Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se Patents (Class 473/415)
  • Patent number: 12115415
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating playing soccer based on RFID are provided. Accordingly, the method may include selecting one or more game rules. The method may further include communicatively coupling at least one ball with at least one communication device via an RFID sensor disposed on the at least one ball, the communication device further associated with a user. The method may further include generating ball tracking data from the at least one ball and receiving target data from at least one target sensor disposed on at least one target. The method may further include processing the ball tracking data and the target data in order to determine at least a score based on the one or more game rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Inventor: Charles Cooper
  • Patent number: 12053687
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to using a hand held target (e.g. tae kwon do paddle) as a tool for providing physical performance instructions according to a digital workout performance template loaded in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Inventors: Nir Yachin, Amit Kinor
  • Patent number: 11786795
    Abstract: A sensing system and method determines whether a slow pitch softball has been delivered in a strike zone. The system includes: a dual, mirror image slow-pitch software home plate; the home plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; the lower surface configured for attachment to ground; the upper surface comprising a pressure or impact sensing array covering at least edges of the upper surface of the home plate; the sensing array having a battery source for powering the system; the sensing array issuing an electrical signal when sensing pressure or impact; and the electrical signal connected to an audio or visual output device that indicates receiving of the electrical signal by a visual or audio emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Russell Brooke Dunn
  • Patent number: 11701552
    Abstract: A control system for regulation balls in a football field and regulation ball support for same is provided. The system has ball supports arranged in a football field, a central control unit and a portable electronic device. Each ball support has presence sensors for detecting a football in a supporting base and data processing means for wirelessly communicating information from the presence sensors to the central control unit. The central control unit monitors the presence of footballs in each ball support and repeatedly sends, wirelessly, the results from the monitoring to the portable electronic device, which graphically shows on a screen the presence or absence of footballs in the corresponding ball supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Javier Rodriguez Perez
  • Patent number: 11505053
    Abstract: An inflatable camper skirt assembly includes a plurality of inflatable barriers. Each of the inflatable barriers has an inflation valve integrated therein to facilitate the inflatable barriers to be inflated with air. Each of the inflatable barriers is longitudinally elongated when each of the inflatable barriers is inflated with air for positioning beneath a camper. In this way each of the inflatable barriers can define a skirt extending around the camper thereby inhibiting wind from blowing beneath the camper. A plurality of deflate valves is provided and each of the deflate valves is fluidly integrated into a respective one of the inflatable barriers. Each of the deflate valves is actuatable into an open condition to deflate the respective inflatable barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: William LaGard
  • Patent number: 11278787
    Abstract: Virtual and augmented reality sports training environments are disclosed. A user interacts with virtual players in a simulated environment of a virtual reality sporting event. In some embodiments, the user's actions and decisions are monitored by the simulated environment. The environment evaluates the user's performance, and provides performance feedback based on the user's decisions and timing. In one application, real life pitchers and their pitching data are tracked and replicated in a simulated pitching environment. A team of users may practice against a simulation of a pitcher they are about to compete against, swinging at pitches that they would see in a real game. Such environments may maximize effective practice time for users, and help develop better players with improved decision-making skills. Some embodiments include various pitch recognition training, which may be against replicated real-life pitchers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: WIN Reality, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher O'Dowd, Michael Stephens, Kodi Tapie, Nicholas Kippes, Daniel O'Dowd, Garrett Beatty
  • Patent number: 11007417
    Abstract: The multisport space includes a plurality of different fields for goal sports and net sports. There is a first square or rectangular area for goal sports delimited by a vertical wall. The first goal sports area has a goal sports field in which the goals are vertical and extend from ground level. There is a goal sports field in which the goals are horizontal and placed at a certain height. The panels of the vertical wall form nets for a plurality of net sports fields arranged on either side of the panels of the vertical wall. Extensions of panels, leading from their respective implantation axes, also form nets for net sports fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Francois Emmanuel Vigneau
  • Patent number: 11003901
    Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to action detection in a video based on image analysis. In some embodiments, a method includes obtaining a plurality of images associated with an activity between a first object and a second object. The method further includes performing image analysis on the plurality of images to identify one or more portions of the first object and one or more portions of the second object. The method further includes, based on the image analysis, detecting at least one interaction between a given portion of the first object with a given portion of the second object in one or more images of the plurality of images. The method further includes, based on one or more positions of the given portion of the first object and the given portion of the second object in the one or more images of the plurality of images, determining one or more characteristics of the interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Trent W. Boyer, Steve McDuff, Ethan S. Headings
  • Patent number: 10972110
    Abstract: A local oscillator frequency-based proximity sensor is disclosed. The proximity sensor includes: an integrated circuit having at least a capacitive element; and an antenna designed with an inductive element; wherein the capacitive element and the inductive element form a proximity sensor oscillating at a local oscillator (LO) frequency, wherein the integrated circuit is configured to measure a frequency offset from the LO frequency, wherein the frequency offset is indicative of a detection of a nearby object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Wiliot, LTD.
