Patents Issued in May 9, 2017
  • Patent number: 9643034
    Abstract: An improved fall arrest lanyard apparatus and method for decelerating and arresting a user from impacting the ground after a fall, along with an integrated, deployable etrier. After the fall sequence has ended, the user may use the etrier to relieve tension in an upper portion of the lanyard and thereby disconnect the lanyard from the user while suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Tech Safety Lines, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Wise
  • Patent number: 9643035
    Abstract: A safety device for a fall restraint includes an anchoring member (1) to which the fall restraint can be coupled directly or indirectly, and a fastening element for a firm and durable connection to an object (10). The fastening element is formed by a flexible fastening flap (11) which extends laterally from the device and which is intended and adapted to bring about the firm and durable connection to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: KEDGE HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Martin Mastenbroek
  • Patent number: 9643036
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fire and smoke containment and extinguishing are described. Systems may include a fire and smoke containment and extinguishing apparatus including an open recess with one or more walls. The open recess may substantially prevent passage of fire, smoke and fumes. The apparatus may also include one or more seals for closing the open recess, and a fire extinguishing system. Methods for fire and smoke containment and extinguishment may include providing a fire and smoke containment and extinguishing system; inserting an item into the recess of the apparatus; closing the recess; and deploying the fire extinguishing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Brian D. Burkett
  • Patent number: 9643037
    Abstract: An oven appliance with features for dissipating pressure increases in the cooking chamber of the oven without forcing open the oven door is provided. Such features include a flame arrester that dissipates pressure increases and quenches flames from the cooking chamber of an oven appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine Alice Vermeersch, Darren Allen Turner
  • Patent number: 9643038
    Abstract: A concealed fire sprinkling head having a decorating fastened structure comprising a sprinkling head at both sides of which a rib is formed, and a fastening slot being respectively formed at an outer wall of the rib; a sheet-like fastening piece at a center of which a passing hole for extending and passing through the sprinkling head, a guiding groove being symmetrically formed at an inner side of the passing hole, a clip hook being formed in the guiding groove, the rib being guided by the guiding groove for fastening in the fastening slot by the clip hook, and at least two tongue strip-like legs being formed at a periphery of the fastening piece; and a cup-like decorating cover adhered to a bottom of the fastening piece via the legs. Thus, a problem saying a structure of the fastening piece is too complex is solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: PROTECTOR SAFETY IND., LTD.
    Inventor: Jung-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9643039
    Abstract: A trampoline including: a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs; a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates connected to said frame against relative movement therebetween and extending upwards therefrom; a jumping mat extending between said spaced apart flexible and resilient plates and being operatively connected at or adjacent its periphery thereto, said plates being arranged for movement inwards and outwards towards the opposite side of said mat in response to a user jumping on said mat; and plate support means operatively connected to said frame and arranged to engage said plurality of plates intermediate said frame and said mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Vuly Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Joe Andon
  • Patent number: 9643040
    Abstract: A modular endurance conditioning tank system for multi-activity strength and endurance training, over a plurality of surfaces and terrain, that reduces the risk of athlete injury. The modular endurance conditioning tank assembly is useful for manually-maneuvering a steel chassis/frame assembly while applying varying amounts of weights and resistance for athletic strength and endurance conditioning. The modular endurance conditioning tank assembly may include a steel chassis/frame assembly, at least one wheeled continuous-track system, at least one steel shaft, a T-shaped handle, at least one hand-hold receiver, a barbell-weight plate receptacle, and a complementary strap, harness, and alternatively user-worn apparel. The steel chassis/frame assembly may have at least one wheeled continuous-track system and the at least one wheeled continuous-track system may further have a left-track assembly, a right-track assembly, and a double wheel disc brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Juan David Guerrero Diaz
  • Patent number: 9643041
    Abstract: A crank-driven exercise device (100). The crank-driven exercise device (100) includes a frame (102), a spindle (202) rotatably connected to the frame (102), a crank arm (104) connected to the spindle (202), and a user input (208) connected to the crank arm (104) configured to receive a force from a user. In some embodiments, the crank arm (104) includes a proximal section (204) and a distal section (206). The proximal section (204) may be connected to the spindle (202) at a spindle interface (302), the distal section (206) may be rotatably connected to the user input (208) at a user input interface (306), and the distal section (206) may be selectively fastenable and selectively rotatable relative to the proximal section (204) at a crank interface (304).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: Steve Neill, David Beard, Victor Cornejo
  • Patent number: 9643042
