Patents Issued in May 2, 2017
  • Patent number: 9636533
    Abstract: A metal-carbonyl-containing fire extinguishing composition comprises metal carbonyl complexes. The fire extinguishing composition uses a pyrotechnic agent as a heat source and a power source. A high temperature in combustion of the pyrotechnic agent enables the fire extinguishing composition to decompose or react under heat; produced fire extinguishing substances are sprayed out together with the pyrotechnic agent, thereby achieving a fire extinguishing objective. In the fire extinguishing composition, by selecting preferable components and optimizing contents of the components, an optimum formula of the fire extinguishing composition is determined, thereby greatly improving the efficacy of the fire extinguishing composition. In addition, efficacies of the components in the fire extinguishing composition are fully utilized, which improves an effective utilization rate of the fire extinguishing composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: XI'AN WESTPACE FIRE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Wei Tian, Tengfei Zhai, Tao Ji
  • Patent number: 9636534
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for a fitness stick. The apparatus includes an elongated rod, a first track, and a second track. The elongated rod has a center point, a first end, and a second end. The first track extends helically away from the center point along an outer surface of the elongated rod toward the first end. The second track extends helically away from the center point along the outer surface of the elongated rod toward the second end. The first track extends helically around the outer surface of the elongated rod in a first rotational direction and the second track extends helically around the outer surface of the elongated rod in a second rotational direction. The second rotational direction is opposite from the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: Li Si Yang, Michael Grech
  • Patent number: 9636535
    Abstract: A door-mounted portable exercise apparatus having a non-elastic adjustable strap that extends vertically around a door. An attached connector maintains the adjustable strap in a snug position around the door. A first anchor and a second anchor are secured to the adjustable strap by a re-enforcing strap near the top edge of the door. When the door is closed, the first anchor is positioned near the junction of the closing face of the door and the door frame, and the second anchor is positioned near the junction of the opening face of the door and the door frame. At least two non-elastic loops are attached near the top and bottom of the adjustable strap by short strips on the closing side of the door. Elastic bands of various tensions can be attached to or passed through at least one non-elastic loop of the apparatus to permit a wide range of exercise motions by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Roy Randolph Schleiden, II
  • Patent number: 9636536
    Abstract: A resistance training apparatus provides an elastic member for use in exercise strength training and fitness conditioning. The resistance training apparatus beneficially provides a user with a more consistent and even resistance tension throughout an exercise movement. The resistance training apparatus also provides for a greater training effect on an engaged muscle or muscle group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: William Gvoich
  • Patent number: 9636537
    Abstract: An exercise device having a sled or wheelbarrow configuration comprises a frame that is pushed across a support surface by a user. The frame carries a wheel that movably supports the frame in the wheelbarrow configuration and at least one skid that movably supports the frame in the skid configuration. A pair of handles is selectively repositionable on the frame from a vertical orientation used in the sled configuration and a horizontal orientation used in the wheelbarrow configuration to quickly and easily convert the device between its different configurations. The frame has a carriage that supports a plurality of exercise weight members with the carriage being movable in a fore-and-aft direction on the frame for changing the effort required from the user to push the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mattson K. Towley
  • Patent number: 9636538
    Abstract: A multidirectional exercise apparatus is disclosed. The multidirectional exercise apparatus has a center bar and two handles pivotably coupled at opposite ends of the center bar. Each handle may rotate through 360° about the end of the center bar. The apparatus may also have a locking mechanism coupled to each handle, wherein the locking mechanism may lock the handle into place and prevent the handle from rotating about the end of the center bar. The apparatus may also have a rotation bar removably coupled about the center bar that may rotate through 360° about the center bar. The apparatus may be operated by two users simultaneously and may also be adapted for operation by a single user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher DiPasquale
  • Patent number: 9636539
