Patents Issued in August 4, 2020
  • Patent number: 10729926
    Abstract: The method for detoxifying asbestos disclosed here includes: preparing an asbestos-containing substance that contains at least one type of asbestos; preparing an asbestos treatment agent that contains a mineral acid, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and a fluoride; and bringing the asbestos-containing substance into contact with the asbestos treatment agent so as to detoxify asbestos in the asbestos-containing substance. Due to this configuration, asbestos in the asbestos-containing substance can be favorably detoxified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignees: KOKIGUMI CO., LTD., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION TOTTORI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Myoga, Koichi Takahashi, Kazuhiro Iizuka, Yuhei Matsubara, Toshiyuki Tanaka, Hisaki Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10729927
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus is provided for use with a hip belt or short bar for respectively conducting squat or dead lift exercises, comprising at least one elevated platform secured to a rack, a weight holder, and a guide rod and/or other guide. The weight holder may be designed to hold free weights and to attach onto a hip belt or short bar. As the user performs the desired exercise supported by the platform, the guide rod and/or other guide; guides the weight holder as it is lowered into the hole, limiting movement of the weight holder in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Brian P. Henesey
  • Patent number: 10729928
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dumbbell comprising a dumbbell bar (1) that is used as a handle (3), and weight plates (2) at the ends that can be plugged or clipped onto the dumbbell bar (1) and can be replaced with different weights; the weight plate (2) has an outer surface (5) that faces outward in the mounted state. The disclosed dumbbell is characterized in that the outer surface (5) is formed by an asymmetrically weight-loaded flywheel (6) which is mounted on the weight plate (2) so as to be parallel thereto and be able to rotate about a central axis in such a way that the flywheel (6) always has the same orientation or angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: Andreas Wilhelm, Valerij Missal
  • Patent number: 10729929
    Abstract: A training aid for weighlifting includes a shaft, a first grip area extending from a left end of the shaft towards a midpoint of the shaft, a second grip area extending from a right end of the shaft towards the midpoint of the shaft, wherein the first and second grip areas include a non-slip material, one or more rings located at the midpoint of the shaft, and wherein the one or more rings generate an audible sound when rotated about the shaft, stoppers affixed to the shaft between the grip areas and the one or more rings, wherein the stoppers are configured to prevent the one or more rings from moving towards the grip areas, and wherein when a user lifts the training aid and the one or more rings graze the user, the one or more rings rotate about the shaft and generate the audible sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Gabriel E. Casanova
  • Patent number: 10729930
    Abstract: A weight lifting apparatus to assist an exerciser to lift more weight for more repetitions in the squat and deadlift, the apparatus including an upper sleeve, made of strong, inelastic material, in which a weight lifting belt can be inserted therethrough, and two interweaved elastic cross members each having one end attached to the sleeve, where the remaining portions cross behind the exerciser's gluteus, where a second end of each elastic cross member includes a leg cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Tyler Thompson
  • Patent number: 10729931
    Abstract: The invention relates to a garment for sports, health exercise, physiotherapy or another performance, the garment comprising a body part (BP) of the garment and one or more limb parts (L1, L2, H1, H2) of the garment which extend from the body part of the garment. The garment comprises one or more elastic reinforcements (B1, B2, B3) routed in the garment in accordance with one or more fascial lines (FL1, FL2, FL3) of a human body. The elastic reinforcements form a network, being provided both on a front side of the garment and a rear side of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: VASKIA OY
    Inventor: Marika Heiskanen
  • Patent number: 10729932
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods for facilitating exercise and training includes an elongate board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a length direction and a width direction. The top surface of the board defines a complex curvature including an end convex portion adjacent each opposed end of the board, a center convex portion at a center of the board, and a medial concave portion disposed between the center convex portion and each of the end convex portions. The opposed ends of an elongate strap are threaded upwardly within a slot from the bottom surface to the top surface. At least one pad is provided on the top surface of the board. An opening through the board defines a handhold for gripping and lifting the board. The board may further include a plurality of omnidirectional rollers depending from the bottom surface for movement in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Tricia Ann Cooper
  • Patent number: 10729933
    Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed including a first elongated structural member extending in a longitudinal direction. A resistance element is connected to the first elongated structural member, the resistance element providing a resistance force. A seat is connected to the first structural member, the seat includes a seating surface. A drive which drives the resistance element includes a handle to be held by a user. The seat and resistance element are moveable with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and a centroid of the resistance element is arranged lower than an upper edge of the first elongated structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: RP3 Rowing B.V.
