Weighted Balls Patents (Class 273/DIG20)
  • Patent number: 6045469
    Abstract: A tubular projectile for sport throwing games having an elongated body with a substantially symmetrical shape about its longitudinal axis, formed around a tubular axial hole. The body having substantially thin walls and a shallow curve running along its outer wall. The tubular axial hole is also configured to accept a beverage container, which will remain insulated by the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventors: Megan Gleason, Stetson Gleason
  • Patent number: 6045461
    Abstract: A two-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover has a specific gravity of 1.0-1.1. The cover has a Shore D hardness of at least 60. The ball satisfies 1.10.ltoreq.A/B.ltoreq.1.60 wherein A and B are distortions (mm) of the solid core and the ball under a load of 100 kg, respectively. The ball will follow an adequately high trajectory to ensure an increased flying distance when ordinary golfers with a head speed of about 40 m/sec. hit it with drivers and especially with long irons. The ball also offers a soft feel on hitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Jun Shindo, Atsushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6027412
    Abstract: A bowling ball includes an inner weight block surrounded by the bowling ball shell. The weight block has a body, head and tip portions. The central x axis for the body is offset from the X axis of the ball, while the centered x axes for the head and tip portions are aligned with the X axis of the ball. A ball with such a construction exhibits increased torque which manifests itself as a sharp hook deep into the roll, while the initial trajectory is relatively straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Morich Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice L. Pinel, Richard W. Sadles
  • Patent number: 6015356
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved multi-layer golf ball compositions having a core, an inner cover and an outer cover and the resulting regulation balls produced using these compositions. In this regard, a smaller and lighter core is produced and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials, are included in the inner cover compositions. This results in a molded golf ball exhibiting enhanced interior perimeter weighting. the heavy weight filler particles, such as powdered metals, are included in a relatively thick inner cover layer (or mantle) formed from an ionomer resin of a solid, three-piece multi-layered golf ball. The size and weight of the core can thereby be reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets, or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United States Golf Association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Lisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, John Nealon, Mark Binette, Dennis Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 6012997
    Abstract: A compound ball simulates the performance of a regulation size baseball, softball, and golf ball. It is formed of spherical outer and inner shells dimensioned to abut one another or to provide a spacing between them. The outer shell is formed of molded polymeric material with circular apertures spaced over its surface. The inner shell is gas filled and resiliently rebounds in response to being compressed by the outer shell upon deformation of the outer shell in response to being hit, as by a bat or club. The apertures in the outer shell permit air to pass trough the apertures when the compound ball is in flight. The inner shell provides mass and impact rebound within the outer shell for simulating the action of a regulation ball when thrown, caught, hit or impacts an object. The outer shell may also contain raised dimpling to impart greater aerodynamic drag on the compound ball, further limiting its flight and range, or altering its performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: David W. Mason
  • Patent number: 6004220
    Abstract: A putt training device is provided which preferably includes a body having substantially the shape of a cylinder and a moment of inertia about its longitudinal axis substantially in the range of 79.31 to 84.21 grams-centimeters squared. The body also has first and second substantially flat ends and a substantially continuous outer surface extending between the first and second ends. The body is adapted to be positioned so that substantially the entire continuous length of the body abuttingly contacts a putting surface during rolling movement of the body on a putting surface to thereby provide a visual indication of which position the face of a golf putting club strikes after contact with the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Eugene Razzano
  • Patent number: 5984806
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved multi-layer golf balls. In this regard, a smaller and lighter core is produced and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials, are included in the cover compositions. This results in a molded golf ball exhibiting enhanced perimeter weighting. Preferably, the particles are included in a relatively thick inner cover layer (or mantle) of a solid, three-piece multi-layered golf ball. In another preferred version, one or more patterns of weighting material are incorporated in the ball, and most preferably along the outer periphery of the ball so that the pattern is visible along the ball's exterior. A wide array of shapes and sizes of the patterns may be used. The size and weight of the core is reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets, or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United States Golf Association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 5971872
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising:a molded core; anda cover having a Shore D hardness of at least 65, wherein the cover is comprised of at least one high acid ionomer resin comprising a copolymer of greater than 16% by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic, acid, and an alpha-olefin of which about 10% to about 90% of the carboxyl groups of the copolymer are neutralizer with a metal cation;wherein the low spin golf ball has a Riehle compression of 47 or greater and a spin rate of not greater than 6,933 revolutions per minute (r.p.m.) when struck with a No. 9 iron at a head speed of 105 feet per second and a launch angle of 26 to 34 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Lisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 5951407
    Abstract: A bowling ball has a heavy core of given density; the core has an asymmetrical shape that affords no planes of symmetry. The core is encompassed by a spherical shell of lower density; the shell may include two layers, a relatively hard outer layer of an acrylated resin or urethane resin and a more resilient, softer inner layer, usually of urethane or filled polyester resin. A balancing weight, to compensate for finger holes to be drilled into the shell, is preferably an integral part of the bowling ball core. The density of the balancing weight is usually greater than the density of the rest of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ebonite International, Inc.
