Patents Examined by Raleigh W. Chiu
  • Grommet and racket
    Patent number: 10406406
    Abstract: To enhance a resilience performance of a ball at hitting the ball, a grommet is configured to include a strip-shaped portion extending in a predetermined direction and a cylindrical portion projecting from one surface of the strip-shaped portion, the cylindrical portion being a portion through which a string passes. A bulge portion is formed on a part on another surface of the strip-shaped portion, the part being along an inner periphery of the cylindrical portion. The bulge portion has a shape bulged more than the other surface of the strip-shaped portion, and the string is folded back at the bulge portion. A plurality of the protrusions are formed between the cylindrical portions adjacent to one another, the plurality of the protrusions being portions to which the string contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: YONEX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Kawabata, Naoto Ogawa, Ryoichi Hanawa, Toru Hiraga
  • Tennis racket
    Patent number: 10384101
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tennis racket including: an oval frame adapted to support a latticework, and through-bands for the strands of latticework cord, each band being received in an outer housing in the frame and including through-tubes for the strands, the tubes being inserted in the direction of the interior of the frame in through-holes provided in the frame. Each band is arranged flush with the outer edge of the cross-section of the frame, and an outer shell of the cross-section of the frame is essentially diamond shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: BABOLAT VS
    Inventor: Emilie Valbousquet
  • Ball game racket with magnesium bridge
    Patent number: 10369423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for a ball game racket comprising a handle region and a head region with a bridge, wherein a part of the head region and/or the handle region comprise(s) a carbon fiber composite material and wherein the bridge comprises magnesium and is formed as one part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Head Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Lau, Stefan Mohr, Ralf Schwenger
  • Badminton racket
    Patent number: 10369422
    Abstract: An object is to provide a badminton racket capable of easily achieving different performance properties on both sides of the hitting surface easily. A racket includes a frame which extends annularly, a grip, and a string which is stretched across the frame to form a hitting surface on both sides of the frame. The frame is formed to make the front surface portion and the back surface portion thereof asymmetrical in shape in a cross sectional view taken along a plane orthogonal to the extension direction of the frame. The formation of the frame into such an asymmetrical shape makes it possible to change performance properties on shuttlecock hitting between the front and back sides of the hitting surface at the time of hitting the shuttlecock, thus making it possible for the player to obtain two difference capabilities with the single racket simply by changing his or her grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: YONEX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yosuke Yamanaka, Kazuya Otani, Taketoshi Goto
  • Tilting projectile game
    Patent number: 10328334
    Abstract: This is an improvement to the tilting projectile game of U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,818 B2, in which the tilting assemblies that connect the paddles to the game's base and allow the paddles to tilt in every direction while preventing the paddles from touching one another, have been strengthened, simplified and made more efficient by replacing relatively complex parts with a single, stronger and simpler piece. By enclosing the space between the paddles and base, this improvement also ensures that players cannot put their fingers between those moving parts when the game is being played, whereas in the game's original design, if a player did not hold the paddles in the proper manner, they could misplace their fingers into that space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Chris Borg
  • Omnidirectional target for an amusement game device
    Patent number: 10328335
    Abstract: A target assembly includes a target post mounted to an underside of a playfield and sized to extend through an opening in the playfield. A centering device is mounted to the target post between a first end of the target post and a second end of the target post and a centering plate secures the target post to the underside of the playfield, wherein the centerplate and the centering device form a fulcrum for the target post to pivot as a lever. Impact of a ball with any portion of the target post, and in any direction, above the playfield causes the target post to pivot about the fulcrum, where a sensing switch senses the target post movement. A biasing element coupled to the centering device biases the target post into a rest position and returns the impacted target lever towards the rest position after impact by the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Stern Pinball, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Elwin, John Harrison Drake, Jr.
