Abstract:
A sporting device having a display integrated into the construction of the sporting device and preferably configured to be responsive to the sporting activity. Preferably, the display is formed by a liquid crystal sheet that is visible through the structure of the sporting device. The liquid crystal sheet can be remotely operated or otherwise configured to provide a pre-selected display. Alternatively, operation of the liquid crystal sheet is controlled by the activity associated with the sporting device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/951,549 filed on Jul. 24, 2007 titled SPORTING DEVICE WITH INTERACTIVE DISPLAY and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to sporting devices, and more specifically to a sporting device having a display system that is interactive with the activity of the sporting event. It is further envisioned that the display system be configured to be responsive to the actions of the sporting activity associated with the sporting device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Sporting events generally include a number of ancillary display systems that are integrated into the areas generally surrounding the sporting event. Score boards, outfield walls, mezzanine dividers and the like are frequently decorated with any of a number of advertising materials or otherwise populated with sporting information such as player performance statistics, information regarding concurrent sporting activities, etc. In addition to generally surrounding the sporting activity, the display of sporting information has also substantially infiltrated the areas around the field of play. Spectators need not remain in a designated seat to maintain a good degree of awareness as to the status of the game. 
         [0004]    The substantial reduction in the cost of tube-type televisions in recent years has allowed for televised views of the game activities to be displayed throughout a stadium or venue. Televisions are readily viewable from virtually any of the concession areas as well as many restroom areas. Additionally, the proliferation of flat panel display systems, such as LCD and plasma screens and monitors, has even further improved the ability of venues to entertain spectators throughout the venue. The improved clarity, larger size, and lighter weight of LCD and plasma screens as compared to tube-based televisions have allowed many venues to incorporate such display systems into areas previously unavailable. 
         [0005]    Although the proliferation of digital display systems at sporting events allows the near continuous communication of information to spectators, such systems are not without their drawbacks. Commonly, such displays carry so much non-event advertising information that they detract from the value of even well placed advertising. Generally, many spectators experience information or sensory overload such that very little of the ancillary information, or the non-event related information, can be recalled by a spectator. Even further, as many of the spectators are rightfully preoccupied with the sporting event, many spectators pay such close attention to the event itself that the ancillary information and advertisements displayed on the display systems pass unnoticed. 
         [0006]    With general reference to sporting events as a whole, spectators are generally non-receptive to interferences that are placed between themselves and the action of the sporting event. Understandably, some obstructions, such as the end posts associated with a football game, the unbreakable glass associated with hockey or other indoor events such as arena soccer or football, baseball foul posts, and basketball backboards are begrudgingly acceptable as being necessary to the sporting event and/or spectator safety. With particular respect to rink or arena glass and backboard, such sporting accessories are commonly nearly planar and transparent. It is readily appreciated that placing traditional advertisements or other visual imparities on such sporting accessories would detract from the enjoyment or even anger those spectators whose view of the sporting event is obstructed. 
         [0007]    Understandably, as many spectators are viewing the sporting event, and the space available for displaying information is limited, the most valuable advertising area would be the spectator&#39;s area of interest, i.e. the playing area. Understandably, many venues would be unwilling to allow any team, other than perhaps a home team, or advertiser to advertise on the playing area of a respective venue. Additionally, the permanent nature of such features would most likely render such advertising space as unaffordable but for the wealthiest advertisers. 
         [0008]    Therefore, there is a need to provide a sporting accessory that includes a display system capable of displaying information in a manner that does not unduly interfere with the spectator&#39;s interaction with the sporting event. Preferably, the display system does not permanently alter the appearance of the sporting accessory and/or the venue. There is a further need to provide sporting accessories that entertain spectators during periods of slow or no play or otherwise display outputs associated with the activity taking place. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed to a sporting accessory or device that overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks. A sporting accessory display system according to one aspect of the invention is constructed to accentuate the experience of players and spectators without otherwise interfering with game play. That is, the display systems according to the present invention are configured to be uninterruptingly integrated into game play. According to one aspect of the invention, the display is configured to be responsive to game play. According to another aspect of the invention, the display is constructed to be self contained in the sporting accessory such that the display system includes a power system and a control system for generating a desired output. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the display system includes a liquid crystal display or screen that is responsive to electrical stimuli such that the display is selectively operable. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the invention usable with one or more of the above aspects includes forming the sporting device in the shape of a basketball backboard. The basketball backboard includes a faceplate that is constructed to withstand impacts by a basketball. The liquid crystal sheet is disposed proximate the faceplate and configured to generate an output that is visible through the faceplate. The output can be one or more of sporting images and/or advertisements displayed in a manner that does not unduly interfere with game play. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the invention usable with one or more of the above aspects includes a method of manufacturing a sporting device. The sporting device is shaped to facilitate or cooperate with game play. A liquid crystal sheet is incorporated into the sporting device and is controlled so as to temporarily generate an output in response to interaction of the sporting device during the game. Preferably, the sporting device is provided in the shape of a backboard. More preferably, an output is generated in response to player or ball interaction with the backboard. More preferably, the output varies as a function of the severity, area, intensity, or other characteristic of the interaction. 
