Having Means Other Than Ellipsoidal Spheroid Shape (e.g., Football Shaped, Etc.) To Produce Erratic Or Unpredictable Rebounding Or Rolling Thereof Patents (Class 473/595)
  • Patent number: 11458371
    Abstract: A non-spherical ball includes a plurality of shaped components secured together and forming a body of the non-spherical ball; a cylindrical exterior shape extending around a first axis of the body; a cube exterior shape extending around a second axis of the body; the cylindrical exterior shape and the cube shape intersect at a right angle; and the cube exterior shape minimizes roll of the non-spherical ball when thrown on the second axis; and the cylindrical exterior shape maximizes roll of the non-spherical ball when thrown on the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Lucas Michelin
  • Patent number: 11040262
    Abstract: A ball training or simulating device is provided. The ball training or simulating device comprises a modified ball coupled to a base by a motion transfer member. The modified ball allows for a lower, more natural, ball position, while the shape, position, and configuration of the motion transfer member provide for a verisimilar kicking experience. The ball training and/or simulating device can be coupled to a computing device to allow input from the modified ball to be used in a simulated or augmented reality game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Matthew Moran
  • Patent number: 10806971
    Abstract: A non-spherical ball includes a plurality of shaped components secured together and forming a body of the non-spherical ball; a cylindrical exterior shape extending around a first axis of the body; a cube exterior shape extending around a second axis of the body; the cylindrical exterior shape and the cube shape intersect at a right angle; and the cube exterior shape minimizes roll of the non-spherical ball when thrown on the second axis; and the cylindrical exterior shape maximizes roll of the non-spherical ball when thrown on the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Lucas Michelin
  • Patent number: 10549168
    Abstract: A polyhedral substantially cube-shaped training aid approximately the size and weight of a basketball and having a side transition, whereby when the training aid is launched in the manner of a basketball shot the rotation of the training aid provides visual feedback representative of a nature of the rotation of the device in flight. The training aid may include a level indicator device, sound indicator, vibration indicator, and side transitions are generally beveled. The training aid may include visual outer-markings on one or more external surfaces of the aid to visually indicate the nature of the rotation of the device when launched. Alternatively, the training aid is removably placed over the outside surface of a basketball so as to at least partially square off a first perspective of the basketball, the training aid being configured and constructed of material that permits the training aid to become removably affixed to the outer surface of the basketball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Charles Martin Wallace
  • Patent number: 10369421
    Abstract: A spiked ball includes an inflatable ball having an outer surface and a series of protrusions on the outer surface. The protrusion each appear as a tear-dropped shape mass that includes a base having a relatively flat bottom adhered to the outer surface and a narrow tip extending away from the outer surface. The narrow tip may also appear as a curved tale. The spikes provide a unique tactile feel and a surface for gripping that is different than other balls. The spikes also cause the ball to contact or “grab” the ground to create a unique bounce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: KESSLER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander Kessler, Brian Kessler
  • Patent number: 9895246
    Abstract: Transoral implantable devices includes an inflatable body made of a material that permits it to be compressed into a substantially linear transoral delivery configuration and that when implanted in the stomach is adapted to reduce obesity or weight by stimulating the stomach walls of the patient. The body has a plurality of popout features on its surface that reside generally flush with the inflatable body in relaxed, refracted states, and which respond to an increase in pressure within the inflatable body by projecting outward from the body in a stressed, deployed state. The popout features may convert between their retracted and deployed states by movement of rolling diaphragms formed in the inflatable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Dominguez, Justin Schwab, Mitchell H. Babkes
  • Patent number: 9675847
    Abstract: A sports ball comprising an inner core with a plurality of nubs on its exterior surface, and an outer shell comprising two hemispheres that surround the inner core such that the plurality of nubs contact the inner surfaces of the outer shell's inner cavity. The outer core can comprise a cross-linked closed-cell foam such that the sports ball can be more durable and softer than conventional balls normally used for the same sport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy P. Jahnigen, Jose C. Velasquez, Rodger A. Bell
  • Patent number: 9566520
    Abstract: As one implementation example, an application comprising a recreational game performs a method comprising displaying at least a portion of a recreational object. The recreational object comprises a central portion comprising a center and a plurality of arm members in which the arm members are joined to the central portion and balanced about the center, the arm members each comprising a channel for enabling air passage through the arm members and into the central portion in which the air passage affects a flight speed and a rotational speed of the recreational object passing through air. The method further comprises receiving input from an application user, the input operable to manipulate the recreational object to achieve a goal of the recreational game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Lucian S. Naum
