Hooked Pile Fabric Fastener Patents (Class 273/DIG30)
  • Patent number: 6117022
    Abstract: A golf club having an elastomer head which is easily constructed of relatively inexpensive components making the club particularly suitable as an introductory golf club for teaching the game of golf to youths, is described. The club comprises a metal insert configured to a desired shape, an elastomeric material molded around the metal insert, and a pad at the back of the striking head. A shaft is attached to the metal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: STX LLC
    Inventors: William C. Crawford, Jackie L. Davis
  • Patent number: 6101747
    Abstract: An athletic shoe having basketball assembly including a flat backboard affixed to the athletic shoe. A rim is attached to the backboard and supports a flexible net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Gregg A. Myles
  • Patent number: 5951408
    Abstract: A golf swing training system that includes an arm securing mechanism for assisting a golfer to maintain the upper arm and elbow tucked against the chest during golf swing practice. The arm securing mechanism includes hook and pile fastener areas that allow for easy attachment of the upper arm and/or elbow areas of the user's arm to a natural location on the user's chest. The golf swing training system includes a chest strap assembly and an arm strap assembly that are securable together to restrict movement of the user's arm during practice golf swings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: David R. Inman
  • Patent number: 5904624
    Abstract: A golf putting trainer adapted for releasable attachment to a golf putter and for folding neatly into a storage position and placing in a golf bag when the training is completed. The golf putting trainer includes a "U" shaped grip support having a lower grip arm with strap for wrapping around a lower portion of a golf putter grip and an upper grip arm for engaging a butt end on an upper portion of the golf putter grip. A wrist swivel with wrist swivel adjustment nut is mounted on the upper grip arm. A lower end of a height adjustment rod is pivotly attached to the wrist swivel and secured thereto using a pivot adjustment nut. An upper end of the height extension rod is slidably received in a lower end of a height extension tube and secured thereto using a height extension nut. A forearm swivel tube is pivotly mounted on an upper end of the height extension tube and secured thereto using a forearm swivel nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Morris P. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5897442
    Abstract: A golf practice and training guide to assist a golfer in identifying and replicating a preferred ball position. The golf practice and training device includes a first and second alignment guides pivotally mounted on the ground and spaced apart such that the alignment guides are capable of pivoting towards each other and intersecting at a point proximate a preferred ball position. The invention also includes a method for determining a golfer's preferred ball position and capturing that ball position for future practice sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Norman J. Honderd
  • Patent number: 5876292
    Abstract: An elongated clicker (1) attached to a base (2). The base is rigid enough to distribute the pressure of the clicker on the wrist via padding (11). It is made of a lightweight material such as molded plastic, and is attached to the wrist by an adjustable strap (6). The clicker has a slidable adjustment block (12) which distributes and positions the pressure of the clicker on the back of the hand for optimum comfort and selectable clicker timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: David Paul Hamilton
  • Patent number: 5855373
    Abstract: The invention herein relates to kind of improve equilibrium game device, specifically referring to a kind that has a game board with a linear motion slot that is a randomly non-collinear and of a varying width through which the player moves an equilibrium rod. The unique innovation of the invention herein is the attachment of a looped surfacing or a hooked surfacing on the contoured inner surfaces of the linear motion slot and the attachment of a looped surfacing or hooked surfacing to the outer aspect of the equilibrium rod, with the particular surfacing applied to the linear motion slot and on the equilibrium rod being of an opposite nature to produce snagging or frictional resistance upon mutual contact, such that the player is afforded a safe, simple and convenient means of practicing equilibrium by avoiding contact that would, due to engagement of the respective hooked and looped surfaces, prevent continued movement of the equilibrium rod through the linear motion slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Lovetex Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Wei-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 5848926
    Abstract: A set of three-dimensional construction elements which removably adhere to one another for use as a construction toy or as a decorative display structure. Surfaces of the elements are substantially covered with hook-and-loop fastener material in accordance with "surfacing patterns" which maximize inter-connection flexibility. The "3-point" surfacing pattern for rectangular prisms, and derivatives of the 3-point pattern for other shapes, provide a unified surfacing system which promotes ease of use. Derivative 3-point patterns may be determined by morphological transformations of a rectangular prism with a 3-point surfacing pattern. The 3-point pattern and its derivatives obey a set of surfacing guidelines which maximizes the number of ways of forming face-to-face, edge-to-face, and point-to-face connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventors: Alexander M. Jardetzky, Charles P. Weidmann
