Patents Examined by Gregory Vidovich
  • Patent number: 7175059
    Abstract: A hydration device/golf bag carrying harness combination including a golf bag carrying harness including a pair of shoulder-engaging loop straps and a rear connection section from which the pair of shoulder-engaging loop straps extend in a general V-shape from the upper portion of the rear connection section. A hydration device includes a liquid container, a liquid delivery tube and at least two mounting straps extending from and connected to the hydration device. At least two strap engagement clips are mounted on the rear connection section of the golf bag carrying harness generally adjacent the upper portion of the rear connection section to each releasably engage one of the mounting straps. Finally, the liquid delivery tube extends forwards of the golf bag carrying harness such that a wearer of the hydration device may access liquids stored in the liquid container without having to disconnect the container from the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Copich
  • Patent number: 7153216
    Abstract: A laser assembly is removably attached to the shaft of a putter slightly above the head. The position and orientation of the laser assembly is adjusted to direct the laser horizontally in a plane passing through the sweet spot of the putter's face and perpendicular to the face when a user is addressing a golf ball with the putter. Once adjusted, the laser then can give accurate indications, against a backdrop, of the alignment of the putter with respect to a selected target hole, because the laser will illuminate a spot on the backdrop which is in accurate alignment with the putter, and thus allowing the golfer to compare his or her alignment prior to activating the laser. The laser is preferably momentarily actuated by a finger button attached to the putter at or near the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Norm Pressley
  • Patent number: 7066833
    Abstract: A golf club head comprises a face portion having a front face defining a clubface for hitting a ball and a back face facing a hollow, wherein the clubface is provided along the edge thereof with a frontal groove having a groove width of not less than 0.5 mm, and the back face is provided with a backside groove extending along the frontal groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7062836
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of a pipe fitting or connector. The fitting may be used as an atomic element in constructing a variety of different structures, such as shelving formed from pipes, rods, tubular structures and the like that may be connected using a pipe fitting. The pipe fitting may include a punched hole in a top portion and a matching punched hole in a corresponding bottom portion of a sleeve into which a pipe may be inserted. The holes may be used as a visual indicator that the pipe is fully inserted in the fitting. The holes in the top and bottom portions of the sleeve may also be used with a fastener to securely hold an inserted pipe in place by passing a fastener through the holes in the top and bottom portions of the sleeve and also passing the fastener through corresponding holes in the inserted pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: QuixxSmart Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Sorgi
  • Patent number: 7033284
    Abstract: A stroke correcting device which includes an arm device having arm pads attached thereto and a golf club fixing device for fixing a putter or an iron golf club Thereto, wherein the arm device has the function of adjusting the distance between right and left arms, the function of adjusting a positional relation between right and left arms, the function of adjusting an angle in the arm device, the function of adjusting the angle formed by the arm device and the golf club fixing device and the function of adjusting the angle formed by the arm device and the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Kaneya Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7025198
    Abstract: The invention provides an absorbent pad for a case-ready package that has a controlled rate of wicking. The packaging comprises a support member, a food product that exudes liquids positioned on the support member, an absorbent pad between the food product and the support member, and a lid member enclosing the package. The absorbent pad is composed of an upper layer, an intermediate absorbent layer, and a lower layer. The upper and lower layers extend beyond the periphery of the absorbent layer and are attached directly to one another. Preferably, the upper and lower layers are composed of nonwoven materials that are coated with a hydrophilic composition. Typically the upper layer will be a spunbonded/meltblown/spunbonded web and the lower layer will be a spunbonded web. The hydrophilic coating wicks liquid exuded by the food product into the absorbent layer, and therefore prevents the accumulation of liquids within the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Solomon Bekele, Richard E. Douglas, III, Grady Franklin Vaughn, Jr., David Kinard, Charles Kannankeril
  • Patent number: 7018303
    Abstract: A golf clubhead comprises a face portion having a back surface which is provided around a center region with at least two annular grooves so that the face portion is provided with at least two annular thin parts each being thinner than the center region and at least one rib part between the thin parts, whereby the rebound performance and durability of the face portion can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Akio Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7018306
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball can be prepared, possessing the performance characteristics of both a solid ball and a wound ball, by selecting the content and thickness of one or more of the layers, wherein the multi-layer golf ball comprises a center, an intermediate layer, a wound layer of tensioned material, and a cover, such that any one or more of the following are satisfied: (a) at least a portion of the intermediate layer includes a thermoset material; (b) the winding includes fiber, glass, carbon, polyether urea, polyether block copolymers, polyester urea, polyester block copolymers, isotactic-poly(propylene), polyethylene, polyamide, poly(oxyethylene), polyketone, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), poly(acrylonitrile), diaminodicyclohexyhnethane, dodecanedicarboxylic acid, or copolymers or combinations thereof; (c) the thickness of the wound layer is less than about 1 mm; and (d) at least a portion of the cover includes a thermoset material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Roman D. Halko, Brian R. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7014573
    Abstract: A method for making a multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Dalton, Herbert C. Boehm, Christopher Cavallaro
  • Patent number: 7004467
    Abstract: The present invention is a seven-card-stud poker game, played with at least one standard poker deck of 52 cards, plus at least one Joker. Two or more players may participate in the game. One of the players is the Banker whom other players play against. A Player who is not a Banker may place a Poker Bet wager and/or a Pair Of Aces Or Better Bet wager; after at least one of two said wagers is placed, the Player has the option to place a Bonus Bet wager. Subsequently each Player and the Banker are each dealt seven cards, and then the Players and the Banker each then selects and keeps his or her best 5-card poker hand and discards two other cards from his or her own seven cards. To win a Poker Bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must rank higher than the Banker's best 5-card poker hand. To win a Pair Of Aces Or Better Bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must be a pair of Aces or better.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Henry Tien Lo