  • Patent number: 9480884
    Abstract: A leather-based cover material for an inflatable sports ball that consists of a composite of a thin external layer, a filler, and an internal liner. The thin external layer is dimpled by using positive/negative embossing plates to create pebble projections on an exterior side and voids on the other or interior side. The interior side is coated with a filler material that fills the voids. The cover material is completed by attaching a liner layer to the cured filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Baden Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh Tompkins
  • Patent number: 9457254
    Abstract: A putting trainer, as described herein, is used for practicing golfing with a golf club with a head. The putting trainer is for use on a generally smooth putting surface. The putting trainer has a body and at least one obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: David Glenn Grill
  • Patent number: 9017192
    Abstract: An athletic training device for training athletes is provided. The athletic training device comprises a training ball having an outer cover and an inner air bladder. A predetermined amount of silicon is positioned between the outer cover and the inner air bladder wherein the silicon covers a least a portion of the inner air bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Roberto Silva
  • Patent number: 8926458
    Abstract: A football training aid for football practice with an external battery powered activation and a variable speed setting control mechanism in communication with an internal cam driven assembly configured to create a dynamic inertia and a shaking motion of the football when activated, thereby making the football more difficult to catch. Power speed settings range from slow to fast to accommodate the skill and age of the player and increase player grip strength to enhance performance during practice to simulate the movement of a football in game situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Cody J. Wood
  • Publication number: 20150005116
    Abstract: A throwable ball having a large internal passage aligned with its central axis. An insert defines the bounds of the internal passage. This insert is surrounded by compressible foam that gives the ball an easy gripping surface. Interlock features are preferably provided between the insert and the compressible foam so that they do not slip relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Dallas Turner, Jeffrey Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20150005117
    Abstract: The invention provides game apparatus for use in a rebound ball game in which a player causes a ball to impact a target surface and to rebound therefrom. The apparatus comprises at least one multi-sided game ball having partially spherical surface regions and a plurality of deflector formations or facets) directed outwardly, for causing the game ball to rebound erratically from a target surface in use. The facets are contiguous with the partially spherical surface regions. The ball surface is marked with indicia, for example numbers. These may be used in mathematical games. A method of playing such a game is disclosed. This involves reading a numerical value off the top of a ball after bouncing and catching it, and then performing a mathematical operation upon said numerical value to yield a running total.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Robert William Martyn
  • Publication number: 20140349791
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible pocket-sized ball toy and a pocket-sized container or package for the toy, wherein the toy comprises a light weight exterior covering surrounding a light weight expandable spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Schiller
  • Patent number: 8702542
    Abstract: The invention is for a weighted ball designed to be hit or struck where the ball has a resilient, flexible, nonburstable outer shell, a hollow inner chamber and a filler hole where a weighted filler material is inserted into the hollow inner chamber through the filler hole and where the air inside the hollow inner chamber that displaces the remaining space inside the hollow inner chamber and where the inside air pressure is equal to the outside air pressure, and where a hole plug seals the filler hole after filling the hollow inner chamber with the weighted filler material, and where a hole plug sealant is used to fill the vacant hole plug space and to reinforce and strengthen the hole plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Pete Parenti
  • Patent number: 8683958
    Abstract: A ball (100) having a foam core (110) with a channel recess (114) formed on its surface is enclosed by a cover assembly including a rubber channel assembly (120) in the shape of a spherical curve, such as a baseball curve, and fabric panels (132) that are fixed to the channel assembly. The channel assembly is configured to be inserted into the channel recess in the core. In an embodiment, a heat-activated adhesive substrate is disposed between the cover assembly and the core. In an embodiment, a launcher engages the channel assembly to aid in throwing the ball. In an embodiment, a removable insert (220) is insertable to be retained in the channel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Canine Hardware, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Oblack, Kyle D. Burger, Mark D. Thinnes
