Means For Producing Projectile Spin Or Deflection Patents (Class 124/81)
  • Patent number: 11935367
    Abstract: A multi-sport challenge system may include a multi-sport facility, a sport challenge menu including a plurality of selectable sport challenges, and a fee/prize subsystem. The multi-sport facility may include a plurality of sport grounds, wherein each of the sport grounds includes a full, partial, or simulated sport grounds. The sport challenge menu may include an entry fee and financial prize corresponding to each selectable sport challenge of the menu, wherein the entry fee is to be paid by a participant that selects the corresponding sport challenge for an opportunity to attempt the sport challenge. The financial prize may be awarded to the participant if the attempt successfully completes the sport challenge. The fee/prize subsystem may be configured to receive sport challenge selections made by participants and to collect the corresponding entry fees from the participants and output corresponding financial prizes upon successful completion of the selected sport challenges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: West Flagler Associates, Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott Savin
  • Patent number: 11769378
    Abstract: A multi-sport challenge system may include a multi-sport facility, a sport challenge menu including a plurality of selectable sport challenges, and a fee/prize subsystem. The multi-sport facility may include a plurality of sport grounds, wherein each of the sport grounds includes a full, partial, or simulated sport grounds. The sport challenge menu may include an entry fee and financial prize corresponding to each selectable sport challenge of the menu, wherein the entry fee is to be paid by a participant that selects the corresponding sport challenge for an opportunity to attempt the sport challenge. The financial prize may be awarded to the participant if the attempt successfully completes the sport challenge. The fee/prize subsystem may be configured to receive sport challenge selections made by participants and to collect the corresponding entry fees from the participants and output corresponding financial prizes upon successful completion of the selected sport challenges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: BATTLE COURT JAI ALAI, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Savin
  • Patent number: 11580824
    Abstract: A multi-sport challenge system may include a multi-sport facility, a sport challenge menu including a plurality of selectable sport challenges, and a fee/prize subsystem. The multi-sport facility may include a plurality of sport grounds, wherein each of the sport grounds includes a full, partial, or simulated sport grounds. The sport challenge menu may include an entry fee and financial prize corresponding to each selectable sport challenge of the menu, wherein the entry fee is to be paid by a participant that selects the corresponding sport challenge for an opportunity to attempt the sport challenge. The financial prize may be awarded to the participant if the attempt successfully completes the sport challenge. The fee/prize subsystem may be configured to receive sport challenge selections made by participants and to collect the corresponding entry fees from the participants and output corresponding financial prizes upon successful completion of the selected sport challenges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: WEST FLAGLER ASSOCIATES, LTD.
    Inventor: Scott Savin
  • Patent number: 11280568
    Abstract: A worm-type barrel-shroud bullet feeding structure of a toy gun and a bullet feeding mechanism thereof are provided. The bullet feeding mechanism includes a bullet storing case, a bullet feeding worm and a firing assembly; wherein, a bullet storing space and a bullet feeding channel arranged at an inner side of the bullet storing case and extended along the side are disposed in the bullet storing case, and the bullet feeding channel is in communication with the bullet storing space, the bullet feeding worm is disposed in the bullet feeding channel, and the firing assembly has an active shaft utilized for driving the bullet feeding worm to rotate, thereby allowing the bullet feeding worm to drive a bullet in the bullet storing case to be displaced towards a bullet feeding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: VEGA FORCE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shih-Che Kung, Wei-Hung Chung
  • Patent number: 10837730
    Abstract: A ballistic adjustment device for toy gun, includes a mounting member having a bearing portion located above a bullet barrel. When the mounting member moves up and down, a pressure member is released from or pressed against the bullet barrel to move a protruding portion of the bullet barrel up and down. A connecting rod is pivoted to a lower part of the mounting member and has a press portion that is pressed against an inclined surface of the rotary member. The rotary member is in communication with a magazine seat, such that the rotary member can be turned only by extending the operator's finger into the magazine seat, which makes the press portion moves high and low on the inclined surface, so as to move the connecting rod and the mounting member, and make the bearing portion move up and down to achieve the function of adjusting the trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Shih-Che Hu
  • Patent number: 10767958
    Abstract: An air gun with a barrel, provided with a bore, the bore being connected to the supply channel of the compressed medium. The supply channel is terminated with an annular distribution space arranged around the axis of the barrel, distribution channels connected to the barrel bore running from the annular distribution space towards the axis of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: CESKA ZBROJOVKA A.S.
