Marking System for a Sports Implement

Abstract

A marking system for a baseball bat includes a bat including a barrel extending along a central longitudinal axis, the barrel defining a minimal vibration region. The marking system also includes a sheet having a first edge, a second edge positioned opposite the first edge, a third edge positioned between the first and the second edges, and a fourth edge positioned opposite the third edge, the first edge having a first curvature and the second edge having a second curvature, the sheet adapted to at least partially encircle a portion of the barrel of the bat. Additionally, a first positioning feature is disposed on the sheet, and a first alignment feature is disposed proximate the first edge of the sheet. Furthermore, the first positioning feature may be configured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the minimal vibration region.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to marking a sports implement and, more particularly, to marking systems to identify a minimum vibration region of a baseball bat.

BACKGROUND

Generally, baseball bats and other sports implements are swung to strike a ball or similar object. Such sports implements oftentimes have a sweet spot or region therealong that generates a more powerful strike with the object. When the ball strikes the sports implement in the sweet spot, the user may experience fewer unpleasant, stinging vibrations through the sports implement. Typically, variations of baseball bats and other sports implements result in a unique and/or different location of the sweet spot due to material variances of the sports implement. For example, wooden bats are made from a natural material that results in small variations that can cause the precise sweet spot to be in slightly different areas along the length of the barrel. Further, sports implements having more uniform construction (e.g., metal bats) may still have different sweet spot locations due to manufacturing variances.

The present disclosure sets forth marking systems and corresponding approaches embodying advantageous alternatives to existing systems approaches, and that may address one or more of the challenges or needs mentioned herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first approach, a marking system for a baseball bat includes a bat having a barrel extending along a central longitudinal axis. The barrel defines a minimal vibration region. The marking system also includes a sheet having a first edge, a second edge positioned opposite the first edge, a third edge positioned between the first and the second edges, and a fourth edge positioned opposite the third edge. The first edge has a first curvature and the second edge has a second curvature. The marking system includes the sheet adapted to at least partially encircle a portion of the barrel of the bat. Additionally, the marking system includes a first positioning feature disposed on the sheet, and a first alignment feature disposed proximate the first edge of the sheet. Furthermore, the first positioning feature is configured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the minimal vibration region.

In some of these examples, the marking system may include a second alignment feature disposed proximate the second edge opposite the first alignment feature. Further, in some examples, the marking system may include a sheet axis disposed through at least two of the first positioning feature, the first alignment feature or the second alignment feature. The sheet axis may be positioned parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the barrel upon at least partially encircling a portion thereof.

In some forms, the first curvature may be different than the second curvature. In some of these examples, the first curvature may be greater than the second curvature.

In some examples, the sheet may include an adhesive to selectively secure the sheet with the bat.

In some examples, the first positioning feature may be die-cut in the sheet. Further, the first positioning feature may be centrally disposed on the sheet.

In accordance with a second approach, a sheet for identifying a minimal vibration region of a sports implement includes a sheet having a first edge, second edge, third edge, and a fourth edge. The sheet includes a first indicia disposed on the sheet and a second indicia disposed on the sheet, proximate the first edge of the sheet.

In accordance with a third approach, a marking system for a baseball bat includes a bat having an elongated body. The bat defines at least a first vibratory node and a second vibratory node. The marking system additionally includes a sheet having a first edge, second edge, third edge, and a fourth edge, wherein the first edge has a first curvature and the second edge has a second curvature. Additionally, a first positioning feature is disposed on the sheet and a first alignment feature is disposed proximate the first edge of the sheet. Further, the first positioning feature is configured to be disposed between the first vibratory node and the second vibratory node.

In accordance with a fourth approach, a marking system for a baseball bat, includes a bat having a first end including a barrel extending along a central longitudinal axis and a second end including a knob. Additionally, the barrel defines a minimal vibration region. Furthermore, the marking system includes a sheet having a first edge, a second edge positioned opposite the first edge, a third edge positioned between the first and the second edges, and a fourth edge positioned opposite the third edge, the first edge having a first curvature and the second edge having a second curvature. The sheet may also be adapted to couple with the barrel of the bat such that the first edge is positioned towards the first end of the bat and the second edge is positioned towards the second end of the bat. Additionally, a first positioning feature is disposed on the sheet and a first alignment feature is disposed proximate the first edge of the sheet. Furthermore, the first positioning feature is configured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the minimal vibration region.

In accordance with a fifth approach, a sheet for identifying contact with minimal vibration region of a sports implement includes a sheet having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The marking system can include a first positioning feature disposed on the sheet and a first alignment feature disposed on the sheet, proximate the first edge of the sheet. The sheet also includes a pressure sensitive material configured to change coloration when subjected to an external pressure.

