Patents Examined by Gregory Vidovich
  • Mechanical roping steer apparatus with enhanced stride simulation
    Patent number: 6736399
    Abstract: A mechanical roping steer apparatus with enhanced stride simulation includes a forward support assembly for resting on a ground surface. The support assembly has a front and a rear. A rearward steer assembly is located rearwardly of the support assembly and is mounted on the rear of the support assembly. The steer assembly comprises a leg assembly including a pair of leg members being pivotable with respect to the ground surface and an actuation mechanism for pivoting the leg members when the support assembly is moved across the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Alan R. Copenhaver
  • Integrated storage apparatus for vehicle cargo compartments
    Patent number: 6732895
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments are provided and include cover panels that are pivotally secured to cargo compartment walls and are movable between a closed position covering a storage area and an open position substantially transverse to the wall allowing access to the storage area. One or more additional panels may be provided that are movable between respective stored positions and operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Duane Poliquin, Robert Mamo
  • Process for forming aluminum hydroforms
    Patent number: 6732434
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for forming aluminum alloy hydroformed structures for automotive vehicles at low cost. The process continuously casts molten aluminum alloy into aluminum alloy strip material preferably followed by continuously warm rolling the strip material into aluminum alloy sheet material. The sheet material is formed into one or more aluminum alloy tubes and the tubes are hydroformed into the desired automotive vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Aihua A. Luo, Anil K. Sachdev
  • Golf practice aid
    Patent number: 6729966
    Abstract: A pair of error amplification deflectors, releasably attached to the face of a golf club with hook and loop patches, are spaced to provide a central zone on the face of the club for directing a golf ball along a normal path upon squarely striking the ball, but are shaped for redirecting the path of the ball upon striking the ball to provide a signal indicative of an off-center putting stroke or golf swing. The hook and loop patches permit adjustment of the width of the center zone for different levels of practice difficulty, and provide further indication of an off-center stroke by absorbing energy to decelerate the speed of the redirected ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventors: Pete Barelli, John Barelli
  • Carrying case with selectively adjustable stand
    Patent number: 6729518
    Abstract: This invention relates to a portable case adapted for holding hand held devices such as phones, cameras, camcorders, radios and other products as well as non-electronic devices such as flashlights. The case is supported by a selectively bendable stand which may be altered in any variety of positions to provide a support for the case and associated electronic equipment. The case may also include an elastic cord element to removably interconnect the electronic device on an exterior surface of the case during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Intelligent Designs 2000 Corp.
    Inventors: Paul Badillo, Sandra Martinez, Richard N. Case
  • Table tennis table, conversion kit and associated method
    Patent number: 6729982
    Abstract: A table tennis table has a main panel defining a playing surface and a pair of opposing edges. A frame is connected to the playing surface for supporting the playing surface in a horizontal orientation, a pair of substantially rigid auxiliary panels, and adjustable mounting elements mounting the auxiliary panels to the frame along respective ones of the edges so that the auxiliary panels each have a first orientation extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the main panel and an alternate second orientation substantially coplanar with the main panel to extend the playing surface of the main panel. A table tennis net is connected perpendicular to the playing surface and extends transversely along a midline thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Wilk Patent Development Corp.