    Abstract: A weight plate for use in an adjustable weight set includes a weight plate member having a plate surface. A locking mechanism on the weight plate member secures the weight plate to another weight plate of the set. The locking mechanism comprises a plurality of spaced apart locking elements each being formed by at least one cut in the weight plate member. At least a portion of each locking element is displaced from the plate surface forming a slot behind the locking element. The slot receives a locking element on another weight plate of the set to secure the weight plate to the other weight plate. The locking elements are arranged relative to each other and to a centrally disposed hole in the weight plate for securely retaining the weight plate and the weight plates to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Vintage Gold Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Marshall Madden
  • Patent number: 9643043
    Abstract: A method with associated device for exercising core muscles of a patient who must maintain core strength or rebuild it from a very low level. The device has two handles separated by a transmission bar. A first handle is provided for the caregiver to hold, with both hands, and the opposing handle is provided for the patient to hold, again with both hands. The device enables the patient to pull herself from a supine position to a sitting position as the caregiver holds it stationery or, if the patient is lacking strength, to move the device slowly away from the patient. The caregiver can stand close to the bed corners and repeat the process to enable the patient to gain strength in the oblique muscles necessary to initiate rolling on the bed. The device, when used interactively with the patient, encourages the patient and provides feedback to the caregiver regarding the patient's fatigue level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Debra S. Moore
  • Patent number: 9643044
    Abstract: A damping device for exercise equipment is disclosed. The damping device includes a transmission unit, a tension unit, and a resistance unit. The transmission unit has a driven shaft and a driving wheel mounted around a middle section of the driven shaft. The driven shaft has two ends thereof provided with a first rotating wheel and a second rotating wheel, respectively. The resistance unit includes a resistance fan and an adjustable resistance member located outside and below the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel, respectively, so as to structurally achieve overall weight balance. When the tension unit receives a push/pull force, a woven ribbon connected between the tension unit and the driving wheel drives the driven shaft to rotate the first and second rotating wheels, thereby making the resistance fan rotate and making the adjustable resistance member output even and adjustable resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Great Fitness Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Yung Hsu
  • Patent number: 9643045
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, two first swing arms, two second swing arms, two pedals, a resistance device, two cranks, two link rods, two supporting mechanisms, two rock rods, and two adjusting devices. Each first swing arm couples with the frame and has a lower end coupling with a first end of one second swing arm. Each second swing arm has a second end coupling with one pedal. Each crank has a first end coupling with the resistance device and a second end coupling with a first end of one link rod. Each link rod has a second end coupling with one second swing arm. Each rock rod has a first end pivotally coupling with a fulcrum of one supporting mechanism and a second end coupling with one second swing arm. Each adjusting device adjusts the distance between the second end of one rock rod and one fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Liu, Hsuan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 9643046
    Abstract: A stretching device that facilitates wall-based stretching by creating a vertical surface for a user to press against. The stretching devices include two primary components: a stretching board and a base board. The stretching board can couple with the base board such that the stretching board and the base board form a right angle to each other. To use the device, the base board is placed flat on the ground with the stretching board sticking straight up. Stretching boards are designed to withstand forces of use without excess flexing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Alan Xi Kang
  • Patent number: 9643047
    Abstract: A sit-up bench apparatus includes a base set, two supporting rod sets, two elastic sets and an extending rod set. The base set includes a seat body and a pivotal base. The aperture is formed at one end of the pivotal base. The supporting rod set is pivotally disposed at the pivotal base and includes a supporting rod and a first cylinder. The first cylinder is connected with the supporting rod. The elastic set is disposed at the pivotal base and connected between the two supporting rod sets and the base set. The elastic set includes a spring and an extending rod set. One end of the spring is coupled to the pivotal base. The extending rod set is disposed in the aperture and includes a supporting wheel disposed at one end of the extending rod set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Yi-Tzu Chen
  • Patent number: 9643048
    Abstract: A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having a perimeter and an aperture extending therethrough, and being adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose such that the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face. An insert is disposed within the aperture of the face mask and has an inlet aperture extending therethrough. An adjustment slide is positioned adjacent the insert, has an inlet aperture extending therethrough, and is movable between a first position in which a first portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the insert and a second position in which a larger second portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the insert. An adjustment wheel is attached to the insert and is movable rotatably between first and second positions to cause the adjustment slide to move between its first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TrainingMask L.L.C.
    Inventor: Casey Danford
  • Patent number: 9643049
    Abstract: A shatter proof enclosure and mount for a motion capture element that couples to equipment, where the enclosure and optionally the mount is shatter proof or shatter resistant. Exposed areas of the enclosure or mount or both that are subject to impact may be covered with a protective layer that prevents fragments of the enclosure or internal components from exiting the layer, even in the event of an impact. For example, the protective layer may incorporate flexible materials such as silicone rubber. Alternatively, the protective layer may be rigid but effectively unbreakable, using materials such as polycarbonate. The protective layer may also include a mesh that prevents internal components from existing the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BLAST MOTION INC.
    Inventors: Michael Bentley, Ryan Kaps, Bhaskar Bose, Joshua Martin
  • Patent number: 9643050
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for tracking the location of an individual during a fitness activity are disclosed. A method of tracking a participant engaged in a fitness activity includes determining a location of the participant during the fitness activity based on data received at a portable fitness device used by the participant; determining a location of a spectator during the fitness activity based on data received at a mobile spectator device used by the spectator; from a server, sending an alert to a spectator at a spectator device during the fitness activity indicating that the participant is within a predetermined distance of the spectator; and sending an alert to the portable fitness device during the fitness activity indicating that the spectator is within a predetermined distance of the participant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Jon Harald Werner, Christian DiBenedetto, Stephen John Black, Amy Jones Vaterlaus
  • Patent number: 9643051
    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: March 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
  • Patent number: 9643052
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tchao, Christopher A. Robinette, Jason Nims
  • Patent number: 9643053
    Abstract: Protective equipment for the limbs including a front guard, wherein the front guard includes support means attached to the front guard, a front surface, and a plurality of teeth protruding from the front surface for assisting a user in climbing over an obstacle, wherein the teeth include at least one engagement surface arranged to at least partially engage with a surface of the obstacle when pressure is applied to the support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen Raymond Guiney
  • Patent number: 9643054
    Abstract: A secondary ascender system for use in rope climbing and with other rope climbing systems that provides a knee ascender permitting full range of motion and energy capture from two legs by encasing an interior portion of the length of an elastic cord used for tending the knee ascender within a load bearing member. The load bearing member connects a foot attachment to an ascender and transfers loads applied to the foot attachment and via the elastic cord during tending to the ascender to advance up the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Allen Frankhauser
  • Patent number: 9643055
    Abstract: A swim fin includes a foot pocket with a front and rear sections, an upper portion formed of an elastomeric material, a sole, and a foot pocket cavity. The rear section has a rear edge defining the foot pocket cavity. The foot pocket further has an array of through holes disposed through the upper portion adjacent the rear section. The array of through holes is sized and configured to generally increase a surface area of the rear section from the rear edge towards the front section. The swim fin includes a fin blade extending from the front section of the foot pocket. The swim flu may further include an adjustable heel strap. The fin blade may further include side rails attached to the foot pocket with hinges. The fin blade may further include a flex member disposed between first and second body members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TYR Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Carlin Peloquin, Philip Moses Bayer, Philip S. Kovanis
  • Patent number: 9643056
    Abstract: A compressible core with an RFID tag is described. The compressible core comprises an RFID integrated circuit, and an inlay material sandwiched between a top hemisphere and a bottom hemisphere. The RFID integrated circuit includes a memory that stores a unique identifier. The inlay material includes an RFID antenna electrically coupled to the RFID integrated circuit. The top hemisphere of the compressible core is separated from the bottom hemisphere of the compressible core. The inlay with the RFID antenna and the RFID integrated circuit placed between the top and bottom hemispheres. The top hemisphere, the inlay and the bottom hemisphere are joined together forming a compressible core. Additionally, the molded shell encapsulates the compressible core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: EDGE TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Robert Luciano, Jr., Warren White, David Grieshaber
  • Patent number: 9643057
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for golf equipment that can be applied as a thin paint layer to block oxygen and moisture from underlying structural layers. The compositions include a polymer component present in a resin system, a stabilizing component, and porous particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Derek A. Ladd, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Edmund A. Hebert
  • Patent number: 9643058