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing therapeutic rehabilitation exercise to bedridden individuals and patients, including comatose individuals. A vertical support column extends upwards from a base, with one or more arms extend from the vertical support column, each providing a rotary mechanism at the distal end, with pedals or handles attached thereto. The individual's feet or hands are secured to the pedals or handles, respectively. Straps, brackets, or other fastening means may be used to secure the feet and hands. An electric motor causes the rotary mechanism to move the pedals or handles in a rotary fashion, thereby providing movement and exercise for the individual's legs and arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Kent Brumit
  • Patent number: 9636540
    Abstract: Elliptical exercise machines with a footskate on a reciprocating rail that provides for the ability to alter the horizontal stride of the user utilizing the machine, without significantly altering their vertical stride height on the machine. This is generally performed by altering the angle through which any point on the rail can, and does, move. Such adjustment may be performed by having the rail attached to a swing arm, where the arc of rotation of the swing arm relative to the frame is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: True Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Mueller, Todd McKee, William Ross North, Robert John Hawthorne
  • Patent number: 9636541
    Abstract: A heel-lifting elliptical machine has a foundation, two linkage assemblies and two pedal assemblies. The foundation comprises a swing shaft and a driving wheel connected with a flywheel via a driving belt. The linkage assemblies are mounted on two sides of the foundation, staggered from each other, and joined to a driving shaft of the driving wheel. Each of the linkage assemblies comprises a rotation rod, a crank and a swing arm. The rotation rod is connected to the driving shaft. The crank is pivotably mounted on the other end of the rotation rod. The swing arm is pivotably mounted on the swing shaft and the crank. Two pedal assemblies are mounted securely on the cranks and form vertical ellipse routes along with the movement of the cranks, thereby increasing the exercise intensity and decreasing the obstruction and the noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Kuan-Yung Hsu
  • Patent number: 9636542
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Theodore Henry Versteegh
  • Patent number: 9636543
    Abstract: An apparatus obtains an exercise route of workouts associated with a person for achieving a fitness objective, determines parameters for first workout option of a first type to replace a second workout option of a second different type such that the first workout option is interchangeable with the second workout option while satisfying the exercise route and displays the determined parameters for the first workout option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: David E. Dyer, James S. Birrell, Brady A. Olason, Brian D. Wilson, David W. Flynt, Autumn L. Stroupe
  • Patent number: 9636544
    Abstract: A diamond type cam for rock climbing is provided, which includes a body having an operating member provided thereon, a slide member slidably coupled to the body, a plurality of extension cams each of which has one end that is rotatably coupled to the body and the slide member and an extended end portion that is rotatably hinge-coupled, and a plurality of wires each of which has one end that is coupled to a predetermined position of a lower portion of the extension cam and the other end that is rotatably coupled to a predetermined position of the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Seul-Min Hong
  • Patent number: 9636545
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are two-layer and three-layer, low compression golf balls including a low compression single- or dual-layer rubber core and a single cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: John D. Farrell, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Patent number: 9636546
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. Thermoplastic ethylene acid copolymer ionomer compositions are used to form the core layers. Preferably, the ball contains a dual-core having an inner core and surrounding outer core layer. Low modulus and high modulus ionomer compositions may be used in the core structure. In one embodiment, a first ionomer composition is used to form the inner core and a second ionomer composition is used to form the outer core, and the flex modulus of the first composition is greater than the flex modulus of the second composition. The ionomer compositions have varying levels of hardness. The resulting ball has high resiliency and rebounding properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
  • Patent number: 9636547
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, a cover and an intermediate layer therebetween, the core, an intermediate layer-encased sphere and the ball have surface hardnesses which satisfy a specific relationship, and the intermediate layer and the cover have thicknesses which satisfy a specific relationship. Also, the core has a hardness profile in which the hardnesses at the core surface, core center, a position 5 mm from the core center, and a position midway between the surface and center of the core satisfy specific relationships. This golf ball, when used by mid- and high-level amateurs, enables the golfer to maintain an adequate distance on shots with a driver and achieve a good distance on iron shots, has a good spin performance on approach shots and has a good feel on impact. In addition, the ball has an excellent scuff resistance when struck with a grooved wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Akira Kimura
