Fractional recording and holding device

Abstract

Provided are an apparatus and method relating to a score recording and holding device, and more particularly to a device for recording scores, player positions, teams, players, and player numbers of a double-play game. A method of scoring a double-play Pick ball includes rotating a first scoring wheel located within a housing to advance scores and player positions of a first double-play team; rotating a second scoring wheel located within the housing to advance scores and player positions of a second double-play team; and simultaneously displaying the score and player position of the first double-play team and the score and player position of the second double-play team, and rotating a dial for identifying the team, the player and the player number.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein generally relate to scoring devices / score recording and holding devices, and more specifically, to a device for recording scores, player positions, serving teams, server and server number in doubles matches. Background Technology

[0002] Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport due to its ease of learning and broad appeal to people of all ages. Compared to tennis, its lower space requirements and less physical challenge have made it a popular sport for players of all ages in public parks and private clubs across the United States. A pickleball match typically goes to eleven points, won by a two-point margin, with only the server (or the serving team in doubles) scoring. In doubles, the score is recorded in three parts. When the server in a doubles team calls out a point, the first number is the server's score, the second is the receiver's score, and the third indicates the server's number. This can make it complex and confusing to determine who is serving, whether the server is in the correct position, who is receiving, and whether the receiver is in the correct position. When the serve is transferred from one team to another, this is called a "change of serve," and the pickleball scoring system is called the "change of serve" score record. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments generally relate to scoring devices, and more specifically, to devices for tracking scores, player positions, serving teams, servers, and server numbers in doubles pickleball. The embodiments described herein include a doubles pickleball scoring device comprising: a housing defining at least one aperture; a first scoring wheel disposed within the housing and rotatable about a first axis; and a second scoring wheel disposed within the housing and rotatable about the first axis; wherein a portion of the first scoring wheel and a portion of the second scoring wheel are shown within the at least one aperture, the portion of the first scoring wheel shown within the at least one aperture including indications of the position and score of a first doubles team, and the portion of the second scoring wheel shown within the at least one aperture including indications of the position and score of a second doubles team.

[0004] According to one embodiment, the first doubles team includes a first player and a second player, wherein the first scoring wheel includes a first identifier of the first player and a second identifier of the second player, and a portion of the first scoring wheel shown in at least one hole includes an indication of the relative positions of the first player and the second player on the peak court. According to some embodiments, the second doubles team includes a third player and a fourth player, wherein the second scoring wheel includes a third identifier of the third player and a fourth identifier of the fourth player, and a portion of the second scoring wheel shown in at least one hole includes an indication of the relative positions of the third player and the fourth player on the peak court.

[0005] According to some embodiments, the score of the first doubles team is indicated on a first scoring wheel portion between a first identifier and a second identifier, the first scoring wheel portion being displayed within the at least one hole. According to some embodiments, the score of the second doubles team is indicated on a second scoring wheel portion between a third identifier and a fourth identifier, the second scoring wheel portion being displayed within the at least one hole. Some embodiments of the doubles pickleball scoring device also include a wristband attached to the housing.

[0006] Some embodiments of the doubles pickle scoring device also include a scale / dial indicator, wherein the scale indicator is rotatable about a first axis and points to a mark on the housing for identifying the server of the first or second doubles team. According to some embodiments, the mark on the housing also identifies the server's number for the first or second doubles team.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing of the doubles pickle scoring device defines a first opening and a second opening, through which a user can access a portion of the periphery of a first scoring wheel through the first opening and a portion of the periphery of a second scoring wheel through the second opening.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a portion of the periphery of a first scoring wheel defines a first grip element, wherein the first scoring wheel is configured to move forward in response to a user moving the first grip element within a first opening, and a portion of the periphery of a second scoring wheel defines a second grip element, wherein the second scoring wheel is configured to move forward in response to a user moving the second grip element within a second opening.

[0009] Some embodiments of the housing include a plurality of braking portions, wherein a first scoring wheel includes at least one protruding element, wherein in response to a user moving a first gripping element within a first opening, the at least one protruding element of the first scoring wheel advances from the first braking portion to a second braking portion. According to some embodiments, when the at least one protruding element of the first scoring wheel is in the first braking portion, it defines a positioning showing the player positions and scores of the first doubles team in at least one aperture, and wherein when the at least one protruding element of the first scoring wheel is in the second braking portion, it defines a positioning showing the next player position and score of the first doubles team in a scoring sequence in at least one aperture.

