Patents Issued in December 1, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160346584
    Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Summer Schneider, Vikram Malhotra, Marcus Ward, Jerry Wiant
  • Publication number: 20160346585
    Abstract: A resistance system, which can be suitable for incorporation in exercise equipment, is a “hybrid” resistance assembly having at least a first and a second resistance unit. The first resistance unit can be of a first type and the second resistance unit can be of a second type. The first resistance unit can be an inertial resistance unit, which incorporates an inertial load that creates resistance influenced by the inertia of a movable mass, such as a rotatable flywheel. The second resistance unit can be a static or non-inertial resistance unit, such as a displacement resistance unit, which incorporates a load that creates resistance influenced by displacement (e.g., linear or rotational displacement) of an input to the displacement resistance unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Douglas John Habing
  • Publication number: 20160346586
    Abstract: A squat exercise apparatus may comprise a support structure, a user adjustable resistance source and lift arms supported by the support structure and operably coupled to the user adjustable resistance source. In one implementation, the lift arms may be pivotable relative to the support structure about three orthogonal axes. In one implementation, shoulder pads carried by the lift arms may automatically pivot in response to pivoting of the lift arms relative to the support structure. In one implementation, at least one weight movement arm may have an adjustable length. In one implementation, a weight movement arm rest may be pivotable between a weight movement arm engaging position and a retracted position, wherein interacting portions of the weight movement arm rest and the weight movement arm are magnetically attracted to one another to magnetically retain the weight movement arm rest in the weight movement arm engaging position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Bradly J. Pullins, Mickey Jay Hall, Roy R. Simonson
  • Publication number: 20160346587
    Abstract: A versatile weight device for physical fitness routines is disclosed which comprises a plate having a generally H-shaped body having a first leg having an end having a hand grip portion, a second leg having an end having a hand grip portion, a third leg having an end having a hand grip portion, a fourth leg having an end having a hand grip portion, a first handle spanning between the first leg and the fourth leg, a second handle spanning between the second leg and the third leg, a central bore, a first cutout section formed between the first leg, the first handle, and the fourth leg, a second cutout section formed between the first leg and the second leg, a third cutout section formed between the second leg, the second handle, and the third leg, and a fourth cutout section formed between the third leg and the fourth leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Ryan Birt
  • Publication number: 20160346588
    Abstract: An exercise device, comprising a substantially-spherical, relatively thin-walled housing having an opening formed therein whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening into the housing, wherein said housing includes a cavity portion capable of receiving and retaining a removable weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: PETER GREEN
  • Publication number: 20160346589
    Abstract: A triceps cable extension for attachment to a cable resistance exercise machine is provided. The cable extension includes a gripping handle including a hand protection projection which extends at an angle B upwardly from a thumb groove provided in the handle. An open semi-circular cross-sectional channel is provided in the protection projection to receive a cover cable. A vertical bore extends from a handle base flange portion through a body portion and extending into the protection channel. The extension also includes a length of cable, a cable securing nut, a connection loop so as to allow a snap on connection to a cable resistance exercise machine and also includes a latex tubing cable cover to protect the user from injury from an exposed wire cable. The protection projection and the projection channel to protect the user's hand and reduces torque on the handle in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel W. Emick
  • Publication number: 20160346590
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a weight stack comprised of one or more individual bodies of weight, a flexible elongated cable having a downstream portion that is interconnected to a user selectable number of the one or more individual bodies of weight that exert a first resistance and to a second resistance device that exerts a second resistance, a manually movable actuating device interconnected to a proximal end of the cable, the actuating device being manually movable by the user to exert an exercise speed, velocity, force, energy or power through the cable on the selectable number of one or more individual bodies of weight and on the second resistance device, the second resistance device exerting a second resistance that increases non-linearly with an increase in the degree of speed, velocity, force, energy or power exerted on the actuating device or on the second resistance device by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Mark Buontempo
  • Publication number: 20160346591
