Batting sleeve sensor systems

• US 8,911,309 B1
• Filed: 08/16/2012
• Issued: 12/16/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John Harihar, Kevin Sankhi
• Original Assignee: John Harihar, Kevin Sankhi
• Inventors: Harihar, John, Sankhi, Kevin
• Primary Examiner(s): Aryanpour, Mitra
• Application Number:
  US13/587,905
• Time in Patent Office: 852 Days
• Field of Search: 473/453, 473/437, 473/457, 473/451, 473/422, 473/202, 473/224, 473/221
• US Class Current: 473/453
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0004 specially adapted for particular training aspects
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0008 for batting
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/05 Image processing for measuring physical parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/805 Optical or opto-electronic sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/89 Field sensors, e.g. radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• 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 69/0002 for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user

Abstract

Batting Sleeve Sensor is a device that slides over or couples to a bat in order to record the statistics of each hit made. The invention may allow a user to analyze his or her hitting and make adjustments faster. The device takes only a few seconds to slip over (or otherwise couple to) an existing bat before a user can swing away as per usual. The hits are recorded via sensing means and are displayable in real-time. Athletes who play in competitive sports may find use in the device to train themselves to hit reliably and accurately over extended periods.

Claims

1. A batting sleeve sensor system comprising:

a sleeve comprising;

a front surface;

a back surface;

a top side;

a bottom side;

a right side;

a left side; and

at least one pocket;

at least one sensor; and

wiring suitable to communicate signals to and from said at least one sensor;

wherein parameters of said sleeve are defined by said front surface;

said back surface;

said top side;

said bottom side;

said right side; and

said left side;

wherein said at least one pocket is located on said back surface to receive an electronic device secured in place relative to said sleeve;

wherein said sleeve is removably positioned about a barrel portion and handle portion of a bat;

wherein said barrel portion comprises a circumference and said sleeve surrounds said circumference of said barrel;

wherein said handle portion comprises a circumference that increases when approaching said barrel portion of which said sleeve surrounds;

wherein said signals from said wiring, communicate with said at least one sensor allowing said at least one sensor to measure a measurable property;

wherein said wiring is integral with said sleeve; and

wherein said at least one sensor senses and records information relating to said measurable property when said sleeve is positioned on said bat.

2. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 1 wherein said sleeve is formed from a fabric.

3. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 2 wherein said fabric is a nylon.

4. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 3 wherein said sleeve is slidably positioned on said bat.

5. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 3 wherein said sleeve further includes hook and loop fastener strips.

6. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 5 wherein said sleeve is wrapped around said bat by overlapping said left side over said right side and attaching said hook and loop fastener strips together.

7. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 5 wherein said sleeve comprises indicia.

8. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 7 wherein said indicia includes a sweet spot target.

9. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 8 wherein said sweet spot target is divided into four quadrants that is able to map hits when impacted by a ball.

10. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 9 wherein a memory card is attached to said handle portion of said bat.

11. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 10 wherein said memory card is capable of saving and thereafter communicating all measured statistics collected during at least one batting session.

12. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 11 further comprising a computer, able to read said memory card and able to retrieve said measured statistics of said mapped hits such that a user is able to make proper adjustments to said user'"'"'s bat swing and stance.

13. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 12 further comprising a displaying device for observing said measured statistics in real-time.

14. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 13 wherein said displaying device comprises a monitor attachable to a rigid netting for viewing by said user, said displaying device being impact-resistant.

15. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 14 wherein said bat is a baseball-bat.

16. The batting sleeve sensor system of claim 14 wherein said bat is a cricket-bat.

17. A batting sleeve sensor system comprising:

a sleeve comprising;

a front surface;

a back surface;

a top side;

a bottom side;

a right side;

a left side; and

at least one memory card-receiving pocket;

at least one sensor;

a memory card;

a computer;

a displaying device; and

wiring suitable to communicate signals to and from said at least one sensor;

wherein parameters of said sleeve are defined by said front surface;

said back surface;

said top side;

said bottom side;

said right side; and

said left side;

wherein said at least one memory card-receiving pocket receives said memory card, such that said memory card is secured in place relative to said sleeve;

wherein said at least one memory card-receiving pocket is located on said back surface of said sleeve;

wherein said sleeve is formed of a stretchable nylon, and said sleeve further comprises hook and loop fastener strips;

wherein said sleeve is wrapped around a barrel portion and handle portion of a bat by overlapping said left side over said right side and attaching said hook and loop fastener strips together;

wherein said barrel portion comprises a circumference of which said sleeve surrounds when positioned thereon;

wherein said handle portion comprises a circumference that increases when approaching said barrel portion of which said sleeve surrounds when positioned thereon;

wherein said bat is a baseball-bat;

wherein said sleeve comprises indicia, and said indicia includes a sweet spot target;

wherein said sweet spot target is divided into four quadrants that are able to map hits when impacted by a ball;

wherein said memory card is capable of saving all measured statistics collected during at least one batting session;

wherein said computer is in communication with and able to read said memory card and able to retrieve said measured statistics said mapped hits such that a user is able to make proper adjustments to said user'"'"'s bat swing and stance;

wherein said displaying device permits said user to observe said measured statistics in real-time;

wherein said displaying device comprises a monitor attachable to a rigid netting for viewing by said user, said displaying device being impact-resistant;

wherein said wiring communicates said signals to and from said at least one sensor allowing said sensor to measure a measurable property in communication with said computer;

wherein said wiring is integral with said sleeve; and

wherein said at least one sensor senses and records information relating to said measurable property when said sleeve is positioned on said bat.

18. A kit comprising the batting sleeve sensor system of claim 17 and further including:

software to implement use of said computer; and

a set of user instructions and practice techniques.