Sporting Equipment (e.g., Golfbag, Club, Cart, Or Skis) Patents (Class 340/568.6)
  • Patent number: 11675996
    Abstract: The description relates to artificial intelligence assisted wearables, such as backpacks. An example backpack may include sensors, such as a microphone and a camera. The backpack may receive a contextual voice command from a user. The contextual voice command may include a non-explicit reference to an object in an environment. The backpack may use the sensors to sense the environment, use an artificial intelligence engine to identify the object in the environment, and use a digital assistant to perform a contextual task in response to the contextual voice command. The contextual task may relate to the object in the environment. The backpack may output a response to the contextual voice command to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Stephen Claire
  • Patent number: 11617539
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for measuring a biometric signal by an electronic device. An object having an animation effect for inhalation and exhalation is displayed. The animation effect includes the object being expanded to guide the inhalation of a user and the object being contracted to guide exhalation of the user. A sensor unit obtains at least one biometric signal related to a heart rate of the user while the object is displayed. A motion of the electronic device is detected having a strength that is greater than or equal to a threshold strength. Based on the motion ceasing before exceeding a predetermined time, display of the object and obtaining of the at least one biometric signal is continued. Based on the motion lasting longer than or equal to the predetermined time, the obtaining of the at least one biometric signal and the displaying of the object is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventors: Hyun-Jae Baek, Jung-Taek Oh, Jae-Geol Cho, Chul-Ho Cho, Gun-Woo Jin
  • Patent number: 11192007
    Abstract: Provided is a smart golf bag system. The system includes a computing device coupled to a bag and a server coupled to the computing device. The system may include a sensor system coupled to the bag, wherein the sensor system communicates with the computing device. The system tracks golfer data, such as distance hit with each club used in a round of golf, the weather, time of day and the like. The data is stored and aggregated in the server and may be analyzed to suggest clubs based on the distance to the hole, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Charles Isgar
  • Patent number: 11017659
    Abstract: Alarm system technology, in which an alarm event is detected at a property monitored by an alarm system when the alarm system was set in an armed state. Based on detection of the alarm event, an alarm probability score that indicates a likelihood of the alarm event being an emergency situation is determined and the alarm event is handled based on the determined alarm probability score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen Scott Trundle
  • Patent number: 10577049
    Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle includes a helmet and an occupant authentication device configured to perform authentication of an occupant by a small camera (an imaging element) provided in the helmet. The occupant authentication device releases lock on the vehicle if the occupant is authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Uchisasai
  • Patent number: 10427016
    Abstract: A golf club tracking system for tracking the removal and replacement of golf clubs relative to a golf bag by a golfer includes: one or more golf club tags associated with one or more of the golf clubs; a golfer tag associated with the golfer; a base detector associated with the golf bag including processor in electronic communication with an antenna for detecting proximity of the one or more golf club tags and the golfer tag with the base detector. When the golfer tag is within a desired proximity of the base detector, the one or more golf club tags are inventoried to determine a number of golf club tags in proximity to the base detector. When fewer than all of the one or more golf club tags are determined to be within proximity to the base detector, the base detector generates an alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Ray D. Richmond
  • Patent number: 10078953
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing golf clubs and for collecting golf data, such as golf strokes, are described. In one embodiment, a golf data collection system includes a golf accessory worn on the golfer's wrist, such as a watch, equipped with a GPS receiver, impact sensing and motion sensing means, and a transceiver to communicate with golf club tags (e.g. at 2.4 GHz such as Bluetooth). The golf accessory senses the motion of the golf club being swung by the golf and/or senses the impact of the golf club striking the golf ball. When swinging motion or impact is sensed the device uses the transceiver to communicate with golf club tags. The closest golf club (i.e. the club in the golfer's hand during the swing) is captured as the club used by the swing based on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: TAG GOLF, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Savarese, Noel H. C. Marshall, Susan McGill, Kenneth P. Gilliland, Marvin L. Vickers
  • Patent number: 9843743
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using thermal imaging to monitor an infant or other persons that may need observation. For example, an infant monitoring system may include an infrared imaging module, a visible light camera, a processor, a display, a communication module, and a memory. The monitoring system may capture thermal images of a scene including at least a partial view of an infant, using the infrared imaging module enclosed in a portable or mountable housing configured to be positioned for remote monitoring of the infant. Various thermal image processing and analysis operations may be performed on the thermal images to generate monitoring information relating to the infant. The monitoring information may include various alarms that actively provide warnings to caregivers, and user-viewable images of the scene. The monitoring information may be presented at external devices or the display located remotely for convenient viewing by caregivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl R. Lewis, Andrew C. Teich, Jeffrey D. Frank, Arthur Stout, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar
  • Patent number: 9409071
    Abstract: The invention relates to golf clubs, more particularly to mechanisms for fastening accessories to clubs. The invention provides a golf club configured to house an electronic device such as an RFID tag within a recess within the grip, thereby protecting the device from the stress, shock, and exposure that arises when a golf club is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Scott H. Moreira, Michael S. Yagley
  • Patent number: 9393478
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking rounds of golf include a tracking system to track a golfer's position on a golf course and a golf stroke information providing system for providing information about a golf stroke taken by the golfer. The systems and methods also may include a coordinating system to coordinate the information about the golf stroke with the information about the golfer's tracked position on the golf course. The systems and methods also may include a recording system to record and store information about a golf stroke taken and the information about the golfer's tracked position on the golf course. The recorded and saved data may be displayed and/or otherwise analyzed and processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Niegowski
  • Patent number: 9361781
    Abstract: A method for detecting a lost club includes detecting an orientation characteristic of a golf club with a detection unit, transmitting the orientation characteristic from the detection unit to a mobile device, determining a distance between the golf club and the mobile device based on a signal transmitted from the detection unit to the mobile device and determining a lost club state based on the orientation characteristic of the golf club and the distance between the golf club and the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Anton J. Holzapfel, Ken Knaub
  • Patent number: 9278261
    Abstract: A golf system with wireless communication functions is applied to a handheld electric apparatus. The golf system includes at least a golf club apparatus and a golf bag apparatus. The golf club apparatus includes a golf club and a short distance communication identification tag. The short distance communication identification tag is attached to the golf club. The golf bag apparatus includes a golf bag and a wireless communication identification reader. The wireless communication identification reader is attached to the golf bag. The wireless communication identification reader is configured to identify the short distance communication identification tag wirelessly, and then inform the handheld electric apparatus wirelessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: JOGTEK CORP.
    Inventors: Wei-Chun Huang, Tsung-Hsing Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9147333
    Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments, a system may include a sensor, a remote, and one or more transceivers. In example embodiments, the sensor may be configured to sense a condition and send a first signal when the condition is sensed. In example embodiments, the first signal includes a first unique identifier. In example embodiments, the remote is configured to send a second and third signal (for remote “on” and “off”) and the second and third signals will include a second unique identifier. In example embodiments, the first transceiver is configured to receive and retransmit the first, second and third signals. A retransmission of the third signal from the remote further deactivates the transceiver(s) from the “ready” state to the “off” state. Sending the second signal from the remote (the “on” signal) resets the transceiver(s) from the “off” state to the “ready” state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Enuresis Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Kaiomars P. Anklesaria
  • Patent number: 8981924
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a personal possession management system using a short range Internet Protocol (IP) based Personal Area Network (PAN) comprises a master device MD to be worn or held by a user, and an IP based RFID electronic tag ET to be attached to or contained within a personal possession desired to be managed. The electronic tag ET has communicability with the master device. The master device MD is configured to allot an IP address to the electronic tag ET in a registration mode using IEEE 802.11 protocols and sends probes to the electronic tag ET. The electronic tag ET is configured to receive messages from the master device MD and respond accordingly. The master device MD alerts a user when the communicability between the master device MD and the electronic tag Er is disrupted in a monitoring mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Toshiba America Research, Inc., Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raziq Yaqub, Tao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150009033
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for a golf club having a cover comprising an internal surface adapted to conform to a golf club hosel and a portion of a golf club shaft. One or more sensors are disposed within the internal surface of the cover and adapted to actuate between a passive state and an alarm alert state. An alarm is coupled to the one or more sensors, the alarm emitting a signal when the one or more sensors are actuated from the passive state to the alarm alert state. The one or more sensors are retracted in the passive state when the golf club hosel is housed within the cover. The one or more sensors are advanced in the alarm alert state when the golf club hosel is removed from the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: David Michael Sandoval, XiaoZhong Ling
  • Patent number: 8890689
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may be directed to a security device comprising a housing, a rotatable assembly, a locking assembly, and a cable. The rotatable assembly may include a plurality of locking teeth, a spool, and an engagement portion configured to facilitate rotation the rotatable assembly. The locking assembly may include biasing elements configured to apply a biasing force so that the locking assembly and the rotatable assembly may be configured in a locked position. Further, the locking assembly may include magnetically attractive elements configured to counteract the biasing force when a specifically configured key is applied to the housing of the security device. The security device may further include a security element, an alarm, and other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ezzo, William J. Kozlowski, Jr., Matthew R. Shute
