Abstract:
A handheld, thumb or finger operated, umpire&#39;s counter having three dials to indicate the count kept by the umpire for each of “strikes”, “balls”, and “outs”. Each dial has associated with it a null indicator having a tactile output perceptible to the touch. This tactile output enables the umpire to determine when the respective dial is set to “0”, or to set and/or reset a respective dial to “0” without looking at the counter. It also permits the umpire to confirm that each dial is indeed set to “0” before he begins counting.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to sports umpire counters, also called umpire indicators. Home plate umpires, during a game of baseball, or softball, are responsible for keeping track of the number of “strikes” and “balls” on a batter and the number of “outs” in an inning. Umpires and referees in other sports are also required to keep count of various events. 
     Handheld counters have been used for this purpose. Generally, these counters have included a plurality of rotary dials which carry indicia on one face. This indicia is most commonly Arabic numerals, i.e., numbers, indicating the number of “strikes” from 0 to 3, the number of “balls” from 0 to 4, and the number of “outs” from 0 to 3. 
     The numbers are spaced about the face of each dial to appear, individually, to be read in a viewing window when the dial is turned to indicate that number. The dials generally are indexed with detents to hold the dial at each number when the number is centered in the dial&#39;s viewing window. The detent action gives a physical stop to the rotary movement of each dial and an auditory “click” sound. This provides a positive indication that a new number has been dialed into the window. Detents can also perform ratchet functions which permit a dial to be turned in only one direction of rotation. 
     A popular umpire counter used by many umpires, including many umpires in Major League Baseball®, is model “Diamond PI3 Umpire Indicator” sold by the Rawlings Corporation,  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a  and  2   b . This counter has a flat elongate body with rounded edges and a long straight side and an opposite angled side. This shape fits the palm of the umpire&#39;s hand. 
     An umpire can call “time out” to visually inspect his counter to confirm the status of the count for balls and strikes on the current batter, and to confirm the number of outs in an inning. However, this can disrupt the rhythm of the game. Moreover, when glancing at a hand-held counter, the umpire must take his eyes off the field of play. 
     It is advantageous that an umpire be able to operate his counter with as little distraction as possible from his duties, including but not limited to his view of the field of play, his view of the ball, his view of the players and coaches, and his view of the other umpires. 
     It is also advantageous that an umpire be able to reset his counter dials to “0”, or any other number, without having to look at the counter. 
     It is therefore desirable that an umpire&#39;s counter indicate one or more positions for each dial to provide a tactile indication of dial position which is perceptible to the touch and could be readily sensed by the umpire. This would reduce the need to look at a counter when resetting the dials to read “0” or another selected number. 
     It is therefore desirable to have a tactile output on the counter which would indicate when a counter dial is set to “0” or another number. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An objective of the present invention is to provide a manual, dial operated, handheld, umpire&#39;s, or other sports official&#39;s counter, for recording “strikes”, “balls”, and “outs”, or other events of interest. An individual tactile null indicator (or other number indicator) is associated with each dial and/or numbers. 
     This objective is reached in a thumb or finger dial, operated, handheld, baseball or softball or other sport, umpire&#39;s counter where each respective dial is a round disk and has a tactile feature associated therewith. This tactile feature is positioned to indicate, and operates to indicate, when that respective dial is set to read “0” or another number of interest. It is positioned at a predetermined location with respect to each dial and functions to indicate and/or confirm that the respective dial is set in the zero/null position, when the respective dial&#39;s window shows a count of “0”, or other number. 
     Each of the dials on the counter is ratcheted to turn in one direction only, that being of increasing count. The ratcheting structure also performs an indexing of a dial&#39;s rotation. 
     The tactile feature can be located on each dial or adjacent thereto. However the tactile feature&#39;s close proximity to the dial to which it is to provide the indication of dial position is imperative. 
     The counter includes an elongate case with rounded corners and a long straight side and a long angled opposite side. Three round disk-shaped dials are mounted for rotation within the case, being one for strikes, one for balls and one for outs. Each dial carries numbers from 0 to 3 or 0 to 4, as appropriate, being spaced about one of its two faces. These numbers are viewed through a respective round viewing window in one face of the case. 
     Each of the dials extends partially through one of the two long opposite side walls of the counter case. The exposed outward extension of each dial is such that an arc portion of the dial&#39;s circumference is exposed, i.e., protrudes beyond the side wall of the case. The circumferential edge of each dial is serrated for finger friction in turning the dial. 
