Molded Hockey Puck with Electronic Signal Transmitter Core

This application is related to and claims priority from the following U.S. patents and patent applications. This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/410,577, filed Jan. 11, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/554,882, filed Dec. 17, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/879,366, filed May 20, 2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,202,949, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/503,061, filed Jul. 3, 2019 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,344,778, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/027,594, filed Jul. 5, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,343,042, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/260,122, filed Sep. 8, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,016,669, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Despite the current popularity of hockey, television viewing is hampered by the poor visibility of the hockey puck as it moves around the ice at high speeds. In order to be able to view all areas of the ice rink, cameras must be located far from the ice rink. Thus, a standard hockey puck tends to appear as a small dot on the screen. As a result, it is difficult to follow the puck as it is passed from player to player, and it is especially difficult to follow the puck as it is shot toward the goal and either deflected, caught or missed by the goalie. Often, viewers recognize a score only when a signal light is lit or the announcer informs the viewer that a goal has been scored.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,698 discloses a hockey puck including electromagnetic transmitters. The transmitters transmit a signal, for example an IR signal, which is captured in one or more sensors around the ice rink. The sensors are able to locate the instantaneous position of the hockey puck, which permits enhancement of the image of the puck on a television monitor. It is important that the transmitters within the puck not affect the overall dimensions of the puck, or the performance of the puck, such as its feel when struck and its reaction when received on a stick or bouncing off a surface.

Embodiments of the present technology relate to a hockey puck including an internal transmitter enabling instantaneous identification of its position as it moves around. In embodiments, the puck is comprised of two molded subcomponents, which encapsulate a signal transmitter and are sealed together to form the hockey puck. The signal transmitter may include driver electronics and a number of signal transmitters which together generate and emit an electromagnetic signal. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic signal may be infrared (IR) light emitted by a plurality of diodes mounted in openings in the subcomponents, for example around an outer circumference of the hockey puck and through a top and bottom surfaces of the hockey puck. In still further embodiments, the puck may be formed of a material that allows electromagnetic radiation to be emitted through the subcomponents, and the diode cavities may be omitted.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments of the present technology will now be described with reference to the figures, which in general relate to a hockey puck including an internal signal transmitter enabling instantaneous identification of the puck position as it moves around an ice rink. In embodiments, the puck is comprised of two molded subcomponents, which encapsulate a signal transmitter and fit together to form the hockey puck. The two molded subcomponents may be formed of vulcanized rubber, and may include various features for supporting the signal transmitter and for ensuring a tight and secure fit when the subcomponents are joined together. In embodiments, the subcomponents may be formed of top and bottom halves, or an outer ring surrounding an inner plug.

It is understood that the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents of these embodiments, which are included within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details.

The terms “top” and “bottom,” “upper” and “lower” and “vertical” and “horizontal,” or variations thereof, as may be used herein are by way of example and illustrative purposes only, and are not meant to limit the description of the invention inasmuch as the referenced item can be exchanged in position and orientation. Also, as used herein, the terms “substantially” and/or “about” mean that the specified dimension or parameter may be varied within an acceptable manufacturing tolerance for a given application. In one embodiment, the acceptable manufacturing tolerance is ±0.25%.

The signal transmitter may include a printed circuit board with driver electronics, power source and a number of signal transmitters which together generate and emit an electromagnetic signal. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic signal may be infrared (IR) light emitted by a plurality of diodes around an outer circumference of the hockey puck and through top and bottom surfaces of the hockey puck. Other wavelengths of electromagnetic energy may be used in further embodiments. In embodiments, the printed circuit board and diodes may be encased within a capsule, but the capsule may be omitted in further embodiments.

In embodiments using diodes, the subcomponents may be formed with openings around the outer circumference and top and bottom surfaces for receiving the diodes. The openings allow ends of the diodes to extend to the outer surface of the puck to enable signal emission from the puck. In embodiments where the diodes are encased within a capsule recessed within the puck, signals from the diodes may be communicated from the diodes to the outer surface of the puck by light pipes provided in the openings in the subcomponents. In still further embodiments, the puck may be formed of a material that allows electromagnetic radiation to be emitted through the subcomponents, and the diode openings may be omitted.