    Inventor: Randell R. Teitloff
  • Patent number: 5931747
    Abstract: A golf ball constructed of a molded outer cover defining an outer diameter of the golf ball of about 1.8 to 2.5 inches, and preferably between 1.8 and 2.2 inches. One or more inner materials within the golf ball is of a sufficient density to allow the golf ball to float in water. The golf ball may comprise an inner core of a light weight material of sufficient density to allow the golf ball to float. The golf ball will have the characteristics and feel of a conventional golf ball while being able to float. The increased size of the golf ball will give the beginning golfer an easier target to strike with the club face thereby improving his or her confidence in ball striking ability. The increased size will also increase the wind resistance and thereby overemphasizing balls hit with improper spin, resulting in quicker learning time. Better golfers can use this feature to practice and perfect cut and draw shots. The golf ball may used during actual rounds of golf or in training on the driving range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy Mast
  • Patent number: 5919100
    Abstract: A golf ball having a diameter and comprising a fluid mass at the center of the ball, a first, solid, non-wound layer surrounding the fluid mass comprised of a non-elastic polymer material selected from the group of thermoplastic material, metal, and plastic, and having an inner diameter in the range of 30 to 70% of the ball diameter; a second, solid, non-wound layer surrounding the first mantle layer comprising an elastomeric polymer material selected from the group of thermoset rubber material and thermoplastic clastomeric material having an outer diameter in the range of 80 to 98% of the ball diameter, a hardness of less than about 65 Shore D, and a compression of about 80 or greater; and a cover surrounding the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Herbert C. Boehm, William E. Morgan, Walter L. Reid, Samuel A. Pasqua, Jr., Christopher Cavallaro, Kevin M. Harris
  • Patent number: 5888150
    Abstract: A golf ball having a would center and a dimple less outer surface having a constant diameter of 1.75 inches and a smoothness which is determined by rolling a golf ball between upper and lower parallel glass plates supported by four support legs and monitoring any changes in an amount of forced needed to roll the ball between the plates for detecting the presence of an imperfection upon the surface of the ball or an out-of-round ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: James A. Young
  • Patent number: 5863264
    Abstract: In a 2-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover, the golf ball has a weight of 41-44.5 grams, the cover is formed of a thermoplastic resin having a Shore D hardness of 50-68 degrees, and the solid core has a surface hardness of 65-85 degrees and a center hardness of 60-80 degrees as measured by a JIS-C scale hardness meter, with the surface hardness.gtoreq. the center hardness+5. Despite a light weight, the golf ball is improved in flying distance and feel when hit at a relatively low head speed of 35-40 m/sec. The golf ball is thus appropriate for players of the beginner to middle rank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Atsushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5839968
    Abstract: A method for swing training particularly suitable to golf and sports employing a similar power swing is disclosed wherein preferably pliable body spacer objects such as balls of varying sizes, weights, and pliability are placed between a limb and another body surface to restrict movement of said limb wherein specific muscles groups are stretched and trained while imitating swing motion to induce muscle memory. A lightweight ball of at least 25 cm. diameter is placed between the thighs and a smaller ball, e.g. a medicine ball of about 10-25 cm. diameter is gripped between the elbows. Also a ball or other object may be gripped under an armpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: TheraGolf, Ltd.