[0010] Some embodiments of the housing include a second set of braking elements comprising a plurality of braking elements, wherein the second scoring wheel includes at least one protruding element that, in response to a user moving a first gripping element within a second opening, advances from a first braking element in the second set of braking elements to a second braking element in the second set of braking elements. According to some embodiments, when at least one protruding element of the second scoring wheel is at the first braking element in the second set of braking elements, it defines a positioning for indicating the player positions and scores of the second doubles team in at least one aperture; when at least one protruding element of the second scoring wheel is at the second braking element in the second set of braking elements, it defines a positioning for indicating the next player position and score of the second doubles team in a scoring sequence in at least one aperture.

[0011] The embodiments provided herein include a doubles pickle scoring device, comprising: a housing defining at least one hole and a cavity; a first scoring wheel disposed within the cavity, wherein a portion of the first scoring wheel is visible through at least one hole; and a second scoring wheel disposed within the cavity, wherein a portion of the second scoring wheel is visible through at least one hole, wherein the portion of the first scoring wheel shown within at least one hole includes indications of the position and score of a first doubles team, and the portion of the second scoring wheel shown within at least one hole includes indications of the position and score of a second doubles team.

[0012] According to some embodiments, in response to advancing the first scoring round, the position and score of the first doubles team advance simultaneously. According to some embodiments, in response to advancing the second scoring round, the position and score of the second doubles team advance simultaneously. The doubles pickle scoring device of some embodiments also includes a pointer and markings on the outer surface of the housing, wherein the markings reflect the server and server number of the players in the first and second doubles teams, and the pointer indicates the current server and the current server number.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the pointer includes a pointer wheel rotatable about a first axis. According to some embodiments, a first scoring wheel is rotatable about a second axis, and a second scoring wheel is rotatable about a third axis, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third axes is different from the other of the first, second, or third axis. Some embodiments of the doubles pickle scoring device also include a wristband attached to the housing.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the first scoring round includes a character sequence comprising a sequence of digits from zero to at least nine, with a first character following each even number and a second character following each odd number. According to some embodiments, the second scoring round includes a second character sequence comprising a sequence of digits from zero to at least nine, with a first character following each odd number and a second character following each even number.

[0015] The embodiments provided herein include a doubles picket scoring method, comprising: rotating a first scoring wheel within a housing to advance the score and player positions of a first doubles team; rotating a second scoring wheel within the housing to advance the score and player positions of a second doubles team; and simultaneously displaying the score and player positions of the first doubles team and the score and player positions of the second doubles team.

[0016] Some embodiments of the method also include rotating a scale indicator on the housing to indicate the server of the first or second doubles team. According to some embodiments, markings on the housing also identify the server's number for the first or second doubles team. Attached Figure Description

[0017] After a general description of the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 A pickle court according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 A wrist-worn scoring device for scoring in doubles pickleball is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 A scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 4 A top view of a scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 5 A scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is operated to advance the home team's score and player positions;

[0023] Figure 6 A scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the home team's scoring wheel moves forward;

[0024] Figure 7 A scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the home team's scoring wheel moves forward;

[0025] Figure 8 A side view of a scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 10 An exploded view of a scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 11 The main team scoring wheel of a scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 12 A bottom view of the top housing of a scoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 13 The bottom housing of the away team score wheel and scorer device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 14 A wrist-worn device with wristband release according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 15 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 14 The wrist-worn device shown has a wristband that is looped and worn on the wrist by the wearer.

[0033] Figure 16 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 14 and Figure 15 A detailed view of the wristband of the wrist-worn device shown, in which the tab of the wristband engages with the buckle to prevent the wristband from passing through the buckle. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, embodiments of the invention. In fact, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. The same numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0036] As pickleball gains popularity, more and more courts are trying to keep up with the rapidly growing demand. While the sport is relatively easy to understand and play, scoring in doubles, along with player positions, servers, and server numbers, is more complex, requiring the memorization of scores, positions, and server information, even after long rallies. The unique way pickleball doubles scores are tracked makes simple notations or counts unsuitable for reflecting all the information conveyed in doubles pickleball scoring.

