WO2016190839A1

WO2016190839A1 - Surface marking system for competitive throwing and training

Info

Publication number: WO2016190839A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/032132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lawrence Joseph HUDACK III
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-05-22
Filing date: 2015-05-22
Publication date: 2016-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2017-11-22

Abstract

Improvements in a marking system for use with competitively thrown objects such as discuses, shot puts, hammers and javelins. The marking system has a cavity which contains a marking agent which is automatically deposited from the cavity onto the ground when the thrown object hits the ground. The marking system is for competitive throwing and training to provide a system by the use of which the point of impact of a first object with a second object can be accurately, precisely, efficiently, durably, safely, and accountably marked on the second object by a marking agent born with the first object. The delivery mechanism can be implemented with various impacting objects including but not limited to discus, shot puts, hammers and javelins. This can be implemented in multiple fashions with each impacting object, including but not limited to centrally, radially, and circumferentially.

Description

INVENTION TITLE

Surface Marking System for Competitive Throwing and Training

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[Para l ] Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[Para 2] This invention relates to improvements in a system and method for determining the point of impact of an object.

BACKGROUND ART

[Para 3] Track and field athletes participating in throwing events such as discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw, and shot put compete by throwing objects as far as they can in a desired direction. In such a throwing event, particularly one with small variations between the performances of the competitors, there is a desire for maximal accuracy, precision, efficiency and accountability in methods of determining the point of impact of the thrown objects.

[Para 4] Currently, at many levels of competition, the distance travelled of a thrown object is measured between a reference thrower position and a spotter marked point. The spotter marked point being determined by visual spotting by a spotter of the impact of the thrown object with the ground and placement of a marker by the spotter at the spotted point of impact. The performance of this spot and mark measurement method is limited by the ability of the spotter to accurately, precisely, efficiently, and accountably mark the point of impact while maintaining the safety of the spotter.

[Para 5] Currently, when a throwing competitor wishes to train at its event(s), it is reliant upon a spotter to help it determi ne the length of its throws. Without the help of a spotter the thrower has great difficulty in efficiently evaluating the caliber of each of its throws.

[Para 6] Efficient and reliable determination of the point of impact can be made further difficult by other aspects of the throwing event. Many throwing events are held on modern synthetic playfields on which thrown objects may leave little physical marks on the playfield surface. The location of spotter marks may be perturbed by further throws into the same space. The spotters and throwers must also be careful to ensure that the safety of the spotter is maintained during the spotting process. [Para 7] It will be appreciated that there is a need for improvement from the spot and mark method in throwing competitions inside and outside of the sport of track and field as well as in other systems in which a point of impact of one object with another is to be determined accurately, precisely, efficiently and accountably.

[Para 8] A number of patents and or publications have been made to address these issues. Exemplary examples of patents and or publication that try to address this /these problem(s) are identified and discussed below.

[Para 9] U.S. Patent Number 7,604,556 issued October 20, 1 999 to John Douglas Witzigreuter discloses a Chalk Marking Projectile. This projectile only allows marking when the projecti le makes contact with the front of the projectile. There is no marking system for the projecti le when the projectile lands on the side or back of an object being thrown.

[Para 10] U.S. Patent Number 4,637,61 6 issued January 20, 1 987 to Carolyn C. Whiting discloses a Marking Projectile. The marking projectile is a ball with an internal core and holes placed around the projectile. The holes allow transfer from the core through the holes to the outside of the ball. This patent does not disclose a marking system for an object that tends to fly in an oriented manner.

[Para 1 1 ] U.S. Patent Number 3 , 1 90,654 issued on June 22, 1 965 discloses a Target Hit- Indicati ng Game. While this marking system operates with an oriented projectile, the projectile only marks when the front of the projectile makes contact with the target. There is no marking system for the projectile when the projectile lands on the side or back of an object being thrown.

[Para 12] What is needed is a marking system integrated into a thrown athletic article with a tamper indicator that identifies that the thrown object has been tampered . The marking system disclosed in this document provides a solution that allows the thrown object to mark initial impact from multiple sides of the thrown object.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 3] It is an object of the surface marking system for competitive throwing and training to be capable of being thrown, launched, projected or otherwise caused to impact (hereinafter thrown) a second object, has one or more cavities for storing a marking agent and a marking agent within the one or more cavities. The cavities having an orifice through which the marking agent may pass and be deposited onto the second object upon impact of the first object with the second object.

[Para 14] It is another object of the surface marking system for competitive throwing and training to provide a system by the use of which the point of impact of a first object with a second object can be accurately, precisely, efficiently, durably, safely, and accountably marked on the second object by a marking agent born with the first object.

[Para 1 5] It is another object of the surface marking system for competitive throwing and training to provide a marking agent delivery mechanism which may be implemented with various impacting objects including but not limited to discus, shot puts, hammers and javelins.

[Para 16] It is another object of the surface marking system for competitive throwing and training to be capable of being implemented in multiple fashions with each impacting object, including but not limited to centrally, radially, and circumferentially.

[Para 1 7] In yet another object of the surface marking system for competitive throwing and training to permit the use of varying marking agents so as to permit specific choice of marking agent to suit the marking object, to suit the object to be marked, to indicate an aspect of the thrower, and/or for aesthetic or other purposes. [Para 1 8] It is still another object of the surface marking system for competitive throwing and training to provide a means of accurately, precisely, efficiently, durably, safely and accountably marking the point of impact of the object.

[Para 19] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[Para 20] FIG. l is a perspective view of an embodiment of a discus.

[Para 21 ] FIG. 2 is a partial section view of the discus of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.

[Para 22] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the discus of FIG. 1 .

[Para 23] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a lower portion of a discuss with a tamper indicator.

[Para 24] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the discuss from figure 4 in process of the tamper indicator being installed.

[Para 25] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the discuss from figures 4 and 5 with the tamper indicator installed.

[Para 26] FIG. 7 is perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a shot put.

[Para 27] FIG. 8 is perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a javelin.

[Para 28] FIG. 9 is perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a hammer.

[Para 29] FIG. l O is a perspective view of a pouch/bag which may contain the marking agent for easy insertion into the thrown object 1 0.

[Para 30] FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of a tool for removing the cap 1 4.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[Para 31 REFERENCE NUMERALS

[Para 32] 1 0 thrown object 1 2 discus 1 4 cap

[Para 33] 1 6 screen 1 8 marking material cavity 20 shot put

[Para 34] 22 filler plug 24 javelin 26 filler plug

[Para 35] 28 marking material 30 marking material pouch top

[Para 36] arking material pouch body

[Para 37] 33 lower discuss housing

[Para 38] 34 twist cap removal tool teeth 35 recess

[Para 39] 36 twist cap removal tool handle

[Para 40] 38 pouch 40 cap removal tool

[Para 41 42 cap removal tool insert holes 44 hammer

[Para 42] 49 hub 51 "C" clip 52 "C" clip holes

[Para 43] 58 tamper tape 59 tamper wire 60 flange

[Para 44] 61 threads 62 "C" clip recess [Para 45] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI MENTS

[Para 46] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

[Para 47] A first preferred embodiment is shown in figures 1 - 3 that shows a thrown object 1 0. This thrown object is a substantially lenticular disc or discus 1 2 comprising one or more cavities 1 8. The cavities 1 8 may alternatively be circumferential or central to the object 1 0. The internal cavity provides storage for marking material that can pass from the interior of the cavity to the outside of the cavity when the thrown object comes into contact with the ground. Because the first point of contact of the thrown object with the ground is the point measured by officials, the discus 1 2 can come into contact with either the top or bottom surface or an outer edge. Because the first point of contact can be the outer edge the reservoir further extends to the outer edge of the thrown object.

[Para 48] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a lower portion of a discuss 33 with a tamper indicator. The tamper indicator is a hub 49 that fits into one side of the discuss housing 33 and is retained by a "C" that fits into a recess groove 62 in the hub 49. The hub 49 has a flange 60 that prevents the hub from passing through the hole 37 in the lower portion of a discuss 33. Once the "C" clip is installed into the recess groove 62 in the hub, the "C" clip 51 prevents the hub 49 from passing through the hole 37. A plurality of holes 52 in the "C" clip 51 is a first level of protection to ensure that the discuss has not been tampered.

[Para 49] Holes 42 allow a user to use a tool (shown and described in figure 1 1 to screw an opposing cap 1 4 (Shown in figure 3) onto threads 61 to retain the discuss together. Once the hub 49 has been inserted into the lower portion of a discuss 33, a wire or similar mechanism is passed through the holes 52 in the "C" clip 51 and the "C" clip 51 is installed into the hub 49 as shown in figure 5. [Para 50] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the discuss from figure 4 in process of the tamper indicator being installed. The free ends of the wire 59 are shown passing through the holes in the "C" clip 51 . The wires 59 are twisted together and then a tamper indicating tape 58 is placed over the twisted wires 59 as shown in the following figure.

[Para 51 ] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the discuss from figures 4 and 5 with the tamper indicator installed. This figure shows the wires 59 twisted together on the hub 49 and then covered with a tamper indicati ng tape 58. The rim 32 and the opposing housing 30 is installed onto the hub 49. Marking material can then be added into the interior cavity 28 of the hub 49. The cap 1 4 is then placed and threaded onto the hub 49 where the cap 1 4 fits into recess 35. The tool shown in figure 1 1 is used to tighten the cap 1 4 using spanner holes 42. The screen 1 6 is located both on the top of the discuss and on the bottom side of the hub 49 to mark an impact on either opposing surface of the discuss.

[Para 52] Another preferred embodiment of a thrown object 1 0 is shown in figure 7 as a substantially spherical 20 object that com prises one or more cavities 1 8. The cavities 1 8 may alternatively be radial or circumferential to the object in the shape of a band. The object 1 0 may alternatively comprise an attached rigid or flexible handle. Because this object can land on any side of the thrown object 1 0 the object has markings on opposing sides and as a band around the thrown object.

[Para 53] Still another preferred embodiment is shown in figure 8 as thrown object 1 0 configured as an elongated shaft 24 havi ng an end suitable for impacting a second object or the ground. The elongated shaft 24 may comprise one or more cavities 1 8 within the impact suitable end or along the extended length of the thrown object that allows for marking if the thrown object 1 0 lands flat on one side or on the tail end of the elongated shaft 24. [Para 54] Still another preferred embodiment is shown in figure 9 as thrown object 1 0 configured as a hammer 44 that comprises one or more cavities 1 8. The cavities 1 8 may alternatively be radial or circumferential to the object. The object is attached rigid or flexible handle. Because this object 1 0 can land on any side of the thrown object 1 0 the object has markings on opposing sides and as a band around the thrown object.

[Para 55] Each cavity 1 8 is capable of containing a marking agent 28 and is externally communicable with the periphery of the object through one or more orifices of the cavity 1 8. Alternatively, each cavity 1 8 may be capable of accepting one or more reservoirs capable of containing the marking agent 28. The one or more reservoirs are capable of being removably or irremovably affixed to the object 1 0. The one or more reservoirs are also externally communicable with the periphery the object 1 0 through the orifices of the one or more cavities 1 8 that they occupy.

[Para 56] Each orifice of each cavity 1 8 and each reservoir is capable of being removably and irremovably capped by permeable and impermeable caps 1 4, 22, and 26. The impermeable caps 22 and 26 are capable of preventing the marking agent 28 from leaving the cavities 1 8 or reservoirs through the orifices of the reservoirs or cavities 1 8 that they cap. The permeable caps 1 4 are also capable of preventing the marking agent 28 from leaving the reservoirs or cavities 1 8 that they cap. The permeable caps 1 4 are additionally capable of permitting the passing of the marking agent 28 through one or more of the reservoir and/or cavity 1 8 orifices, out of the object 1 0 and onto a second object onto which the thrown object 1 0 has impacted. Transmittal of the marking agent 28 through the permeable caps 1 4 may be by means of a screen 1 6. The one or more removable caps 1 4, 22, and 26 may have cap removal tool insert holes 42 with which the cap removal tool teeth 34 of cap removal tool 40 can engage to facilitate removal of the one or more caps by manipulation of the cap removal tool handle 36 with the tool shown in figure 1 1 .

[Para 57] In another embodiment one or more caps 1 4 and or one or more screens 1 6 may be integral to the thrown object 1 0.

[Para 58] Each cavity 1 8 and reservoir is additionally capable of accepting a marking agent containing vessel, such as a pouch 38 shown in figure 1 0 having a pouch top 30 and a pouch body 32, by which marking agent may be introduced into the cavity 1 8 and /or reservoir. Marking agent may also be introduced into a cavity 1 8 or reservoir by means of a syringe.

[Para 59] In alternative embodiments the marking agent may comprise flour, chalk, paint, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, Epsom salts, sand, liquid marking agents and another composition of matter suitable for marking an object when it comes into contact with the object.

[Para 60] Although some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as a discus 1 2, a shot put 20, a javelin 24 and a hammer 44, it should be known by those skilled in the art that the inventive system may be implemented on many other thrown objects,

competitively thrown or otherwise.

[Para 61 ] Thus, specific embodiments of a marking system for a thrown object have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[Para 62] The industrial applicability relates to athletic equipment that is thrown by an athlete. The equipment includes a marking system that allows the thrown athletic equipment to mark the point of initial impact or landing.

Claims

CLAIM OR CLAIMS

[Claim 1 ] A marking discus comprising: a discus body; the discus body having at least one cavity within the discus body; said at least one cavity having a marking agent disposed inside the at least one cavity wherein; said marking cavity being within a central hub; said central hub having a lower flange; said central hub having a recessed grove that is parallel to said lower flange; said recessed groove for a "C" clip; a "C" clip that fits into said recessed groove thereby retaining said central hub on a portion of said discuss body; said "C" clip further having two holes; a section of wire that passes through said two holes; said wire being twisted and brought near said hub; a sections of tamper indicating tape holding said twisted wire against said hub, and whereby the at least one cavity is configured to transfer the marking agent from within the at least one cavity to the periphery of the body, or to the top surface or to the bottom surface of the discus upon impact of the marking discus with another object.

[Claim 2] The marking discus of claim 1 further includes a cap portion that covers the at least one cavity.

[Claim 3] The marking discus of claim 2 wherein the cap portion that is removable.

[Claim 4] The marking discus of claim 2 wherein the cap portion comprises a threaded portion.

[Claim 5] The marking discus of claim 4 that further requires a tool to separate said cap portion from said central hub.

[Claim 6] The marking discus of claim 2 wherein the cap portion comprises a screen.

[Claim 7] The marking discus of claim 6 wherein the screen allows transfer of the

marking agent through the screen.

[Claim 8] The marking discus of claim 1 wherein the marking agent is a substance

selected from a group consisting of at least one of flour, chalk, paint, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, Epsom salts and sand.

[Claim 9] The marking discus of claim 1 wherein said tamper tape indicates that said

tamper tape has been disturbed.

[Claim 1 0] The marking discus of claim 9 wherein said tamper tape indicates that said twisted section of wire has been disturbed.

[Claim 1 1 ] The marking discus of claim 9 wherein said tamper tape indicates that said "C" clip has been removed.

[Claim 1 2] The marking discus of claim 1 wherein further includes an upper cap that threads onto said central hub.

[Claim 1 3] The marking discus of claim 1 wherein said central hub is removable from said discuss body by removal of said twisted section of wire and by removal of said "C" clip. [Claim 1 4] The marking discus of claim 1 that further includes a weighted rim.

[Claim 1 5] The marking discus of claim 1 wherein said weighed rim further include a marking agent.