In accordance with a sixth approach, a method of marking a minimal vibration region of a baseball bat includes providing a sheet having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The sheet includes a first positioning feature, a first alignment feature, and a second alignment feature. Additionally, the method includes identifying a minimal vibration region of the baseball bat disposed along a central longitudinal axis of the baseball bat. The method may also include rotating the sheet such that the longitudinal axis is aligned with the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature. The method further includes securing, via an adhesive, the sheet to the baseball bat over at least a portion of the minimal vibration region such that the minimal vibration region is disposed between the first edge and the second edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the marking system described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baseball bat including a marking system in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a first example of the marking system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the first example of the marking system as applied to a baseball bat in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a second example marking system having at least one curved edge in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the second example marking system of FIG. 4 as applied to a baseball bat in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the second example marking system of FIGS. 4 & 5 as applied to a baseball bat in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a baseball bat including a marking system including a pressure sensitive material in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first vibratory node and a second vibratory node defining a minimum vibration region in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a second diagram showing the vibration characteristic of an example baseball bat in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, the present disclosure is directed to identifying and marking a desirable contact region on a sports implement. More specifically, in some examples, baseball batters aim to hit a baseball in the sweet spot of a baseball bat. Successfully hitting the sweet spot with the baseball may increase the distance the baseball travels. Additionally, contacting the sweet spot reduces a risk of potentially painful vibration passing through the baseball bat. As a result, it is beneficial for batters to practice swinging in a manner that causes the baseball to contact the sweet spot.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example baseball bat 100 defining a barrel 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106 including a knob 108. The bat 100 further includes a marking system 130 disposed along a length of the barrel 102 proximate to or generally near the first end 104.

The barrel 102 of the bat 100 defines a central longitudinal axis 120. Further, the barrel 102 of the bat 100 defines a minimum vibration region 122 (sometimes referred to as the sweet-spot). In some examples, the minimum vibration region 122 is disposed proximate to or near the first end 104. In most bats, the minimum vibration region 122 is disposed approximately 6 to 7 inches (in) (approximately 17 centimeters (cm)) from the first end 104 of the bat 100. For various reasons, it is preferable for a ball to strike the barrel 102 in the minimum vibration region 122. For example, when a ball strikes in the minimum vibration region 122, there is little or no painful stinging vibration that passes through the bat to the user. Further, it is believed that a ball that hits the bat 100 in the minimum vibration region 122 travels further because that strike is more efficient than when the ball hits elsewhere along the barrel 102 of the bat 100.

With brief reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the bat 100 has a vibration characteristic 800 that is unique to a particular bat 100 (yet similar amongst all bats). The vibration characteristic of a baseball bat is similar regardless of the material used (e.g., wood, metal, composite, etc.). The vibration characteristic 800 includes a first vibratory node 802 and a second vibratory node 804 defining a minimum vibration region 810, typically related to the center of percussion (COP) of the baseball bat. In accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, a person first identifies the minimal vibration region 810 of the baseball bat 100. In some examples, this process my include loosely holding and dangling the baseball bat 100 at the knob 108 disposed on the second end 106, or proximate where the batter would grip the bat (approximately six inches from the second end 106 of the bat 100), and tapping near the first end 104 of the baseball bat 100 with a hard or inflexible object to cause the bat to vibrate after impact. A user taps various points along the length of the barrel 120 until a minimum vibration region 122, 810 is detected based on the vibrations experienced by the person while holding the bat. The user may then mark this region with a pen, pencil, sticker, or other suitable object. In some examples, a user may apply a scratch or indentation to the bat 100 at this region to indicate its location.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the vibration characteristic 800 includes a first vibration mode 902 and a second vibration mode 904. The first vibratory node 802 corresponds with a first vibration mode 902 and the second vibratory node 804 corresponds to a second vibration mode 904. Further, the first vibration mode 902 and the second vibration mode 904 account for holding the bat with a first hand 910a and a second hand 910b. The first vibration mode 902 includes a first vibration node 920, a second vibration node 922, and a third vibration node 924 while the second vibration mode 904 includes a first vibration node 930 and a second vibration node 932. As shown, the vibration nodes 920, 922, 924 do not deviate from the longitudinal axis of the bat in the first vibration mode 902 and the vibration nodes 930, 932 do not deviate from the second vibration mode 904. Each vibration mode 902, 904 vibrates at a different frequency. For example, the first vibration mode 902 may vibrate between 450 hertz and 500 hertz (Hz) while the second vibration mode 904 may vibrate between 100 Hz and 150 Hz. Other examples are possible.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first example marking system 130 as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this example, the marking system 130 includes a sheet 132. The sheet 132 includes a first edge 134, a second edge 136, a third edge 138, and a fourth edge 140. As illustrated, the first edge 134 is opposite the second edge 136. Additionally, the third edge 138 is opposite the fourth edge 140, and both the third edge 138 and the fourth edge 140 are disposed between the first edge 134 and the second edge 136. In various embodiments, the first edge 134 and the second edge 136 perpendicular to the third edge 138 and the fourth edge 140. Other arrangements are possible.