  • Patent number: 5845629
    Abstract: A gun and target system and method is disclosed wherein a hook-and-loop ball is fired through an air or gas gun at a hook-and-loop target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Ratpak, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Carson Ratliff
  • Patent number: 5842931
    Abstract: A mirrored device which allows the athlete to observe his motions as he performs. Specifically as this invention relates to golf, the system trains these fundamentals: steady head control; correct alignment; proper golfing posture; the proper swing paths for the backswing and downswing. These goals are accomplished by: a large mirror to reflect the golfer's side that is opposite the direction he is driving the ball, this mirror is comprised of a diagram and moveable,adhesive strips which serve as visual guides for instillment of the mentioned fundamentals; a pair of angularly arranged mirrors which are supported by a visored headgear that the golfer wears.The user adjusts the small angled mirrors for sighting himself. Following the charting of his proper backswing and downswing planes with the moveable strips, he guides his club, and hands along the relection of these strips with the purpose of memorizing the feel of these correct motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Edward D. Payne
  • Patent number: 5842932
    Abstract: A practice sight (20) for a putter (26) is shown. The sight is attached to the top (60) and hosel (80) of the head (22). The sight has a planar mirror (44) at a 45.degree. angle to the face (30) of the putter. Front and rear sight pins 46 and 48 attached to the base (52) of the sight in front of the mirror provide a reference for adjusting the attitude of the head. The golfer looks down at the mirror and sees the sight pins, a golf ball (26), and a golf ball hole (34) or flag. He lines up the putter head with the hole by rotating the head of the putter until the front sight pin disappears behind the rear sight pin while keeping the golf ball and hole in view in the mirror and centered on the center line of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Frederic W. Goddard
  • Patent number: 5836588
    Abstract: Interactive wall art is a game to be played indoors by one or more children. The game consists of a self-adhesive mural portraying characters playing an action sport, a loop-threaded stuffed ball corresponding to the sport portrayed in the mural, and a hook-threaded fabric target attached to the mural in an appropriate location to facilitate the fantasy of actually playing a game with the figures on the wall mural. The game encourages creative role play and physical exercise including pitching, throwing, kicking, running and jumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Joanne Gerson
  • Patent number: 5819998
    Abstract: A knapsack including a storage section and securing straps for securing the storage section to a wearer, such as a school-attending child. The storage section includes one or more storage compartments, e.g., for receiving school-related articles, a zipper for enabling access to the storage compartment(s), a hoop which can be extended outward from the storage section, a net suspended from the hoop and an attachable ball adapted to pass through the hoop and the net to enable simulation of basketball shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Everything Kids
    Inventor: Joey Chehebar
  • Patent number: 5820476
    Abstract: A golf putter leveling system including a shoe level adapted for securement to a golf shoe. A putter level is provided that is adapted for securement to a shaft of a golf putter. The putter level includes a base portion having a lower arcuate recess and an upper arcuate recess. The lower arcuate recess has a pair of detents disposed on opposing sides thereof. The lower arcuate recess snapidly engages the shaft of the golf putter. The upper arcuate recess has a level portion disposed therein. A putter leveler is adapted for securement to the shaft of the golf putter. The putter leveler has an upper portion defined by an arcuate recess for engaging the shaft of the golf putter. The putter leveler has a lower portion defined by outwardly extending legs for supporting the golf putter at an even level so as to zero the putter level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Louis Amato
  • Patent number: 5785603
    Abstract: A golf swing teaching aid has been designed to teach a golfer the proper amount of torso and back rotation in executing a back swing for a tee or iron stroke. The teaching aid comprises a harness worn over the golfer's back and an elongate wand that attaches to the harness and extends laterally to the golfer's side. When the golfer stands next to the ball and executes the back swing, the tip of the wand is rotated into a predetermined visual relationship with the ball. Preferably, the tip of the wand is rotated into approximately a plane containing the golf ball and the golfer's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Murney M. Lazier
  • Patent number: 5785604
    Abstract: The present invention is a putter guide for guiding a putter blade during a putting stroke. A first elongate member has a first end and a second end. The second end defines an aperture extended therein. A second elongate member has a first end and a second end. The second end defines an aperture therein. A unitary member has a first end and a second end. Each end of the unitary member has an outer dimension sized to frictionally fit into the apertures of the second ends of the first and second elongate members. Both the first and second elongate members and the unitary member are formed of flexible cellular polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Christopher J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5782701
