Patents Examined by Nini F. Legesse
  • Golf putting vent with adjustable ramp
    Patent number: 10737166
    Abstract: Golf putting practice devices and methods are described that can be used to practice putting indoors on a flat surface or in an opening in the floor. For example, some example golf putting practice devices described herein may include a ball receptacle, a frame, and a ramp. The ball receptacle has one or more walls defining a cavity sized to receive a golf ball. The frame has multiple openings to allow a flow of air when the device is placed over an opening in the floor, such as a duct outlet of a forced air circulation system. The ramp of the device may be adjustable between different lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Jon K. Alexandres
  • Novelty pop-up toy assembly
    Patent number: 10737193
    Abstract: A pop-up toy assembly includes a head portion having a cap portion with an interior space, a base portion, a mesh tubing having a top end portion and a bottom end portion narrower than the top end portion, and a latching mechanism, wherein the top end portion is attached to an interior surface of the interior space of the head portion and the bottom end portion is attached to the base portion, the mesh tubing is configured to invert inwards when a compress force is applied to move the assembly from an uncompressed state to a compressed state, and the latching mechanism is configured to latch the head portion and the base portion in a compressed state and, upon impact with another object, the latching mechanism is configured to unlatch from the compressed state and spring back to the uncompressed state with enough force to propel the assembly away from the another object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Genie Toys plc
    Inventor: Casey W. Norman
  • Nested counterweight for a rotatable performance device
    Patent number: 10722808
    Abstract: A nested counterweight for a rotatable performance device includes an outer housing and an inner slider. The outer housing defines an interior volume and is configured to be positioned along a string of the rotatable performance device. The inner slider is also configured to be positioned along the string of the rotatable performance device. The inner slider is positioned within the interior volume on the outer housing in a nested configuration. The inner slider is positioned along the string away from the outer housing in a separated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Flambeau, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Jardin
  • Swing analysis method using a sweet spot trajectory
    Patent number: 10716989
    Abstract: A method for analyzing sensor data from baseball swings (or swings in similar sports) that transforms data into a reference frame defined by the bat orientation and velocity at impact. The trajectory of the sweet spot of the bat is tracked through the swing, and is analyzed to generate metrics describing the swing. A two-lever model of the swing may be used to model the effects of body rotation and wrist rotation. Data may be analyzed to identify relevant events during the swing such as start of downswing, commit (wrist release), on-plane, peak bat speed, and impact. Illustrative swing metrics derived from the sweet spot trajectory, the swing plane reference frame, and the two-lever model include: forward bat speed, on-plane rotation, hinge angle at commit, hinge angle at impact, body rotation ratio, body tilt angle, and swing plane tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: BLAST MOTION INC.
    Inventors: James Thornbrue, Patrick Cherveny, Bhaskar Bose, Michael Bentley, Ryan Kaps
  • Steerable toy car apparatus
    Patent number: 10709995
    Abstract: A steerable toy car apparatus for providing an engaging toy for children includes a body having a front cutout channel, a back cutout channel, a front crossmember, and a back crossmember. A front left wheel and a front right wheel have a front steering bracket and are coupled to the front crossmember. A back left wheel and a back right when have a back steering bracket and are coupled to the back crossmember. A front wheel pod and a back wheel pod are coupled to the front steering bracket and the back steering bracket, respectively. Connection cables are coupled to the body and the front wheel pod and the back wheel pod. The body pivots to turn each of the front left wheel, the front right wheel, the back left wheel, and the back right wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Geoffrey Smith
  • Golf practice apparatus
    Patent number: 10709950
    Abstract: A golf practice device uses magnetic attraction to implement a ball return function. A ball is fastened to a tether coupled to a post enabling the ball and tether to rotate in a plane around the post when the ball is struck by a golf club. The plane of rotation is at a non-zero angle relative to the ground plane to simulate a launch angle. The magnetic coupling causes the ball to come to rest in the same general position on the playing surface following the rotation. The device is adapted for temporary attachment to a playing surface such as a typical artificial grass mat, and the ball may be a hollow, plastic ball such as a perforated wiffle ball. The ball is also rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the tether to further mimic actual ball flight dynamics. The device can be used for hitting, pitching and chipping practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Charles A. Wilkins
  • Golf swing training device and method
    Patent number: 10709949
