Patents by Inventor Sean S. Epling
Sean S. Epling 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).
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Publication number: 20230181976Abstract: A golf club includes a face coupled to a body. A composite axis extends from a heel to a toe of the club and parallel to ground. The face is formed of a fiber composite material including at least first and second sets of ply arrangements. Each of the ply arrangements includes a pair of plies having first and second pluralities of fibers defining first and second angles with respect to the composite axis, respectively. The face has a ball contact surface, an rear surface, and a mid-zone positioned equidistant between the contact and rear surfaces. A majority of the first and second pluralities of fibers of the ply arrangements between the mid-zone and the contact surface are formed of glass fibers, and a majority of the first and second pluralities of ply arrangements between the mid-zone and the rear surface are formed of carbon fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Sean P. Griffin, Robert T. Thurman, Sean S. Epling, Ty B. Goodwin, Donald G. Loeffler, James M. Earley, Jon C. Pergande, Jeremy H. Yim, Richard P. Hulock
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Patent number: 11058934Abstract: A ball bat, extending along a longitudinal axis and configured for impacting a ball, may include a handle portion, an end cap, a barrel and a tubular insert. The barrel longitudinally extends along the longitudinal axis between the handle portion and the end cap. The barrel has a distal end and an inner surface, a portion of which proximate the distal end forms an insert mounting portion. The tubular insert may have a cantilevered portion having an outer surface separated from the inner surface. The cantilevered portion is cantilevered from the insert mounting portion independent of the end cap and forms a majority of a length of the tubular insert.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Ty B. Goodwin, Sean S. Epling
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Publication number: 20200330838Abstract: A ball bat, extending along a longitudinal axis and configured for impacting a ball, may include a handle portion, an end cap, a barrel and a tubular insert. The barrel longitudinally extends along the longitudinal axis between the handle portion and the end cap. The barrel has a distal end and an inner surface, a portion of which proximate the distal end forms an insert mounting portion. The tubular insert may have a cantilevered portion having an outer surface separated from the inner surface. The cantilevered portion is cantilevered from the insert mounting portion independent of the end cap and forms a majority of a length of the tubular insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2019Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Ty B. Goodwin, Sean S. Epling
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Patent number: 10773138Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis and configured for testing under an accelerated break-in test. The bat includes a barrel portion that includes an inner surface and is formed of a fiber composite material having wall thickness of at least 0.100 inch. The fiber composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first ply includes a first plurality of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and a first resin, and the second ply includes a second plurality of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and a second resin. The inner surface of the barrel portion defines at least one annular groove. The at least one annular groove creates an ABI fuse region of the barrel portion. The ABI fuse region forms a crack initiation location when the bat is subjected to the accelerated break-in test.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Sean S. Epling, Ty B. Goodwin, Brent R. Slater, Mark A. Fritzke
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Patent number: 10625128Abstract: An adjustable knob assembly for a ball bat having a tubular handle portion extending about a longitudinal axis. The assembly includes a base and an annular knob. The base includes an end wall and a cylindrical outer wall extending from the end wall. The outer wall is configured to be fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the handle portion of the bat. The outer wall includes a first set of interlocking structure. The annular knob includes an inner radial surface defining a central opening. The inner radial surface includes a second set of interlocking structure. The first and second sets of interlocking structure are positionable between at least a first locked knob position and a second locked knob position.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Joshua S. Stenzler, Ryan M. Raagas, Sean S. Epling, Mark A. Fritzke, Robert T. Thurman, Ty B. Goodwin, Jeffery A. Flood, Glen R. Mason
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Patent number: 10398955Abstract: A bat customization method includes the steps of capturing images of a batter's swing, determining a swing plane angle of the batter's swing at ball impact at a middle elevation of a strike zone of the batter based upon the captured images, and providing a bat for the batter. The bat has circumferentially spaced launch angle boosters. Each of the launch angle boosters extends along the axis at an angle based upon the determined swing plane angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Joshua S. Stenzler, Richard E. Moritz, Brent R. Slater, Ty B. Goodwin, Mark A. Fritzke, Edwin D. Vander Pol, Robert T. Thurman, Sean S. Epling, Ryan M. Raagas
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Patent number: 10387930Abstract: A bat customization system for use with a processing unit of an electronic device. The system includes a first sensing bat, at least one sensor carried by the first sensing bat, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting signals from the sensors. The at least one sensor is configured to detect characteristics of at least one test swing of the first sensing bat. The signals represent the detected characteristics. A non-transient computer readable medium containing computer readable programming is configured to direct the processing unit to identify a recommended bat based on the characteristics detected by the at least one sensor carried by the first sensing bat. The programming is configured to direct the processing unit to generate data relating to the at least one test swing.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 10369442Abstract: A ball bat including one of a left-hand configuration designated for a left-handed batter and a right hand configuration designated for a right-handed batter. The left hand configuration is different than the right hand configuration. The ball bat further includes one of a left-hand indicia indicating the left hand configuration and a right hand indicia indicating the right hand configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Wilson Sportings Goods Co.Inventors: Joshua S. Stenzler, Richard E. Moritz, Brent R. Slater, Ty B. Goodwin, Mark A. Fritzke, Edwin D. Vander Pol, Robert T. Thurman, Sean S. Epling, Ryan M. Raagas
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Publication number: 20190224544Abstract: A bat customization method includes the steps of capturing images of a batter's swing, determining a swing plane angle of the batter's swing at ball impact at a middle elevation of a strike zone of the batter based upon the captured images, and providing a bat for the batter. The bat has circumferentially spaced launch angle boosters. Each of the launch angle boosters extends along the axis at an angle based upon the determined swing plane angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2018Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Joshua S. Stenzler, Richard E. Moritz, Brent R. Slater, Ty B. Goodwin, Mark A. Fritzke, Edwin D. Vander Pol, Robert T. Thurman, Sean S. Epling, Ryan M. Raagas