    Inventors: Alon Yehezkely, Nir Shapira
  • Patent number: 10821347
    Abstract: Virtual and augmented reality sports training environments are disclosed. A user interacts with virtual players in a simulated environment of a virtual reality sporting event. In some embodiments, the user's actions and decisions are monitored by the simulated environment. The environment evaluates the user's performance, and provides quantitative scoring based on the user's decisions and timing. Coaches and other users may design customized scenarios or plays to train and test users, and the resultant scores may be reviewed by the coach. In one application, real life pitchers and their pitching data are tracked and replicated in a simulated pitching environment. A team of users may practice against a simulation of a pitcher they are about to compete against, swinging at pitches that they would see in a real game. Such environments may maximize effective practice time for users, and help develop better players with improved decision-making skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: WIN REALITY, LLC
    Inventors: Brendan Reilly, Yazhou Huang, Lloyd Churches, Chris O'Dowd, Sebastien Goisbeault, Mats Johansson
  • Patent number: 10674785
    Abstract: A fitness tracking system includes a shoe, a magnetometer, and a controller. The magnetometer is mounted on the shoe and is configured to generate three-axis direction data in response to movement of the shoe during a predetermined time period. The controller is operably connected to the magnetometer and is configured to generate two-axis calibrated direction data based on the three-axis direction data after the predetermined time period. The two-axis calibrated direction data corresponds to an orientation of the shoe during the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen, F. Grant Kovach, Michael Mazzoleni
  • Patent number: 10486032
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking a sports ball assembly in real time during a sporting event are disclosed. A structure of the sports ball assembly is also disclosed. The sports ball assembly comprises at least one electronic circuit embedded or attached to a sports ball. The sports ball assembly is in network communication with a server processor via at least two receivers within a sports arena. The sports ball assembly generates and transmits UWB data packets comprising movement-related data for the sports ball assembly in real time at a predetermined rate. The at least two receivers receive the UWB data packets and transmit to the server processor with time stamps. The server processor is operable to determine a movement of the sports ball assembly based on the UWB data packets and the time stamps received from the at least two receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: SPORTSMEDIA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gerard J. Hall
  • Patent number: 10159888
    Abstract: A location-and-event-tracking system includes radio-enabled anchors and tags on a field of play, e.g., a basketball court. Tags are attached to players and to balls or other game-play objects. The system determines the location in space of each of the tags. For tags connected to game-play objects, the system evaluates proximity to players to assess possession of the game-play object. If the game-play-object tag is not sufficiently close to a player for the player to be in possession of the object, the position of the game-play object is evaluated to determine whether the game-pay object is in a goal zone region. If so and the game-play object has been within an attempt zone, i.e., a sub-zone within the goal zone region, then the system determines whether a goal has been made by evaluating whether the game-play object passed in order through a number of sub-regions before, at, and after the goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SHOTTRACKER, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Ianni, Davyeon D. Ross, Clint A. Kahler, Thomas J. Keeley
  • Patent number: 9688214
    Abstract: An attachment for a toolbox comprising: a base section and a removable rack section, the base section comprises at least one horizontal support and at least one vertical support attached to the at least one horizontal support, the at least one vertical support has a receiving aperture sized to receive a bottom section of the rack section, located at terminal ends of each horizontal support are attachment tangs that include an attachment aperture, the removable rack section comprises of two pieces, a stem section and a prong section comprising a horizontal bar with retaining projections at teach end of the horizontal bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin Moore
  • Patent number: 9586123
    Abstract: A ball safety netting system includes a net comprising a plurality of openings, a plurality of elongated poles having a lower end operably attachable to the ground in spaced-apart relationship, and a plurality of safety devices operably attachable to the plurality of poles and operably attachable to the net. The plurality of poles and the plurality of safety devices are operably sized and configured for use in supporting the net in a generally fixed upright relationship relative to the ground, and when a force exerted on the safety device exceeds a breaking point of the safety device, a portion of the net is detaches from the pole to reduce the likelihood of pole failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sportsfield Intellectual, LLC
    Inventor: Eric W. Hulbert
  • Patent number: 9550103
