Abstract:
The present invention is a device and method that allows a baseball player to scientifically select the optimum bat for maximum hitting performance. A baseball player need only swing and hit a supported target, and note the relative energy imparted to the target. By repeating this same simple test using as many bats as the ballplayer would like to examine, and noting the highest relative energy imparted to the target, the optimum baseball bat for him or her is determined.

Description:
[0001]    The invention claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 61/811,274 filed on Apr. 12, 2013 and U.S. provisional patent application no. 61/811,832 filed on Apr. 15, 2013. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is in the field of baseball. More particularly, it is in the field of selecting the optimum bat for maximum hitting performance. 
         [0003]    Since the inception of the game of baseball, baseball players have gone simply by “feel” in choosing the best baseball bat for his or her use. There has been no scientific method to select the bat for optimum hitting performance. 
         [0004]    There is a substantial need for the present invention. Baseball is the most popular sport in the U.S. Approximately 6.7 million persons in America play organized baseball (little leagues; high school teams; college teams; A, AA, AAA leagues; and major league baseball). And there are approximately 200,000 organized baseball teams in the U.S. 
         [0005]    Baseball is also one of the most popularly played sports in a number of countries around the world, including Japan, South Korea, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. According to the International Baseball Federation, 30 million people play baseball, worldwide. 
         [0006]    Every baseball player, regardless of age or experience, could benefit from the use of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is a device that allows a baseball player to scientifically select the optimum bat for maximum hitting performance. A baseball player need only swing and hit a supported target, and note the relative energy imparted to the target. By repeating this same simple test using as many bats as the ballplayer would like to examine, and noting the highest relative energy imparted to the target, the optimum baseball bat for him or her is determined. 
         [0008]    The present invention applies one of the most fundamental principles in physics: F=MA. F is the measurement of force. M is the measurement of mass. And A is the measurement of acceleration. In this case, the mass is the baseball bat. The acceleration is the baseball player&#39;s bat-swinging action. And the force is the energy intensity imparted by a swinging bat to the invention&#39;s striking target. This striking-energy intensity, or imparted energy, is the essential piece of knowledge. 
         [0009]    The greater the imparted energy, the further an actual baseball would travel if struck by a baseball bat. 
         [0010]    By focusing on the critical variable—the imparted energy—the invention inherently takes into account the myriad of other variables that combine to influence the effective performance of a baseball bat swing. For instance, the invention takes into account each individual batter&#39;s size, weight, stance, swing speed, swing angle, baseball contact/impact point, and wrist-bat and arm-bat rotation. The invention also takes into account the numerous variables associated with bats, including bat size, weight, weight distribution, various dimensions, bending stiffness, impact bending strength, damping rate, compositions (wood, metal, composite, etc.), and variations in compositions (such as, for a wooden bat: wood hardness, wood grain, and wood type—e.g. white ash and hard maple). 
         [0011]    The present invention factors in literally thousands of underlying variable combinations to provide the batter with the ultimate piece of knowledge: The baseball bat that will provide the greatest hitting performance specifically for him or her. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1 . is one example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is another example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3 . is yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is still yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The ensuing descriptions encompass a variety of example embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments, within the spirit and scope of the present invention, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill upon reading the descriptions herein. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts a wired version of the present invention that utilizes one or more sensors incorporated with the striker target. Shown are: batter  1 , bat  2 , striking target  3 , movable support member  4 , hinge  5 , vertical support  6 , horizontal support  7 , system support pole  8 , system support base  9 , sensor-signal interface cable  10 , and laptop computer  11 . The sensor or sensors incorporated with striking target  3  comprise the energy-transfer measurement system of the invention. Sensor-signal interface cable  10  comprises the sensor relay system of the invention. Laptop computer  11 , also referenced as the portable computer device, comprises the data display system of the invention. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  depicts the wireless version of the present invention that utilizes one or more sensors incorporated with the striker target. Shown are: batter  12 , bat  13 , striking target  14 , movable support member  15 , hinge  16 , vertical support  17 , horizontal support  18 , system support pole  19 , system support base  20 , sensor-signal interface cable  21 , wireless transmitter  22 , and wireless-enabled laptop computer  23 . 
         [0019]    The sensor or sensors incorporated with striking target  14  comprise the energy-transfer measurement system of the invention. Sensor-signal interface cable  21  and wireless transmitter  22  comprise the sensor relay system of the invention. Wireless-enabled laptop computer  23 , also referenced as the wireless-enabled portable computer device, comprises the data display system of the invention. 
         [0020]    Said sensor or sensors may be embedded with, affixed to, or in various ways accompanied with the striker target. 
         [0021]    Both the wired ( FIG. 1 ) and wireless ( FIG. 2 ) example embodiments operate similarly. A batter swings his or her bat and strikes striking target  3  or  14 . The force of the striking action is sensed by the sensor or sensors incorporated with the striking target  3  or  14  and is communicated to the laptop computer  11  or  23 . 