    Abstract: Compositions for golf balls that include polyurethane and polyurea linkages and that are crosslinked in the soft segments of the polymer backbone. In particular, the compositions of the invention, which are based on a polyurethane and/or polyurea prepolymers, have improved crosslink density from the crosslinking between the soft, unsaturated segments of the polymer backbone. The curative blend includes at least one isocyanate-reactive component and a free radical initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Randy Petrichko, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9643059
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Binette, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9643060
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core consists of: a solid inner core layer formed from a plasticized thermoplastic composition TPp and having a diameter of 1.10 inch or less and a center Shore C hardness (Hcenter) of 50 or less, one or more optional intermediate core layers, and an outer core layer formed from at least one of a thermoset rubber composition and a thermoplastic composition TP and having a thickness of 0.200 inches or greater and an outer surface Shore C hardness (Houter surface) of 70 or greater, wherein Houter surface>Hcenter, and Houter surface?Hcenter?40. In another embodiment, the center Shore C hardness (Hcenter) is 40 or less, the outer surface Shore C hardness (Houter surface) is 85 or greater, and Houter surface?Hcenter?45. In one embodiment, an intermediate layer is disposed between the outer core layer and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Patent number: 9643061
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core consists of: a solid inner core layer formed from a plasticized non-acid polymer composition PCp/N-A and having a diameter of 1.10 inch or less and a center Shore C hardness (Hcenter) of 50 or less, one or more optional intermediate core layers, and an outer core layer formed from at least one of a thermoset rubber composition TR and a thermoplastic composition TP and having a thickness of 0.200 inches or greater and an outer surface Shore C hardness (Houter surface) of 70 or greater, wherein Houter surface>Hcenter, and Houter surface?Hcenter?40. In another embodiment, the center Shore C hardness (Hcenter) is 40 or less, the outer surface Shore C hardness (Houter surface) is 85 or greater, and Houter surface?Hcenter?45. In one embodiment, an intermediate layer is disposed between the outer core layer and the cover. The plasticized non-acid polymer composition PCp/N-A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Patent number: 9643062
    Abstract: Golf ball having at least three layers comprising an ionomeric and/or HNP composition, wherein for each two adjacent layers there is a relationship between a ratio of the volumes of the two adjacent layers and a ratio of the percent (%) neutralizations of those two layers such that the volumes and % neutralizations of all layers are interrelated and interdependent to produce unique and desirable playing characteristics. In one embodiment, a golf ball of the invention has T layers, wherein T?3 and each of the T layers has a different volume “V” and comprises an ionomeric and/or HNP composition having a different % neutralization “N”. Furthermore, each inner layer n of the T layers (n<T) has an adjacent surrounding layer n+1 such that a volume Vn and a % neutralization Nn of each inner layer and a volume V(n+1) and % neutralization N(n+1) of each adjacent surrounding layer n+1 satisfy the relationship (Vn?V(n+1))/Vn?(N(n+1)?Nn)/Nn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A Hebert, Douglas E. Jones, Donald A Serino
  • Patent number: 9643063
    Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball comprising at least one layer consisting of at least one of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition comprising the steps of: providing a subassembly having at least one of an innermost surface or an outermost surface; providing at least one polymeric mixture Pc comprising a plurality of particles having a softening, melting and/or reacting temperature Mp; heating a fluid with a heat source that does not contact Pc to a temperature Mph wherein Mp?Mph to form a heated fluid; softening, melting and/or reacting the plurality of particles by mixing each polymeric mixture Pc with at least one heated fluid and forming at least one heated mixture Pcs; and propelling each Pcs onto at least one of the innermost surface or the outermost surface to form a thermoset and/or thermoplastic layer Tmpl about the outermost surface which may be comprised of a heterogeneous composition. The thickness of Tmpl may be from about 3 mils to about 0.10 in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Edmund A. Hebert
  • Patent number: 9643064
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball, a channel extending across a portion of the sole, wherein the channel is recessed from adjacent surfaces of the sole and/or a void defined on the sole of the body. The channel has width defined in a front to rear direction and a depth of recession from the adjacent surfaces of the sole at a vertical plane passing through the face center, wherein a ratio of the width to the depth is approximately 3.5:1 to 4.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Boggs, Eric A. Larson, Andrew G. V. Oldknow, Michael T. Prichard, Nathaniel J. Radcliffe, Robert M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 9643065
    Abstract: Golf clubs and/or golf club heads include a club head body defining an interior chamber, structure for engaging a shaft with the body, and/or a shaft engaged with the body. The club head body may have an overall length of at least 4.5 inches and an overall breadth of at least 4.2 inches. In other examples, the club head body may have an overall length of at least 4.6 inches and a ratio of the overall breadth dimension to the overall length dimension of 1 or less. If desired, the ratio of the head breadth to head length dimensions may be in a range from at least 0.94 to 1 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Stites, Gary G. Tavares
  • Patent number: 9643066
