U.S. patent application number 11/255754 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for baseball device with sound.
Invention is credited to James Cracolici.
Application Number | 20060089214 11/255754 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36206841 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060089214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cracolici; James |
April 27, 2006 |
Baseball device with sound
Abstract
A baseball motivation and promotion device is preferably a
baseball glove having a solid state audio unit and a loudspeaker or
electromechanical transducer, and having audio storage capability
and controls which can select and broadcast baseball-related words
and phrases, musical selections, memorable baseball plays,
promotional segments and other sounds. An endorsement area provides
a location for the logo of a favorite club or the signature of a
recognized player. An optional impact sensor detects a successful
catch, and initiates encouraging vocal feedback. Optionally the
device is a baseball bat having similar features.
Inventors: |
Cracolici; James; (Monroe,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James Russell Claybrook
P.O. Box 843
New Hampton
NY
10958
US
|
Family ID: |
36206841 |
Appl. No.: |
11/255754 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60621206 |
Oct 23, 2004 |
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60627414 |
Nov 12, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/451 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/0625 20130101;
A63B 71/143 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/451 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A baseball impact device comprising in combination: an
electromechanical transducer designed to function as both a
loudspeaker and a microphone; an electrical power source,
preferably a replaceable battery; a control unit switch designed to
function as both an on/off switch and a control switch, said
control unit switch being connected to said electrical power source
by an electrical conductor; a solid state control and audio unit,
said control and audio unit being connected to said control unit
switch by a control unit conductor and being connected to said
transducer by a loudspeaker conductor, said control and audio unit
having an audio segment element, said audio segment element being
designed to generate at least one output electrical signal
corresponding to at least one audio word or phrase, musical
selection or other sound related to baseball when said audio
segment element receives at least one control signal from said
control unit switch, said at least one output electricall signal
being transmitted to said transducer by a loudspeaker conductor;
said control and audio unit being optionally designed to record at
least one input electrical signal corresponding to at least one
sound, said at least one input electrical signal being received by
said control and audio unit via said loudspeaker conductor from
said transducer functioning as a microphone or via an optional
audio input connector conductor from an optional audio input
connector; an optional self-turnoff feature of said control and
audio unit, which interrupts electrical power to the control and
audio unit after a predetermined time period of inactivity of all
controls and sensors; an optional impact sensor, located near the
normal point of impact of a baseball on said impact device and
designed to generate an impact electrical signal upon said impact
of at least a predetermined force, an optional impact signal
element of said control and audio unit, said impact signal element
being connected to said impact sensor by an optional impact signal
conductor; an optional audio feedback element of said control and
audio unit, said audio feedback element being connected to said
impact signal element and receiving said impact signal from said
impact signal element, said audio feedback element being designed
to generate a feedback electrical signal corresponding to an
encouraging word or phrase, musical selection or other baseball
related sound upon receiving said impact signal, said audio
feedback element being connected to said loudspeaker conductor and
said feedback electrical signal being transmitted via said
loudspeaker conductor to said transducer; an optional endorsement
area marked on the surface of said device.
2. A device of claim 1, wherein the ball impact device is a ball
catching mitt and the normal point of impact is the ball catching
area of said mitt.
3. A device of claim 2, wherein the electromechanical transducer is
designed to function as a loudspeaker but is not designed to
function as a microphone.
4. A device of claim 3, wherein said control and audio unit is not
designed to record an input electrical signal and said audio input
connector and said audio input connector conductor are not
present.
5. A device of claim 2, wherein said impact sensor, said impact
signal conductor, said impact signal element and said audio
feedback element are not present.
6. A device of claim 5, wherein said impact sensor, said impact
signal conductor, said impact signal element and said audio
feedback element are not present.
7. A device of claim 1, wherein the ball impact device is a
baseball bat.
8. A device of claim 7, wherein the electromechanical transducer is
designed to function as a loudspeaker but is not designed to
function as a microphone.
9. A device of claim 8, wherein said control and audio unit is not
designed to record an input electrical signal and said audio input
connector and said audio input connector conductor are not
present.
10. A device of claim 7, wherein said device does not have an
impact sensor, impact signal conductor, impact signal element or
audio feedback element.