    Abstract: A golf practice aid suitable for use with, and adapted to be struck by a golf club having a strike face. The practice aid including a simulated golf ball with a flexible deformable core surrounded by an energy absorbing outer cover with an adhesive retention means attached thereto. The adhesive retention means in use, releasably adhering to a complementary adhesive retention means attached to the strike face when struck by the club. The arrangement of the core and cover and the properties associated with each are such that the simulated golf ball when struck by the club produces a sound similar to an actual golf ball and absorbs energy imparted to the ball upon impact so as to ensure adherence of the ball to the strike face of the club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Sean Joseph O'Bryan
  • Patent number: 5772543
    Abstract: A game ball of the type adapted to be brought to a game site and filled with granular or particular material obtained at the game site comprising:a first pliable panel having two ends, a first side, a second side, an inner and outer surface, and a flap having a length approximately one third the length of the first side protruding radially outward from a central position on the first side;a second pliable panel substantially identical to the first pliable panel but further having the flap thereof folded over upon the inner surface thereof and permanently affixed thereto thereby forming a flap retaining element in substantial mating alignment with the flap of the first panel;at least one third pliable panel having two ends, two sides, and an inner and outer surface;wherein the second side of the first and second pliable panels are each permanently adjoined to one side of the third pliable panel; anda sealing device forming a temporary, user resealable connection between the flap and flap retaining element comp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Paino
  • Patent number: 5769743
    Abstract: A brace for training basketball players has a base for fitting over an arm of a user. Either the upperarm or forearm of one arm of a user is referred to the "base member," the remaining member being the "moving member," regardless of which member actually moves. A yoke extends away from the base, forming a cradle for receiving the moving member. The yoke restrains the moving member from closing against the base member at less than a certain angle. The yoke also urges the moving member and base member into a predetermined relative rotation with respect to one another. A band attaches the base to the base member. The band may be a flexible, non-extensible strap having fasteners at the ends for opening, closing and adjusting the strap. A hook-and-loop fastener permits adjustment of a single, wide strap along the length of the base. An adjustment member may be provided for adjusting the position of the yoke relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Paul B. Stephan, Joe Edmond Pryor, Montel Brian Williams
  • Patent number: 5765831
    Abstract: A tethering system for a novelty balloon comprises a tether having a first portion of a contact type fastener secured thereto and a second portion of a contact type fastener secured to an outer surface of the balloon such that the tether is removably securable to the balloon by contacting the first portion of the contact type fastener on the tether to the second portion of contact type fastener on the balloon. In a preferred embodiment, the tethering system comprises a rod or post having a first portion of a hook and loop type fastener secured at one end and a base secured at an opposite end. A second portion of a hook and loop type fastener is secured to a surface of the balloon such that the tether may be secured to the balloon by pressing the end of the tether having the first portion of the hook and loop type fastener secured thereto against the second portion of hook and loop type fastener on the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Terry W. Huffhines
  • Patent number: 5730658
    Abstract: A system for attaching a scoring display unit to a fastening band of a glove. The fastening band includes a top strap, and a back surface patch for the top strap. Confronting surfaces of the top strap and the back surface patch comprise cooperating interengaging means, such as hooks and loops of VELCRO fabric. The scoring device of the invention includes a rotary, numbered disc scoring device having protrusions around the periphery which are engaged by a finger to rotate the disc as each golf shot is taken. A scoring window in the front side permits viewing of the selected score number. A fabric hook strip is attached on each end of the scoring device, the unit is placed on the top side of the top strap, wrapped under the glove flap and the hook strip engages the loop fabric of the glove strap. The assembly is then placed over the top of a glove top strap and fastened to the loop VELCRO on the underside of the glove top strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventors: John G. Kurtz, Edward L. Zabelny
  • Patent number: 5718642
    Abstract: A golf club cover practice device, suitable for attaching to the head of a golf club, driver (11) that allows one to practice accuracy while swinging a golf club towards a golf ball size practice disk (22). In a preferred embodiment the device generally includes a flexible type material that has been formed into the shape of a golf club head (13) and has the ability to be opened, closed, and tightened. Attached to the device is a piece of hook and loop fastener that will lay over the club face when the cover is in position on the club. The opposite piece of hook and loop fastener will cover a golf ball size practice disk (22). The union of the two opposite pieces of hook and loop fastener, brought about by swinging the golf club toward the golf ball shaped practice disk (22) concludes with the disk adhering to the face of the golf club. Once accomplished one can see exactly where he is striking a golf ball with the face of his golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: John Joseph Cushing
