Patents Examined by Mark Graham
  • Collapsible and portable sports net apparatus
    Patent number: 9750996
    Abstract: A net apparatus arranged to provide a net structure to capture or catch a projectile, that is easy to setup and is collapsible such that the frame structure is easy to assemble by a single individual. The net apparatus comprising a base structure including at least one support portion, at least one base extension, and a hinge, wherein the at least one support portion is coupled to the at least one base extension and the hinge. At least one rod is removably coupled to the base structure and received by a net, wherein the net is adapted to exert a force on the at least one rod causing the at least one rod to exert a force onto said hinge in order to lock the at least one support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: TRIAD SPORTS, INC.
    Inventors: David Nelson, John Lucas
  • Multipurpose shooting platform target and stand
    Patent number: 9746291
    Abstract: A multipurpose shooting platform target and stand devised for use in training with large caliber, high, and hyper velocity weaponry includes a target plate dependable from a frame member by hooked engagement between a cylindrical member and a rearward mount. The rearward mount is disposed upon a reverse surface of the target plate. Engagement with the cylindrical member of the frame member effects orientation of the target plate under the influence of gravity to rest at an acute angle relative an underlying surface. Impact of ballistics against an obverse surface of the target plate effects movement of a lowermost edge of the target plate rearwards, and impacted rounds are readily deflected in controlled trajectories downwards towards the underlying surface without danger of ricochet in unpredictable patterns. Swing of the target plate signals impact of the obverse surface to a shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Garrett Crawford
  • Ball bat including multiple failure planes
    Patent number: 9744416
    Abstract: A composite ball bat includes multiple failure planes within a barrel wall. By including multiple failure planes in a barrel wall, the bat exhibits a drop in performance when subjected to rolling or other extreme deflection, with no temporary increase in barrel performance. Because the barrel performance does not increase, the ball bat is able to comply with performance limitations imposed by regulatory associations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: EASTON DIAMOND SPORTS, LLC
    Inventors: Hsing-Yen Chuang, Dewey Chauvin
  • Hockey-stick blade with reinforcing frame
    Patent number: 9744417
    Abstract: A hockey-stick blade includes a reinforcing frame that provides improved strength, rigidity, and impact resistance. The reinforcing frame may be continuous along the top, bottom, and toe edges of the hockey-stick blade. The reinforcing frame optionally is a tubular structure made of fiber-reinforced epoxy resin. The interior of the reinforcing frame may include a core made of a resilient material, such as an expandable syntactic foam. Fiber reinforcement may also be included in the frame's construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Bauer Hockey, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen J. Davis
  • Cue with solid core construction
    Patent number: 9744434
    Abstract: A pool cue includes a butt having: an elongate central butt core, extending uninterrupted from a rearmost end of the butt to a foremost end of the butt; one or more oversleeves arranged about the central butt core and abutting one another; and a forward threaded butt connector positioned on the foremost end of the butt, the forward threaded butt connector operable to mate with a corresponding threaded shaft connector of a cue shaft. A shaft has: an elongate shaft sleeve, extending from a rearmost end of the shaft to a foremost end of the shaft; an elongate central shaft core, extending uninterrupted from the rearmost end of the shaft to the foremost end of the shaft; and a rearward threaded shaft connector positioned on the rearmost end of the shaft, the rearward threaded shaft connector operable to mate with the threaded butt connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Baby's Pro Shop, LLC
    Inventor: Mike Gulyassy
  • Portable target game with collecting unit
    Patent number: 9739576
    Abstract: A portable target game that can be set up and played anywhere. The game consists of moving targets within a concave backstop, the moving targets being attached to flexible rods such that hits on target fall into the base of the concave backstop. The game is meant to be played with existing, lightweight projectiles such as NERF guns and plastic balls. The concave backstop is foldable such that the game can be folded up with all of the projectiles inside, and disassembled for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Rajendraprasad Venigalla
  • Random launching and adjustable aperture catching game
    Patent number: 9737776
    Abstract: A catching game that is challenging even when played by one player. The catching game is a paddle-sized hand-held device that preferably incorporates an automatic launcher and an adjustable aperture catcher on the same hand-held device. The automatic launcher incorporates randomness into the launching mechanism, in order to increase the challenge to the player(s). The game also incorporates an electronic sensor to determine when a catch has been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Rajendraprasad Venigalla