  • Patent number: 8579741
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a playing object (21) having a main surface (13, 14, 16) enclosing and provided around a center of gravity, said main surface being provided with elements (22) in a pattern around the center of gravity, where each element has an element surface extending away from the main surface. The playing object may be a polyhedron and some of the elements may have a different appearance than the majority of elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Waboba Limited
    Inventor: Jan Von Heland
  • Publication number: 20130260927
    Abstract: A football having a prolate spheroidal shape including longitudinally spaced apart first and second ends. The football is capable of being analyzed under computational fluid dynamics analysis, and includes upper and lower central regions. Each positioned between first and second upper and lower end regions, respectively. The football further includes a bladder, a cover, a plurality of boundary layer trip mechanisms coupled to the upper and/or lower central regions, and a lacing coupled to the upper central region. The analysis includes first and second configurations. The first configuration is conducted on the football with the trip mechanisms, and the second configuration is conducted on the football without the trip mechanisms. The first and second configurations provide first and second drag coefficients, respectively. The first coefficient is at least 3 percent lower than the second coefficient. The length of the upper and lower central regions is defined by the lacing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: Robert T. Thurman, Kevin L. Krysiak
  • Publication number: 20130102422
    Abstract: An embodiment herein includes a baseball having a cover and a core. The cover encapsulates the core and there at least four images on an exterior surface of the cover. At least four of the images do not substantially extend from one of the panels to another one of the panels. The ball may have a profile substantially similar to a conventional ball. A second embodiment of the ball is where the core is weighted in an asymmetric manner. A method of using an embodiment of the ball includes a player calling out a description of the image as the player fields the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph M. Boyan
  • Patent number: 8276547
    Abstract: A pet toy includes a plurality of raised features to enhance a dental cleaning action of the animal toy within the animal's mouth. The raised features are provided in groups or sets of linearly extending and uniformly spaced protrusions. The protrusions preferably cover a majority of the outer surface of the pet toy. The distal tips of the protrusions may be roughened in order to enhance dental cleaning. A squeaker may be incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element may be used to activate or deactivate the squeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Kong Company
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 8216091
    Abstract: A structure motivated by an impulse to slide over a surface, including: an impulse-receiving portion for receiving the impulse, the impulse-receiving portion defining a section of a generally semi-hemispherical structure and produced from a foam material patterned to represent at least a portion of a sports ball; and a sliding portion, coupled to the impulse-receiving portion, for sliding contact with the surface on a contact surface of the sliding portion responsive to the impulse the contact surface having a generally planar smooth surface having a periphery surrounded by an extension of the impulse receiving portion, wherein a tumbling of a coupled combination of the impulse-receiving portion and the sliding portion is inhibited by shifting a center of gravity downward by a greater weighting of the sliding portion relative to the impulse-receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Diggin Active, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip H. Neal, Royce Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110256967
    Abstract: The present invention is a random direction bouncer including a solid sphere having a core removed therefrom to define a concentric hollow within the solid sphere. The solid sphere has an outer surface and an inner surface. There is at least one cut-out removed from the solid sphere to define an opening corresponding to the cut-out, with the cut-out opening extending from the sphere outer surface to the inner surface, and being in communication with the concentric hollow. The resultant bouncer bounces in a random direction when dropped or thrown against a flat surface, instead of returning to its origin (or thereabouts).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Mitchel SHORE
  • Publication number: 20110218064
    Abstract: A bouncy ball includes anomalies which, when bounced upon, causes the ball to bounce irregularly. The anomaly may comprise a solid protrusion formed integrally with an outer skin of the ball or a separate plug filled into a pocket formed in the outer skin. The shape of the protrusion may be partially spherical. The solid protrusion may also include elongate grooves, flat surfaces or any other desired shape, such as a star. The bouncy ball may also include a secondary bladder with inflatable anomalies. The secondary bladder is coupled to a generally spherical inner tube which may be formed with grooves to receive the secondary bladder. Outer skins may be coupled over the secondary bladder and inner tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Charlie Henry Bibby
  • Publication number: 20110207564