[0037] The scorekeeper provided in this embodiment can be used by players and / or spectators. Viewers may wish to keep scores for themselves or on behalf of one or more players. The embodiments described herein can be used if the home and away teams are determined at the start of the match by the person using the score recording and holding device. The scorekeeper can be used freely by multiple players in the same match. This ensures that scores and rankings are properly maintained. As mentioned above, scoring can be challenging when players are focused on the game, so multiple scorekeepers are an effective way for teams to ensure accurate scoring and that the server announcing the score before each serve correctly identifies the score and server number.

[0038] The embodiments described herein provide a device that tracks not only each team's score but also the proper position of each player / participant on the court, as well as who should serve and the server's number. The device of the embodiments conveys this information to the wearer in an intuitive manner and does not require the wearer to remember any scores or positions during the match. The device described herein transmits the serving order and indication of who is currently serving, the server's number, the serving team's score and the position of each member of the serving team, the receiving team's score and the position of each member of the receiving team. The device of the embodiments is also easy to operate and understand. After each rally, only a single action is required to rotate a single movable element of the device.

[0039] Pickleball doubles scoring records can be difficult to grasp initially. However, the device using the embodiments described herein allows new users to quickly understand doubles scoring and how player positions change during a match. Now refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a peak court 100, including a first net side 110 and a second net side 120 of a net 130. The first net side 110 has a right service side 112 and a left service side 114, while the second net side has a right service side 122 and a left service side 124. In doubles, each player has a designated position on one of the four service sides, although only one player is serving during a point period.

[0040] At the start of the match, one player from each team is designated as either an "even" or "odd" player, and their position on the court is determined by their numbered score. The serving team, starting from the first net side 110, begins with the first serve from the even-numbered player at the right service side 112. After a point, the serving team players switch positions from the left service side 114 to the right service side 112 and from the right service side 112 to the left service side 114, and now the even-numbered player serves from the left service side. The score record is 1-0-2 (serving team score - receiving team score - serve number), with the "2" in the score record because the first serving team starts from their second service number. The serving teams continue to switch service sides as long as they maintain a serve score, adding points when winning rallies. When the first serving team loses a rally / rally, the serve moves to the other team, who starts with their even-numbered player, who serves as the first server from the right service side 122 at the second net side 120 of the Peak Court 100. The serving team scores a point by winning a rally when their first server serves. After each point, the teams switch positions, changing the serving side from the right to the left of the court. After losing a game, the player remains in their current position, and the serve changes to the other player on that team (the second server). This continues, switching between the right and left serving sides after each win, until the second server loses a game. When the second server serves, if they lose a rally, the serving team remains in their current position, and the serve changes. The serve then moves to the opposing team, and each player can serve until a rally is lost. After each point, the players switch serving sides, but not after a lost rally. The game continues as described above until the serving team wins by two points.

[0041] Clearly, this scoring system and tracking of the server's number (first or second) and player positions (odd and even players on the left or right service side) are challenging. Furthermore, remembering everyone's position, score, server, and server's number during long rallies, timeouts, or injury stops is extremely challenging. The device of the embodiment described herein solves this problem by tracking each of these elements using an intuitive user interface that minimizes the need for interaction between serves. After each rally, one and only one of the three movable elements needs to be rotated.

[0042] Figure 2 An embodiment of a wrist-worn device 200 is shown, wherein device 210 is connected to wristband 240. Arrow 242 indicates the location of the wearer reading the wrist-worn device 200, which will be described further below.

[0043] Figure 3A detailed view of the score recording and holding device 210 is shown, depicting a housing 220. The housing defines at least one through-hole for observing the score record of the wearer's team—also referred to herein as the home team—and at least one through-hole for observing the score record of the opposing team, also referred to herein as the away team. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one hole for observing the home team's score record comprises three holes: a left hole 222, a center hole 224, and a right hole 226. The at least one hole for observing the away team's score record comprises a single hole 228. Without departing from the function of the device 210 described herein, the at least one hole for observing the home team's score record or the away team's score record may comprise a single hole, such as... Figure 3 As shown in hole 228, or including more than one hole, such as Figure 3 Holes 222, 224 and 226 are shown in the diagram.

