Patents Assigned to SOP Services, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7827979
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an arrow rest usable with an archery bow to support an arrow shaft in a ready-to-draw position during the draw and until the release of the arrow by an archer. The arrow rest preferably aligns an elongate axis of the arrow shaft in a desired path which the arrow follows during release from the bow and at least initially towards the target. In certain embodiments, the arrow rest includes a support frame mounted to an archery bow riser. At least one resilient, inwardly extending support piece made from a sheet-based material extends across the frame to radially support portions of the arrow shaft. In use, arrow rests according to preferred embodiments of the present invention preferably support the arrow in place and impede the arrow from laterally escaping from the arrow rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Rager
  • Patent number: 7704170
    Abstract: A multi-section table tennis table half comprises first and second table sections which abut to form a first table half. Each of the sections includes an upper surface for playing table tennis, an opposite lower surface an inner edge. The inner edges of the first and second sections abut to form a first table half joint. The vertical cross-section of the joint may be stepped, with each of the inner edges being stepped and thereby including a horizontal section positioned between two vertical sections. The table half may further include a fastener spanning the abutment between the sections to secure the connection of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Julian, Scott Flowers, Larry Wall
  • Patent number: 7611417
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a game table, such as a billiards table, with lights. Preferred embodiments and features provide for lights mounted around the periphery of a game table or mounted on the sides of a game table. The lights may be internally or externally powered from the table. Certain preferred embodiments provide one or more power sources mounted to the game table to power the lights. Other preferred embodiments provide one or more solar panels to recharge the power source(s) mounted to the game table. In some preferred embodiments, the game table includes indirect lighting, such as downward or outward facing lights mounted on the sides or apron of a billiards table. In an alternate preferred embodiment, rope lights are mounted around the periphery of a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Murrey, Scott Thomas, Mike Guerzini, Jerry Schreiber, James R. Allshouse
  • Patent number: 7530909
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting system for mounting a basketball return net to a basketball goal assembly. The mounting system includes an elongate member and spaced apart mounting brackets where the elongate member is mountable to span the distance between the mounting brackets. In certain embodiments, the mounting brackets define apertures sized to receive ends of the elongate member. The brackets are preferably mounted to a backboard assembly of the basketball goal assembly. Further, the elongate member passes through a sleeve of the return net, the sleeve being formed at the top of the return net. The net serves to capture and/or return a basketball to a thrower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Thomas, Scott Flowers
  • Patent number: 7523942
    Abstract: A convertible game assembly comprises a convertible frame having at least one adjustable joint separating a back frame portion and a front frame portion. The front frame portion is configured to pivot upward and backward about the adjustable joint to convert the frame from an open to a closed configuration. The assembly further includes an elevated back target piece coupled to the back frame portion and a front target piece coupled to the front frame portion. The frame is positionable in an open configuration to allow a game player to throw projectiles toward the back target piece, with the open configuration defining a first player position. Additionally, the frame is positionable in a closed configuration to allow a game player to kick projectiles toward the front target piece, with the closed configuration defining a second player position closer to the back frame portion than the first player position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Safari Chung
  • Patent number: 7393293
    Abstract: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an improved adjustment system and method for raising and lowering a basketball backboard and goal using a telescoping assembly such as an extension and retraction cylinder. In some preferred embodiments, an actuator assembly is mounted to a midpoint of a lever arm and situated such that the extension or retraction of the actuator assembly causes a mechanically advantaged travel in the height adjustment structure for the goal assembly. As a preferred feature, the present invention provides a greater height adjustment distance in the backboard assembly for a reduced number of cranks compared to a direct connection between an actuator incorporated in or directly attached to an adjustment arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Guerzini, James R. Allshouse
  • Patent number: 7353581
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a riser for an archery bow is manufactured by providing a flat workpiece, forming the flat workpiece to a pre-bent profile of an archery riser, placing the flat workpiece in a press, and bending the flat workpiece to a desired non-flat shape of the archery riser. Preferably, the flat workpiece is an aluminum sheet in a T4 aluminum condition. Further, after the non-flat shape is created, the riser can optionally be cured to a T6 aluminum condition, a less soft condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry M. Gallops, Jr., James R. Allshouse
  • Patent number: 7308891
    Abstract: Archery and firearm sight products and processes are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment an apparatus may comprise a sight ring and a shaft. The sight ring may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a track. The track may comprise a major axis disposed substantially parallel with a vertical axis of the sight ring. The shaft may comprise a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body disposed between the first and second ends of the shaft. The first end of the shaft may be removably coupled with the sight ring and may be adapted to be displaced along the track of the sight ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Charles Graf
  • Patent number: 7300368
    Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the game pieces of the present invention concentrate the mass and weight of the game piece away from the center of the game piece and around the periphery. Preferably the center portion of the game piece has a minimum of weight while maintaining the ability of the game piece to function correctly. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a game piece for a simulated hockey game encompasses a peripheral portion which is configured to slide on a simulated hockey game surface and having at least one central portion mounted within the peripheral portion. Optionally, the at least one central portion is made of a material different than the material of the peripheral portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sop Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Hylak
  • Patent number: 7244046