  • Bat customization system
    Patent number: 9731179
    Abstract: An apparatus for engagement with a barrel of a bat includes a cup and at least one cover. The cup is secured for securement to a distal end of the barrel of the bat. The cup defines a cavity and includes a first connector portion. The at least one cover has a second connector portion cooperating with the first connector portion to releasably secure the cover to the cup over the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: Robert T. Thurman, Ty B. Goodwin, Joshua S. Stenzler, Mark A. Fritzke, Bradley L. Gaff, Jeffrey A. Flood, Sean S. Epling
  • Projectile arresting device and projectile arresting arrangement
    Patent number: 9733050
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a projectile arresting device (1) comprising a foundation (3) constituting a floor (7) and a rear wall (5) of the projectile arresting device. It further comprises partition walls (9) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rear wall (5), wherein the partition walls comprises a rear edge (10a) connected to the foundation (3), and a front edge (10b). Stopping materials (11) is arranged between the partition walls (9). A stopping material retaining layer (S) is arranged between the partition walls, and a pressure resistant wall (19) comprising a number of closely situated hollow sections (15) are connected to the front edges (10b) of the partition walls. The pressure resistant wall (19) further comprises a rear surface connected to the stopping material retaining layer (S) and a front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Stapp International AB
    Inventor: Gerth Moberg
  • Projectile arresting module and projectile arresting arrangement
    Patent number: 9726464
    Abstract: The invention shows a projectile arresting module (1) comprising a base frame (3), partition walls (9), stopping material (11) positioned between the partition walls (9) and a pressure resisting wall (19). The pressure resisting wall (19) comprises a tight row (25, 27) of vertical hollow sections (15). The inventions also shows a projectile arresting arrangement (100, 200, 300) comprising at least two projectile arresting modules (1), which at least two projectile arresting modules (1) are grouped together, thereby forming an I-shape, L-shape, U-shape, C-shape, F-shape, T-shape or E-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Stapp International AB
    Inventor: Gerth Moberg
  • Removable and configurable sporting goal target and target pockets
    Patent number: 9724580
    Abstract: An assembly for modifying/adapting a practice goal to serve as a sporting game practice aid. The assembly suitably includes a target and/or plurality of target pockets that can be removably coupled to the practice goal. This provides a physical target towards which to aim a sporting object (including a puck, ball, and/or the like), and thereby a means of evaluating one's progress towards mastery of the task at hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SHELTERIT, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Goldwitz
  • Soft toss game apparatus and method of playing game
    Patent number: 9724579
    Abstract: A method of playing a soft toss game utilizes a collapsible target structure. The method includes transporting the structure, which includes a plurality of bucket components, to a desired location. Each bucket component includes an outer wall, a bottom surface, and an open area at the top of the outer wall that is large enough to receive any of a plurality of tossable objects when tossed by a player. During transport, the bucket components are nested within one another. At the desired location, the bucket components are assembled in a stack. A first player tosses a first of the plurality of tossable objects in the general direction of the stack. A score is determined a score for the first player based on where the object lands relative to the stack. These steps are repeated until the game is completed. Then the bucket components are disassembled and re-nested within one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Allen
  • Ice hockey practice target
    Patent number: 9717968
    Abstract: An ice hockey practice target is provided, the target comprising a first substantially tubular portion, including a first end attached to a base and a second end constructed and arranged to engage an upper horizontal goal crossbar, and a second tubular portion attached to the base, the second tubular portion constructed and arranged to engage and secure a lower end of a vertical goal post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Rodney Olsen
  • Inter-locking signs or targets
    Patent number: 9714816
