  applied to the ends thereof to hold the LEDs inside and to prevent the LEDS from environmental exposure (e.g., being splashed, etc.). Depending upon the configuration, one of the plugs may include a hole or aperture to allow cable  226  to pass through, and where the cable is connected to the electronic circuitry in the housing and provides power/signals to the LED tape in order to control the on/off state of the LEDs as well as the color produced. 
         [0037]    In operation, the LEDs are independent controllable by color, and the red, blue or green LEDs may be illuminated independently or concurrently. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C , respectively, the three independent lighting modes are illustrated with the red, blue and green lights, respectively, showing within the translucent housings  210 . Moreover, the lights may be displayed in a continuous-on manner or may be flashed in one or more patterns to signify different steps or commands to the athletes. It is also possible, as will be appreciated, to alter the LED display configuration to not only concurrently display two or more colors of LEDs, but also to intermix the flashing of such LEDs to thereby produce numerous distinct signals in the event that more than three are needed. 
         [0038]    In the illustrated embodiments, the approximately 18-inch long light tube  210  is about 1-inch in diameter and is frosted so as to appear translucent. In the illustrated embodiment the tube  216  can attach via the supporting structure to the base, or alternatively, the tube may be directly connected to a deck plate or other wired system to provide the appropriate power signals to drive the lights. For example, the signaling device  202  may be configured as a single unit under a block for training, or also to an on-deck cable or wired deck plate  120  that handles as many lanes as needed. As will be appreciated, the signaling device illustrated is intended to run the lights in conjunction with providing other timing connections. And in another embodiment or configuration, a plurality of light tubes and/or signaling systems may be run off a separate 12V control unit that can be operated manually, with a wireless fob, or plunger push button(s) (see  FIG. 6 ), and in all cases the starting device trips the green light at the same time the timer is started. 
         [0039]    As an alternative to a deck plate or harness, for a wired system, a wireless system can be implemented to control the state of the illuminating elements within the signaling device by the use of either a radio, IR or other frequency, to activate the appropriate lights. Referring to  FIG. 6 , for example, using a conventional radio-frequency transmitter (e.g., 315-433 MHz) such as found in a fob available from various sources, the operation of the lights may be controlled by pressing separate buttons (e.g., A, B or C) on the fob. The receiver ( 322 ), connected to or embedded within the controller  610 , receives the signal and makes the connection to provide power from battery  364  and thereby light the corresponding light. A simple schematic for the wireless receiver is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . As will be appreciated, the optional relays, which may be operatively included within the microprocessor or as separate components  650 , operate to induce a power connection to the LED light circuits in ribbon  452  in response to the received signals from the fob buttons or from plunger(s)  618  or the timing/starting system  614 . With regard to the wireless inputs, also contemplated is the use of Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15.1 at 2.4 GHz transmitters and receivers, which typically have a range of 30-40 feet. 
         [0040]    In a wireless embodiment, the signaling device associated with each swim platform  100  could be connected to and synchronized to a common controller which would then transmit common signals (e.g., battery power) to each of the housings  216  to signal the athletes of the beginning of a race. It is further anticipated that other display devices, for example an alphanumeric display matrix, could be implemented within each swim platform to encode and display commands for the hearing impaired and or for spectators. 
         [0041]    With regard to the timing starter signals from system  614 , any suitable system providing a low voltage current via suitable switches may be used as an input to circuitry  610 , as an input to a microcontroller or equivalent component  612 , for controlling illumination of the starting sequence lights. One such system is an Infinity Speed Light system. The starting system switches may be activated manually or in the alternative a timer could be used to automatically sequence the lights (see e.g.,  FIG. 7 ), possibly in a random cadence to mitigate false starts due to the potential for the anticipation of the start light. The controller may also be interfaced with a race timer as well as a sounding device (e.g., horn, buzzer, etc.) to coincide with the start light. In an alternative embodiment, the controller may also include a transceiver for bilateral communications with each of the swim platforms, also having a transceiver therein, for the purpose of transmitting race start and stop events, as well as false starts. As described above, the platform receiver selectively causes power to be supplied to the lights when a trigger signal is received from the transmitter of the controller. Additionally, false starts and standings may be relayed back to the event referee by a wire, or may communicated wirelessly. 
