Patents Examined by Paul T. Sewell
  • Patent number: 6679783
    Abstract: A golf training device includes a putting green platform having an incline extending from a lower end to an upper end forming a recess that a golf ball is destined for. A wall surrounds the incline of the platform for stopping movement of improperly hit golf balls. A tee base is spaced from the putting green platform and has a top surface. A runway is arranged between the tee base and the lower end of the incline of the putting green platform. A correction device includes a correction wire located above and extending from the base, through and substantially parallel to the runway, to the platform for forming an indication between the tee base and the recess of the platform. A mirror is attached to the top surface of the base for providing visual feedback to a player when the player is swinging a putter to hit a golf ball into the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Chung-Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 6679498
    Abstract: An indoor interactive competitive game of skill incorporating an arcade-type fixed target and an elastic launching sling using the human body as a yoke and fulcrum to propel soft foam balls to the target containing numerous indicia marked scoring opportunities for the prospect of reaching a predetermined highest score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas J. Barniak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6676545
    Abstract: A ball rebound wall apparatus for a swimming pool which uses a substantially planar panel mounted on a pontoon assembly. The pontoon assembly is to be floatingly located within the swimming pool. A ballast is to be placed on the pool decking with a pontoon assembly to be tied to the ballast in order to locate the pontoon assembly in a set position and maintain the pontoon assembly in a set position. The pontoon assembly includes a groove. The ball rebound wall is to be mounted within the groove to be supported on the pontoon assembly. The pontoon assembly can be varied in its flotation ability by increasing or decreasing flotation. The rebound wall is to be tilted to assume an inclined position so that upon a ball striking the rebound wall, the ball is rebounded in an upward direction away from the surface of the water of the swimming pool. The ball rebound wall apparatus is to be readily removable and disassembled when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: William W. Beazley
  • Patent number: 6676532
    Abstract: A screen assembly (10, 110, 160) usable as golf practice apparatus, the assembly comprising a rotatable upstanding elongate member (12, 112) from which netting screens (16, 116) can extend in a generally vertical plane, and which can be wound around the member (12, 112) when not in use. A constant force spring (28, 128) is provided for automatic rewinding of the screens (16, 116) onto the member (12, 112). The free ends of the screens (16, 116) are provided with bars (22, 122) which are engageable with the ground in use. Further screens (20, 21, 120, 121) are provided to protect the joint between the screens (16, 116) and also to provide a ceiling layer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Boulton, Richard Anthony Mason
  • Patent number: 6676534
    Abstract: A golf club grip made up of a composite strip that includes a first segment having a felt layer to the upper surface of which is bonded a polyurethane that is embossed with a friction enhancing pattern and a second segment having a felt layer to the upper surface of which is bonded a layer of polyurethane. Decorative indicia are embossed on the upper surface area of the polyurethane layer of the second segment. When the strip is spirally wrapped about a resilient underlisting sleeve or directly about the handle of a golf club the embossed friction enhancing pattern cooperates with the decorative indicia to increase the hoop strength of the strip reducing the tendency of the strip to unravel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ben Huang
  • Patent number: 6676542
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball, which is superior in flight distance, spin performance, shot feel and scuff resistance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core composed of a center and an intermediate layer formed on the center, and a cover formed on the core, wherein the center has a diameter of 10 to 20 mm and a central point hardness in JIS-A hardness of 30 to 90, the intermediate layer has a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of 50 to 70 the cover comprises polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer as a main component, and has a hardness in Shore D hardness of 40 to 60 and a thickness of 0.3 to 1.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kato, Keiji Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6676547
    Abstract: A lacrosse head (10) is provided for improving ball retention and throwing accuracy. The lacrosse head (10) includes a pair of opposing sidewall portions (14) each having a top end, a bottom end, and an inner intermediate section with a shelf (28) integrated therein. Each shelf assists a user in retaining a lacrosse ball within the lacrosse head (10). The top ends of the opposing sidewall portions (14) are connected to each other by a scoop portion (16) that has a non-skid surface formed thereon for gripping the lacrosse ball. The bottom ends of the opposing sidewall portions (14) are connected by a base portion (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Warrior Lacrosse, Inc.
