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.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/524,640, filed Aug. 17, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of sporting accessories and more specifically relates to a batting sleeve sensor system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many individuals play sports and are involved regular exercise regimens to promote health and fitness as well as for a means of providing entertainment. Many of these individuals play sports such as baseball, tennis, cricket and other such sports in a competitive mode. Much practice is required to become proficient at the various skills. For example baseball requires proper hitting, catching and other techniques to be developed. When baseball, softball or cricket athletes take batting practice, most of the time they are unsure where exactly the ball is striking the bat during a practice session. Without that information, it may be difficult for an athlete to adjust his or her swing to improve hitting performance. A more accurate method for collecting batting data is necessary and desired. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. and Pat. Nos. 2004/0082414; 2010/0049468; 2006/0183546; 2006/0211523; U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,536,033; and 4,583,733. This art is representative of sporting accessories. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Ideally, a batting sleeve sensor system should be user-friendly and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable batting sleeve sensor system to allow a user to analyze his or her hitting in order to make real-time adjustments and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known sporting accessories art, the present invention provides a novel batting sleeve sensor system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an accurate analyzing means for swings used in baseball; to remove guesswork of hitting. 
     Batting Sleeve Sensor is a device that slides over (or wraps around) a bat in order to record the statistics of each hit. The invention may allow a user to analyze his or her hitting and make adjustments faster than with no input being present. The device takes only a few seconds to slip over (or couple to) an existing bat before a user can swing away. The device doesn&#39;t substantially alter the swing or change the weight of the bat. Athletes who play a sport using a bat looking for improvement in hitting accuracy should find use with the present invention. 
     A batting sleeve sensor system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment 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 (preferably a plurality strategically placed); a memory card; a computer; a displaying device; and wiring suitable to communicate signals to and from the at least one sensor. The parameters of the sleeve are defined by the front surface; the back surface; the top side; the bottom side; the right side; and the left side. The at least one memory card-receiving pocket receives the at least one memory card (or other electronic device), such that the at least one memory card is secured in place relative to the sleeve. Further, the at least one memory card-receiving pocket is preferably located on the back surface of the sleeve (other placement may be used). 
     The sleeve preferably comprises fabric in preferred embodiments; however may comprise other materials in alternate embodiments. The sleeve may further comprise hoop and loop fastener strips such as those produced by companies under the name Velcro®. The sleeve is able to be wrappably-installable about a barrel and handle of a baseball bat by overlapping the left side over the right side and attaching the hoop and loop fastener strips together. Slide on versions are available as well. The barrel comprises a barrel-circumference of which the sleeve surrounds when installed. The handle comprises a handle-circumference that increases (when approaching the barrel) of which the sleeve surrounds when installed. The sleeve may further comprise indicia such as a sweet spot target. The sweet spot target is divided into four quadrants that are able to map hits when (sensors are) impacted by a ball. 
     The memory card is attachable to the handle of the bat or within confines of memory card-receiving pocket (mentioned previously). The memory card is capable of saving all measured statistics collected during at least one batting session (or part thereof). A computer may be in communication with and able to read the memory card via suitable means known in the art and is able to retrieve the information about placement of each of the hits such that the user is able to make proper adjustments to swing and stance of a user to develop accuracy of the hits according to input received from use of the present invention. 
     The displaying device permits the user to observe the information in real-time such that it is increased in effectiveness. The displaying device may comprises a specialty monitor attachable to rigid netting for viewing by the user (or coach or audience member), the displaying device being impact-resistant to rough use, impact, and vibration. The wiring communicates the signals to and from the at least one sensor allowing the sensor to measure a measurable property able to be communicated to the computer via the memory card (or other suitable equivalent). The wiring is integral within the sleeve. The sleeve when installed onto the bat is able to permit the at least one sensor to sense and record information relating to the measurable property relative to use of the bat to improve a game play of the user. 
     A kit is described herein for sale including: a sleeve; at least one sensor; a memory card; software to implement use of the computer and the monitor to display real-time; and a set of user instructions and practice techniques. 
     A method of using a batting sleeve sensor system is also disclosed herein preferably comprising the steps of: wrapping (or otherwise engaging) a sleeve about a bat (baseball; cricket; tennis; racquetball; or the like); hitting a ball; and analyzing the hitting to improve the hitting via an output recorded from sensors located in the sleeve. The method further comprising the step of recording the hitting of ball over a duration to create an overall analysis to promote accuracy in hitting. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a batting sleeve sensor system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, batting sleeve sensor system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a batting sleeve sensor system in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a batting sleeve as removably positionable about a circumference of a barrel (and handle) of a bat according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the batting sleeve as coupled about the circumference of the barrel of the bat according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view of a batting sleeve as coupled to a cricket bat according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear view of a batting sleeve as coupled to a cricket bat according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the batting sleeve sensor system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4B . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a sporting accessories device and more particularly to a batting sleeve sensor system as used to improve a batter&#39;s swing/hitting and make adjustments through accurate analyzing means. The device can be sized and shaped differently to accommodate bats and rackets and various sports equipment. 
     Generally speaking, batting sleeve sensor (systems) is a device that can provide users with data about his or her batting technique. The product may be comprised of a thin piece of nylon or other suitable material that slips over the bat. The nylon may be divided into four sections, to better map the hits, and has sensors imbedded in the fabric. The invention may also include a memory card that attaches to the handle of the bat. The card may be capable of saving all the statistics collected during a batting session. A user may take the memory card and plug it into a computer, where they can retrieve the information about the placement of each hit. Once the report is uploaded, he or she may be able to make the proper adjustments to his or her swing and stance. 
     Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1  showing a perspective view illustrating batting sleeve sensor system  100  in in-use condition  106  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Batting sleeve sensor system  100  preferably comprises: sleeve  110  having: front surface  116 , back surface  122 , top side  128 , bottom side  134 , right side  120 , left side  118 , and at least one pocket  152  (suitable to hold an electronic recording device such as memory card  300 ); at least one sensor  160 ; and wiring  170  suitable to communicate signals to and from at least one sensor  160 . The parameters of sleeve  110  are defined by front surface  116 , back surface  122 , top side  128 , bottom side  134 , right side  120 , and left side  118 . At least one memory card-receiving pocket  152  preferably receives at least one memory card  300 , such that memory card  300  is secured in place relative to sleeve  110 . Further, at least one memory card-receiving pocket  152  is preferably located on back surface  122  of sleeve  110 . 
     Sleeve  110  is preferably removably-installed about barrel  194  and handle  198  of bat  190 . Sleeve  110  when installed onto bat  190  is able to permit at least one sensor  160  to sense (when impacted) and record information relating to the measurable property relative to use of bat  190 . Measurable properties may include forces, speeds, directions and other such parameters. Wiring  170  preferably communicates the signals garnered to and from at least one sensor  160  thereby allowing sensor  160  to measure and communicate the measurable property. Wiring  170  is preferably integral within sleeve  110  or may be wireless in alternate embodiments. 
     Referring now to bat  190 ; barrel  194  comprises a barrel-circumference of which sleeve  110  surrounds when installed. Handle  198  comprises a handle-circumference (that increases when approaching barrel  194 ) of which sleeve  110  surrounds (envelopes) when installed. Sleeve  110  preferably comprises indicia  112 . Indicia  112  comprises ‘visible’ sweet spot target  114 . Sweet spot target  114  may be divided into four quadrants that are able to map hits when sensor  160  (strategically placed within and surrounding sweet spot target  114 ) are impacted by ball  108 . Hits on sensor  160  based on placement are calculated to indicate the type of hit and relative placement on the field. In this way user  102  is able to refine his/her hitting to cause ball  108  to hit bat  190  in a specific spot to get a specific hit (result); thereby enabling reliability to be realized. Speed of swinging may lead to desired placement on the field (short hits or long hits). In a real game this may be duplicated to obtain the desired hit as per on-field situation. The present invention also helps user  102  to think in ‘strategic terms’. Sensor  160  (and memory card  300 ) may be of different types; those suitable to specific use, cost and durability desired may be used. 
     Bat  190  may be a term used herein to specifically describe a baseball-bat; a cricket bat or more generally describe other sporting rackets/devices with handles. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other sporting equipment such as, for example, badminton, lacrosse, racquetball, tennis, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Batting sleeve sensor system  100  preferably further comprises displaying device  180  for observing information in real-time such that information received is most efficient analyzed and implemented. Displaying device  180  preferably comprises monitor  182  attachable to rigid netting  184  (via suitable fastening means such as clips, ties or the like) for viewing by user  102 ; displaying device  180  being impact-resistant to rough use, impact, and vibration. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of sensors, memory cards, sensing means, electrical communication means as described herein, methods of recording, communications therebetween, displaying and analyzing, wiring options such as hardwired and wireless will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view illustrating batting sleeve  110  as removably positionable about a circumference of barrel  194  of bat  190  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . The present invention may be slid (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) or coupled onto bat  190 ; coupling means made to accommodate different sized bats  190 . 
     Sleeve  110  preferably comprises fabric. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, nylon, spandex, flexible cotton, various plastic and non-plastic materials, composites; etc., may be sufficient. 
     Sleeve  110  further preferably comprises hoop and loop fastener strips  200 . Sleeve  110  is wrappably-installable about bat  190  by overlapping left side  118  over right side  120  and attaching hoop and loop fastener strips  200 . As mentioned, this version enables accommodation of different sized/shaped bats  190 . Other versions may be stretched to conform. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastener arrangements such as, for example, buttons, snaps, clips, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view illustrating batting sleeve  110  as coupled about the circumference of barrel  194  of bat  190  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
     Sleeve  110  may be slidably-installable onto bat  190 . Memory card  300  may be attached to handle  198  of bat  190 . Memory card  300  is capable of saving all measured statistics collected during at least one batting session. A computer able to read memory card  300  and able to retrieve the information about placement of each of the hits such that user  102  is able to make proper adjustments to swing and stance of user  102  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views (front and back, respectively) of batting sleeve  110  as coupled to cricket bat  400  according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
     As previously mentioned, the present invention may also be used in conjunction with cricket bats  400 , as shown (front and back views). In a similar fashion the device serves to promote accuracy and reliability in hitting ball  108 . Force, speed and other parameters may also be recorded to help improve the hits by user  102 . Outputs may then be implemented for reliability of the game of user  102 . 
     Batting sleeve sensor system  100  may be sold as kit  440  comprising the following parts: sleeve  110 ; at least one sensor  160 ; memory card  300 ; software to implement use of a computer and a monitor to display real-time; and a set of user instructions and practice techniques. Batting sleeve sensor system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flowchart  550  illustrating a method of use  500  for batting sleeve sensor system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4B . 
     A method of using batting sleeve sensor system  100  comprising the steps of: step one  501  wrapping (or otherwise coupling) sleeve  110  about bat  190 ; step two  502  hitting a ball  108 ; step three  503  analyzing hitting to improve hitting via an output recorded from sensors  160  located in sleeve  110 ; and step four  504  recording hitting of ball  108  over a duration to create an overall analysis to promote accuracy in hitting. 
     It should be noted that step  504  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.