HELD OFTOE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of accessories used in association with sporting activities. In particular, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for improving the enjoyment of a sporting activity. t KGROUNDTOTHEINV^ON

Many people enjoy a variety of sports, both as spectator and participant. Sports may be played alone (e.g. golf, running, surfing, swimming, cycling), in pairs or small groups (e.g. golf, tennis, cycling) or in teams (soccer, football, hockey, rugby). However while certain aspects of sports participation and spectatorship are enjoyable, some aspects provide a lower level of enjoyment.

For example, one problem is that of boredom. This is more often an issue when an individual is purely a spectator, or a participant in a sport where it necessary to wait one's turn (e.g. golf, archery, darts, bowls or ten pin bowling). The spectator's problem is more especially an issue in sports having a significant amount of "dead time" where there is little action (e.g. tennis and golf).

Another aspect that can lead to a lowered enjoyment of a sport is that of encouragement. As a participant, motivational issues can adversely impact an individual's performance or enjoyment of the sport. Encouragement is especially difficult to come by where the sport is played alone, or where the participant's team mates or opponents are not inclined to provide active encouragement.

It is an aspect of the present invention to overcome or alleviate a problem of the prior art by providing a device capable of improving an individual's enjoyment or performance of a sport. The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY OF THEINVIENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a hand held electronic device for use during a sporting activity, the device comprising digital information storage means comprising a digitally recorded sound, and user-act uatable means for playback of the digitally recorded sound, wherein the digitally recorded sound is a sound capable of providing encouragement, discouragement, distraction or entertainment to a participant or spectator of a sporting activity.

In one embodiment, the sound is related to sport in general, and preferably the sound is related to a specific sport such golf or tennis. eferably, the digital storage means comprises only sounds related to a sporting activity.

In another embodiment, the sound is one that a spectator or a participant may emit in the course of play. In a further embodiment the sound may be generally distracting to a participant in the sport . The electronic device may have between 4 and 12 sounds stored on the digital information storage means.

In one embodiment, the actuating means displays text or an indicium relating to (i) the sound emitted when that actuating means is actuated or (ii) a predetermined event in a sporting activity.

The hand held electronic device may further comprise a digital sound recorder and sound playback means for the recording and playback of a personalized message or sound. In a second aspect the present invention provides a method for providing encouragement, discouragement, distraction or entertainment to a participant or spectator of a sporting activity, the method comprising providing a device as described herein and actuation of a digitally recorded sound by a user. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of the user selecting and actuating a sound that is appropriate to the sport concerned, and/or a particular circumstance within the sport concerned. Preferably, the method comprises the step of the user selecting a sound that is appropriate to the sport concerned, and/ or a particular circumstance within the sport confirmed by reference to a text or indicium on the actuating means.

BHEFDE9OTPT10N OF THE FIGURE

Fig 1 is a front view of a preferred device of the invention.

DETAILED DE9CRPT10N OFTHEINVENTION

After considering this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specif ic exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments covered by the claims. Various embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be described mainly by reference to the sport of golf, however it will be understood that such disclosure is non-limiting and that application to other sports is contemplated.

Unless the contrary intention is expressed, the features presented as preferred or alternative forms of the invention can be present in any of the inventions disclosed as alone or in any combination with each other. The present invention is predicated at least in part on the applicant's finding that enjoyment of a sporting activity is often less than optimal, and that an improved overall experience may be accomplished on the part of participants and/ or spectators by the use of a sound- emitting electronic device. Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention provides a hand held electronic device for use during a sporting activity, the device comprising digital information storage means comprising a digitally recorded sound, and user-act uat able meansfor playback of the digitally recorded sound, wherein the digitally recorded sound is a sound capable of providing encouragement, discouragement, distraction or entertainment to a participant or spectator of a sporting activity. Applicant has discovered that one or more of the problems described in the Background section herein are at least alleviated and in some embodiments overcome by a device as described herein capable of emitting certain sounds.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "oomprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that isto say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Novelty items which include sound-emitting devices are known in the art . Examples of such devices include those described in U.S Rat. No. 5,063,698 for a greeting card with electronic sounds, U.S Rat. No. 6,305,547 for a lunch box having an audio system, U.S Rat. No. 5,864,288 for a talking toothbrush holder, U.S Rat. No. 5,500,636 for talking luggage, U.S Rat. No. 5,738,561 for a talking doll, U.S Rat. No. 5,973,250 for a miniature multiple audio highlight playback device, U.S Rat. No. 6,112,442 for structure of a gift box, U.S Rat. No. 6,200,216 for an electronic trading card, and U.S Rat. No. 6,568,828 for illuminating packaging material. However, the prior art does not disclose or suggest a device as disclosed herein capable of providing encouragement, discouragement, distraction or entertainment to a participant or spectator of a sporting activity.

