Patents Issued in March 7, 2017
  • Patent number: 9586087
    Abstract: A stepping exercise machine has a frame, a transmission assembly, a resistance fan and two stepping assemblies. The frame has a base, a supporting bar, a mounting bracket and an oblique auxiliary bar. The transmission assembly is mounted on the supporting bar of the frame. The resistance fan is mounted rotatably on the transmission assembly and is able to be driven by the transmission assembly to create airflow. The stepping assemblies are mounted on the frame, are connected to the transmission assembly and are able to drive the transmission assembly to rotate the resistance fan. The resistance fan improves exercise intensity of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ching-I Lin
  • Patent number: 9586088
    Abstract: An abdomen exerciser includes a connecting element, a first roller, a second roller and a holding component. The connecting element includes two connectors and two roller bearings, each connector has a receiving groove, a plurality of locating pores and a plurality of limiting slots. The connectors are connected with the first roller and the second roller respectively. The holding component is received in the receiving grooves. The holding component includes a plurality of ball bearings and a plurality of limiting elements, the ball bearings are locked in the locating pores, the limiting elements are received in the limiting slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN KANGRUIDE BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Ka Leung Wong
  • Patent number: 9586089
    Abstract: An exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method for efficiently varying the workout resistance for an exercise machine. The exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method generally includes a control unit in communication with a resistance adjustment system of an exercise machine and a biometric monitoring device used by an exerciser on the exercise machine. The control unit receives biometric data from the biometric monitoring device and sends a control signal to the resistance adjustment system to adjust the resistance of the exercise machine based on the biometric data received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
  • Patent number: 9586090
    Abstract: In an exercise system having a remote communication system adapted to communicate with an exercise device, a method for generating an exercise program includes receiving route information identifying a route traveled by an individual during a real world exercise session, receiving audio information identifying a musical selection listened to by the individual during the real world exercise session, using the route information and the audio information to generate an exercise program. The exercise program includes control signals that cause an exercise device to substantially simulate the topographical characteristics of the route traveled by the individual during the real world exercise session, and audio signals representative of the musical selection listened to by the individual during the real world exercise session so that the musical selection is presented during a performance of the exercise program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Watterson, Mark D. Watterson, David Watterson
  • Patent number: 9586091
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and/or an apparatus using a computer configured exercise system equipped with an electric motor to provide physical resistance to user motion in conjunction with means for sharing exercise system related data and/or user performance data with a secondary user, such as a medical professional, a physical therapist, a trainer, a computer generated competitor, and/or a human competitor. For example, the exercise system is used with a remote trainer to enhance exercise performance, with a remote medical professional for rehabilitation, and/or with a competitor in a competition, such as in a power/weightlifting competition or in a video game. The exercise system is optionally configured with an intelligent software assistant and knowledge navigator functioning as a personal assistant application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Alton Reich, James Shaw
  • Patent number: 9586093
    Abstract: A golf ball that includes (a) a core comprising a center; (b) an outer cover layer; and (c) one or more intermediate layers; wherein at least one of the core or the intermediate layer comprises a composition that includes (i) at least one polyalkenamer and at least one ionomer. A method for making a golf ball comprising a core, one or more intermediate layers and an outer cover layer is also disclosed, wherein the method includes forming a blend comprising at least one polyalkenamer rubber and at least one ionomer; and injection molding the blend into a spherical mold to form the intermediate or outer cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
  • Patent number: 9586094
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a golf ball showing a great flight distance on driver shots for includes the steps of: preparing a rubber composition containing a base rubber, an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, a crosslinking initiator and a carboxylic acid and/or a salt thereof; heat pressing the rubber composition at a press temperature ranging from t-40° C. to t-15° C. to mold a spherical core, wherein t ° C. is a one-minute half-life temperature of the crosslinking initiator; and forming at least one cover layer covering the spherical core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Ayaka Shindo, Chiemi Mikura, Ryota Sakamine, Sho Goji
  • Patent number: 9586095