As illustrated, the sheet 132 includes a length 152, a height 154, and a first positioning feature 156 (sometimes referred to as a first indicia) having a height 158. In some examples, the length 152 is configured to be approximately equal to the circumference of a sports implement (e.g., the baseball bat 100). For example, the length 152 may be approximately 8.5 in to approximately 9.5 in (21 cm to 24 cm). Additionally, the height 154 may be approximately 1 in to approximately 3 in (2.5 cm to 8 cm). Further, the first positioning feature 156 has a height 158 between approximately 0.5 in to approximately 1.5 in (1.5 cm to 4 cm).

In accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, the sheet 200 includes a first alignment feature 160 (sometimes referred to as a second indicia) disposed proximate the first edge 134 of the sheet 132. Additionally, the sheet 132 includes a second alignment feature 162 (sometimes referred to as a third indicia) disposed proximate the second edge 136 and opposite the first alignment feature 160. Further, a sheet axis 164 is disposed between the first alignment feature 160 and the second alignment feature 162, the sheet axis 164 being perpendicular to the first edge 134 and the second edge 136. When the sheet 132 is disposed on the bat 100 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3), the sheet axis 164 is positioned parallel to the central longitudinal axis 120 of the barrel 102 upon at least partially encircling a portion of the barrel 102.

Notably, the sheet 132 is constructed from a material having a visual characteristic that is different from that of the bat 100. More specifically, in some examples, the sheet may be a solid color that creates a visual contrast with the barrel of the bat 100 when coupled therewith. While the illustrated figures depict a sheet having a generally solid color, other configurations such as, for example, patterns are possible. In various examples, the configuration and coloring of the lines are arranged to maximize optical identification, even during a swing. Further, the colors and configuration may allow for optical identification for individuals who are color blind. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet 132 includes a primary visual characteristic illustrated as the positioning 156 which is accented by the secondary visual characteristics 170a, 170b. The secondary visual characteristics 170a, 170b result in enhanced optical targeting for a batter's eye to track the sweet spot of the baseball bat 100.

FIG. 3 provides a view of the example marking system 130 as applied to the baseball bat 100 of FIG. 1. The sheet 132 of the marking system 130 includes an adhesive (not shown) to secure the sheet 132 to the bat 100. In some examples, the third edge 138 is secured with an adhesive to the fourth edge 140. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the central longitudinal axis 120 of the bat 100 is parallel with the sheet axis 164.

The sheet axis 164 is aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal axis 120. A user placing the sheet 132 on the baseball bat 100 may first position the first positioning feature 156 adjacent to the previously-identified minimum vibration region 122. Then, the user can rotate the sheet 132 to align the first alignment feature 160 and the second alignment feature 162 with the longitudinal axis 120 of the baseball bat 100. Once the sheet axis 164 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 120 of the baseball bat 100, the sheet 132 may then be coupled with the baseball bat 100 via, for example, an adhesive material. In some examples, the adhesive may be in the form of a glue, a layer of film, a hot melt adhesive, and the like. Other examples are possible.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a second example marking system 430. As shown in FIG. 4, the marking system 430 also includes a sheet 432. The sheet 432 may have similar dimensions to the sheet 132 described in connection with FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, similar features between the marking system will have the same two digit suffixes, and as such, may not be discussed in substantial detail.

The sheet 432 includes a first edge 434, a second edge 436, a third edge 438, and a fourth edge 440. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first edge 434 is disposed opposite the second edge 436 and the third edge 438 is opposite the fourth edge 440. The third edge 438 and the fourth edge 440 are disposed between the first edge 434 and the second edge 436. Furthermore, in this example, the first edge 434 has a first curvature 442 and the second edge 436 has a second curvature 444. In some approaches, the first curvature 442 is different than the second curvature 444. For example, the first curvature 442 is larger than the second curvature 444. The first curvature 442 corresponds with the larger circumference of the barrel 102 of the baseball bat 100 in the direction towards the first end 104 and the second curvature 444 corresponds with the smaller circumference of the baseball bat barrel closer to the second end 106.