While not apparent, many sporting activities (such as golf) require significant physical prowess and mental ability, however such activities can be somewhat routine or even boring for certain partidpants T is is espedally the case in situations where a number of partidpants are playing together in a group, such as where two, three, four of more partidpants are playing as a group. Such playing arrangements are typical in sports such as golf, ten pin bowling, darts, archery, shooting, bowls and the like. Thus, while awaiting their shot a partidpant is often forced to endure significant periods of physical and/or mental inactivity while one of the playing group is executing his or her shot. This can lead to an overall feeling of boredom for all partidpants, and a resultant lack of enjoyment in the sport overall. Applicant proposes that boredom in many sports is at least alleviated by use of a device that is capable of emitting certain sounds for the purpose of encouragement, discouragement, distraction or entertainment.

In an exemplary scenario, the device is used in the context of four partidpants playing a round of golf. Each partidpant takestheir shot in turn for several holes, after which point in time boredom may become problematic. The conversation between partidpants may become limited after topics of discussion have been exhausted. It is proposed that use of a hand-held electronic device as described herein by one of the partidpants may be utilized to improve enjoyment among one or more partidpants in the playing group.

The partidpant using the device may actuate any sound playable on the device, but will typically select a sound most likely to entertain one or more partidpants of the playing group. Certain features of the device as discussed elsewhere herein assist in the selection of an appropriate sound.

As applied to golf, the selection of sound may depend on the shot being played. For example, where a partidpant is about to play a shot where there is the danger of the ball entering a water hazard, then the sound played may be that of a golf ball hitting the water. While entertaining the playing group, this may also have the effect of discouraging or at least unsettling the partidpant about to the play the shot. This negative effect on the partidpant may provide further entertainment for the rem nder of the group.

Applicable to any golf shot (or indeed any activity requiting concentration in another sport), the selected sound may be a generally unsettling sound such as an explosion. The selected - sound may be actuated during the backswing of participant playing a shot, this having the effect of entertaining one or more members of the playing group, or distracting the participant at a critical time during the back swing.

The distraction may lead to the participant executing a wayward shot leading to further entertainment of the playing group. EEyen greater levels of entertainment may be provided by the subsequent actuation of a vocalization such as "Oh No!", or the collective vocalizations of a crowd groaning. It will be recognized that use of the presently described sound emitting device is capable of transforming a routine and possibly even boring round of golf into a highly entertaining activity, especially with judicious actuation of the sounds.

It is not necessary that use of the device has any given effect on all members of the playing group. In some a ^' tuations there may only be an effect on the participant activating the device, or on the participant playing a shot .

The present device also has application to asituation where a lone participant is involved in a sporting activity. Applicant proposes that the enjoyment of the lone participant is improved, and possibly furthermore the sporting performance of the participant is improved by use of a device as described herein. While the device is capable of providing discouragement, distraction or entertainment in this scenario, it is more typically used for encouragement. As an exemplary circumstance, an individual may be playing golf alone and become bored and even suffer diminished performance due to the absence of a playing partner. The player may be missing the comments of another player on his or her own performance, in which case the present device may be actuated to emit encouraging or entertaining sounds After making par, the user may actuate the device to emit the sound of applause, this providing encouragement and motivation. After hitting a ball out of bounds, the user may actuate the device to emit the vocalization "Oh No!", thereby providing entertainment to himself or herself.

The present device is further applicable to use in circumstances where the user is merely a spectator of a sporting activity. Some spectator sports in particular have significant periods of time between play whereby boredom can become problematic. (Examples of such sports include golf, tennis, track and field events, swimming and the like. In these circumstances, the present device is preferably used for entertainment of the user and/or for other spectators.