    Abstract: An iron-type golf club head includes a striking face; a base surface opposite the striking face; and a perimeter weighting element surrounding the base surface and including a top-line portion, a sole portion, a heel portion, and a toe portion. A first auxiliary cavity is delimited by the perimeter weighting element and a first perimeter wall, the first perimeter wall coupled to the sole portion and to the heel portion of the perimeter weighting element. A second auxiliary cavity is delimited by the perimeter weighting element and a second perimeter wall, the second perimeter wall coupled to the sole portion and to the toe portion of the perimeter weighting element. A central cavity is at least partially delimited by the base surface, the perimeter weighting element, the first perimeter wall, and the second perimeter wall, and an insert is within the central cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Sharon J. Park, Douglas E. Roberts, Andrew P. Chick
  • Patent number: 9643067
    Abstract: A trainer is disclosed which is useful for developing skill in sports of coordination including for instance beer-pong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Scott Snyder
  • Patent number: 9643068
    Abstract: A system for observing a swimming activity of a person includes a waterproof housing (BET) having a motion sensor (MS), and is furnished with fixing means (BEL) for securely fastening the housing (BET) to a part of the body of a user. The system has analysis means (AN) for analyzing the signals transmitted by the motion sensor (MS) to at least one measurement axis and which are adapted for determining the type of swimming of the user as a function of time by using a hidden Markov model with N states corresponding respectively to N types of swimming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: Commissariat A L'energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives, Movea SA
    Inventor: Pierre Jallon
  • Patent number: 9643069
    Abstract: A sensor unit includes a sensor section adapted to detect a motion, and an announcement section adapted to announce a state of an output signal of the sensor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuo Nomura
  • Patent number: 9643070
    Abstract: The invention presents a system and methods to perform rehabilitation or physical therapy exercise while doing specifically designed video-games with the support of a therapist. Patient plays said video-games with external controllers with motion sensors connected to a pc or a laptop. The therapist can influence a gaming session of the patient by setting on a shared web-service thresholds for the patient. Said settings are gathered before starting a gaming session and patient movements are filtered by said settings to control the video-game. The patient is then limited in the movements by the feedbacks provided by the audio-visual interface of the video-game: movements on the screen are a result of the real movement done by the patient with said motion sensors filtered by the settings imposed by the therapist on the shared web space. On the other side, a patient with problems in doing some movements, can effectively play a video-game thanks to filtering imposed by the therapist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: COREHAB S.R.L.
    Inventor: David Tacconi
  • Patent number: 9643071
    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 9, 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: 9643072
    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: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 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: 9643073
    Abstract: An exercise grip is disclosed. The exercise grip includes a protective portion and a wrist strap connected to a wrist end of the protective portion. The protective portion has a finger end in which three or four finger holes are defined. The protective portion also has a palm portion that extends from the finger holes to the wrist end. The protective portion varies in width from the wrist end to the finger end. The protective portion can be formed to cover an ulnar portion of a wrist when placed on a hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: VICTORY GRIPS LLC
    Inventor: Victor Pellegrino
  • Patent number: 9643074
    Abstract: A wheeled ski is disclosed that may include a flexible member. The wheeled ski may also include a first wheel assembly that includes a first wheel with a first-wheel first rotational axis and a first-wheel second rotational axis. The first-wheel first rotational axis and the second-wheel second rotational axis may intersect. The wheeled ski may also include a second wheel assembly that includes a second wheel with a second-wheel first rotational axis and a second-wheel second rotational axis. The second-wheel first rotational axis and the second-wheel second rotational axis may intersect. The first wheel assembly may further include a first axle coupled with the flexible member and a first rod that extends through the first axle. The second wheel assembly may further include a second axle coupled with the flexible member and a second rod that extends through the second axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Jacob Barnes
  • Patent number: 9643075
    Abstract: Traction systems for skis producing traction on snow and ice covered surfaces; the skis selected from a group consisting a pair of Back Country skis each are mounted with an apparatus; having DC powered controls, tilt switch, pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) gas powered pneumatic actuators operating gripping parts; controlled by a servo unit. And further consisting a pair of snowmobile skis each having an assembly of parts; driven by an hydraulic rotor that pivots the skis, adjusting their position when cornering, providing traction, according to a snowmobile steering system. And is powered and controlled by at least one of: hydraulic steering system, an electro-hydraulic steering system; an electric power steering system using an electric motor instead of hydraulic rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Jean Brault