     In one instance, the tactile feature is implemented with a smooth-walled notch in the circumference of a dial. This notch is approximately rectangularly-shaped with an arc width of about 15 to 20 circular degrees. The notch is positioned diametrically opposite the number “0” on the dial so that the notch can be felt with a thumb or finger when dial&#39;s zero/null position is indexed to the viewing window related to that dial, i.e., so that the “0”, or other number, is showing. 
     In another instance, the tactile feature is implemented with a smooth-surfaced bump-out or button structure on the circumference of a dial, or a smooth-surfaced, flat, cordial surface on the circumference of a dial diametrically opposite the number “0”, so that these tactile features are outboard of the respective case/housing side wall when the dial reads “0”, or another number. 
     In yet another instance, the tactile feature is implemented with a spring biased pin or rod which protrudes adjacent its respective dial and is retracted when the dial reads “0”, or another number. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features, advantages and operation of the present invention will become readily apparent and further understood from a reading of the following detailed description with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a face view of a Rawlings Corporation model “Diamond PI3” umpire&#39;s counter; 
         FIG. 2   a  is the angled side wall view of the counter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2   b  is the straight side wall view of the counter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a face view of the umpire&#39;s counter of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a face view of the present invention of  FIG. 3  showing the three dials in phantom; 
         FIG. 4   a  is the angled side wall view of the present invention of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4   b  is the straight side wall view of the present invention of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the inside wall of the back of the counter case showing the detent index arms for each dial; 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the inside wall of the face of the counter case showing the viewing windows; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom face view of a four numbered dial; 
         FIG. 7   a  is a top face view of the “strikes” dial of the present invention of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7   b  is a top face view of the “outs” dial of the present invention of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom face view of a five numbered dial; 
         FIG. 8   a  is a top face view of the “balls” dial of the present invention of  FIG. 3 : 
         FIG. 9   a  is a top face view of the “strikes” dial of the present invention with a bump-out or button-type, alternate, tactile position indicator; 
         FIG. 9   b  is a top face view of the “outs” dial of the present invention with a bump-out or button-type, alternate, tactile position indicator; 
         FIG. 9   c  is a top face view of the “balls” dial of the present invention with a bump-out/button-type, alternate, tactile position indicator; 
         FIG. 10  is a top face view of the “strikes” dial of the present invention with a flat, cordial-type, alternate, tactile position indicator; 
         FIG. 11   a  is a top face view of the “balls” dial of the present invention with a flat, cordial-type, alternate, tactile position indicator; 
         FIG. 11   b  is a top face view of the “outs” dial of the present invention with a fiat, cordial-type, alternate, tactile position indicator; 
         FIG. 12  is a face view of the counter of the present invention with further, alternate, position indicators shown in phantom in the retracted position; 
         FIG. 13  is a face view of the counter of  FIG. 12  with the position indicators protruding from the counter case; 
         FIG. 14  is an angled side view of the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a straight side view of the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a view of the inside wall of the back of the counter case showing the detent index arms, the position indicators and their activators for the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a view of the inside wall of the face of the counter case showing the viewing windows for the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom face view of a four numbered dial for the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 18   a  is a top face view of the “strikes” dial for the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 18   b  is a top face view of the “outs” dial for the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 18   c  is a side profile view of the four numbered dial of  FIG. 18   a  showing the cam button; 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom face view of a five numbered dial for the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 19   a  is a top face view of the “balls” dial for the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 19   b  is a side profile view of the five numbered dial of  FIG. 19  showing the cam button; 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view of a first position indicator rod for the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a sectional view of a second position indicator rod for the counter of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the encasement cylinder and position rod at the side wall of the counter of  FIG. 12 ; and 
         FIG. 23  is a top face view of a four-digit dial with peripheral notches relating to the number shown by the dial. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a manually operated counter for keeping track (creating a visual output) of sequential events, comprising, at least one dial which is rotatably adjustable for sequentially displaying a sequence of each of a plurality of indicia. Each dial is sequentially rotated and is permitted to move in only one direction of rotation. Continued rotation can reset each dial to its initial position, to permit a repeat of the sequence. A tactile indicator associated with each dial indicates when the dial is in the initial position. 
     Such manually operated counters are usually used by baseball and softball umpires, or another sports official or event keeper, and sometimes by umpires and referees in other sports, in keeping track of a number of events, such as “strikes” and “balls” on a batter, and in keeping track of the number of “outs” in an inning. 