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core formed from an ionomer, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover surrounding the intermediate layer. The core has a material hardness measured on the JIS-C scale of from about 34 to about 70, and has an outer surface that includes a plurality of land portions aligned on a common sphere, and a plurality of grooves separating the respective land portions and extending radially inward from the sphere. The plurality of grooves includes both a first set of grooves, and a second set of grooves that are perpendicular to each other. The intermediate layer is formed from a rubber material and has a radial thickness measured from the common sphere of from about 4.0 mm to about 9.0 mm. Additionally, the core has a 10-130 kg compression deformation of from about 3.5 to about 5.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Jun Ichinose, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Patent number: 9586096
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core having an outer surface, and intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover surrounding the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer defines a radially inward facing surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core, and the cover defines the outermost surface of ball. The outer surface of the core includes a plurality of polygonal land portions aligned on a common sphere. The outer surface of the core further defines a first plurality of annular grooves disposed about a first axis, a second plurality of annular grooves disposed about a second axis, and a third plurality of annular grooves disposed about a third axis. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are mutually orthogonal, and each groove respectively extends from the common sphere and is concave relative to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Aaron Bender, Nicholas A. Leech, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu, Shih-Kai Lin
  • Patent number: 9586097
    Abstract: Golf balls having a very high positive gradient multilayer core are provided. The multilayer core includes an outer core layer and a very soft, low compression inner core layer. The inner core layer is formed from an unfoamed composition and has a center hardness that is at least 40 Shore C points less than the outer surface hardness of the outer core layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 9586098
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sports ball comprises cutting outer panels and inner padding cut-outs from three different sheet materials. The padding layer materials have perforations. A layer of heat-reactive adhesive that expands upon heating is applied in the machine-stitched seam areas before the panels are stitched together. The padding layer is glued to the inside-out ball cover before the cover is turned right-side out. A reinforced bladder is inserted into the cover, the remaining seams are stitched shut, and then the ball is molded in a heat and pressure mold that causes the seams to be welded as well as stitched, due to the expansion of the heat-reactive adhesive to cover the stitching in the seams. Enhanced performance characteristics of the resulting ball arise from the air spring aspects provided by the combined features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Zain-Ul-Abideen Ahsan
  • Patent number: 9586099
    Abstract: An electronically trackable ball consisting of a cover, an inflatable bladder, a valve in the bladder a mounting structure attached to said valve and extending inwardly of the valve toward the center of the inflated bladder and an electronic transmission device on said mounting structure remote from said valve. The mounting structure is preferably a lightweight polymeric cylinder with the electronics fitted at the end remote from the valve and close to the center of mass of the ball. The device is within the ball, and is constrained from moving around inside the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Catapult Group International PTY Ltd
    Inventor: Shaun Holthouse
  • Patent number: 9586100
    Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Boggs, Raymond J. Sander, Robert M. Boyd, Matthew P. Rubal
  • Patent number: 9586101
    Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club head provided with a first hole and a second hole on its bottom side, a shaft detachably fixed to the golf club head, a weight member comprising a first weight member and a second weight member each detachably fixed to the golf club head, and a faster including a first fastener for fixing the shaft and the first weight member to the golf club head through the first hole, and a second fastener for fixing the second weight member to the golf club head through the second hole. The first weight member and the second weight member are configured as mutually replaceable weights so that the first weight member is fixed to the second hole using the second fastener and the second weight member is fixed to the first hole using the first fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki Motokawa
  • Patent number: 9586102
    Abstract: A golf club includes a shaft and a club head for a metal wood type club. The club head includes a ball striking face, a heel, a toe, a rear, a crown and a sole. The sole includes a forward sole surface and a rearward sole surface. The substantially horizontally-oriented forward sole surface extends rearwardly from the ball striking face to a rearward edge. The substantially horizontally-oriented rearward sole surface extends forwardly from the rear of the club head. The rearward sole surface extends over and is offset in a height direction from the rearward edge. A cavity may be located above the forward sole surface, the cavity having a rearward facing opening located below the rearward sole surface. A projection may extend rearwardly from the rearward edge beneath the rearward sole surface, the projection having sides that extend in a generally breadthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Stites, Robert M. Boyd, Raymond J. Sander
  • Patent number: 9586103
