INSTRUMENTED SOFTBALL OR BASEBALL BAT AND BAT KNOB AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A BAT SWING

Abstract

An instrumented baseball or softball bat knob comprising a knob housing including a generally cylindrical member inserted into a handle end of the bat and a knob portion attached to the cylindrical member. The knob portion has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the handle end of the bat. An electronics package is mounted within the knob housing and includes one or more sensors, a microcontroller (processor), memory device and a battery to generate and store data relative to conditions of a batter's swing. The electronics package may also include a wireless transmitter/antenna/transceiver to transmit swing condition data to an external, remote processing unit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein relate to devices and systems that are used with sporting equipment to detect movement of the sporting equipment as it is used in order to monitor and analyze the swinging motion of a user. More particularly, embodiments of the invention pertain to such systems that are used in connection with softball or baseball bats.

Baseball and softball players constantly work to improve their bat swing. Accordingly, systems and devices have been developed that include sensors, such as accelerometers and/or gyroscopes, which generate data associated with a batter's swinging motion. Many of these devices are fixed to an area on an outer surface of the bat. That is, the bats are retrofitted with the devices. Consequently, the devices are exposed and potentially subject to being damaged by contact with a baseball or softball bat, or by the batter simply dropping the bat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the embodiments disclosed and claimed herein have recognized a need to incorporate sensing and monitoring devices during the manufacture of baseball or softball bat. In this manner, any such devices and the components thereof can be mounted within an interior volume of a bat minimizing the exposure to damage. Moreover, by incorporated the sensing and monitoring devices in a knob of the bat, for example, the device and system may be seamlessly integrated in a batter's practice routine.

Throughout this specification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and its variations, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated item, element or step or group of items, elements or steps, but not the exclusion of any other item, element or step or group of items, elements or steps. Furthermore, the indefinite article “a” or “an” is meant to indicate one or more of the item, element or step modified by the article. In addition, the serial adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish items, elements or steps (including intervals of time) in the order introduced, and not to imply a temporal sequence, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, a first time interval can occur before or after or overlapping a second time interval.

Embodiments for an instrumented baseball or softball bat knob may comprise a housing that is configured to be fixed to a handle end of a hat, and one or more sensors mounted within the housing that are capable of detecting conditions associated with a swing of the bat and capable of generating raw condition data associated with the swing of the bat. In addition, a processor is mounted within the housing in signal communication with the sensors, and the processor is configured to process the raw data generated by the sensors. A memory device may be mounted in the housing for storing the raw data generated by the sensors and/or processed data generated by the processor; and, a transceiver may be mounted within the housing that transmits processed data to an external processing unit. A battery may also be mounted within the housing to supply power to the sensors, processor, memory and transceiver. In an embodiment, the housing may include a charging port for connection to an external power source to charge the battery as needed.

Embodiments of an instrumented baseball or softball bat may comprise a barrel portion, a handle portion connected to the barrel portion and the handle portion has a handle end. An instrumented knob housing is affixed to the handle end of the bat, and one or more sensors mounted within the housing are capable of detecting conditions associated with a swing of the bat and the sensors are capable of generating raw condition data associated with a swing of the bat. A processor may be mounted within the housing and in signal communication with the sensors, and the processor is configured to process the raw data generated by the sensors, and a memory device is mounted in the housing for storing the processed data generated by the processor and/or the raw data generated by the sensors. A transceiver is mounted within the housing and transmits processed data to an external processing unit. A battery may be mounted within the housing that supplies power to the sensors, processor, memory and transceiver. In an embodiment, the knob housing may include a charging port for connection to an external power source to charge the battery as needed.

