Patent Publication Number: US-6656066-B2

Title: Lighted strap assembly for a ball

Description:
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/306,225, filed Jul. 18, 2001 for a “Lighted Strap Assembly for a Ball”. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a lighted strap assembly for use on a ball. The strap assembly utilizes flexible, chemiluminescent light tubes which may be positioned on the strap assembly in one of a number of preselected configurations relative to the strap assembly and the ball upon which the strap assembly is positioned. Use of the chemiluminescent light tubes on the strap assembly illuminates the ball for use in dim light, or for play in the dark. The light tubes are arranged on the strap assembly such that when the ball is thrown in the darkness, portions of the ball appear illuminated. The light tubes are held in place on the strap assembly by tubular support segments, which permit the light tubes to be positioned relative to the strap assembly for changing the configuration of the light tubes and the pattern of illumination relative to the ball. Use of the tubular support segments also permits the light tubes to be easily removed and replaced when the luminescent capabilities of the light tubes are exhausted. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a lighted strap assembly for use on a ball, including but not limited to a football, rugby ball, or other ball intended for recreational use. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a lighted strap assembly for use on a ball which utilizes chemiluminescent light sticks arranged in a decorative configuration relative to the exterior surface of the ball. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a lighted strap assembly for use on a ball which has light sources which are easy and relatively inexpensive to replace. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a lighted strap assembly that may be quickly and easily positioned around a ball. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a lighted strap assembly having flexible lights capable of being positioned and repositioned on the strap assembly in one or more preselected configurations. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a lighted strap assembly having flexible lights that are interchangeable and available in multiple colors. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a lighted strap assembly which includes a flexible harness that serves as an enhanced gripping surface for use in throwing the ball. 
     These and other objects of the invention are described in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a harness assembly for being removably positioned on a ball and used for retaining an elongate luminescent member on the ball. The harness assembly includes a pair of collars positioned in spaced-apart, opposing relation to each other for receiving the ball therebetween and retention means carried by the harness assembly and adapted for receiving opposing ends of the luminescent member therein. The retention means retain the luminescent member by the ends thereof in a tensioned condition relative to the harness assembly when the harness assembly is in use. 
     According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the retention means is a first pair of anchors. Each of the anchors has a pocket for receiving a respective one of the opposing ends of the luminescent member therein. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the pair of anchors is carried by a respective one of the collars for permitting the luminescent member to extend and be supported therebetween. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the harness assembly includes an elongate strap interconnecting said collars and cooperating therewith for maintaining the harness assembly against the ball. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pair of anchors are carried by the strap for permitting the luminescent member to extend parallel thereto. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the harness assembly includes at least one elongate strap interconnecting the collars and cooperating therewith for maintaining the harness assembly against the ball. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the pair of anchors has a closed end for retaining an end of the luminescent member, thereby maintaining the luminescent member in a stationary position on the harness assembly. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the closed end of each anchor is disposed between an inner surface of a respective one of the collars and an outer surface of the strap for permitting the pocket on the anchor to extend outwardly away from the collar. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a harness assembly for being removably positioned on a ball and used for retaining an elongate luminescent member on the ball is provided that includes a pair of collars positioned in spaced-apart, opposing relation to each other for receiving the ball therebetween. An elongate strap interconnects the collars and cooperates therewith for maintaining the harness assembly in a closely-conforming configuration against the ball. A pair of anchors are carried by the harness assembly. Each of the pair of anchors has a pocket for receiving a respective one of two opposing ends of the luminescent member therein, thereby retaining the luminescent member by the ends thereof in a tensioned condition relative to the harness assembly when the harness assembly is in use. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pair of anchors are carried by the strap for permitting the luminescent member to extend parallel thereto. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the pair of anchors has a depth sufficient for retaining no more than twelve percent of the total surface area of the luminescent member, thereby maximizing an exposed surface area of the luminescent member for illuminating the ball. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the pair of anchors is carried by a respective one of the pair of collars for permitting the luminescent member to extend and be supported therebetween. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a harness assembly is provided for being removably positioned on a football and used for illuminating the ball. The harness assembly includes an elongate chemiluminescent tube adapted for being removably positioned on the harness assembly, and a pair of collars positioned in spaced-apart, opposing relation to each other for receiving tapered, opposing noses of the football therethrough. A pair of anchors are carried by the harness assembly. Each of the pair of anchors has a pocket for receiving a respective one of two opposing ends of the chemiluminescent tube therein, thereby retaining the chemiluminescent tube in a tensioned condition relative to the harness assembly when the harness assembly is in use. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the harness assembly includes first and second elongate straps interconnecting the pair of collars and cooperating therewith for maintaining the harness assembly against the ball. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pair of anchors are positioned in spaced-apart relation on the first elongate strap for permitting the chemiluminescent tube to extend and be supported between the anchors and parallel to the first strap. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the pair of anchors is carried by a respective one of the pair of collars for permitting the chemiluminescent tube to extend and be supported therebetween. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second straps is adapted for conforming to the curved outer surface of the football for maintaining the chemiluminescent tube between the pair of collars and in a curved condition corresponding to the curved outer surface of the football. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the pair of anchors is carried by the harness assembly adjacent a point of intersection of the first strap and one of the pair of collars, and the other of the pair of anchors is carried by the harness assembly adjacent a point of intersection of the second strap and the other of the pair of collars for permitting the luminescent member to extend and be supported between the pair of collars at an angle relative to each of the first and second straps. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of illuminating a ball is provided. The method includes the step of providing a harness assembly for being removably positioned on a ball and used for retaining an elongate luminescent member in a preselected configuration on the ball. The harness assembly includes a pair of collars positioned in spaced-apart, opposing relation to each other for receiving the ball therebetween. A pair of anchors are carried by the harness assembly. Each of the pair of anchors has a pocket for receiving a respective one of two opposing ends of the luminescent member therein, thereby retaining the luminescent member in a tensioned condition relative to the harness assembly when the harness assembly is in use. The method also includes the step of providing an elongate luminescent member having opposing ends, each of the ends for being removably positioned within the pocket on a respective one of the pair of anchors. The harness assembly is positioned on the ball, and the opposing ends of the luminescent member are positioned within respective pockets on the pair of anchors, thereby illuminating the ball. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method of illuminating a ball further comprises the step of providing a ball for receiving the harness assembly thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a lighted strap assembly for use on a ball according to one preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an environmental side view of the lighted strap assembly according to FIG. 1 prior to attaching the light sticks to the strap assembly and with the strap assembly placed in position on a football; 
     FIG. 3 is an environmental side view of the lighted strap assembly shown in FIG. 2 with chemiluminescent light sticks placed thereon according to one preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 4 is an end view of the lighted strap assembly and football shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is an environmental side view of the lighted strap assembly shown in FIG. 2 with the light sticks placed thereon according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of the lighted strap assembly and football shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a lighted strap assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 8 is an environmental side view of the lighted strap assembly according to FIG. 7 prior to attaching the light sticks to the strap assembly and with the strap assembly placed in position on a football; 
     FIG. 9 is an environmental side view of the lighted strap assembly shown in FIG. 8 with the light sticks placed thereon according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 10 is an end view of the lighted strap assembly and football shown in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is an environmental side view of the lighted strap assembly shown in FIG. 8 with the light sticks placed thereon according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 12 is an environmental side view of the lighted strap assembly and football shown in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is an environmental side view of a lighted strap assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; and 
     FIG. 14 is an environmental side view of a lighted strap assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE 
     Referring now to the drawings, a lighted strap assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.  1  and shown generally at reference numeral  10 . The strap assembly  10  is shown partially assembled, and includes a flexible harness  20 , multiple tubular support segments  30 , and multiple chemiluminescent light sticks  40 . The harness  20  includes first and second identical attachment collars  21  which are positioned in spaced-apart, opposing relation to each other. Each attachment collar  21  has interior and exterior surfaces  22  and  23 , respectively, and is preferably formed from an elongate strap of material having interconnected ends and interior and exterior surfaces  22  and  23 . As discussed in detail below with respect to FIG. 2, each attachment collar  21  defines an opening  24  adapted for receiving a respective one of the ends of a football therethrough. The collars  21  cooperate with the other components of the harness  20  for holding the strap assembly  10  in place around the football. 
     Referring again to FIG. 1, the harness  20  also includes three flexible, elongate support straps  25  which are disposed between and interconnect the attachment collars  21 . Each support strap  25  has interior and exterior surfaces  26  and  27 , and first and second ends  28  and  29 . As is shown in FIG. 1, the first ends  28  and second ends  29  of each strap  25  are connected to a respective one of the collars  21  such that the exterior surface  28  of each end  27  engages the interior surface  22  of one collar  21 , and the exterior surface  26  of each end  29  engages the interior surface  22  of the other collar  21 . Although the harness  20  is shown with three support straps  25 , any desired number of support straps  25  may be used. 