    Inventor: Frank A. Latella
  • Patent number: 5836832
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls which have a lift to weight ratio greater than 1 when the ball is hit at a speed of 150 ft/sec and a spin rate of 3,000 rpm to enhance the lofting time of the ball and thereby provide the golfer with a slow swing speed increased distance and improved trajectory. The golf ball has a core and a cover. The cover has dimples ranging in number from 100 to 1,000 and having a total volume of less than 1.5% of the ball volume on its exterior surface. The dimples have diameters between 0.04 and 0.3 inch and depths between 2/1,000 and 20/1,000 of an inch. The golf ball weight ranges from 1.35 ounces (38.3 grams) 1.55 ounces (43.97 grams). The cover material has a flexural modulus of less than 65,000 p.s.i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Herbert C. Boehm, William E. Morgan, Steven Aoyama, Dean A. Snell, Steven M. Gosetti, Samuel A. Pasqua, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5833548
    Abstract: A bowling ball has an annular band interposed between two spherical segments so as to define an outer peripheral surface of the spherical ball. The first and second spherical segments have respective outer peripheral surfaces formed of a first material having a hook potential, whereas the annular band has an outer peripheral surface formed of a second material having a hook potential different from the hook potential of the first material. In one embodiment the hook potential of the second material is substantially lower than the hook potential of the first material so as to make the ball less sensitive to conditions in the wet portion of the lane and delay significant hooking action until the dry portion so as to improve entry angle and thereby pin count. One way, albeit imperfect, to approximate the hooking potential of a material is to measure its coefficient of friction. A larger coefficient of friction generally leads to a higher hooking potential. A method of using the ball is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corportion
    Inventors: Paul L. Ellis, Brian C. Hearl
  • Patent number: 5827167
    Abstract: A three-piece wound golf ball having improved characteristics of moment of inertia, initial spin and total flight distance with minimal dispersion, the ball comprising:a solid center core portion which is substantially spherical, is composed mainly of polybutadiene having a core diameter of 1.35-1.50 inches (34.3-38.1 mm), a specific gravity of 1.23-1.24; and a Shore D durometer hardness of 55-75 and a compression of 59-75 on an Atti compression tester;an intermediate thread-wound portion wound with an elastomeric thread material upon the core portion to a diameter of 1.540-1.600 inches (39.1-40.6 mm), the thread having an elongation of 800-1000%, a tensile strength of 4000-5000 psi, and a rectangular cross-section configuration of 0.0625 (+/-0.002) inch .times.0.024(+/-0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Ben Hogan Company
    Inventors: Quintus E. Dougan, Daniel J. Cahill
  • Patent number: 5823888
    Abstract: A wound golf ball comprising a center, a thread rubber layer and a cover has a weight of 40-45 grams and a distortion of 2.6-3.6 mm under a load of 100 kg. The center has an outer diameter of 30-35 mm and a distortion of 1.6-4 mm under a load of 30 kg. The cover has a Shore D hardness Hd of 50-68 and a gage of 1.2-2.2 mm. A percent overall dimple volume Vr which is defined as the sum of the volumes of dimple spaces each below a circular plane circumscribed by the dimple edge divided by the volume of the ball satisfies: (0.985-0.002 Hd).ltoreq.Vr.ltoreq.(1.085-0.002 Hd). The ball launches at a greater launch angle and initial velocity upon driver full shots at low head speed, traveling a longer distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Maruko, Junji Umezawa
  • Patent number: 5820489
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising:a core comprising a diene polymer having a Riehle compression of at least 0.075; anda cover having a Shore D hardness of at least 65, wherein the cover is comprised of at least one high acid ionomer resin comprising a copolymer of greater than 16% by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and an alpha olefin of which about 10 to about 90% of the carboxyl groups of the copolymer are neutralized with a metal cation. The golf ball has a diameter of 1.700-1.800 inches. The thickness of the cover is in the range of 0.08 to 0.13 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Lisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 5807192
    Abstract: A solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover is adjusted to a weight of 40 grams to less than 45 grams and a moment of inertia of 80-90 g.multidot.cm.sup.2. By virtue of a light weight and a high of inertia, the golf ball provides improved flight performance upon hitting at a low head speed, less than 40 m/sec, offers straight travel upon putting, and is thus suitable for those golf players with a low head speed. The golf ball has a PGA compression of up to 90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Junji Hayashi, Atsushi Nakamura, Yasushi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5803833