    Inventors: David Morrow, Jesse Hubbard
  • Patent number: 6676544
    Abstract: A golf ball marking guide has opposing first and second body portions. Each body portion has opposing front and back ends and opposing top and bottom edges. The body portions also have a drawing slot positioned between the opposing top and bottom edges and extending at least partially between the front and back ends. The body portions also have generally spherical concave inner surfaces. A tab extends from the front of the first body portion in a direction generally away from the body portion back. Another tab extends from the front of the second body portion in a direction generally away from the body portion back. A connector is provided at the back of the first body portion. A cooperating connector is also provided at the back of the second body portion. The two connectors are coupled, one with the other, whereby the two body portions are aligned with each other, their inner surfaces face each other and define a spherical frustum, and the two tabs are aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Charles R. Tyke
  • Patent number: 6675684
    Abstract: The machine comprises a scoring tool, which makes a first surface incision tangentially of a tubular element, and a blade for making a full cut starting from the surface incision, the machine being characterized in that it comprises means for autonomously commanding and guiding a working cycle of the scoring tool and also comprises distinct means for autonomously commanding and guiding a working cycle of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Oto Mills S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aleardo Chezzi, Mauro Lorenzini
  • Patent number: 6672976
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a multi-layer cover. The golf ball satisfies the following conditions (1) to (5): (1) the number of dimples is 360 to 492; (2) total volume enclosed by the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the volume of the golf ball, VR, is 0.715% to 0.825%; (3) total surface area of the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the surface area of the golf ball, SR, is not less than 70%; (4) value obtained through subtraction of the JIS C hardness of the surface portion of the core from the average JIS C hardness of the cover is 0 to 20; and (5) initial velocity is in excess of 77.7 m/s (255 ft/s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6672974
    Abstract: A practice putting device, adapted for use with a golf putter club having a putter blade, a shaft and a handle, is provided for guiding the blade of the club on a straight line through the putting stroke. The device comprises a clamp means for holding the shaft of the putter club and a carriage having first and second arms pivotally mounted to the clamp means in a horizontal plane for upward and downward arc pivotable movement of the arms. The device is used with an elongated planar board wherein the board is positioned on the putting surface. The shaft of the putter is secured in the clamping means and the carriage (and arms) of the putting device are adjusted so that they are substantially transverse to the plane of the board. When the putter head is moved to strike the ball, the putter blade is moved transverse to the golf ball as the putter head is moved back and forth with the arms of the device in contact with the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: TST & Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J. Tartagni, Paul Schmid
  • Patent number: 6672973
    Abstract: A golfer training device (50) is disclosed. The device (50) includes a first strap (52) which is fastened around a golfer's leg above the knee (36). A second strap (14) is fastened just above the ankle (38) and below the calf muscle of the same leg. A third strap (16) is joined to and interconnects both the first and second straps (52, 14), and runs vertically up behind the leg to a type of quick-release adjusting clasp (70). All three straps are made of a substantially inextensible, flexible material. The length of the third strap (16) can be shortened by pulling on an adjusting strap (30), thereby causing the leg to bend at the knee (36). A tube (64) behind the golfer's knee (36) ensures that there is also a horizontal pull on strap (52), which helps to securely hold strap (52) in place and prevent it from slipping down the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Stellar Promotions Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Cornelis Muntz
  • Patent number: 6672972
    Abstract: A small laser pointer is connected to a gripping member by a free-swinging connection member so that when the gripping member is attached to a golfer's cap, golf visor or sunglasses, the laser pointer plumbs straight down under the influence of the gravitational force. Because of the free-swinging connection member, the laser pointer can swing as a pendulum through the full 360° of motion in a horizontal plane. The point of light that is projected by the laser pointer onto the ground provides the golfer with instant feed back if the golfer's head moves during the putting stroke, as the point of light created by the laser will also move when the head moves. The point of light from the laser also provides a point of reference that allows the golfer to set the golfer's eyes directly over the ball. At this location, the golfer is ensured of seeing the line of the putt better and is able to line up the putter head more precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Allen Stone
  • Patent number: 6672979