    Abstract: A selectable boundary fencing strip that includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. Light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip so as to indicate boundary lines, playing lines, hits, yellow cards and the command to fence. The strip includes a plurality of light sources, each controllable from a master control. The conductive top surface is perforated so that the light sources project through. Light sources in the strip provide visual cues for commencing to fence, warning cards and hits that are visible to spectators, fencers and the referee. In a further embodiment, the illustrative fencing strip is constructed and arranged with a plurality of panels along the sides of the strip that can be marketed for advertising sponsorship revenue. This revenue can be used to pay for the strip and/or underwrite activities of the fencing organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Zivkovic Modem Fencing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Branimir Zivkovic
  • Patent number: 9162134
    Abstract: A lacrosse training and competitive game installation includes an elongated enclosed space having side walls and a goal area adjacent one end thereof and a player area at an opposite end thereof. The goal area includes a rear wall and one or more forward projecting side baffle regions projecting forward from the rear wall of the goal area. Each of the one or more side baffle regions has one or more throwing apertures through which lacrosse balls are hurled into the enclosed space in sequence. A ball projector assembly is mounted behind each baffle adjacent each of the throwing apertures for hurling the lacrosse balls into the enclosed space simulating passed balls between players. A simulated goal is preferably rotatable in the goal area for throwing and shooting of balls at various angles to a goal. Balls are collected from the goal area and delivered to each ball projector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Ralph Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9017190
    Abstract: A ball safety netting system includes a net comprising a plurality of openings, a plurality of elongated poles having a lower end operably attachable to the ground in spaced-apart relationship, and a plurality of safety devices operably attachable to the plurality of poles and operably attachable to the net. The plurality of poles and the plurality of safety devices are operably sized and configured for use in supporting the net in a generally fixed upright relationship relative to the ground, and when a force exerted on the safety device exceeds a breaking point of the safety device, a portion of the net is detaches from the pole to reduce the likelihood of pole failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sportsfield Intellectual, LLC.
    Inventor: Eric W. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20150105185
    Abstract: Features for assembling a physical boundary are disclosed. The boundary may be used in a variety of physical activities, including a pit for Ga-Ga ball. The boundary is made up of panels that can be stowed for transportation and then deployed to form the boundary. The panels are coupled together and secured to the ground using posts. The posts can secure directly to the ground or to supports. The panels may include a variety of features, including windows, ports, pockets, stiffeners, tensioners, and entry ways. An access such as a zipper in the panels may be opened and closed to provide an entry way. The panels and posts can be stored in a portable kit and deployed in a place of interest, such as a park. The assembly can then be broken down, stored as a portable kit, and transported. Associated methods of assembling and use are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Darren M. Teren
  • Patent number: 8979680
    Abstract: A marking system for use with competitively thrown objects such as discuses, shot puts, hammers and javelins. The marking system has a cavity which contains a marking agent which is automatically deposited from the cavity onto the ground when the thrown object hits the ground. Other embodiments are describes and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Lawrence Joseph Hudack, III
  • Publication number: 20150045151
    Abstract: To provide a floor mechanism for game devices, that displaces as a result of user movement, and a game device using said floor mechanism for game devices. A floor mechanism for game devices, comprising a frame, a floor sheet, and an air suction/sending structure means. The frame comprises a plurality of props installed upon a floor surface and coupling members that couple the adjacent plurality of props. The floor sheet is arranged in an air-tight state on the coupling members for the frame; and the air suction/sending structure means sends air to or sucks air from an air-tight space formed by side surface members provided in the frame, and the floor sheet. The floor mechanism is characterized by forming the air-tight space as a result of the floor sheet being fixed to the frame by a fixing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Publication number: 20140364254
    Abstract: A play swing system includes a safety harness attached to each seat, as well as other features for interactive and competitive throwing and tossing games. The safety harness may incorporates various games features, and thus encourage use in activities that require at least one free hand, or otherwise increase the risk of slippage and falling from the play swing seat. Various embodiments accommodate as well as challenge the spatial perception, dexterity and reflexes of players of different ages. For examples, younger players might compete by throwing objects at a fixed target mounted on the ground. In other embodiments, the target is moving in synchronization with the oscillatory motion of the adjacent players swing by a physical coupling or attachment. Interactive play is encouraged at the higher skill levels by configuring the targets associated with adjacent seats to face each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: MARK W. PUBLICOVER, JACOB M. PUBLICOVER, RACHEL C. PUBLICOVER