         [0022]    In the  FIG. 1  wired example of the present invention, the data from the sensor or sensors is communicated to the laptop  11  via sensor-signal interface cable  10 . 
         [0023]    In the  FIG. 2  wireless example of the present invention, the data from the sensor or sensors is wirelessly communicated to the wirelessly enabled laptop  23  via sensor-signal interface cable  21  and wireless transmitter  22 . 
         [0024]    Said sensor or sensors can be any of a variety of suitable sensors for the task. 
         [0025]    One suitable sensor option is a force sensor: 
         [0026]    Piezoelectric force sensors provide the compact size, durability, and signal resolution that is appropriate. “Low Impedance Voltage Mode (LIVM) force sensors contain thin piezoelectric crystals which generate analog voltage signals in response to applied dynamic forces. A built in IC chip amplifier converts the high impedance signal generated by the crystals to a low impedance voltage suitable for convenient coupling to readout instruments. When the crystals are stressed by an external compressive force, an analogous positive polarity voltage is generated. This voltage is collected by the electrode and connected to the input of a metal oxide silicon field effect transistor (MOS-FET) unity gain source follower amplifier located within the amplifier housing. The amplifier serves to lower the output impedance of the signal by 10 orders of magnitude so it can be displayed on readout instruments such as oscilloscopes, meters and recorders. Because of their high stiffness and strength (they are almost as rigid as a comparably proportioned piece of solid steel), piezoelectric force sensors may be inserted directly into machines as part of the structure by removing a section and installing the sensor. By virtue of this high rigidity, these sensors have very high natural frequencies with fast rise time capabilities making them ideal for measuring very quick transient forces such as those generated by metal-to-metal impacts and high frequency vibrations.” (Source: Dytran Instruments, Inc.) For additional reference: http://www.dytran.com/img/tech/a4.pdf 
         [0027]    There are also a variety of printed-circuit-board based piezoelectric devices that will also work superbly. Companies make “a piezoresistive sensing device in which resistance is inversely proportional to applied force.” (Source: TekScan, Inc.) These piezoelectric components are durable and can be made in appropriate shapes and sizes for the task. For additional reference: http://www.tekscan.com/flexible-force-sensors 
         [0028]    Another suitable sensor option is an accelerometer sensor: 
         [0029]    The incorporated accelerometer sensor can be any one of a number of small, commercially available accelerometers. One example of many suitable options is the three-axis accelerometer depicted here: http://www. summitracing.com/parts/fst-301419 
         [0030]    Said striking target  3  and  14  are comprised of a suitable durable material that can survive repeated impacts by swung baseball bats. Rubber and leather are common suitable durable materials, but other examples include plastics, synthetics, metals, woods, composites, etc. 
         [0031]    In  FIG. 1 , the signal (voltage, change in resistance, acceleration data, etc.) from one or more sensors travels via the signal-sensor communication cable  10  to the laptop computer  11 . 
         [0032]    In  FIG. 2 , the signal (voltage, change in resistance, acceleration data, etc.) from one or more sensors travels via the signal-sensor communication cable  21  to wireless transmitter  22  to the wireless-enabled laptop computer  23 . Wireless transmitter  22  can be any of the readily available wireless transmitter types used in computer communications, particularly Bluetooth and WiFi. 
         [0033]    There are also pre-mated pairs of piezo sensors and wireless-transmitter devices that would be perfectly appropriate. One example of many can be seen here: http://www.tekscan.com/wireless-force-load-measurement. 
         [0034]    To use the wired version of the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a user simply (1) turns on the laptop computer, (2) activates signal-measurement software on the laptop computer, (3) swings various baseball bats to strike said striking target, and (4) compares the striking force as measured by the signal-measurement software. The greater the striking force, the greater the signal measured, the better the selected baseball bat would impart energy to an actual pitched baseball, and the further an actual baseball would travel. 
         [0035]    To use the wireless version of the example embodiment of  FIG. 2 , a user simply (1) turns on the laptop computer, (2) turns on the wireless transmitter, (3) activates signal-measurement software on the laptop computer, (4) swings various baseball bats to strike said striking target, and (5) compares the striking force as measured by signal-measurement software. The greater the striking force, the greater the signal measured, the better the selected baseball bat would impart energy to an actual pitched baseball, and the further an actual baseball would travel. 
         [0036]    Many manufacturers of force sensors and acceleration sensors also supply appropriate signal-measurement software that can be readily used with the present invention. Of course, custom signal-measurement software can also be created and applied. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  depicts an example of wireless version of the present invention that utilizes a wireless accelerometer sensor combined with a movable support member. Shown are: batter  24 , bat  25 , striking target  26 , movable support member  27 , wireless accelerometer  28 , hinge  29 , vertical . support  30 , horizontal support  31 , system support pole  32 , system support base  33 , and wireless-enabled laptop computer  34 . 