    Abstract: A device for practicing striking a standard sports ball that also has means to be held, particularly by magnetic or magnet-attractable materials located beneath the ballcover and not exposed to the atmosphere. The ball is usually retained on a minor portion of the upper 75 percent (relative to vertical) of the outer surface of the suspended ball so that its propelled trajectory and the striker's path are essentially not hindered before, during and after the strike and release against gravity and released upon sufficient impact. A ball contains means for both retaining and releasing itself from a mating pivotable, attachment arm that is generally downwardly supported to allow the ball to be suspended above the ground, be struck, released and propelled in a preferred downward trajectory, e.g. a volleyball spike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Michael Brenneisen
  • Patent number: 6669582
    Abstract: A generally circular, thin, laminated, high color contrast, flexible target sheet member is affixed to a central pocket portion of a baseball glove by a peel-away pressure sensitive formed upon the backing of the target member. This simple and inexpensive single (one piece) targeting member can be mail-ordered or otherwise sold directly, particularly to millions of young “Little League” players in need of an aid in improving their throwing accuracy. No detrimental modifications of the gloves already in possession of the players is required. An advertising logo of a sponsor can be added, enabling its use as a give-away item. Alternatively, a team logo can be printed on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Roscoe Beeler
  • Patent number: 6669196
    Abstract: A board game system comprising: (i) a game board having a plurality of squares to define a path of travel; (ii) a plurality of tokens representing each player's position on the path of travel around the game board; (iii) a plurality of playing cards, having questions, and a plurality of potential answers, one of which is correct, the playing cards adapted to be selected randomly by the players whereby a player answers a question correctly to move the token accordingly; (iv) a plurality of “Anti-Hazard” cards, awarded to a player who lands on a single designated game board square, which can be used by a player to avoid getting pulled into a plurality of Hazard Traps; (v) two dice, including a first die with a plurality of spots controlling the number of squares which can be advanced by a player when a player answers a question correctly, the second die having a plurality of drawings, controlling whether a player escapes from a plurality of Hazard Traps; and (vi) an Information Booklet having a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Rita Washko
  • Patent number: 6666781
    Abstract: A mobile practice device for practicing the swinging motion of a baseball bat includes a holding apparatus (14) and strike zone restriction apparatus (16), the strike zone restriction apparatus (16) being supported by and maintained at a distance from and underlying ground surface by the holding apparatus (14). The strike zone restriction apparatus (16) includes a vertical side wall that restricts the swing of the baseball bat (12) by a practicing batter (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Rudolpho Illis
  • Patent number: 6666774
    Abstract: A cushion for a billiard table is disclosed. The cushion includes an extruded member having a substantially triangular or L-shaped cross-section and a layer of tape on one surface thereof for affixing the cushion to a billiard table. Also disclosed is an improved cue for billiards wherein a substantial portion of the weight of the cue is disposed in a distal portion of the cue located near the tip of the cue, which is used to strike a ball. The cue is preferably modular to allow substitution of various portions of the cue to permit it to be customized to a specific player. Also disclosed is a device for metering the speed of the surface of a billiard table. Also disclosed is a quick-change tip for a cue which includes an elastomeric material that is sized to snugly fit over the distal end of a cue to releasably secure the quick-change tip to the cue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Attitude Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mabe, Jr., Karl E. Elliott
  • Patent number: 6663497
    Abstract: A golf putter head adapted for attachment to a club shaft is provided with a face member having a strike face and a cylindrical back cavity, and a body member configured to fit and rotate within the back cavity. Selective rotation of the body member within the back cavity sets a loft of the putter head. The weighting of the putter is adjusted by securing a weight member to the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Donald T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6663504
    Abstract: A fairway wood type golf club having a club head with a major body and a minor body is disclosed herein. The major body is composed of an amorphous metal material and has a striking plate section, a return section, a sole section, a ribbon section and a ledge portion. The minor body is preferably composed of a composite material and has a crown section and a ribbon section. The striking plate section preferably has variable face thickness. The minor body is preferably attached by a liquid adhesive to the ledge section of the major body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Alan Hocknell, Uday V. Deshmukh, Richard C. Helmstetter, Matthew T. Cackett, Herebert Reyes, James M. Murphy, D. Clayton Evans, J. Andrew Galloway, Garth W. Smith, Augustin W. Rollinson