  • Patent number: 5704846
    Abstract: A golf club swing teaching aid is provided having an elongated inflatable tubular sleeve adapted to be worn by the golfer to restrain bending of the golfer's leading arm during backswing. An alarm assembly which emits an audible signal is mounted on the sleeve for alerting the golfer that his or her leading alarm has been allowed to bend to an undesirable extent during backswing of the golf club. Means is provided for adjustably mounting the alarm actuating components of the alarm assembly on the sleeve so that the golfer may select the degree of bending of his or her leading arm that may take place during backswing of a golf club before the audible alarm is sounded. Selective adjustment by the golfer of the degree of adjustment of the sleeve also has an effect on the timing of the audible alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Charles T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5692964
    Abstract: This device attaches to the head of an existing golf club (16) and contains two bright Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (11 and 26) to show the path of the club head during practice swings. The LEDs are of different color and are oriented on a line parallel to the direction of swing. This allows the golfer to also see whether the club head was twisted during the swing, and if so, to see the direction of twist. Each LED is independently switched and controlled for brightness by its own potentiometer (12 and 27). A battery (17) is contained within the device. The device is attached to a golf club by an EPDM sleeve (15) which pulls onto the club head and by hook and loop material (19) on both the sleeve and the device. A safety loop (14) would keep the device from flying off the club head if it was incorrectly attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventors: Walter H. Smith, Ryan T. Smith
  • Patent number: 5672129
    Abstract: A toy hockey game which includes a stick and a projectile that both have hook and loop material which releasably attach the projectile to the stick, so that the participants can maintain the projectile in contact with the stick while playing a game of hockey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Elliot Rudell
    Inventors: Raymond Earl Fisher, Elliot Rudell, George T. Foster
  • Patent number: 5669837
    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 is adapted for securement around a waist of a user. A cord has a first portion attached to the mesh soccer net and a second portion connected to a hand grip. The hand grip is removably connected with the waist belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Bradley David Hauter
  • Patent number: 5662331
    Abstract: A game playing piece is described for playing a game laid out on a flat street, sidewalk or driveway surface, having a generally rounded disc shape of diameter 3-4 times greater than its thickness, a flat bottom, and composed substantially entirely of glass, adapted for finger actuating propulsion along the laid-out playing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Charles Cucci
  • Patent number: 5658205
    Abstract: A golf club aligning aid is provided which allows a golfer to quickly improve his or her golf swing. The aligning aid can be a small strip of flexible material which can be disposed with a planar "flag" portion which is disposed perpendicular to the shaft of the club. This planar portion can be rotated about the shaft for proper alignment with respect to the leading edge of the face of the golf club head. Preferably, the aligning aid is attached on or near the handle of the club by being snugly wrapped around the shaft and attached to itself, such as by a hook and loop fastener. In one embodiment, the aligning aid also has a graphical design disposed on one end of the planar portion. The graphical design has a first axis which, when the aid is attached to the clubs is perpendicular to the shaft of the golf club and a second axis designed to be disposed parallel to the shaft of the club. The ratio of the length of the second axis to the length of the first axis is between about 0.25 and about 0.75.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Ted L. Bartscherer
  • Patent number: 5651742
    Abstract: A golf ball placement device that is adapted to be mounted to a golfer's shoe for allowing the golfer to position a golf ball on a tee without bending over. The device includes a ball retaining member that has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end and a rear end. Art elongated opening extends inwardly from the front end of the ball retaining member toward the rear end thereof. The ball placement device includes mating hook and loop type fasteners secured to the rear end of the device and the golfer's shoe in order to secure the golf ball placement device to the golf shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Edward V. Dickson
  • Patent number: 5651743
    Abstract: A brace for training basketball players has a base for fitting over an arm of a user. Either the upperarm or forearm of one arm of a user is referred to the "base member," the remaining member being the "moving member," regardless of which member actually moves. A yoke extends away from the base, forming a cradle for receiving the moving member. The yoke restrains the moving member from closing against the base member at less than a certain angle. The yoke also urges the moving member and base member into a predetermined relative rotation with respect to one another. A band attaches the base to the base member. The band may be a flexible, non-extensible strap having fasteners at the ends for opening, closing and adjusting the strap. A hook-and-loop fastener permits adjustment of a single, wide strap along the length of the base. An adjustment member may be provided for adjusting the position of the yoke relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventors: Paul B. Stephan, Joe Edmond Pryor, Montel Brian Williams