    Abstract: A golf club having a long blade length, large transfer distance, and low forwardly located center of gravity, and all the benefits afforded therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Honea, Tim Reed, John Kendall
  • Patent number: 9586104
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head having a multifunctional damping assembly. In certain aspects, the invention provides a damping assembly configured to provide dampening of vibrational response of the club head upon impact of the club face with a golf ball, thereby improving the feel of the club. The damping assembly is further configured to provide information to a golfer in the form of visual and/or audible feedback indicative of one or more characteristics of a golf ball strike with the club face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventor: Ryan L. Roach
  • Patent number: 9586105
    Abstract: A golf club head having a high COR at its face center and a center of gravity located at a point close to the face and the sole is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head comprises a hollow body including a weight lip and face component, and the weight lip extends from the sole inside the body towards the face component without making contact with the face component. The golf club head preferably is a two-piece iron-type golf club head, and each piece is heat treated differently before being welded together to further optimize center of gravity location, ball speed, and COR distribution across the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joshua D. Westrum, James Justin Kuhar, Joseph E. Mehren, Chris J. Wieland, Brooks W. Roche, Scott R. Manwaring, Jordan M. Greenlaw, Joel B. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9586106
    Abstract: A shaft 6 includes a first butt partial sheet s4 and a second butt partial sheet s5. The first butt partial sheet s4 includes a first tapered part TP1. The second butt partial sheet includes a second tapered part TP2. The first butt partial sheet s4 and the second butt partial sheet s5 satisfy the following (1) to (4). L11, L12, L21, Lt1 and Lt2 are shown in FIG. 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Yashiki
  • Patent number: 9586107
    Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6, and a grip 8. A club inertia moment about a swing axis is defined as Isw. A club inertia moment about a grip end is defined as Ige. Ige is 2820 (kg·cm2) or greater and less than 2870 (kg·cm2). Isw/Ige is equal to or less than 2.42. A club weight is defined as Wc (kg), an axial direction distance from the grip end to a center of gravity of the club is defined as Lc (cm), and a club inertia moment about the center of gravity of the club is defined as Ic (kg·cm2). Isw is calculated by Equation (1) below. Ige is calculated by Equation (2) below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Naoyoshi Ueda, Masahiko Ueda, Yasushi Sugimoto, Takashi Nakamura, Seiji Hayase, Wataru Kimizuka
  • Patent number: 9586108
    Abstract: A removable oversized golf grip includes a first grip portion, a second grip portion, and a locking mechanism. The first grip portion has a first interior and a first exterior. The second grip portion has a second interior and a second exterior. The locking mechanism removably joins the first portion to the second portion around a golf grip. Wherein, the first interior and the second interior create a combined interior configured to securely fit around the golf grip, and the first exterior and the second exterior create a combined exterior configured as an oversized golf grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Siniscalchi
  • Patent number: 9586109
    Abstract: A golf bag includes a collapsible sub-assembly including a divider top and a base, a plurality of first snap-fit connectors provided around a portion of an outer perimeter of the divider top, and a flat having a divider top end opposite a base end, an interior side, and an exterior side. The flat includes a plurality of second snap-fit connectors provided along a portion of the divider top end. The flat attaches to the sub-assembly by mating snap-fit engagement of the plurality of first snap-fit connectors around the divider top with the plurality of second snap-fit connectors along the divider top end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: James Martell, John Loudenslager, Brian McGuire, Ryan Bruce, David Higdon
  • Patent number: 9586110
    Abstract: A shirt for improving a swinging motion of a user wearing the shirt includes front and rear panels each having corresponding top, bottom and generally opposing side edges, wherein the front and rear panels are adjoined to each other by the top and side edges, defining an interior space of the shirt. The front and rear panels include sleeve cutouts formed on each side edge adjacent the top edge, and a neck cutout formed on the top edges of the front and rear panels. At least one tubular sleeve is permanently joined to the front and rear panels of at least one of the sleeve cutouts, the tubular sleeve defining an inside area, the inside area being fluidly connected to the interior space of the shirt. A member is substantially adjacent to the sleeve cutout and the side edges of both the front and rear panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: A. Alex Wortman, Anton Wortman
  • Patent number: 9586111
    Abstract: A sporting-good implement, such as a ball bat or a lacrosse stick, includes a first handle section rotatably connected to a second handle section. The second handle section may be attached to or integral with a tapered region or barrel region of a ball bat, or with a shaft section or head of a lacrosse stick, or with another sporting-good feature. This rotatable engagement allows the relative position of the user's hands to change during the course of a swing, shot, or pass, ideally placing the user's hands in a position to generate improved power or control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: EASTON BASEBALL / SOFTBALL INC.