  • Patent number: 9636548
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover with a plurality of dimples thereon, the core is a two-layer core consisting of an inner core layer and an outer core layer each formed primarily of a base rubber, the envelope layer, the intermediate layer and the cover layer are each composed of at least one layer and formed primarily of a synthetic resin material, and the initial velocities and surface hardnesses of the core, the envelope layer-encased sphere and the intermediate layer-encased sphere are designed within specific ranges. This golf ball satisfies at a very high level the flight and control performances expected for use by professional golfers and skilled amateurs, has the ability to move forward on a straight path particularly on full shots, and also has an excellent scuff resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Akira Kimura
  • Patent number: 9636549
    Abstract: A golf ball including an inner core having a first outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a first substantially homogenous composition such that the inner core has a hardness of about 60 Shore C to about 90 Shore C; an outer core layer disposed about the inner core having a second outer surface and being formed from a second substantially homogenous composition such that the outer core layer has a hardness of about 60 Shore C to about 95 Shore C; and a cover layer disposed about the outer core layer. The geometric center and first and second outer surfaces each have a hardness, the hardness of the second outer surface being lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Derek A. Ladd, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9636550
    Abstract: A football sensing system including an American-style football extending along a longitudinal axis and having a maximum transverse dimension defining a transverse axis and at least one accelerometer carried by the football to sense acceleration of the football along at least a first axis. The accelerometer is sized to sense a predetermined maximum value of acceleration in the first axis. The accelerometer is positioned within the football in a first position with the first axis of the accelerometer angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the football. The accelerometer in the first position is capable of measuring acceleration values in a direction in line with or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the football that are greater than the predetermined maximum value of acceleration in the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: Robert T Thurman, Kevin L Krysiak, Daniel E. Hare, Frank Garrett, Jr., David Betzold, Mark W Fisher, David J Proeber
  • Patent number: 9636551
    Abstract: An adjustable shaft and hosel assembly allows for dependent and independent adjustment of a golf club's face angle, loft angle, and lie angle. The adjustable shaft and hosel assembly comprises a shaft sleeve, a hosel portion, and at least two tubular adjustment pieces having non-parallel upper and lower surfaces, wherein the tubular adjustment pieces include loft and lie angle indicators that can be added together to determine overall club head loft and lie angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Homer E. Aguinaldo, James A. Seluga, Broadus Perry Wall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9636552
    Abstract: A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face, a flexure, and a weight member. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, and is tuned to vibrate, immediately after impact, at a predetermined frequency. The flexure is formed by a forward wall and a rearward wall that combine to form a recessed channel. The weight member is coupled to a weight mount that is at least partially disposed in the rearward wall of the flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Cleghorn, Darryl C. Galvan, Stephanie Bezilla, Thomas Orrin Bennett
  • Patent number: 9636553
    Abstract: A golf club head with means for adjusting a center of gravity along more than one axis is disclosed herein. The golf club head comprises at least one rectangular weight bar disposed within a recessed region on the sole and adjustable within the recessed region. One end of the weight bar is reversibly fixed to the sole with a connection element, while the other end includes an engagement feature that engages a retention feature at the edge of the recessed region. The retention feature provides multiple locations at the edge of the recessed region to which the engagement feature can be fixed, and when the weight bar is in a configuration desired by a golfer, the weight bar can be reversibly secured to the sole and immobilized within the recessed region by tightening the connection element. The weight bar may also include a slidable weight assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Matthew Myers
