Patents Examined by Gregory Vidovich
  • Patent number: 6916257
    Abstract: A portable basketball goal system having an adjustable wheel assembly is disclosed. The portable basketball goal system may comprise a rigid pole, a support base, an adjustable wheel assembly, and an engaging member. The support base is configured to maintain the rigid pole in a generally elevated position. The adjustable wheel assembly is connected to the support base and has an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wheel assembly supportably engages a playing surface. In the disengaged position, the wheel assembly may not supportably engage the playing surface. The adjustable wheel assembly may be slidably coupled to the support base. The adjustable wheel assembly may be operated by an engaging member coupled to a cam surface. The cam surface may interact with a follower to transition the adjustable wheel assembly between the supportable and unsupportable engagements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. van Nimwegen
  • Patent number: 6916253
    Abstract: A golf club with hollow construction, having a lowered center of gravity while retaining its inherent features such as a large moment of inertia and a deep position of the center of gravity. A head 1 comprises a face portion 10 for forming a face 3; a head body 11 including a shaft connecting portion 8 and a frame portion 15 joined to a rear peripheral surface of the face portion 10; a rear shell 12 joined to a rear peripheral surface of the frame portion 15. The rear shell 12 forms a hollow portion 17 together with the face portion 10 and the head body 11. The head 1 further includes a balance weight 13 joined to the rear shell 12 on the hollow portion 17 side. Therefore, there can be provided a golf club in which a miss hit leads to a less likelihood of unsuccessful consequence, so that it is easy to use even for beginners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Endo Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hitoshi Takeda
  • Patent number: 6913544
    Abstract: A golf or divot practice mat, comprising a base element and a mark retaining surface operably secured or mounted to the base element. The mark retaining surface may be a no carbon required paper, carbon paper, or wax containing surface, and has one or more simulated golf balls imprinted thereon. The mark retaining surface may be secured to the base element by dowels, adhesives, hook and loop fastening material, or other fastening mechanism. A mark is left on the mark retaining surface from contact with the golf club head, which instantly records and characteristics a golf swing, position, and angle of contact with the simulated golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: The Tiffin Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Tiffin
  • Patent number: 6913547
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover disposed about the core, wherein the core comprises a center and at least one outer core layer adjacent the center, and the cover comprises at least one inner cover layer and an outer cover layer, wherein the center has an outer diameter from about 0.375 in to about 1.4 in and deflection of greater than about 4.5 mm under a load of 100 Kg, the outer core layer has an outer diameter of from about 1.4 in to about 1.62 in, the inner cover layer has an outer diameter of greater than about 1.58 in and a material hardness of less than about 72 Shore D, and the outer cover layer has a hardness of greater than about 50 Shore D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Christopher Cavallaro, Ryan B. Bosanko, Edmund A. Hebert
  • Patent number: 6913542
    Abstract: A golf club for showing swing condition has a shaft and a head connecting to the shaft, and the head having a striking face. The golf club has a visible illuminant that is mounted on the head and exposed outside the head with an upward angle. A battery is for providing electrical power to the light. A centrifugal switch that is actuated by centrifugal force is mounted on the head opposite the striking face for controlling a circuit between the battery and the illuminant. Thereby the illuminant will light by a predetermined-strength centrifugal force during swinging the golf club for investigating the body harmony and strength-exerting condition of golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventors: Chin-Te Hu, Yung-Tsao Chou
  • Patent number: 6913543
    Abstract: The present invention is a piece of exercise equipment designed to train and condition sport-specific muscle groups used during a swinging motion, as in golf. It is comprised of a mechanical linkage, with at least six free-moving joints, so that it effectively simulates a wide variety of golf swings without the need for complex adjustments and provides for smooth and even distribution of resistance to the various muscle groups involved in the swinging motion. It includes a resistance mechanism, such as a pulley system linked to two one-way hydraulic cylinders. This allows a user to simultaneously practice swing form and technique while also strengthening and conditioning the specific muscles needed for the sport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventors: David F. Chapman, Truman Vincent Cole, Kevin Paul Cavaretta
  • Patent number: 6910973