    Abstract: A ball having a modified surface for training includes an inflatable bladder that includes an inner surface that defines an inflation chamber and an outer ground contacting layer that is disposed on an outer surface of the bladder. The ground contacting layer includes at least one protrusion that is formed during the manufacture of the ball. The protrusion extends radially outward from surrounding portions of the ground contacting layer so as to create a local modified surface area that imparts different bounce properties (bounding pattern) to the ball than the surrounding ground contacting layer portions, thereby causing the ball to have an unpredictable bounding pattern depending upon which portion of the ball strikes the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Corey Goodall, Natasha Goodall, Quiana McCook
  • Patent number: 8002652
    Abstract: A sporting game in which a game ball that behaves differently from a conventional soccer ball is kicked from a starting point toward an end point for the purpose of getting the game ball in the end point in as few as strikes as possible and, if this is not accomplished in one kick, then the game ball is kicked one or more additional times until it is in the end point. However, unlike the direction of travel for a conventional ball, the game ball's direction of travel is to the right when a counterclockwise spin is applied at a point of contact with the player's foot, to the left when a clockwise spin is applied at the point of contact, and straight when a top spin is applied at the point of contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Publication number: 20110190081
    Abstract: An embodiment herein includes a baseball having a cover and a core. The cover encapsulates the core and there at least four images on an exterior surface of the cover. At least four of the images do not substantially extend from one of the panels to another one of the panels. The ball may have a profile substantially similar to a conventional ball. A second embodiment of the ball is where the core is weighted in an asymmetric manner. A method of using an embodiment of the ball includes a player calling out a description of the image as the player fields the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph M. Boyan
  • Patent number: 7780555
    Abstract: A ball having an inflatable ball shell within which is found an inflatable inner ball partially filled with an inner ball gas and partially filled with a liquid that is held in the center of the inflatable ball shell by an inflatable support when the inflatable inner ball, the inflatable ball shell and the inflatable support are inflated. The ball exhibits an eccentric and unpredictable motion unless a concomitant spin is appropriately applied to it and the motion of the ball is primarily determined by movement of the liquid within the inflatable inner ball. The inflatable support can be a donut-shaped chamber having an inner radius which is substantially the same as, and may be attached to, an outer radius of the inflatable inner ball. Alternatively, the inflatable support can be three or more elastic spherical shells attached to the inflatable inner ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Gamelot, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Y. Wong, Chi Wai Tse
  • Patent number: 7727088
    Abstract: A structure motivated by an impulse to slide over a surface, including: an impulse-receiving portion for receiving the impulse, the impulse-receiving portion defining a section of a generally semi-hemispherical structure and produced from a foam material patterned to represent at least a portion of a sports ball; and a sliding portion, coupled to the impulse-receiving portion, for sliding contact with the surface on a contact surface of the sliding portion responsive to the impulse the contact surface having a generally planar smooth surface having a periphery surrounded by an extension of the impulse receiving portion, wherein a tumbling of a coupled combination of the impulse-receiving portion and the sliding portion is inhibited by shifting a center of gravity downward by a greater weighting of the sliding portion relative to the impulse-receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Diggin Active, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip H. Neal, Royce Nelson
  • Patent number: 7520830
    Abstract: A ball with a hollow inner core filled approximately 50% or less by volume with a fluid (which can include metallic spheres), a ball shell and struts (six or more) attached to the core and connected to an inner surface of the ball in such a way so as to maintain the core at the center of the ball. A swirling motion of the fluid within the hollow inner core determines the motion of the ball and a direction of travel away from a point of contact at which a force is applied to the ball to cause it to move or change direction. The direction of travel of the ball will be to the right when a counterclockwise spin is applied to the ball at the point of contact, the direction of travel of the ball will be to the left when it a clockwise spin is applied to the ball at the point of contact, and the direction of travel of the ball will be straight when a top spin is applied to ball at the point of contact. The weight ratio of the fluid to the ball without the fluid is approximately 1:1 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 7413524
    Abstract: A dribble training device for facilitating training of a person to dribble a ball includes a ball including an outer wall defining an interior space. The interior space receives pressurized air to inflate the ball. Each of a plurality of protuberances is integrally coupled to the outer wall of the ball and outwardly extends from an exterior surface of the ball. The protuberances influence an angle of rebound of the ball off of the support surface when the ball is dribbled to randomize the angle of rebound each time the ball impacts the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Charlie H. Bibby