  • Patent number: 7001284
    Abstract: The present invention provides a putter-fitting template that enables fitters to scribe various lines onto test putters. The template fits securely and temporarily onto the putter head and includes line guides for drawing the scribe lines onto the putter. The invention also provides a method for fitting a golfer with a custom-fit putter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: David Edel
  • Patent number: 7001290
    Abstract: A basketball goal system having a lightweight blow molded support frame and a transparent acrylic backboard is disclosed. The support frame includes an outer periphery and a support structure that is disposed within the outer periphery. The support structure divides the frame into two or more sections and at least a portion of the two or more sections are preferably covered by the acrylic backboard. Advantageously, the support structure and frame can create a lightweight basketball backboard with consistent rebounding characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Robert Astle, Carl R. Stanford, Stephen F. Nye
  • Patent number: 6997825
    Abstract: A toss-game structure for poolside use includes a target supported at a height from a base and having front and rear portions defining an interior space. The target front portion includes at least one opening for receipt of a tossed object in the interior space. The target portions each have surfaces defining a portion of a substantially prolate sphere for collectively simulating a football shape. A support post includes opposite ends engaging the base and the target rear portion such that a majority of the target is positioned forwardly of a front edge of the base. The structure further includes a backstop having upper and lower portions. The upper portion is curved about a vertical axis to define a concave surface in the form of a partial cylinder. The lower portion is curved about horizontal and vertical axes in the form of a partial bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Meese, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan M. Girard, Robert W. Dunne, Ronald C. Midili
  • Patent number: 6994637
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60) and an aft-body (61) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of a metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The striking plate portion (72) preferably has concentric regions of thickness with the thickness portion in the center (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: James M. Murphy, Herbert Reyes, Peter L. Soracco, Matthew T. Cackett, J. Andrew Galloway, Richard C. Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Alan Hocknell
  • Patent number: 6991568
    Abstract: A basketball frame structure includes a backboard, two fixing plates, a base, two first upright rods, two second upright rods, two first links, an adjusting bar, two second links, and a plurality of hollow weights. Thus, the height of the backboard is changed by movement of the adjusting bar, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the height of the backboard. In addition, when the adjusting bar is moved, the positioning bolt is slidable in the slideway of the adjusting bar and detachably locked in either one of the retaining slots of the adjusting bar, so that the height of the backboard is changed in a multi-stage manner so as to fit requirements of different users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Acas Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-Yi Tien
  • Patent number: 6991560
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a hollow body with a heel, a toe, a top, a bottom, a strike plate and a rear portion. A recess is defined at the bottom of the body and extends to the rear portion of the body. A strip is integrated with the body covering the recess. A tab is formed at the rear portion of the body, and has an inlet defined through the tab and in communication with the recess. Vibration-absorbing material is injected into the recess through the inlet. A sealing element is engaged in the inlet to enclose the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Wen-Cheng Tseng
  • Patent number: 6984181
    Abstract: A putter club head having a metal body and a non-metal crown portion is disclosed herein. The body has a front wall, a sole wall, a ribbon wall and a ledge. The crown portion is preferably composed of a composite material and has a top wall, a side wall and a front wall. The crown portion is preferably attached by a liquid adhesive to the ledge of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Ronald K. Hettinger, Herbert Reyes, Daniel T. Fox
  • Patent number: 6981921
    Abstract: A training device is provided for teaching the proper technique for the putting of a golf ball. The training device includes a putting surface having contours therein and a cup for receiving a golf ball. A tee box is provided on the putting surface. The tee box has ball placement indicia for placing a golf ball thereon, a length generally equal to a desired length of a stroke of the putter necessary to putt the golf ball from the ball placement indicia into the cup in the putting surface, and a width generally equal to the width of the putter. Roll path indicia on the putting surface identifies a roll path for the golf ball as it travels between the ball placement indicia and the cup in the putting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Scott, Matthourasy S. Soubannarath
  • Patent number: 6979274
    Abstract: A portable goal assembly that folds in two dimensions is disclosed. The goal assembly includes tubular members, most of which are connected by hinges to facilitate movement between expanded and collapsed configurations. The hinges may be lockable to provide bracing when the goal assembly is in its expanded configuration. The goal assembly includes a pair of U-shaped, open-ended frames pivoted together by hinges at their open ends and also connected by two diagonal braces mounted to the frame by rotating tee fittings. The diagonal braces fold on hinges when the frames are pivoted substantially parallel to each other to make the goal assembly nearly flat. The center members of each frame also fold on hinges to reduce the size of the goal still further. Once folded for transport or storage, the goal assembly may be carried by a shoulder strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Richard A. Raber
  • Patent number: 6976926
    Abstract: A ball striking practice device is described in which a ball tethered to a pole can be struck by a player with a bat or racquet and will wrap around the pole and resile outwardly where it can be struck again. The device's service life is improved by providing a flat triangular ball positioner while aligns the tether cord in straight lines to pole attachment points, forming the cord from a flexible metal strand, preferably sheathed, constructing the positioner from an elastomeric or fabric web material, and seating the cord in a recess or insert in the ball. The device is excellent for batting or kicking practice in sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, squash and handball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Pro Performance Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Richard LaPointe