    Inventors: Michal Rotrekl, Ondrej Vonasek, Paul Van Wyk, Jakub Vicher
  • Patent number: 10571216
    Abstract: A ballistic adjusting structure of toy gun is capable of allowing a bullet to be in a hopping up status and includes: a base; an inner barrel; a robbing cylinder having a robbing part; an adjusting pipe having a free end and a pivotal end pivoted to the base and formed with a spiral guiding slot; an operation member having a driven part penetrated into the spiral guiding slot and a driving part operating the robbing cylinder. When the free end is driven by an external force to drive the pivotal end to be rotated, the driven part is guided by the spiral guiding slot to drive the driving part to be displaced, and the displacement of the driving part is able to operate on the robbing cylinder for altering a location where the robbing part is arranged in the inner barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: VEGA FORCE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shih-Che Kung, Wei-Hung Chung
  • Patent number: 10190844
    Abstract: A sight adjustment device, which adjusts a course of a bullet to be shot when shooting the bullet loaded in a cartridge portion of each of barrels, in a simulation gun having a plurality of the barrels includes a plurality of pressurization members that add pressure to the bullet loaded in each cartridge portion such that rotation is applied to each bullet; link members that are provided on a side of a gun main body such that one end portion is disposed on a side of the pressurization members and the other end portion is disposed on a side of operation units, and transmit operations of the operation units to the pressurization members; and the operation units that are provided on the side of the gun main body in order to adjust a backspin amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: TOKYO MARUI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Iwao Iwasawa
  • Patent number: 9897409
    Abstract: A flow dividing valve structure for a toy gun includes: a propulsion portion; a rotating auxiliary portion extended from one face of the propulsion portion; and a latching portion, configured on one end of the rotating auxiliary portion far away from the propulsion portion, where the rotating auxiliary portion is configured with a plurality of wing portions each twisted toward a direction away from the propulsion portion so as to be allowed to have at least one twisted face. Whereby, high pressure gas will drive the rotating auxiliary portion to rotate through the wing portions when flowing through the rotating auxiliary portion, and further remove the frost generated inside a gas chamber so as to prevent the unsmooth operation of the flow dividing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: GUAY GUAY TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yin-Hsi Liao
  • Patent number: 9541346
    Abstract: A rotation-force adjusting device for a toy gun has a pressing tube, an adjusting unit, and a gun body. The pressing tube has a pressing block, a cushion hole, and an abutting portion. The pressing block is formed on and protrudes radially inward from a top portion of the inner surface of the pressing tube. The cushion hole is formed through the top portion of the pressing tube. The abutting portion is formed at the top portion of the pressing tube and is formed on the pressing tube above the cushion hole. The adjusting unit is mounted around the pressing tube and has a force ring and a control knob. The force ring is mounted around the pressing tube, and the control knob is mounted through the force ring. The gun body has an inner barrel mounted through the pressing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Kien Well Toy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Chi Huang
  • Patent number: 9415283
    Abstract: A remote controlled golf ball ejection device includes a generally cylindrical cup liner having an open top end, and a curved bottom end with an elongated hollow channel extending downward therefrom. A golf ball ejector is positioned at the bottom end of the channel and is in communication with a controller and a power source. A remote control unit is in wireless communication with the controller and operates the golf ball ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventors: David Skurow, Allen Skurow
  • Patent number: 9103624
    Abstract: A ballistic trajectory adjustment mechanism for a toy gun includes an inner barrel penetrating through a gun base, a rubbing sleeve mounted on the inner gun barrel and a rubbing portion positioned inside the inner gun barrel. The inner gun barrel penetrates through a gear set. A flexible press plate includes one end inserting into the gear set and another extended to the rubbing sleeve. An adjustment barrel rotates under the exertion of an external force to drive the gear set to rotate in order to allow a restricting end of the flexible press plate to generate upward and downward movements and to press onto the rubbing sleeve for changing the position of the rubbing portion. With such configuration, the position of the rubbing portion can be adjusted via the adjustment barrel; therefore, the objective of correcting the ballistic trajectory is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: VEGA FORCE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shih-Che Kung, Chieh-Fu Chang
  • Patent number: 9010309
    Abstract: A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Toca, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Lewis, Steven Joseph Barberi
  • Patent number: 8997727
    Abstract: A projectile shooter toy has a body with a sidewall forming a space for holding a projectile in a loaded state and a pathway leading away from the space and along which the projectile moves in a forward direction. An actuator is arranged to engage the projectile to move the projectile forward along the pathway. At least two pinching members are spaced forwardly along the pathway from the actuator. The pinching members are separate from, and movable relative to, the actuator and the sidewall, and are configured to exert a force on the projectile as the projectile passes between the at least two pinching members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Roger Hamel, David Baird