    Inventors: Keenan Long, Dewey Chauvin, Michael Lloyd Snow, Ian Montgomery, Stephen J. Davis
  • Patent number: 9586112
    Abstract: An ice hockey goalie stick and method for making same is disclosed. The ice hockey goalie stick includes a shaft having an outer surface and extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposed second end. A paddle is mounted to the shaft at the second end, the paddle extending along the longitudinal axis and terminating in a blade. A dampening element is disposed over the shaft along at least a partial length of the second end thereof, the dampening element being made of a vibration-dampening material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SPORT MASKA INC.
    Inventors: Matthieu Sola, Eric Allard, Travis Downing
  • Patent number: 9586113
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club grip comprising a layer containing a polar rubber and a layer containing a nonpolar rubber, and excellent in tensile strength. The present invention provides a golf club grip comprising a polar rubber layer and a nonpolar rubber layer, wherein the polar rubber layer is formed from a rubber composition containing a base rubber including a polar rubber in an amount of 50 mass % or more, the nonpolar rubber layer is formed from a rubber composition containing a base rubber including a nonpolar rubber in an amount of 50 mass % or more, the polar rubber layer and the nonpolar rubber layer are laminated via an interlayer formed from an interlayer composition containing an olefin rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Sho Goji, Chiemi Mikura, Kazuyoshi Shiga, Kuniyasu Horiuchi, Toshiyuki Tarao, Hidetaka Inoue, Hitoshi Oyama, Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9586114
    Abstract: An interchangeable golf grip is secured by a snap compression unit that enters into a golf club shaft. The compression unit includes multiple expansion capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Chalifoux
  • Patent number: 9586115
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a three-dimensional game. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional game is a maze game where a player maneuvers at least one ball around tracks and barriers disposed within an enclosure. The player is able to select which track they would like to attempt, and then work with gravity and carefully shift, flip, turn and twist the enclosure to guide the ball. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a first portion and a second portion. A handle is externally coupled to each portion of the enclosure to manipulate parts of the three-dimensional game to create new pathways, to align pathways enabling completion, or both. A current game state can be preserved by resting the three-dimensional game on a pedestal configured to receive the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KID GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Michael McGinnis, Dan Klitsner
  • Patent number: 9586116
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an American-style football quarterback training device and method. Goals associated with the disclosed system include training a quarterback to not telegraph passes and to look in a direction opposite to where the ball is about to be thrown. The disclosed device comprises a sensor that is mountable on desired headgear, for example a football helmet, and is useful for detecting lateral head position and lateral head movement, a processor for processing data associated with the lateral head position and for processing data associated with lateral head movement, a user interface, a memory storage device, and optionally a timer, each of which are in communication with the processor and sensor. The lateral head position a quarterback can be monitored and data can be captured and processed relative to when the quarterback's head moves outside of an acceptable threshold range of acceptable lateral head positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: David Churchman
  • Patent number: 9586117
    Abstract: A ball rebounding device has high tension netting that is efficiently assembled, pulled taught and held in place within a frame using a tension rod system and a manufacturing process that uses levers between the frame and tension rods within the frame. The invention can be used in producing new ball rebounder and in retrofitting existing rebounder frames. The frame provides a perimeter support and an interior space. Tension rods are run through the cells of the netting and positioned in the interior space. A lever system is connected between the tension rods and the frame to pull the tension rods toward the corresponding sides of the frame, thereby drawing the net taught within the frame. Once the netting is pulled taught, fasteners hold the tension rods in place next to the sides of the frame. The frame can be rigid or may have flexibility and act like a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sportworx, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt T Freund
  • Patent number: 9586118
    Abstract: The invention provides a training aide for swimmers and sportsperson. The device includes a tail piece which extends from a head support. The tail piece is aligned so that it will contact with the body, so as to provide feedback to the wearer when their head has moved and is not properly aligned. The tailpiece may be aligned so that raising the head causes the tailpiece to press against the back of the neck or shoulders. The head support may be integrated into the strap of swimming goggles, or have a separate head strap suited for holding the training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Craig Lewin