11. A device of claim 9, wherein said impact sensor, said impact
signal conductor, said impact signal element and said audio
feedback element are not present.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Applications Ser. No. 60/621,206 filed Oct. 23, 2004 and Ser No.
60/627,414 filed Nov. 12, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a sport motivation and promotion
device and, more particularly, to a modified baseball or glove or
baseball bat which engages the user in the sport by providing
baseball-related audio segments, and optionally audible positive
feedback to the user if the baseball or softball is successfully
caught or struck. The motivation and promotion device is
particularly useful for a novice or young player.
[0003] Appreciation of the rich and colorful tradition and history
of baseball, the American national sport, is important in
attracting young players to involvement in the sport, and
opportunities to absorb this tradition and history are limited. The
unique power and convenience of audio media in entertainment and
information, particularly for young people, and the technological
advances now available, demonstrate the need for attractive
baseball-related audio devices to present this tradition and
history in an engaging format. The attraction of sports celebrities
and heroes provides the opportunity to further enhance involvement
in the sport, by incorporation of a logo of a recognized ball club,
the signature of a recognized baseball player or a similar visual
memento.
[0004] Mementos of sporting activities and events are of great
interest to spectators and fans, to young players and to
professional and amateur players and coaches. Mementos related to
baseball, as the "national sport", are of particular interest.
Advances in technology have been applied to a variety of
sports-related collectable, novelty and toy articles. U.S. Patent
Application No. US 2004/0157527 A1 discloses a method for making a
sports-related collectable article using computer image
visualization and manipulation methodology. A talking football,
designed to interest young children in that game, is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,069, and a talking ball is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,445,375.
[0005] Devices have not been described that provide
baseball-related audio segments from a collectable baseball glove.
There is thus a need for a modified baseball glove that evokes the
experience of a baseball game, by utilizing audio-chip technology
to provide baseball-related audio segments, optionally in
combination with visual mementos, for example baseball team logos
and signatures of recognized players.
[0006] Immediate feedback as to whether a thrown baseball or
softball is caught in the pocket of a ball glove, or successfully
struck by a bat, is of great value to amateur players and
particularly to young players. Immediate positive feedback is of
particular value to novice or young players, in development of self
confidence and continuation of involvement in the sport. Audible
positive feedback, specifically a vocal phrase (for example, "Good
catch!") may be provided by a coach or other mentor. However, a
coach or mentor is not always present, and direct feedback from a
sports training device has an immediate impact, and gives the user
a sense of control.
[0007] Direct feedback is provided to players by various devices,
by standard and toy footballs that provide vocal feedback upon
impact, by baseballs that display pitching speed on impact and
other devices. However, ball gloves or bats that provide positive
voice feedback on successful ball catches have not been
described.
[0008] Advances in the design and production of solid state
audio-chip technology provide capabilities for the use of smaller
and less expensive devices (U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,758; U.S. Pat. No.
4,312,245; U.S. Pat. No. 3,792,833).
[0009] Known prior art devices do not take advantage of the
capabilities of solid state control and audio generation technology
or other advances that provide baseball-related experiences in
combination with a baseball-related object, specifically a baseball
glove or baseball bat.
[0010] The use of vocal feedback in sports training devices has
been described in footballs, soccer shoes and other devices, (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,445,375; U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,069; U.S. Patent
Application No. US 2003/0082414 A1), but not in baseball gloves or
bats, for the purpose of training in the proper technique and
skills needed in the catching or hitting of thrown baseballs or
softballs.
[0011] Advances in voice generation technology provide capabilities
for the storage and generation of multiple vocal phrases, in many
languages, and non-vocal audio segments, in predetermined or random
sequences, on inexpensive and durable solid state units. The solid
state units may be replaceable and may also provide capabilities
for recording new vocal phrases, and non-vocal segments, allowing
the device to be readily updated.
[0012] Known prior art devices do not take advantage of the full
capabilities of current voice generation devices and related solid
state elements, or of current impact detection and measurement
devices.