A system for monitoring a bat swing is disclosed herein including the above-referenced instrumented knob and/or instrumented bat wherein the system comprises a processing unit external to the instrumented knob. The processing unit may be positioned remotely to and not in physical contact with the bat, wherein the processing unit is in wireless signal communication with the instrumented knob to transmit the raw swing condition data or processed swing condition data between the processing unit and the instrumented knob.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an instrumented baseball or softball bat.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an instrumented knob and handle end of a bat respectively threaded for attachment of the instrumented knob to the handle end of the bat.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the instrumented bat knob.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the instrumented bat knob.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the instrumented bat knob taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the instrumented bat knob, including an electronics package for the instrumented bat knob.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an interior of the instrumented bat knob.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the battery charger relative to the instrumented knob.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the battery charger for the instrumented knob.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the battery charger on the instrumented knob.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a first alternative embodiment of the instrumented bat knob.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a second alternative embodiment of the instrumented bat knob.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained.

With respect to FIG. 1, an instrumented baseball bat 10 is illustrated including a barrel portion 12, a handle portion 14 and a handle end 16. An end cap 26 may be affixed to an end of the barrel portion 12. An instrumented knob 18 is affixed to the handle end 16 of the bat 10. As further shown in FIG. 2, the instrumented knob 18, includes a knob housing 20 with a generally cylindrical portion 22 inserted in the handle end 16 of the bat 10, and a knob portion 24 connected to the cylindrical portion 22. As will be explained in more detail below, a plurality of electronic components including one or more sensors, at least one processor or microcontroller, transceiver or transmitter, a memory device and battery, are mounted within the knob housing 20 to monitor and generate data associated with a batter's swing. The term “knob housing” as used herein means a housing that is generally configured in the shape of a bat knob and as an internal volume in which electronics can be mounted for monitoring a bat swing.

The instrumented knob 18 may be used with or incorporated with bats composed of composite graphite and carbon material, aluminum, an aluminum alloy or a wood composite material. During the manufacture of a bat, the handle end 16 may be adapted as needed to attach the instrumented knob 18 to the handle end 16. To that end, the knob housing 20 may be affixed to the handle end 16 in any number of ways. As shown in FIG. 2, the knob housing 20 includes cylindrical portion 22 that has external threading 28 for engagement with internal threading 30 along an internal surface of the handle end 16. Although the instrumented knob is described as being assembled for attachment to a bat during manufacture of an instrumented bat, the instrumented knob may also be configured for retrofitting a bat with the instrumented knob.

In an embodiment, the knob housing 20 may have an adhesive, for example, Loctite®, applied to the external threading 28 to fix the knob housing 20 to the handle end 16. However, the invention is not limited to a particular mechanism or method of attaching the instrumented knob 18 and housing 20 to a bat. For example, the knob housing 20 and bat end 16 may include mating tabs and grooves to snap the knob housing to the bat end 16. Alternatively, the knob housing 20 may be welded to the handle end 16, or a combination of threaded engagement, welding and/or adhesives. In addition, or alternatively, the shapes of the bat end 16 and cylindrical portion 22 of the housing 20 may be adapted to secure the parts together, or other fastening mechanisms such as cross pins (inserted through borings) may be used to secure the parts together.

With respect to FIGS. 3-7, an embodiment of the instrumented knob 18, knob housing 20 and the internal components thereof are shown in more detail. As described above, the knob housing 20 includes an externally threaded, cylindrical portion 22 and a knob portion 24. In this illustrated embodiment, the knob portion 24 includes an upper portion 24A affixed to a lower portion 24B creating an internal volume in which the below described electronics package 56 is mounted. The upper portion 24A and lower portion 24B of the knob portion 24 may be fixed together using known fastening mechanisms such as threaded surfaces, adhesives, pins/screws etc. The components of the knob housing 20, including the knob portions 24A, 24B and cylindrical portion 22 may be composed of a rubberized plastic, in which case an adhesive such as SCIGRIP™ 2354 may be used to fix the knob portions 24A, 24B together. However, the invention is not limited to the particular materials comprising the knob housing 20, and may include any materials that are durable, and preferably water resistant, that allow the invention to be used in outdoor environments as on a softball or baseball field.