  • Patent number: 9586119
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-training function air-water punching bag structure that comprises one inner bladder, one external bag, at least one set of handles, at least two sets of first suspenders, and at least one set of second suspenders. The inner bladder respectively contains liquid and air simultaneously. Users can adjust the volume of the liquid and air according to the needs of training and the tactile feel of the punches. The external bag integrates the handle set or the first set of suspenders and the second set of suspenders to reach the effect of multi-training functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Tung-Chien Fu
  • Patent number: 9586120
    Abstract: An apparatus for a lifelike, automated, heavy punching bag that can parry punches using robotic arms able to rotate to right and left, and sense and record the weight and accuracy of punches delivered to it. The boxing buddy system may be used by aspiring boxers and other martial artists to deliver punches to various strategic points of their opponent's anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ricardo Sotelo
  • Patent number: 9586121
    Abstract: A golf driving practice assembly having a base with a recess and an insert that is received within the recess. In a first position a driving surface for the insert extends flush with a surrounding surface of the base, and in a second position a driving surface extends at a sloped angle above the surface of the base. The insert may be invertible within the base and have the flat, flush surface on one side and the sloped, angled surface on the other. In another aspect, an adjustable support may engage an edge of the insert to raise the driving surface of the insert from the flush position to the sloped position. The adjustable support may be provided by one or more flip-up bars set within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sports Complex Design Group LLC
    Inventors: James E. Carlson, Joseph G.C. Adams, Jr., Frederick J. Schmidt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9586122
    Abstract: A device for assisting and training golfers with their putts. The device includes an elongated section configured to be placed on the ground where the golfer intends to make his backswing for a selected put. A vertical section or “backstop” is configured to be placed at selected locations along the elongated section to corresponding to different putt lengths, and therefore different backswing lengths. A distance scale may be printed on the elongated section. Light projection devices may be included to project a predicted ball path. A backswing speed indicator system may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: John R Spelman, Trevor Alan Wade
  • Patent number: 9586123
    Abstract: A ball safety netting system includes a net comprising a plurality of openings, a plurality of elongated poles having a lower end operably attachable to the ground in spaced-apart relationship, and a plurality of safety devices operably attachable to the plurality of poles and operably attachable to the net. The plurality of poles and the plurality of safety devices are operably sized and configured for use in supporting the net in a generally fixed upright relationship relative to the ground, and when a force exerted on the safety device exceeds a breaking point of the safety device, a portion of the net is detaches from the pole to reduce the likelihood of pole failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sportsfield Intellectual, LLC
    Inventor: Eric W. Hulbert
  • Patent number: 9586124
    Abstract: A method for automatically taking an image of a participant in an event with a timing system determining a time of a passing a detection line on a route by a participant having an RFID tag, the system includes a RFID tag reader system obtaining the RFID tag numbers of the RFID tag in RFID tag reads, time stamping each RFID tag read, and transmitting a tag read message including the RFID tag number, an image capture device capturing images of participants when in proximity to one of the monitored points, generating image data, an image capture system creating an image capture message including the image data, and transmitting the image capture message, and the timing system determining the RFID tag number within the tag read messages, associating the received image data with the identified participant, and storing the image data associated with the determined RFID tag number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Innovative Timing Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9586125
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting against injuries to the head and neck includes a head harness; a body anchor component; and tensioners extending between and interconnecting the head harness and the body anchor component. The tensioners limit the range of movement of the head. Each tensioner is a composite band or strap having an elastic member and an inelastic member. An additional linking member in the connection between the tensioner and the body anchor component preferably has viscoelastic properties and cushions or dampens rapid acceleration of the tensioners during an impact to the head, such as when a tackle is made in football. The additional linking member preferably is a solid material with viscoelastic characteristics. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be worn under a football helmet and shoulder pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MIOFLEX, LLC