  • Patent number: 8939136
    Abstract: A hand-held flinging device includes a launcher that engages the projectile and improves control of the launcher and projectile, during a throwing/flinging motion, until centrifugal force causes disengagement of the projectile from the launcher. The engagement system involves the rearward portions of a launcher shaft and the projectile bore, so that, upon disengagement, frictional engagement and interference of the engagement system with the projectile is prevented or limited as the projectile moves forward to fly off the launcher. The engagement system may include a member that snaps into engagement with a hole or recess to hold the projectile on the launcher even through the wind-up portion of the throw that may include the launcher distal end being pointed downward. The preferred projectile covers the entire or nearly the entire launcher shaft distal of the hand grip and is heavier toward its front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas M. Gaus, Caleb Chung
  • Patent number: 8919331
    Abstract: A portable and adjustable clay target launching apparatus for use with a clay pigeon launcher includes a framework. A tilt adjustment assembly is coupled to the framework, and includes a shaft and a tilt assembly input member operatively coupled to the shaft such that the shaft is rotated by operation of the tilt assembly input member. A base member is configured to secure the clay pigeon launching device, the base member being operatively coupled to the shaft and configured to tilt side to side when the shaft is rotated by operation of the tilt assembly input member. A rotational adjustment assembly operatively couples the base member to the tilt adjustment assembly, the rotational adjustment assembly being movable between a released configuration at which the base member is selectively rotatable about a sprocket and a locked configuration at which the base member is not rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Casey Clarence Rennert
  • Patent number: 8899216
    Abstract: A machine for launching disk-shaped targets has two faces located on each side of an edge. The machine includes means for loading a target into a launch area, an arm for launching the target placed in the launch area and a surface guiding the target by means of contact with at least one of the aforementioned faces thereof. The guiding surface has at least one portion wherein the areas that come into contact with the face of the target are not continuous. The machine is particularly suitable for shooting practice, such as archery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: LaPorte Holding
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Patent number: 8747259
    Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: William Coleman Lay
  • Publication number: 20140121038
    Abstract: A system for delivering objects, such as soccer balls, the system including a delivery device and a methodology for training individuals that can be used with the delivery device, the delivery device including an accelerator that accepts, accelerates, and launches the balls with motion characteristics, and a control system having an electronic controller structured to store and execute a training program that includes ball service specifications and player service variables, ball speed and spin control inputs, and random selection of values within a range of values of the player service variables that include a starting position of the player relative to the device, a direction of motion of the player relative to the device, an identification of at least one location on the player's body to touch the ball, a time interval to wait before delivering the ball, and an action for the user to take with the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Seattle Sport Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Alger
  • Patent number: 8707942
    Abstract: A rotary wheel for a ball pitching machine includes a wheel body and a resilient member engaged on an outer periphery of the wheel body. A shaft hole is provided in the wheel body for receiving a shaft of a motor of the ball pitching machine. The wheel body includes a spring portion arranged between the shaft hole and the outer periphery of the wheel body in a radial direction and including first and second bending portions both of which protrude from two sides of the wheel body respectively. When the rotary wheel is driven to turn by the motor, a frictional force of contact of the resilient member with a ball makes the ball shot outwardly, and the rotary wheel is not broken or damaged due to the spring portion compressed in the radial direction to absorb the impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsiao Lu
  • Patent number: 8701640
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to specialized flying discs and launching devices having a launching arm that can be held by a user, the arm being coupled to a flying disc via a coupler disposed at the launching end of the arm, and an attachment member disposed on the periphery of the flying disc. When swung by the user with appropriate force, the disc becomes un-coupled from the arm and takes flight. In some examples, the attachment members define distinct attachment nodes disposed within attachment openings. In some other examples the attachment member defines a concentric ring disposed on the periphery of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Adriaan Smit
  • Publication number: 20140007857