  • Patent number: 5643113
    Abstract: A device for facilitating forced insertion of a golf tee into a ground surface at a predetermined height. The inventive device includes a clamp for engaging a shaft of a golf tee. A positioning screw engages a head of the golf tee such that a predetermined length of the shaft projects beyond the clamp for insertion into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: John Rodgers
  • Patent number: 5642883
    Abstract: This jig-saw puzzle holder comprises two co-extensive work panels hinged together at their inner edges to take a closed folded position and an open coplanar position with their inner edges forming a smooth joint. A liner sheet covers and is secured to the panels and serves as a work surface upon which puzzle pieces can be assembled. To each panel is associated a generally co-extensive flexible cover sheet to cover puzzle pieces on the liner sheet. The liner and cover sheets are hook-and-loop fastener fabric so that the cover sheets can adhere to the liner sheet to surround the partially assembled puzzle pieces and thus prevent shifting of these pieces. When the pieces are being assembled, the cover sheet is rolled up and retained in an out-of-the-way position. Each panel is provided with a drawer to store individual puzzle pieces. Each panel is used to assemble half of the completed puzzle and the two halves are assembled across the smooth joint of the two open coplanar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Madisco Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel Rioux
  • Patent number: 5634854
    Abstract: A device worn by a golf player around his following hand, wrist and lower forearm to aid in the proper hand placement for a proper golf swing. When worn, the device positions the following hand to promote a following club or racquet swing, yet allows the release of the following wrist. The golf swing trainer includes a rigid brace which has an inner side and an outer side and two or three straps attached to the outer surface of the rigid brace. The rigid brace is contoured so that a golfer's following hand is in the angle which is created when a golf club is swung with the club head following the turning body. The first and third straps are made of a non-resilient material and the second strap, which is in between the first strap and the third strap, is made of a resilient material. There is an angle adjustment system included with the device. It is a system of removable spacer pads which are used in combination to create a variety of present angles for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Peter S. Albertsson
  • Patent number: 5634858
    Abstract: A golf training apparatus includes a head supporting stand having a supporting frame with a base and a vertically extending post which telescopes to different heights extending from the base. A head positioning arm extends from the vertical post. The head positioning arm can be a telescoping member and may have a bendable end pipe member with means for attaching to a person's head. A hook and loop fastener material may be used to removably attach a cap or visor or headband to a person's head. A mirror is supported in a frame adjacent the head support stand and has player positioning markings on the surface thereof. A player swing position guide includes a frame and is positioned a predetermined distance from the head support stand for positioning a golf player's feet and legs for a practice swing in front of the mirror with the head supported by the head support stand head support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Miro D. Bellagamba
  • Patent number: 5626342
    Abstract: A miniature golf game that utilizes hook and loop material commonly referred to as VELCRO to capture a ball rolled onto a green. The game includes a miniature green that has a simulated hole covered with VELCRO material. The VELCRO material can either be sewn into the green or attached to a disk that is placed onto the hole. The green may also have a sandtrap patch that has VELCRO material. A VELCRO covered ball is rolled onto the green with a golf club. The golf ball becomes attached to the simulated hole or patch when the ball is rolled into the simulated hole or patch areas. There is also disclosed a hook and loop baseball game that includes a miniature field which simulates a baseball diamond. The baseball game has a plurality of VELCRO covered disks located throughout the field. A player throws a VELCRO covered ball at the disks on the field. A disk is removed from the field when the ball strikes the disk. Each removed disk may represent a single, home run, out, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Elliot Rudell
    Inventor: George Foster
  • Patent number: 5620185
    Abstract: A disk game that can be easily carried to different locations and played both on land and in water is disclosed. The game uses a mat of closed cell foam having fastening elements thereon to provide for the quick set up of the targets, also having fastening elements thereon, in the proper position. The game is sold in a container that is element proof and also useable for carrying the game from one place to another, i.e., the container is not destroyed when the product is taken out of the container. Also disclosed is a flying article for use with the disk game. The flying article is modified so that it has both floating ability and improved aerial stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Harvey C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5611541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of playing a ball game with a soft, malleable ball. The game is particularly suited to play on a beach or other soft surface such as a lawn. The method of playing the game requires each player to accurately throw or roll this ball with the specific purpose of landing closest to an object ball. Scoring is kept over each round of play and the player exhibiting the greatest skill in placing his or her ball nearest to the object ball earns the greatest number of points. The player having the most points at the end of the game wins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Paino