    Inventor: Gerrit Jan Lammers
  • Patent number: 10729934
    Abstract: A lateral elliptical trainer includes foot support platforms and an adjustment system configured to adjust the amount of lateral movement of the foot support platforms. The adjustment system includes a cable operative to adjust the amount of lateral movement of the foot support platforms. The cable is coupled to an actuator that is controllable by a user to enable the user to set the amount of lateral movement of the foot support platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua S. Smith
  • Patent number: 10729935
    Abstract: A cervical spine and muscle strengthening apparatus is provided having a faceplate configured with an opening, a plurality of fastening devices, coupling devices and a resistance source. The plurality of fastening devices may be attached to the faceplate to provide an attachment point at one end of each coupling device. The plurality of coupling devices extends away from the faceplate and attach to the resistance source at the second end of each coupling device. The faceplate may be fabricated from wood, composite, plastic, metal, metal alloy or other suitable material. Additionally, the plurality of fastening devices and coupling devices may be fabricated from metal, metal alloy, composite, plastic, or other such material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Brian A. DeFalco
  • Patent number: 10729936
    Abstract: A multi-mode athleticism movement measurement system includes an athlete-borne acceleration sensor and an athleticism processing device to determine athleticism information based upon one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor, the athleticism information corresponding to any of multiple athleticism measurement modes available on athleticism processing device and selectable by a user. A data link between the athlete-borne acceleration sensor and the athleticism rating processing device transmits the one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor to the athleticism rating processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Prstojevich
  • Patent number: 10729937
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 10729938
    Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and polydimethylsiloxane compound. Functionalized polydimethylsiloxane compounds also can be used to treat thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls with thermoplastic polyurethane covers have good physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Michael Michalewich, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 10729939
    Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vijay Chavan, David Bartels
  • Patent number: 10729940
    Abstract: In a golf ball having a two-layer core consisting of an inner core layer and an outer core layer and a cover of one or more layer, the inner core layer and outer core layer are each formed of a rubber composition made up primarily of a base rubber, the inner core layer has a diameter of not more than 30 mm; and the core has specific hardness ratios (JIS-C hardness/Shore D hardness) at specific points on the cross-section thereof. This golf ball has a reduced spin rate on full shots with a driver and middle irons, thus imparting to an excellent flight performance, and moreover has a good controllability in the short game on approach shots, making it ideal as a golf ball for professional golfers and mid- and high-level amateur golfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kimura, Keita Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 10729941
    Abstract: The present invention relates to two integrated billiard balls for training, which include an image ball and an object ball assembled together by a connecting means and integrated through spherical contact therebetween so that, at the time of billiard training, a trainee can figure out a situation in which the trainee can hit the object ball coupled to the image ball of the training billiard balls, with a predetermined thickness, just by accurately hitting a cue ball while aiming the center of the image ball. Therefore, the present invention enables a trainee to easily practice thickness adjustment of an object ball and thus improve his or her billiard capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Do Joon Park
  • Patent number: 10729942
    Abstract: An inflation needle includes a first end for insertion into an inflatable object, a second end for connection to a pump and an elongated member having a conduit for air therethrough and connecting the first end and the second end, where at least a portion of the elongated member includes a flexible portion. The flexible portion may include a flexible bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: MCGARVEY HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael McGarvey
  • Patent number: 10729943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grommet and a grommet strip for a ball game racket as well as to a specific ball game racket for receiving the grommet according to the invention or the grommet strip according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Head Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schwenger, Harald Rosenkranz
  • Patent number: 10729944
    Abstract: A wood golf club head is provided. The wood golf club head includes a hollow structure body having a face surface for hitting a ball. The hollow structure body has an inner surface and a thick portion in a predetermined region on the inner surface excluding a rear surface of the face surface. The thick portion is located outward of a virtual curved surface and has an outer surface extending along the virtual curved surface. The virtual curved surface is (a) a curved surface centered about a predetermined reference point located inside the hollow structure body or (b) a curved surface having a central axis that is a straight line passing through a reference point located inside the hollow structure body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki Motokawa
  • Patent number: 10729945
    Abstract: Golf club heads with trench features are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan M. Stokke, Martin R. Jertson, Brandon L. Fossum