    Abstract: A self-compensating tire compression device is provided for use with a trainer. The device attaches to a frame, such as a bicycle, that holds the axis of a driving wheel fixed. The device has a pivoting portion that presses a driven portion of a resistance device against the driving wheel. The pivoting point of the pivoting portion is located on the trainer to provide a static contact pressure between the driving wheel and the driven wheel, and when the driving wheel begins to rotate and the resistance device begins to resist the rotation, the contact pressure between the driving wheel and the driven wheel increases to prevent slippage between the two wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: SportCrafters, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter V. Colan, Patrick T. Kulwicki
  • Publication number: 20160346592
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a shock-absorbing grip alternative to weightlifting gloves. The shock-absorbing grip allows a user to easily grab any gym equipment without having to touch it with a naked hand, it prevents germ transfer, and it enables the user to use exercise equipment without the need for gel or liquid. The shock-absorbing grip is washable and is resistant to salt water in sweat of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Calvin J. Murry
  • Publication number: 20160346593
    Abstract: An exercise machine carriage handle system for providing handles for an exerciser to grasp with their hands thereby expanding the type of exercises that may be performed. The exercise machine carriage handle system generally includes a frame having a track, a carriage movably connected to the track, a bias member connected between the frame and the carriage, a first handle connected to the carriage near the first side, and a second handle connected to the carriage near the second side. The first handle and second handle are adapted for grasping with a first hand and a second hand respectively of a user during the performance of an exercise on the exercise machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree, John C. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20160346594
    Abstract: A forearm workout device comprising a ring member, a handle, and a chain. The handle is fixedly attached diametrically to inner sides of the ring member, where the chain is fixedly attached to an outer surface of the ring member. The chain comprises a coupling member attached to a distal end of the chain, where the coupling member is configured to attach different types of loads. The user is allowed to hold the handle member and tilt the ring member in a variety of forearm movements of the user's hand to enable workouts for the forearm of the user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Homewood
  • Publication number: 20160346595
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame member and a seat connected to the frame member at a first end where the frame member includes a base at a second end. The exercise machine further includes a crank assembly connected to the frame member between the first end and the second end. A leg member is pivotally attached to a mid-region of the frame member and selectively movable between a first angular position that orients the frame member in an upright orientation and a second angular position that orients the frame member in a recumbent orientation. The leg member includes a foot that is spaced closer to the base of the frame member when the leg member is in the upright orientation than when the leg member is in the recumbent orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen Ercanbrack
  • Publication number: 20160346596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes a platform with an endless belt. The endless belt defines an exercising space above it. A restricting device has a retaining portion, a left restricting portion and a right restricting portion. The two restricting portions are elongated and flexible, such as stapes. The left restricting portion is connected to a left end of the retaining portion from the left rear of the exercising space. The right restricting portion is connected to a right end of the retaining portion from the right rear of the exercising space. The restricting device maintains the retaining portion at an appropriate position to make the retaining portion naturally abut against the waist of the user for resisting forward movement of the user toward the front side of the exercising space and allowing the user to sprint or quick run on the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Russell C. Manzke, Ryan Francis Crist
  • Publication number: 20160346597
    Abstract: A treadmill assembly is provided that is located co-planar with a surrounding floor surface. An edge assembly is provided that spans a gap between the floor surface and the treadmill assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Sean O'Mara
  • Publication number: 20160346598
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a platform having a front roller, a rear roller and an endless belt mounted around the front roller and the rear roller for allowing a user to perform walking, jogging or running exercises on the belt, such exercises would make the endless belt revolve circularly. A flywheel is coupled to one of the two rollers. A friction resistance device is coupled to the flywheel for being manually controlled by the user to adjust rotational resistance of the flywheel. And a magnetic resistance device is coupled to the flywheel as well for being manually controlled by the user to adjust the rotational resistance of the flywheel. A front frame is mounted at a front side of the platform and has at least one holding portion for being held by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Russell C. Manzke, Ryan Francis Crist
  • Publication number: 20160346599
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a seat selectively movable with respect to the frame, and a resistance mechanism connected to the frame. The seat is adjustably positioned between an upright position that orients a user in an upright orientation with respect to the pedal assembly when the exercise machine is in an upright exercise mode and a recumbent position that orients the user in a recumbent orientation with respect to the pedal assembly when the exercise machine is in a recumbent cycling exercise mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen Ercanbrack
  • Publication number: 20160346600
    Abstract: Training neck muscles in such a way as to improve responsiveness to head acceleration forces, and to help prevent concussion and/or screen subjects who are at high risk of concussion, especially from contact sports, the neck muscles may be trained to improve strength and responsiveness to head acceleration. This may be accomplished by a device and/or method of training that incorporates an adjustable centripetal force about a fixed axis on the head. The centripetal force may be adjusted through varying the weight and/or length of a force arm. Neck muscle performance may be measured by the number of revolutions of the force arm completed over a pre-determined time period or the time required to complete a pre-determined number of revolutions of the force arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Theodore Henry Versteegh
  • Publication number: 20160346601
    Abstract: Machine for functional postural training of a user (13) comprising: a platform (12) comprising a plurality of load cells (20) on which said user (13) is positioned; extendable cables (15, 42) provided with handle (16, 43); means (50) for providing said cables (15, 42) with a certain load; means (23) for detecting the dynamic posture of said user (13) during the exercise; means (23, 49) for determining the various body segments of said user on the basis of the information received from said means (23) for detecting the dynamic posture of said user (13); means (49) for calculating the centre of pressure of said user (13) on the basis of the information provided by said plurality of load cells (20); means (22) for displaying the centre of pressure of the user (13) on said platform (12) and means (22) for displaying said body segments of said user (13); means (49) for comparing said body segments of said user (13) with corresponding body segments stored in memory; means (22) for warning said user (13) if there ar
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Stefano MARCANDELLI, Alessandro CARMINATI
  • Publication number: 20160346602
    Abstract: A leg and foot strength training device for infants. The device includes a support bed and a partition at one end of the support bed. The partition cooperates with the support bed to form a cavity. An infant lying on the support bed maybe positioned such that their legs and feet maybe located substantially within cavity. When the infant pushes or kicks his or her legs or feet toward and/or against the partition from within cavity, the partition may provide an amount of resilient resistance against the legs or feet kicks or pushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Vanessa SATTELE, Lucas Jacobus Franciscus GEURTS
  • Publication number: 20160346603
    Abstract: A respiratory exerciser having a hollow body, where the hollow portion is in communication with a porous or non-porous material and with an opening that provides access for a user to breathe through the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: PULMONARI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher I. HALLIDAY, Jeffrey DIFRANCESCO
  • Publication number: 20160346604
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media relating to a user interface, that may for example, initiate transmission of a stream of audio data comprising a plurality of audio tracks from a music streaming service, and receive athletic activity data relating to a performance of an athletic activity by a user during an activity time period that includes a plurality of time intervals. For each of the plurality of time intervals, an athletic activity level is determined from the athletic activity data, a target audio track intensity corresponding to the athletic activity level is determined, and a playback of a streamed audio track corresponding to the target audio track intensity is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Hal Lindstrom, Willoughby H. Walling, Christopher L. Andon
  • Publication number: 20160346605
    Abstract: A method for fitting a putter club to an individual golfer includes steps of obtaining performance data for the golfer using a plurality of putter configurations with a range of putter weights and mass-moment of inertia. This novel system uses putter head weight variation over a very wide range exceeding the putter head weights generally otherwise available. The system further uses very small increments of weight change over the very wide range to determine the optimal weight for the golfer. A particular putter weight is selected based on the optimal performance data collected for the golfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Steven R. Davis
  • Publication number: 20160346606
    Abstract: To provide a swing data compression method, a swing data compression apparatus, a swing analysis apparatus, and a swing data compression program in which it is possible to reduce the quantity of swing data that is preserved while swing analysis accuracy is maintained. A swing data compression apparatus includes a storage unit that stores swing data which is output from an inertial sensor mounted on a detection target; an analysis unit that analyzes a swing of the detection target using the swing data stored in the storage unit; and a compression unit that compresses the swing data according to a compression rate which is set based on a result of swing analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shoichi NAKAJO, Hisao TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20160346607