[0044] The home team's score is visible through at least one hole used to view the home team's score record, in the middle hole 224, while the position indicator on the right service side ( Figure 1 112) is visible in the right hole 226 to the right of the scoring hole 224. Left service side ( Figure 1 The position indicator (114) is visible through the left aperture 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the position indicator labels "odd-numbered" players as "O" and "even-numbered" players from the same team as "E". Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the score and position of the home team can be seen through the hole as “O”, “0”, and “E”, indicating that the odd-numbered players are in the left service court and the even-numbered players are in the right service court, and the team's score is zero.

[0045] The away team's score and player positions can be seen through at least one hole used to view the away team's score record, which is visible in a single hole 228. As shown in the figure, the score and player positions are "E", "0", and "O", indicating that the opposing team's even-numbered player is located in the right service box. Figure 1 In the 122), odd-numbered players are positioned in the left service area ( Figure 1 (124 in the image). This is the opponent's team as seen by the wearer across / through the net, ensuring that the layout of the players' positions displayed on the wearer's device is the same as the correct player positions seen by the wearer on the court. The away team's score is also displayed as zero, so the score and positions indicate the start of the game.

[0046] The housing 220 also includes a knurled edge 230 on the periphery of the housing, which is positioned facing the wearer when the wearer reads / browses the device 210. The housing defines a home team score opening 232 and an away team score opening 234, which are shown more clearly in later figures. Within the home team score opening 232, the periphery of the home team score wheel 236 is visible, and the home team score wheel 236 includes protrusions 238. At the top of the housing 220 is a serve knob 250, which will be described in further detail below.

[0047] Figure 4 A top view of device 210 is shown, revealing housing 220 including a left hole 222, a center hole 224, a right hole 226, and a less noticeable single hole 228. It is worth noting that the single hole 228 is generally more visible when worn on the wearer's wrist, as the wearer's field of vision is typically not directly above device 210. The knurled ridge 230 of the housing and the home team scoring opening 232, as well as the periphery of the home team scoring wheel 236, are also visible. The operation and function of the serve knob 250 are more apparent with the scoring knob including pointer 252. Housing 220 includes two serve order displays: a "we" serve order display 254 and an "they" serve order display 256. The "we" serve order display 254 reflects the home team's serve order, while the "they" serve order display 256 reflects the away team's serve order. The terms "home team" and "away team" used herein are for reference only and do not indicate who can serve first in a match. As further described below, the braking unit keeps the pointer 252 in the proper position at each service position. The braking unit provides sufficient resistance to ensure that the pointer 252 does not move unintentionally during the match, while still being easily rotated by the wearer to another service position.

[0048] Each serving order is displayed in four sections. As shown in the diagram, these sections include "First E", "Second O", "First O", and "Second E". The serve knob rotates whenever the serving team loses a match. When the score is even at the time of the change of serve, according to the rules of pickleball, the team's first server is an even-numbered player, so the pointer points to "First E". After the team loses a game with an even-numbered player serving first, the pointer moves to "Second O", and the team with an odd-numbered player serves. When the score is odd at the time of the change of serve, according to the rules of pickleball, the team's first server is an odd-numbered player, so the pointer points to "First O". After the team loses a rally with an odd-numbered player serving first, the pointer moves to "Second E", and the team with an even-numbered player serves. When a team loses a rally with their second server serving, a "change of serve" occurs, and the pointer moves to the appropriate position for the other team.

[0049] The server identification information on housing 220 informs the server to locate their position on the court by looking for their corresponding identification information in the holes. For example, if an even-numbered player is serving, that player can see through the holes where they should stand—either the right or left service side—and serve from that side. The wearer can also check whether the correct player is serving from the correct service side when the away team serves.

[0050] The periphery of the home team's score wheel 236 is visible through opening 232. The home team's score wheel is advanced by rotating it clockwise as indicated by arrow 260. For this purpose, the wearer uses their fingernail—preferably the index finger of the hand not wearing device 210—to contact the periphery of the home team's score wheel 236 at protrusion 238 and advance the wheel clockwise as indicated by arrow 260. The knurled edge 230 aids this movement by providing a position for the wearer's thumb to rest on the housing 220, stabilizing the hand and providing leverage for the hand advancing the home team's score wheel. As explained in detail below, the opening 232 is sized to prevent the wearer's fingernail from entering at the next point in the score wheel's path.

