Patents by Inventor Timothy Minniear

Timothy Minniear 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).

  • Patent number: 6514161
    Abstract: A ball hitting practice device featuring a practice ball slidably locateable upon a tether. The tether is attached to a support structure thereby placing the practice ball in a target position to be hit by a user. The support structure may be any versatile pole or pole like structure upon which fasteners at the ends of the tether will attach. The best mode features cuffs mounted at both ends of the tether which open and reengage to provide an easy encircling mount to the support structure for the tether. The ball is slidably mounted to the tether and is positioned in a target position for striking by a user by a ball positioner also located on the tether in a fixed position that is either adjustable or permanent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pro Performance Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Minniear
  • Patent number: 6296582
    Abstract: A ball hitting practice device featuring a practice ball slidably located upon a tether. The tether is attached to a support structure thereby placing the practice ball in a target position to be hit by a user. The support structure may be mounted to a base, driven into the ground, or attached to a wall. The ball is slidably mounted to the tether and is positioned in a target position for striking by a user by a ball positioner also located on the tether in a fixed position that is either adjustable or permanent. Once struck during use, the practice ball and attached tether wrap around the support structure and may be aided in the return to the target position by an elongated biasing device attached to the distal end of the tether and the support structure or another fixed point of attachment. An optional cam may be used to adjust the radius of a vertical post of the support structure thereby allowing the user to alter the return speed of the ball to the target position by adjusting the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy Minniear