Taking tennis as an example, many players take the maximum permitted time before serving. This leads to significant periods of boredom for many spectators, and an overall decrease in enjoyment of the spectacle. The device may have recorded sounds such as a vocalization made by a linesperson (such as "Out!", or "Fault!), or the sound made by a Cyclops computer system when a ball is hit out. In golf, the sound may be any of those described as relevant to golf, supra.

The use of a device of the present invention in a aowd setting as used by a spectator has the advantage that the user may retain some anonymity given that he or she does not need to vocalize any sound. The device may be concealed in a pocket or under a seat, thereby limiting the opportunity for detection and possible expulsion from the event.

Preferably the sounds are not sounds that are able to be emulated, or at least easily emulated by the human voice.

In one embodiment, the sound is related to poor performance in the sport, this providing discouragement to a participant, which may result in entertainment at least for some members of the playing group or spectators. R>r example where the sport is golf the sound may be that of a golf ball hitting and breaking glass, or the sound made by a golf ball hitting a water hazard, or the sound of a golf ball hitting a tree, or the sound of a golf ball hitting a person, or the sound of a golf ball hitting a car, the sound of a golf ball hitting an animal or person, the sound of aclub "topping" aball, the sound of a "fat" shot etc.

In some embodiments of the device, the sound does not relate to any sport, or any specific sport, and may be a sound capable of generally distracting a participant about to commence a movement (such as a golf swing or a tennis serve) or is in the process of commencing a movement. In these embodiments the sound may be selected from a group including an explosion, a siren, the sound of finger nails on a chalk board, an animal sound such as a barking dog, a door slamming, a baby crying, laughter, a gunshot, a profanity, and the like.

^" me sound may be one that a spectator or a participant may emit in the course of play. For example, the sound may be a crowd sound (clapping, cheering, whistling, hooting, gasping, heckling, chanting, singing, groaning). The sound may be a oomprehensible vocalization such as "get in the hole", "oh no", "good one", "nice shot", "unbelievable", or words of equivalent meaning in any other language.

The present device is intended to be compact, being easily cradled in and manipulated by the human hand. Typically the electronic components of the device are encased in a housing of regular shape and typically approximating a rectangular prismic configuration. Referred dimensions are about 10 cm x 6 cm x 0.5 cm, these proportions being in accordance with other hand held electronic devices (such as a smart phone) thereby facilitating handling and manipulation.

All or part of the housing can be fabricated from any suitably rigid material, such as heavy gauge paper or cardboard, woods, metals, plastics, rubbers or synthetic resins, as are known in the art, by standard techniques for producing toys and the like. For example, the housing can be fabricated by injection molding or other suitable technique from commercially- available material such asthermo plastic polyurethane (TPU); ionomer resin; ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); thermo plastic styrenics (TR¾; melt procesable rubber (MPFfc thermo plastic vulcanate (TFV); thermo plastic olefin (TPO); thermo plastic ester elastomer (TPEE); thermo plastic elastomer (TPE); thermoplastic rubber (TFFfc polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (FVQ; acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (AB¾; a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer blend (FUAB¾; flexible plastic such as polystyrene sheet or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, marketed as "PEFffEX' by Id Acrylics, Inc.); other acrylics; metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, copper); wood; or any combination thereof. Other suitable materials and forming methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The housing can also be designed to accept attachments, appendages and the like, so that the consumer can decorate or personalize the houa ^' ng of a given devioe. The housing can also be designed so that ports or other access means for transmitting and receiving electronic data are provided. Two or more devices comprising such access means can share electronic data, for example to transmit computer oode for producing a given sound from one device to another. It is understood that the transmission of data may oocur over wires or other direct connection between the devices, or may occur wirelessly, such as by infrared, light or radiofrequency transmission.