    Abstract: A two-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover has a weight of 41-44.5 grams. The solid core has such a distribution of hardness as measured by a JIS-C scale hardness meter that the hardness at 2 mm inside the core surface is at least 2.degree. lower than the hardness at the core surface and the hardness at 4 mm inside the core surface and the hardness gradually decreases from 4 mm inside the core surface to the core center. The ball offers all-around performance satisfying trajectory, carry, feeling, durability and spin to those players who are short in hitting the ball high and far despite a relatively high head speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakamura, Hisashi Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 5800284
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a molded core and a cover about the core. The core and cover have a combined weight of between 47 grams and 53 grams, a coefficient of restitution of at least substantially 0.800, and a Riehle compression between 0.037 inch and 0.045 inch.. The outside diameter of the ball is at least substantially 1.62 inches and less than 1.68 inches. The cover has a Shore D hardness of substantially 69.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: LISCO, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 5782703
    Abstract: A practice golf ball having a multiplicity of dimples formed in its surface has a weight of 46.5-49.0 grams and undergoes a distortion of 2.5-4.0 mm under a constant load of 100 kg. Those dimples having a diameter/depth (Dm/Dp) ratio between 10/1 and 15/1 occupy at least 80% of the total number of dimples. The ball offers a good feel upon shots, follows a low trajectory without substantial shortage of a flight distance, and is thus suited for use in urban golf practice pits of limited space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Jun Shindo, Hiroto Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5782702
    Abstract: A practice golf ball having a multiplicity of dimples formed in its surface has a weight of 46.5-49.0 grams and undergoes a distortion of 2.5-4.0 mm under a constant load of 100 kg. A percent dimple volume Vr is in the range of 0.7%.ltoreq.Vr.ltoreq.1.1% wherein the percent dimple volume Vr is the sum of the volumes of the entire dimples divided by the volume of a phantom sphere given on the assumption that the ball surface is free of dimples. The ball offers a good feel upon shots, follows a low trajectory without substantial shortage of a flight distance, and is thus suited for use in urban golf practice pits of limited space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Jun Shindo, Hiroto Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5772204
    Abstract: A bowling game is made to be played on any flat, smooth table top. Nine bowling pins are arranged in a pattern on the table top in a 3.times.3 array. A ball is provided having one hemisphere made of lead glued to another hemisphere made of hard wood. The ball is spun toward the array of pins. Scoring is based upon knocking down a particular prescribed pattern of pins and being awarded the number of points corresponding to that pattern and varying between 5 points and 40 points. The first player to earn 100 points wins the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Inga E. Phelps
  • Patent number: 5759109
    Abstract: A simulated golf ball instructional device for use in practicing golf strokes which has a central body portion and two end portions. Each end portion has a length measured along the longitudinal axis of the device substantially equal to the radius of a conventional golf ball. The device has an overall length between about three and about five times the radius of a conventional golf ball. Satisfactory, improved and preferred overall lengths are disclosed, with the preferred overall length being substantially four times of radius of a conventional golf ball. One or both ends of the device have a generally hemispherical shape. The device is formed of a resilient, porous plastic open cell foam and is free of any covering skin that would substantially impede or prevent the passage of air from within the foam structure out into the space surrounding the simulated golf ball when a distorting force is applied to the device by a golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Byron Rocco Martini
  • Patent number: 5752888
    Abstract: A thread-wound golf ball comprising: a thread rubber ball prepared by winding thread rubber around a spherical center, and a cover enclosing the thread rubber ball therewith, which golf ball has a deformation under a load of 100 kg of from 2.5 to 3.7 mm, and wherein the center has an intrinsic frequency of from 2,000 to 4,000 Hz, an outer diameter of from 31 to 35 mm, a deformation under a load of 30 kg in the range of 1.2 to 2.6 mm, and a weight of from 19.5 to 29.0 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Maruko, Junji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5752889
    Abstract: A two-piece solid golf ball comprises a solid core and a cover enclosing the core and having a number of dimples in its surface. The solid core is formed of a rubber base and has a specific gravity of at least 1.00. The cover has a greater specific gravity than the core. The golf ball has an inertia moment (M) within the range given by the following expression: M.sub.DL .ltoreq.M.ltoreq.M.sub.UL wherein M.sub.UL =0.08D+84.8 and M.sub.DL =0.08D+77.8 wherein D is a Shore D hardness of the cover, the dimples occupy at least 60% of the ball surface, and V.sub.0 is in the range of 0.4 to 0.65. V.sub.0 is the ratio of the volume of the dimple space below a plane circumscribed by the dimple edge to the volume of a cylinder whose bottom is the plane and whose height is the maximum depth of the dimple measured from the bottom. The ball is improved in flight distance, controllability, roll and straight travel upon putting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Yasushi Ichikawa, Atsushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5722906