The physical characteristics of the puck of the present technology may be the same as a conventional puck without a signal transmitter. Thus, the composition of the subcomponents may be customized for each embodiment of the signal transmitter. The physical characteristics may for example include the look, feel, size and weight of the puck. The physical characteristics may further include the performance of the puck, such as its feel and reaction when caught, struck or passed, and its reaction when bouncing off a surface.

illustrates a perspective view of an exterior of a hockey puckaccording to embodiments of the present technology. With the exception of holesfor the emission of an electromagnetic signal, and an embossed seam(both of which are explained below), the exterior appearance and physical characteristics of puckmay match that of a conventional hockey puck, such as for example those used in the U.S. National Hockey League. Puckmay have a cylindrical shape, with a 1 inch thickness and a 3 inch circular diameter. Although not shown in, the outer circumference of puckmay include a dimple pattern as in a conventional hockey puck to increase friction between the puckand a hockey stick handling, passing and shooting the puck.

As explained below, puckmay house a signal transmitter. As such, subcomponents of the puckmay be molded, and then assembled together with the signal transmitter encased within an interior of the puck. In the embodiment shown in, subcomponentsandcomprise upper and lower cylindrical halves which may be affixed together around the signal transmitter, for example in a glue process explained below. Each of the subcomponents,may be formed of vulcanized rubber and, in one embodiment, may be fabricated by Soucy Baron Inc., having an office in Saint-Jérôme, Canada. The subcomponents,may be formed of other materials and fabricated by other companies in further embodiments. The subcomponents,may include the same materials as those used in the fabrication of a conventional hockey puck (natural rubber, oils, minerals and carbon black).

However, as explained below, the ratios of the various materials may be adjusted relative to those used in a conventional hockey puck to provide the same performance as a conventional hockey puck despite the hollow core and signal transmitter encased therein. In addition to or instead of varying the ratio of the puck materials, the cure time and/or temperature at which the subcomponents,are formed may vary relative to that of a conventional hockey puck to provide the same performance as a conventional hockey puck.

shows an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a hockey puck. The hockey puckof this embodiment may include top and bottom subcomponentsand, respectively, and a signal transmitterhoused therebetween. Each of the subcomponents,includes an exterior surfacevisible when the subcomponents are sealed together to form the finished hockey puck, and an interior surfacethat is not visible after the subcomponents are sealed together.

The signal transmitteremits electromagnetic radiation from the different surfaces of the puck, which radiation is detected by sensors around the ice rink regardless of the orientation of the puck. The sensors are able to locate the instantaneous position of the hockey puck, which permits enhancement of the image of the puck on a television monitor. For example, the puck may be highlighted in different colors, or different-colored contrails may be shown behind the puck, as it is shot, passed, leaves the ice surface or enters the goal.

Details of the electronics and components of signal transmitterare disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,698, entitled “Electromagnetic Transmitting Hockey Puck.” However, referring now to the perspective view of, signal transmittermay generally include a printed circuit board (PCB)having driver electronics formed on top and bottom surfaces of the PCB. The signal transmittermay further include a power sourcesuch as a rechargeable battery.

In embodiments, the signal transmittermay further include a number of diodes(some of which are numbered in) which generate and emit electromagnetic radiation under the control of the driver electronics on PCB. The diodesmay emit electromagnetic radiation outside of the visible light spectrum, such as for example IR light. It is conceivable that diodesemit light in the visible spectrum in further embodiments.

In the embodiment shown, there are a total of eighteen diodes: four axially extending diodeson a top surface of PCB(to emit a signal from a top surface of the puck), four axially extending diodeson a bottom surface of PCB(to emit a signal from a bottom surface of the puck), and ten radially extending diodesextending radially from the outer circumference of the PCB(to emit the signal from an outer circumference of the puck). Thus, radiation from the puck may be detected regardless of an orientation of the puck. It is understood that the signal transmittermay include more or less diodesin further embodiments, and diodes in other places than shown. When the puckis fully assembled, outer ends of the diodes(i.e., most distal from the PCB) may lie flush with the exterior surfacesof the subcomponents,.

As opposed to embodiments described hereinafter, the signal transmitterin the embodiment ofis unencapsulated, and interior surfacesof the subcomponents,are keyed with features to directly support a battery, the printed circuit boardand the diodesof the signal transmitter.illustrates interior surfacesof the bottom subcomponentfor receiving and supporting the signal transmitter. It is understood that the top subcomponentmay include similar features for receiving and supporting the signal transmitter.