[0013] Thus there is a need for a modified ball glove and ball bat,
incorporating solid state audio and control technology to provide
the interest and excitement of baseball-related audio segments in a
convenient and flexible manner. Additionally, there is need for
impact detection devices and voice generation devices to provide
immediate positive vocal feedback to users who successfully catch
or hit thrown baseballs or softballs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the control
and audio unit is incorporated into a modified baseball glove. The
glove can be of any size suitable for display, if the optional
impact sensor is not present. The modified baseball glove has a
solid state control and audio unit, and a loudspeaker or
electromechanical transducer, through which baseball-related audio
segments are broadcast. The device includes an electrical power
source, preferably a battery power supply. The modified baseball
glove also may include an area for display of a visual baseball
memento, for example a team logo or signature of a recognized
baseball player. The audio element of the control and audio unit
stores in digital form baseball-related audio segments, which may
include music, for example "Take Me Out To The Ball Game"; voice
segments, for example "Play Ball!"; baseball-related noises, for
example stadium crowd noise and historical audio segments, for
example broadcast recordings of historic baseball plays. The audio
element may also store and broadcast promotional audio segments.
The control element of the control and audio unit provides the
capability to initiate generation of audio segments by the audio
element, and to select audio segments to be broadcast.
[0015] It is an object of the invention to provide a motivational
and promotional baseball glove having an audio-chip technology
which provides a baseball-related audio signal to a loudspeaker, in
response to the user activating the control switch, and to further
provide an area in which a baseball-related visual memento may be
displayed.
[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide a
collectable baseball glove having a solid-state control and audio
unit that is replaceable, so that different combinations of
baseball-related audio segments can be utilized in the device.
[0017] It is still another object of the invention to provide a
collectable baseball glove having a solid-state control and audio
unit in which the audio segments may be recorded, so that new
baseball-related audio segments can be added to the device, or can
replace existing audio segments.
[0018] It is still another object of the invention to provide a
collectable baseball glove having a solid-state control and audio
unit in which various categories of audio segments can be stored,
and chosen for broadcast, such categories including for example
music, voice, game-related noise and recordings of memorable
broadcast baseball plays.
[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide a sports device
in the form of a modified ball glove incorporating solid state
impact detection devices and voice generation devices to provide,
directly to users, immediate positive vocal feedback in the
training to catch thrown baseballs or softballs.
[0020] In response to the needs described I have invented a sports
motivation and promotion device in the form of a modified ball
glove and a modified baseball bat, having a convenient and flexible
audio capability, and optionally having an impact sensor, which
provides a ball impact signal to a control unit, which in turn
provides an audio signal to a loudspeaker, in the form of a
positive vocal sentence or phrase, when a thrown ball is
caught.
[0021] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in connection with
the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of
illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention.
[0022] In use of the device, the user presses the on/off switch to
activate the device and play the first audio segment. The user may
hold down the switch to play a series of audio segments, in a
predetermined sequence. The user may press the switch briefly to
turn the device off. The device may optionally turn itself off
after a predetermined period of non-use.
[0023] The control and audio control unit of the device may
optionally include stored audio segments in various categories, for
example music, voice, game-related noise and recordings of
broadcast plays, and may include control functions to enable the
user to choose categories and specific items of baseball-related
audio segments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a modified catching
glove, including a control and audio unit having an audio segment
element, and having a loudspeaker or electromechanical
transducer.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view showing a modified catching
glove, including a control and audio unit, control switch,
loudspeaker or electromechanical transducer, electrical power
source, signal and power conductors and optional impact sensor.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing elements of a solid state
control and audio unit, its components including audio elements and
an optional impact signal element, an optional impact sensor, an
electrical power source, signal and electrical conductors, and
switches and controls.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Turning more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a
glove 1 modified by attachment of a solid state control and audio
unit 4 and a pierced loudspeaker/microphone area 5. FIG. 1 also
shows an optional endorsement area 19. FIG. 1 further shows a
baseball or softball 2 approaching the target area 3 of the glove 1
to be caught by a user 6.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows the glove 1 modified by attachment of an
electrical power source, preferably a miniature replaceable battery
9, connected to a control and audio unit 4 via an electrical
conductor 10. An electromechanical transducer 11 is connected to
the control and audio unit via the loudspeaker conductor 12. An
optional impact sensor 7 is connected to the control and audio unit
4 by an impact signal conductor 8.