[0051] Figure 5 An embodiment is shown where the wearer's hand 300 is used for recording the home team's score with the propulsion device 210. It is noteworthy that the device 210 and the hand 300 are not proportional to each other, and Figure 5 The illustration only depicts the engagement and movement of the wearer's hand 300 and the device 210. As shown, the wearer's thumb 320 can be placed on the knurled convex edge 230, while the index finger 310 of the same hand 300 contacts the protrusion 238 around the edge of the home team's score wheel 236 to advance the home team's score record.

[0052] Figure 6 The protrusion 238 around the periphery of the home team score wheel 236 is shown almost rotating to the end of the opening 232. As shown, the score and player positions within the home team score recording holes—including the left hole 222, the middle hole 224, and the right hole 226—are advancing but not yet aligned with these holes. As the home team score wheel rotates, the next protrusion 248 becomes visible within the opening 232. Figure 7 This shows a successful one-point increase in the score. As shown, the protrusion 238, which has been pushed to advance the score record, has moved just past the opening 232. At the same time, the next protrusion 248 is located in an accessible / reachable position within the opening 232, ready to advance the home team's scoring wheel again when appropriate and when the wearer moves.

[0053] Points and player positions have also been determined. Figure 7The apertures of device 210 are updated. The left aperture 222 changes from "O" indicating an odd-numbered player on the left service side to "E" indicating an even-numbered player has moved to the left service side. The home team score in the middle aperture 224 now indicates a score of one point. The right aperture 226 advances from "E" indicating an even-numbered player on the right service side to "O" indicating an odd-numbered player now belongs to the right service side. The home team scoring wheel also includes protrusions in the housing and corresponding braking parts, such that when the player position and score are correctly aligned in the apertures, the home team scoring wheel is fixed in the proper position, which will be described in further detail below.

[0054] Figure 8 Another view of the device 210 is shown, illustrating a housing 220 with a knurled edge 230 that faces the wearer when reading and operating the device. The illustrated view on the right side of the device includes an opening 232 through which the periphery of the home team score wheel 236 is visible. Another opening 234 is also shown on the underside of the housing, through which the periphery of the away team score wheel 276 is visible. This score wheel includes a first protrusion 274 and a second protrusion 278 visible through the opening 234.

[0055] The away team score wheel functions very similarly to the home team score wheel. However, as the home team score wheel advances, only the home team's score and player position are displayed in the home team score holes (left hole 222, middle hole 224, and right hole 226), while as the away team score wheel advances, only the away team's score and player position are displayed in the single hole 228 for the away team score and player position. In response to the wearer moving the second protrusion 278 to the position showing the first protrusion 274, the score and player position displayed in the single hole 228 for the away team score and player position progressively advance. For each movement from the second protrusion 278 to the first protrusion 274, this movement changes the player's position and the away team's score by one point.

[0056] The size and protrusion positions of the home team scoring opening 232 and the away team scoring opening 234 should ensure that one or the other scoring wheel can be precisely driven even if the wearer is not careful. Because there is a protrusion near the center of each corresponding hole when the score and position are aligned in their respective holes, this is the only protrusion accessible to the wearer on each scoring wheel. The wearer can then advance the corresponding scoring wheel clockwise by pushing the protrusion to the end of the corresponding opening. The scoring wheels employ protrusions and brakes to align the score and player position within the scoring hole, and the position of the corresponding protrusions aligns precisely with these protrusions and brakes at the ends of the corresponding openings. Due to these features, advancing the home or away team's score is a rapid process that accurately and repeatedly focuses the next score in the sequence into the scoring hole without requiring precise input or full attention from the wearer, who may be focused on the game and therefore not want to concentrate on the scoring device 210.

[0057] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the device 210, taken through the central hole 224 and viewed from the middle, is shown. As shown, the housing 220 is formed by a top housing 212 and a bottom housing 214. A cavity is formed within the housing 220, housing the away team score wheel 370 and the home team score wheel 330. The away team score wheel 370 and the home team score wheel 330 are separated by a disc member 340, which facilitates smooth rotation of one score wheel relative to the other and ensures that the score wheels rotate independently of each other. The away team score wheel 370 is visible through hole 228, while the left hole 222, the central hole 224, and the right hole 226 are visible through the other hole. Figure 9 (Not shown in the diagram) The home team score wheel can be seen. As shown, the home team score wheel 330 is relatively flat because it is manually pushed through a cavity in the top housing 212. The away team score wheel 370 is relatively high and is also manually pushed through a cavity in the bottom housing 220. The interior of the away team score wheel 370 extends upward through the center of the home team score wheel 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the away team score wheel 370 and the home team score wheel 330 are coaxial. Furthermore, the serve knob is also coaxial with the score wheels and rotates independently about the same axis to change the information presented by each element.