  • Patent number: 7250014
    Abstract: The generally spherical handball includes a first spherical surface portion at a common radial distance from the ball center and a second spherical surface portion at a second common radial distance. In a preferred embodiment, a third surface portion is defined at the second radial distance. A curvilinear edge is formed at the abutment of the first, second and third surface portions. Dependent upon where the surface of the ball strikes the playing surface, the ball bounces irregularly. To enhance the irregularity of the play, the second and third surfaces are surfaces of two semi-spherical domes and each semi-spherical dome has a hollow core region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Alvin A. Trowers
  • Patent number: 7247107
    Abstract: A lacrosse ball that meets generally accepted rules on the construction of lacrosse balls (e.g., size, weight, and bounce height), but provides a more impact-absorbing surface than conventional lacrosse balls. One embodiment provides a lacrosse ball including a shell made of a first material and a layer of second material disposed on the shell, wherein the second material has a specific gravity lower than that of the first material. Another embodiment provides a lacrosse ball including a core made of a first material and a layer of second material disposed on the core, wherein the second material has a specific gravity lower than that of the first material. Another embodiment provides a lacrosse ball including a core made of a first material and a layer of second material disposed on the core, wherein the second material has a specific gravity higher than that of the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: STX, LLC
    Inventor: Katelyn Marie Bedwell
  • Patent number: 6935274
    Abstract: The pet toy consists of an inner elastomer ball having an inner ball wall, a squeaker mounted in the inner ball wall, an outer elastomer ball having an outer ball wall, an air hole mounted in the outer ball wall, the inner ball being within the outer ball. The outer ball protects the squeaker from dislodgement from the wall of the inner ball and protects the inner ball wall when the pet attacks the toy. The inner ball can be pushed through air hole so that the inner ball can be placed into the outer ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Steven M. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 6645098
    Abstract: A ball for use in playing street hockey having a substantially smooth spherical shell with a hollow interior cavity partially filled with a liquid and a plurality of prills to less than one-half of the volume of the interior cavity. The specific gravity of the prills is less than that of the liquid to minimize splash of the liquid and to improve the ability of the liquid to remain in the lower portion of the ball as it travels over a playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Franklin Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles T. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20030162603
    Abstract: Non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with this invention, include at least one linear through hole. As this non-standard sport projectile passes through the air, after being hit by, for example, a golf club, the non-standard sport projectile spins. When the above-mentioned through hole is generally aligned with the projectile's direction of flight, air passes through the through hole, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the non-standard sport projectile are enhanced. When the through hole is not aligned with the projectiles direction of flight the aerodynamic characteristics are reduced. As a result, the non-standard sport projectile experiences rapidly repeating intervals of relatively high aerodynamic flight and relatively low aerodynamic flight as the non-standard sport projectile spins around the center cross section of the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Richard C. Breaker, John V. Breaker
  • Patent number: 6609944
    Abstract: A ball toy 10 intended for use by pets that is molded of a flexible, resilient material, containing a hollow cavity inside 22. Attached to the hollow cavity is a squeaker 20. The squeaker 20 is activated by air rushing through it, into and out of the hollow cavity within the ball, as the ball 10 is squeezed and released. The ball. 10 is essentially round, allowing it to roll freely and easily in any direction. The ball 10 has features molded in relief on its outer surface 12 which resemble the face 14, legs 16, and tail 18 of an animal. The protruding features 14, 16, 18 cause the ball 10 to roll in a slightly erratic manner and may cause a light pitter-patter sound when the ball 10 rolled on a smooth surface, thus creating a resemblance to a small scurrying animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Charles A. Viola
  • Patent number: 6579145
    Abstract: A toy for entertaining a user includes a composite structure configured to execute a play function, the composite structure including several removably interconnected structure elements, each said structure element having at least one propulsion mechanism including a spring-loaded, directionally selectable propulsion member connected to the structure element. The triggering object is optionally a play surface and the element shell optionally includes a representation of a human or animal face. The composite structure has at least two of the structure elements, each structure element having a propulsion mechanism so that several propulsion mechanisms are distributed over the outer extremities of the composite structure for depressing and tilting by the user in individually selected directions into engagement with the shoulder engaging structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: John G. Maxim
