BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0001] This invention relates generally to communications devices, and more particularly to a wireless communication system that enables a coach to transmit plays to a player, and also to track the number of pitches thrown by a pitcher.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART:

[0002] Kelley, U.S. 10,080,950, teaches a system of distributing information and instructions for a wearable device, and for improving communication between players and coaches during a sporting event. The system allows players to dynamically receive real-time communications from their coaches concerning game information and or instruction during the game. The wearable device incorporates a plastic flexible display screen for viewing information and instructions. These flexible displays screens are made of a thin conductive plastic substrate. Additionally, touch cell technology uses resistors to adjust the sensitivity of the detector cell which allows an actual touch to be detected on the flexible plastic display of the wearable device, which is designed to operate accurately and reliably in harsh environments.

[0003] Genova, U.S. 10,532,266, teaches a system for communicating plays or other messages between a coach and a player user during a sporting event. The system includes a set of wearable devices that are worn by players during a sporting event and a computing node that can be used by the coach to select plays or actions. The plays or other actions selected by the coach can be disseminated to the set of wearable devices enabling one or more players to quickly and accurately determine the play or action to perform.

[0004] Daniel, U.S. 8,126,143, teaches an apparatus for improving communications between players and coaches during a sporting event, more specifically allowing players to dynamically receive real-time communications from their coaches concerning intended game plays to be effected on the field or court. The game apparatus comprises of a transparent, protective top cover having the same contour as a middle portion, wherein said middle portion is provided with a display element, and wherein said top cover, middle portion and the display element are all enclosed by a rear cover forming a housing for a receiving means for receiving an encrypted signal of an intended game play from a portable remote terminal, and wherein said top cover, middle portion, display element and housing are positioned on an upper portion of an elasticized band, which has an extended flap, wherein said extended flap includes a closing means used to secure the game apparatus and to conceal the display element from public view.

[0005] Cantrell, U.S. 9,757,068, teaches a system for transmitting plays between players and coaches. The system includes a wristband with a clear plastic window and LED strips or LED matrix that lights the Light Emitting Diode (LED) next to a desired play. The wristband is wirelessly linked to either a radio frequency panel, Bluetooth device, or infrared controller. The wristband LEDs are wired to a microcontroller, Bluetooth controller (or RF transceiver, or Infrared controller), and a battery power source. The LEDs are displayed through the clear plastic window and the plays are slid over the top of the LEDs. The micro controller, battery and wireless controller are contained in a Velcro-enclosed, low-profile enclosure opposite the clear plastic window.

[0006] Powell, U.S. 2007/0290801, teaches a portable, wireless, bi-directional communication system for transmitting visual information about plays and instant messaging between a coach and players during a game. The device includes a notebook or palm sized computer device with a transmitter and receiver, and a wrist sweat band viewing screen with transmitter and receiver, thereby creating an effective, continual flow of information uninterrupted by the difficulty in hearing over a noisy crowd. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.

[0008] The present invention provides a wireless play communication system for enabling communications between a coach and a player, the wireless play communication system comprising a coach communication device mounted in a first carrying device that is adapted to be carried by the coach; a player communication device mounted in a second carrying device that is adapted to be carried by the player; an input mechanism of the coach communication device for enabling a coach to input a signal; and a transmitter for transmitting the signal from the coach communication device to the player communication device.

[0009] In one embodiment, the system also includes a pitch tracking means for tracking a pitch count of the number of pitches thrown by the player; a pitch count display for displaying the pitch count; and a pitch plus button that functions to trigger the transmission of the signal to the player, and also to increase the pitch count of the number of pitches thrown, which is then displayed on a display screen of the coach communication device.

[0010] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a wireless play communication system having advantages not taught by the prior art.

[0011] Another objective is to provide a wireless play communication system that transmits a signal for a play (e.g., a desired pitch, or other desired action) from a coach to a player.

[0012] A further objective is to provide a wireless play communication system that also simultaneously tracks the pitch count of a player, to facilitate tracking of the number of pitches thrown by the pitcher during a game. [0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention.

[0015] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a wireless play communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a coach communication device and a player communication device.

[0016] FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of the wireless play communication system of Fig. 1.

[0017] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the coach communication device.

[0018] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the player communication device.

[0019] FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of a display screen of the coach communication device of Fig. 3, and a display screen of the player communication device of Fig. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a wireless play communication system for enabling a coach to communicate plays to a player, particularly in the area of team sports.

[0021] FIGURE 1 illustrates a wireless play communication system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the wireless play communication system 10 comprises a coach communication device 40 and a player communication device 60. In this embodiment, the coach communication device 40 and the player communication device 60 are adapted to be carried by the coach and the player, via a first carrying device 20 and a second carrying device 30. In this embodiment the first and second carrying devices 20 and 30 are in the form of a first wristband and a second wristband, respectively; however, the term “carry” is broadly defined to include any form of association with the coach or player, whether worn, attached to clothing or other gear, hung around the neck, or in any way associated with the coach or player.