As further shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the upper portion 24A of the knob portion 24 may include a fill port 74 through which a dielectric gel, or other potting material, may be injected to pot the internal volume of the knob housing 20 to secure the below described electronics package 56 and its components within the knob housing 20. In addition, a vent 76 may be provided to dissipate heat generated by the electronics package 56. Plates 78 may be provided to cover the fill port 74, and provide a surface for displaying alphanumeric indicia associated with the instrumented knob 18 or bat 10.

As shown in FIG. 5, an electronics package 56 is shown positioned within the knob housing 20. The electronics package 56, for example, may take the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) with electrical components formed on a substrate 40, using surface mount technology or through hole technology, for example. As further shown in FIGS. 5-7, support posts 42 may be provided within the knob portion 24 of the knob housing 20 to support the substrate 40 and electronics package 56 in the knob housing 20.

The electrical components may include one or more active motion sensors 32A, 32B. By way of example, the sensors 32A, 32B may include an accelerometer, which measures the non-gravitational acceleration of a swing, and a gyroscope, which generates raw data signals (also referred to as “raw swing condition data”) indicative of an angle of the bat during through a swinging motion, or the gyroscope measures the rotation of the swing around a specified axis. A micro-processor 34 is provided in electrical signal communication with the sensors 32A, 32B to power and activate the sensors and may receive raw data signals from the sensors 32A, 32B and these signals are indicative of detected conditions of a batter's swing. For example, the processor 34 may be programmed with one or more algorithms or instructions to interpret the raw data signals received from the sensors and analyze signals to generate machine readable data (also referred to as “processed data” or “processed swing condition data”). As will be explained below, the algorithms or instructions may be stored on a memory device.

The term “raw data” is intended to mean any data generated by the sensors that has not been subjected to any further processing; and, the term “processed data” is intended to mean any data that is generated from the processing of the raw data.

One or more memory devices 35 may be provided to store the raw data generated by sensors 32A, 32B, executable algorithms or executable instructions, or the processed data generated by processor 34. The memory device 35 is preferably a flash memory having a 128 MB storage capacity. The memory device 35 includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform one or more steps of a method described herein. Although the memory device 35 is represented as a separate component relative to the processor 34, the memory device 35 and processor may be integrated as a single device.

A wireless transmitter (or antenna) 36 may be configured to utilize Bluetooth technology including a Bluetooth module 37 for transmission of data signals to an external processing unit 44 (shown in FIG. 1). For example, raw data generated by the sensors 32A, 32C during a batting practice may transmitted to the memory device 35 and the processor 34 may accesses the memory device 35 for processing or processor 34 may initiate transmission of the raw data from the memory device 35 or directly from the sensors 32A, 32B to the external processing unit 44. The transmitter 36 may take the form of a transceiver in order to receive signals from the external processing unit.

The processor 34 may be configured to execute instructions or algorithms to translate the raw data generated by the sensors 32A, 32B into processed data representing detected conditions associated with a bat swing. For example, the processor 34 may process the raw data to generate information indicating the angular velocity or acceleration of the bat through a swing, the bat swing angle or angle of the barrel portion relative to a vertical axis, presence and quality of impact with a ball and the path followed by the bat during the swing. An example of a processor that may be used in the instrumented knob 18 is an ultra-low power 32-bit processor manufactured by ST Life Augmented.

The transmitter or transceiver 36 is in signal communication with the processor 34 and is configured to transmit the raw data signals from the sensors 32A, 32B, or any processed data, to an external processing unit 44, which can be a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer or any other mobile device or any other processing unit. The external processing unit 44 may be configured with software application(s) to transmit a signal to be received by the transceiver 36 to activate the electronics package 56 via the processor 34 or initiate transmission of the raw data or processed data. The electronics package 56, including its components, may be configured to transmit raw processed data at timed intervals and/or transmit the raw or processed data in real-time as the raw data is acquired and processed. Moreover, one or more switches (not shown) may be operatively connected to the electronics package 56 to activate the system and package 56 and/or to initiate transmission of the raw or processed data to the external processing unit 44.