    Abstract: A golf swing training device and method for preventing hyperextension of a joint during golf, or any other activity in which hyperextension occurs. The device includes a curved elongate member, which contains a bend that coincides with the joint, attached below the user's elbow using any one or more straps, cam buckles, and hooks and loops fasteners. The elongate member, when worn properly, does not allow the elbow to hyperextend as the top portion of the elongate member hits the back of the user's arm when the arm is straightened, preventing any further movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Erika Wicoff
  • Golf training aid
    Patent number: 10702754
    Abstract: A golf training aid that may be attached to any golf club that may force a golfer's hands into the proper grip position for various types of golf shots is provided. The device and methods of the present disclosure may further allow a golfer to practice these shots to build muscle memory and to ingrain the proper grip positions into memory to allow for repeated and consistent shot performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: LOCK-IN GOLF GRIP, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Victor Ianazone
  • Integrated multi environment interactive battle game
    Patent number: 10702767
    Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for a battling game which may use two or four physical toy tops and a stadium-shaped toy game board arena for physical game play interactions between game players. The battling 2-in-1 stadium battle dome allows a number of users to play on one side and then flip over to play on the other, encouraging 2 and 4 player battles. The stadium is shaped like a dome, enclosed on both sides, and there are two different sides to play on, overall creating four different play surfaces. The toy has double sided suspended play surfaces for corresponding game play with various surfaces of the different sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon Antonio Campos, Michelino Paolino, Jr., Douglas Arthur Schultheis, Luke Lohan
  • Golf ball stopping device for simulating a putting green hole
    Patent number: 10702752
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel golf ball stopping device. The golf ball stopping device includes an upper plate, set at a height so it slows or stops a golf ball which rolls under the plate. The underside of the plate includes a material and structure that provides resistance to the golf ball as it contacts the device. The plate may be supported by a center post or an extension arm located along the side of the plate. The center post and extension arm fit together with a base and are adjustable to the base so the plate can be positioned at a desired height. The base is designed to achieve the optimal friction on the golf ball and to provide stability to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Peter D. Rimback
  • Putting training aid
    Patent number: 10695643
    Abstract: A putting training aid includes a weighted roller assembly. The weighted roller assembly includes a bracket member and a weighted roller mounted relative to the bracket member such that the roller is rotatable about a central axis relative to the bracket member. The roller has a weight of at least 18 ounces. A connection is configured for connection of a putter shaft to the bracket member. The connection may be through a direct connection to the bracket member. The connection may be through a support tray connected to the bracket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Robert J. Elker
  • Golf training aid to help golfers achieve the correct angle-of-attack
    Patent number: 10695641
    Abstract: A golf training aid helps train a correct golf swing path where for a short period of time, the club is swung straight through the ball and down the target-line for a period of 12 inches, 6 inches before and 6 inches after impact. The golf training aid golfers achieve this flat with all golf clubs. Four six-inch angled polymer poles attach to a base made for driver and wood shots off a tee, and iron and wood-shots off the ground. Feedback is provided when a player hits or misses the poles. Angled poles are fixed to the base's external driver and iron lines for use with the various clubs, and the ball is aligned with one of two center lines, one line being for tee-shots and the other being for shots hit from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Anthony Procopis
  • Articulating object
    Patent number: 10695684
    Abstract: An articulating object is provided, including first and second body portions, a first cable segment and a cable drive system. The second body portion has a neutral axis and is articulatable. The first cable segment is of a push-pull cable type and extends along the second body portion on a first side of the neutral axis. The cable drive system can move the first cable segment in a first direction so as to generate a first moment on the second body portion in a first moment direction, thereby driving articulation of the second body portion in a first articulation direction. The cable drive system can move the first cable segment in a second direction for the first cable segment so as to generate a first moment on the second body portion in a second moment direction, thereby driving articulation of the second body portion in a second articulation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: SPIN MASTER LTD., G2 INVENTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Peter L. Greenley, Arta Alagheband
  • Sports throwing motion training device
    Patent number: 10695637