As seen in, the interior surfaceof subcomponentmay include a cavitysized and shaped to receive the batteryon a bottom surface of the PCB. The interior surface of subcomponentfurther includes holes(two of which are numbered) for receiving the axially extending diodeson a bottom surface of the PCB. The interior surface of subcomponentmay further include semicircular channels(some of which are numbered) for receiving the radially extending diodesaround an outer circumference of the PCB. The interior surface of subcomponentmay have a corresponding set of semicircular channels, so that the semicircular channels in the subcomponents,together form radiantly extending holes enclosing the diodes

As seen in, the radially extending diodesmay include ridges(one of which is numbered). These ridges mate within the detents(again, one of which is numbered) in the channelsof subcomponent,. The mating of the ridgeswithin detentsprovides resistance to the shear forces which are generated when the subcomponents,are glued together as explained below. The ridgesand detentsmay be omitted in further embodiments.

The cavities, holes, channelsand other indentations on the interior surfacesof subcomponents,allow the subcomponents,to fit tightly together with the signal transmitterenclosed snuggly therebetween. With the exception of holesand channels, no other indentations formed on the interior surfaces of subcomponents,are open to an exterior of the puck.

The interior surfacesof subcomponents,further include keyed featuresfor ensuring a tight and secure fit of the subcomponents when they are glued to each other. The keyed featuresmay be in a variety of different configurations, some of which are shown in the drawings. In, the keyed featuresinclude a plurality of wedges arranged in concentric circles. As shown in the cross-section view of, the concentric wedges in the subcomponentare offset from, and complementary to, the concentric wedges in the subcomponent. In particular, the peaks of the wedges in subcomponentalign with the valleys of the wedges in subcomponent, and vice-versa. Thus, when assembled together as shown in the cross-sectional view of, the featureson the interior surfaceof subcomponentmate snugly with the featureson the interior surfaceof subcomponent.

The featuresmay have various characteristics. First, the features provide a relatively large surface area for receiving glue as explained below to securely affix the subcomponentsandto each other. Second, in embodiments, the featuresmay be sandblasted, or formed within a mold that is sandblasted. The features/mold may alternatively be chemically etched. Sandblasting/chemical etching increases the surface area and provides nooks and crannies for the glue between adjacent surfaces of the featuresof subcomponents,. Sandblasting may be omitted in further embodiments. Third, extending vertically, the featuresare able to exert lateral forces against each other (for example parallel to the top and bottom surfaces of the puck) to provide a resistance to shear forces when the subcomponents are affixed together and thereafter.

shows an exploded perspective view of a puckincluding an alternative design of the subcomponents,and an alternative design of the signal transmitter.show perspective views of the interior surfacesof the subcomponents,according to the embodiment of. As shown, each subcomponent,includes an outer ringhaving features(some of which are numbered). In this embodiment, the featuresin each ringmay comprise a number of positively extending truncated cones and a number of negatively recessed truncated cones. Full cones may be used instead of truncated cones in further embodiments. Additionally, complementary positively extending and negatively recessed shapes other than cones may be used in further embodiments.

The cones are arranged on the respective ringssuch that, when the subcomponents,are mated together, a positively extending cone mates within a negatively recessed cone in the opposite subcomponent. In the embodiments of, each subcomponent includes both positively extending and negatively recessed cones, which mate within their compliment in the opposite subcomponent. In further embodiments, the ringon subcomponentmay be all positively extending cones or negatively recessed cones, and the ringon subcomponentmay include all of the opposite shape. Thus, the positively extending cones mate within the negatively recessed cones when the subcomponents,are mated together. The featureson the ringsin the embodiment ofmay include the characteristics described above with respect to the features shown in.

Referring again to the exploded perspective view of, this embodiment may include a signal transmitterthat may be encased within a capsulecomprised of sub-capsule halvesand. Sub-capsule halves,may for example be formed of molded silicone (or other encapsulant) and may completely enclose the signal transmitterwhen the halves,are assembled together.

illustrate a perspective view of an exterior surfaceand a top view of an interior surfaceof sub-capsule halves,. The halves,may be identical to each other, with the exception that components in the halfmay be rotated off axis with respect to the corresponding components in the half, as explained below.