    Abstract: An apparatus, such as a hand held smart device, including a cell phone and the like, also includes a functionality module, such as a game, an exercise sensor and a controller. The exercise sensor determines when a user performs certain exercise, such as walking, running, etc. and provides this information to the controller. The controller selectively restricts access to the functionality module until a predetermined exercise regime is performed by the user. Alternatively, or additionally, the user is rewarded points for completing the exercise regime, and which can be used to obtain goods or services from third parties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan Rapfogel
  • Publication number: 20160346608
    Abstract: A method for securing a rigid or semi-rigid article to a textile is described. The method can include the steps of positioning the article in a mold cavity of a mold; laying the textile between opposed mold portions for forming the mold cavity with a textile region of the textile extending across the mold cavity; closing the mold to clamp the textile between the opposed mold portions and substantially seal the article and the textile region in the mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with moldable material; and curing the moldable material to form an enclosure undetachably molded over the article and the textile region and embedding the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Inglis, Michelle Hui Jun Zheng, James Henderson, Kevin Bailey
  • Publication number: 20160346609
    Abstract: Tracking and monitoring athletic activity offers individuals with additional motivation to continue such behavior. An individual may track his or her athletic activity by utilizing a wearable device assembly configured to monitor various aspects of athletic performance. In some embodiments, the wearable device assembly may comprise a USB-type device having athletic functionality and configured to transmit to and/or receive data from an external computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Keith Folske, Holli Pheil, Summer Schneider
  • Publication number: 20160346610
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a patient's Kegel exercises is provided. The system includes a user interface device and a vaginal device. The vaginal device includes an intra-vaginal probe having an accelerometer that is configured to generate a signal in response to movement of the probe. The user interface device is connected to the vaginal device and analyzes signals from the accelerometer to provide physiological feedback information to the patient. The vaginal device may be connected to the user interface device via wireless communications such as Bluetooth or by wire. The user interface device may be a smart device or a computer that transmits information to central web-based data server accessible by the patient or authorized healthcare providers or third-party payers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: Remendium Labs LLC
    Inventors: Ramon Jose Iglesias, David J. Mishelevich, Sean C. Nash, Kaitlin B. Schaefer, Jahnavi Lokre, Milan V. Trcka, Himanshu Patel, Jan B. Zwierstra, Trevor Dunlop, Aaron Gifford
  • Publication number: 20160346611
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to use of athletic data to generate an output, such as for example, running routes and/or other information useful to runners or other workout participants. Aspects of the disclosure further relate to providing customized workouts to runners by generating routes of interest to a user and modifying the generated routes based on goals and external data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Craig Rowley, Christopher Andon
  • Publication number: 20160346612
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to enhancing exercise through augmented reality. In particular, the disclosure describes monitoring a user's performance and generating a virtual representation of that user's performance to be displayed during a future exercise routine to motivate the user to improve performance during their next workout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Craig Rowley
  • Publication number: 20160346613
    Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Summer Schneider, Marcus Ward, Jerry Wiant, Ingo Stark
  • Publication number: 20160346614
    Abstract: A system for estimating power consumption of a user that selects a power estimation model based upon a type of sensor and/or a type of sensor data available to a power estimation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Brett S. Kirby, Bradley W. Wilkins, David Clark, Eric Bradley, Elizabeth Besemer, John Schmitt, TJ Brodeur
  • Publication number: 20160346615
    Abstract: Aspects relate to a portable device that may be used to identify a critical intensity and an anaerobic work capacity of an individual. The device may utilize muscle oxygen sensor data, speed data, or power data. The device may utilize data from multiple exercise sessions, or may utilize data from a single exercise session. The device may additionally estimate a critical intensity from a previous race time input from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Brett S. Kirby, Bradley W. Wilkins, David Clark, Eric Bradley, Elizabeth Besemer
  • Publication number: 20160346616
    Abstract: Aspects relate to a portable device that may be used to identify a critical intensity and an anaerobic work capacity of an individual. The device may utilize muscle oxygen sensor data, speed data, or power data. The device may utilize data from multiple exercise sessions, or may utilize data from a single exercise session. The device may additionally estimate a critical intensity from a previous race time input from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Brett S. Kirby, Bradley W. Wilkins, David Clark, Eric Bradley, Elizabeth Besemer