  • Patent number: 10729946
    Abstract: A golf club set according to the present invention is constituted by a plurality of golf clubs having different loft angles, each of the golf clubs has a shaft and a golf club head, and each of the golf club heads have a crown part, a face part, a sole part, and a hosel part to which the shaft is attached. In the face part, an upper edge line that is a boundary with the crown part curves so as to protrude upward, and, out of the plurality of golf clubs, at least a pair of a first golf club having a lower loft angle and a second golf club having a higher loft angle are configured such that, in a reference state, an uppermost point of the upper edge line of the second golf club is located further on a toe side than in the first golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tomotaka Aramaki
  • Patent number: 10729947
    Abstract: Ball striking devices, such as golf clubs, have a head that includes a face having a striking surface configured for striking a ball, and a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the face, with the body having a crown, a sole, a heel side, and a toe side, such that the face and the body combine to define an enclosed internal cavity. A damping member is connected to the body and includes a post extending inwardly into the cavity from an inner surface of the body, a first arm extending from the post toward the heel side of the body, and a second arm extending from the post toward the toe side of the body. The damping member is configured to produce a mass damping effect upon an impact on the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: David N. Franklin, Michael Wallans
  • Patent number: 10729948
    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 with a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, and a front portion having a face portion with a face portion thickness extending between a front surface and a back surface. The body portion may be associated with a body portion volume. The golf club head may also include an interior cavity. The interior cavity may include an elastic polymer material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: PARSOND XTREME GOLF, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Parsons, Michael R. Nicolette, Bradley D. Schweigert
  • Patent number: 10729949
    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 including a first material and having a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, a front portion having a face portion. The golf club head may also include a third mass portion including a second material and coupled to the body portion, and a plurality of mass portions coupled to the third mass portion. The density of the second material is greater than a density of the first material. The interior cavity may include an elastic polymer material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Parsons, Michael R. Nicolette, Bradley D. Schweigert
  • Patent number: 10729950
    Abstract: A golf club head with a multi-level badge is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention is an iron type golf club head with a multi-level badge that on one level contacts a rear surface of the striking face of the golf club head, and a second level of the multi-level badge contacts a rear surface of a cavity created by the chassis of the golf club head. The gap created between the striking face of the golf club head and the rear of the chassis could be filled with a fluid that has a temperature variable viscosity, providing vibration attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Oswaldo Gonzalez, Marni D. Ines, Gery M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10729951
    Abstract: A golf club head comprises a body and at least one self-extracting pressed weight assembly. The body comprises a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. The body defines an interior cavity. The weight assembly comprises at least three components and is configured for a press fit engagement with the golf club head. The assembly has a drive portion and a threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Benoit Vincent, Ian C. Wright, Kraig Alan Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Henry Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10729952
    Abstract: A multi-material golf shaft having a butt portion joined to a tip portion and possessing unique relationships, including rigidity relationships, which provide beneficial performance characteristics including improved stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: BREAKTHROUGH GOLF TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Byron H. Adams, Blair M. Philip, Jeffrey T. Halstead, Robert E. Stephens, Trever M. Napier, James P. MacKay
  • Patent number: 10729953
    Abstract: A lightweight compression molded multicolor golf grip having at least a first section and a second section of differing colors and composed of elastomer compounds having a density of less than 0.90 g/cc, and joined by cross-linking across a sharply defined cross-color interface having an interface transition zone beyond which there is no mixing of the colors. The grip has a soft feel and unique compression characteristics achieved in some embodiments through the controlled use of an expanding blowing agent in a rubber compound. Achieving the sharply defined cross-color interface is due in part to the use of complementary geometries at opposing interface edges to increase the stability of the interface and reduce the flow during molding associated with the increased viscosity of low density rubber compounds, promote cross-linking of the sections, and better distribute and control the consolidation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen James Davis, Alex Lee Walls, Wen-Chen Su, Aaron Joseph Michaud, Edward Wang
  • Patent number: 10729954