    Abstract: A ball for use in street hockey comprised of a hollow sphere and a freely moving liquid contained within a volume of the sphere. The sphere having a smooth, unobstructed and spherical inner surface and being constructed of a bounce resistant material. The liquid, most preferably non-toxic liquid antifreeze, occupying less than one-half of the volume of the sphere and serving to dampen energy and to lower the center of gravity of the ball below its geometric center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Gentile
  • Patent number: 5688191
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-layer golf ball which comprises a core with one or more layers; at least one cover layer; and one or more mantle layers disposed between the core and cover layer, wherein the mantle layer comprises dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, metallocene polymer or blends thereof and thermoset materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Christopher Cavallaro, Murali Rajagopsian, Herbert C. Boehm, Kevin M. Harris
  • Patent number: 5588648
    Abstract: A weighted training ball for baseball and softball batting training which has a solid body of molded elastomeric material and a regulation circumference of between approximately 9-16 inches. The body is weighted to have a greater than regulation weight of between approximately 7.5-20 ounces. The body is also softer than regulation baseballs and softballs, with a type A-2 Shore durometer of between approximately 40-70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Scott Stebbins
  • Patent number: 5586760
    Abstract: A soccer training apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a mesh soccer net sized and configured for encapsulating a soccer ball and loosely holding the soccer ball within the mesh soccer net enabling the encapsulated soccer ball to freely rotate within. A waist belt has first and second belt ends adjustably connectable to one another for securement around a waist of a user. A cord has a first portion attached to the mesh soccer net and a second portion operatively connected to the waist belt leaving the mesh soccer net carrying the soccer ball suspended from the waist belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Bradley D. Hauter
  • Patent number: 5525118
    Abstract: A two-piece bowling ball that combines a dynamic core and a urethane cover to thereby permit bowlers to utilize the bowling ball under a variety of bowling lane conditions. The improved bowling ball construction permits the dynamic rotation and revolutions of the ball to produce a true arc toward the pin target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Elden G. Mock
  • Patent number: 5522774
    Abstract: A bowling ball comprises a dense inner core which cannot be penetrated during the drilling of holes for gripping purposes and balance holes to adjust the static weight, a non-spherical outer core formed about the inner core to act as a top weight, and a cover stock. The dense inner core which cannot be penetrated by a drill prevents the characteristics of the bowling ball from being changed and, further, lowers both the moment of inertia and radius or gyration of the bowling ball to improve the bowling ball's characteristics. These characteristics include enhancing the rolling pattern of the ball and increasing the energy with which the ball strikes the pins. The non-spherical outer core operates as a top weight to replace weight removed during the drilling of the finger and thumb holes and enhance the hooking action of the ball by providing a breakpoint which is very sharp at the back end of the bowling lane. That late, sharp breaking hook allows the bowling ball to strike the pins with a greater force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Track, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Cardinale, Kenneth C. Whiting, Ron Wood
  • Patent number: 5462491
    Abstract: A bowling ball comprises a core surrounded by a cover stock. The core comprises a body with its center positioned substantially coincident with the bowling ball's geometric center and a weight block positioned as close to the outer surface of the bowling ball as possible. The weight block functions as a top weight to offset the mass lost in the bowling ball due to the drilling of gripping holes and balance holes. Furthermore, the weight block provides the three ounce out of balance maximum between the top and bottom of the bowling ball to produce a gyroscopic steering effect which creates a sharp break in the path of the bowling ball at the back end of the bowling lane. The body of the core lowers the moment inertia of the bowling ball to produce a ball with stable rolling characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Columbia Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne D. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5462273
    Abstract: A variable-weight playball whose outer casing is formed of liquid-impervious, flexible material, having a closable port therein. Confined within the casing is a compressible body having the same configuration which depends on whether the ball is spherical or in some other shape. The body is formed of low-density, open-cell, flexible foam plastic material having sponge-like properties. To impart heft to the ball, water is introduced through the port into the body and absorbed thereby, the port then being closed to retain the water. To thereafter lighten the ball, the port is opened and the ball is squeezed to discharge water through the port until the ball has the desired reduced weight, after which the port is closed. The casing may be contoured, printed or otherwise arranged so that the ball simulates the head of a humanoid or animal-like character having a mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5451046