  • Patent number: 5603504
    Abstract: A word game utilizing a game board containing the vowels and consonants of the English alphabet with each letter placed in a defined letter area. A plurality of markers that are thrown at the board of such a structure to releasably stick to the board. The object of the game being to make a recognized word in a time less than an opponent after a predetermining plurality of markers are thrown at the board and land in letter areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Michael A. Powell
  • Patent number: 5603665
    Abstract: A golf putter training device that includes a clip for removeably attaching a bracket having a roller mounted therein. The clip includes at least one finger to hold the bracket in place during a practice putt, and allows the bracket to be easily removed for the final putt. The bracket may include resilient washers located between the bracket arms and the ends of the roller, and the roller may include a polymer coating on each end. A misaligned putting stroke will result in a coated end of the roller being forced against one of the washers, thereby generating friction and providing directional feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Judy Bryant
  • Patent number: 5582551
    Abstract: Sound producing tabs attached to a body strap and an arm band provide an audible signal as the sound tabs strike together during the execution of a proper down swing. The audible signal positively reinforces muscle memory that will enable the golfer to initiate the proper muscle action for a correctly executed down swing during regulation play while the training apparatus is not being used. The straps are designed to operate without restricting natural arm or body movement. The striking sound indicates to the golfer that his swing has followed the proper path on the down swing. The audible feedback signal enables the golfer to build muscle memory through proper practice with a natural, unrestricted swing as well as form a mental image to assist in the coordination of arm and body muscles so that the down swing will follow the proper inside path to the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Hugh A. Bursi
  • Patent number: 5577967
    Abstract: A golf swing practice pad has a flat, generally elongate base having a length and a width; means for securing the base to a practice surface; a generally elongate hitting surface having a length, and having a width wider than the width of the base; and means for adjustably attaching the hitting surface to the base. Advantageously, the pad has a special tee slot in its base. The pad is useful in golfing instruction and practice. In another aspect, a method for attaching web material to plastic stock embraces heating the plastic stock, for instance, heating thermoplastic pellets to provide heated plastic stock, which may be extruded from a die, contacting the heated plastic stock and the web and passing the same through a sizing device, under conditions such that the web is attached to the stock. Another aspect embraces attached web and stock materials, including a loop web for hook and loop attachment melded to the practice pad base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: IBEX Golf L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Durso
  • Patent number: 5570882
    Abstract: A football training aid comprises a modified football having a lacing with Velcro.RTM. loop elements therein. The football is grasped by a user wearing a glove having Velcro.RTM. hook elements only at the fingertips thereof. The restriction of the Velcro.RTM. elements to the football lacing and the fingertips of the glove urges the user to grasp the football only at the laces so as to impart a proper spin thereto upon subsequent throwing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Noel P. Horkan
  • Patent number: 5570889
    Abstract: A target for engaging and securing a hook and loop ball during play of a game. The inventive device includes a support stand positionable upon a ground surface. A target is supported by the support stand and includes a base web of hook and loop material to which a hook and loop covered ball can be engaged. The target can include various forms of indica printed thereon to facilitate play of a variety of games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Paul Tyrer
  • Patent number: 5566949
    Abstract: A tethered ball game device is disclosed utilizing flat disk devices that are retrieved by the tethered ball or "snagger". The ball includes a magnet or hook and loop type fastener means and is therefore capable of attracting or attaching the flat disks or "caps". The tether is elastic in nature, thus allowing the snagger to be projected toward a group of caps, lying on the ground, attracting to one or more caps and then retrieving the caps, by virtue of the tether, in one continuous movement. A variety of games can be played utilizing the disclosed device in a manner that is far more challenging and creatively motivating than existing POG games or tethered ball games. The concept is simple enough that a child can master the level of coordination necessary to perform the tasks necessary to play the game yet the variations can be made complex enough that adults can find the games physically challenging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Don Gorden