    Abstract: An improved barrel system for gas powered guns that improves the performance of the guns, by employing adjustable inserts in slots in the barrel to provide an effective barrel diameter less than the bore diameter. The barrel system may optionally include barrel liners, inserts and spin-control components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Erik K. Schlosser
  • Patent number: 8613275
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a golf ball launcher, the golf ball launcher comprising: a frame, a firing barrel, a firing slot, an air compressor, an accelerator housing and an acceleration mechanism comprising an upper belt mechanism and a lower belt mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Steve Ogg, Benjamin J. Karpen, Dana N. Mecke, Elissa T. Morris
  • Patent number: 8496545
    Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: William Coleman Lay
  • Patent number: 8485174
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated ball launching method and apparatus. The apparatus includes ball pick and place mechanisms, an air cannon, spin and velocity inducing belt drive assemblies, electric leveling jack stands, electric angle linear drive, and a computer control system. The apparatus is capable of automatically controlling ball spin, velocity, and launch angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Laurent Bissonnette, Michael McNamara
  • Publication number: 20130118467
    Abstract: Device for launching targets comprising a surface supporting a target to be launched and a launch arm capable of applying a launch force to the target, characterized in that the supporting surface includes frictional means for rotating the target when it is launched by the launch arm. Application in particular to launching archery targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: LAPORTE HOLDING
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte, Jean-Marc Fouques
  • Publication number: 20130104870
    Abstract: Method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for projecting a sports object onto a playing surface based upon player position. The method and system includes monitoring player position and projecting the sports object onto a playing surface using a sports object projection apparatus based upon the monitored player position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Vincent Rizzo, Richard Robert Correll
  • Publication number: 20130074818
    Abstract: Several variations of a toy projectile launcher apparatus for discharging EVA balls. The apparatus includes a housing, a barrel portion, a grip portion, a trigger, a ram movable in the housing, a carriage also movable in the housing, a negator spring, handles for cocking the apparatus, and a lever pivotally mounted to a shaft in the housing just behind a ball to be discharged. In operation, a user pulls a handle rearward to move the ram and carriage and extend the spring. Pulling the trigger disengages the ram to impact the lever causing the lever to slap the ball to cause discharge of the ball. The lever and the shaft may be moved from side to side to cause the ball to be discharged straight ahead or curved to the left or right.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Robert James VICTOR, Meredith Brooks
  • Patent number: 8371280
    Abstract: A multi-shot ring airfoil launcher comprises a launcher configured to receive a magazine which supports at least two ring airfoils. The launcher includes a barrel. A chuck is mounted in the barrel and is configured to propel a ring airfoil from a breech to the muzzle of the barrel, launching a ring airfoil with forward velocity and spin. The magazine is configured to deliver successive ring airfoils to the breech or rear end of the chuck for launching. The launcher includes a cocking mechanism for loading ring airfoils on to the chuck and cocking the chuck, and a firing mechanism for firing the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Chester Vanek
  • Patent number: 8261729
    Abstract: A shuttlecock launching apparatus which comprises a storage for shuttlecocks, first and second launching wheels, a transfer assembly for transferring a single shuttlecock from the storage to the launching wheels, the transfer assembly being controlled by a cam wheel and cam follower which causes and guides the horizontal movement of the transfer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Ivan Laszlo, Herman Fischer
  • Patent number: 8176905
    Abstract: One embodiment of a football throwing machine using an axially aligned compression spring for propulsion and a latching mechanism for retaining the spring in its compressed state. A spiral shaped actuator mechanism is used to compress the spring with consistent torque throughout the compression stroke. The spring is released from its compressed state using an efficient triggering mechanism. A timing mechanism allows a delay so the user can position for the catch. The football is held by axially misaligned wheels on one end and a rotating cup on the other. As the spring pushes the ball between the wheels while being ejected from the apparatus, the wheel misalignment causes the helical spinning effect on the football while the cup holding the other end of the football spins freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Anthony Fenley
  • Patent number: 8172703
    Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: William Coleman Lay
  • Patent number: 8037877
    Abstract: A barrel for prohibiting the paintball from dropping therefrom is provided by the present invention. The barrel includes a main body and an elastic ring. In which, a rear end of the main body is formed with a combining portion to combine with a paintball gun, and an extension is extended rearward from the combining portion. A bore penetrates through the main body, the combining portion and the extension. Around an outer periphery of the extension is disposed an annular groove, and at least one slot is formed in the annular groove, while the slot communicating the bore proximate to the extension. In addition, the elastic ring has a smaller perimeter than that of the annular groove. The elastic ring is disposed in the annular groove, and a part of the elastic ring sinks into the slot, overlapping a part of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Sheng-Jen Liao