  • Patent number: 8834303
    Abstract: An Arena Baseball Game system and method for playing an electronic interactive spectator participation game incorporating many aspects of Rounders, Knickerbocker rules and Negro League baseball innovation “Night Baseball.” The method of play is disclosed, involving some of the same rules as American baseball with virtual interplay. Time is regulated by a game clock and balls may be deflected back as playable by a rebounding assembly that surrounds the arena field. The Arena method of play includes monitored base force out zones and means for ball game conclusion by predetermined “aces” or “runs” and time duration. The arena has a playing area surrounded by a wall structure such as pad and or panel walls and spectator protective vision enabled side covering. A baseball-like game played within an enclosed facility, wherein the game method of play rules and facility are designed for fast paced action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: James Edward Jennings
  • Publication number: 20140141906
    Abstract: A ball safety netting system includes a net comprising a plurality of openings, a plurality of elongated poles having a lower end operably attachable to the ground in spaced-apart relationship, and a plurality of safety devices operably attachable to the plurality of poles and operably attachable to the net. The plurality of poles and the plurality of safety devices are operably sized and configured for use in supporting the net in a generally fixed upright relationship relative to the ground, and when a force exerted on the safety device exceeds a breaking point of the safety device, a portion of the net is detaches from the pole to reduce the likelihood of pole failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric W. HULBERT
  • Patent number: 8651983
    Abstract: A swing ball game has a top support frame member. A swing hangs from the top support frame member. The swing has a swing seat configured to swing in a front and rear direction. At least one vertical support frame member is connected to the top support frame member and supports the top support frame member. A rocker support frame member has a rocker bottom profile. The vertical support frame member is connected to the rocker support frame member. The rocker support frame member is oriented sideways so that the top support frame member can rock in a left and right direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 8651321
    Abstract: A gumball machine includes a gumball container that contains a plurality of gumballs, and a neck portion coupled to the gumball container. The gumball machine has an elongated transparent housing having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, and a base coupled to the lower end of the elongated housing. A speaker is positioned inside the base and is electrically coupled to a switch, a plurality of lighting elements are arranged inside the transparent housing and electrically coupled to the switch, and a power supply is housed inside the base and electrically coupled to the switch, the speaker and the lighting elements. When an actuator is actuated, the actuator turns on the switch to cause the lighting elements to flash, the speaker to broadcast sound and/or music, and a gumball to be dispensed from the gumball container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sweet N Fun, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hoi Wai Fu
  • Publication number: 20140004916
    Abstract: Disclosed is an interactive game playable by a viewer/player over a communication network; said game including recorded video imagery captured within a dedicated recording and data transmission facility of interactions between two opposing teams of players; said teams of players striving for a winning outcome which includes moving a game object into an opposing team's designated goal area; said viewer/player enabled to vary aspects of said game via an input device interacting with a computer system of said facility to select alternative said recorded video imagery. Also disclosed is a method of gaining advantage in a game played for digital recording and transmission to storage media or an electronic communication network; said game played before one or more video recording devices between two or more teams of opposing players; said method including causing disqualification from play of said game of one or more opposing players by incapacitating said one or more opposing players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Glenn PARMLEY
  • Patent number: 8617008
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Pillar Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Marty, Thomas A. Edwards, John Carter
  • Patent number: 8574049