To secure the marking system 430 correctly to the baseball bat 100, the sheet 432 includes a first alignment feature 460 (sometimes referred to as a second indicia) disposed proximate the first edge 434 of the sheet 432. The sheet 432 additionally includes a second alignment feature 462 (sometimes referred to as a third indicia) disposed proximate the second edge 434 and opposite the first alignment feature 460. Furthermore, the marking system 430 includes a first positioning feature 456 (sometimes referred to as a first indicia) centrally disposed on the sheet 432 between the first and second alignment features 460, 462. In the illustrated example, the first positioning feature 456 is in the form of an opening or a hole formed through the sheet 432. However, other examples such as a clear region are possible. As illustrated, the sheet 432 includes a sheet axis 464 disposed through at least two of the first positioning feature 456, the first alignment feature 460, or the second alignment feature 462. Notably, the sheet axis 464 is positioned parallel to the central longitudinal axis 120 of the barrel upon at least partially encircling a portion thereof.

In various examples, the first alignment feature 460 and the second alignment feature 462 are die cut in the sheet 432. Additionally or alternatively, the first positioning feature 456 is die-cut in the sheet 432. In other embodiments, the first alignment feature 460, second alignment feature 462, and/or the positioning feature 456 can be made printed on the sheet 432, made of a transparent material, or embossed on the sheet.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the marking system 430 as applied to the baseball bat 100. In some embodiments, the sheet 432 includes an adhesive (not shown) to secure the sheet 432 to the baseball bat 100. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet 432 includes an adhesive that secures at least the third edge 438 to the fourth edge 440 such that the third edge 438 overlaps the fourth edge 440.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sheet axis 464 is aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal axis 120. A user placing the sheet 432 on the baseball bat 100 can first position the first positioning feature 456 adjacent the previously-identified minimum vibration region 122. Then, the user can rotate the sheet 432 to align the first alignment feature 460 and the second alignment feature 462 with the longitudinal axis 120 of the baseball bat 100. Once the sheet axis 464 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 120, a user may secure the sheet 432 to the baseball bat 100 via, for example, an adhesive.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the second embodiment of the marking system 430 as applied to the baseball bat 100. Securing the sheet 432 to the baseball bat 100 includes wrapping the sheet 432 around the barrel 102 such that the third edge 438 and the fourth edge 440 (not shown in FIG. 6) overlap. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, because the first curvature 442 is different than the second curvature 444, the third edge 438 is aligned with the fourth edge 440. Notably, the first and second curvatures 442, 444 allow the sheet 432 to be wrapped around the barrel 102 in a manner that the sheet 432 is generally arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120 of the bat 100.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a baseball bat 100 including a marking system 730 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure including a sheet 732 having a pressure sensitive material 733. As illustrated, the sheet 732 is disposed on the barrel 102 of the bat 100. The pressure sensitive material 733 responds to pressure such that the pressure sensitive material 733 can identify whether a baseball struck the pressure sensitive material 733 during a bat swing. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the pressure sensitive material 733 includes an example baseball impact 735. Such an arrangement may assist a user with readily identifying whether their swing and swing form resulted in desirable contact with the bat 100.

In accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, the pressure sensitive material 733 can be any material capable of identifying where the baseball made contact with the sheet 732 during a bat swing. In one example, the a pressure sensitive material 733 is configured to change coloration when subjected to pressure, and may include a mechanochromatic material or polymer. A mechanochromatic material (alternatively referred to as a piezochromatic material) is a material that changes color and/or other visual characteristic when subjected to mechanical stress. Alternatively, the pressure sensitive material may be in the form of a malleable material, such as a lightweight clay or putty that deforms when subjected to an external pressure and/or force.

Once the minimum vibration region 122 is identified, the user may place the marking system 130, 430, 730 within the minimum vibration region 122. In some examples, the user may dispose one of the first positioning features (e.g., first positioning feature 424) in the minimum vibration region 810. After placing the marking system 130, 430, 730, the user then rotates the sheet 132, 432, 732 such that the central longitudinal axis 120 of the baseball bat 100 is aligned with the first alignment feature 160, 460 and the second alignment feature 162, 462. Last, the user may secure the sheet 132, 432, 732 to the baseball bat over the minimal vibration region 122. When the sheet 132, 432, 732 is properly secured to the baseball bat 100, the minimal vibration region 122 is disposed between the first edge 134, 434, 734 and the second edge 136, 436, 736 of the sheet. In some examples, the sheet 132, 432, 732 is wrapped around the barrel 102 such that the third edge 138, 438 and the fourth edge 140, 440 overlap.

