Patents by Inventor Derek Fitchett

Derek Fitchett has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8882606
    Abstract: A method and system for capturing, transmitting, and displaying golf swing data uses data capture elements in golf balls or golf clubs to capture data and transmission elements to transmit the golf swing data to a mobile computing auxiliary device. The mobile computing auxiliary device relays the captured and transmitted golf swing data to a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device transmits the golf swing data to a database. A server associated with the database generates web pages to make the golf swing data available over the internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Leech, Arthur Molinari, Yutaka Kabeshita, Yasushi Ichikawa, Derek A. Fitchett, Bradley C. Tutmark
  • Patent number: 8781623
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a bulk product includes an interactive display. The system may be linked to another system which selects a variety of the bulk product and automatically causes the dispenser to dispense the selected variety. The dispensing system may also include a container associated with a remote carrier, so that the bulk product may be dispensed into the container in which the user wishes to store the bulk product long term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Leech, Derek A. Fitchett, Jung Gyu Moon
  • Patent number: 8770401
    Abstract: A packaging for at least one ball includes at least one opening that is configured to expose a portion of the ball. The openings are configured to restrict movement of the ball by engaging a surface of the ball. This packaging reduces the amount of the packaging material needed to produce the packaging while maximizing the amount of shelf space needed to display the packaging to increase visibility of the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek A. Fitchett
  • Patent number: 8747256
    Abstract: Golf balls may include a first pole, a second pole, and a seam located between the first and second poles. Dimples are formed on a surface of the ball in a pattern that includes a plurality of repeating sectors around each pole of the ball. The sectors on one ball half are rotationally offset across the seam line from the sectors on the other ball half. Additionally, each individual sector includes a line of symmetry over which the dimple pattern on one half of the sector is mirrored on the other half. A variety of different dimple types also may be arranged on a golf ball surface, e.g., within the sectors described above. Additional aspects of this invention relate to the features of various layers of a multi-piece golf ball and to methods of making golf balls having at least some of the features mentioned above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Peter Newbury
  • Patent number: 8663033
    Abstract: Golf balls may include a first pole, a second pole, and a seam located between the first and second poles. Dimples are formed on a surface of the ball in a pattern that includes a plurality of repeating sectors around each pole of the ball. The sectors on one ball half are rotationally offset across the seam line from the sectors on the other ball half. Additionally, each individual sector includes a line of symmetry over which the dimple pattern on one half of the sector is mirrored on the other half. A variety of different dimple types also may be arranged on a golf ball surface, e.g., within the sectors described above. Additional aspects of this invention relate to the features of various layers of a multi-piece golf ball and to methods of making golf balls having at least some of the features mentioned above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Peter Newbury
  • Patent number: 8663032
    Abstract: Golf balls may include a first pole, a second pole, and a seam located between the first and second poles. Dimples are formed on a surface of the ball in a pattern that includes a plurality of repeating sectors around each pole of the ball. The sectors on one ball half are rotationally offset across the seam line from the sectors on the other ball half. Additionally, each individual sector includes a line of symmetry over which the dimple pattern on one half of the sector is mirrored on the other half. A variety of different dimple types also may be arranged on a golf ball surface, e.g., within the sectors described above. Additional aspects of this invention relate to the features of various layers of a multi-piece golf ball and to methods of making golf balls having at least some of the features mentioned above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Peter Newbury
  • Publication number: 20140051530
    Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball includes molding a golf ball core through at least one of injection molding and compression molding, and subsequently volumetrically contracting the core. Once the core is contracted, an intermediate layer is formed about the core, and the core is subsequently allowed to expand to an intermediate state such that the core applies a contact pressure against an inner surface of the intermediate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bender, Arthur Molinari, Derek A. Fitchett, John Chen, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Patent number: 8550941
    Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating a golf ball design are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for evaluating a golf ball design may comprise designing a proposed golf ball having a size and dimple design; determining a specific gravity of the proposed golf ball; selecting a material for a test golf ball that will mimic the specific gravity of the proposed golf ball when the material is formed into a test golf ball having substantially the same size, shape, and dimple pattern as the proposed golf ball, but having a predetermined construction differing from the proposed golf ball; forming the selected material into the size and dimple design of the proposed golf ball to form the test golf ball; and testing the test golf ball to evaluate the golf ball design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek A. Fitchett
