Baseball System and Apparatus for Signal Calling

• US 20080206723A1
• Filed: 12/02/2007
• Published: 08/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Steven Hunter
• Original Assignee: Steven Hunter
• Inventors: Hunter, Steven
• Application Number:
  US11/949,040
• Publication Number:
  US 20080206723A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 434/156
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0663 worn on the wrist, e.g. wrist bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/18 Baseball, rounders or similar games
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/182 Softball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0672 using non-electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0007 Signalling

Abstract

A system and apparatus for signals, signs, and plays to be communicated to the baseball/softball players using a series of band cards worn by the players that contain a unique and varying combination of numbers, letters, and symbols. With or without the designation of a “hot color” or symbol, which dictates which column the players are supposed to refer to for their plays and assignments, the coach is able to signal both real and fake signals and plays by following the hot or cold designation with certain numbers and letters. These numbers and colors can be coordinated for each position on the baseball/softball field such that the same “hot color” and series of numbers puts all the players in their individual desired position. These band cards can be worn in several places, including in wristbands with clear plastic windows or attached to baseball hats.

Claims

1. ) A method of Baseball System for Signal Calling between a coach and player(s) for communicating a particular play, pitch, or position using a card which comprises:

a. Creating a matrix of symbols, letters and numbers on a cards corresponding to a play, position, or pitch, wherein the matrix is divided into colored columns and the rows having different data and corresponding to an offensive play, defensive play, or pitch;

with the offensive cards for hitting and base running having a series of columns, with a series of numbers from 0 to 999 corresponding to an action running down the column, with each line in the column having 1 to 3 numbers together;

wherein the particular series of numbers does not repeat itself in that particular column;

with the defensive cards for getting the other team out having labels on the colored columns corresponding to the situation of the other team as far whether and where their base runners are located, and a series of numbers on each line in each column that correspond to a particular position or play for the next pitch and possible resulting action;

with the pitching cards having labels on the columns corresponding to the play or pitch the coach desires and a series of numbers and or symbols underneath the play or pitch;

b. displaying and recording the matrix on a card attached to the player and coach individually;

c. signaling a “

hot”

colomn which signifies the particular column a coach wants the players to refer to in signaling the play, position, or pitch;

d. signaling the plays from a coach to the player using said card, comprising a color or symbol and a series of numbers, the color can be the “

hot”

color or a “

cold”

color,

wherein the “

cold”

color signals to the players to ignore the numbers, letters, or symbols, until preceded by the “

hot”

color;

e. receiving the play called in by a coach to the player; and

Baseball System and

f. interpreting the signal call using said card.

2. ) The claim in 1) further comprising a short count single number in each column next to a series of numbers as an alternative shortened way to identify the play, pitch or position a coach wants signaled to the player.

3. ) The claim in 1) further comprising alternating colored backgrounds for each column.

4. ) The claim in 1) further comprising a wristband for displaying said card.

5. ) The claim in 1) further comprising a means to display and attach said card to a baseball hat.

6. ) The claim in 1) further comprising a means to attach said card around a player'"'"'s neck.

7. ) The claim in 1) further comprising a short count single number in each column next to a series of numbers as an alternative means to identify the play a coach wants signaled to the player.

8. ) Apparatus for performing baseball signal calling from a coach to the player(s) comprising:

a. means for storing signal calling data concerning either offense, defense, or pitching;

b. means for comparing and sorting the signals according to a system linking baseball plays or positioning to symbols and numbers;

c. means for selecting displayable information that has been sorted according to the system linking baseball plays or positioning to symbols or numbers;

d. means for displaying the selected displayable information;

e. means for calling in the system from a coach to the player.

9. ) Baseball System and Apparatus for signaling baseball plays comprising:

a. a matrix of symbols, letters, and numbers with the symbols and numbers identifying the rows and columns and a combination of number comprising the data in the matrix;

b. a means to attach and display the matrix on a baseball coach and player while allowing for athletic movement during a baseball game;

c. a wrist band means for processing the signals called in by a coach;

d. signal matrix means for encoding the signals in a fashion to prevent understanding by the opposing team or an antagonist;

e. means for communicating a combination of symbols, letters, or numbers from a coach to the player(s) which corresponds to a particular play, pitch, or position;

f. interpretation by the player of the matrix.