Patents by Inventor Nicholas Yontz

Nicholas Yontz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190060734
    Abstract: A method and system for using a low resolution image of a golfer's swing for analysis is disclosed. Cameras obtain images of various portions of a golfer's swing. A computer calculates parameters associated with a golfer and a golf club from the images. Parameters include body angles, head position, shoulder positions, arm positions, hand positions, leg positions, foot positions, club shaft angles, and club head position. Different portions of the swing are captured using the cameras, including a static initial address, a backswing, a downswing, a forward swing, and a follow-through. A computer uses measured parameters from two or more portions of the swing to determine comparative parameters during different portions of the swing. The computer uses the parameters to generate swing analysis outputs, including swing characteristic information and/or swing profile information. A correlation table relates identified swing analysis outputs to recommendations to the golfer to improve the swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Molinari, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz
  • Patent number: 10155137
    Abstract: A golf ball core for use in a multi-piece golf ball includes a solid sphere and between 100 and 300 spaced polygonal protrusions extending from the solid sphere in a radially outward direction. The sphere is substantially formed from an ionomeric material, and has a diameter (D) of between 24 mm and 32 mm. The polygonal protrusions extend from the sphere by a maximum distance of between 0.15 mm and 1.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Feng Tay Enterprises Co., LTD
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Aaron Bender, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chen-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu, Shih-Kai Lin
  • Patent number: 10137348
    Abstract: A method and system for using a low resolution image of a golfer's swing for analysis is disclosed. Cameras obtain images of various portions of a golfer's swing. A computer calculates parameters associated with a golfer and a golf club from the images. Parameters include body angles, head position, shoulder positions, arm positions, hand positions, leg positions, foot positions, club shaft angles, and club head position. Different portions of the swing are captured using the cameras, including a static initial address, a backswing, a downswing, a forward swing, and a follow-through. A computer uses measured parameters from two or more portions of the swing to determine comparative parameters during different portions of the swing. The computer uses the parameters to generate swing analysis outputs, including swing characteristic information and/or swing profile information. A correlation table relates identified swing analysis outputs to recommendations to the golfer to improve the swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Molinari, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz
  • Publication number: 20170361193
    Abstract: A method and system for using a low resolution image of a golfer's swing for analysis is disclosed. Cameras obtain images of various portions of a golfer's swing. A computer calculates parameters associated with a golfer and a golf club from the images. Parameters include body angles, head position, shoulder positions, arm positions, hand positions, leg positions, foot positions, club shaft angles, and club head position. Different portions of the swing are captured using the cameras, including a static initial address, a backswing, a downswing, a forward swing, and a follow-through. A computer uses measured parameters from two or more portions of the swing to determine comparative parameters during different portions of the swing. The computer uses the parameters to generate swing analysis outputs, including swing characteristic information and/or swing profile information. A correlation table relates identified swing analysis outputs to recommendations to the golfer to improve the swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Molinari, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz
  • Patent number: 9844702
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover layer surrounding the intermediate layer. The core defines an outer surface that includes a plurality of polygonal land portions substantially aligned on a common sphere, which has a diameter of between 22 mm and 32 mm. The intermediate layer has a radially inward-facing surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core, and has a radial thickness of between 4 mm and 9 mm. The outer surface of the core defines a first set of annular grooves disposed about a first axis, and a second set of annular grooves disposed about a second axis. Each of the first and second set of annular grooves extend radially inward from the common sphere, and the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: FENG TAY ENTERPRISES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu, Shih-Kai Lin
  • Patent number: 9782654
    Abstract: A method and system for using a low resolution image of a golfer's swing for analysis is disclosed. Cameras obtain images of various portions of a golfer's swing. A computer calculates parameters associated with a golfer and a golf club from the images. Parameters include body angles, head position, shoulder positions, arm positions, hand positions, leg positions, foot positions, club shaft angles, and club head position. Different portions of the swing are captured using the cameras, including a static initial address, a backswing, a downswing, a forward swing, and a follow-through. A computer uses measured parameters from two or more portions of the swing to determine comparative parameters during different portions of the swing. The computer uses the parameters to generate swing analysis outputs, including swing characteristic information and/or swing profile information. A correlation table relates identified swing analysis outputs to particular recommendations to the golfer to improve the swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Molinari, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz
  • Patent number: 9573023
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, and intermediate layer, and a cover. The core has an outer surface that includes a plurality of depressions extending from a spherical land portion. Each depression has a maximum depth relative to the spherical land portion of between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm. The intermediate layer surrounds the core and has a radially inward surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core. The cover layer surrounds the intermediate layer and defines an outermost portion of ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Patent number: 9566474
    Abstract: A golf ball has a cover with a Shore D hardness of at least about 59 and a coating on the cover that has at least one of (a) a pencil hardness of 2 B or less, (b) a Sward hardness of about 40 or less, or (c) a Hit (Young's Modulus)<20 N/mm2 and hmax>0.55 micrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Yontz, Bradley C. Tutmark, Yasushi Ichikawa, Hideyuki Ishii, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
  • Publication number: 20170021233
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover layer surrounding the intermediate layer. The core defines an outer surface that includes a plurality of polygonal land portions substantially aligned on a common sphere, which has a diameter of between 22 mm and 32 mm. The intermediate layer has a radially inward-facing surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core, and has a radial thickness of between 4 mm and 9 mm. The outer surface of the core defines a first set of annular grooves disposed about a first axis, and a second set of annular grooves disposed about a second axis. Each of the first and second set of annular grooves extend radially inward from the common sphere, and the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu, Shih-Kai Lin