    Abstract: The invention includes a throwing motion training system and device configured to track arm motion and provide predictive ball motion data without the athlete ever having to release the device is provided. The device is configured with a plurality of sensors configured to transmit motion data to data analysis software internal to the device or configured on an external computing system. The data analysis software is configured to prepare and share motion tracking data and predictive ball motion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Bowie Hennessy Sports Performance, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin P. Hennessy, Samuel M. Pro, Thomas E. Burdick, David E. Rogers
  • Swing training apparatus and method of using the same
    Patent number: 10682559
    Abstract: A device to encourage players to keep their chin down after finishing their swing in sports such as baseball or golf. The device includes a magnet disposed on a chin portion of the device. A separate metal button is removably disposed on the user's back shoulder. While the user is swinging a bat or other piece of sporting equipment, the magnet moves toward and makes contact with the metal button located on the user's shoulder. As the magnet makes contact with the button, an audible “click” sound is emitted which confirms to the user that their head has stayed in the down position during their swing and after hitting the ball. By delaying any lifting of the head to watch the ball after it has been hit encourages the user to keep their head down which thereby improves their ability to see the ball and make contact with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventor: Adele Parker
  • Multi-voiced game call device
    Patent number: 10674718
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-voiced game call device comprising a box and striker arrangement. Embodiments of the multi-voiced game call device comprise a slate box that is rectangular in shape and comprises a thin bottom surface with a sound hole offset from center of the bottom surface. A slate top plate configured to interface with the slate box closes in the box such that a sound chamber is defined between the top plate and the bottom surface. A striker that has a body and two or more striker components extending through the body is configured such that a user may grasp the body and pull at least one of the striker components across the slate top plate to generate pressure waves within the sound chamber. The two or more striker components may be of different sizes and/or materials in order to generate different tone and pitch qualities, i.e. multiple voices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Chris Stendardi
  • Putting cup
    Patent number: 10675519
    Abstract: The putting cup comprises a target cup and a cup holder. The putting cup be a practice accessory for the sport of golfing. A spike located on the cup holder may be pressed into a practice surface. The target cup may be clipped to the cup holder. A golf ball may be putted into the target cup and the target cup may be held in position by the cup holder. As a non-limiting example, the practice surface may be a level surface into which the spike of a clip may be planted, such as a lawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Carlton Gerrick
  • Golf swing training aid
    Patent number: 10661144
    Abstract: A golf swing training aid includes a golf club having a shaft and a club head. The club head has a hollow compartment for capturing a golf ball and is defined by a top wall, an opposing bottom wall, and a real wall. The club head has an open front face that forms an entrance into the hollow compartment. The club head has a slot formed within the bottom wall and being open along the front face of the club head for receiving a golf tee as the club head contacts the golf ball. An internal movable part is provided within the hollow compartment and moves between a raised position which allows the golf ball to travel to a rear ball capture space within the hollow compartment and a lowered position which is configured for capturing the golf ball within rear ball capture space located between the rear wall and the internal movable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventors: Phillip Kim, Juan David
  • High capacity magazine for spherical projectiles
    Patent number: 10648765
    Abstract: A large capacity magazine apparatus for spherical projectiles, such as toy foam balls that may be used in conjunction with a launcher. The magazine includes drum and clip housings and a rotatable sprocket with longitudinal flutes that together form a smooth pathway for the foam balls to travel in the magazine and to alleviate jams. The smooth pathway includes a helical path, a transition path and a linear path within the housings. A constant force spring provides a rotational force for the sprocket and a plurality of articulated rigid balls function to push the foam balls out of the magazine and into a firing chamber of the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: HASBRO, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Miller, Robert James Victor, William J Bryant, David Michael Nugent
  • Throwing trainer and method
    Patent number: 10646764
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method of training an athlete to properly throw a ball utilizing proper arm and elbow position by providing a device that attaches to the athlete's waist and has a semi-rigid guide rod extending up from the waist toward the shoulders such that it is positioned to contact the athlete's arm or elbow during the throwing motion once the arm or elbow is moved back into the ideal position, thus providing a tactile signal when the ideal position is reached thereby allowing the athlete to continually train and develop muscle memory of the proper throwing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: 224 Performance, LLC
    Inventor: Johnston Hobbs