  • Publication number: 20160346617
    Abstract: A workout system is described further herein that allows users of gym equipment to automatically track their workouts, as well as possibly receive real-time assistance related to their workouts. The system is not limited to any specific equipment, and can be used to track the weight used and number of repetitions performed on a variety of equipment, including, but not limited to, selectable weight stack machines, cable machines, barbells with removable weight plates, plate loaded machines, dumbbells, kettle bells and free weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Pablo SRUGO, Lee SILVERSTONE, Aaron Michael RAMSEY, Mordechia Aryeh BRODT
  • Publication number: 20160346618
    Abstract: A method for improving running efficiency includes measuring power usage of a drive motor of a treadmill while a user is running on the treadmill for a first period of time and analyzing the measured power usage of the drive motor for the first period of time with a computer. The method further includes providing the user with information about the user's running form based on the analyzed data and providing the user with information on how the user can change their current running form to improve running efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Darren C. Ashby, Greg W. Law
  • Publication number: 20160346619
    Abstract: A finned water shoe assembly aids in movement of a person through water. The assembly includes a shoe having an upper. A fin is provided having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the fin is coupled to the upper. The fin extends outwardly from a lower edge of the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Oswaldo Salcido
  • Publication number: 20160346620
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a layer formed from at least one of a thermoset material or a thermoplastic material throughout; the layer having a treated region and an untreated region; the treated region extending inward from an outer surface of the layer and comprising a UV resistance composition; and the untreated region not comprising the UV resistance composition. For example, the treated region may be infused with the UV resistance composition. The layer may be a cover or even an inner golf ball layer, which can sometimes become exposed during play. The UV resistance composition may be formed from a mixture of an ultraviolet light absorber (UVA) and a solvent, the UVA being selected from benzotriazole type stabilizers, hindered amine type stabilizers, phenolic type stabilizers, triazines, or combinations thereof, and the solvent comprising at least one of acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl acetate, or butyl acetate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark L. Binette, Shawn Ricci
  • Publication number: 20160346621
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a two or three-layered core assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the core assembly includes an inner core (center) comprising a thermoset composition, an intermediate core layer; and surrounding outer core layer. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. A second thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber may be used to form the outer core layer. The core layers have different hardness levels. In another embodiment, a two-layered core structure is provided. For example, the inner core and/or outer core layer may be made of the plasticized thermoplastic composition. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
  • Publication number: 20160346622
    Abstract: Golf balls having an initial velocity greater than 255 ft/sec and/or an overall distance of greater than 320 yards are disclosed. The golf balls comprise one or more core layers, one or more cover layers, and optionally one or more intermediate layers disposed between the core and the cover. At least one layer is optionally formed from a composition comprising from 2 wt % to 50 wt % of a plasticizer, based on the total weight of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Edmund A. Hebert, Douglas E. Jones, Donald A. Serino, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Michael R. Madson
  • Publication number: 20160346623
    Abstract: Multilayer golf balls comprising a thermoplastic or thermoset cover disposed about four or more thermoplastic layers are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20160346624
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyester composition containing a polyester thermoplastic elastomer and plasticizer are provided. The plasticizers help reduce the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composition and various plasticizers may be used. For example, the composition may include alkyl oleate plasticizers such as ethyl oleate and octyl oleate. Polyester-ether block copolymers are particularly preferred. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyester composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
  • Publication number: 20160346625
    Abstract: Methods for making multi-piece golf balls comprising at least one component made of ethylene-propylene diene copolymer (EPDM) rubber and the resulting balls are provided. The multi-piece golf ball includes a cover, preferably a dual-cover having inner and outer cover layers. The outer cover is preferably made of a liquid rubber composition based on liquid EPDM rubber. In one version, the ball sub-assembly is dipped in a bath containing liquid EPDM rubber to form the outer cover. In another version, a casting method is used and the liquid EPDM rubber is dispensed into mold cavities to form the outer cover. The inner core of the ball may be made of polybutadiene rubber and the outer core layer may be made of EPDM rubber. The resulting golf ball has high resiliency, a soft feel, and good weatherability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Robert Blink, Mark L. Binette