Again with respect to FIG. 1, the external or remote processing unit 44 is provided in signal communication with the wireless transceiver 36 to receive raw or processed swing condition data from the transceiver 36. The external processing unit 44 may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, etc., that may be equipped with one or more software applications that process the raw data or further process the processed data to display the same on a monitor for viewing. The transceiver 36 may be configured to transmit data periodically or when prompted by the remote processing unit 44. In addition, the transceiver 36 may be configured to stream the processed data in real time.

The electronics package 56 may include a communication mechanism such as a bus for passing or transmitting data and information between the sensors 32A, 32B, processor 34, transceiver 36 and memory device 35. As further shown in FIG. 6, the electronics package may further comprise a crystal oscillator 46, which may be used to control or modulate the frequency at which the Bluetooth transceiver 36 and module 37 operate. The oscillator 46 may also be used for timekeeping when recording and storing swing condition raw or processed data.

In reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a battery 38 is shown mounted in the knob portion 24 of the knob housing 20, and is provided to power the different components of the electrical package 56 via the processor 34. The battery may be a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that has a nominal voltage of 3.7V, a minimum capacity of 250 mAh and a minimum impedance of <250 mΩ. The battery 38 is in electrical communication with the processor 34 to provide power to other components, such as the sensors 32A, 32B, transceiver 36, and memory device 35 of the electronics package 56. The battery 38 and electronics package 56 (including the PCB substrate) 40 may be mounted or fixed to internal surfaces of the knob housing 20 using known fastening techniques, such as pins, screws, rivets or the like. In addition, or alternatively, gap filler materials including sheet and/or potting materials may be used to secure the battery 38 and the electronics package 56 in place and provide some thermal conductivity to control the temperature of the instrumented knob 18 and its components. An example, of such a filler material is Dow Corning® 3-4207 dielectric tough gel, which, as described above, may be injected through the fill port 74.

Two electrical terminal pins 48 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in electrical communication with the battery 38 to define a charging port 50 for connection of a battery charger assembly for charging the battery 38. To that end, and in reference to FIGS. 8-10, a battery charger assembly 52 is shown in connection with the instrumented knob 18. In this embodiment, the battery charger assembly 52 includes a charger body 54 including an electrical interconnect header 58 including two spring-loaded headers for an electrical connection to or with the terminal pins 48 of the charging port 50. In addition, a micro USB receptacle 59 is provided for connection to a power source via a cable and plug (not shown). Also, the battery charger assembly 52 may include a solid state LED lamp 60 to provide a visual indication of charging status of the battery 38 and battery charging assembly 52.

As further shown in FIGS. 8-10, the battery charger assembly 52 includes mounting base 62 having generally the same outer geometric configuration to that of the upper knob portion 24A of the knob portion 24 to the housing 20. The mounting base 62 is dimensioned to snugly fit against the knob housing 20. To that end, tabs 64 are spaced apart along an interior surface 66 of the mounting base 62 that correspond to slots 68 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) disposed on knob portion 24 of the knob housing 20 to secure the battery charger assembly 52 to the knob housing 20. In this manner, the battery charger assembly may remain electrically connected to the charging port 50 despite the orientation of the instrumented knob 18 or the bat 10.

Again with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6, the instrumented knob 18 may include a vibration motor 70 positioned within the housing to provide a vibratory indication of an event occurring relative to the instrumented bat 10 and knob 18. For example, if the bat 10 is picked up for swinging practice, the sensors 32A, 32B may be configured to detect such motion and generate signals indicating such movement. The processor 34 in turn may be configured to activate the electrical components of the electronic package 56 to a communication state. Accordingly, a signal may be transmitted from the processor 34 to the vibration motor 70, which vibrates according to a communication protocol to generate a vibratory signal indicating that the instrumented knob 18 has been activated and is an active communication state for collecting and transmitting data relative to a bat swing.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the vibration motor 70 is disposed within an internal volume defined by the cylindrical portion 22 of the knob housing 20. As shown in FIG. 7, spacers 72 are vertically disposed within the cylindrical portion 22 to support the vibration motor 70 in the knob housing 20. An epoxy adhesive, such as 3M DP-100 adhesive, is poured into the cylindrical portion to fill in gaps between the vibration motor 70 and internal walls of the cylindrical portion 22. After the adhesive is in place, the battery 38 may be placed in the lower portion 24B of the knob portion 24 of the housing 20. Then the PCB substrate 62, with the electronics package is placed in position on the support posts 42, and the upper portion 24B of the knob portion 24 of the knob housing is fixed in place. With the vibration motor 70 position in the cylindrical portion 22 of the knob housing 20, the vibratory signals generated by the motor 70 can be felt by a batter when picking the bat 10 up for swinging, signaling that the instrumented knob 18 is activated to a communicative state.