    Abstract: A system is delineated for protecting golf bag contents. The system may comprise a golf bag; a telescopic member coupled to the golf bag, wherein the telescopic member resides in a stowed state substantially within the golf bag and is selectively moved to a deployed state to facilitate protecting the contents of the golf bag; and a cover coupled to the telescopic member, wherein the cover resides in a stowed state when the telescopic member is in its stowed state and is selectively moved by movement of the telescopic member to a deployed state for the cover to protect the contents of the golf bag. The system may be manufactured integrally with a golf bag or as a separate piece for installation on a golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Michael C. Hennenberg
  • Patent number: 10729955
    Abstract: A golf club length adjustment device, comprising a first member affixed to a main shaft, the main shaft configured to couple to a golf club head, a second member slideably coupled to the first member, the second member adapted to couple to a golf club grip, wherein the first member is configured to slide along a club axis relative to the second member to change the length of the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Knutson, Donald S. Bone
  • Patent number: 10729956
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface, an inner surface opposite the ball striking surface, and a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face. The head has a deformation limiting member located behind the face and having an end spaced a distance from the inner surface of the face. The face and the deformation limiting member are adapted such that an impact of the ball on the ball striking surface causes deformation of the face toward the deformation limiting member. When the deformation of the face is sufficient to cause the inner surface of the face to engage the deformation limiting member, the deformation limiting member exerts a force on the face to resist further deformation of the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Eric A. Larson
  • Patent number: 10729957
    Abstract: A sporting implement, such as a blade for a hockey stick, may include an outer layer, a core, and a recovery gel positioned between the core and the outer layer. The recovery gel can form a film, and the recovery gel can be compressible, shape recoverable, and pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The recovery gel can be configured to provide an integrated agent for filling cracks that appear during use of the blade. The recovery gel can be configured to absorb energy impacts between the outer layer and the core. When a crack appears, the predetermined pressure can be relieved inside the crack and fills a cavity formed by the crack to provide cohesion between the outer layer and the core to recreate a new material in the place of the crack. The recovery gel can be configured to help prevent cracks from propagating and actively heals potential damages by reducing stiffness loss caused by cracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Bauer Hockey, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Chambert
  • Patent number: 10729958
    Abstract: A device including a base sheet, a top sheet fixed to the base sheet, and a profile cut into the top sheet delineating a foldable shape from a flat shape in the top sheet, wherein the foldable shape moves between a lowered position and a raised position. The flat shape has a forwardly-directed edge, projecting above the base sheet to define a stop formed by both the base sheet and the top sheet, and against which a rearwardly-directed edge of the foldable shape rests when the foldable shape is in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Park Bench Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Coffey, Bernard S. Coffey
  • Patent number: 10729959
    Abstract: A rotational stick handling training device, which can be used by athletes, such as hockey players, to improve their stick handling skills. More specifically, a training device comprised of a central support system and one or more rotating projections on which a user can practice avoidance maneuvers. The central support system can include a mechanics housing, rotation mechanics located in the mechanics housing, and a central rod supported by the mechanics housing. Each of the rotating projections can include a shaft and a hockey blade located at a distal end of the shaft. The proximal end of each of the rotating projections can connect to a top portion of the central support system, such as the central rod, and the rotation mechanics can be structured and configured to rotate the central rod, causing the central rod to function as an axis about which the rotating projections can rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: John Patrick Linneman
  • Patent number: 10729960
    Abstract: A system and method for improving bowling shot performance based on bowling shot metrics calculated from the analysis of bowling shot sensor data from the user are disclosed. The system comprises a motion sensor/computer device integrated with a bowling glove, a microcomputer system, wireless data communications coupled to methods for data capture from the sensorized glove, and a mobile electronic device for accessing and displaying a bowler's current and historical performance data using the Internet. The performance metrics include ball revolutions rate at release, ball speed, force, backswing duration, front swing duration and shot tempo. Comparing the current and historical performance data allows the user to adjust his or her bowling swing accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Kevin Logan
  • Patent number: 10729961
    Abstract: A soccer ball kicking training device (1) having a support base (3) with a column member (5) extending substantially vertically upright therefrom along a first axis (7) and an arm (9) extending outwardly along a second axis (11) between first and second end portions (13,15). The first end portion (13) has a ball (17) attached to it and the second end portion (15) is attached to a hinge mechanism (21) mounted to an upper part (5?) of the upright column (5). The hinge mechanism (21) supports the arm (9) for pivotal movement about a horizontal third axis (23) relative to the upright column (5) and the first axis (7). The hinge mechanism (21) additionally includes an inclination angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the up and down angle range of the arm (9) about the horizontal third axis (23) and the device (1) also provides an anti-pinch arrangement for safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Robert D. Ohle