So arranged, the user may practice swinging the bat 100 with the sheet 132, 432, 732 coupled thereto. The user may use the sheet 132, 432, 732 during training to assist with identifying the proper location along the barrel 102 of the bat 100 to make contact with the ball. In examples where the sheet 132, 432, 732 includes a visually distinct, contrasting characteristic, the user may adjust their form and/or positioning mid-swing to ensure the desired region (i.e., the sweet spot) of the bat 100 contacts the ball. Further, the adhesive of the sheet 132, 432, 732 may be arranged to selectively secure the sheet 132, 432, 732 from the bat 100. Because the adhesive may not permanently adhere the sheet 132, 432, 732 to the bat 100, the sheet 132, 432, 732 may be repositioned and/or readjusted after the sheet 132, 432, 732 is placed on the bat 100.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention(s) disclosed herein, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept(s). For example, although the various embodiments describe applying a marking feature to a baseball bat, the systems and approaches described herein may assist with identification of a minimum vibration region of other sports implements (e.g., a racquet, cricket bat, etc.). In such examples, the marking system can be applied to the minimum vibration region of the sports implement. Further, it is appreciated that in some examples, the sheet may be adapted to cover a portion of the circumference of the sports implement.

Claims

1. A marking system for a baseball bat, comprising: a bat including a barrel extending along a central longitudinal axis, the barrel defining a minimal vibration region;a sheet having a first edge, a second edge positioned opposite the first edge, a third edge positioned between the first and the second edges, and a fourth edge positioned opposite the third edge, the first edge having a first curvature and the second edge having a second curvature, the sheet adapted to at least partially encircle a portion of the barrel of the bat;a first positioning feature disposed on the sheet; anda first alignment feature disposed proximate the first edge of the sheet,wherein the first positioning feature is configured to be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the minimal vibration region.

2. The marking system of claim 1, further comprising a second alignment feature disposed proximate the second edge opposite the first alignment feature.

3. The marking system of claim 2, further comprising a sheet axis disposed through at least two of the first positioning feature, the first alignment feature, or the second alignment feature, the sheet axis being positioned parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the barrel upon at least partially encircling a portion thereof.

4. The marking system of claim 2, wherein the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are die cut in the sheet.

5. The marking system of claim 1, wherein the first curvature is different than the second curvature.

6. The marking system of claim 5, wherein the first curvature is greater than the second curvature.

7. The marking system of claim 1, wherein the sheet includes an adhesive to secure the sheet to the bat.

8. The marking system of claim 1, wherein the first positioning feature is die-cut in the sheet.

9. The marking system of claim 1, wherein the first positioning feature is centrally disposed on the sheet.

10. A sheet for identifying a minimal vibration region of a sports implement, comprising: a sheet having a first edge, second edge, third edge, and a fourth edge;a first indicia disposed on the sheet; anda second indicia disposed on the sheet, proximate the first edge of the sheet.

11. The sheet of claim 10, further comprising a third indicia disposed proximate the second edge opposite the second indicia.

12. The sheet of claim 11, further comprising a sheet axis disposed through at least two of the first indicia, the second indicia, or the third indicia.

13. The sheet of claim 12, wherein the sheet axis is disposed perpendicular to at least a portion of the first edge or the second edge.

14. The sheet of claim 11, wherein the second indicia and the third indicia each comprises a marking disposed on the sheet.

15. The sheet of claim 10, wherein the first indicia is centrally disposed on the sheet.

16. The sheet of claim 10, wherein the first edge has a first curvature and the second edge has a second curvature.

17. The sheet of claim 16, wherein the first curvature is different than the second curvature.

18. The sheet of claim 17, wherein the first curvature is greater than the second curvature.

19. The sheet of claim 10, wherein the sheet includes an adhesive.

20. The sheet of claim 19, wherein the adhesive selectively secures the sheet to the bat.

21. A sheet for identifying contact with minimal vibration region of a sports implement, comprising: a sheet having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge;a first positioning feature disposed on the sheet;a first alignment feature disposed on the sheet, proximate the first edge of the sheet; anda pressure sensitive material configured to change coloration when subjected to an external pressure.

22. The sheet of claim 21, wherein the pressure sensitive material is a mechanochromic polymer.

23. The sheet of claim 21, wherein the pressure sensitive material is disposed proximate the first positioning feature between the third edge and the fourth edge.

24. The marking system of claim 21, further comprising a second alignment feature disposed proximate the second edge opposite the second marking feature.