  • Racquet configured with increased flexibility in multiple directions with respect to a longitudinal axis
    Patent number: 10328316
    Abstract: A tennis racquet extending along a longitudinal axis and capable of being tested under a lateral bending test and a forward/rearward bending test, includes a frame having a head portion, a handle portion, and a throat portion positioned between the head and handle portions. The head portion forms a hoop that defines a string bed plane. At least the head portion and the throat portion of the racquet are formed at least in part of a fiber composite material. The throat portion includes a pair of throat elements. When the racquet is tested under the lateral bending test, the racquet has a lateral deflection of at least 6.0 mm when measured in a direction parallel to the string bed plane and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: William D. Severa, Dale J. Zwack, Robert T. Kapheim, Eloisa M. Compostizo
  • Finger flick ball game
    Patent number: 10322335
    Abstract: The invention is a game for amusement including a cabinet, a ball and one or more targets wherein the ball can be flicked by a player's finger in an attempt to contact, engage or activate the one or more targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Scott Krieman
  • Golf club grip with device housing
    Patent number: 10293235
    Abstract: The invention relates to golf clubs, more particularly to mechanisms for fastening accessories to clubs. The invention provides a golf club configured to house an electronic device such as an RFID tag within a recess within the grip, thereby protecting the device from the stress, shock, and exposure that arises when a golf club is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Scott H. Moreira, Michael S. Yagley
  • Table tennis paddle
    Patent number: 10272306
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a novel paddle for use in racquet sports, and particularly table tennis, is disclosed. The paddle features a handle which is designed to comfortably conform to the players grip, while both enhancing total backhand play and allowing for ease of rotation to forehand play at any time on either side of the body; Thus, a paddle which eliminates ever being caught out of position. The alignment for the attachment of the handle to the blade is what is specifically unique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Donald Wesley McDaniel
  • Tennis net tension system including service let indication feature
    Patent number: 10272307
    Abstract: Disclosed is system and method for measuring the tension of a tennis net, and, alternatively or in addition, for determining if a service let occurs via the measuring of the net tension. The disclosed embodiments measure a force exerted on the center-strap or the singles stick by the net. In these embodiments, the measured force provides an accurate reflection of the tension of the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: GROUP ONE LIMITED
    Inventor: Fredric Goldstein
  • Athletic field boundary system
    Patent number: 10258865
    Abstract: A field demarcation boundary line system includes a first boundary strip sufficiently durable to withstand tearing due to stepping thereon. The first boundary strip includes a width, a top surface area, and an advertisement on the top surface area. The system further includes a fastening device configured to secure the first boundary strip to the ground. The method includes displaying the advertisement on the top surface of the first strip for viewing access to the spectator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: John Frederick
  • Tennis racket frame
    Patent number: 10245473
    Abstract: A racket frame has an inner thick part (28) having an outer surface (12), an inner surface (14) and a pair of middle surfaces (16) each positioned between the outer surface (12) and the inner surface (14). A thickness (Ti) of the inner surface (14) is greater than a thickness (To) of the outer surface (12). A thickness of the inner thick part (28) gradually increases toward the inside. Consequently, the middle surface (16) is inclined with respect to an X direction. A distance (Ld) between an outer end and an inner end in a thickness direction of the middle surface (16) is equal to or greater than 0.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Yosuke Yamamoto
  • Vibration damping bat and methods of making the same
    Patent number: 10245488
    Abstract: A softball or baseball bat is provided. The bat can comprise a handle that has a proximate end and a distal end and a barrel that has a hollow portion. The bat can comprise first damping section that comprises a first material, and the first damping section can be at least partially interposed between a portion of the handle and a portion of an inner wall of the barrel. The bat can comprise a second damping section that can comprise a second material, and the second damping section can be at least partially interposed between a portion of the handle and a portion of the inner wall of the barrel. At least a portion of the first damping section or the second damping section can prevent the handle from directly contacting the barrel when the bat is at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: MIZUNO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brendan Kays, Yohei Yamashita, David Llewellyn
  • Tennis training device
    Patent number: 10245495
    Abstract: A tennis training device is provided, comprising a support bar which is swivelable between a first and a second stop in its longitudinal direction, wherein at the free end of the support bar a ball is mounted by means of a connecting ember, which is releasably fixed by means of a fixing means. Furthermore, the invention relates to different embodiments of a training unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Josef Dagn
  • Handle shell for ball game racket
    Patent number: 10220279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball game racket, a method for adjusting the length of the handle portion of a ball game racket and a handle shell for the handle portion of a ball game racket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Head Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Lau, Harald Rosenkranz, Stefan Mohr
  • Racket cross-string weaving assistant
    Patent number: 10213658
    Abstract: A set of racket cross-string guides which are pre-woven over a string guide holder in the same pattern used for inserting the racket cross-strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Judson Allen Smith, Jr.
  • Bullet collecting robot, bullet collecting device thereof and shooting game system
    Patent number: 10209039
    Abstract: A bullet collecting robot comprises a bullet collecting device, a travel driving mechanism, and a controller. The bullet collecting device comprises a collection bin including a bullet accommodating cavity and a collection opening in communication with the bullet accommodating cavity, a friction roller provided at the collection opening, and a collection driving member connected with the friction roller. The travel driving mechanism is configured to drive the bullet collecting device to move. The controller is connected in communication with the collection driving member and the travel driving mechanism, and is configured to control the collection driving member and the travel driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shimeng Bei, Yijun Guan
  • Projectile launching device
    Patent number: 10207166
    Abstract: A sports and games apparatus consisting of two rods and an aerodynamic projectile with an opening which receives the two rods. The projectile is launched by manipulating the rods in an opposing fashion. The opening of the projectile is of the appropriate size to allow for the rods to slide through, but not large enough that the projectile exhibits unwanted motions that inhibit accuracy during the launching motion. The rods are used to propel the projectile towards a variety of targets which interact with the projectile in various ways. The projectile may comprise a multitude of aerodynamic shapes and a multitude of methods for interacting with targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen Patrick DeZordo, Scott Shanks
  • Waterproof racket
    Patent number: 10207164
    Abstract: A waterproof racket includes an annular skeleton, a receiving pocket having a pocket cavity, and a trampoline layer affixed to the receiving pocket. The annular skeleton is received in the pocket cavity to retain the receiving pocket in an annular configuration. The trampoline layer is affixed to a centerline of the receiving pocket, wherein the trampoline layer is stretched to form a trampoline surface in a tension manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventors: Huang-Keng Hsu, Chin-Yih Chen