US20050247892A1 - Method for locating objects - Google Patents

Method for locating objects Download PDF

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Publication number
US20050247892A1
US20050247892A1 US10/936,999 US93699904A US2005247892A1 US 20050247892 A1 US20050247892 A1 US 20050247892A1 US 93699904 A US93699904 A US 93699904A US 2005247892 A1 US2005247892 A1 US 2005247892A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
ultraviolet
locating
ultraviolet light
light
flashlight
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/936,999
Inventor
Brian Davis
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20050247892A1 publication Critical patent/US20050247892A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/33—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using ultraviolet light
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A63B2024/0053—Tracking a path or terminating locations for locating an object, e.g. a lost ball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
    • A63B43/06—Balls with special arrangements with illuminating devices ; with reflective surfaces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2201/00—Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
    • G01N2201/02—Mechanical
    • G01N2201/022—Casings
    • G01N2201/0221—Portable; cableless; compact; hand-held
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2201/00—Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
    • G01N2201/02—Mechanical
    • G01N2201/022—Casings
    • G01N2201/0222—Pocket size
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2201/00—Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
    • G01N2201/06—Illumination; Optics
    • G01N2201/069—Supply of sources
    • G01N2201/0696—Pulsed

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method for locating lost or hidden objects such as golf balls which may, for example, lie concealed in rough ground.
  • Infrared radiation is used in various fields for rendering visible objects or markings which would otherwise not be visible.
  • household goods such as television sets can be marked with a postcode or other identification, using an “invisible” marker, which then shows up when illuminated by ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • UV ultraviolet
  • UV radiation can also be used in the medical field to transilluminate tissue to show up tumors or other pathological conditions, as described for example in UK patent publication GB-A-2092856.
  • Ultraviolet light can also be used to detect gas leaks, for example, in chemical plants or air conditioning systems.
  • the invention is particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with locating lost objects such as golf balls.
  • the game of golf inevitably involves the loss of large numbers of balls which, if they land in the rough, may be concealed by grass, leaf litter, and the like and be very difficult to see. This is particularly the case in subdued light, for example, when shaded by trees or during the late evening. Golf balls are expensive to replace, and the game itself is adversely affected if a player's ball cannot be quickly located.
  • the present invention provides a method of locating lost or concealed objects, such as golf balls, and which comprises shining an ultraviolet beam in the area where the object is thought to be located.
  • FIG. 1 shows in side view how a lost golf ball can be located using an ultraviolet flashlight
  • FIG. 2 shows in plan view how a ball which would otherwise be concealed shows up clearly when illuminated with UV light.
  • a patch of rough grass generally indicated by 20 conceals lost golf balls 10 , 11 , and 12 .
  • an ultraviolet flashlight 15 the area can be scanned, causing the ball 11 to show up clearly while the other balls 10 and 12 remain concealed and barely visible.
  • flashlight has the same meaning as the term “torch” as it is used in the United Kingdom.
  • FIG. 2 shows how the illuminated ball 11 shows up clearly when viewed from above, while other balls remain difficult to see.
  • the method of the invention is particularly effective when carried out in darkness or in subdued light.
  • an ultraviolet flashlight such as 15
  • 15 could be used at a golf club each evening after the end of play to locate and recover balls lost during the course of the day's play. This can result in substantial cost savings.
  • the method of the invention can also be used for locating other lost objects, such as tennis balls, or even car keys or jewelry if these items have a white or other UV-responsive surface.

Abstract

An ultraviolet light source such as an ultraviolet flashlight 15 is used to locate lost or concealed objects such as a golf ball 11 located in rough ground 20. The method is preferably carried out in darkness or subdued light.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is claiming priority of United Kingdom patent application number 0410133.3, filed May 6, 2004, and entitled “Method for Locating Objects,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
    • STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
  • Not applicable.
    • REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
  • Not applicable.
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates to a method for locating lost or hidden objects such as golf balls which may, for example, lie concealed in rough ground.
    • BACKGROUND
  • Infrared radiation is used in various fields for rendering visible objects or markings which would otherwise not be visible. For example, household goods such as television sets can be marked with a postcode or other identification, using an “invisible” marker, which then shows up when illuminated by ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • UV radiation can also be used in the medical field to transilluminate tissue to show up tumors or other pathological conditions, as described for example in UK patent publication GB-A-2092856. Ultraviolet light can also be used to detect gas leaks, for example, in chemical plants or air conditioning systems.
  • In recent years, ultraviolet flashlights have been developed, but so far these have acquired only specialist uses, for example, for security purposes.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention is particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with locating lost objects such as golf balls. The game of golf inevitably involves the loss of large numbers of balls which, if they land in the rough, may be concealed by grass, leaf litter, and the like and be very difficult to see. This is particularly the case in subdued light, for example, when shaded by trees or during the late evening. Golf balls are expensive to replace, and the game itself is adversely affected if a player's ball cannot be quickly located.
  • The present invention provides a method of locating lost or concealed objects, such as golf balls, and which comprises shining an ultraviolet beam in the area where the object is thought to be located.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
  • FIG. 1 shows in side view how a lost golf ball can be located using an ultraviolet flashlight; and
  • FIG. 2 shows in plan view how a ball which would otherwise be concealed shows up clearly when illuminated with UV light.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • Referring first to FIG. 1, a patch of rough grass generally indicated by 20 conceals lost golf balls 10, 11, and 12. Using an ultraviolet flashlight 15, the area can be scanned, causing the ball 11 to show up clearly while the other balls 10 and 12 remain concealed and barely visible. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the term “flashlight”, as used herein, has the same meaning as the term “torch” as it is used in the United Kingdom.
  • FIG. 2 shows how the illuminated ball 11 shows up clearly when viewed from above, while other balls remain difficult to see.
  • The method of the invention is particularly effective when carried out in darkness or in subdued light. Thus, an ultraviolet flashlight, such as 15, could be used at a golf club each evening after the end of play to locate and recover balls lost during the course of the day's play. This can result in substantial cost savings.
  • While golf balls, being generally coloured white or yellow, show up particularly well under ultraviolet light, the method of the invention can also be used for locating other lost objects, such as tennis balls, or even car keys or jewelry if these items have a white or other UV-responsive surface.