  • Patent number: 10729962
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the accuracy of aiming in connection with putting a ball on a green of a golf course. A main part of the aiming aid is placed behind the ball so that the center of the ball is situated in a real or imaginary center of a recess, which can be half-circular. An alignment mark on the aiming aid is directed toward an intended target, such as the hole, and aligned with a marking, such as a text line, drawn line, or other marking, on the ball aligned with or at an angle to a perpendicular end edge of the aiming aid or a marked perpendicular line on the aiming aid. The aiming aid is removed before putting with the straight face of a club parallel to the marking on the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Rolf Björkdahl
  • Patent number: 10729963
    Abstract: A bucket caddy stably holds a bucket above a horizontal support surface or ground for easier access to the contents of the bucket. The bucket caddy has a retainer with slots into which at least three legs are movably joined. The legs each have a shelf surface and a U-shaped hook disposed at their proximal ends. When splayed apart, the shelf surfaces point radially inwardly toward the retainer with their top surfaces in a common plane onto which the bottom of the bucket may be positioned. The U-shaped hooks receive elastic bands, each of which has an S-shaped hook at its opposite end adapted to join a portion of a rim of the bucket. After the bucket is separated from the caddy, the legs rotate so that their central axes are parallel or substantially parallel to one another in a storage configuration. A hook and loop fastener tape wraps around the legs in the storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Rucket, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan L. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 10729964
    Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: SantoshKumar Balakrishnan, Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker, Adam Carroll, Corey Dow-Hygelund, Aaron K. Goodwin, James M. Mullin, Tye L. Rattenbury, Joshua M. Rooke-Ley, John M. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 10729965
    Abstract: A treadmill may include a platform, at least one pulley attached to the platform, a sliding surface of the platform, a tread belt riding portion of the sliding surface, a tread belt surrounding the pulley and the sliding surface, the tread belt having at least one side edge, and a belt guide incorporated into the platform. The belt guide includes a textured portion of the sliding surface aligned with the side edge of the tread belt and spaced apart therefrom when the tread belt is positioned entirely within the tread belt riding portion. When the textured portion comes into contact the tread belt from the tread belt being misaligned out of the tread belt riding portion, the tread belt and the textured portion collectively produce a misalignment sound audible to a user when the tread belt moves against the sliding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Wade A. Powell
  • Patent number: 10729966
    Abstract: An LED screen for use in interactive golf driving ranges is disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes a plurality of enclosures each housing LED nodes, where the plurality of enclosures is arranged in a plurality of rows to form an LED screen. The system also includes a coupler configured to couple a first one of the plurality of enclosures to a second one of the plurality of enclosures. The system also includes an LED processor configured to control each of the nodes via the coupler to display media on the LED screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: DRĪV Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Zenas, Francois Bergeron, Craig Robert Hanna, Francois Girard, Jason Podollan, Randy Ewing, Thadeus Reed, Ethan Jackson, Daniel Bae
  • Patent number: 10729967
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for timing manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination competitions are provided. In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for timing cup stacking competitions. The present disclosure includes a timer for timing various competitions and wherein the timer comprises a plurality of trigger points or touch points to ergonomically require a user to perform certain actions to activate and operate the timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SPEED STACKS, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Goers, John Lawrence Goers
  • Patent number: 10729968
    Abstract: In one example, a snowboard binding includes a retention and release assembly configured to be mounted to a snowboard, and further includes a retention mechanism operable by a wireless remote control. A boot interface portion of the snowboard binding is configured to releasably engage the retention and release assembly, and the boot interface portion is also configured to releasably retain a boot. In operation, the user can enable release of the boot interface portion from the retention mechanism by activating the wireless remoted control so as to cause the boot interface portion to be unlocked from the retention mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Rossland Binding Company
    Inventors: Rob C. Barden, Jeffrey Wayne Herr
  • Patent number: 10729969
    Abstract: A customizable playing card having: a plurality of connectable surfaces, wherein each surface is capable of being removably adhered to each other surface via static electricity; a first card component having: a front first card component face; and a back first card component face; and a second card component that joins with the first card component via the static electricity; the second card component having: a front second card component face; and a back second card component face; wherein the first card component connects to the second card component such that the front first component face is the front card face; and such that the front second component face is opposite to the front first component face and is the back card face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Gregory Donald Paul