The capsuleincludes light pipesandfor receiving diodesand for communicating the electromagnetic radiation from diodesto the exterior surfaceof the hockey puck. Each sub-capsule half,includes axially extending light pipes() extending from exterior surface. These axially extending light pipes in respective halves,receive the axially extending diodes,extending from the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of the PCB. The light pipesin turn fit through holesin the subcomponents,to be flush with the exterior surfaceof the subcomponents,.

The capsulemay further include radially extending light pipesextending from an outer circumference of capsule. The radially extending light pipesin capsulereceive the radially extending diodesextending from the outer circumference of the PCB. Each of the radially extending light pipesis formed of two mating pieces, with a first piece formed in sub-capsule halfand a second, complementary piece formed in sub-capsule half. The two pieces fit together around diodeswhen the sub-capsule halves,are brought together. The light pipesin turn fit within channelsin the subcomponents,to be flush with the exterior surfaceof the subcomponents,.

The first and second pieces in respective halves may have the same configuration, each forming one-half of the light pipe. However, in other embodiments, the pieces may be dissimilar. For example, in, one piece () is larger than the complementary piece () in the other sub-capsule half. In the embodiment shown in, the radially extending diodesmay fit within the pieceand the piecemay act as a cover to encase the diodes. In embodiments where the pieces are dissimilar, a sub-capsule half,may have both larger piecesand smaller pieces, and the other sub-capsule half may have the complementary smaller piecesand larger pieces. Alternatively, one sub-capsule half may have all of one type of piece (for example) and the other sub-capsule half may have all of the other type of piece (for example).

The sub-capsule halves may each have a cavityfor receiving the batteryas described above. The subcomponents,may each include a recess(). The recessesdefine a central void within the interior of the puckwhen the subcomponents,are brought together. The central void defined by recessesis sized and shaped to snugly receive the capsule.

The capsuleincludes notchesas shown for example in. The notchesare positioned so that there is a single rotational orientation, and a single side facing upward, where the notchesalign with and fit over raised key-pointsin the subcomponents,(). Proper alignment of the raised key-pointsin the notchesensures the capsuleis properly seated between the subcomponents in the proper orientation and with the proper side of the capsule facing upward. In particular, there are two key-points on one side of the subcomponents, and one on the opposite side, which together form a triangle that is not an equilateral triangle. Thus, the key-points define a unique orientation and one side facing upward where the notchesin the capsulefit over the key-points.

Exterior surfaces of the sub-capsule halves,may include dimples() which increase the surface area for receiving glue, and provide shear resistance against lateral movement of the capsulein the subcomponents,during the gluing process. As seen in, the subcomponents,may further include weep holeswhich provide channels for seepage of the glue out of the cavitieswhen the subcomponents are affixed together as explained below.

illustrate a further embodiment of the hockey puck according to the present technology.illustrates an exploded perspective view which is similar to the embodiment shown in, with one difference being that the capsuleis preassembled prior to placing the capsulebetween the subcomponents,. The capsuleshown inmay be identical to the capsuleshown in. However, instead of having two separate sub-capsule halves encasing the signal transmitter, the signal transmitterincluding the PCBand diodesmay be put in a mold and encased in a single-piece capsuleof silicone (or other encapsulant). Thus, the capsuleand signal transmittermay be a single integrated unit when assembled between the subcomponents,.

In order to communicate the electromagnetic radiation from the diodeswithin the capsule, the embodiment ofmay further include light pipesand. In the embodiment of, the light pipes,were integrally formed on the capsule. In the embodiment of, the light pipes,may be silicone (or other like material) that are molded separately from the capsule.

Further details of the puckof the embodiment ofare shown in the top and cross-sectional views of.are cross-sectional views of the hockey puck, through lines-and-, respectively, in. The axial light pipesmay be plugs that fit within holesin the subcomponents,. As shown for example in, axial light pipesmay have a length so that a first end of a light pipelies against the capsule(over an encased diode,) and a second, opposite end lies flush with the exterior surfaceof the subcomponents,.

As seen for example in, the radial light pipesmay be molded together on a ring. The ringmay fit snugly over an outer circumference of the capsule, with first ends of the radial light pipesaligned with and lying over the encased diodes. The radial light pipesmay lie in channels, and may have a first end against the capsuleand a second, opposite end flush with the exterior surfaceof the subcomponents,. In this way, the light pipes,transmit the electromagnetic radiation from the diodesto the exterior of the puck. The capsulemay include notches(not shown in) which receive raised key-pointsto ensure the capsule is properly oriented, with the correct side facing upward, so that the light pipes,align with their respective diodes.