  • Publication number: 20140313035
    Abstract: A method for detecting a lost club includes detecting an orientation characteristic of a golf club with a detection unit, transmitting the orientation characteristic from the detection unit to a mobile device, determining a distance between the golf club and the mobile device based on a signal transmitted from the detection unit to the mobile device and determining a lost club state based on the orientation characteristic of the golf club and the distance between the golf club and the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Anton J. Holzapfel, Ken Knaub
  • Patent number: 8836507
    Abstract: An item loss prevention system for protecting from the loss of items from a user, and more specifically to an electronic device utilizing a wireless connection between a remote unit attached to an item, such as a set of one or more keys, and a host or belt unit attached to the user, to prevent the loss of the item. The system includes magnetic sensors between the item and the belt, which are Hall type magnetic sensors. An alarm activates when the item attached to the remote unit, such as a key is separated from the host unit. A multiple of additional host units and the remote units pairs can operate properly in proximity to each other, and are tuned to respond to rolling average signal strength monitoring, to indicate a separation distance requiring an alarm to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Tether Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Thielman, Keith M. Brown, George M. Niederauer
  • Publication number: 20140159899
    Abstract: An alarm/monitoring system includes an interface body, a first electrical contactor electrically connected to a first lead, and a second electrical contactor electrically connected to a second lead. The first electrical contactor has a magnetic field associated therewith to provide a magnetic attractive force to a ferromagnetic component of the object to be monitored. The first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor are located on the interface body so that when the interface body is placed in an operating position with respect to the ferromagnetic component, the first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor each contact a respective surface of the ferromagnetic component to provide a closed electrical circuit between the first lead and the second lead, the closed electrical circuit providing a monitoring input to an alarm system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: D Wayne Crook
  • Patent number: 8653974
    Abstract: An interface device includes an elongated sensor strap having a secured end and an unsecured end opposite to the secured end. The unsecured end of the sensor strap represents a first sensor half, and a second sensor half is adapted to receive the first sensor half/unsecured end to form a sensor link between the two sensor halves. A deployment sensor switch provides an input to a monitoring device for an alarm system. The deployment sensor switch is adapted to reside in an armed state when the first and second sensor halves form a sensor link, but change to an alarm state when the first sensor half and second sensor half are separated to break the sensor link. The sensor strap is sufficiently long to produce a closed loop around a firearm or other object to in a monitored position when the first and second sensor halves are placed together to form the sensor link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: D. Wayne Crook
  • Patent number: 8624738
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems related to an improved golf data collecting and golf club notification system. The system reminds golfers when a club has been mistakenly left behind on the golf course and notifies the golfer when a golf club or clubs are in or out of the golf bag. The system can notify a golfer if a club or golf bag has been removed without authorization. In one preferred embodiment an apparatus that attaches to a golf club includes dual light sensors—one light sensor configured as a switch and one light sensor configured as a light meter. Algorithms make use of the light sensor data to determine whether a golf club is in or out of a golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Radar Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Savarese, Noel H. C. Marshall, Susan McGill, Kenneth P. Gilliland, Marvin L. Vickers
  • Patent number: 8581727
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for alerting a golfer when one or more golf clubs are misplaced from a group of golf clubs. A peripheral unit is associated with and affixed to each of a number of golf clubs, and transmits signals that are detected and collectively processed by a base unit to determine the status of those clubs. A club may be designated as misplaced based on the sequence and timing of status events, upon which an alarm is activated to alert the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Jesse Daniel Koenig, Matthew Charles Smiley
  • Publication number: 20130293381
    Abstract: An anti-theft basketball including an identification device that triggers an alert if such basketball passes a boundary including a reader that interrogates the identification device. The basketball incorporates such identification device in a manner that does not affect the integrity, size, shape, or bounce of the basketball, such as on top of, under, or within the cover of the basketball or its inflatable core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth Cigril Washington
  • Patent number: 8441352