  • Patent number: 7918219
    Abstract: A simulated gun launches a retrievable projectile in the form of a cylinder containing a compressible spring. The spring is compressed by inserting the barrel of the gun into the bore of the cylinder. A tab on the end of the cylinder rides in a helical groove on the surface of the barrel to cause the projectile to rotate about the axis of the barrel as the projectile is launched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Martin Paul, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Belokin
  • Publication number: 20110056473
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated ball launching method and apparatus. The apparatus includes ball pick and place mechanisms, an air cannon, spin and velocity inducing belt drive assemblies, electric leveling jack stands, electric angle linear drive, and a computer control system. The apparatus is capable of automatically controlling ball spin, velocity, and launch angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Laurent Bissonnette, Michael McNamara
  • Patent number: 7806788
    Abstract: A pitching machine contains a pitching arm that vertically rotates at a speed of about 5 to 15 rpm, picks up a ball from the ball cradle at a pick-up point in its rotation, and then releases the ball at a release point in its rotation to provide a first velocity component to the ball. The pitching machine also contains a wheel that vertically rotates at a speed of about 300 to 3000 rpm. The wheel is positioned at the release point of the pitching arm to provide a second velocity component to the ball and to pitch the ball at an initial launch angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel R. Neuman
  • Patent number: 7748368
    Abstract: A launcher for a flying cylinder has a elongated guide member to which a base is slidably coupled. In preferred aspects, a pair of resilient elements is coupled at respective first portions to one end of the guide member while respective second portions are coupled to the base. Most preferably, coupling is performed via cutouts in the guide element and the base to permit simple replacement of the resilient elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: William Mark Corporation
    Inventor: William Mark Forti
  • Patent number: 7699048
    Abstract: A barrel attachment for a paintball gun is provided to impart spin onto a paintball exiting the barrel of the paintball gun thereby providing projectile drop compensation. The attachment is made up of a structure having an elongated aperture with a first end that attaches over the barrel of a paintball gun thereby extending the barrel. A second end of the attachment has an open passage that is disposed at an angle to the centerline of the barrel so that a spin is imparted onto a paintball fired from the gun as it passes through the open passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Kee Action Sports I LLC
    Inventor: Mark T. Finstad
  • Patent number: 7631454
    Abstract: A barrel (14)for a gas powered ball machine of the type used to simulate balls propelled whilst playing ball sports, especially those machines used to propel balls with a raised seam, such as a baseball or softball. The barrel (14) has one or more openings (160) along its cylindrical length that allow expanding gas to escape as a ball is fired from the machine. The openings (160) assist in predicting the pressure and volume of gas required to repeatedly propel a ball at a predetermined speed from the ball machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventors: Haydn Kelly, Colin Brodrick
  • Publication number: 20090301455
    Abstract: A slingshot-based training apparatus for propelling standard plastic apertured baseball or softball size projectiles along a desired curved trajectory. The present invention comprises a simplified portable, lightweight, hand-held pitching apparatus capable of safely hurling ubiquitous lightweight plastic baseball and softball size practice balls to a batter in training. The preferred embodiment comprises a rotatable grip to which a pair of offset yoke members are connected. These yoke members are also connected to opposed edges of a sling member through elongated elastic bands. Rotation of the grip offsets the yoke members so that one of the two yoke members is closer to the user than the other yoke member. Because grip rotation can be effected in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions, either yoke member can be offset to be closer to the user than the other yoke member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Michael T. Yamashiro, Ryan J. Yamashiro
  • Publication number: 20090260612
    Abstract: A ball projecting machine having a C-shaped arm that provides the ability to adjust the length or elevation of pitched balls. The C-shaped arm connects a ball projecting head to a stand, with the ball projecting head affixed to one end of the C-shaped arm, and the C-shaped arm is slidably engaged through a frame atop the stand to allow rotation of the ball projecting head about a horizontal axis. A center of gravity of the ball projecting head in combination with the C-shaped arm facilitates stability of the ball projecting machine when the C-shaped arm is slid up or down. A locking device, when loosened, allows the C-shaped arm to slide up or down through the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Eugene Grant, William R. Woessner, Ian Fettes
  • Patent number: 7603998