    Inventors: Richard Appelbaum, Peter J. Wilk
  • Basketball shooting trainer device
    Patent number: 6729979
    Abstract: A basketball shooting trainer device for teaching a user to correctly shoot and release a basketball. The basketball shooting trainer device includes a piece of material having a top edge and a bottom edge and being adapted to removably cover a back of a user's basketball shooting hand; and also includes tubular finger members extending from the top edge of the piece of material and being adapted to fittingly receive a user's fingers; and further includes a finger wedge being attached to the piece of material for keeping a user's middle two fingers spread apart; and also includes a support member being attached to the piece of material; and also includes a strap assembly being attached along the bottom edge of the piece of material and being adapted to removably fasten about a user's wrist to support the piece of material upon the user's basketball shooting hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy D. Sullivan
  • Foul ball basket for baseball backstops
    Patent number: 6729981
    Abstract: A safety device that allows a baseball spectator to return a foul ball without interrupting the game or risking injury to a player or an umpire, made up of a basket that attaches to the spectators' side of a backstop. The basket has an opening through which a spectator can insert a retrieved foul ball and has a flapped opening through which an umpire can collect the ball as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. Clifton
  • Two-piece golf ball
    Patent number: 6729974
    Abstract: The present invention is a two-piece golf ball which includes a core and a cover having a thickness of 1.0 to 3.0 mm. The core is made from a rubber composition containing a main rubber component which mainly contains polybutadiene. The cover is made from a material mainly containing an ionomer resin in which at least one kind of silicone powder selected from a silicone rubber powder, a silicon resin powder, and a composite powder thereof is dispersedly blended. The core has a hardness corresponding to a deflection in a range of 3.3 to 6.0 mm under an applied load of 100 kg. The cover has a Durometer D hardness in a range of 55 to 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Hayashi, Hisashi Yamagishi, Yasumasa Shimizu, Yasushi Ichikawa
  • Putting training aid and calibration device
    Patent number: 6729968
    Abstract: A putting training aid and putter calibration device for use on a putting surface is disclosed which includes a horizontal calibrated bar with a linear centered scale and a parallel calibration block having an oblique face and set on the practice putting surface below and offset from the horizontal calibrated bar. Also provided is a linear scale decal which is applied to a putter shaft. The device is designed to align the putter head to proper lie and neutral loft so that the face is square to the intended target line and to teach the golfer the proper grip, stance, alignment of the golfer, alignment of the club and proper putting stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventors: Richard M. Port, John M. Andrews
  • Ball hitting practice apparatus
    Patent number: 6729978
    Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Solid Contact Baseball, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Moss, Hawthon Smith, Gediminas Campe
  • Golf ball
    Patent number: 6729975
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a golf ball is disclosed. A cover is molded through use of either a thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group or a thermoplastic resin containing a compound having two or more groups capable of reacting with an isocyanate group. Subsequently, a polyisocyanate compound is caused to permeate into the surface layer of the cover to thereby cause the reaction between the polyisocyanate compound and the group(s) capable of reacting with the isocyanate group. As a result, a modified layer having excellent properties is formed at the surface of the cover formed from thermoplastic resin. In this case, a non-yellowing polyurethane resin is preferably used as the thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group, and 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) is preferably used as the polyisocyanate compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Inoue, Keisuke Ihara, Hirotaka Shimosaka, Yutaka Masutani, Atsuki Kasashima
  • Billiards practice table
    Patent number: 6729964
    Abstract: A billiard practice platform, comprising a playing surface with two side rails and a back wall defining an open-ended practice area, and a target panel located essentially parallel to and adjacent the back wall thereby defining a ball capture portion, the target panel having at least one arch-defining openings therethrough, wherein a user shoots a cue ball toward a target ball with the objective of propelling the target ball through the at least one arch-defining opening and into the ball capture portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Charles E. Reeves, Jr.