         [0038]    Wireless accelerometer  28  comprises both the energy-transfer measurement system and sensor relay system of the invention. Wireless-enabled laptop computer  34 , also referenced as the wireless-enabled portable computer device, comprises the data display system of the invention. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  depicts the wired version of the present invention that utilizes a wired accelerometer sensor combined with a movable support member. Shown are: batter  35 , bat  36 , striking target  37 , movable support member  38 , wired accelerometer  39 , hinge  40 , vertical support  41 , horizontal support  42 , system support pole  43 , system support base  44 , laptop computer  45 , and sensor-signal interface cable  46 . 
         [0040]    Wired accelerometer  39  comprises the energy-transfer measurement system of the invention. Sensor-signal interface cable  46  comprises the sensor relay system of the invention. Laptop computer  45 , also referenced as the portable computer device, comprises the data display system of the invention. 
         [0041]    Both the wireless ( FIG. 3 ) and wired ( FIG. 4 ) example embodiments operate similarly. A batter swings his or her bat and strikes striking target  26  or  37 . The force of the striking action is translated through moveable support member  27  or  38 , is measured by accelerometer  28  or  39 , and is communicated to the laptop computer  34  or  45 . 
         [0042]    In the wireless example of the present invention, the data from the accelerometer is wirelessly communicated to the wirelessly enabled laptop  34 . 
         [0043]    In the wired example of the present invention, the data from the accelerometer is communicated to the laptop  45  via sensor-signal interface cable  46 . 
         [0044]    To use the wireless version of the example embodiment of  FIG. 3 , a user simply (1) turns on the laptop computer, (2) turns on the wireless transmitter, (3) activates the acceleration-measurement software on the laptop computer, (4) swings various baseball bats to strike said striking target, and (5) compares the striking force as measured by signal-measurement software. The greater the striking force, the greater the signal measured, the better the selected baseball bat would impart energy to an actual pitched baseball, and the further an actual baseball would travel. 
         [0045]    To use the wired version of the example embodiment of  FIG. 4 , a user simply (1) turns on the laptop computer, (2) activates the acceleration-measurement software on the laptop computer, (3) swings various baseball bats to strike said striking target, and (4) compares the striking force as measured by the signal-measurement software. The greater the striking force, the greater the signal measured, the better the selected baseball bat would impart energy to an actual pitched baseball, and the further an actual baseball would travel. 
         [0046]    Wireless accelerometer  28  can be any one of a number of small, commercially available accelerometers adaptable to the invention&#39;s configuration. One example of many is the three-axis accelerometer depicted here: http://www.ammsensor.com/Products/TheAmmSensor.aspx 
         [0047]    Wired accelerometer  39  can be of similar nature, design, and technology to what was previously described for the embodiments depicted by  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
         [0048]    Of course, a custom wired or wireless accelerometer could be engineered and constructed for use with all depicted and described embodiments of the present invention. Many commercially available accelerometer components and Bluetooth transmitter components could be selected for the unit. One example of many suitable product lines of accelerometers is depicted here: http://www.st.com/web/catalog/sense_power/FM89/SC444. And one example of many Bluetooth transmitter components is depicted here: http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bluetooth/Bluetooth-RF-Silicon-and-Software-Solutions/BCM2045 
         [0049]    Many accelerometer manufacturers also supply acceleration-measurement software that can be readily used with the present invention. Custom acceleration-measurement software can also be created and applied. 
         [0050]    Said striking target  26  and  37  are comprised of a suitable durable material that can survive repeated impacts by swung baseball bats. Rubber and leather are common suitable durable materials, but other examples include plastics, synthetics, metals, woods, composites, etc. 
         [0051]    Further note regarding movable support member  5 ,  15 ,  27 , and  38  and system support pole  8 ,  19 ,  32 , and  43 : Either or both can be made adjustable in length so that the user could place the striking target  3 ,  14 ,  26 , and  37  in his or her natural swinging plane. 
         [0052]    Further notes regarding all invention embodiments: 
         [0053]    Regarding referenced wireless options: Bluetooth technology is designed to provide a limited communication range, and is ideal if a computer laptop or other wireless computerized device/data display system is near to the batter. WiFi is better suited for instances whereby longer-distance data communication is desired. For example, a baseball hitting coach may wish to monitor and/or instruct the batter while stationed in the dugout or other baseball field/stadium location. In such an instance, WiFi technology would be the better choice. Both technologies—and, in fact, virtually all wireless transmitter technologies—are within the intended scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0054]    Regarding referenced sensor options and wired/wireless communication pairings to data display systems: Many other types of sensors, sensor technologies, and wired- and wireless-communication pairings can be employed in the invention, and all are encompassed by the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0055]    Regarding data display system options: It should also be noted that many other computerized technologies can be substituted for the identified laptop. For instance, computer tablets, other portable computer/computerized devices, desktop PCs, smartphones, and more can all be considered for the present invention&#39;s data display system. Even a simple analog or digital meter, a multi-purpose “multimeter”, in fact any electric-signal meter, wired or wireless, could be applied and be perfectly suitable. All of the aforementioned devices and systems, and other measurement devices that could display data communicated from the invention&#39;s sensor or sensors, are within the intended scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0056]    While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use the invention, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.