     Although each collar  21  and support strap  25  may be formed from any suitable material, each collar  21  and support strap  25  is preferably formed from elasticized or woven, knitted fabric. Furthermore, the first ends  27  and second ends  28  are preferably sewn to the respective collars  21  using thread having a tensile strength sufficient to withstand breaking when the strap assembly  10  is being positioned around a football or other type of ball. 
     The strap assembly  10  also includes multiple tubular support segments  30 . As discussed in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 8 below, the support segments  30  cooperate with the harness  20  to hold the lighted tubes  40  in one of multiple possible configurations against the outer surface of the football. Each tube  40  is preferably an elongate, flexible chemiluminescent light tube sold under the name OMNIGLO. However, the tubes  40  may alternatively be any other suitable chemiluminescent light sources. As is shown in FIG. 1, a tubular segment  30  is positioned adjacent each of the ends  28  and  29  of each strap  25  so that the segment  30  extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strap  25 . Each tubular segment  30  defines a hollow interior and has a sealed end  31  which is sandwiched between and sewn in place or otherwise secured against the interior surface  22  of the collar  21  and the exterior surface  27  of the strap  25 . Each tubular segment  30  also includes an open end  32  that extends outwardly from the sealed end  31  and toward the opposing collar  21 . Each open end  32  is adapted for receiving the complementary end of a respective one of the light tubes  40  therein after the strap assembly  10  is positioned on the football for holding the light tubes  40  in place in one of at least two possible preselected configurations around the football. Although the harness  10  is shown as including three light tubes  40 , the harness  10  may include any number of light tubes  40  and complementary pairs of tubular segments  30 . 
     As is shown in FIG. 1, positioning the tubular segments  30  on opposite ends of each strap  25  so that the open ends  32  of the segments  30  face each other permits easy installation and removal of the light tubes onto the strap assembly  10 . Furthermore, use flexible material to form the collars  21  and straps  25  permits movement of the open ends  32  of the support segments  30  relative to the collars  21  and straps  25 . While the support segments  30  may be formed from any suitable material, each segment  30  is preferably formed from a preselected length of opaque or see-through plastic tubing. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the manner in which the strap assembly  10  is positioned on a football “F” is shown. FIG. 2 shows the harness  20  positioned around the football so that each attachment collar  21  encircles a respective one of the opposing ends “E” of the football “F”, and each of the support straps  25  extends partially along the length of the football “F” between the collars  21 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 6, once the harness  20  is positioned on the football “F”, each tube  40  may be inserted into a respective one of a pair of tubular segments  30 . Prior to inserting the tubes  40  into the segments  30 , the chemiluminescent material inside the tubes  40  should be activated by snapping, bending and/or twisting each tube  40  until the material inside begins to glow. The chemiluminescent material inside each tube  40  may emit light in any one of the colors in the electromagnetic spectrum which is visible to the human eye. As is shown in FIGS. 3 through 6, the tubes  40  may be arranged in one of a number of preselected configurations relative to the harness  20  and to the football “F”. One preferred configuration is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in which each light tube  40  is releasably connected to the harness  20  such that one end of the light tube  40  is positioned in a support tube  30  which is attached to a first end  28  of one support strap  25 , and the other end of the light tube  40  is positioned in a support tube  30  which is attached to a second end  29  of an adjacent support strap  25 . Attaching each light tube  40  to the harness  20  in this manner causes the activated light tubes  40  to glow in a spiraling pattern relative to the longitudinal axis of the football “F”. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the light tubes  40  are shown releasably connected to the harness  20  in an alternative configuration. Specifically, each light tube  40  is connected to the harness  20  such that the light tube  40  extends along the length of a respective one of the support straps  25 , with each end of the light tube  40  positioned in a respective one of the open ends  32  of support tubes  30  which are connected to respective first and second ends  28  of the strap  25 . Attaching each light tube  40  to the harness  20  in this manner causes the activated light tubes  40  to glow in a straight line relative to the longitudinal axis of the football “F”. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 12, a lighted strap assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated and shown generally at reference numeral  50 . Because the strap assembly  50  includes many of the same components, each of which is formed from the same materials, as the components included in the strap assembly  10 , like elements are indicated using prime reference numerals. As is shown in FIG. 7, in addition to those components included in the strap assembly  10 , the strap assembly  50  includes two end caps  51 . Each end cap  51  preferably has a generally conical shape for permitting the cap  51  to cover and engage the end of a football or other ball. FIG. 7 shows each end cap  51  connected to a respective one of the attachment collars  21 ′ by three straps  52 . Each end cap  51  is preferably formed from see-through plastic and defines a hollow interior filed with the same chemiluminescent material as is used in light tubes  40  and  40 ′. Prior to positioning the strap assembly  50  on a football, the material is activated by bending and/or twisting each cap  51  until the material inside the cap  51  begins to glow. Like the material inside the tubes  40 , the chemiluminescent material inside each cap  51  may emit light in any one of the colors in the electromagnetic spectrum which is visible to the human eye 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, the manner in which the strap assembly  50  is positioned on a football “F” is shown. The harness  20 ′ is positioned around the football “F” in a manner that permits each attachment collar  21 ′ to encircle a respective one of the opposing ends “E” of the football “F” so that the end cap  51  attached to the collar  21 ′ covers the end “E”, which makes the end “E” appear to glow. Like the straps  25  of the strap assembly  10 , each of the support straps  25 ′ of the strap assembly  50  extends at least partially along the length of the football “F” between the collars  21 ′. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the strap assembly  50  is shown positioned on a football “F” with the light sticks  40 ′ positioned one of a number of preselected configurations relative to the harness  20 ′ and to the football “F”. As is shown in FIG. 8, each light tube  40 ′ is activated in the same manner as the tubes  40  and described above in reference to FIGS. 3 through 6, and is then releasably connected to the harness  20 ′ such that one end of the light tube  40 ′ is positioned in a support tube  30 ′ to the first end  28 ′ of one support strap  25 ′. The other end of the light tube  40 ′ is positioned in a support tube  30 ′ attached to a second end  29 ′ of an adjacent support strap  25 ′. Attaching each light tube  40 ′ to the harness  20 ′ in this manner causes the activated light tubes  40 ′ to generate a glowing, spiral pattern relative to the longitudinal axis of the football “F”. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the light tubes  40 ′ are shown releasably attached to the harness  20 ′ in an alternative configuration. Specifically, each activated light tube  40 ′ is connected to the harness  20 ′ such that the light tube  40 ′ extends along at least part of the length of a respective one of the support straps  25 ′, with each end of the light tube  40 ′ positioned in a respective one of the open ends  32 ′ of the support tubes  30 ′ which are connected to respective first and second ends  28 ′ and  29 ′ of the strap  25 ′. Attaching each light tube  40 ′ to the harness  20 ′ in this manner causes the activated light tubes  40 ′ to glow in a straight line relative to the longitudinal axis of the football “F”. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, each collar  21  or  21 ′ of the strap assemblies  10  or  50 , respectively, may alternatively include fasteners for keeping each collar  21  or  21 ′ securely in position around the football and for adjusting the circumference of each collar  21  or  21 ′. Using strap assembly  10  as a representative example, FIG. 13 shows each collar  21  as having a first end  21 A to which a first patch  60  of male or female hook-and-loop material is sewn or otherwise secured. A second patch  61  of male or female hook-and-loop material complementary to the first patch  60  is sewn to the second end  21 B of the collar  21  and is releasably attached to the first patch  60  for keeping the strap assembly held in place around the football. Alternative fasteners are shown in FIG.  14 . Using strap assembly  10  as a representative example, each collar  21  has a first end  21 A to which a metal or plastic buckle  70  is connected. The second end  21 B of the collar  21  fits into the buckle  70  for releasably securing the collar  21  around the football “F”. 
     In addition to including fasteners on one or more of the collars  21  or  21 ′, the strap assemblies  10  or  50  may alternatively include fasteners one or more of the support straps  25  or  25 ′, respectively, for permitting the length of the strap  25  or  25 ′ to be adjusted. The fasteners used to adjust the length of the straps  25  and  25 ′ may be identical to the complementary hook-and-loop patches  60  and  61  shown in use on each of the collars  21  of strap assembly  10 . Each strap  25  or  25 ′ may alternatively employ a buckle  70  and include a complementary end adapted for being threaded through the buckle for adjusting the overall length of the respective strap  25  or  25 ′. 
     The strap assembly  10  or  50 , may alternatively employ any other fasteners or latching devices which are suitable for adjusting the manner in which the collars  21  or  21 ′, or straps respectively, fit around the circumference of the football “F”. One or more of the support straps  25  or  25 ′ may likewise alternatively employ any other fasteners or latching devices which are suitable for adjusting the length of respective support strap  25  or  25 ′. In addition, while the strap assemblies  10  and  50  are shown throughout this application in use on a football, the strap assemblies  10  and  50  may alternatively be used on rugby or any other suitable balls that are intended for recreational use. 
     A lighted strap assembly for use on a ball is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.