  • Patent number: 5564989
    Abstract: A sports training device particularly intended for use by golfers to teach the proper body rotation and weight shift during a golf swing. The device includes a pair of shoe inserts each having a tactile indicating member arranged in the heel area disposed toward the inner side of the insert. The insert may be covered or partially covered by a textured material. The tactile member may be a series of projections on a ring or disk or may be other shapes and forms such as integrally molded spikes or concentric rings. The golfer will be provided a positive sense or feeling as weight is applied to the inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Erling A. Larsen
  • Patent number: 5556090
    Abstract: A kit provided for putting in place a regulation size baseball field in a suitably sized park, playground, pasture, sandlot or the like. The components of the kit are contained in a small compact duffle bag and comprise in addition to the bag, 3 regulation size bases, home plate, pitcher's plate, Velcro patches approximately 2 - 4" X 2 - 4", 5 metal stakes, a measuring tape marked along its length at 60 feet 6", 90 feet, and 127 feet 33/8". Preferably there is included in the kit, a brush for cleaning off home plate, an instruction sheet and a ball. The field is the regulation 90 foot square, with home plate, first, second and third base occupying the corners of the squares. Second base is 127 feet 33/8" from home plate, and the pitcher's plate 60 feet 6" from home plate along the same line of measurement. Each of the bases and plates has fixedly attached to the back surface thereof a Velcro patch with the fastening means facing out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Jeffrey Coleman
  • Patent number: 5549302
    Abstract: A device for allowing an athlete to practice various methods of propelling a projectile in a controlled and accurate manner by allowing him/her to place the projectile on a specific location on a target. This device uses hook and loop fastening material on the projectile and the target to allow the athlete to know where the projectile strikes the target and allow him/her to practice various ways of getting the projectile onto the target. The reversible nature of the target allows the athlete to practice different sports using the same apparatus or to practice skills required in different situations encountered in the same sport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventors: Irving Lapsker, Jeffry G. Lapsker, Conrad Jaroszewski
  • Patent number: 5538253
    Abstract: A miniature golf game that utilizes hook and loop material commonly referred to as VELCRO to capture a ball rolled onto a green. The game includes a miniature green that has a simulated hole covered with VELCRO material. The VELCRO material can either be sewn into the green or attached to a disk that is placed onto the hole. The green may also have a sandtrap patch that has VELCRO material. A VELCRO covered ball is rolled onto the green with a golf club. The golf ball becomes attached to the simulated hole or patch when the ball is rolled into the simulated hole or patch areas. There is also disclosed a hook and loop baseball game that includes a miniature field which simulates a baseball diamond. The baseball game has a plurality of VELCRO covered disks located throughout the field. A player throws a VELCRO covered ball at the disks on the field. A disk is removed from the field when the ball strikes the disk. Each removed disk may represent a single, home run, out, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Elliot A. Rudell
    Inventor: George Foster
  • Patent number: 5527040
    Abstract: A golf training device for eliminating palm reflection of the trailing hand during a golf swing including a support member positionable on the dorsal side of the wrist and forearm of the wearer and secured there with one strap encircling the wrist and a second strap encircling the forearm. A bracket is attached to the support which includes an A-frame extending away from the dorsal side of the wrist and forearm. An adjustable cord is provided which attaches to the A-frame and includes a loop for encircling at least one finger of the trailing hand of the wearer. The length of the cord is adjusted such that the trailing hand of the wearer can move his or her hand from dorsal flexion to extension. However, further movement from extension into palmer flexion is resisted. By transverse resistance through the club to the lead hand, the wrist of the lead arm is signaled not to move into dorsal flexion or collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Stash, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol A. J. Stanley, Anthony J. Wirtel
  • Patent number: 5501458
    Abstract: An enhancing cover for electronic game controllers comprises a controller-specific shaped cover of an absorbent material and attachments for affixing said cover to such a controller. The cover wraps around the back, and in some embodiments, the sides of the controller. In the most preferred embodiment, the cover's position is retained by releasable fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, thereby allowing removal of the cover for washing. Alternately, the cover may be fixed in place by adhesive material with peel-off protective backing. The cover may be monolithic or comprised by multiple segments. The cover may be colored to vary the appearance of the game controller. The cover may also include a glow-in-the-dark substance so as to add to the controller's novelty and to make the controller easy-to-locate, even in the dark. The cover may have any of a variety of textures, formed to fit the users' hands, or formed to provide additional friction with the users' hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Kevin C. Mallory