         [0042]    Also contemplated in one embodiment of the signaling system is a configuration where the receiver is either connected to or located in housing  216  (not separately connected) and is operatively connected to the control circuitry of  FIG. 6  as illustrated to produce a desired visual signal in response to a user depressing one or more buttons on a wireless transmitter fob  610 . 
         [0043]    The signaling apparatus is well suited for swimming events where, in the past, a sound and arm motion comprised a start signal which has been problematic for athletes in general, but especially inequitable for the hearing impaired. Accordingly a plurality of signaling devices, preferably one attached to each swim platform, are engaged to stage and start a swimming competition by energizing a sequence of at least three lights. In order to discriminate the significance of each signaling operation, a distinct color and/or pattern is assigned to each, as depicted and described relative to the flowchart of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0044]    Several of the enclosures or housings described herein may be made from conventional enclosures with modifications to enable the addition of various connections for power, signals and the like. In one embodiment the housings, such as those available from Philmore (e.g., ABS Enclosures No. PB404, PB411 and PB413), are waterproof, meet NEMA 4 specifications and would provide suitable enclosures. 
         [0045]    Having referred to the various components of the system, attention is now turned to the typical operation of the system, and a description is included relative to  FIG. 7 . As described herein, an input is received by the microprocessor at  710  and is interrogated. First, the red LEDs are used to tell the swimmer to get up on the block or to get into the water. These lights are controlled MANUALLY in response to a button plunger or wireless fob in a hand of the referee. In the illustrated embodiment, the microprocessor, in response to the “READY” input via a plunger, wireless fob, etc., is detected at step  720 , and then operation  724  is executed by first flashing the red LEDs on and off for approximately 5-seconds and then putting the red LEDs into a continuous on state. 
         [0046]    Next, as detected by step  730 , the Take Your Mark (TYM) input initiates the blue LED lights (step  734 ) used to tell the swimmers take a racing position. These lights are also likely to be controlled MANUALLY by a button plunger or wireless fob in the hand of the starting official who then is “CONTROLLING” the time limit of the lights being on or off. 
         [0047]    Lastly, at steps  740  and  744 , green lights are used to tell the swimmers to “GO”. These lights may be controlled automatically by the starting official when pushing the start button function on the start system and timing system. In one embodiment, in response to the official pressing or triggering the start of the timing system, the same signal is received by the microprocessor and in response to the signal the green or GO light is turned on. It will be further appreciated that for practice sessions, the fob has an adequate number of buttons so as to be employed to produce signals for all three (TYM, SUP and GO) lights as well as possible additional colors and/or patterns. Once the green light has been illuminated, it is kept in an on state for a defined period “N” (e.g., approx. 3 seconds), and after that delay ( 748 ) the system is reset by operation  752  and readied for the next timing sequence and all lights are turned off. 
         [0048]    As noted above, the disclosed signaling system may be employed in other athletic venues. As an illustrative example, reference is made to  FIG. 8 , where a track venue is illustrated (indoor or outdoor). In the example, one lane  810  of a track is illustrated. The lane includes a starting block  820  placed near the starting line  824  as in a conventional configuration for a “sprint” start where blocks are used. In the illustrated embodiment, an elongated translucent tube  216  (approx. 32 inches in length), is placed in the lane between the athlete&#39;s feet so as not to interfere with the start. In this configuration, the athlete has a clear view of the translucent light tube and can also adjust its placement, forward or backward, at a desired viewing location based upon whether the athlete employs a head down or head up starting stance. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube  216  may be electrically connected to the control system and source of power via a plug configuration that is either available in a modified starting block or is provided via a wiring harness or plug receptacle available in the track surface or rails about the inner edge of the track. And, in a stand-up start, one or more vertical tubes  216  may be placed along an edge of the track to be viewed by the athletes. In another alternative embodiment, the translucent tube(s) or a similar configuration may be placed on top of or embedded within a lane marking line  830 . 
         [0049]    It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims