Priority Documents

[0001] The present invention claims priority from Australian Provisional Application No. 2016902554 titled "TETHERBALL APPARATUS" and filed on 29 June 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a tetherball apparatus in which a tennis ball, soccer ball, volleyball, baseball or the like is tethered to a pole.

Description of the Prior Art

[0003] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0004] Tetherball (also known as swingball) is a game typically played by one or more players in which a tethered ball is hit around a vertical pole from which it is tethered. Typically, a coil or spring guide in a spiral or helical configuration is arranged about the top of the pole and a tether cord is coupled to the coil so as to move up or down the coil in response to the ball being hit in a particular direction. The object of the game is often for one player to be first to cause the tether or other attachment mechanism to move either to the top or bottom of the guide.

[0005] Tetherball apparatus are typically very simple in construction consisting of little more than a pole, coil, tether cord and ball. The connection of the tether cord to the pole is often flexible and as a result it can be difficult to control the trajectory of the ball such that the ball is unpredictable in flight and somewhat difficult to hit. [0006] Furthermore, in other variations of the game, the object may be for a player to be the first to wind the ball around the pole so that all of the tether is used up and the ball ends up stationary adjacent to the pole. With such apparatus, the ball must be continuously unwound from the pole to restart the game.

[0007] Whilst concentrating on hitting the ball, it is also often difficult for players to pay attention to the position of the tether in relation to the coil or spring to know if they have won the game or how close they are to winning.

[0008] For example, US 8,182,371 describes a tether tennis game apparatus which includes a hollow pole that has a helix formation extending externally therefrom along an operative top segment of the pole. The helix formation defines a helical guide path within which a loop formation, that is formed at one end of a flexible line which has a ball connected at its other end and that can be located around the pole, is displaceable. An indicator arrangement including an elongate indicator element, located for axial displacement within the pole, and a trigger arrangement is operable on the pole to indicate a winner of a game played with the apparatus and which occurs when the loop formation, at the end of a flexible line, reaches an end of the helical guide path.

[0009] It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

Summary of the Present Invention

[0010] In one broad form, the present invention seeks to provide a tetherball apparatus, including:

a) an upright support post;

b) a head assembly coupled to an upper portion of the support post; and,

c) a pivot arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the head assembly and a second end coupled to a flexible line that is attached to a ball at a free end thereof, the pivot arm having a fixed height relative to the support post and at least a portion of the pivot arm extending above the head assembly, and wherein, the pivot arm is configured to rotate relative to the support post in response to a user striking the ball.

[0011] Typically, a first portion of the pivot arm extends in a direction of elongation of the support post and a second portion of the pivot arm extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the support post.

[0012] Typically, the pivot arm is an L-shaped member.

[0013] Typically, the first portion of the pivot arm defines an axis of rotation coincident with a longitudinal axis of the support post.

[0014] Typically, the pivot arm is substantially rigid.

[0015] Typically, the support post is anchored to a base that is one of:

a) filled with a ballast material; and,

b) inserted into a ground surface.

[0016] Typically, the support post is extensible to allow a user to adjust the height of the post.

[0017] Typically, the head assembly is substantially water resistant.

[0018] Typically, the tetherball apparatus further includes a connector for coupling the pivot arm to the flexible line, the connector including a first receptacle for receiving the second end of the pivot arm and a second receptacle for receiving a fixed end of the line.

[0019] Typically, the head assembly defines a casing which houses at least one electronic sensor for measuring an indication of one or more parameters of the ball.

[0020] Typically, the one or more parameters of the ball include at least one of:

a) a position of the ball;

b) a speed of the ball;

c) an acceleration of the ball; and,

d) a direction of rotation of the ball. [0021] Typically, the at least one electronic sensor includes a rotation sensing device that is rotatably coupled to the pivot arm.

[0022] Typically, the head assembly further includes:

a) a pivot mount fixed with respect to the casing; and,

b) a pivot head rotatably coupled to the pivot mount, wherein the pivot arm and a shaft of the rotation sensing device are fixedly secured to the pivot head for rotation therewith.

[0023] Typically, the tetherball apparatus further includes at least one electronic processing device configured to:

a) determine from the at least one electronic sensor, signals indicative of the one or more parameters of the ball; and,

b) process the signals to determine the one or more parameters of the ball.

[0024] Typically, the at least one electronic processing device is further configured to:

a) generate a representation of the one or more parameters of the ball; and, b) cause the representation to be displayed on a display.

[0025] Typically, the tetherball apparatus further includes at least one display for displaying the representation of the one or more parameters of the ball.

[0026] Typically, the at least one display is one of:

a) integrated with the head assembly; and,

b) provided on a user client device that is mounted to the apparatus.

[0027] Typically, the at least one electronic processing device is further configured to:

a) determine one or more game play parameters;

b) generate a representation of the one or more game play parameters; and, c) cause the one or more game play parameters to be displayed on the at least one display.

[0028] Typically, the one or more game play parameters include: a) a player indication;

b) a time indication;

c) a game score indication;

d) a game status indication;,

e) a game result indication; and,

f) a ball speed indication.

[0029] Typically, the at least one display is one of:

a) a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD);

b) a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display;

c) an Organic Liquid Crystal Display (OLCD);

d) an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display; and,

e) an Electronic Ink (E-ink) display.

[0030] Typically, the tetherball apparatus further includes at least one speaker and wherein the at least one electronic processing device is configured to cause the at least one speaker to output a pre-recorded audible sound in response to at least one of:

a) determining the one or more parameters of the ball; and,

b) determining the one or more game play parameters.

[0031] Typically, the head assembly further includes a control panel providing a user interface for receiving input commands.

[0032] Typically, one or more electronic components of the apparatus are powered by at least one of:

a) batteries;

b) solar power; and,

c) power generated through rotation of the pivot arm as the user strikes the ball.

[0033] Typically, the apparatus includes at least one electronic processing device configured to:

a) determine from at least one remotely located sensor, signals indicative of at least one of: i) one or more parameters of the ball; and,

ii) one of more parameters associated with a swing of a user's arm or leg; and, b) process the signals to determine the one or more parameters of the ball or swing.

[0034] Typically, the at least one remotely located sensor is a wearable sensor.

[0035] In another broad form, the present invention seeks to provide an interactive system for a tetherball apparatus having an upright support post, a head assembly coupled to an upper portion of the support post, and, a pivot arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the head assembly and a second end coupled to a flexible line that is attached to a ball at a free end thereof, the interactive system including at least one electronic processing device configured to:

a) determine from at least one electronic sensor, signals indicative of at least one of: i) one or more parameters of the ball; and,

ii) one of more parameters associated with a swing of a user's arm or leg;

b) process the signals to determine at least one of:

i) the one or more parameters of the ball or swing; and,

ii) one or more game play parameters; and,

c) in response to determining the one or more parameters of the ball, swing or gameplay, at least one of:

i) cause at least one speaker to output a pre-recorded audible sound to a user; and, ii) generate a representation of the one or more parameters of the ball, swing or gameplay and cause the representation to be displayed on at least one display.

[0036] Typically, the at least one electronic processing device is responsive to user input commands received from a user interface to perform an action.

[0037] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction, interchangeably and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms in not intended to be limiting. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] A non-limiting example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0039] Figure 1 A is a perspective view of an example of a tetherball apparatus;

[0040] Figure IB is a side view of the tetherball apparatus shown in Figure 1 A;

[0041] Figure 1C is a top view of the tetherball apparatus shown in Figure 1 A;

[0042] Figure 2A is a detailed perspective view of a head assembly of the tetherball apparatus of Figure 1A;

[0043] Figure 2B is an exploded view of the head assembly of Figure 2A;

[0044] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the head assembly taken through line A-A of

Figure 2A;

[0045] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the head assembly taken through line B-B of Figure 2A;

[0046] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the base of the tetherball apparatus of Figure 1A;

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of an interactive system for a tetherball apparatus;

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of a user client device of Figure 5;

[0049] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a further example of a tetherball apparatus;

[0050] Figure 7B is an exploded side view of the base assembly of the tetherball apparatus of Figure 7A;

[0051] Figure 7C is a perspective view of a base of the base assembly shown in Figure 7A;

[0052] Figure 7D is a partially transparent exploded side view of a lid and base of the base assembly of Figure 7 A;

[0053] Figure 8A is a perspective view of a another example of a tetherball apparatus;

[0054] Figure 8B is an exploded side view of the base assembly of the tetherball apparatus of Figure 8A;

[0055] Figure 8C is a perspective view of a base of the base assembly shown in Figure 8A; and,

[0056] Figure 8D is a partially transparent exploded side view of a lid and base of the base assembly of Figure 8 A. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0057] An example of a tetherball apparatus 100 will now be described with reference to Figures lA to 1C.

[0058] In this example, the apparatus 100 includes an upright support post 110, a head assembly 120 coupled to an upper portion of the support post 110, and a pivot arm 130 having a first end 136 rotatably coupled to the head assembly 120 and a second end 138 coupled to a flexible line 140 that is attached to a ball 10 at a free end thereof. The pivot arm 130 has a fixed height relative to the support post 110 and at least a portion of the pivot arm 130 extends above the head assembly 120. The flexible line 140 may for example be a length of string, cord, rope or any other suitable element. In use, a user or player hits the ball, for example with a racquet, bat or hand which causes the ball 10 to swing around the support post 110. In a particular example, the apparatus 100 is a tether tennis or swing tennis apparatus in which a player hits a tennis ball about the post with a racquet.

[0059] The pivot arm 130 is configured to rotate relative to the support post 110 in response to a user striking the ball 10. In this way, the pivot arm 130 has a rotational degree of freedom whilst being fixed in respect of translational movement.

[0060] The above described arrangement provides a number of advantages.

[0061] Firstly, the coupling between the pivot arm and the head assembly provides, in effect, a fixed pivot point about which the ball rotates or swings. This combined with at least a portion of the pivot arm extending above the head assembly provides a stable platform for the ball to swing which may improve ball control and help to ensure that the flight path of the ball is substantially above the support post. This limits the likelihood of the ball wrapping around the post and thereby provides improved gameplay and a better user experience. The above described apparatus further eliminates the need for a coil or spring mechanism in which the tether moves up and down as in prior art designs.

[0062] A number of further features shall now be described. [0063] In one example, a first portion of the pivot arm extends in a direction of elongation of the support post and a second portion of the pivot arm extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the support post. In such an arrangement, the pivot arm is L-shaped and configured so that the second portion (which is coupled to the flexible line and ball) is substantially horizontal which assists in keeping the trajectory of the ball above the head assembly of the apparatus. In this regard, the pivot arm is typically a substantially rigid member that provides little flex during use of the apparatus.

[0064] Typically, the first portion of the pivot arm defines an axis of rotation coincident with a longitudinal axis of the support post which may enhance stability of the apparatus and assist in evenly balancing weight about the support post.

[0065] The support post is typically upstanding from a ground surface and this can be achieved in any suitable manner. In one example, the support post is anchored to a base that may be filled with a ballast material. Any suitable ballast material may be used such as water, sand, dirt, rocks, etc. A ballast filled base may advantageously enable the apparatus to be used on a hard surface such as concrete. In another example, the support post is anchored to a base that is inserted into the ground. In this regard, the base may be adapted to include a screw or spike that can be driven into the ground surface (such as lawn, sand, dirt etc.)

[0066] Typically, the support post is extensible to allow a user to adjust the height of the post in order to suit the user or player which could be a child or an adult.

[0067] The head assembly is preferably substantially water resistant. In one example it may include an enclosed water-proof housing, which is advantageous for examples in which the head assembly houses electronics and the like for processing various parameters of the ball and/or gameplay as will be discussed in further detail below. Alternatively, a water-proof solution may be applied to the head assembly in order to give it water resistant properties.

[0068] The flexible line may be coupled to the pivot arm in any suitable manner and in one example, the coupling is achieved via a connector that includes a first receptacle for receiving the second end of the pivot arm and a second receptacle for receiving a fixed end of the line. The connector may be a single piece element or alternatively it could be formed in two parts that engage together. In respect of the latter, a first part of the connector could be fixed to the pivot arm whilst the second part of the connector could be fixed to the end of the line and ball such that during assembly of the device a user only needs to screw the respective parts of the connector together in order to couple the line to the pivot arm.

[0069] Typically, the head assembly defines a casing which houses at least one electronic sensor for measuring an indication of one or more parameters of the ball. For example, one or more parameters of the ball that may be measured include position, speed, acceleration or direction of rotation. These parameters may be measured for various purposes including for example to provide feedback to a user/player during a game or to provide an indication of gameplay such as game score and the like.

[0070] In one example, the at least one electronic sensor includes a rotation sensing device such as a rotary encoder (e.g. an incremental encoder) that is rotatably coupled to the pivot arm. In this regard, the head assembly typically includes a pivot mount fixed with respect to the casing and a pivot head rotatably coupled to the pivot mount, wherein the pivot arm and a shaft of the rotation sensing device are fixedly engaged with the pivot head for rotation therewith. In this way, as a player strikes the ball and causes the pivot arm to rotate, the shaft of the rotation sensing device will also rotate and signals will be generated indicative of the one or more parameters of the ball.

[0071] The apparatus will typically also include at least one electronic processing device configured to determine from the at least one electronic sensor, signals indicative of the one or more parameters of the ball, and process the signals to determine the one or more parameters of the ball. In one example, the processing device is a microprocessor, however any suitable processing device may be used and in some examples, sensor data may be transmitted wirelessly from the apparatus to a remote processing device.

[0072] Typically, the at least one electronic processing device is further configured to generate a representation of the one or more parameters of the ball and cause the representation to be displayed on a display. The apparatus may be provided with one or more displays for displaying the representation to a user. In this regard, the tetherball apparatus may be a digital apparatus capable of interacting with a user and providing a display of various ball and/or game play parameters to a user. The ability to digitally display information to a user is particularly useful for an apparatus without a spring mechanism which has traditionally been used to indicate when a player has won the game. In this example, scores may be displayed on a display (and possibly combined with audio sounds) to indicate when a player has won a game or achieved an objective.

[0073] The at least one display is typically integrated with the head assembly, however in other examples, a user client device (such as a mobile phone) may be attached to the head assembly (or separately mounted to any other part of the apparatus such as the support post) and used to display information to the user. For a display integrated with the head assembly any suitable display technology may be used, including for instance, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Liquid Crystal Display (OLCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display or an Electronic Ink (E-ink) display.

[0074] As previously mentioned, the at least one electronic processing device may be further configured to determine one or more game play parameters, generate a representation of the one or more game play parameters and, cause the one or more game play parameters to be displayed on the at least one display. Various game play parameters may be determined including for instance, a player indication, a time indication, a game score indication, a game status indication, a ball speed indication and, a game result indication.

[0075] In addition to a visual display, in one example, the apparatus may further include at least one speaker and the at least one electronic processing device may be configured to cause the at least one speaker to output a pre-recorded audible sound in response to at least one of determining the one or more parameters of the ball or game play parameters. The sounds may confirm the information provided on the digital display, may provide a player cue (such as when the game is about to start) or may provide interactive noises to create excitement or ambience such as crowd cheering or the like. A simple electronic sound such as a buzzer may also be provided. [0076] Typically, the head assembly will further include a control panel providing a user interface for receiving input commands. The control panel may include buttons or knobs or alternatively a capacitive touch screen could be provided.

[0077] The electronic components of the apparatus may be powered by any suitable source, including for instance batteries, solar panels or power generated through rotation of the pivot arm as the user strikes the ball.

[0078] Whilst typically the at least one electronic sensor is integrated with the head assembly, in other examples the sensor may be remotely located from the apparatus. For example, the sensor may be a wearable sensor such as a wristband or a sensor attached to an instrument such as a racquet or bat. In such an example, the at least one electronic processing device may be configured to determine from the at least one remotely located sensor, signals indicative of at least one of one or more parameters of the ball and, one of more parameters associated with a swing of a user's arm or leg and, process the signals to determine the one or more parameters of the ball or swing.

[0079] In a broad form, there may be provided an interactive system for a tetherball apparatus having an upright support post, a head assembly coupled to an upper portion of the support post, and, a pivot arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the head assembly and a second end coupled to a flexible line that is attached to a ball at a free end thereof, the interactive system including at least one electronic processing device configured to determine from at least one electronic sensor, signals indicative of at least one of one or more parameters of the ball one of more parameters associated with a swing of a user's arm or leg, and process the signals to determine at least one of the one or more parameters of the ball or swing and one or more game play parameters. In response to determining the one or more parameters of the ball, swing or gameplay, the at least one electronic processing device is further configured to cause at least one speaker to output a pre-recorded audible sound to a user; and, generate a representation of the one or more parameters of the ball, swing or gameplay and cause the representation to be displayed on at least one display. In such a system, information may be displayed visually and/or communicated audibly to a player to enhance gameplay and interaction with the tetherball apparatus. [0080] Referring now to Figures 2A-3B, the head assembly 120 of the tetherball apparatus 100 shall be described in further detail.

[0081] In this example, the head assembly 120 is designed to house the electronic components of the apparatus that enable various parameters of the ball 10 to be monitored. The electronic components, including for example a rotary encoder 224, microprocessor 225 and display wiring 226 are mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 220 which is located on a mount or frame 208. A portion of the frame 208 is seated onto the top of the support post 110 as shown for example in Figure 3 A.

[0082] A post or tube mount 210 having a hollow interior is slidably located around the support post 110 part way down from the top thereof. The post mount 210 terminates at a lower portion having a plurality of resilient finger members 214 that are pushed outward slightly as the post mount 210 is engaged over the post 110. At an opposing end, the post mount 210 has a plurality of hollow lugs 213 that engage with corresponding lugs that downwardly depend from the frame 208. The post mount 210 further has a threaded portion 212 for engagement with a lock nut 206 that screws onto the post mount 210. As the nut 206 is tightened, the resilient finger members 214 are squeezed inward to thereby clamp against the support post 110 which tightens the assembly together.

[0083] As shown most clearly in Figure 3A, the pivot arm 130 includes a first portion 132 which is vertically disposed and substantially coaxially aligned with a longitudinal axis L-L of the support post 110. A second portion 134 extends in a substantially horizontal orientation (orthogonal to axis L-L) and is disposed above the head assembly 120. The second portion 134 has an end 138 that terminates in a first receiving portion 162 of a connector 160. An end of the flexible line 140 is adapted to terminate in a second receiving portion 164 of the connector 160. In the example shown, the connector 160 has a two part construction in which a first part is threadedly engaged with a second part to thereby couple the flexible line 140 to the pivot arm 130.

[0084] The first portion 132 of the pivot arm 130 terminates at end 136 and is fixedly engaged into an aperture 244 downwardly extending from a top surface of a pivot head 240. The locking or fixed engagement may be achieved by any suitable means including for example by one or more protrusions that locate into notched or grooved surfaces in either component.

[0085] The pivot head 240 is rotatably coupled to a pivot mount 230 having downwardly extending lugs that are located onto and engage with corresponding lugs that upwardly depend from the frame 208. The pivot head 240 is able to freely rotate relative to the pivot mount 230 via a pair of spaced apart bearings 252, 254 that are disposed between the pivot head 240 and pivot mount 230. In this way, when the ball is struck, the pivot arm 130 and pivot head 240 freely rotate within the pivot mount 230.

[0086] The pivot head 240 further includes an aperture 242 that upwardly extends from a lower surface thereof for receiving the shaft of the rotary encoder 224. The shaft of the encoder 224 is also fixedly engaged with the pivot head 240 for rotation therewith. This engagement ensures that the pivot arm 130 is rotatably coupled to the rotary encoder 224 so that as the ball 10 swings around the support post 110, the shaft of the encoder 224 rotates and signals indicative of the one or more parameter of the ball 10 are measured and processed by the microprocessor 225.

[0087] The frame 208 for mounting the PCB 220 further includes mounting provision for a power supply such as batteries 260 which may be inserted as shown in Figure 3A and concealed by a respective cover 262.

[0088] In the example shown, the head assembly 120 also includes a pair of digital displays 270 mounted about opposing sides of the head assembly 120 to provide visual information and feedback of performance to each player of the game. Any suitable form of digital display may be provided including for example, LCD, LED, OLED or E-ink. In the example shown in Figure 3B, a digital display 270 is mounted in a display receiving portion 208.1 of the frame 208 and connected to the display wiring 226 from the PCB 220. A printed membrane 274 (for example having symbols, numbers etc. etched into it) may overlay the display 270 along with one or more control buttons 272 that a user can touch in order to control certain functions of the apparatus or gameplay. A cover 276 such as a thin transparent glass sheet or cover made from a polycarbonate non-breakable material may also be fitted to the exterior of the head assembly 120 in front of the display so as to provide protection for the display and prevent it from being scratched or exposed to water or dust ingress.

[0089] Finally, the head assembly 120 includes a casing including an upper and lower shell 202, 204 that abut and conform around the battery covers, display portions, pivot head and post mount of the head assembly 120. In this example, each shell segment 202, 204 is substantially hemispherical or dome shaped so that when the head assembly is fully assembled it has a spherical shape or profile as shown in Figure 2A. However, it is to be understood that such a profile is not intended to be limiting and any suitably shaped casing may be used to encase the electronic components and weatherproof the assembly.

[0090] Once the parts of the head assembly 120 have been assembled, fixing screws 280 may be inserted into the lugs 213 of the post mount 210, through the lugs in the frame 208 and into the lugs of the pivot mount 230 where they are threadedly engaged to thereby securely hold the assembly together.

[0091] Referring now to Figure 4, an example of a base 150 for the tetherball apparatus 100 is shown. In this example, the base 150 includes a plurality of reservoirs 151 that are each fillable with a ballast material, typically a fluid such as water, although sand, dirt etc. may be used instead. Each reservoir 151 has a grooved portion 151.1 which cooperate, in use to define a channel for receiving a lower segment of the support post 110 therein. The support post 110 terminates in a foot 152 having a tapered edge that engages a lower portion of the reservoirs 151. A clip 153 is disposed around the support post 110 and adapted to hook into notched regions of the reservoirs 151. A lock nut 154 is disposed above the clip 153 and adapted to be screwed down to tighten the base assembly 150 to the support post 110.

[0092] A further example of a base assembly 750 for a tetherball apparatus 700 shall now be described with reference to Figures 7A to 7D. In this example, the base assembly 750 generally has a cylindrical profile comprising a separable base 760 and lid 770. The base 760 includes a floor 761 and peripheral side wall 762 upstanding from the floor 761. The side wall 762 may include a number of features such as strengthening ribs 766 and recessed hand holds 765 for ease of carry. As best shown in Figure 7C, a post coupling member 764 extends upward from the centre of the floor 761. In use, as shown in Figure 7B, the support pole or post 710 of the apparatus 700 is configured to be slidably received by the post coupling member 764. Accordingly, the post coupling member 764 functions to anchor the base of the support post 710. To provide further strength and stability, one or more ribs or gussets 767 may extend between the floor 761 and the post coupling member 764.

[0093] Lid 770 is configured with an outer lip 778 that in use acts to seat the lid 770 onto an outer edge of the side wall 762 of the base 760. The lid 770 includes a centrally extending sleeve 774 comprising an upper lug 774.1 disposed on top of the lid 770 and a lower lug 774.2 disposed below the lid and typically strengthened by ribs or gussets 775. The sleeve 774 defines an axial passageway to thereby enable the sleeve 774 to slide over the support post 710. The sleeve 774 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the post coupling member 764 so that the sleeve 774 may also slide over the post coupling member 764 when the base assembly 750 is assembled. In this way, lateral loads on the support post 710 of the apparatus 700 are reacted through the lid 770 and into the base 760 in order to provide a stable platform for the apparatus 700.

[0094] Yet a further example of a base assembly 850 for a tetherball apparatus 800 shall now be described with reference to Figures 8A to 8D. In this example, the base assembly 850 generally has a cylindrical profile comprising a separable base 860 and lid 870. The base 860 includes a floor 861 and peripheral side wall 862 upstanding from the floor 861. The side wall 862 may include a number of features such as strengthening ribs 866 and recessed hand holds 865 for ease of carry. As best shown in Figure 8C, a spigot 864 extends upward from the centre of the floor 861 as will be described in more detail below.

[0095] Lid 870 is configured with an outer lip 878 that in use acts to seat the lid 870 onto an outer edge of the side wall 862 of the base 860. The lid 870 includes a centrally extending sleeve 874 that downwardly depends from a lower surface of the lid 870. Typically, the sleeve 874 is strengthened by ribs or gussets 875. The sleeve 874 is configured to slidably receive a lower portion of the support post 810 of the apparatus 800 therein as shown in Figure 8B. As shown in Figure 8D, the sleeve 874 has a recessed bottom portion that forms a socket 876 into which the spigot 864 locates in use. In this way, lateral loads on the support post 810 of the apparatus 800 are reacted through the lid 870 and into the base 860 in order to provide a stable platform for the apparatus 800.

[0096] It is to be appreciated that the respective bases 760, 860 of the above examples may also be filled with a suitable ballast material such as water, sand, dirt etc. in order to provide a weighted base structure for the apparatus in order to prevent it from inadvertently toppling over.

[0097] An example of an interactive system 500 for use with a tetherball apparatus will now be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0098] In this example, the system 500 includes a tetherball apparatus 100 as previously described including an upright support post, a head assembly 120 coupled to an upper portion of the support post, and, a pivot arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the head assembly 120 and a second end coupled to a flexible line that is attached to a ball at a free end thereof.

[0099] In one implementation, the head assembly 120 includes a casing which houses at least one electronic sensor 504 (such as a rotary encoder) for measuring an indication of one or more parameters of the ball. The head assembly 120 further includes at least one electronic processing device including a processor 501 coupled to the at least one electronic sensor 504, a memory 502, a display 503 such as an LCD, OLED, E-ink display or the like, an input device 506 such as a control panel, keypad, touch screen or the like, a speaker or microphone 508 and a power source 505 such as a battery for providing power to the electronic components.

[0100] In use, the microprocessor 501 executes instructions in the form of applications software stored in the memory 502 to allow the required processes to be performed, including receiving signals from the electronic sensor, processing the signals to determine an indication of the one or more parameters of the ball including position, speed, acceleration and direction of rotation, generating representations of the one or more parameters of the ball and/or gameplay and causing the representations to be displayed on the display 503, or alternatively causing audio sounds to be output via the speaker 508. The applications software may include one or more software modules, and may be executed in a suitable execution environment, such as an operating system environment, or the like.

[0101] Whilst, the sensing and processing functions may be performed within the head assembly 120 of the tetherball apparatus 100, this need not be the case and other system implementations are envisaged as also shown in Figure 5.

[0102] For example, the head assembly 120 may further house an external interface 507 that may be utilised for connecting the tetherball apparatus 100 to peripheral devices, such as a communications network 550, databases, other storage devices, or the like. Although a single external interface 507 is shown, this is for the purpose of example only, and in practice multiple interfaces using various methods (e.g. Ethernet, serial, USB, wireless or the like) may be provided.

[0103] In one example, the signals from the electronic sensor 504 are transmitted wirelessly via communications network 550 to a user client device 560 such as a smart phone, tablet or the like that may in some configurations be mounted to the tetherball apparatus 100. The user client device 560 may then perform the processing of the signals, generate the representations and cause the representations to be displayed on a display of the user client device 560. Alternatively, the signals may be transmitted wirelessly via the communications network 550 to a computing system such as a server 580 or the like having an optional database 581 that performs the signal processing. The server 580 and/or user client device 560 may be remotely located from the tetherball apparatus 100 and may wirelessly transmit data back to the apparatus for display on display 503 that is integrated with the head assembly 120.

[0104] In yet a further example, the electronic sensor may be remotely located from the apparatus and may for example include a wearable sensor such as a wristband 570 that is worn by a user and configured to record information for example related to the swing of the user which is then transmitted back to the apparatus for display.

[0105] The communications network 550 can include one or more communications networks, such as the Internet, local area networks (LANs), cellular networks, phone networks or the like, and the use of the communications network is for the purpose of example only. In practice the processing device of the apparatus and user client devices 560, wearable sensor 570 or server 580 can communicate via any appropriate mechanism, such as via wired or wireless connections, including, but not limited to mobile networks, private networks, such as an 802.11 networks, the Internet, LANs, WANs, or the like, as well as via direct or point-to-point connections, such as Bluetooth, or the like.

[0106] It is to be understood that the at least one electronic processing device may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed computer system, PC, web server, network server, Internet terminal, lap-top, or hand-held PC such as a smartphone, tablet or the like. In one particular example, the at least one electronic processing device is a standard processing system such as an Intel Architecture based processing system, which executes software applications stored on non-volatile (e.g., hard disk) storage, although this is not essential. However, it will also be understood that the processing system could be any electronic processing device such as a microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.

[0107] As shown in Figure 6, in one example, the user client device 560 includes at least one microprocessor 600, a memory 601, an input/output device 602, such as a keyboard and/or display, and an external interface 603, interconnected via a bus 604 as shown. In this example the external interface 603 can be utilised for connecting the client device 560 to peripheral devices, such as the communication networks 550, databases, other storage devices, or the like. Although a single external interface 603 is shown, this is for the purpose of example only, and in practice multiple interfaces using various methods (e.g. Ethernet, serial, USB, wireless or the like) may be provided.

[0108] In use, the microprocessor 600 executes instructions in the form of applications software stored in the memory 601 to allow communication with the microprocessor 501 onboard the tetherball apparatus 100, for example to receive sensor data from the electronic sensor. [0109] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the client devices 560 may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed PC, Internet terminal, lap-top, or hand-held PC, and in one preferred example is either a tablet, or smart phone, or the like. Thus, in one example, the client device 560 is a standard processing system such as an Intel Architecture based processing system, which executes software applications stored on nonvolatile (e.g., hard disk) storage, although this is not essential. However, it will also be understood that the client devices 560 can be any electronic processing device such as a microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.

[0110] A number of specific gameplay examples will now be provided to illustrate different ways in which the tetherball apparatus 100 may be used.

Gameplay Examples

Single Player Mode

[0111] Game 1 - Speed & Accuracy - one direction (backhand or forehand)

Game Objective

• How many hits in 30 seconds

• Hit score triggered when ball accelerates

• Ball is travelling in the same direction

• High score retained until beaten

Game Function

• Press start

10 second preparation time - voice cue to start game

30 second timer count down begins

• Errors and Audible Cues

• Press "Game Re-set" button to delete and re-start current game Announcement - "Serve to start game"

"Final 10 seconds" • "Game Over"

Crowd roar - "you have beaten the high score"

"Wrong ball direction"

[0112] Game 2 - Speed & Accuracy - both directions (backhand & forehand)

Game Objective

• How many hits in 30 seconds

• Hit score triggered when ball accelerates and/or changes direction

• Ball can be hit in either direction

• High score retained until beaten

Game Function

• Press start

10 second preparation time - voice cue to start game 30 second timer count down begins

• Errors and Audible Cues

• Press "Game Re-set" button to delete and re-start current game

Announcement - "Serve to start game"

"Final 10 seconds"

• "Game Over"

Crowd roar - "you have beaten the high score"

[0113] Game 3 - Power Play

Game Objective

• Fastest serve

• Beat your personal best

• Beat the high score - high score retained until beaten

5 hits per game

Game Function

• Press start

10 second preparation time - voice cue to start game

"Retrieve" the ball after each hit and serve again (5 serves = 1 game) • Errors and Audible Cues

"Great hit, retrieve the ball and serve again"

• "Last hit"

• "Game Over"

• How fast was my serve for each hit?

• What was my fastest sever for the game?

2 Player Mode

[0114] Game 1 - Hit & Miss

Game Objective

• First to score 30 points wins

• Time out after 10 mins - next point wins

• Fastest ball speed recorded for each player each game (not retained) Game Function

• Decide who serves - use Coin Toss button

• Press start

10 second preparation time - voice cue to start game

• Point scored for each hit (1/2 rotation) - no loss of point for a miss

• Errors & Audible Cues

• Press "Game Re-set" button to delete and re-start current game

• Press "Score Adjust" to alter score up or down

Announcement - "Serve to start game"

"Final 10 seconds - next point wins" warning before 10 second mark

• "Game Over"

[0115] Game 2 - Fast 4 tennis

Game Objective

• Winner is the player who wins best of 3 sets

Sets are determined on a first to 4 games basis - a player must serve to win Tie breakers are played to best of 5 points - no 2 point advantage, a sudden-death point is played at 4 all Game Function

• Decide who serves - use Coin Toss button

• Press start

10 second preparation time - voice cue to start game

• Point is scored if serve is not returned after full rotation - after serve

points are scored at ½ rotation

Serve speed is measured and fastest serve for each player is retained

• Play stops (audible cues) after each point and the player serves for a new point

The next player serves at the end of the game

Scoring is the same as tennis but no advantage is played. Point is won after Deuce or 40.

• Match duration is displayed

• Errors & Audible Cues

• Press "Game Re-set" button to delete and re-start current point

• Press "Score Adjust" to alter score up or down

Announcement - "Serve to start game"

Announcement - Score after each point & prompt to serve for new point

• Announcement - Game score

Announcement - Set score

• Announcement - "Game Over - winner is Player X" Game 3 - You're "OUT"

Game Objective

A rapid fire game where the first player to Spell the word OUT loses

• Player 1 hits the ball forehand & backhand until they miss or until they hit 30 consecutive shots. No letter is given if player makes 30 shots, a letter is given if they don't

• Player 2 takes a turn

The Player to get spell OUT first loses - however If Players have the same no. of turns to spell OUT then a tie break is played

Tie Break - each player has 1 turn and the player who has the most consecutive hits in the tie break round wins

[0117] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in at least one example the above described apparatus and system provides an improved tetherball apparatus for use in various activities such as tennis, soccer, volleyball or the like. The construction of the apparatus may provide improved ball control and enhanced gameplay which is further enabled by the ability to monitor various parameters of the ball and display this information to a user either visually or audibly during a game.

[0118] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0119] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.