The processor 34 is preferably programmed or configured such that if the sensors 32A, 32B have not generated any signals or detected any motion for a preset amount of time, the processor 34 controls a reduced power output to the electrical components to place the instrumented knob 18 in a low power mode or “sleep state.” Once a batter picks the bat up, the sensors 32A, 32B detect the motion of raising or moving the bat so the processor 34 receiving signals from the sensors 32A, 32B, increases the power output to place the instrumented knob 18 and electrical components thereof in an active communication state. In this active communication state, the sensors 32A, 32B generate the raw condition data signals that may be processed internally at the processor 34 or which are transmitted to the external processor 44 for processing and analysis. The “vibration motor” may also be used to communicate a variety of vibratory signals associate with swing quality, low charge, data transfer mode etc.

Alternative embodiments of the instrumented knob 18 are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In FIG. 11, the knob housing 20′ includes a knob portion 24′ welded to the outside surface of the handle end 16′. The cylindrical portion 22′ is provided in threaded engagement with the internal surface of the handle end 16′, and an adhesive such as Loctite®. In this embodiment, the knob portion 24′ may be composed of the same material as that of the bat handle end 16′ and is welded to the handle end 16′. In this embodiment, the knob portion 24′ surrounds at least a portion of the bat end 16′.

In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the knob housing 20″ includes a cylindrical portion 22″ inserted into the handle end 16″, and affixed to the handled end 16″. An electronics housing 80, containing the above-referenced electrical components, is provided in threaded engagement with the knob portion 24″, and may be fixed in place with an adhesive such as Loctite®.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those of skill in the art without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An instrumented baseball or softball bat knob, comprising; a housing that is configured to be fixed to a handle end of a bat; andan electronics package mounted within the housing and comprising: one or more sensors mounted within the housing and capable of detecting conditions associated with a swing of the bat and capable of generating raw swing condition data associated with a swing of the bat, and the raw swing condition data is used to generate processed swing condition data associated with the swing of the bat;a memory device mounted in the housing for storing the processed swing condition data and/or for storing the raw swing condition data generated by the sensors;a battery mounted within the housing that supplies power to the sensors, processor, memory and transceiver; and,a processor mounted within the housing and in electrical signal communication with the one or more sensors, memory device, transceiver and battery.

2. The instrumented bat knob of claim 1 further comprising a transmitter mounted within the housing that transmits the processed swing condition data or raw swing condition data to an external processing unit, and the transmitter is in electrical signal communication with the processor.

3. The instrumented bat knob of claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed to generate the processed swing condition data based on the raw condition data generated by the one or more sensors.

4. The instrumented bat knob of claim 1, wherein the housing has a generally cylindrical portion to be inserted within the handle end of a bat and a knob portion affixed to the cylindrical portion, and the knob portion having a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the handle end of a bat.

5. The instrumented bat knob of claim 4, wherein the electronics package is disposed within an internal volume of the knob portion of the housing.

6. The instrumented bat knob of claim 4, wherein the cylindrical portion has external threads matching an internally threaded portion of the handle end of a bat.

7. The instrumented bat knob of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a generally cylindrical housing to be inserted and fixed within a handle end of a bat.