  • Patent number: 10729970
    Abstract: A gaming device includes a base member and a plurality of components. The base member has an upper surface and a bottom surface. A first pair of components is disposed within a first gaming area of the base member and a second pair of components is disposed within a second gaming area of the base member. Each of the components is in one of two selectable states that are toggled by pressing down on the components. Each component has a gaming type characteristic and either surrounds or is surrounded by another component. The gaming device is highly portable as no additional components are needed for game play. The gaming device does not include any electrical components and component states are toggled through entirely mechanical means. In one example, the gaming device provides a tic-tac-toe gaming area where the gaming type characteristics are either an “O” shape or an “X” shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Liman LLC
    Inventor: Deniz Yenidogan
  • Patent number: 10729971
    Abstract: A scratch board for lottery tickets and the like. The board includes a body having a planar portion, the planar portion having a flat front surface, and a curved portion extending from the lower end of the planar portion and forwardly of the planar portion, a clip coupled to the planar portion and adapted to securely maintain a flat object against the planar portion, a dowel removably affixed to the planar portion, and a receptacle sized to receive one or several coins. The board can also include a cylinder rotatably disposed within the curved portion, the cylinder including an outer wall, an internal cavity, and a slot defined through the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Jennifer Lynn Lengyel
  • Patent number: 10729972
    Abstract: A front cabinet panel piece, a back panel cabinet piece, a first side cabinet panel piece, and second side cabinet panel piece, each having a plurality of pre-formed openings, are arranged relative to one another to form an amusement game cabinet. The plurality of pre-formed openings are used to accept a corresponding plurality of knock-down hardware pieces each including a fastener locking component and a fastener. The fastener locking components are held within respective first ones of the pre-formed openings and the fastener is inserted into second ones of the pre-formed openings that are aligned with the first ones of the plurality of pre-formed openings. Each fastener is mated to its corresponding fastener locking component to complete assembly of the amusement game cabinet. The assembled amusement game cabinet is used to support a playfield and the playfield, in turn, is used to provide additional structural support to the amusement game cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Stern Pinball, Inc.
    Inventor: George Gomez
  • Patent number: 10729973
    Abstract: Sensor parameters in a remote game peripheral are dynamically. The remote game peripheral may contain one or more sensors that measure the motion of the remote game peripheral via at least one sensor. This information is communicated to a game server. The game server then determines if the sensor sensitivity setting is appropriate for the expected motion of the remote game peripheral at that point in the game. The game server may, at any time during game play, transmit a sensor sensitivity adjustment to adjust the sensor sensitivity level setting to one that is likely to capture the motion of the game peripheral with minimal loss of data. The dynamic adjustment of the sensitivity level may also be used to provide corrective feedback to a game player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Filer, Loren Douglas Reas, Vasco Rubio, Dennis W. Tom
  • Patent number: 10729974
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modular sensory immersion system including one or more panels that introduce the tactile component of audio vibration from multi-media formats into the various surface areas of the human body, while synchronized with audio to the ears. In certain embodiments, the modular sensory immersion system also delivers a range of additional haptic and multi-sensory stimuli synchronized to audio and audio-visual content. In one embodiment, each panel houses vibrating transducers and associated electronics to deliver the audio synchronized force feedback vibrations, as well as the mechanical components associated with the delivery air busts of ambient or heated/cooled variety, water streams and mists, fragrances, and solid or semi solid projectiles. The system can be used as a single interactive panel, as a multi-panel platform, or a multi-panel platform with attached paneled walls that deliver all of the above mentioned sensory stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SONICSENSORY, INC.
    Inventor: Brock Maxwell Seiler
  • Patent number: 10729975
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for dynamically selecting a communication technology based at least in part on the success in forming a peer-to-peer connection for playing an instance of a video game are disclosed. Further, the systems may dynamically select a communication technology based on the quality of service of an established communication connection between two or more computing systems corresponding to two or more users attempting to play the instance of the video game. In some embodiments, the identification of a communication technology may occur during a gaming session and the communication technology used at the start of the game play session may be transitioned to another communication technology enabling the maintenance of a level of quality of service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Aaron Windrem, David Brian O'Neill, James Lawrence Brookes, Martin Clouâtre, Mark Ryan Waller