System for selecting components of a modular bat

• US 8,827,846 B2
• Filed: 02/01/2012
• Issued: 09/09/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: 5 Star, LLC
• Original Assignee: 5 Star, LLC
• Inventors: Shocklee, Christopher
• Primary Examiner(s): Harper, Tramar
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, ANH-VO V
• Application Number:
  US13/364,312
• Publication Number:
  US 20130196769A1
• Time in Patent Office: 951 Days
• Field of Search: 463/37, 463 48- 49, 473/453, 473/457, 473/564, 473/256, 473/463
• US Class Current: 473/453
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 15/00 Clubs for gymnastics or the like , e.g. for swinging exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0008 for batting
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/00 Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/18 Baseball, rounders or similar games
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/50 Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/04 Movable ballast means A63B15/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/06 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/08 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/10 with means for indicating correct holding positions A63B60/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0002 for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3605 Golf club selection aids informing player of his average or expected shot distance for each club

Abstract

A modular bat selecting simulator system according to various embodiments can include a handle weighted modular baseball bat configured to receive interchangeable weights in a handle portion of the handle weighted modular baseball bat. At least one tracking system configured to track movement of the handle weighted modular baseball bat and movement of a user while swinging the baseball bat. A computer configured for receiving data from the tracking system to determine an optimum bat weight based upon swing dynamics monitored while the user swings the baseball bat and outputting the data to a display. The display displays a virtual background including a virtual image of the baseball bat and a pitched ball, virtual movement of the baseball bat and the user swinging to hit the virtual image of the pitched ball.

Claims

1. A modular bat selecting simulator system comprising:

a handle weighted modular baseball bat configured to receive interchangeable handle weights in a handle portion of the handle weighted modular baseball bat;

each interchangeable handle weight comprises an electronic weighted insert including a weighting element comprising a sensor for sensing data within the bat including at least the weight of the weighting element and the interchangeable handle weights are interchangeably inserted only into the handle portion to provide a heavy handle construction such that the largest concentration of mass is provided in the handle portion and for positioning a center of gravity within the handle portion of the handle weighted modular baseball bat;

at least one tracking system configured to track movement of the handle weighted modular baseball bat and movement of a user while swinging the baseball bat;

a computer configured for receiving data from the tracking system to determine a custom-fit handle weighted modular baseball bat, including weights selected from the interchangeable handle weights, and based upon swing dynamics monitored while the user swings the baseball bat and outputting the data to a display; and

the display displaying a virtual background including a virtual image of the baseball bat and a pitched ball, virtual movement of the baseball bat and the user swinging to hit the virtual image of the pitched ball.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one tracking system includes at least one camera to acquire a plurality of images and the at least one camera operatively connected to the computer.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one camera is selected from at least one of a phone camera, a PDA camera, a notebook camera, and a camera integrated into a gaming system.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to receive initial set-up configuration information related to the handle weighted modular baseball bat.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the initial set-up configuration information includes information regarding at least one of the weight of the weighting element, a weight of the bat, a ball weight, a ball configuration, a ball speed, a bat length, a bat composition, a knob weight, a handle weight, and physical characteristics regarding the user.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising sensors removably attached to the handle weighted modular baseball bat to measure at least some of the initial set-up configuration information, including the weight of the bat.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a compartment removably attachable to the handle weighted modular bat for inserting at least one of the sensors into the handle weighted modular baseball bat.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the computer establishes a connection over the Internet to transmit data, including the initial set-up configuration information, to an Internet server to calculate a circular hand path, a best fit curve for selecting a user-specific bat weight, a moment of inertia, the center of gravity, a maximum-ball-speed bat weight, and a swing speed.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the handle weighted modular baseball bat comprises interchangeable components selected from at least one of an interchangeable barrel, an interchangeable handle, the interchangeable weight, and an interchangeable weighted knob.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the interchangeable components comprises a weight identifying marker.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the weight identifying markers are attached to external interchangeable components attached externally to the handle weighted modular bat and internal interchangeable components inserted within the handle weighted modular bat.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor is capable of reading data contained within the weight identifying markers to determine a value associated with the weights of the internal interchangeable components and the at least one camera is capable of reading data contained within the weight identifying markers to determine the value associated with the weights of the external interchangeable components.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the Internet server aggregates values associated with weights of the external interchangeable components and weights of the internal interchangeable components to calculate a total weight of the handle weighted modular bat.

14. The system of claim 6, wherein the computer, based upon the measurements of the at least one sensor, automatically distinguishes physical characteristics of the weighting element between a plurality of weighting elements.

15. The system of claim 7, wherein the weighting element is solid, hollow, defines a uniform shape, or defines a non-uniform shape.