    Abstract: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an improved light raising and lowering apparatus and method for a basketball goal. In some improved embodiments, an extension arm with a light attaches to an adjustment mechanism and further attaches pivotally to a basketball goal support structure, where the light moves upward when the adjustment mechanism pulls on the extension arm. As a preferred feature, the extension arm rotates to a raised position where the extension arm may be secured without requiring manual adjustments. As another preferred feature, the light raising and lowering apparatus may be attached to a previously assembled basketball goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Webb
  • Patent number: 7217232
    Abstract: This invention provides an automatic paper folder with the adjustable distance between a retarder and a feeding wheel assuring the consistency of the automatic feed for most types of paper. The automatic paper folder includes a paper feed assembly that combines the functions of a retractable retarder and a retractable tension block, assuring the automatic feed of a stack of paper, and a bypass for the manual feed of the stapled sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Thomas Shoebridge, George Arthur Carver
  • Patent number: 7182409
    Abstract: In one form, the present system includes a post mounted to a wheel, a weight directly supported by the post, and a quick release fastener connected to the post. The quick release fastener releaseably secures the weight on the post in a fixed position to the wheel. In another form, the present system includes a post mounted to a wheel wherein the post has a cavity, a weight supported by the post, and a quick release fastener. Further, the quick release fastener has a portion received by the cavity of the post and the quick release fastener releaseably secures the weight on the post in a fixed relation to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Thomas, Andrew J. Zirkelbach
  • Patent number: 7131934
    Abstract: In a basic configuration, the present system includes an adjustable top portion or platform, one or more lower portions or risers and one or more resilient members placed between the riser and the platform. Preferably the resilient members have a sufficient height to space the platform slightly above the riser, and the resilient members are partially compressible to absorb the impact when a user steps atop the platform. In preferred embodiments, the platform and/or riser include a variety of locations in which the resilient member or members may be placed or arranged to provide various levels of cushioning and/or balancing of the platform over the riser. Preferably the multi-exercise system can be used as a standard horizontal platform, as an angled platform, as a balancing platform, or a resilient member-mounting riser for aerobic exercises, stretching, yoga, balancing or exercises exercising the sole or arch of a foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Sop Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Bemanali H. Dadbeh
  • Patent number: 7111540
    Abstract: A dual-purpose puncher combining two-hole and three-hole punch assemblies, is shown and described. The dual purpose puncher provides a duality of uses to the consumer without the necessity for readjustment. In the preferred embodiment, the two-hole punch assembly is positioned opposingly to the three-hole stationary punch assembly in such a way that a central arm of the press lever frame of the three-hole punch assembly passes between two arms of the press lever frame of the two-hole punch assembly. In another embodiment, the modified press lever frame of the three-hole punch assembly slidably engages the modified press lever frame of the two-hole punch assembly thereby driving both, the punch set of the two-hole punch assembly and the punch set of the three-hole punch assembly. Either embodiment combines both punch assemblies and a platform into a single unit while reducing the platform's footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Humberto Rodriquez
  • Patent number: 7025051
    Abstract: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention use a dual constraint system to align an archery bow limb with a limb cup on a riser. Preferably the limb is aligned so that the centerline of the limb is aligned with the centerline of the riser. The plane of the limb is also constrained to facilitate this centerline alignment and to prevent excessive clearance between the limb, limb pocket and corresponding riser. In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention uses taper or wedge geometry in both the X-Y and X-Z planes along the length and separately along the depth of the limb cup engagement with the archery bow limb. Preferably this provides two complimentary locking mechanisms between the limb and limb cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry M. Gallops, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6986722
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tennis table that is collapsible into a relatively small profile. The table can be partially assembled in relatively small boxes for easy storage and display on store shelves and for easy shipment in commercial or customer vehicles with limited cargo space. The table can be fully assembled without tools relatively quickly. The table is capable of being opened from the collapsed configuration by young or physically disabled persons with a relatively small amount of force and has a low profile, both height and lengthwise, in the collapsed configuration In a first embodiment the collapsible tennis table comprises two table halves, each table half having two table portions and legs secured to the bottom of each table portion. Each of the legs receives a connecting member that spans the joint between two table portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Benanali H. Dadbeh
  • Patent number: 6976484
    Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a cam having an axle location for mounting the cam to an archery bow, where the center of mass of the cam is substantially coaxial with the axle location. Preferable the cam has an eccentric geometric rotation profile with regard to a rotation axis, typically an irregular geometry with a non-centered axle location, or a circular profile with an axle location offset from the center of the circular profile. The mass of the cam is balanced to have an effectively equal mass distribution around the axle location. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the cam has a balanced center of mass aligned with the axle location in an X-Y orientation, and may also have a balanced center of mass through the thickness of the cam in an X-Z or Y-Z orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry M. Gallops, Jr.
  • Patent number: D518110
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sop Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell J. Ruelle
  • Patent number: D518527
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sop Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell J. Ruelle
  • Patent number: RE39880
    Abstract: A cam is eccentrically journaled at one end of a compound archery bow and a pulley is journaled at the other end of the bow. A cable passes around the pulley to form a bowstring section and a second cable section, both sections forming a dual feed single cam compound bow. The amount of feed out to both ends of the bowstring is approximately the same. One embodiment of the cam provides a large radius cam groove and a smaller radius cam groove which are designed to synchronize the rate of cable feed out at both ends of the bowstring section during the drawing operation. An anchor cable is provided to tie the two limbs of the bow together during the flexing of the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sop Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mathew McPherson