  • Patent number: 9636554
    Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion and a plurality of weight portions. The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having an outer surface associated with an outer surface curve, and a weight port region located at or proximate to the bottom portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Parsons, Bradley D. Schweigert, Michael R. Nicolette
  • Patent number: 9636555
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having a ball-striking surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and at least one channel in the ball-striking surface of the face. The region of highest COR response of the face is directionally enlarged toward the channel. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the channel, the face can be altered to provide greater COR response and increased energy transfer for impacts at specific locations on the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Stites, Andrew G. V. Oldknow, Philip J. Hatton
  • Patent number: 9636556
    Abstract: A computer program is disclosed for reconfiguring a property-adjustable golf club. The program receives data input corresponding to a current configuration of an adjustable feature of the golf club, and data input corresponding to trajectory adjustment information. Based on the data input, reconfiguration information is generated, and outputted, that corresponds to one of a plurality of configurations of the adjustable feature of the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SRI SPORTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher J. Beck, Casey Casburn, John J. Rae, Aram Salehi
  • Patent number: 9636557
    Abstract: A retractable golf bag wheel assembly extends and retracts relative to a golf bag to facilitate movement of the golf bag when desired. The assembly includes a lip coupled to and extending downwardly from a bottom face of a golf bag defining a recess. Each of a pair of arms is adjustable between a storage position within the recess and an extended position wherein the arms extend outwardly from the recess. Each of a pair of wheels is coupled to an associated one of the arms. A catch extends from the lip and engages the arms in the storage position. A catch release has a first end positioned proximate a top of the golf bag and a second end operationally coupled to the catch such that manipulation of the first end of the catch release disengages the catch from the arms wherein the arms extend into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Roy W. Frank
  • Patent number: 9636558
    Abstract: A sheath for an article of athletic equipment having a shaft, which includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of the athletic equipment and the sheath is unrolled onto the shaft to the desired length or the entire length of the shaft. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the athletic equipment so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Vincent Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 9636559
    Abstract: A golf club head comprising a crown defining an upper surface of the golf club head; a sole defining a lower surface of the golf club head, wherein said sole is substantially convex in shape; a skirt extending between the crown and the sole; a face defining a ball-striking surface and intersecting said sole at a leading edge; an interior cavity defined by said crown, sole, skirt, and face; a coordinate system with an x-axis located horizontal to said face, a y-axis located vertical to said face, and a z-axis located through said face, said z-axis and said x-axis parallel to a ground plane when said golf club head is held at address on said ground plane; a depression formed in said sole, wherein said depression is substantially concave and protrudes inwards towards said interior cavity of said golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Noah de la Cruz, Darryl C. Galvan, Nick Frame, Charles E. Golden, John Morin
  • Patent number: 9636560
    Abstract: A sports training device attached to the shaft of a swinging sports apparatus, such as a golf club, tennis racket, baseball bat, hockey stick, or other sports apparatus that is intended to be swung while playing a sport. The device includes proximal and distal attachment mechanisms, where the proximal attachment mechanism is disposed at the proximal end of the device and the distal attachment mechanism is disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the device. A stiffener element is disposed at the distal end of the device, and a drag chute is secured to each end of the device. An elongated rod extends along each side of the panel between the proximal attachment mechanism and the stiffener element. The proximal attachment mechanism is secured to the sports apparatus; the distal attachment mechanism is disposed semi-freely around the sports apparatus. The training device rotates about the sports apparatus in synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: CPY 2 LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Celone, James Yablonowski, Randall Yablonowski, Cindy Yablonowski
  • Patent number: 9636561