With regard to fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting components of the device, unless specifically described otherwise, such are intended to encompass suitable conventional fasteners such as screws, nut and bolt oonnectors, threaded connectors, snap rings, detent arrangements, clamps such as screw clamps and the like, rivets, toggles, pins and the like, as are known in the art. Components can also be connected by adhesives, glues, welding, ultrasonic welding, and friction fitting or deformation, if appropriate, and appropriate liquid and/ or airtight seals or sealing devices can be used, as are known in the art. Bectronic portions of the device can use conventional, commercially available electronic components, connectors and devices such as suitable wiring, connectors, PCBs, microchips, speakers, lights, LH^s, liquid crystal displays, audio components, inputs, outputs and the like.

The housing may comprise one or more colours, designs or indicia, for example for the purpose of deooration or to indicate use in an intended sport.

Conveniently, the housing may include means for attaching the device to a belt , waist band, belt, pocket, wrist, sports bag, item of sporting equipment, etc

The sound actuating means may be any means by which a sound is triggered from the devioe capable of actuation at a desired point in time by the user. The actuating means may be embodied in hardware including a button, switch, touch sensitive devioe, light sensitive device, sound sensitive device, heat sensitive devioe, and a position sensitive device. Typically, the sound actuating means is a button having resilient means allowing momentary activation by the user. The momentary activation will typically trigger a single playback of the relevant sound. For some sounds (applause for example) playback may be extended by holding down the actuating meansfor the required length of time.

It is. contemplated that any practical number of actuating means may be present on the instant device, however a number of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 is preferred. An optimal number is one that allows for an adequate selection of sounds yet not so many that the task of quickly selecting an appropriate sound becomes diff icult or impossible

The digital information storage means may be any suitable means such as a magnetic medium, an optical medium, random access memory, read only memory, or flash memory. The storage means will typically be part of a sound generating module comprising a storage means, a digital to analogue converter, an amplifier, a sound transducer, and a battery. The digital information storage means is capable of storing and outputting any type of sound, including a voice message. The digital to analogue converter converts the digitally encoded sound output by the storage means into an analogue sound signal, which is then amplified to an audible level. The sound transducer is connected to an electrical output of the amplifier. The sound transducer converts the electrical signal from the amplifier into an audible sound. The sound t ransducer may be a speaker, a piezo electric device, or any other device which converts an electrical signal into a sound wave. The storage means converter and amplifier receives electrical power from the battery. The electrical connections between the sound generating chip the sound transducer and the battery are preferably implemented through a circuit board.

A suitable chip may be selected from models WTV010, WTV020, WTV040, WTV080, WTV170, WTV340, or WTH040-8S one time programmable (Ο ) Chip, manufactured by Guangzhou Waytronic Bectronics Co. Lid. (Gtiandong, China). These inexpensive chip are amendable to use in a low cost hand held novelty product according to the present invention and support sampling rate from 6 KHz to 22 KHz, WAV (16Bt, mono) sound files. Qrtional FWM and DAC audio output is provided with 16 bits DAC audio output. FWM output may be directed to drive a 0.5W/8O Speaker. Operating voltages of DC2.5Vto 3.6V, and low standby current 2uA, with sleep mode to save power assisting in battery longevity. The manufacturer of these chips provides a programming service suitable for storing any of the sounds disclosed herein on the device.

Where the device includes means for a personalized recording, a suitable hardware may be model number X.-FC750 module manufactured by Sienzhen YDL Bectronics Factory (Gtiandong, China). This module includes a miaophone for recording, with actuating means to start and stop recording.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that many other types of chips and modules are commercially available that would be suitable for use in the present invention including unitary contrivances that are capable of both playback of factory-recorded sounds and also customized messages and sounds recorded by the user.

It is contemplated that any practical number of sounds may be present on the instant device, however a number of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 11 or 12 is preferred. An optimal number is one that allows for an adequate selection of sounds yet not so many that the task of quickly selecting an appropriate sound becomes difficult or impossible.