  • Publication number: 20160346626
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sports balls. A sports ball comprises a surface layer comprising a plurality of panels. The sports ball further comprises a lattice structure extending below the surface layer, wherein the lattice structure comprises a plurality of lattice cells comprising radially extending elements. The lattice cells which are adjacent to the surface layer have at least one dimension which is smaller than an average diameter of the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Hans-Peter NÜRNBERG, Daniel Stephen PRICE, Henry Niles HANSON
  • Publication number: 20160346627
    Abstract: Described are balls, in particular a football, and a method for its manufacture. The ball comprises particles of an expanded material. As examples, the particles are connected, at least partially, to each other by radio frequency welding and/or infrared welding. As examples, the ball has a first layer of the particles of the expanded material, wherein the first layer is provided as an outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Tru Huu Minh Le, Hans-Peter Nürnberg
  • Publication number: 20160346628
    Abstract: A toy assembly that is configurable between a ball shape and a disc shape. When compressed into a disc shape, an air foil configuration is achieved that enables the toy assembly to achieve stable flight. A first plurality of body flaps radially extend from a first hub to create a first hemispherical subassembly. The opposing second hemispherical subassembly is created using a second hub and a second plurality of body flaps. A resilient ring is engaged by all of the body flaps. The resilient ring binds the two hemispherical subassemblies together. A temporary connector is coupled to the first hub and to the second hub. The temporary connector temporarily interconnects the first hub and the second hub for a period of time after the first hub and the second hub are pressed together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Simeon E. Tiefel, Jack S. Lovewell, Michael J. Goldman, Mark A. Adkins
  • Publication number: 20160346629
    Abstract: A ball bag stand and ball bag engagement structure includes a ball bag stand structure, a ball bag structure, protrudingly engaging structures, and cords. The protrudingly engaging structures each have a vertically smooth action force-free surface and an action force-applied surface with a protruding flange. A user can lift the ball bag by lifting the cords between the ball bag and the ball bag stand with one finger of the user single-handedly to thereby not only allow the action force-free surfaces of the fastening holes to press against the vertical smooth surface while sliding relative thereto, but also allow the action force-applied surfaces of the fastening holes to move away from the protruding flanges. Hence, the cords can be moved away from the protrudingly engaging structures with one finger of the user single-handedly, so that the user can remove the ball bag from the ball bag stand easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Benjamin Chen
  • Publication number: 20160346630
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a face, a club head body, and a hosel. The hosel has a tubular hosel body extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a bore. The bore is configured to receive a golf club shaft or a shaft adapter. The tubular hosel body is molded from a polymeric material that includes a resin and a plurality of fibers, each fiber has a length of from about 0.01 mm to about 12 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Raymond J. Sander
  • Publication number: 20160346631
    Abstract: A golf club head including a club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail and a sole. The golf club head including a plurality of grooves disposed on the club face between the top rail and the sole. Each groove extends between the toe end and the heel end. Depths of the grooves vary in a direction extending between the top rail and the sole and in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end. Widths of each of the plurality of grooves vary in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony D. Serrano, Paul D. Wood, Bradley D. Schweigert, Calvin S. Wang
  • Publication number: 20160346632
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball; an elongated channel extending across a portion of the sole, wherein the sole is made of a plurality of materials where one material has a lower modulus of elasticity than the remainder of the sole. The sole has an elongated channel recessed from adjacent surfaces of the sole and may be made entirely or partially from a material with a lower modulus of material than the remainder of the sole. The flexibility of the elongated channel and lower modulus material helps to improve the efficiency of the impact with a golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20160346633
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball; an elongated channel extending across a portion of the sole, wherein the sole the sole has an elongated channel recessed from adjacent surfaces. The elongated channel is made of a plurality of materials such that the materials making up the elongated channel have a lower modulus of elasticity than the modulus of elasticity of the material remainder of the sole. The lower modulus materials help to control the flexibility of the elongated channel, which can improve the efficiency of the impact with a golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Akiyama