Further details of the subcomponents,of the embodiment ofare shown in the top and cross-sectional views of.are cross-sectional views through lines-and-, respectively, in. In general, the subcomponents,of the embodiment ofmay have the same features as the subcomponents,described above the respect to. These features include for example recesswith holes, and a ringincluding channelsand featuresin the form of positively extending and negatively recessed truncated cones. The subcomponents,may further include weep holes. Each of these components may be structurally and operationally similar to the like components described above with respect to the embodiment in.

While the embodiment ofis described and shown with light pipes integrally formed on capsule, it is understood that the embodiment ofmay have separate light pipes as shown and described above with respect to. In a further example, instead of being formed on a separate ring, the light pipesand/ormay be integrally formed on the capsulein the embodiment of. Light pipes integrally formed on the capsule may have an advantage that they are able to better withstand the hydrostatic forces generated during the gluing process explained below, so that they do not get pushed out of the holesand channels.

In embodiments described thus far, subcomponents described are top and bottom halves of the hockey puck.illustrate a further embodiment of the hockey puckincluding a subcomponentcomprising the bottom portion of the puck. Subcomponentcomprises a larger piece, e.g., a base, and includes the bottom surface of the puck, the rounded circumferential edge of the puck, and a portion of the top surface of the puck. Subcomponentcomprises a smaller piece, e.g., a cover, filling in the remainder of the top surface of puck. The edges of the cover and bottom portion of the puck abut with a toothed design. Thus, where the embodiments ofhave a lip (embossed seam) in the puckaround rounded circumferential edge of the puck, the embodiment ofhave a seam on the top planar surface of the puck (or on the bottom planar surface where the subcomponents,are switched).

In the embodiment of, the signal transmitterincludes axial diodesandon top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of PCB. The subcomponentincludes an openingfor receiving signal transmitter. Openingmay have circumferential edges defined by channelsand. The channelsreceive and mate with the downwardly extending diodes. The bottom portionof channelsis open to the exterior surface of the puckso that electromagnetic radiation from diodesmay be omitted from a bottom surface of the puck.

The channelsreceive and mate with the upwardly extending diodes. A bottom portionof the channelsmay be sealed. The subcomponent, referred to hereinafter as cover, includes a number of axial recessesand axial protrusionsaround its outer circumference. The recessesalign with channelsand, together with the channels, enclose the upwardly extending diodesalong their lengths when coveris sealed within the opening. The recessesand channelsare open at an upper surface of the puckto allow emission of electromagnetic radiation from diodesat the upper surface, as shown in the top view of puckin.

The protrusionsalign with and fill channels. As shown in the cross-sectional view of, when the coveris sealed within the opening, the protrusionsaxially align over the diodesand seal the channelsabove the diodes

are edge and perspective views of subcomponent configurations according to a variety of alternative embodiments.illustrate subcomponents,which form a seam extending to a top portion of the puckand around a circumferential edge of the hockey puck.

illustrate embodiments of subcomponents,forming puckis similar to those described above the respect to, but the spacing of the different sections forming the vertical walls at an interface between subcomponents,is slightly different.

illustrate embodiments of subcomponents,forming a seam on upper surface of the hockey puck. In this embodiment, the upper subcomponentincludes an interior facing flangethat seats against a surfacein the lower subcomponent. The embodiments of the puckofare similar to that of, but the lower subcomponentincludes elongated holeswhich taper toward a bottom surface of the subcomponentand away from upper subcomponent.

illustrate an embodiment of a subcomponentincluding a lipwhich snaps into an annular spacein the subcomponentupon mating of the subcomponents,in puck.

illustrate an embodiment of subcomponents,forming a seam around the circumferential edge of the hockey puck. In this embodiment, the upper subcomponentis formed with downwardly-extending saw-tooth protrusions defined by vertical edges. These protrusions mate with upwardly-extending saw-tooth protrusions in the lower subcomponentto form interleaved finger joints that make full surface contact between adjacent protrusions. The protrusions are tapered so that the edges that contact adjacent protrusions align along a radius of the puck, such that each protrusion is wider towards an exterior of the first and second subcomponents and narrower towards an interior of the first and second subcomponents, and wherein an interior end of each protrusion is curved.