8. The instrumented bat knob of claim 4, further comprising a charging portal on the knob portion of the housing.

9. The instrumented bat knob of claim 4, wherein the electronics package is disposed within an internal volume of the housing defined by the knob portion and cylindrical portion.

10. The instrumented bat knob of claim 4, wherein the electronics package is disposed within an internal volume of the housing defined by the cylindrical portion of the housing.

11. An instrumented baseball or softball bat, comprising: a barrel portion;a handle portion connected to the barrel portion and having a handle end;an instrumented knob including a knob housing affixed to the handle end of the bat; andan electronics package mounted within the knob housing comprising: one or more sensors mounted within the housing and capable of detecting conditions associated with a swing of the bat and capable of generating raw swing condition data associated with a swing of the bat and the raw swing condition data is used to generate processed swing condition data associated with the swing of the bat;a memory device mounted in the housing for storing the processed swing condition data generated by the processor and/or the raw data generated by the sensors;a transceiver mounted within the housing that transmits the processed swing condition data to an external processing unit;a battery mounted within the housing that supplies power to the sensors, processor, memory device and transceiver; and,a processor mounted within the housing and in electrical signal communication with the one or more sensors, memory device, transmitter, and battery.

12. The instrumented bat of claim 11, wherein the instrumented knob housing includes a generally cylindrical portion inserted within the handle end of the bat and a knob portion connected to the cylindrical portion, wherein the knob portion is external of the handle end of the bat and has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the handle end of the bat.

13. The instrumented bat of claim 11, wherein the instrumented knob housing includes a cylindrical housing inserted into and affixed to the handle end of the bat and a knob portion affixed to an outer surface of the handle end of the bat.

14. The instrumented bat of claim 12, further comprising a charging port on the knob housing and the charging port is in electrical communication with the battery and is configured to receive an electric charging device.

15. The instrumented bat of claim 12, wherein the electronics package is disposed within an internal volume of the knob portion of the instrumented knob housing.

16. The instrumented bat of claim 12, wherein the electronics package is disposed within an internal volume of the instrumented knob housing defined by the knob portion and cylindrical portion.

17. The instrumented bat of claim 12, wherein the electronics package is disposed within an internal volume of the instrumented knob housing defined by the cylindrical portion of the housing.

18. A system o monitoring a bat swing comprising: a bat having a barrel portion, and a handle portion connected to the barrel portion and having a handle end;an instrumented knob housing affixed to the handle end of the bat;an electronics package mounted within the knob housing comprising: one or more sensors mounted within the housing and capable of detecting conditions associated with a swing of the bat and capable of generating raw swing condition data associated with a swing of the bat and the raw condition data is used to generate processed swing condition data associated with the swing of the bat;a memory device mounted in the housing for storing the processed swing condition data generated by the processor and/or the raw data generated by the sensors;a transceiver mounted within the housing that transmits the processed swing condition data to an external processing unit; a battery mounted within the housing that supplies power to the sensors, processor, memory device and transceiver;a processor mounted within the housing and in electrical signal communication with the one or more sensors, memory device, transmitter, and battery; anda processing unit external to the instrumented knob, and positioned remotely to and not n physical contact with the bat, wherein the processing unit is in wireless signal communication with the instrumented knob to transmit the raw swing condition data or processed swing condition data between the processing unit and the instrumented knob.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the instrumented knob includes a charging port with one or more electrical connections and the system further comprising a battery charger assembly including an electrical interconnect connectable to, and detachable from, the charging port of the instrumented knob.

20. The instrumented knob of claim 1 wherein the instrumented knob further comprises a charging port on the housing with one or more electrical connections and a battery charger assembly, including an electrical interconnect, that is connectable to, and detachable from, the charging port of the instrumented knob.

21. The instrumented bat of clam 11 wherein the instrumented knob of the bat includes a charging port on the knob housing with one or more electrical connections and a battery charger assembly, including an electrical interconnect, that is connectable to, and detachable from, the charging port of the instrumented knob.

22. The instrumented knob of claim 1 further comprising a vibration motor mounted within the knob housing and electrically connected with the processor.