    Abstract: A hockey training device is provided. The training device includes a substantially flat sheet with a smooth upper surface. The present invention includes a plurality of elastic band suspended to the upper surface. A first vertical post and a second vertical post may be attached to the flat sheet so that the elastic band is secured about the first and second vertical posts. The elastic band includes a front surface facing towards a center portion of the flat sheet. Therefore, a puck may be passed towards the elastic band and the elastic band rebounds the puck towards the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Chapman Simon
  • Patent number: 9636562
    Abstract: A golf swing training aid having opposing concave pads suitable for being positioned between the legs of a user and comprising an attachment mechanism attached to the training aid that secures an alignment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Matthew Way
  • Patent number: 9636563
    Abstract: An exemplary training device includes a padded limb and a support to hold the padded limb at a position spaced from a trainer. An exemplary training method includes holding a padded limb at a position spaced from a trainer using a support grasped by the trainer, and repositioning the padded limb during a training exercise using the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Rogers Athletic Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaise Geoffrey Winter, Zachary John Reger, Kyle R. Camp
  • Patent number: 9636564
    Abstract: A golf swing alignment and swing-aiming device is disclosed. An embodiment of the device includes a main elongated member, an aim arm that is pivotally connected to the main elongated member, an aiming strip that is pivotally connected to the aim arm, and a ball positioning arm that is pivotally connected to the main member at a location near the second end of the main member. The device collapses so that it can fit inside a club sheath in a golf bag, and can be unfolded to allow the user to position the aiming strip in a parallel arrangement with the main member, so that the aiming strip can be used to guide the swing of a golf club while positioning one's feet along the main member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Arnold
  • Patent number: 9636565
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of adjusting a room air in a first room wherein the room air is supplemented continuously or at recurring intervals of time by nitrogen or a nitrogen-bearing, carbon dioxide-poor gas mixture in such a way that the proportion of oxygen in the room air is less than 20.9% by volume and the proportion of carbon dioxide in the room air is less than 1% by volume, wherein at the same time at least a slight overpressure in relation to an outside atmosphere surrounding the room is set in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Volker Spiegel
    Inventors: Volker Spiegel, Ulrich Fuchs
  • Patent number: 9636566
    Abstract: Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 9636567
    Abstract: An exercise system presents display programming at a rate that is commensurate to a user's exercise rate. The user's exercise rate is monitored and compared to a default exercise rate. When the user's exercise rate is above or below the default exercise rate, the presentation of the display programming is adjusted to maintain a temporal relationship between the user's exercise rate and the display programming. The presentation of the display programming can be adjusted by periodically skipping or pausing frames of the display programming to increase or decrease the duration of the display programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Chase Brammer, Richard K. C. Chang, II
  • Patent number: 9636568
    Abstract: A glove includes: a first leather member on a side of a ball catching plane; a second leather member disposed to face the first leather member; and a connection portion in which the first leather member and the second leather member are connected at a part of an outer peripheral portion of the ball catching plane. The connection portion includes a first loop contiguous to the first leather member and having a central axis, a second loop disposed adjacent to the first loop in a direction along the central axis and contiguous to the second leather member, and a string member passing through the first loop and the second loop along the central axis. At least one identical string member passes through the first loop and the second loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MIZUNO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norifumi Ito, Mieko Nagano, Kenji Maeda, Shigeki Kuroda
  • Patent number: 9636569
    Abstract: The invention consist of a tool-less system applied for adjusting the wrist-strap and the toe-strap on snowboard bindings, where such tool-less system is made up with the combination of 3 elements, 1. It is tool-less so the attachment position of the binding strap can be unlocked from one position on the binding frame and locked into another position fairly easily with bare hands 2. It has a stable locking mechanism based on a profiled press-button/pin element fitting into at least one hole with profiled shape provided in the frame of the binding where also at least one hole provided in the strap(s) will fit in and be securely locked in when the button element is put in place 3. The press-button element is put in place from the inside and prevented from popping out during use also by the boot which blocks the only exit direction for the button element, which is inwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: HiTurn AS