         [0012]    Another aspect of the invention usable with one or more of the aspects above includes providing a battery power source for powering the display thereby limiting extraneous connections with the sporting device. 
         [0013]    A further aspect of the invention is to provide a remote interface with the display system. A further aspect includes a database that is configured to communicate with the controller such that the display can generate a variety of different outputs. Preferably, the outputs are associated with the sport of the sporting device and/or advertisements for goods/services associated with the sport being played. 
         [0014]    These and various other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. 
           [0016]    In the drawings: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is an elevational view of a sporting device in the shape of a basketball backboard having a display structure according to the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the backboard shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  with the display structure activated to generate a graphic output; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a graphical representation of the operation of the display structure shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of the display structure shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6-9  show a number of different outputs that can be generated with the display structure shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    With reference now to the drawing figures in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the disclosure, a sporting device  10 , or a device commonly associated with the play of a game, includes a game structure  12  associated with a game to be played with the sporting device  10 . As shown, sporting device  10  is generally referred to as a basketball hoop having the game structure of a backboard. Understandably, sporting device  10  could be provided in any of a number of shapes and configurations such as a field goal marker, a foul ball marker, an arena board, etc. The game structure of many such sporting devices can be inherent in the shape of the sporting device. It is envisioned that the present invention is applicable to any of a variety of gaming accessories commonly associated with game or sport activities. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , backboard  12  is provided with a hoop  14  having a net  16  suspended therefrom. A pair of support rails  18 ,  20  engage a rear surface  22  of backboard  12  and are constructed to cooperate with a pole or other support structure used to elevate backboard  12 . Backboard  12  can be provided with any degree of translucence and is preferably less than opaque and is more preferably transparent. A number of indicia  23  are formed on backboard  12  and provide reference marks with respect to player interaction with backboard  12 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , when sporting device  10  is provides as a backboard  12 , an outer indicia indicates an elevation footprint of backboard  12  whereas in interior footprint provides players with an indication of a reference target. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , backboard  12  includes a front panel  24  and a rear panel  26  which extend upwardly relative to hoop  14 . A display structure  28  is disposed between front and rear panels  24 ,  26  respectively. Display structure  28  is connected to a controller  30  and a power source  32 . Although controller  30  and power source  32  are shown as being generally connected to sporting device  10 , it is further appreciated that such components could be positioned remotely from the sporting device or otherwise configured to wirelessly communicate with display  28 . Power source  32  is envisioned as being a battery power supply, a rechargeable power supply, or a permanent electrical connection to a power grip or the like. Alternatively, or in addition to power source  32 , a solar panel  34  may be provided and operationally connected to controller  30  or power source  32  to provide renewable energy for those sporting devices that are located outdoors. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , display  28  is constructed to provide an output  36  on sporting device  10 . Preferably, display  28  is a liquid crystal sheet disposed between panels  24 ,  26  of backboard  12 . Controller and power source  30 ,  32 ,  34 , respectively, are configured to control the operation of display  28  to selectively generate the desired output  36 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment of the invention, output  36  is configured to provide the illusion that backboard  12  has shattered. Although output  36  is shown as being generally confined by a site target  23 , it is appreciated that the entire area of backboard  12  may be utilized to display a desired output  36 . It is further appreciated that display  28  may be partitioned and/or otherwise configured such that respective areas of display  28  are independently operable relative to other areas. It is further envisioned that, controller  30  include alternate inputs associated with the structure of sporting device  10  such that output  36  can be generated automatically in response to activity associated with the sporting event or activity. In the embodiment shown, it is envisioned that output  36  be generated automatically in response to the impact of a basketball or player with the structure of backboard  12 , hoop  14 , or net  16 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , display  28  includes a liquid crystal sheet  29  that is connected to controller  30  and power source  32  such that when power is communicated to display  28 , as shown in the image at right of  FIG. 4 , a number of molecules  40  associated with liquid crystal sheet  29  are generally aligned or otherwise oriented such that display  28  does not otherwise interfere with the passage of light through the assembly of backboard  12 . As shown in the image at the left of  FIG. 4 , when display  28  is de-energized, molecules  40  interfere with the passage of light through backboard  12 . As is commonly understood, the selective application of power to display  28  allows display  28  to be configured to allow a desired output  36  to be displayed through the structure of sporting device  10 . Alternatively, display  28  could be configured to be at or near transparent when energized and interfere with the transmission of light when de-energized. It is further appreciated that display  28  could be provided with combinations of such systems such that portions of display  28  interfere with light transmission when energized and other portions do not interfere with light transmission when energized. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,949,501 and 5,721,694 disclose other variants and further information regarding the construction and operation of liquid crystal sheets. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  schematically shows the construction and operation of the display  28 . Liquid crystal display  29  is disposed within the structure of sporting device  10 . As disclosed above, controller  32  communicates power signals to display  29  to generate the desired alignment or non-transmissive alignment of the respective molecules to generate a desired output  38 . Preferably, sporting device  10  includes one or more optional detectors  42 . Detector  42  communicates with controller  32  so as to provide an indication of a condition of sporting device  10 . For example, detector  42  can be a piezoelectric, stress, strain, accelerometer, position, velocity, or other pressure type sensor that can detect player or ball interaction with panels  24 ,  26 , hoop  14 , or net  16  of backboard  12 . Although detector  42  is shown as being positioned generally between panels  24 ,  26 , it is appreciated that other types of detectors and other detector positions could be provided. That is, it is envisioned that detector  42  detect changes in one or more of position, velocity, acceleration of a particular sporting device  10  or motion in the vicinity of device  10 . Alternatively, detector  42  may be configured to monitor other aspects of sport environments such as sound or the like and generate output  36  in response thereto. 
         [0029]    Still another alternative would be to allow users to interact either directly or indirectly with controller  32  to alter or initiate output  36 . That is, controller  32  could be configured to communicate with remote controls or the like such that personnel associated with the sporting event can generate a desired output at a desired time. Display  28  includes an optional database  43  that can be configured to deliver a desired signal to the respective areas of the liquid crystal display  29  so as to generate a number of desired graphical images. Preferably, controller  32  and database  43  interact such that, over the duration of a sporting event, a number of unique outputs are generated on display  28 . Furthermore, although shown as attached to controller  32 , it is appreciated that one or more of controller  32  and database  43  be remote from each other and/or remote or removable from sporting device  10 . For example, controller  32  and database  43  may be configured as a flash drive or the like, which can cooperate with one or more devices associated with different sporting events. Such a configuration allows a user to quickly configure the controller for a desired type of output. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 6-9  show a number of exemplary outputs  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  of display  28  of sporting device  10 . Understandably, although outputs  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  are generally associated with a basketball event, it is envisioned that the outputs  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  be tailored to any of a variety of activities, advertising, venue, and/or sporting events. That is display  28  can be configured to display any of a variety of information and preferably displays information relevant to the sporting or gaming activity at hand or forthcoming at the venue. The ability to select and control the generation of output  36  allows sporting device  10  to be utilized for advertising and/or spectator entertainment without otherwise interfering with game play. For instance, in a hockey application, if a fight occurs in front of a given set of boards, upon instruction or detection of the fight activities, one or more of the boards around the rink may be configured to display graphics and or signage specific to fights, hockey, first aid, injuries, etc. Likewise, in a baseball or football application, foul ball or field goal posts could be configured to be responsive to the impact of balls with the respect posts. Additionally, such posts could be maintained in a generally transparent state until needed or involved in play. It is further envisioned that the output of such displays be indicative of the results of the sporting activity. For instance, foul posts may indicate the side to which the ball passed thereby indicating whether the ball was fair or foul by generating a directional pulsed output in a given direction or other event specific output. 
         [0031]    Regardless of the activity associated sporting device  10 , providing a sporting device that is responsive to the sporting activity enhances spectator enjoyment of the sporting event. Furthermore, by selectively generating the output associated with the display, the sporting device does not unduly detract from the spectator&#39;s enjoyment of the activity by interfering with the users viewing of the activity throughout the duration of the activity. Furthermore, during breaks in the sporting activity, display  28  can be used for advertising or other graphic displays not otherwise directly related to concurrent game play. Such a configuration allows greater placement of advertising and more direct advertising placement with respect to spectator attention. 
         [0032]    Various alternatives are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims that particular point out and distinctly claim the subject matter regarded as the invention.