  • Method for connecting workpieces by cold forming
    Patent number: 6729009
    Abstract: The invention relates to press tools for the connection, by cold forming, of tubular workpieces (2, 3) whose connection regions are provided with circular external cross-sectional shapes and are pushed one into the other. The press jaws (10) of the press tool have, in the closed state, approximately the external cross-sectional shape of the workpieces and can be provided with recesses (13, 17). Such a press tool may also have only two press jaws (10) and one bearing bolt (4). As a result of drive forces (F) introduced into the tool, cold-forming forces are exerted on the workpieces (2, 3) via said tool. Depending on manufacturing tolerances of the workpieces (2, 3), the distance (A) between the press jaws (10) varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Hans-Joerg Goop
  • Quick change storage compartment for motorcycle
    Patent number: 6729516
    Abstract: A readily removable storage unit for mounting on the rear fender of a motorcycle comprising a storage compartment member defining an open cavity and a cover pivotably mounted on the compartment member adjacent its front end for movement between a cavity closing position and an open position. A lock is provided on the compartment member and the cover adjacent the rear wall for securing the cover in the cavity closing position. A fastener on the bottom wall of the compartment member is engageable with the rear fender of the motorcycle, and the saddle and compartment member have a cooperating releasable tongue and bracket so that the storage unit is mounted by first engaging the saddle and then engaging the fastener in the motorcycle rear fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Corbin Pacific, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Hanagan
  • Two-piece golf ball
    Patent number: 6726578
    Abstract: A two-piece golf ball includes a core and a cover having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The core has a hardness corresponding to a deflection in a range of 3.0 to 5.5 mm under a load of 100 kg. The cover has a Durometer D hardness 45 to 55. Dimples numbering 300 to 550 pieces are formed in the surface of the golf ball so that a dimple total volume ratio VR, which is a ratio of the total of volumes of dimple spaces under the planes surrounded by edges of the dimples in the surface of the golf ball to the total volume of a virtual ball as a result of assumption that no dimple is formed in the surface of the golf ball, is 0.85% or less. The two-piece golf ball is excellent in resilience, flight distance characteristic, controllability, and feel of hitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports CO, LTD
    Inventors: Junji Hayashi, Hisashi Yamagishi, Yasumasa Shimizu, Yasushi Ichikawa
  • Device for golf practice
    Patent number: 6726574
    Abstract: A device for golf practice, comprising an adjustable sloping board shaped with a board, formed with a support mat, on the top face of which a golf ball is located, a plurality of leg sets each provided at positions adjacent to four sides of the bottom face of the adjustable sloping board. A shortest leg of each leg set is positioned outermost, and a longest leg is positioned innermost. A guide channel is depressed downward and is extended longitudinally on the top face of the adjustable sloping board. A plurality of receiving holes communicating with the guide channel are formed inwardly at regular intervals. A rotatable member, on which a coupling part coupled with the golf ball is rotatably formed, is received in the receiving hole after being moved along the guide channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Heung Goo Kim
  • Golf ball of unitary molded construction
    Patent number: 6726577
    Abstract: The invention herein disclosed is, in one embodiment, directed to a golf ball of unitary molded construction, wherein the golf ball is foamed from a composition that comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a thermoplastic elastomer, and a blowing agent, and wherein the golf ball has (i) a diameter that ranges from about 1.6 to about 1.75 inches, (ii) a weight that ranges from about 10 to about 15 grams, and (iii) a coefficient of restitution value that ranges from about 0.33 to about 0.42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Almost Golf, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Peterson
  • Golf stance foot alignment, ball position and club face square guide
    Patent number: 6726576
    Abstract: A guide assists a golfer to assume a proper golf swing stance. A coupling joins first and second elongated members with their axes in perpendicular relationship. The second member overlies the first. The coupling is slidably disposed on the first member and the second member is slidably disposed on the coupling. The first member provides a visual aid for the alignment of the golfer's feet parallel to an imaginary target line and the second member provides a visual aid positioning the ball in the stance and for squaring the face of the club to the ball at the point of impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel D. Froggatte
  • Day and night croquet and bocce
    Patent number: 6723013
    Abstract: Chemoluminescent illuminators are used to provide night visible game equipment, notably, croquet and bocce. The balls are hollow metal spheres having plural openings and light stick receptors to retain the light stick in the ball. Light emitted from the light stick escapes from the opaque balls through the openings. The interior surface of the sphere may be treated in a variety of ways to increase light scattering within the hollow interior to define an integrating sphere. Different colored illuminators are provided to mark different balls as relating to different players. Wickets preferably comprise elongate chemoluminescent illuminators that are held in proximity to conventional wickets with torsional springs or with loops formed in the wickets. Wicket holders may also be provided to assist with directly supporting the chemoluminescent illuminators that are used as wickets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Technical Visions Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ilcisin, Thomas S. Buzak