Claims (17)

1. A method of locating a lost or concealed object which comprises illuminating with ultraviolet light an area in which the object is thought to be located.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the area is illuminated with a beam from an ultraviolet flashlight.
3. A hand-held ultraviolet flashlight for use in locating lost or concealed objects.
4. A method for locating an object, the method comprising:
illuminating an area with an ultraviolet light; and
wherein the object reflects more of the ultraviolet light than the area surrounding the object.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the object is a golf ball.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein the object is a tennis ball.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein the object is jewelry.
8. The method of claim 4 wherein the object has an ultraviolet-responsive surface.
9. The method of claim 4 wherein the method is occurs in darkness or under subdued light conditions.
10. An apparatus for locating an object, the apparatus comprising:
a light bulb that emits an ultraviolet light;
wherein the object has an ultraviolet-responsive surface; and
wherein pointing the ultraviolet light at the object causes the object to become more visible to a person.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the apparatus is handheld.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the apparatus is a flashlight.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the object is a golf ball.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the object is a tennis ball.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the object is jewelry.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the object reflects more of the ultraviolet light than the area surrounding the object.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the apparatus is used in darkness or under subdued light conditions.
US10/936,999 2004-05-06 2004-09-08 Method for locating objects Abandoned US20050247892A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0410133A GB2413839A (en) 2004-05-06 2004-05-06 Method for locating objects
GB0410133.3 2004-05-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050247892A1 true US20050247892A1 (en) 2005-11-10

Family

ID=32482788

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/936,999 Abandoned US20050247892A1 (en) 2004-05-06 2004-09-08 Method for locating objects

Country Status (3)

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US (1) US20050247892A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2413839A (en)
WO (1) WO2005108962A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060218987A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2006-10-05 Campman James P Arson and forensic scanner having a hydrocarbon gas detector with a detachable collector cone and kit assembly
US20090223310A1 (en) * 2005-08-11 2009-09-10 Syage Jack A Hand-held trace vapor/particle detection system
US9416959B2 (en) 2012-05-17 2016-08-16 Donald Spinner Illuminated golf

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US425226A (en) * 1890-04-08 Automatic catch for inclined railways
US434164A (en) * 1890-08-12 Charles a
US455510A (en) * 1891-07-07 Hal half t
US5370387A (en) * 1993-06-14 1994-12-06 Baker; Gene G. Golf ball/fluorescent object locator
US6536905B2 (en) * 2000-07-14 2003-03-25 Robert Alexander Gibb Ball detection viewer

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2613313A (en) * 1950-12-09 1952-10-07 Menlo Res Lab Ultraviolet flashlight and energizing unit therefor
GB9822049D0 (en) * 1998-10-10 1998-12-02 Panoptic Ltd Portable ultra-violet light
US6702452B2 (en) * 1999-11-15 2004-03-09 Xenonics, Inc. Apparatus and method for operating a portable xenon arc searchlight
AU2001288176A1 (en) * 2000-09-15 2002-03-26 Bjorn Hansson Method to locate objects and a device for realization of the same
US7145649B2 (en) * 2000-12-21 2006-12-05 Brasscorp Limited Method of producing an ultra-violet or near ultra-violet light source for non-destructive inspection or testing

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US425226A (en) * 1890-04-08 Automatic catch for inclined railways
US434164A (en) * 1890-08-12 Charles a
US455510A (en) * 1891-07-07 Hal half t
US5370387A (en) * 1993-06-14 1994-12-06 Baker; Gene G. Golf ball/fluorescent object locator
US6536905B2 (en) * 2000-07-14 2003-03-25 Robert Alexander Gibb Ball detection viewer

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060218987A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2006-10-05 Campman James P Arson and forensic scanner having a hydrocarbon gas detector with a detachable collector cone and kit assembly
US7279688B2 (en) * 2005-04-04 2007-10-09 Campman James P Arson and forensic scanner having a hydrocarbon gas detector with a detachable collector cone and kit assembly
US20090223310A1 (en) * 2005-08-11 2009-09-10 Syage Jack A Hand-held trace vapor/particle detection system
US8186234B2 (en) * 2005-08-11 2012-05-29 Morpho Detection, Inc. Hand-held trace vapor/particle detection system
US9416959B2 (en) 2012-05-17 2016-08-16 Donald Spinner Illuminated golf

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005108962A1 (en) 2005-11-17
GB2413839A (en) 2005-11-09
GB0410133D0 (en) 2004-06-09

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