[0022] Each of the wristbands 20 and 30 has a receiver 25 and 32, respectively, which are sized, shaped and otherwise adapted to receive the coach communication device 40 and the player communication device 60, respectively. The first and second wristbands 20 and 30 and the coach and player communication devices 40 and 60 are each described at length below. The coach and player communication devices 40 and 60 are sometimes referred to as first and second signal devices, and these terms may be used interchangeably.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first wristband 20 is adapted to be worn by a “coach,” which for purposes of this application is defined to include any form of coach, assistant, or any other person(s) designated for giving signals to the player. The first wristband 20 includes the coach communication device 40. In this embodiment, the second wristband 30, similarly, is adapted to be worn or otherwise retained by a player during participation in the sporting event. The second wristband 30 includes the player communication device 60.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first and second wristbands 20 and 30 are adapted to be worn, in this case around a person’s wrist or other body part. As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment the first and second wristbands 20 and 30 may be in the form of flexible tubular cuffs each having an inner surface 24, 34 that contacts the wearer’s wrist, and an outer surface 26, 36 that includes the receiver 25, 32 (e.g., cavity, fastener, etc.) for holding and storing the coach and player communication devices 40, 60. However, in other embodiments the wristbands 20, 30 may be another type of wristband, e.g., a fastenable strap, a rigid band, a C-band, an elastic loop, etc., and may otherwise have proportions different from those illustrated (i.e., narrower, shorter, thicker/thinner, etc.). In alternative embodiments, it may be held or otherwise positioned for use in other manners, such as attached to clothing or sports gear (e.g., pads, etc.).

[0025] Furthermore, while the first and second wristbands 20 and 30 are shown having cavities 25 and 32 sized to receive the coach and player communication devices 40, 60, each coach and player communication devices 40, 60 may be attached to the wristband 20, 30 via a different means such as a mechanical fastener (e.g., a clip, hook-and-loop fastener, engageable slot, etc.), or any other suitable fastening system known in the art. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the communication devices 40 and 60 may be worn or carried via different carrying devices 20 and 30 (e.g., a hook or other fastener for removably mounting the devices 40 or 60 to a shirt or other article of clothing, hung on a neck strap, etc.), without the need for a wristband. Some different embodiments of the carrying devices 20 and 30 are discussed in greater detail below, and illustrated in Figs. 3-4.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the wristband 30 of this embodiment may further include a protective cover 33 (e.g., flap, or other protective mechanism) which protects the signaling device 60 from damage during game play. In this embodiment, the wristband 30 further includes a play sheet 38 (or in this case, multiple sheets 38) which may include plays or other instructions, each associated with an alphanumeric indicator (e.g., number, letter, or combination, or other indicator known in the art).

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the first and second signal devices 40 and 60 are each in the form of a rigid housing 42, 64 that houses internal electronics components that are designed to wirelessly communicate with each other, i.e., via a wireless communications protocol such as Bluetooth or any other standard known in the art, as discussed in greater detail below, and perform the communications functions discussed in greater detail below.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, the coach communication device 40 includes an input mechanism 44, in this case in the form of a plurality of buttons 46 (e.g., numeric keypad or equivalent) which enable the coach to input a signal, as discussed below. The signal may be a number which corresponds to a desired pitch (type of pitch, location, etc.), or any other transmission of data that instructs a player as to what the coach wants him or her to do. Input from the buttons 46 may be displayed on a display screen 48. While the buttons illustrated are in the form of a numeric keypad, the buttons 46 could alternatively be on a touch screen, dial, switch, or there may instead be a different form of input mechanism (mechanical or non-mechanical) which may be located on the main body along with the other internal electronics components, or located elsewhere in other embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1, each coach and player communication devices 40 and 60 further includes a charging port 56 and 66, for charging a battery 72 and 82 (shown in Fig. 2) of the internal electronics components. In other embodiments, the batteries 72 and 82 may be replaceable, or rechargeable via induction, solar power, user movements, etc.

[0029] The coach communication device 40 further includes a transmit feature 50 that enables transmission of the signal (e.g., code entered). In this embodiment, the transmit feature 50 includes both an alert send mechanism 52 (e.g., a vibrate button (VIB) or other form of button, switch, or actuator known in the art, whether mechanical or nonmechanical, such as voice command via a speaker), and a signal send mechanism 54 (e.g., a send button, or other mechanism as noted above).

[0030] In use, the coach may first enter a player number using the numeric keypad 46, and press the VIB button 52, thereby causing a vibration or other signal to the selected player, alerting him or her that a signal is incoming. In another embodiment, the coach may simply press the VIB button 52, thereby transmitting the vibration or other signal to all of the players.