[0029] The control and audio unit 4 has a control unit switch 13
which functions as a combined on/off switch and audio segment
switch. Control signals are transmitted from the control unit
switch to other components of the control and audio unit via a
control conductor 20.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows elements of a solid state control and audio
unit 4 including an audio segment element 16, which may be
activated by the control switch 13. The solid state control unit 4
also includes an optional impact signal element 14, which receives
an impact signal from an impact sensor 7 via an impact signal
conductor 8 and sends a digital signal to an audio feedback element
15 if the impact force is greater than a predetermined value,
corresponding to a pitched ball 2 striking the target area 3 of the
modified glove 1.
[0031] The optional audio feedback unit 15 and the audio segment
element 16 are solid state voice chip units which may encode
multiple audio signals, and which may cycle through the prerecorded
selections, or produce them in random patterns. The voice chip
units 15 and 16 may be replaceable, and may also optionally provide
for recording of new audio selections, via audio signal input from
the transducer 11 or an optional audio input connector 17. Audio
signal inputs may be received by the voice chip units 15 and 16
from the transducer 11 via the loudspeaker conductor 12, and from
the optional audio input connector 17 via the audio input connector
conductor 18.
[0032] The audio selections may be provided in the English
language, or in any other language desired.
[0033] It is understood that the modified glove 1 as shown is made
to fit on the left hand of a user 6 who is right-handed, and that a
glove made to fit on the right hand of a user 6 who is left-handed
is modified in mirror image fashion for this invention. The glove
can be of any size suitable for display, if the impact sensor 7 is
not present.
[0034] The modified glove 1 may be of any strong and flexible
material but the preferred embodiment is that the material be of
leather.
[0035] It is important that the optional impact sensor 7 be located
at or near the center of the catching area 3 of the glove 1, said
area being positioned by the user 6 in preparation for catching the
ball. The impact sensor 7 must be minimal in size so as to not to
interfere with the catching of the ball 3, as the user 6 supports
the glove 1, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] The device can also be a modified baseball bat, having the
control and audio unit, control switch, electrical power supply and
loudspeaker or electromechanical transducer located in the bat
handle and the optional impact sensor located between the midline
and outer end of the bat, near the normal baseball impact area.
[0037] The modified baseball bat may be of any strong and hard
material, but the preferred embodiment is that the material be of
wood.
[0038] The control and audio unit 4 is normally turned on and off
by the user briefly pressing the control switch 13. The control and
audio unit 4 can optionally include a function to turn itself off
after a predetermined non-use time. The control and audio unit 4
can also optionally include a function to turn itself on after
impact on the impact sensor 7 if the impact force is greater than a
predetermined value.
[0039] The optional audio feedback element 16, in those devices
having an impact sensor, is normally activated by holding down the
control switch 13. The optional audio feedback element 16 can
optionally be activated by an optional, separate audio feedback
switch.
[0040] The electrical power source is preferably a conventional
miniature replaceable battery, which can be rechargeable, or
optionally can be a solar powered storage battery.
[0041] The optional impact sensor 7 may be of any strong material,
but the preferred embodiment is that the material be a metal or
high impact plastic.
[0042] In use of the modified glove 1 having an impact sensor, the
user normally presses the control switch 13 to activate the
functions; supports the glove 1 with the left or right hand,
according to the glove design, and positions the catching area 3 of
the glove 1 so that an approaching ball strikes the center of the
catching area 3.
[0043] In use of the glove 1, the user presses the on/off switch to
activate the device and play the first audio segment. The user may
hold down the switch to play a series of audio segments, in a
predetermined sequence. The user may press the switch briefly to
turn the device off. The device may optionally turn itself off
after a predetermined period of non-use.
[0044] The control and audio control unit of the device may
optionally include stored audio segments in various categories, for
example music, voice, game-related noise and recordings of
broadcast baseball plays, and may include control switches to
enable the user to choose categories and specific items of
baseball-related audio segments.
[0045] It is to be understood that while certain forms of this
invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited
thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the
following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.
* * * * *