    Abstract: A personal security backpack and method of use include a portable container having a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment having an audible alarm siren window for transmission of an audible siren; a strap attached to the portable container; and an alarm system responsive to at least one activation signal, the alarm system includes an alarm system circuit removably disposed in the second compartment; an audible alarm siren operably connected to the alarm system circuit and responsive to the activation signal to generate the audible siren; and a microphone operably connected to the alarm system circuit, the microphone being responsive to the activation signal, responsive to a user voice, and selectively unresponsive to the audible siren to generate a voice signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Inventive Concepts International, LLC
    Inventor: Edric D Sizemore
  • Patent number: 8305211
    Abstract: A security installation positions a peering ability with a peer installation by establishing a peering agreement to define the conditions constituting a situation for which peering applies, and identifies the resources and assets which will be shared, as well as the duration of the peering, typically until the resolution of the exigent situation or circumstances that prompted the peering. Peering selectively couples security installations for monitoring a particular upon determining that a situation responsive to mediation has occurred within an area monitored by the security installation for monitoring an area. The security installation initiates a peering invitation to a peer installation, in which the peer installation is configured to share resources with the security installation for mitigating the cause of the situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: VidSys, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Jeffrey Morris, Steven Arnold Bolton
  • Patent number: 8299921
    Abstract: A golf club storage and protection device comprising an elongated member and a sensing device. The elongated member houses the golf club shaft and grip and protects the shaft and grip from wear and damage. The sensing device is housed within the elongated member and includes a motion sensor that senses movement of the elongated member beyond a motion threshold level, and an alarm. The sensing device contacts the grip when the golf club is present in the elongated member and the alarm is kept deactivated. When the golf club is removed from the elongated member for at least a predetermined time period and the elongated member is moved beyond the motion threshold level, the alarm will activate until either the golf club is returned to the elongated member or the device is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony F. LaSala
  • Publication number: 20120249330
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to at least one or more of golf club reminding and golf data collecting and recording. In one embodiment an apparatus on a golf club includes an integrated reminder and a stroke cancellation system and is semi-automatic in that the recording of the stroke is directly in response to changing the state (e.g. activating) of a switch which indicates that the golfer has pressed a button on the golf club. The pressing of the button indicates that the golfer will or has taken a stroke with the golf club and that the stroke is to be recorded, with the location of the stroke and an identifier of the club (e.g. 9 iron). The system may also be equipped with a missing club reminder and theft prevention function that notifies the golfer is a golf club has been left behind or if a club or golf bag has been removed without authorization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Savarese, Noel H. C. Marshall, Susan McGill, Kenneth P. Gilliland, Marvin L. Vickers
  • Patent number: 8226495
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to at least one or more of golf club reminding and golf data collecting and recording. In one embodiment an apparatus on a golf club includes an integrated reminder and a stroke cancellation system and is semi-automatic in that the recording of the stroke is directly in response to changing the state (e.g. activating) of a switch which indicates that the golfer has pressed a button on the golf club. The pressing of the button indicates that the golfer will or has taken a stroke with the golf club and that the stroke is to be recorded, with the location of the stroke and an identifier of the club (e.g. 9 iron). The system may also be equipped with a missing club reminder and theft prevention function that notifies the golfer is a golf club has been left behind or if a club or golf bag has been removed without authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Radar Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Savarese, Noel H. C. Marshall, Susan McGill, Kenneth P. Gilliland, Marvin L. Vickers
  • Publication number: 20120139729
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, machine readable non-transitory storage media, and systems which process measured light values in order to determine the status of a golf club relative to a golf club bag are described. In one embodiment, a system uses a floating threshold, which is between a running bright average and a running dark average, to determine whether to add a current light meter value to one or the other of these running averages. In another embodiment, a system resets or re-seeds the running averages so that re-seeded averages are used after exiting from a sleep state such as a dark sleep state. In another embodiment, a system uses light sensor information or other sensor information to determine when a club is in use. In another embodiment, an active golf ball tag includes a sensor (e.g. one or more impact sensors) to detect when a golf ball is hit and to cause an RF transmitter to transmit an RF signal to an RFID reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Savarese, Noel H. C. Marshall, Susan McGill, Kenneth P. Gilliland, Marvin L. Vickers
  • Patent number: 8192293
    Abstract: A method for predicting a golfer's swing speed, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a golf club, monitoring a backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring a downswing, determining an impact time, transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis and generating a golfer's swing speed using a length of a shaft of the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Scott Denton, Joseph Balardeta
  • Patent number: 8120332