In a preferred form of the invention, the actuating means displays text or an indicium relating to (i) the sound emitted when that actuating means is actuated or (ii) a predetermined event in a sporting activity. This feature provides significant advantage to the user, allowing for the judicious selection of a sound, with the intention of optimising the level of encouragement, discouragement, distraction or entertainment. For example, the text may be "Oh No!", or "Great Shot!", allowing the user to quickly select and play a sound appropriate to the circumstances. It is typical that for maximum effect the timing of the sound playback is important, and the ability to rapidly select an appropriate sound confers an important advantage. The use of an indicium on the actuating means provides even greater advantage given that the user is not even required to read any text on the actuating means, and can simply rely on a graphic to trigger an appropriate sound for the circumstance. Thus, the indicium may depict a golf course green in which case the associated sound may be "Great Shot", this being an appropriate sound to be played when a participants sinks a put. The indicium may depict a golf ball hitting the water, this being an appropriate sound when a participant is just about to execute a shot having the possibility of directing the ball toward a water hazard. The indicium may depict an explosion, this being an appropriate sound for the general distraction of a participant during the back swing. The indicium may depict a plurality of persons having negative expressions on their faces, the actuating means triggering playback of a collective groan, this being an appropriate sound when a participant hooks a shot sending the ball out-of-bounds. The indicium may depict a pair of hands applauding, this being an appropriate sound when a participant executes a long drive down the middle of the fairway. The indicium may depict a broken pane of glass, the sound of breaking glass being an appropriate sound when a participant sends a ball out of bounds Gven the benefit of the foregoing disclosure the skilled person will be enabled to conceive of other text and indicia capable of facilitating the selection of asound appropriateto the circumstances of thesport being played.

In one embodiment of the invention the device further comprises a digital sound recorder and sound playback means. This feature provides particular advantage where the device is intended to be gifted to another. The giver may record a message such as "Happy Fathers' Day Dad", or "Happy Birthday Mum", "Happy Ftetirement Seve" or other desired message. The record function may also allow a user to record their own customized sound for use in relation to a sporting activity.

In one embodiment of the device the digital storage means comprises only sounds related to a sporting activity. In another embodiment the device has no other function than those described herein. R>r example, the device may not be a hand held electronic device such as a mobile telephone, tablet computer device, personal organizer etc A device that has only the features described herein or is capable of performing only the functions described herein provides an inexpensive novelty item with commercial appeal.

An especially preferred embodiment will now be described by reference to Figure 1 which generally shows the front face of a hand held device of the present invention. This preferred device comprises a rigid plastic housing 2 composed of HDPE, the housing having a recess 4 to accommodate a speaker 6. The speaker is protected by a grill 8. Bght buttons are present on the front face, each button (upon actuation) triggering a predetermined sound by a sound generating means (not shown). The reoorded sounds triggered by each button are as follows: 10 "^lash", 12 custom recorded sound 14 "Groan", 16 "Breaking Glass", 18 "BqDlosion" , 20 "Oh No!", 22 "Q-eat Siot", 24 "Applause". The device further comprisesthe following items, none of which are shown in this view: battery hatch, belt clip and lanyard anchor point.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method for providing encouragement, discouragement, distraction or entertainment to a participant or spectator of a sporting activity, the method comprising providing a device as described herein and actuation of a digitally reoorded sound by a user. The method may be embodied in the form of directions or instruct ions to the user accompanying a device described herein at the point of sale. The directions or instructions may be printed onto the packaging, or may be embodied in the form of a separate insert in the packaging. The instructions or directions may be expressed in any comprehenable form including in written form, graphic form, video form, or audio form. The instructions or directions may also be provided separate to the device, being accessible by an Internet website, for example.

The user may be a participant of a sporting activity or a spectator of a sporting activity. The method may be directed to a circumstance where there are 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more participants. The method may be directed to a circumstance where there are at least 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 30000, 40000, 50000, 60000, 70000, 80000, 90000 or 100000 spect at ors.

In one form of the method, the user selects and actuates a sound that is appropriate to the sport concerned, and/ or a particular circumstance within the sport confirmed. As discussed herein supra the judicious actuation of a sound provides significant advantage in the participation or spectatorship of a sport. A method comprising that step of selecting an appropriate sound provides an advance in the art of playing or watching sport.

In one form of the method the user selects a sound that is appropriate to the sport concerned, and/or a particular circumstance within the sport concerned by reference to a text or indicium on the actuating means. In particular, the use of an indicium in the form of a simple graphic on the actuating means can greatly facilitate the selection of an appropriate sound.

The invention may be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It istherefore intended that such changes and modif ications be included within the scope of the invention.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art.