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Publication number: 20190224543Abstract: A ball bat including one of a left-hand configuration designated for a left-handed batter and a right hand configuration designated for a right-handed batter. The left hand configuration is different than the right hand configuration. The ball bat further includes one of a left-hand indicia indicating the left hand configuration and a right hand indicia indicating the right hand configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2018Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Joshua S. Stenzler, Richard E. Moritz, Brent R. Slater, Ty B. Goodwin, Mark A. Fritzke, Edwin D. Vander Pol, Robert T. Thurman, Sean S. Epling, Ryan M. Raagas
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Patent number: 10265595Abstract: A ball bat for impacting a ball and extending along a longitudinal axis may include a handle portion and a barrel portion coupled to the handle portion. The barrel portion may include circumferentially spaced launch angle boosters. Each of the launch angle boosters extend along the axis at an angle of at least 3° and no greater than 12° from the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Joshua S. Stenzler, Richard E. Moritz, Brent R. Slater, Ty B. Goodwin, Mark A. Fritzke, Edwin D. Vander Pol, Robert T. Thurman, Sean S. Epling, Ryan M. Raagas
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Publication number: 20190054357Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis and configured for testing under an accelerated break-in test. The bat includes a barrel portion that includes an inner surface and is formed of a fiber composite material having wall thickness of at least 0.100 inch. The fiber composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first ply includes a first plurality of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and a first resin, and the second ply includes a second plurality of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and a second resin. The inner surface of the barrel portion defines at least one annular groove. The at least one annular groove creates an ABI fuse region of the barrel portion. The ABI fuse region forms a crack initiation location when the bat is subjected to the accelerated break-in test.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2017Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Sean S. Epling, Ty B. Goodwin, Brent R. Slater, Mark A. Fritzke
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Publication number: 20190054356Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis and configured for testing under an accelerated break-in test. The bat includes a barrel portion including a proximal region and a distal region. The barrel portion is formed of a fiber composite material having wall thickness of at least 0.100 inch. The fiber composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first ply includes a first plurality of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and a first resin, and the second ply includes a second plurality of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and a second resin. The first ply includes a first fiber discontinuity and the second ply includes a second fiber discontinuity. The first and second fiber discontinuities are generally aligned with each other such that one of the first and second fiber discontinuities substantially overlies the other of the first and second fiber discontinuities creating an ABI fuse region of the barrel portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2017Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Sean S. Epling, Ty B. Goodwin, Brent R. Slater, Mark A. Fritzke
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Patent number: 9956464Abstract: A ball bat barrel has an interior surface and a luminescent layer on the interior surface. The luminescent layer, upon being charged, emits light that indicates tampering with the interior surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Richard E. Moritz, Brent R. Slater, Sean S. Epling, Mark A. Fritzke, Robert T. Thurman, Ty B. Goodwin, Joshua S. Stenzler
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Patent number: 9731179Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20170165549Abstract: An adjustable knob assembly for a ball bat having a tubular handle portion extending about a longitudinal axis. The assembly includes a base and an annular knob. The base includes an end wall and a cylindrical outer wall extending from the end wall. The outer wall is configured to be fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the handle portion of the bat. The outer wall includes a first set of interlocking structure. The annular knob includes an inner radial surface defining a central opening. The inner radial surface includes a second set of interlocking structure. The first and second sets of interlocking structure are positionable between at least a first locked knob position and a second locked knob position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2017Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Joshua S. Stenzler, Ryan M. Raagas, Sean S. Epling, Mark A. Fritzke, Robert T. Thurman, Ty B. Goodwin, Jeffery A. Flood, Glen R. Mason
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Patent number: 9511267Abstract: A bat including a barrel, a barrel taper, a first connector portion carried by the barrel taper, a handle, and a second connector portion extending from the handle portion. The barrel has a distal portion, a proximal portion and an internal bore. The barrel taper axially engages the proximal portion of the barrel from within the internal bore. The second connector portion cooperates with the first connector portion to axially draw the barrel taper against the internal bore to connect the barrel to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20160184681Abstract: A ball bat barrel has an interior surface and a luminescent layer on the interior surface. The luminescent layer, upon being charged, emits light that indicates tampering with the interior surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Richard E. Moritz, Brent R. Slater, Sean S. Epling, Mark A. Fritzke, Robert T. Thurman, Ty B. Goodwin, Joshua S. Stenzler
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Patent number: 9308424Abstract: An apparatus for releasable attachment to a handle of a ball bat includes a base fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the handle of the bat, and at least one knob releasably coupled to the base. The base includes knob-engaging structure. The knob includes base-engaging structure to cooperate with the knob engaging structure to inhibit rotation of the knob with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bat.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 9238163Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a barrel portion defining a primary tubular ball impact region. The barrel portion is formed of a fiber composite material. The fiber composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first and second plies include first and second pluralities first and second resins, respectively. Substantially all of the first and second pluralities of fibers of the first and second plies are generally aligned to define first and second angles with respect to the axis, respectively. The angles are each within the range of 45 to 90 degrees. Each of the plies is sized to extend about the full circumference of the barrel portion. The first and second pluralities of fibers are sectioned such that the fibers do not continuously extend about the full circumference of the impact region.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Brent R. Slater, Brian S. Hayes, Richard E. Moritz, Sean S. Epling