    Inventors: Raeshon Lamont McNeil, Jeremy Losaw, Michael Starkey, Juan Carlos Perez, Thomas James Philpott, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Patent number: 9586126
    Abstract: According to the various features characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Primarily because of its unique finger configurations, and/or grip enhancers, and/or hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove more operable in various sports activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: John C. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 9586127
    Abstract: A collapsible ski includes a front part and a rear part that, when arranged in their linearly aligned position, are fixed in that position by a connecting platform which is rotatable around an axis, which extends throughout a fold between the front part and rear part, and which is rectangular. Benefits of such a collapsible ski may include, to a consumer, practical storage and transporting benefits, while to the manufacturer, may include simplification of technology for manufacturing of each component, when compared with manufacturing of classic single-part skis. The collapsible ski can be assembled in place simply without using any tools. The collapsible ski is assembled of several mutually connectable yet detachable parts. The collapsible ski also provides the possibility of combining separately manufactured and preferably standardized parts in view of providing semi-products and finalizing each collapsible ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ELAN, D.O.O.
    Inventor: Vinko Avgustin
  • Patent number: 9586128
    Abstract: A collapsible ski caddy which both transports skis and poles in a caddy configuration and is easily transportable itself in a collapsed configuration. The collapsible ski caddy generally includes a frame having a first telescopic member and a second telescopic member in parallel relationship. A base and one or more connectors link the telescopic members in a spaced-apart configuration. The base may itself be collapsible and includes a pair of wheels. The connectors include hinged locking members for removably securing skis against the frame. The connectors may also include pole retainers for removably securing poles against the frame. The present invention is easily interchangeable between a caddy configuration for transporting the skis and poles and a collapsed configuration for transporting the present invention itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Skis Caddy LLC
    Inventors: Jon Condoianis, Semiramida F. Condoianis
  • Patent number: 9586129
    Abstract: A power and stabilizing apparatus for rolling or sliding-based recreational activities is disclosed. The apparatus may include a shafted body coupled to a biased member. The biased member may be a bowed biased member or any other biased member configured to store and release energy during use of the apparatus. The apparatus may also include a shoe coupled to the biased member opposite the body, the shoe having a traction element coupled thereto. The body may be a shafted telescoping body configured to lock in an extended position and lock in a retracted position. The body may be coupled to the bowed biased member with a coupling member having a first leg coupled to the body and a second leg coupled to the bowed biased member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: BRAAP, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Henrie, Shawn Wheeler
  • Patent number: 9586130
    Abstract: A parkour wheeled boot for increasing moving speed, having self-balancing function, wearable on a respective leg of a user. Each boot has a wearing mechanism, a shock reduction mechanism, a drive mechanism, a motion transmission mechanism, a power mechanism and a control mechanism. The wearable mechanism has a pedal, a pedal fixation rack, calf supporting plates, and magnetic pieces or belt and buckle. The shock reduction mechanism has a spring seat, springs and a cover. The drive mechanism has a motor having a hollowed center, and also an inner wall of a bearing. The motion transmission mechanism has an outer wall of the bearing, a wheel hub, and a rubber tire. The power mechanism has batteries, battery smart protection control board, ports and connection wires. The control mechanism is a single board unit with microprocessor, angular speed sensor, acceleration sensor, pressure sensor and relevant electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Bo Qin
  • Patent number: 9586131
    Abstract: A card disposal system for a table game of the present invention includes a discharge opening for disposal of cards after a game, a disposed card receiving board for receiving the cards from the discharge opening, a disposed card information acquiring means that acquires information on the number (rank) of the card placed in the discharge opening, a group information acquiring means that acquires group information of the card disposed of, a card counter serving as a number counting means that counts the number of cards that are placed in the discharge opening for disposal, a deck examination means that determines whether cards to be disposed of includes all the cards within a predetermined number of decks, and an output means that outputs a result of the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 9586132