  • Patent number: 8550940
    Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating a golf ball design are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for evaluating a golf ball design may comprise designing a proposed golf ball having a size and dimple design; determining a specific gravity of the proposed golf ball; selecting a material for a test golf ball that will mimic the specific gravity of the proposed golf ball when the material is formed into a test golf ball having substantially the same size, shape, and dimple pattern as the proposed golf ball, but having a predetermined construction differing from the proposed golf ball; forming the selected material into the size and dimple design of the proposed golf ball to form the test golf ball; and testing the test golf ball to evaluate the golf ball design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek A. Fitchett
  • Publication number: 20130225322
    Abstract: A ball includes a core, a cover, and an intermediate layer between the core and the cover. The intermediate layer may be deformed or actuated to create discontinuities in the cover. The creation of discontinuities allows for easier recycling of the ball parts. The intermediate layer may include one of a bladder or a hydrophilic material that expand upon the introduction of a fluid, a shape memory polymer that deforms upon application of a stimulus, or two materials that react chemically to form a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Arthur P. Molinari, Jung Gyu Moon
  • Publication number: 20130225325
    Abstract: A ball includes a core, a cover, and a separator or separating layer. The separating layer may be deformed or actuated to separate at least a portion of the cover from the core. This removal allows for easier recycling of the ball parts. The separating layer may include one of a bladder or a hydrophilic material that expand upon the introduction of a fluid, a shape memory polymer that deforms upon application of a stimulus, or two materials that react chemically to form a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek A. Fitchett
  • Publication number: 20130225324
    Abstract: A ball includes a core, a cover, and cracking element or cracking layer. The cracking layer may be deformed or actuated to create discontinuities in the cover. The creation of discontinuities allows for easier recycling of the ball parts. The cracking layer may include one of a bladder or a hydrophilic material that expand upon the introduction of a fluid, a shape memory polymer that deforms upon application of a stimulus, or two materials that react chemically to form a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Arthur P. Molinari
  • Publication number: 20130226337
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a bulk product includes an interactive display. The system may be linked to another system which selects a variety of the bulk product and automatically causes the dispenser to dispense the selected variety. The dispensing system may also include a container associated with a remote carrier, so that the bulk product may be dispensed into the container in which the user wishes to store the bulk product long term.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Leech, Derek A. Fitchett, Jung Gyu Moon
  • Patent number: 8393979
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a golf ball having a coating layer made from a hydrophilic water-swellable material. The hydrophilic water-swellable material undergoes a physical change from a dry state to a wet state upon exposure to water. The wet state may be associated with shallower dimple depths, and the coating layer being softer, than the dry state. The use of such a coating layer may allow the golf ball to compensate for the negative effects of wet weather conditions. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek A. Fitchett
  • Publication number: 20120329577
    Abstract: Golf balls include: (a) a golf ball having a first set of construction specifications; (b) a coating of the golf ball having an exterior surface and (c) the exterior surface having an enhanced micro surface roughness. The enhanced micro surface roughening affects the aerodynamic properties of the ball as compared to golf balls having the same set of construction specifications but without enhanced micro surface roughness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Anderl, Nicholas Yontz, Derek A. Fitchett
  • Publication number: 20120328782
    Abstract: Golf balls include: (a) a golf ball having a first set of construction specifications; (b) a coating of the golf ball having an exterior surface and (c) the exterior surface having an enhanced micro surface roughness. The enhanced micro surface roughening affects the aerodynamic properties of the ball as compared to golf balls having the same set of construction specifications but without enhanced micro surface roughness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Nicholas Yontz, Johannes Anderl
  • Publication number: 20120329367
    Abstract: A golf ball kit having an abrasive material adapted for imparting enhanced micro surface roughness to an exterior surface of a golf ball. The enhanced micro surface roughening affects the aerodynamic properties of the ball as compared to golf balls having the same set of construction specifications but without enhanced micro surface roughness. The kit includes an instruction device having a plurality of correlations between at least one performance parameter and micro surface roughness for at least a first golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Fitchett, Nicholas Yontz, Johannes Anderl
  • Patent number: D708396
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hudson, Jeremy J. Hewitt, Derek Fitchett
  • Patent number: D708397
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hudson, Jeremy J. Hewitt, Derek Fitchett
  • Patent number: D708398
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hudson, Jeremy J. Hewitt, Derek Fitchett