    Abstract: A target and/or sign which is light weight, sturdy and easy to use may include a main body and a base configured for coupling to the main body. The base may include a main portion with two sides coupled to it. A coupling slit may be formed in each of the two sides. The sign may include two coupling locations formed in the main body. The coupling slits on the base are configured for receiving the two coupling locations on the main body. Embodiments of a target system may include a main body. At least one coupling location may be formed in the main body. The target system may also include a base. The base may include at least one coupling slit configured to receive the at least one coupling location. An extension piece may be placed between the base and the main body in the target and/or sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Freedom Standalone, LLC
    Inventor: Dorian Temple
  • Edible skeet
    Patent number: 9709365
    Abstract: A frangible flying target for use in inanimate bird shooting. The target may include a body substantially formed from matter edible to animals. The body may include at least one of protein meal; urea; condensed distillers solubles; and cement. The protein meal may be encased in an edible binder. Making the target may be carried out by mixing the ingredients and curing in a desired target shape. This may be carried out by molding. In other examples, the target may be made by making a blank using molding or extrusion, and then trimming or machining the blank to the desired target shape. The mixture may comprise, by total weight of the mixture, 5-20 percent cement, 0.5-25 percent molasses, 0-10 percent salt, and 0.5-10 percent urea; and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen R. West
  • Firearm target with lock on pattern
    Patent number: 9709364
    Abstract: A firearm target is specially adapted for the purpose of sighting in a scoped firearm. The scope has a reticle with horizontal and vertical lines forming crosshairs. The target has a cross pattern in contrasting colors with a cross shaped gap. The gap is highly visible and may even be in a reflective color. The gap size is selected to match the crosshair thickness and the targeting distance. Aligning the crosshairs to the gap significantly or completely hides the gap. Misaligning the crosshairs to the gap causes the gap to become more visible because of the gap's highly noticeable and contrasting colors. The target thereby provides a lock-on functionality for a marksman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas D. Ervin
  • Toss game target and method of play
    Patent number: 9707461
    Abstract: A toss game assembly that includes a projectile and a target for receiving the projectile. The target has a series of concentric cylinders. A target receptacle is suspended inside the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder at a first distance below its top edge. During play, a person can toss the projectile into the top of any of the concentric cylinders. Alternatively, a user can direct the projectile to rebound into the target receptacle on the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder. Different points are assigned to different target areas, wherein the smaller the target opening the more points are awarded for placing the tossed projectile into that target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin J. McKnight
  • Gun target system
    Patent number: 9702667
    Abstract: A shooting target system includes a hub assembly a plurality of legs configured to removably engage with the plurality of leg fasteners of the housing; a plurality of arms configured to removably engage with the plurality of arm fasteners; a plurality of targets removably secured to the plurality of arms. The hub assembly includes a housing having a plurality of leg fastener joints; a shaft extending from the housing; and a hub rotatably secured to the shaft and having a plurality of arm fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy J. Gutierrez
  • Instrumented, angle-adjustable batting tee
    Patent number: 9700777
    Abstract: An instrumented, swing path adjustable, angle-adjustable batting tee is disclosed that measures both a bat speed and a ball exit velocity as a hitter swings a bat and initiates contact with a ball positioned on the tee. A bat speed radar detector is coupled to the tee and positioned within proximity of the ball set on the tee so that the bat speed radar detector measures the bat speed upon the bat initiating contact with the ball. A ball exit velocity radar is coupled to the tee and positioned within proximity of a ball flight of the ball as it leaves the bat so that the ball exit velocity radar measures the ball exit velocity of the ball in-flight after contact between the bat and the ball. The ball flight is a path that the ball travels after contact between the bat and a baseball or softball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Sports Sensor, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert E. Dilz, Jr.
  • Handle weighted bat and assembly process
    Patent number: 9700776
    Abstract: A handle weighted bat according to various embodiments can include an elongated barrel portion. A handle weighted portion is included such that the largest concentration of mass is provided in the handle portion and for positioning the center of gravity within the handle portion of the bat. The handle weighted portion is configured as a one-piece, solid body construction that forms an integral knob and rod portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: 5 Star, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shocklee, Donald L. Mackey