[0058] A top screw 312 and a bottom screw 314 engage with a threaded element 316—the threaded element 316 being rotatably fixed within an opening in the top housing 212. The top housing 212 and the bottom housing 214 are fixed together by a central shaft. The serve knob 250 is fixed to the top housing 212 by the top screw 312. In the illustrated embodiment, a graphic sticker 253 is placed on the threaded hole passing through the serve knob 250 for appearance and branding.

[0059] Figure 10 An exploded view of the scoring device shows the assembly sequence. As shown, the bottom housing 214 is located at the bottom of the device and has an opening 234 for accessing and advancing the away team scoring wheel 370. A disc-shaped component 340 is shown positioned between the away team scoring wheel 370 and the home team scoring wheel 330. The top housing 212 covers the scoring wheels and houses the serve knob 250. A top screw 312 engages a threaded element 316. Figure 10 (not shown in the image) and bottom screw 314 ( Figure 10 (Not shown in the image) to secure the components together, and for aesthetic purposes, graphic sticker 253 covers the top screw 312. Figure 10The top housing 212 also shows brakes 251. These brakes 251 are configured to receive protrusions located on the underside of the pointer 252, so that the pointer 252 is aligned with each server information segment and held in the set position until the user advances the serve knob 250 to the next server information segment.

[0060] While the exemplary embodiments described above and illustrated reflect an assembly and packaging method using a single axis of rotation for each of the home team score wheel 330, away team score wheel 370, and serve knob 250, embodiments may alternatively have one or more elements that can rotate on different axes while maintaining the ability to display the score, player position, serving team, serving player, and the serving player's number.

[0061] Figure 11 The home team score wheel 330, comprising multiple numbers and characters, is shown. As illustrated, the numbers are displayed from 0 to 9, separated by alternating "O"s and "E"s. This unique character configuration provides the aforementioned functionality of displaying scores and player positions via left hole 222, middle hole 224, and right hole 226. The home team score wheel 330 also includes a protrusion 332. This protrusion, in conjunction with a braking element within the top housing 212, defines the correct alignment of the scores and player positions with the holes depicting the home team's score.

[0062] Figure 12 A bottom view of the top housing 212 is shown, including a portion of an opening 232 for advancing the home team's score and player positions and an opening 234 for advancing the away team's score and player positions. A brake 334 is also shown, which engages with a protrusion 332 of the home team's score wheel to define ten positions on the home team's score wheel that align the score and player positions with the score and player position holes.

[0063] Figure 13 The away team score wheel 370 is shown, comprising a sequence of numbers separated by characters, similar to the arrangement of the home team score wheel. However, the character order is reversed. The home team score wheel 330 begins with "O 0E", while the away team score wheel begins with "E 0O". From the wearer's perspective, this reflects the proper position of the players at the start of the game. The away team score wheel 370 also includes a protrusion 372. The protrusion is configured to engage a brake 374 in a bottom housing 214, which includes a portion of an opening through which the away team score record is advanced. The brake 374 engages with the protrusion 372 of the away team score wheel to define ten positions on the home team score wheel that align the score and player positions with the score and player position holes.

[0064] Although the brake and protrusion described above are used for the forward alignment / shape alignment of the pointer 252 with the server information, and for aligning the player position and score within one or more holes, unlike brake operation or attachment to brake operation, embodiments may optionally use friction engagement of the scoring wheel or server information indicator.

[0065] The scoring device described herein provides an intuitive way to track who will serve, the home team's score, the away team's score, the home team's court position, and the away team's court position during doubles ball retrieval. Furthermore, the device requires only one input element after each rally. At the end of each rally, there are several possible outcomes. If the serving team wins the rally, and the serving team is the device wearer's team, the home team score wheel 330 advances by an increment. This increases the home team's score by one point and changes the home team player's court position. If the non-serving team wins the rally, regardless of which team wins, the score wheel does not move, but the serve knob 250 moves to the next server. If the serving team is the away team and the away team wins a rally, the away team score wheel 370 is moved to increase the away team's score by one point, while changing the away team player's position on the court. If an error occurs when moving the score wheel, it can be easily corrected by moving the score wheel in the opposite direction. Similarly, the serve knob can be easily moved to the correct position.