    Abstract: Flag football equipment wherein a soft foam rubber football includes helical finger receiving gripping grooves containing loop fabric fasteners, a waist encircling belt including a plurality of detachable flags containing loop fabric fasteners, and a glove including hook fabric fasteners for interlocking engagement with the loop fabric fasteners on the football and flags. The football may also include whistles located at a point midway between its ends, and the loop fabric fasteners may be colored with a non-toxic fluorescent glow-type coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Rodney Batton
  • Patent number: 5437578
    Abstract: The lack of uniformity in reaction characteristics of bowling balls of differing weights is avoided by a family of bowling balls having nearly identical reaction characteristics which include a plurality of the balls, each of the same nominal diameter and each differing in weight from the others by about one pound or more. Each ball includes a cover (10) and a core (14, 16, 18, 20) of a material different from the cover (10). Each core (14, 16, 18, 20) is constructed and arranged within its cover to produce a first radius of gyration about a first axis and a second, different radius of gyration about a second axis that is generally transverse to the first axis. The first radius of gyration of all of the balls is substantially identical and the second radius of gyration of all of the balls is substantially identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards
    Inventors: William Wasserberger, Raymond M. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5383660
    Abstract: A football having a grip configuration which permits the thrower to easily reproduce his optimum hand location with every throw comprises a body with at least one elongated indentation on its surface. The indentation is intersected by a plurality of transverse bulkheads which divide the indentation into a plurality of finger pockets. In specific embodiments, more than four finger pockets are provided to permit an individual thrower to vary his grip location to that which best suits his throw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Alan J. Adler
    Inventors: Alan J. Adler, Peter S. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5380002
    Abstract: A variable-weight play piece, such as a ball or bat, the weight of the piece depending on the amount of water dispersed within a compressible internal body confined within a water-impermeable outer casing. The casing, whose shape is determined by the nature of the piece, is provided with a port having a removable closure, at least one section of the casing being flexible so that when manually pressed in, it acts to compress the internal body, and when pressure is released, the body then resumes its original shape which conforms to that of the casing. The internal body is formed of open-cell, flexible foam material having sponge-like properties. To impart heft to the play piece, the port is opened and pressure is applied to the flexible section of the casing to compress the internal body and thereby expel air therefrom through the open port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5358448
    Abstract: A bumper bowling game includes an elongated bowling lane and a pair of gutters alongside of the lane. The game also includes a foul line and pin deck at opposite ends of the lane and a plurality of pins on the pin deck. A pair of bumpers temporarily block the gutters to prevent a bowling ball from falling into the gutters. The gutters also redirect a bowling ball which strikes them toward the pins. The game also includes a bowling ball which includes a plurality of finger holes and an eccentric weight for causing the ball to follow an erratic path. The weight may be a fixed weight, free moving within a hollow core, or pendulum-like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5342061
    Abstract: A new and improved simulated baseball game includes a projectile assembly which includes an end portion and a middle portion. The middle portion includes a substantially constant height, and the end portion includes a variable height decreasing in a distal direction from the middle portion. A bat is used for hitting the projectile assembly. The end portion and the middle portion join together at a fulcrum. The end portion forms a first lever arm adjacent to the fulcrum, and the middle portion forms a second lever arm adjacent to the fulcrum. A number of markers are provided for indicating respective specific accomplishments relating to baseball. The markers are positioned on a region of a ground surface in front of a home plate region where the projectile assembly is launched by the bat. A removable and replaceable weight assembly may be located in interior portion of the projectile assembly. The weight assembly may include a cylindrical metal tube element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Eudell Watts, III
  • Patent number: 5335907