    Inventors: Jorgen Karlsen, Dennis Dusseldorp, Daniel Kiebert, Cleay Perham
  • Patent number: 9636570
    Abstract: A game designed to promote communication and encourage partners to build stronger relationships. The game includes a game board, dice, game pieces, skill connector pieces, love chips, friendship gems, and instructional game cards. The game board includes a track having spaces identifying relationship skills of compromise, independence, intimacy, and support. The track also includes spaces identifying reflective life skills of love, reignite, encourage, night-out and doghouse. Each game piece comprises two complementary player pieces having a handle and a contoured base. The skill connector pieces are configured as sections of a jigsaw puzzle that interlock with complementary jigsaw puzzle sections to form a ring-shaped puzzle. Each puzzle section corresponds to one of the relationship skills identified on the track. The instructional game cards include gamble, love, intimacy, and encouragement cards. When the ring-shaped puzzle is completely assembled, the game is won.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: Enrique Emanuel Ruiz, Sarah Witham Ruiz
  • Patent number: 9636571
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a Casino Craps game with additional side bets. The “Point-STAY”, “Seven-STAY”, “SOSI” (Seven-Out-any-Seven-wIn) and “SOX” (Seven-Out-eXact-seven-win) bets are multiple stage bets, initiated after the point is established. First stage: the Point-STAY bet wins on the point, or loses on a seven-out; and the Seven-STAY bet wins on a seven-out, or loses on the point. Second stage: both bets win on a new point matching the previous point or lose on a new point differing from the previous point. First stage: the SOSI and the SOX bets win on a seven-out, or lose on the point. Additional stages: the SOSI wins on each additional seven, maximum of four wins, or loses on a point being established; and the SOX bet wins on each additional seven with the two dice combination matching the previous seven-out combination, maximum of two wins, or loses on a point being established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: James M. Curtis
  • Patent number: 9636572
    Abstract: Multi-cam based formatted online information sharing systems and methods that provide real-time interpersonal communication are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Marcia Rubin
  • Patent number: 9636573
    Abstract: A shop interface is presented to users in conjunction with presentation of views of an online game, wherein the shop interface is configured to facilitate presentations to users of offers to sell virtual items usable within the game in exchange for consideration. In response to detecting that the online game is systematically unavailable to users, an alternative virtual shop interface is presented to users that is accessed over the Internet separately from the online game, and offers to sell the virtual times usable within the game are presented to users in exchange for less consideration than the offers to sell the virtual items through the shop interface presented in conjunction with the online game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie K. Schultz, Michael C. Caldarone
  • Patent number: 9636574
    Abstract: A gaming keyboard and related methods are disclosed that provide features to enhance the computer gaming experience. A keyboard connection pod is disclosed that improves power capabilities of the keyboard thereby allowing for enhanced features that require more power. A panic mechanism is disclosed that can be triggered to cause one or more selected keys to change states. Keycap rim-lighting is disclosed that provides improved visual indication of key positions. A hand registration enhancement is disclosed including a spacebar having a thumb notch and/or WASD and spacebar keys with different tactile response than other keys. Function keys are disclosed that are positioned proximate to allow reduced movement of the left hand. An integrated cord wrap tray is disclosed for a peripheral such as a mouse. Other features and variations are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Mark A. Casparian, Gabriel Gonzalez, Frank C. Azor, Reginald I. Rego, David Estrada, Jacqueline F. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 9636575
    Abstract: A mobile terminal, a control method for mobile terminal, and a program that make it possible to enjoy a game even in a situation in which only one hand can be used. A mobile terminal according to the invention is a mobile terminal used in a game. The mobile terminal according to the invention includes a detection unit configured to detect an orientation of the mobile terminal and a control unit configured to change over a manipulation mode of a game depending upon the orientation of the mobile terminal detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: NEILO INC.
