US2004219985A1PendingUtilityA1

System for preventing theft of sporting goods

35
Priority: May 2, 2003Filed: May 2, 2003Published: Nov 4, 2004
Est. expiryMay 2, 2023(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Antonius J. M. Van Dijk
A63B 37/0001A63B 2225/72
35
PatentIndex Score
0
Cited by
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References
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Claims

Abstract

A loss control device is embedded within a sporting good such as a bowling ball or bowling shoe such that it does not interfere with the operation of the sporting good. The loss control device may be embedded within the sporting good in such a way that it is hidden from the user. A recreation center in which a number of sporting goods are rented or lent out may be outfitted with one or more sensor devices near one or more of its exits. At least some of the sporting goods provided for rental or lending include embedded loss control devices that are sensed by the sensor devices, such that attempted removal of the sporting goods from the sporting facility is detected by the sensor devices.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for preventing theft from a recreation center, comprising: 
 a sporting good; and    at least one loss control device embedded within said sporting good.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one said loss control device is hidden within said sporting good.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sporting good is a bowling ball.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said bowling ball comprises a core and a shell substantially covering said core, and wherein said loss control device is embedded within said core of said bowling ball.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said bowling ball comprises a core and a shell substantially covering said core, and wherein said loss control device is embedded within said shell of said bowling ball.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said bowling ball includes at least one finger opening bounded by a surface, and wherein said loss control device is secured within said finger opening.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising a plug within which said loss control device is embedded, wherein said plug is secured to said surface of said finger opening.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said loss control device is secured to said surface of said finger opening, further comprising a plug additionally secured to said surface of said finger opening.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sporting good is a bowling shoe.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said bowling shoe comprises a heel, and wherein said loss control device is embedded in said heel.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor device positioned in association with at least one exit from the recreation center, said at least one sensor device configured to detect said loss control device.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a force mitigation element configured to protect said loss control device.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein said force mitigation element is a cushioning material.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein said force mitigation element is a shock absorber connected to said loss control device.  
     
     
         15 . A method of controlling the loss of sporting goods from a recreation center having at least one exit, comprising: 
 providing at least one sporting good within the recreation center;    embedding at least one loss control device within at least one said sporting good; and    placing at least one sensor device in association with at least one exit from the recreation center, wherein said at least one sensor device is configured to detect at least one said loss control device.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said embedding comprises hiding at least one said loss control device within at least one said sporting good.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising connecting at least one sensor device to a security system.  
     
     
         18 . A method of manufacturing a loss-resistant item, comprising: 
 providing a loss control device;    manufacturing a sporting good; and    embedding said loss control device within said sporting good.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said sporting good is a bowling ball.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said sporting good is a bowling shoe.

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