    Abstract: A variable-weight playball whose outer casing is formed of liquid-impervious, non-stretchable, flexible material, such as a resin-coated fabric, the casing being provided with a closable port. Confined within the casing is a compressible body having the same configuration which depends on whether the ball is of the spherical type or in some other shape. The body is formed of low-density, open-cell, flexible foam plastic material having sponge-like properties. To impart heft to the ball, water is introduced through the port into the body and absorbed thereby, the port then being closed to retain the water. To thereafter lighten the ball, the port is opened and the ball is squeezed to discharge water through the port until the ball has the desired reduced weight, after which the port is closed. The weight selected depends on the use to which the ball is put.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5316310
    Abstract: A disc toss game which includes a game mat having a smooth surface and a textured surface, both surfaces having surface indicia for designating target areas for a disc which is tossed onto the game mat. In a preferred embodiment the disc is characterized by a resilient, smooth material tapered along a segment of the disc perimeter and having a fixed weight at this tapered segment, along with internal cavities for receiving a freely-shifting particulate material for shifting the weight distribution and altering the flight characteristics of the disc as the disc is tossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Oscar E. Nicholas, Sr., Martin Rogers, Anthony J. Caruso, Perry F. Morrow
  • Patent number: 5284341
    Abstract: A football is provided with rearwardly extending fins which promote a tight spiralling rotation of the football when it is thrown through the air. A first of the fins is joined to the football by a centrally located notch therein which interlocks with a second fin integral with the football body when the first fin is passed through a centrally located slot in the second fin and adjacent football body. The fins include flat end surfaces which may be received on a supporting surface for supporting the ball in an upright position. The rearwardly extending fins elevate the body portion above the supporting surface and thereby make it easier to kick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Little Kids, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Routzong, Keith D. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5280906
    Abstract: A game ball for throwing has a top hemisphere (12) provided with a plurality of apertures (16) which attract air into a hollow spherical shell (10). The bottom hemisphere (14) is of an imperforate nature, and is provided with a plurality of air channels (20) positioned parallel to and subsequently away from an equatorial line (22). When projected along the plane of the equatorial line (22), the ball will deviate from a normal trajectory in the direction of the axis of the bottom hemisphere (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Pasquale M. Vitale
  • Patent number: 5273287
    Abstract: A golf ball of improved playing characteristics weighing no more than 1.62 ounces and having a mean outside diameter of at least 1.70 inches. A dimple pattern on the surface of the ball may include a plurality of dimples which have different diameters. The dimples cover at least 70% of the surface of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventors: Robert P. Molitor, R. Dennis Nesbitt, Joseph F. Stiefel, Terence Melvin
  • Patent number: 5269514
    Abstract: A ball of prolate (football-shaped) configuration having external fins oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis to promote rotation in flight and having leading and trailing edges positioned such that the net center of aerodynamic lift of said fins is located rearwardly of the ball's longitudinal midpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Alan J. Adler, Brendan J. Boyle, Fern Mandelbaum
  • Patent number: 5261661
    Abstract: A training football having a weighted bar weighing at least 1/2 pound inside the football, located along the long axis of the football, is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a solid cylindrical element, in the shape of a bar, is inserted along the major axis of the training football inside a bladder. The weighted bar has convex ends that conform to the curved concave interior ends of the training football for holding the bar in place. The thickness and weight of the bar determines the weight of the training football. The bladder containing the weighted bar is inserted into the cover of the training football, so that the support ends of the bar are fitted within the ends of the cover. The bladder is inflated with air under pressure through an exterior pinch nozzle. Throwing, kicking and punting of a weighted football increases the muscles of the user that need to be strengthened in order to throw, kick or punt a conventional football.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Joe Lemmon
  • Patent number: RE34614
    Abstract: A bowling ball wherein the weights of the inner core and the encapsulating mass are varied through the use of materials of preselected densities, for the purpose of manufacturing balls having a low moment of inertia. The instant invention accomplishes this by featuring an inner core having a minimum specific gravity of 0.1063 per pound of ball weight, and a construction wherein the volume ratio of the inner core to that of the encapsulating mass, in conjunction with the specific gravity ratio of the inner core to that of the encapsulating mass, yields a .[.maximum.]. .Iadd.low .Iaddend.moment of inertia .[.(about the ball's vertical axis) of 0.318 in-ozs-sec.sup.2 per pound of ball weight.].. As the moment of inertia of a fixed weight ball is decreased, the translational kinetic energy increases and the rotational kinetic energy decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph A. Gentiluomo