    Inventor: Takeshi Hirai
  • Patent number: 9636576
    Abstract: In a gaming system to progress a battle game using game progression information in one gaming device and another gaming device, a controller of the one gaming device allows a storage unit to store the game progression information read by a reader and identifies a detected finger motion pattern. When the finger motion pattern coincides with a finger motion pattern for input in the stored game progression information, the controller allows at least part of the game progression information to be transmitted toward the other gaming device through a communication unit to be used for the progress of the game in the other gaming device. The controller acquires the game progression information in the other gaming device through the communication unit and allows the progress of the battle game using the acquired information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Makoto Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 9636577
    Abstract: A trigger attachment for a game controller having a housing, a trigger extending through the housing with an exposed contact surface and operable through a trigger range of motion between a zero position and an end position, and an additional button spaced from the trigger by a housing spacer. The trigger attachment has an attachment body defining a recess with a receiving face shaped to mate with the finger contact surface of the trigger, a sloped outer front surface, an upper surface, and a lower housing contact surface. The attachment body is sized and shaped to be mounted on the trigger with the trigger's receiving face against the finger contact surface. When mounted on the trigger, the lower housing contact surface is positioned to abut the housing when the trigger is pressed to reduce the trigger range of motion by preventing the trigger from fully achieving the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: T Antonio
  • Patent number: 9636578
    Abstract: A golf club simulation apparatus includes an elongate shaft housing having opposed lower and upper ends and defining an interior area. A club head member is coupled to the lower end of the shaft housing. A battery is situated in one of the club head member and the shaft housing. An input member configured to receive club selection data is coupled to an outer surface of the shaft housing and electrically connected to the battery. A mass variability assembly is electrically connected to the input member and includes a weight member situated in the shaft housing that is selectively movable therein according to the club selection data. An electronics module having an angular sensing sensor is situated in the club head member. A bend variability assembly is included in the shaft housing for selectively altering a “feel characteristic” of the shaft housing during a swing motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Brett Ricky
  • Patent number: 9636579
    Abstract: A portable gaming and entertainment system (or “environment”) for use with a game console and related components that allows the user thereof to easily, safely and conveniently transport the system. The system comprises a case having a lid pivotally attached to a base. One or more custom inserts are provided to securely receive the game console therein. The custom inserts permit the system to be usable with a variety of supported game consoles. The lid includes a monitor and speakers, and is operative to be opened and maintained at a position to provide a desirable viewing angle for a user. The lid closes against the base to enclose the game console and other related components so that the user may easily transport and/or store the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: G.A.E.M.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Dean T. Mercier, Parker Chou, Ryan Moore
  • Patent number: 9636580
    Abstract: Geographic gaming via a scalable, wireless geographic broadcast protocol enables multiplayer gaming between communication devices without relying on traditional network elements. Games can be fully distributed over an ad hoc network of mobile communications devices. The scalable nature of the wireless geographic broadcast protocol enables multiplayer games to function equally well in both remote areas with no or little network service and in crowded areas containing both game players and other users of mobile communications devices. Wireless geographic broadcast messages distributed among multiplayer game participants can be used to control gameplay features and/or game elements of multiplayer games. Embodiments include simulated artillery battles, simulated throw and catch games, and simulated reconnaissance elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert J. Hall
  • Patent number: 9636581
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus receives operation input corresponding to a plurality of devices and renders a first screen for a particular viewpoint in a virtual space in which it is possible to move an avatar based on the operation input, wherein avatars corresponding to each of the plurality of devices are simultaneously positioned in the virtual space. Meanwhile, the apparatus also performs processing on particular content that is not an avatar based on the operation input and renders a second screen for the content. The apparatus, in a case where an avatar corresponding to an apparatus to which the second screen is provided is included in a rendering scope for the particular viewpoint, renders the first screen, applying the second screen provided to the apparatus corresponding to the avatar to an object related to the avatar in the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Alex Tait
  • Patent number: 9636582
    Abstract: Embodiments present a game in which an ordered plurality of characters is presented for entry by a user with a touch screen, a physical keyboard, or other key input layout. The game advances to each successive character when the user presses the intended character or a character adjacent thereto. Contact areas are determined for each press, and in some embodiments the contact areas are overlaid on the keyboard. The contact areas are used to adjust user-specific touch models to improve text entry by the user. In some embodiments, the contact areas indicate areas for improvement by the user. Game completion statistics are calculated including speed and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Dmytro Rudchenko, Eric Norman Badger, Timothy Seung Yoon Paek