  • Patent number: 9643076
    Abstract: A skateboard truck assembly having a base, a hanger, a first bushing pin, and a second bushing pin. The base configured for attachment to a skateboard deck, having a first bushing pin receiving passageway formed in a medial portion thereof and a second bushing pin receiving passageway formed in a rear portion thereof. The hanger adapted to be connected to the base and having a first and second bushing seat. The first bushing pin adapted to extend through the first bushing seat, to be carried by the first bushing pin receiving passageway, and to carry a first bushing adapted to be positioned at least partially within the first bushing seat. The second bushing pin adapted to be fixedly carried by the second bushing pin receiving passageway and to carry a second bushing adapted to be positioned at least partially within the second bushing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Evan Aamodt
  • Patent number: 9643077
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for carrying a user including a board for supporting the user, a ground-contacting member coupled with the board, a motorized drive assembly coupled with the ground-contacting member and one or more sensors coupled with the drive assembly. In operation, the drive assembly adjusts the velocity of the ground-contacting member based on one or more distances of the board from a surface below the board as detected by the sensors. As a result, the system is able to maintain a desired velocity when ascending, descending or traversing uneven ground without the need for excessive and sometimes impossible tilting of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Equalia LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Bigler
  • Patent number: 9643078
    Abstract: The disclosed invention includes all embodiments for a mechanical shuffler comprising a generally planar base and a platform that is sized to receive a deck of unshuffled cards, the stack of unshuffled cards moves relative to a slot where the slot is sized to permit passage of a single card. With movement of a platform relative to a slot, a discrete burst of air is delivered to a stack of unshuffled cards, thereby pushing a single card through the slot and into an area where shuffled cards are to be delivered. It is contemplated that embodiments of the invention will include means for the delivery of a discrete amount of air in response to a computer signal, it is further contemplated that embodiments of the invention may include rollers that are engaged to spin and grip a card that is pushed through a slot by air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Stealth CDS, LLC
    Inventors: Travis L. Sines, Leon Schmidt, Bruce Weyrauch, Michael Denney, James Kesler, Philip Malthaner
  • Patent number: 9643079
    Abstract: A chess-like game having pieces and rules similar to conventional chess but which includes a new piece having powers and limitations not present in conventional chess pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Richard M. Spurgeon
  • Patent number: 9643080
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods to provide an asynchronous social event in a computer-implemented game. The social event may for example be a virtual party that is staged in a game instance of a host player and may comprise automated attendance of player characters associated with one or more guest players. An event invitation may be sent to the guest players, with the player characters of guest players who accept the invitation being displayed as automatically attending the social event. The social event may be played back to the guest players asynchronously upon request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Reynolds, Matthew Deegler, Virginia Ellen McArthur
  • Patent number: 9643081
    Abstract: A portable sensor unit for capturing motion and/or other data may be securely mounted on objects such as a user's limb, a vehicle, or other items. The sensor unit may then collect motion and/or other data from the object to which it is affixed, and may provide this data to a data logger which stores the data. The data logger may subsequently communicate the data to a gaming system which may tailor the motion characteristics of a virtual object to resemble those of the real-world object from which the motion data was captured. Thus, a user can (for example) capture motion data from a vehicle, with this data being supplied to a video gaming unit which provides a virtual vehicle having the same acceleration/deceleration, handling, and other characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Kavars, Leslie Davis
  • Patent number: 9643082
    Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed. The method that is executed by a game service platform server managing a plurality of games for searching game challenge opponents includes: receiving a game challenge opponent request, on the game service platform server, generated according to a motion of a first terminal from the first terminal; receiving a position of the first terminal and a distance from the first terminal; searching for a second terminal based on the position and the distance; and setting the searched second terminal to be a game challenge opponent candidate and providing user information for the searched second terminal to the first terminal, wherein the game service platform server executes a game service platform managing the plurality of games and provides the game challenge opponent candidate request through the game service platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: K-INNOVATION
    Inventor: So Youn Park
  • Patent number: 9643083
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication means for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TimePlay Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Ira Hussman, Jon Hayes Snoddy, John Andrew Race, Mark Rider