    Abstract: A three-dimensional platform comprising a tessellated surface of pieces, each piece comprising a top and sides. The pieces comprise a fixed square piece having at least two opposing sides orientated acutely relative to the top to define a fixed square retention surface. The remaining surfaces orientate substantially perpendicular relative to the top. There is a mobile square piece having at least two opposing sides orientated obtusely relative to the top to define a mobile square retention surface. The remaining surfaces are oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the top. A mobile triangular piece having all sides orientated obtusely relative to the top. The fixed square retention surface indexes only with either the mobile square retention surface or the triangular piece surface to effect retention of the pieces to define the three-dimensional platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Mark Randall Stolten
  • Patent number: 9586133
    Abstract: Approaches for secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements are provided. Actions by user-controlled elements of a first user or other game-space elements in a primary game mode of a game space may be managed. A session request for a session in a secondary game mode of the game space may be received from the first user. A first session for the first user may be executed in the secondary game mode such that: (i) the first session involves artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the user-controlled elements at a beginning of the first session is the same as an arrangement of the user-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of the session request; and (iii) impacts on the user-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary game mode are not reflected in the primary game mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Patent number: 9586134
    Abstract: A plurality of characters including a player character appears in a video game. An arrangement position of at least one of characters is specified in a virtual space in accordance with progress of the video game. A battle mode is set up to any one of a first battle mode and a second battle mode. A battle control is carried out in the first battle mode in which a photographed image of the virtual space photographed by a virtual camera is displayed on a battle screen or the second battle mode in which an arrangement image is displayed on the battle screen. Each of the plurality of characters is arranged at a predetermined position in the arrangement image with no relationship with the arrangement position of the corresponding character in the virtual space. The battle control is carried out in the battle mode thus set up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Tsukioka, Yoshihiko Kobayashi, Masaki Ono
  • Patent number: 9586135
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention embody motion detection via a camera for mobile platform video gaming, in either integrated or separately attachable components. The system includes an object provided by a player or an eatery. The object includes at least one target, each of the at least one target designates a specific area of the object, such as back side, a front side, a first send or a second end. A target can be a color or a tag, and can be removably coupled or integrally formed with the object. The system also includes an application configured to detect the targets, to determine that a property of any of the targets has changed. Based on at least the determination, the application is configured to control an element in the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: David G. Capper, Andrew S. Filo
  • Patent number: 9586136
    Abstract: A gaming system, having a computer program stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. A server is operatively associated with the non-transitory computer readable medium. Communications means enable donors to access the server and donees to receive information related to donations sent by the donors through the server. An accumulation value is measured by the computer program. A trigger value is associated with the accumulation value. A selection of at least one award recipient from the donees is made whereby the selection is rendered by the computer program once the trigger value is reached. A notification to a respective at least one of the donors is made and a transmission of at least one award corresponding to the trigger value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ronell Levatte
  • Patent number: 9586137
    Abstract: A system for improving bodily dexterity includes a plurality of wearable sensor units and a processing unit. The plurality of wearable sensor units each include a sensor for sensing a user action, a generating module for generating an action signal that includes information about the user action, and a sensor transmitter for transmitting the action signal. The processing unit includes a processing unit receiver for receiving the action signal, an interpretation module for interpreting the action signal in accordance with a set of pre-assigned criteria, and an output signal generator for generating an output signal based on the interpreted action signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Embodify ApS
    Inventor: Søren Holme