    Abstract: A golf swing training device includes a grip including a grip bore, a shaft including a shaft bore, a tension cord received within the grip bore and the shaft bore, a first securing device configured to prevent the tension cord from slipping out of the grip bore and the shaft bore, and a second securing device configured to prevent the tension cord from slipping out of the grip bore and the shaft bore, wherein the second securing device creates tension on the tension cord by restricting movement of the training device and is configured to be received within an opening formed in an open door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Robert F. Kuster
  • Patent number: 6910974
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an intermediate layer, and a cover, the solid core is formed mainly of an organosulfur compound-containing base rubber, the intermediate layer is formed mainly of a base resin containing at least 50% by weight of a polyurethane elastomer, the cover is formed mainly of a polyurethane elastomer, and the Shore D hardnesses of the layers are controlled. The golf ball has excellent travel distance and feel as well as improved scuff resistance and durability to repeated impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6910976
    Abstract: A multi-component lacrosse stick head, made of at least two materials, including a base lacrosse head structure of one material and one or more overlays made of one or more other materials strategically located on the base structure. The base structure and overlays provide particular performance characteristics for the lacrosse head. An embodiment of the invention includes a base lacrosse head structure, and at least one of a ball stop overlay, a sidewall overlay, an edge overlay, a thread opening overlay, and a scoop overlay. The overlays are affixed to the base lacrosse head structure by, for example, insert molding, over molding, reaction injection molding, spray application, rotational molding, dual extrusion, casting, or an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: STX, LLC
    Inventor: Richard B. C. Tucker, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6905423
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball that provides improved playing characteristics by providing a cushioning interface between a center and subsequent layers. The ball can include a center, a soft intermediate layer, and a cover, although various constructions and modifications are possible. The intermediate layer can include an elastomeric latex or solution that will dry to form a soft film on the surface of the center. Such a soft rubber interlayer can serve as a cushioning interface to help improve durability and softness of the ball upon club impact. In another embodiment, the thin intermediate layer includes a responsive viscoelastic composition that exhibits an increase in viscosity under shear forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6905121
    Abstract: Play of a game is controlled using an indicator card. The indicator card is optionally the size and shape of a playing card and may include indicia thereon. The indicator card is inserted into a randomized stack of playing cards. From the top of the stack to the indicator card, play is conducted in conventional fashion while permitting additional players to join. When the indicator card is reached, the indicator card is optionally displayed and play is conducted in conventional fashion without permitting additional players to join.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Mike Timpano
  • Patent number: 6905425
    Abstract: A golf ball is provided that is soft and thus provides an excellent shot feeling, the golf ball exhibiting less deterioration in impact resilience and a superior spin characteristic. The golf ball is further superior in burr resistance and scuff resistance when being shot by an iron club. The golf ball is formed of a core and a cover surrounding the core and the cover composition contains a polymer component including 10 to 80 parts by weight of an ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer-based ionomer resin (Component A), 0 to 60 parts by weight of an ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid-(meth)acrylic acid ester ternary copolymer-based ionomer resin (Component B), and 5 to 60 parts by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer containing a styrene block (Component C). The cover composition has a shore D hardness of 40 to 60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 6902496
    Abstract: A putter golf club head includes a body fitted with relatively high-density heel and toe inserts. A golf putter club head includes a body formed of a first material (e.g., titanium) having a density of approximately 3.0 g/cm3 to 7.0 g/cm3. Two cavities are formed in the body, one adjacent to the heel region of the body, and another adjacent to the toe region. Inserts are provided in each of the two cavities and are formed of a second material (e.g., tungsten) having a density ranging from approximately 15.0 g/cm3 to 20.0 g/cm3. The cavities may be configured such that they extend to (or are bounded by) the bottom surface and/or the front face of the body. In one embodiment, the body of the putter club head has an elastic modulus greater than approximately 90 GPa while the density of the insert material is greater than the density of the body material by a factor of at least 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, Bradley D. Schweigert, Eric V. Cole