    Abstract: This invention is a barrel attachment attachable to the firing end of the barrel of a compressed gas gun and a method of using the same. The barrel attachment allows a user to spin a projectile fired from the gas gun just before it exits the barrel attachment. This spin alters the projectile's normally straight trajectory; in other words, it makes the projectile curve. The barrel attachment is adjustable. In the preferred embodiment, the user or shooter can adjust the amount of spin and thereby the amount that the projectile curves by rotating an adjustment sleeve about the barrel attachment, which causes contact pads to protrude into the passage of the barrel attachment. In the preferred embodiment, the user can adjust the direction of curve by rotating the barrel attachment about the gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Kee Action Sports I LLC
    Inventor: Mark T. Finstad
  • Patent number: 7581538
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly and method of spinning a seamed ball prior to being propelled from a ball propelling machine. The assembly can simulate balls propelled in sports such as baseball. The assembly includes at least one pair of opposed ball supports to firstly position a loaded ball in a predetermined alignment and to subsequently apply a predetermined amount of spin to the ball prior to being fired from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventors: Haydn Kelly, Colin Brodrick
  • Publication number: 20090095274
    Abstract: A barrel attachment for a paintball gun is provided to impart spin onto a paintball exiting the barrel of the paintball gun thereby providing projectile drop compensation. The attachment is made up of a structure having an elongated aperture with a first end that attaches over the barrel of a paintball gun thereby extending the barrel. A second end of the attachment has an open passage that is disposed at an angle to the centerline of the barrel so that a spin is imparted onto a paintball fired from the gun as it passes through the open passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: KEE ACTION SPORTS I LLC
    Inventor: Mark T. Finstad
  • Patent number: 7490598
    Abstract: A paintball marker or other compressed gas firearm is provided including a ram driven by an electropneumatic valve when a trigger is actuated to cause a main valve between a high pressure air supply and a firing chamber to be opened. This ram assembly is independent from the main valve structurally and coupled to the air supply and electropneumatic valve sufficiently flexibly to allow the ram assembly to be operable when the ram assembly is displaced away from the main valve. A bolt is provided for directing pressurized air from the main valve to the firing chamber when the main valve is opened, and with the bolt configured to provide a high pressure air pathway which has a high degree of effectiveness in driving the ball out of the firing chamber without distorting a trajectory of the ball. The bolt can be stationary when air is flowing past the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jack V. Rice
  • Patent number: 7451756
    Abstract: A gun having a firing mechanism and a barrel. The barrel has a breech end coupled to the firing mechanism, a muzzle end, and a bore having a length which extends longitudinally between said breech and muzzle ends. The length of the bore between the breech and muzzle ends is curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Tippmann Sports LLC
    Inventor: Dennis J. Tippmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7275531
    Abstract: A barrel attachment for a paintball gun is provided to impart spin onto a paintball exiting the barrel of the paintball gun thereby providing projectile drop compensation. The attachment is made up of a structure having an elongated aperture with a first end that attaches over the barrel of a paintball gun thereby extending the barrel. A second end of the attachment has an open passage that is disposed at an angle to the centerline of the barrel so that a spin is imparted onto a paintball fired from the gun as it passes through the open passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: KEE Action Sports I LLC
    Inventor: Mark T. Finstad
  • Patent number: 7083141
    Abstract: A self-propelled projectile which will maintain a straight trajectory through air or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: Edward Nitenson, Robert Cumings
  • Patent number: 7082938
    Abstract: The present invention provides a baseball practice machine for propelling balls onto a practice field thereby providing simulated hits for use in fielding practice for ball players. The practice machine includes a ball hopper, a propulsion unit for propelling a ball toward a practice field, a movable barrel through which a ball is propelled. A barrel positioner is coupled to the propulsion unit and the movable barrel for adjusting the position of the barrel thereby controlling the trajectory of a propelled ball. A programmable control system controls the operation of the practice machine. Trajectory parameters for the propelled balls are selected from predetermined parameters defining the path of the ball to a location of a practice field where the ball is intended to land. Information defining the dimensions of a practice field are stored in a memory of the control system and used in determining the trajectory parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas Wilmot
  • Patent number: 7040310
    Abstract: A barrel adaptor for a paintball gun is provided to induce spin onto a paintball exiting the barrel of the paintball gun thereby providing selected projectile drop compensation. The adapter consists of a structure having an elongated aperture with a first end adapted to fit snugly over the barrel of the paintball gun thereby extending the barrel. An exit portion of the adapter forms an open trough-like cavity, wherein the trough-like cavity is generally mal-aligned with the paintball gun barrel such that a spin is imparted upon a paintball fired from the paintball gun barrel as it passes longitudinally through the trough-like cavity and exits therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: National Paintball Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark T. Finstad