  • Patent number: 9492716
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover layer surrounding the intermediate layer. The core defines an outer surface that includes a plurality of polygonal land portions substantially aligned on a common sphere, which has a diameter of between 22 mm and 32 mm. The intermediate layer has a radially inward-facing surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core, and has a radial thickness of between 4 mm and 9 mm. The outer surface of the core defines a first set of annular grooves disposed about a first axis, and a second set of annular grooves disposed about a second axis. Each of the first and second set of annular grooves extend radially inward from the common sphere, and the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu, Shih-Kai Lin
  • Patent number: 9468814
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, and intermediate layer, and a cover. The core has an outer surface that includes a plurality of depressions extending from a spherical land portion. Each depression has a maximum depth relative to the spherical land portion of between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm. The intermediate layer surrounds the core and has a radially inward surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core. The cover layer surrounds the intermediate layer and defines an outermost portion of ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Aaron Bender, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Publication number: 20160250522
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball that provides a consistent feel when struck with different golf clubs has a core center having a diameter D1 and a hardness H1; a first intermediate layer outward from and surrounding the core center; a second intermediate layer outward from and surrounding the first intermediate layer having a diameter D3 and a hardness H3; and a cover outward from and surrounding the second intermediate layer; wherein the ratio of H3 to D3 is at least about 94% of the ratio of H1 to D1 (H3/D3?0.94 H1/D1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Yontz, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Patent number: 9381404
    Abstract: A golf ball is provided including a core, a cover encasing the core and a coating that comprises a resin applied to the outer surface of the cover. Particles comprising a high density material are included in the coating such that the coating has a density at least twice that of the core's density or contributes at least 0.60% of the golf ball's total moment of inertia, and the coating has a micro surface roughness at least 1.75 times larger than the roughness of a comparative ball. A method of making a golf ball is also provided, including providing a spherical core, encasing the core with a cover, applying a resin to the outer surface of the cover, and adding a plurality of particles comprising a high density material to form a coating material that has a second density at least two times the first density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Nicholas Yontz, Johannes Anderl
  • Patent number: 9339704
    Abstract: Methods for selecting golf balls based on environmental factors are provided. Such methods involve indicating a golfing environment and establishing one or more corresponding environmental factors. Such methods may include ascertaining one or more trajectory components that are dependent upon the environmental factors. One or more aspects of golf ball construction may pertinent to the environmental factors, or to the trajectory components, may then be determined. Upon identifying a plurality of golf balls and a selection criteria related to the golf ball construction aspects, a golf ball may be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Yontz, Nicholas A. Leech
  • Patent number: 9268523
    Abstract: An electronic method for matching a user with a golf ball includes playing a first digital audio file to a user via a computer and playing a second digital audio file to the user via the computer. Each of the first digital audio file and the second digital audio file correspond to an acoustic response of a respective golf ball to a standardized impact force. The method then includes receiving an input from the user via the computer, where the input corresponds to a preferred acoustic response selected from the acoustic response of the first golf ball and the acoustic response of the second golf ball. Once the preferred response is determined, the method includes displaying a golf ball model that corresponds to the preferred acoustic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Nike Inc.
    Inventors: Yutaka Kabeshita, Nicholas A. Leech, Arthur Molinari, Nicholas Yontz
  • Patent number: 9259623
    Abstract: Golf balls include: (a) a golf ball having a first set of construction specifications; (b) a coating of the golf ball having an exterior surface and (c) the exterior surface having an enhanced micro surface roughness. The enhanced micro surface roughening affects the aerodynamic properties of the ball as compared to golf balls having the same set of construction specifications but without enhanced micro surface roughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Nike International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Nicholas Yontz, Johannes Anderl
  • Patent number: 9199133
    Abstract: Golf balls having an exterior surface with a predetermined area which is smaller than the entire surface area of the exterior surface and includes enhanced micro surface roughness. The enhanced micro surface roughness affects the aerodynamic properties of the ball as compared to golf balls having the same set of construction specifications but without enhanced micro surface roughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Nicholas Yontz, Johannes Anderl
  • Patent number: 9186558
    Abstract: Golf balls having an exterior surface with a predetermined area which is smaller than the entire surface area of the exterior surface, includes enhanced micro surface roughness, and is in the form of an asymmetrical pattern on the exterior surface of the golf ball. The enhanced micro surface roughness affects the aerodynamic properties of the ball as compared to golf balls having the same set of construction specifications but without enhanced micro surface roughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Nicholas Yontz, Johannes Anderl
  • Patent number: 9186557
    Abstract: A golf ball kit having an abrasive material adapted for imparting enhanced micro surface roughness to an exterior surface of a golf ball. The enhanced micro surface roughening affects the aerodynamic properties of the ball as compared to golf balls having the same set of construction specifications but without enhanced micro surface roughness. The kit includes an instruction device having a plurality of correlations between at least one performance parameter and micro surface roughness for at least a first golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Nicholas Yontz, Johannes Anderl
  • Patent number: 9149685
    Abstract: A golf ball having a soft outer surface coating having a hardness less than about HB on the ASTM D3363 scale, or less than about 40 on ASTM D2134 scale. The soft outer surface coating may contain polyurethane, a hydroxyl functional silicone material, or a hydroxyl functional fluoro material. Also, a method for making the golf ball. The golf ball having the soft outer surface coating exhibits a high spin rate over short shots essentially without degrading performance on driver shots, as compared with the performance of the uncoated golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Hideyuki Ishii, Yasushi Ichikawa, Arthur Molinari, Bradley C. Tutmark, Nicholas Yontz