[0066] Because the device described herein provides all relevant score and position information for doubles pickles, and requires only one and exactly one movement of one of the home team's scoring wheel, away team's scoring wheel, or the serve knob, the device is intuitive and can track nine pieces of information with minimal input. These nine pieces of information include: home team score, away team score, home team even-numbered player position, home team odd-numbered player position, away team even-numbered player position, away team odd-numbered player position, serving team, serving player (odd or even), and whether they are the team's first or second serving player. Regardless of the duration of the match, in the event of injury, other timeouts, forgetfulness, or other distractions during the match, the device described herein retains all relevant information to continue the game without further interruption or dispute.

[0067] Figure 2 The wrist-worn device 200 shown is as follows Figure 14 As shown, the wristband 240 is not fastened. The wristband 240 of the illustrated embodiment includes a hook-and-loop fastener type closure device, with the first portion 410 of the wristband... Figure 14 The side shown has a hook-shaped surface, and the second part 420 has an annular surface on the side shown. (As shown) Figure 2 and Figure 15 As shown in another view, the wristband 240 is wrapped around the buckle 430, and the hook-shaped surface of the first part 410 is fixed to the annular surface of the second part 420. Figure 14The image also shows a tongue 400. The tongue 400 is connected to the first part.

[0068] When the wristband 240 passes through the loop 430, the first portion 410 of the wristband can be folded back around the loop to connect to the second portion 420. The length of the wristband passing through the loop before connecting the first portion 410 to the second portion 420 determines the size and is adjusted based on the wrist on which the device is worn. Figure 15 The diagram also shows a tab 400 sandwiched between the first portion 410 and the second portion 420. This tab serves to prevent the wristband from accidentally detaching from the clasp 430 when the first portion 410 is not attached to the second portion 420. The wristband 240 is typically loosened by releasing the first portion 410 from the second portion 420, and the wristband 240 increases in size to fit the wearer's hand when worn or removed from the wrist. In doing so, without the tab 400, the wristband 240 could potentially be pulled through the clasp 430.

[0069] Figure 16 The diagram illustrates how the first portion 410 of the wristband 240, when passing through the loop 430, is prevented from fully passing through when the tab 400 engages with the crossbar of the loop 430. The tab may be made of a slightly flexible material, such as thin plastic, such that the tab 400 cannot be pulled through the loop without exerting more force than is required to remove the wristband 240 from the wrist. However, if the first portion is to be intentionally removed from the loop 430, the tab 400 is flexible enough to be pressed against the first portion 410 of the wristband 240, thereby engaging through the loop 430. The tab 400 prevents the first portion 410 of the wristband 240 from accidentally detaching from the loop 430.

[0070] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will arise for those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A double petanque scoring device comprising: a housing defining at least one aperture; a first scoring wheel disposed within the housing and rotatable about a first axis; a second scoring wheel disposed within the housing and rotatable about the first axis; wherein a portion of the first scoring wheel and a portion of the second scoring wheel are shown within the at least one aperture, wherein the portion of the first scoring wheel shown within the at least one aperture comprises an indication of the position and score of a first double petanque team, and the portion of the second scoring wheel shown within the at least one aperture comprises an indication of the position and score of a second double petanque team.

2. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 1, wherein, the first double petanque team comprises a first player and a second player, the first scoring wheel comprises a first identifier of the first player and a second identifier of the second player, and the portion of the first scoring wheel shown within the at least one aperture comprises an indication of the relative position of the first player and the second player on a petanque court.

3. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 2, wherein, the second double petanque team comprises a third player and a fourth player, the second scoring wheel comprises a third identifier of the third player and a fourth identifier of the fourth player, and the portion of the second scoring wheel shown within the at least one aperture comprises an indication of the relative position of the third player and the fourth player on a petanque court.

4. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 2, wherein, the score of the first double petanque team is indicated on the portion of the first scoring wheel between the first identifier and the second identifier, the portion of the first scoring wheel being shown within the at least one aperture.

5. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 3, wherein, the score of the second double petanque team is indicated on the portion of the second scoring wheel between the third identifier and the fourth identifier, the portion of the second scoring wheel being shown within the at least one aperture.