     A popular model for an umpire&#39;s counter  31  is the Rawlings Corporation model “Diamond PI3”,  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a  and  2   b . This counter  31  has a thin, elongate case/housing  33  with three dials  35 ,  37 ,  39  mounted within the case  33  for dialing the number of “strikes”, “balls” and “outs”, respectively. The third dial  39  is positioned near the bottom of the long straight side  41  of the case  33 . While the first and second dials  35 ,  37  are respectively positioned near the top and the middle of an opposite angled side  43 . 
     Each of the dials  35 ,  37 ,  39  is round disk-shaped with numbers printed on or embossed on one face, these numbers being spaced about the disk in a circular arrangement. Three round viewing windows or ports  45 ,  47 ,  49  open through the front face of the case  33  for viewing the “strikes” count, the “balls” count, and the “outs” count, respectively. These windows  45 ,  47 ,  49  are positioned and sized so that only one number, printed on the respective dial  35 ,  37 ,  39 , appears at a time. 
     The dials  35 ,  37 ,  39 , each have a serrated circumferential edge for grip,  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b.    
     The present invention adds a tactile, dial position indicator to the previous structure of the model “Diamond PI3” umpire&#39;s counter. This indicator structure enables an umpire to determine when each dial is in the null/zero position to begin a new count of “strikes”, “balls”, and “outs”. 
     A first embodiment of the invention,  FIGS. 3-8   a , has a single, smooth-walled, large notch  51  having an absence of serrations and extending into the circumferential edge of each round disk-shaped counter dial  53 ,  55  and  57 ,  FIGS. 3 and 3   a . Each of the notched dials  53 ,  55 ,  57  is about one inch in diameter and carries an otherwise serrated circumferential edge. For a dial  53 ,  55 ,  57  which is about one inch in diameter, each notch is about 1/16 inch deep and about ⅛ to 3/16 inches wide at its “mouth”, wherein each notch  51  has an arc width of about 15 to 20 circular degrees. Each of the notched dials  53  and  57  carries numbers on its front face from “0” to “3”,  FIGS. 3   a  and  7   a . The notched dial  55  carries numbers on its front face from “0” to “4”. 
     Each of the dials  53 ,  55 , and  57  has its numbers spaced evenly around the periphery of its top face,  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b  and  8   a  in “merry-go-round” fashion. The numbers on each dial  53 ,  55 ,  57  are viewable through the top face of the counter case through a respective round viewing opening or window  59 , positioned above each respective dial,  FIGS. 3 and 6 . Each of the dials  53 ,  55 , and  57  are shown in phantom in  FIG. 3   a , as each reading “0”. The arrows  61  show the direction or rotation each dial is permitted to turn. 
     Each notch  51  is formed with square corners at the dial circumferential edge. Each notch is wide enough for a “pinch” of skin of the pad at the distal end of a thumb or finger to “feel” the presence of the notch  51  when it is facing outwardly from the case  33 ,  FIGS. 3 ,  4   a  and  4   b.    
     A respective spring arm detent  63  is each positioned on the inside bottom wall  65  of the case  33  near a respective spindle  67  on which a respective dial  53 ,  55 ,  57  rotates,  FIG. 5 . The bottom faces of a four-numbered dial,  FIG. 7 , and a five-numbered dial,  FIG. 8 , each carry a plurality of identical cavities  69 . The circumferential edge of each dial carries a series of serrations  71  providing a sure gripping/friction surface for turning/rotating each dial  53 ,  55 ,  57 . 
     The end of each spring arm detent  63  snaps into a respective one of the rectangular cavities  69  when a number of the dial is positioned under a viewing window. This spring snap creates an audible sound. The outward angle of the arm  63  positions its end against the inside wall of a cavity  69  to inhibit the reverse rotation of each dial. The correct rotation of a dial causes the arm  63  to bend as it is retraced from the respective cavity  69  by that cavity being rotated forward. 
     The inside top wall  73  carries the three round viewing windows  59 . An offset raised circular abutment  75  minimizes any wobble in the rotation of each dial  53 ,  55 ,  57 . 
     The tactile indication of dial&#39;s null position, i.e., a “0” appearing in a viewing window  59  of the invention, can be implemented in alternative ways. The notch  51 , on each of the dials,  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b ,  8   a , can be replaced by a protruding bump-out or button  77 , on each of the “strikes”, “balls”, “outs” respective dials  79 ,  81 ,  83 ,  FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c . Such a bump-out or button  77 , when positioned on the portion of a dial  79 ,  81 ,  83  extending outwardly on the outside of the case  33  is a structure which an umpire can “feel” as being different from the remainder of the circular, disk-shaped, serrated dial  79 ,  81 ,  83 . 