[0031] The coach would then enter the signal or other desired code for the play desired (e.g., a type of pitch, an instruction to take a predetermined action such as steal a base, or any other code desired in the particular sport being played) via the numeric keypad 46, and then press the send button 54 to transmit the code. The player communication device 60 includes a display 63 that displays the signal (code) sent by the coach, as discussed below. [0032] FIGURE 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the electronics which may be included in the first and second signal devices 40 and 60. As shown in Fig. 1, the coach communication device 40 may include a transmitter 70 (e.g., a wireless transceiver) or equivalent device for sending (and potentially receiving) wireless data, as discussed above. It may further include a battery 72, and a vibration device 74 for providing haptic feedback to the coach, such as the sending or a signal, and the successful receipt of the signal. The device 40 may further include a computer processor 76 and a computer memory 78 (e.g., a computer controller) for storing and operating computer code as discussed herein. Various forms of programs may be used for different sports, differing coaching systems, etc.

[0033] Similarly, the player communication device 60 may include a wireless transceiver 80 or equivalent device for receiving (and potentially sending) wireless data, as discussed above. It may further include a battery 82, and a vibration device 84 for providing haptic feedback to the player, such as the alerting the player to the incoming transmission of a signal, and also potentially receipt of the signal. The device 60 may further include a computer processor 86 and a computer memory 88 for storing and operating computer code as discussed above.

[0034] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the coach communication device 100, wherein a carrying device 102 is in the form of a rigid housing 104 (e.g., plastic, metal, or other suitable material) that includes various components for retaining the coach communication device 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the housing 104 holds and protects the coach communication device 100. The housing 104 of this embodiment includes a clip 106 that includes an outwardly extending part 106A and an elongate clip body 106B that may be used to clip the housing 104 on the user (e.g., on their clothing). The housing 104 may further include a lanyard 108 for hanging the housing 104 on the user (e.g., around their neck).

[0035] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the player communication device 110, wherein the carrying device 112 is in the form of a watch 114. As shown in Fig. 4, the watch 114 includes a retaining housing 116 and a pair of watch bands 118. This embodiment enables the player to carry the player communication device 110 on his or her wrist by simply wearing the watch 114.

[0036] FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of a display screen 120 of the coach communication device 100 of Fig. 3, and a display screen 140 of the player communication device 110 of Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the input mechanism 122 is in the form of a touch screen. In this embodiment, a numeric keypad 124 is provided for inputting numbers, and a VIB button 126 is provided, and a send button 128, as described above. The inputted numbers are displayed on a display screen 130 portion of the screen 120.

[0037] In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the touch screen 122 further includes a pitch tracking means that utilizes the computer processor 76 and computer memory 78 (shown in Fig. 2) to track the number of pitches thrown in a game. The pitch tracking means displays the pitch count on a pitch count display 132. The pitch count display 132 may include (or be adjacent to) adjustment controls 134 to manually add or subtract from the pitch count. In one embodiment, the pitch count display 132 may also enable direct entry of the pitch count, so you don’t have to manually adjust the pitch count (if it is a large number). For example, in one embodiment, the pitch count may be entered using the keypad, and then the user may press and hold the pitch count display 132, so that, after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 seconds), the entered number is entered into the pitch count display 132. While some embodiments of this adjustment are discussed herein, those skilled in the art can devise alternative methods, and these alternatives should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] In this embodiment, a pitch plus button 136 functions to transmit the pitch signal (indicating the type of pitch, location, etc.), and also simultaneously increase the pitch count by one. For purposes of this application, the term “pitch plus button” is defined to include any form of button, switch or other mechanical mechanism, and also nonmechanical mechanism, such as voice command. The pitch signal is displayed on display screen 140 of the player communication device 110 (shown in Fig. 4).

[0039] In one embodiment, the display screen 120 may also include an indication that the transmitted signal has been sent. The indication may also include a confirmation that the signal has been received, if the player communication device 60 receives the signal and transmits back a confirmation, but this is not required in some embodiments. The indication may be, for example, a visual indication on the display screen 120, or another form of indication (e.g., audible beep, tactile vibration, etc.). In some embodiments, for example, the color of the screen 120 may change (e.g., green indicating the signal is sent), or the color of the screen 130 alone may change, or a border (colored or not) may appear around the screen 130. For example, a green border may appear around screen 130 to indicate that the transmission was successful, or a red border may appear if the signal transmission was not successful.

[0040] In alternative uses of the present invention, the wireless play communication system 10 may be used in other fields that require quick signaling from a coordinator to a worker, such as in the fields of catering/food service, science programs, stage performances, etc., or any other industry where a director may wish to send remote signals to teammates/employees/performers/students/etc. in a discreet manner without the need for checking a mobile phone or yelling from a distance.

[0041] The title of the present application, and the description given, do not limit what may be claimed in the future, based upon and supported by the present application. Furthermore, any features shown in any of the drawings may be combined with any features from any other drawings to form an invention which may be claimed.

[0042] As used in this application, the words “a,” “an,” and “one” are defined to include one or more of the referenced items unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms “approximately” and “about” are defined to mean +/- 10%, unless otherwise stated. Also, the terms “have,” “include,” “contain,” and similar terms are defined to mean “comprising” unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application. While the invention has been described with reference to at least one particular embodiment, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the scope of the invention is defined by claims made to the invention.