    Abstract: A method for playing a game comprises outfitting at least two runners each with a locator device, accruing a number of running points to each runner for covering a predetermined distance within a game playing boundary and depleting a predetermined number of points from a runner who is ‘tagged’ by another runner in his/her proximity based on the locator device. The method also comprises awarding the depleted points to the other runner tagging the runner, wherein the number of points awarded for tagging a runner are greater than the number of points accrued for covering the predetermined distance to encourage tagging. The method additionally comprises awarding a predetermined number of points to a tagging runner who's rate of change in at least one of velocity and direction toward another runner in his/her proximity is greater than the other runner's respective rate of change in velocity and direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jake Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20130281234
    Abstract: According to the various features characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Primarily because of its unique finger configurations, and/or grip enhancers, and/or hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove more operable in various sports activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Johnny Ramirez
  • Patent number: 8548610
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for objectively determining tennis player rankings and rating levels for a broad range of tennis players, from novice amateurs to top-ranked professionals, on a single continuum are disclosed. Player-specific match outcome data stored in an electronic archive database are communicated to an electronic processing element that calculates player rankings and rating levels. Updated player-specific data is then communicated back to the electronic archive database for storage. The disclosed ranking and rating process evaluates each player's body of work, including the results of his/her most recent match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Tennis, LLC
    Inventors: David Edward Howell, Alexandre Lopes Cancado
  • Patent number: 8506426
    Abstract: A method of playing a game called lobol, and a kit to facilitate playing it. The lobol is a small, solid ball. In addition to the lobol, the game requires one or more larger balls. A third element of equipment is a goal that has an opening large enough to admit the lobol, but small enough to exclude the larger ball. The game is played by placing the lobol on a playing field between a starting point and the goal enclosure. One player is designated as the “player in possession”. That player propels one of the balls towards the lobol with the intention of moving the lobol into the goal, thereby scoring a goal. The player in possession continues throwing the ball at the lobol, until they miss. The other player then takes over as the player in possession, and they attempt to move the lobol into the goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Fly Boy Games, LLC
    Inventor: Gabriel Perez
  • Publication number: 20130178315
    Abstract: Typical embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are: a traditional soccer ball; a game-play area that is confined within rebound-fences and pass walls; a vertical scoring standard that is configured to spin on a vertical axis when struck by a soccer ball. The identified apparatus may be used in a confined and multi-directional soccer game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Alan N. Wright
  • Publication number: 20130178312
    Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for enhancing the viewing enjoyment by spectators of a sports game conducted on a playing between two teams of opposing players, and in which at least one referee is present for the purpose of observing any infractions of rules of the game and indicating such an infraction and which team committed the infraction. The systems and methods may include automatic detection of a called penalty and which team is called for the penalty. The systems and methods may also use transmitters which are activated whenever a predetermined event, such as a penalty, is called, and receivers disposed around the playing field to detect that a penalty was called and on which team the call was made. An indication of the rules infraction and the team committing the infraction may then be displayed or communicated to viewers immediately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Steven L. MARKS
  • Publication number: 20130130843
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining when an athlete is in possession of a ball by analyzing image data are provided. A camera is worn by an athlete and is turned on when the athlete is in proximity of a ball. The camera is used to generate an image of a ball. The size of the ball is determined and compared to a threshold. The athlete is considered to be in possession of the ball when the size of the image exceeds the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: NIKE, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8428901
    Abstract: A mobile communication device includes a communication unit for communicating with other communication devices, a processor unit connected to the communication unit, and a sensor unit connected to the processor unit. The sensor unit includes at least one of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor. The humidity sensor senses ambient moisture and generates an electronic signal corresponding to the ambient moisture, and the temperature sensor measures ambient temperature and generates an electric signal corresponding to the ambient temperature. The processor unit calculates at least one of the ambient humidity and ambient temperature according to the electric signals and transmits associated data of the sensor unit to the communication unit. The communication unit sends the data to other communication devices capable of communicating with the mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Hsing-Yuan Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20130085019
    Abstract: A marking system for use with competitively thrown objects such as discuses, shot puts, hammers and javelins. The marking system has a cavity which contains a marking agent which is automatically deposited from the cavity onto the ground when the thrown object hits the ground. Other embodiments are describes and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence Joseph Hudack, III
  • Patent number: 8409035
    Abstract: The field game is played using the following game components: a first and second set of game balls, first and second sets of shorter game towers, first and second taller game towers and first and second ball-striking mallets, with such first and second game components bearing separate indicia for identifying them as the components of first and second teams, respectively. Boundaries for game play on a playing surface are established by using spaced apart markers and spaced apart taller game towers. The remaining game components are then disposed within those boundaries and play is begun by teams taking alternative turns at striking their own balls, while attempting to contact the balls of the opposing team or the towers of the opposing team, to knock those towers over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Winsor Fun, LLC
    Inventor: Reynolds W. Guyer
  • Patent number: 8388472
    Abstract: A plurality of articles for playing a sport game, the plurality of articles including a game ball, a plurality of goal rods and a sport court having a court top, a court base, two court sides and two court ends which define a game space, wherein the court top includes open areas on each end of the court top, wherein the open areas are separated by a studded area, the court base is divided into four sections, wherein the four sections include a goal zones separated by neutral zones, each of the two court sides include a flat portion and a studded portion, and each of the two court ends includes a goal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan Blais, Ryan Bussett, Alex Pajor, Andy Manke
  • Patent number: 8381709
    Abstract: A pitching machine for pitching a ball to a batter positioned in a first batting location. The pitching machine including a frame, a drive assembly coupled to the frame, a pitching arm and a lead timing arm. The pitching arm is coupled to drive assembly and rotatable in a first direction about a first axis. The pitching arm includes a forward side configured to contact and project the ball during a portion of the rotation of the pitching arm about the first axis. The pitching arm is configured to project the ball at least a first ball release position with respect to the first axis. The lead timing arm includes a marker. The lead timing arm is coupled to the pitching arm such that the marker is visible to the batter positioned in the first batting location prior to the pitching arm reaching the first ball release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: William R. Woessner, David B. Andrews, Timothy D. Greene, Jose L. Lopez
  • Patent number: 8356800
    Abstract: A protective padding assembly for covering a section of chain link fence of the character found in sports venues, such as baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields and the like, wherein the section of chain link fence includes a hingeably connected swinging gate. The protective padding assembly uniquely includes a fence covering section, a gate covering section and an intermediate, wedge shaped portion for covering the gate hinges in a manner that will not interfere with opening and closing the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Troy Robinson
  • Publication number: 20130017909
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing a football-type game. Game systems described herein can employ a playing field having a scrimmage zone, first and second no run zones, and first and second scoring zones. The combined maximum length of the scrimmage zone and the first and second no run zones can be less than 30 yards. Certain embodiments concern methods for playing flag football.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Buster Hower
  • Patent number: 8353791
    Abstract: A system for tracking balls in sports in which players kick, pass, bounce, strike or carry a ball. The ball is equipped with two beacons pulsing in the 5-10 Hz range at a frequency which is not attenuated by the body of the players. one beacon has a very short range of 40-120 cm and the other has a range of 1-5 meters. A data logger worn by the players includes a clock, location and speed sensors, a receiver for the beacon signals and a micro controller to record the data from all the sensors. The micro controller is able to record whether the player is in possession of the ball or is contesting the ball. The path of the ball from player to player is tracked relative to the playing field. An impact or pressure sensor may be fitted to the players footwear, glove or a bat stick, club or racquet to register a kick or ball strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Catapult Innovations Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Shaun Holthouse, Igor van de Griendt
  • Publication number: 20120329580