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving battery power of a circuit. The method comprises charging a capacitor using a battery. The battery is in electrical communication with a resistor and the resistor is in electrical communication with a capacitor and a load switch. The load switch is in electrical communication with an enabler and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with a radiofrequency component. The load switch is closed, allowing power drawn from the capacitor to flow to the radiofrequency component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 8077041
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for tracking store-items placed in a storage space. The system includes a plurality of wireless RFID readers distributed within the storage space such that at least one store-item, having an RFID tag attached, is within an interrogation range of at least one of the wireless RFID reader. The system further includes a monitoring server operative to communicate wirelessly with the a plurality of wireless RFID readers to obtain information collected by the plurality of wireless RFID readers from the RFID tag attached to the at least one store-item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Miklos Stern, Benjamin J. Bekritsky
  • Patent number: 8044799
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for preventing a loss of a portable terminal, the apparatus including: a luminous intensity sensor unit detecting a current luminous intensity; a main controller unit controlling to request for an input of a password and controlling to output a warning sound when a current luminous intensity is higher than a reference luminous intensity; a display unit outputting a screen for requesting for the password and other screens related to a process of loss prevention; a key input unit via which keys related to the process of loss prevention are inputted; a memory unit in which the current luminous intensity detected by the luminous intensity sensor unit and the reference luminous intensity are saved; and a warning device generating and outputting the warning sound in accordance with the controlling of the main controller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung Soo Chae, Ghun Hahm, Hyun Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8026813
    Abstract: To provide an individual management system for managing products with the use of an automatic identification technology using a wireless communication device. In the individual management system, an individual management device is attached to a managed object, an individual identification device can wirelessly communicate with the individual management device, and an individual information management device can communicate with the individual identification device. The individual management device includes a detection portion such as a sensor. The individual identification device includes a position analysis portion which calculates a distance between the individual management device and the individual identification device. Information on the distance between the individual management device and the individual identification device, and information from the detection portion included in the individual management device are transmitted to the individual identification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yumiko Saito, Mayumi Yamaguchi, Konami Izumi
  • Patent number: 8009046
    Abstract: The golf club reminder system for a golf bag utilizes electric, magnetic, or optical detectors to monitor golf clubs in the golf bag. A control unit is provided for determining the presence or absence of a complete set of golf clubs in the golf bag based upon golf club detection signals. A display is connected to the control unit for displaying an indication of the presence or absence of the complete set of golf clubs in the golf bag, and a user interface is connected to the control unit for setting the control unit for determining the presence or absence of the complete set of golf clubs in the golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Brad Keays
  • Publication number: 20110205057
    Abstract: A personal security backpack and method of use include a portable container having a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment having an audible alarm siren window for transmission of an audible siren; a strap attached to the portable container; and an alarm system responsive to at least one activation signal, the alarm system includes an alarm system circuit removably disposed in the second compartment; an audible alarm siren operably connected to the alarm system circuit and responsive to the activation signal to generate the audible siren; and a microphone operably connected to the alarm system circuit, the microphone being responsive to the activation signal, responsive to a user voice, and selectively unresponsive to the audible siren to generate a voice signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Edric D. SIZEMORE
  • Patent number: 7946926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 7944354
    Abstract: A system for securing purchased items, includes: an enclosure for holding items selected by a user; a personal shopping system (PSS) further comprised of an input/output device, a scanner, software, and security features for securing the items selected by the user and placed in the enclosure; wherein the PSS is in electrical signal communication with a server; wherein the PSS is mechanically attached to the enclosure; wherein the user identifies themselves to the PSS; wherein the security features activate one of a series of visual indicators and alarms in response to various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user; and wherein the intensity, level, and duration of the series of visual indicators and alarms varies in response to the various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Kangas, Jeff D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7915865
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving battery power of a circuit. The method comprises charging a capacitor using a battery. The battery is in electrical communication with a resistor and the resistor is in electrical communication with a capacitor and a load switch. The load switch is in electrical communication with an enabler and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with a radiofrequency component. The load switch is closed, allowing power drawn from the capacitor to flow to the radiofrequency component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 7911186
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving battery power of a circuit. The method comprises charging a capacitor using a battery. The battery is in electrical communication with a resistor and the resistor is in electrical communication with a capacitor and a load switch. The load switch is in electrical communication with an enabler and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with a radiofrequency component. The load switch is closed, allowing power drawn from the capacitor to flow to the radiofrequency component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 7883428
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 7883427
    Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing composed of a polymer material, the housing having a main body and a projection body extending from the main body, the projection body having a length ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm and a diameter ranging from 20 mm to 25 mm, a battery, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Publication number: 20100321186
    Abstract: An interface device includes an elongated sensor strap having a secured end and an unsecured end opposite to the secured end. The unsecured end of the sensor strap represents a first sensor half, and a second sensor half is adapted to receive the first sensor half/unsecured end to form a sensor link between the two sensor halves. A deployment sensor switch provides an input to a monitoring device for an alarm system. The deployment sensor switch is adapted to reside in an armed state when the first and second sensor halves form a sensor link, but change to an alarm state when the first sensor half and second sensor half are separated to break the sensor link. The sensor strap is sufficiently long to produce a closed loop around a firearm or other object to in a monitored position when the first and second sensor halves are placed together to form the sensor link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: D. Wayne Crook
  • Patent number: 7847693
    Abstract: A circuit for conserving power for a shot tracking device attached to a grip of a golf club is disclosed. The circuit comprises a battery, a resistor in electrical communication with the battery, a capacitor in electrical communication with the resistor, a load switch in electrical communication with the capacitor, a microprocessor in electrical communication with the load switch, and the microprocessor comprising a radiofrequency transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Publication number: 20100265067
    Abstract: The golf club reminder system for a golf bag utilizes electric, magnetic, or optical detectors to monitor golf clubs in the golf bag. A control unit is provided for determining the presence or absence of a complete set of golf clubs in the golf bag based upon golf club detection signals. A display is connected to the control unit for displaying an indication of the presence or absence of the complete set of golf clubs in the golf bag, and a user interface is connected to the control unit for setting the control unit for determining the presence or absence of the complete set of golf clubs in the golf bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: K GOLF BAGS, INC.
    Inventor: Brad Keays
  • Patent number: 7804404
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transmitting a signal while conserving battery for a shot tracking device attached to a grip of a golf club. The system comprises a circuit comprising a battery, a resistor, a capacitor, a microprocessor and a radiofrequency component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 7801575
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transmitting a signal while conserving battery power by utilizing a resistor in series with a power source prior to a capacitor, allowing that capacitor to be charged at a controlled rate and further comprising an automatic switch, allowing power to flow when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 7746227
    Abstract: The golf club reminder system for a golf bag utilizes electric, magnetic, or optical detectors to monitor golf clubs in the golf bag. A control unit is provided for determining the presence or absence of a complete set of golf clubs in the golf bag based upon golf club detection signals. A display is connected to the control unit for displaying an indication of the presence or absence of the complete set of golf clubs in the golf bag, and a user interface is connected to the control unit for setting the control unit for determining the presence or absence of the complete set of golf clubs in the golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Brad Keays
  • Publication number: 20100052907
    Abstract: A security alarm system suitable for bicycles or other mobile articles, which may be attached to said article to be protected. This anti-theft device is equipped with a security cable and a siren and two LED's. Said cable may be spooled thru the major components of the article. Having several options of attachment said alarm is suitable on many different articles, such as construction equipment, motorcycles, children's toys, barbeques etcetera. The security siren alarm system is simple to operate yet provides a sophisticated security unit. This system uses a low current drain design in the arming/timing circuit to provide long battery life. The security cable provides ample length to attach a number of parts together even more than one bicycle. Should this cable be cut or somehow removed the attached alarm will sound off for up to three hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: John Alfred Shannon, Debra Carliss Shannon, Devendra Girish Soman
  • Patent number: 7649467
    Abstract: When playing a sport it is generally difficult to localize (exactly) an accessory requirement for that sport at a determined point in time. The localizing of sports equipment may however be desired in particular situations, for instance to track down lost articles of sports equipment, or to be able to apply the rules of a sport in efficient manner. The invention therefore relates to a system for localizing sports equipment. The invention also relates to a method for localizing sports equipment using such a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Eyeon Trust B.V.
    Inventors: Martijn Schimmer, George Johannes Ferdinandus Blom