     The notch  51 , on each of the dials,  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b ,  8   a , can also be replaced by a flat surface (cordial surface)  85 ,  FIGS. 10 ,  11   a  and  11   b , on the “strikes” dial  87 , the “balls” dial  89 , and the “outs” dial  91 , respectively. When a number “0” is in the viewing window  59 , the flat portion of each dial is outside of the case  33 . 
     The tactile indicator can also be located in a position other than on a dial. This would require modifying the housing/case. Modified housing/case  93  permits a spring biased rod or pin to extend outward adjacent to a respective serrated dial  95 ,  97 ,  99 ,  FIGS. 12 and 13 . These three pins/rods  101 ,  FIG. 13  extend outwardly beyond the sidewalls of the case  93  when a number other than “0” appears in a viewing window  103 . They are withdrawn into the case  93  when the count for a dial is the number “0”. Alternately, the orientation of the structure can be modified to have the pins/rods  101  withdrawn into the case  93  when the dial reads another selected number. 
     Each indicator rod  101  is located immediately adjacent its respective dial  95 ,  97 ,  99 ,  FIGS. 14 ,  15 . The rods  101  are round and have a smooth rubber outer tip  105 ,  FIGS. 20 ,  21 . This again provides a tactile indicator to an umpire of the null positioning of each of the dials  95 ,  97 ,  99 . 
     The bottom face of each four-numbered dial  95 ,  99 ,  FIG. 18 , i.e., “0”-“3”, and the bottom face of the five numbered dial,  FIG. 19 , i.e., “0”-“4”, contain the same number and positioning of rectangular cavities  107  as the two previous embodiments of the invention. In addition, each dial  95 ,  97 ,  99  carries a camming button  109  on the bottom face, adjacent the cavity  107  of the highest number on the dial,  FIGS. 18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  19   a ,  19   b.    
     This button  109  engages a transversely extending rod  111  attached to each indicator pin/rod  101 . In the instance of the tactile indicator pin  101  associated with the “strikes” dial  95 , transverse cam-retraction rod  111 ,  FIGS. 16 ,  20 , the camming button  109  engages the transverse rod  111  to retract it inward away from the side wall  113  of the case  93  thereby compressing the biasing spring  115  to withdraw the indicator rod  101  into the case  93 . This occurs when the “strikes” dial  95  is turned to “0”. As this dial  95  is turned further, the camming button  109  moves beyond the transverse rod  111  as the spring  115  gives a little more and the indicator rod  101  moves a little more inward and the camming button  109  slips off of the transverse rod  111 . 
     Alternately, the structure can be further modified with a plurality of camming buttons  109 , and the removal of the “0” camming button  109 , so that the pins/rods  101  are withdrawn into the case  93  except when the count of the dial is the number “0”. 
     There is a similar operation when retracting the indicator rods  101  associated with the “balls” dial  97  and the “outs” dial  99 . However, because of the direction of rotation of these dials  97 ,  99  and the position necessitated by the shape and size of the case  93 , a hollow connection cable  117  is needed,  FIGS. 16 ,  21 . An activation rod  119  slides within each hollow connection cable  117 . When either dial  97 ,  99  is positioned for a zero count, i.e., a “0” is displayed in the viewing window  103 , the camming button  109  has pushed against the end of the activation rod which has pushed against the transverse rod  111  associated with that indicator rod  101  which has retracted the rod  111  into the case  93  away from the side wall  113 . 
     Each indicator rod  101  is held within an individual cylinder  121 ,  FIGS. 20 ,  21 ,  22 , which cylinder has a longitudinal slot  123  through which the transverse rod  111 , connected to the respective indicator rod  105 , extends. This slot  123  maintains the position of the transverse rod  111  in a proper orientation to camming button  109  for the dial  95 . The slot  123  also maintains the position of the respective traverse rods  111  associated with the activation rods  119  for the dials  97  and  99 . 
     Many changes can be made in the above-described invention without departing from the intent and scope thereof. 
     For example, the notch in the dial could be positioned to indicate the highest digit instead of a zero. Of course, if a notch is used to indicate the null position (“0” position), another tactile indicator, such as a bump-out, or a button, or a triangular-shaped projection, could be used to indicated the highest number, i.e., “strike three”, “ball four” or “three outs”. 
     Alternatively, the periphery, circumferential edge of a dial  125 ,  FIG. 23 , can carry a number of notches  127  at each respective location, wherein the number of notches indicates the number shown by the dial. i.e., the instantaneous “count”. 
     It is therefore intended that the above description be read in the illustrative sense and not in the limiting sense. Substitutions and changes can be made while still being within the scope and intent of the invention and of the appended claims.