  • Patent number: 6902498
    Abstract: A perimeter weighted golf ball with a low compression core is provided. The core preferably comprises a diene polymer that has low cross-link density or not cross-linked with a reactive co-agent. This core has low compression and low specific gravity. The low specific gravity core is encased within a thin dense layer positioned outside of the centroid radius to provide the ball with a high moment of inertia. The same core can be encased within a plurality of intermediate layers having either increasing hardness or decreasing hardness to provide selective golf balls for either low swing speed players or advanced players. Alternatively, a thin layer of diene polymer highly cross-linked with reactive a co-agent may be incorporated into the ball to increase the hardness of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Michael J Sullivan, Derek A Ladd, Peter R. Voorheis
  • Patent number: 6902501
    Abstract: A lacrosse head for use with a lacrosse handle includes a frame element including an arcuate wall, a scoop opposing the arcuate wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls. The sidewalls generally extend between the arcuate wall and the scoop. The frame element has a socket extending rearwardly therefrom for receipt of a handle therein. The lacrosse head has a plurality of net attachment means formed therein for attachment of lacrosse net thereto. The lacrosse head has a pocket area defined by a lower portion of the arcuate wall, the scoop, and a lower portion of each of the pair of opposing sidewalls. The lacrosse head also has a catching area defined by an upper portion of the arcuate wall, the scoop, and an upper portion of each of the pair of opposing sidewalls. The catching area of the head is larger than the pocket area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Warrior Lacrosse, Inc.
    Inventors: David Morrow, Jesse Hubbard
  • Patent number: 6902500
    Abstract: A game and method of playing a game are disclosed. A playing field having a scoring objective region and a neutral zone extending from the scoring objective region are provided. The neutral zone divides the playing field. At least two playing objects are activated to initiate a play wherein the activating designates play zones relative to the neutral zone where players remain for a remainder of a play. The playing objects are conveyed to the players on the field to permit scoring opportunities for the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Philip E. Pettey
  • Patent number: 6899330
    Abstract: A game in which a pair of dice are rolled and a score is kept according to the rules of bowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Fredrick I. Zink
  • Patent number: 6899639
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a cover layer. The core is formed of a first composition and the cover is formed of a second composition. The specific gravity values of each of the first and second compositions are generally equal to each other. The first and second compositions are each sufficiently mixed such that the ball exhibits random orientation when floated in a solution of sufficient density to support the ball. The weight, size, spherical symmetry, initial velocity and overall distance of the ball conform to the requirements of the United States Golf Association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: Frank M. Simonutti, Wayne R. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6899640
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a one-piece golf ball formed by vulcanization from a rubber composition composed of 100 parts by weight of rubber base material, 10 to 40 parts by weight of unsaturated carboxylic acid, 10 to 60 parts by weight of metal oxide, and 0.9 to 5 parts by weight of organic peroxide, said rubber base material containing 60 to 100% by weight based on the weight of a polybutadiene which is synthesized with a catalyst of rare earth element, contains no less than 60% of cis-1,4-linkage, and has a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4(100° C.)) no less than 40. This golf ball has good shot feeling and high rebound resilience and is easy to produce by extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroto Sasaki, Hiroshi Higuchi, Nobuyuki Kataoka, Atsushi Nanba
  • Patent number: 6899335
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a learning system that uses the concept of tossing a token (dart) at a specifically designed game board for individual or team players. Included in this invention are variations of the learning system involving religious, phonetic and phonological awareness, vocabulary, geography, mathematical, historical, and other facts. This system incorporates the concepts of the general game playing skills and tactics of a commonly known game, darts, but further incorporates the concept of using various facts and a point earning scheme to constitute a learning system that while educational is also entertaining. This learning system includes but is not limited to darts and dart boards because the game board can be made from various materials that will allow it to be safely used by children and adults of all ages both indoors and outdoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Carla G. Wilson