6. The double petanque scoring device of claim 1, further comprising a wristband attached to the housing.

7. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 1, further comprising a scale indicator, wherein, the scale indicator is rotatable about the first axis, and the scale indicator is pointed to a marking on the housing, the marking identifying a serving player of the first double petanque team or the second double petanque team.

8. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 7, wherein, the marking on the housing further identifies a serving player number of the first double petanque team or the second double petanque team.

9. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 1, wherein, the housing defines a first opening and a second opening, a portion of a circumference of the first scoring wheel is accessible to the user through the first opening, and a portion of a circumference of the second scoring wheel is accessible to the user through the second opening.

10. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 9, wherein, the portion of the circumference of the first scoring wheel defines a first gripping element, the first scoring wheel being configured to advance in response to the user moving the first gripping element within the first opening, and wherein the portion of the circumference of the second scoring wheel defines a second gripping element, the second scoring wheel being configured to advance in response to the user moving the second gripping element within the second opening.

11. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 10, wherein, the housing comprises a plurality of detents, the first scoring wheel comprises at least one raised element, the at least one raised element of the first scoring wheel advancing from a first detent to a second detent in response to the user moving the first gripping element within the first opening.

12. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 11, wherein, The at least one raised element of the first score wheel at the first detent defines a position in the at least one aperture showing a player position and score of the first doubles team in a scoring sequence, and wherein the at least one raised element of the first score wheel at the second detent defines a position in the at least one aperture showing a next player position and score of the first doubles team in a scoring sequence.

13. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 11, wherein, The housing includes a second set of detents comprised of a plurality of detents, the second score wheel includes at least one raised element, the at least one raised element of the second score wheel advances from a first detent in the second set of detents to a second detent in the second set of detents in response to the user moving the first gripping element within the second opening.

14. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 13, wherein, The at least one raised element of the second score wheel at the first detent in the second set of detents defines a position in the at least one aperture showing a player position and score of the second doubles team, and wherein the at least one raised element of the second score wheel at the second detent in the second set of detents defines a position in the at least one aperture showing a next player position and score of the second doubles team in a scoring sequence.

15. A doubles petanque scoring device comprising: a housing defining at least one aperture and a cavity; a first score wheel disposed within the cavity, wherein a portion of the first score wheel is visible through the at least one aperture; and a second score wheel disposed within the cavity, wherein a portion of the second score wheel is visible through the at least one aperture, wherein the portion of the first score wheel shown within the at least one aperture includes an indication of a position and score of a first doubles team, and the portion of the second score wheel shown within the at least one aperture includes an indication of a position and score of a second doubles team.

16. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 15, wherein, The position and score of the first doubles team advances simultaneously in response to advancing the first score wheel.

17. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 16, wherein, The position and score of the second doubles team advances simultaneously in response to advancing the second score wheel.

18. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 15, further comprising a pointer and indicia located on an outer surface of the housing, wherein, The indicia reflect a server and a server number of players of the first doubles team and the second doubles team, the pointer indicates a current server and the current server number.

19. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 18, wherein, The pointer includes a pointer wheel rotatable about a first axis.

20. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 19, wherein, The first score wheel is rotatable about a second axis, the second score wheel is rotatable about a third axis, at least one of the first axis, the second axis, or the third axis is different than another of the first axis, the second axis, or the third axis.

21. The doubles petanque scoring device of claim 15, further comprising a wristband attached to the housing.

22. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 15, wherein, The first score wheel includes a sequence of characters, the sequence of characters including a sequence of numbers from 0 to at least 9, wherein a first character follows each even number and a second character follows each odd number.

23. The double pitchi ball scoring device of claim 22, wherein, The second score wheel includes a second sequence of characters, the second sequence of characters including a sequence of numbers from 0 to at least 9, a first character follows each odd number and a second character follows each even number.

24. A method of scoring doubles petanque comprising: rotating a first score wheel located within a housing to advance a score and a player position of a first doubles team; rotating a second score wheel located within the housing to advance a score and a player position of a second doubles team; rotating a second score wheel located within the housing to advance a score and player position for a second doubles team; and simultaneously displaying the score and player position for the first doubles team and the score and player position for the second doubles team.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: rotating a scale indicator located on the housing to indicate a server for the first doubles team or the second doubles team.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, the indicia located on the housing further identify a server number for the first doubles team or the second doubles team.

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