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable, collapsible enclosure for use with a portable game console or computer for playing video games on a large screen television where the game involves tracking the position and movement of a moving object. The enclosure has a fabric cover and a frame which is movable between a collapsed position whereby the enclosure may be easily stored and an expanded position for playing a game. The fabric cover of the enclosure in the expanded position has an open front, side and top walls and a rear wall. The rear wall is provided as a netting material which is selected to arrest the movement of a moving object projected into the enclosure through the open front, while permitting a user to observe an image displayed on a large screen television placed to the rear or side of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: VISUAL SPORTS SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Daniel Weitzner, Peter Weitzner, Chris Scott
  • Patent number: 8333663
    Abstract: To provide a game device capable of allowing a user to feel a difference in state of mind between a player of a winning team and a player of a losing team when defending. A selection unit (56) selects one or more player characters from among the player characters belonging to a team not in possession of a moving object. In a case where control by a first player character control unit (58) is applied, a determination unit (62) determines whether or not a reference period has elapsed after a given reference time. In a case where elapse of the predetermined period after the reference time is determined, a switching unit (66) switches the state in which control by the first player character control unit (58) is applied to a state in which control by a second player character control unit (60) is applied. A reference period data control unit (64) changes the length of the reference period, based on game state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadakatsu Izumi
  • Publication number: 20120309564
    Abstract: A device for covering a portion of a finger of a hand is provided. A pad that is sized and shaped to be positioned on a fingernail of the finger is releasably affixable to the fingernail. An adhesive applied to the lower surface of the pad has sufficient strength to keep the pad affixed to the fingernail when the pad is applied to the fingernail until the pad is manually removed from the fingernail. The upper surface of the pad is reflective such that the visibility of hand signals given while the pad is affixed to the fingernail is improved relative to hand signals given while the pad is not affixed to the finger nail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: FPC Concepts, LLC d/b/a GameSigns
    Inventors: Nathan PASSANTINO, Matthew Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20120270687
    Abstract: A process for more accurately delivering a hitting device to a ball, including positioning a stiff and straight leading or front leg at the start of and during the process (with no step forward of the front foot or leg) until after contact with the ball, pointing and planting the leading or front foot at least partially in the direction from which the ball is traveling, positioning the hands and the hitting device such that the distal end of the hitting device is below the shoulders and the hitting device is held substantially parallel to the ground at the start of the process, delivering the hitting device directly forward in the same plane as the ball is traveling, and utilizing pivoting of the torso and hips about an axis to deliver the hitting device to a ball with little or no forward or lateral movement of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: PROCESS INNOVATION ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Roger U. Hart
  • Publication number: 20120225742
    Abstract: A portable game apparatus having two identical free-standing units that can be assembled and used independently or together in an opposing or side-by-side arrangement. The game apparatus is convertible to and from a use configuration and a storage configuration. In the storage configuration, the game apparatus is a single unit with a cavity formed therein to house all of the parts of the game apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Brad Max, Jay Todd Max
  • Publication number: 20120196706
    Abstract: A system is provided for measuring field conditions of soccer fields. In one embodiment, an inventive system includes a central management system; a testing soccer ball for testing a ground of a soccer field; a GPS receiver mounted inside the testing soccer ball, wherein the GPS receiver detects velocity of the soccer ball; sends RF signals to the central management system; locates current position of the soccer ball; and locates current attitude of the soccer ball from the ground of the soccer field. The system also includes a RFID tag including a RFID antenna mounted on surface of the testing soccer ball; a soccer ball transmitter located on one end of a field; a RFID reader located on another end of the field, wherein the reader detects the RFID tag when the soccer ball passes through the reader. The system further includes a control processing unit and a memory located inside the testing soccer ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: TOP MEASURING FIELD LIMITED
    Inventor: TAI CHEUNG POON
  • Publication number: 20120088611
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable, foldable lacrosse crease fabricated of a durable, waterproof rubber material. Measuring approximately the standard eighteen feet in diameter, the Easy Crease features pre-marked spots placed approximately six feet apart on the cross section where the goal is placed. Additionally, the perimeter contains an approximate three inch border. To facilitate compactability, storage, and transport, the center of the Easy Crease is folded and attached to a Velcro™ or a similar hook and loop fastener-strapped handle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Chris R. Turner