  • Patent number: 6537125
    Abstract: An inflatable or inflated ball comprising an outer chamber formed of an airtight flexible outer skin which, when properly inflated and fully expanded, defines an interior volume. A sealed inner chamber filled or fillable with a substance substantially heavier than air is positioned within and occupies a relatively small amount of the interior volume. A plurality of elongated radially extending and three-dimensionally spaced elastic members are each connected and radially extend between, the inner chamber and the inner surface of the outer chamber. The elastic members are cooperatively sized in length and suitably tensioned to support and hold the inner chamber centrally in an at-rest position within the interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko, III
  • Publication number: 20020155908
    Abstract: A water skipping article for use by a user in launching the article in a substantially horizontal trajectory and with a specified rotation spin. The article includes a three-dimensional body constructed of a biodegradable material and having a smooth and continuous exterior surface with a substantially circular and smooth edged outer perimeter. The body further includes a side profile defined by upper and lower elliptically extending faces and which converge into the smooth profile of the circular outer perimeter. A hollowed, substantially elliptical and interior cavity is defined in substantially centric and suspended fashion within the body. Upon launching of the water skipping article by the user, the configuration of the interior cavity causes centrifugal forces to be applied in a direction towards the solid outer perimeter of the article and to thereby increase individual incidences of the article contacting the water surface in a skipping fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Glen Davis
  • Patent number: 6443863
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a sports training ball designed to develop reaction and reflex skills, while keeping interest and enthusiasm high among the participants due to the unpredictable bounces the seven-knob rubber ball creates. It is well suited for training in many sports including baseball and is effective to help young athletes develop their visual tracking skills, reaction skills, and catching skills. Its unique seven-knob design ensures a different bounce every time it bounces against a flat surface. The seven-knob design includes two identical knobs of a larger size and five identical knobs of a smaller size and the ball is approximately the same mass as a tennis ball and a baseball. In short, it is challenging, but allows children of varying ages and skill levels to achieve success while building their skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Joe Dinoffer
  • Patent number: 6432008
    Abstract: The invention is of a ball game device and method of using the same comprising a octahedron body made of a resilient material preferably durable rubber foam like material, plastic, or rubber and dimensioned to be kicked, rolled, or thrown on a 360 degree, flat, playing surface either indoors or outdoors. The octahedron body has eight equally-sized faces all of which are generally flat-surfaced for resting upon the flat playing surface. Because of the design of the ball game device, it responds to impact in an erratic, unpredictable, flip flopping manner. Each face has indicia displayed thereupon in the form of color, letters, and, or numbers which displays the outcome of each players turn. The face facing upwardly on the surface, after the octahedron body comes to a complete and motionless stop on the surface after being kicked, rolled, or thrown by the user, determines the fate of the user in the ball game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Sean Lemmon
  • Patent number: 6398616
    Abstract: An inflatable or inflated ball comprising an outer chamber formed of an airtight flexible outer skin which, when properly inflated and fully expanded, defines an interior volume. A sealed inner chamber filled or fillable with a substance substantially heavier than air is positioned within and occupies a relatively small amount of the interior volume. A plurality of elongated radially extending and three-dimensionally spaced elastic members are each connected and radially extend between, the inner chamber and the inner surface of the outer chamber. The elastic members are cooperatively sized in length and suitably tensioned to support and hold the inner chamber centrally in an at-rest position within the interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko, III
  • Patent number: 6348018
    Abstract: An American football includes a ball cover including four elliptical cover pieces sewn edge to edge together, wherein each cover piece comprises an outer elliptical cover skins, an elliptical inner lining for supporting between the outer cover skin, and an air layer having an predetermined elliptical shape disposed between the outer cover skin and the inner lining, and an inflatable bladder disposed within said ball cover for propping up said ball cover after inflation. So, a predetermined volume of air is provided in the air layer for increasing the elasticity of the outer cover skin, so as to increase the softness of the American football with lower manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Top Ball Trading Co., LTD
    Inventor: Tsung Ming Ou
  • Patent number: 6319144
    Abstract: This invention is a table type game that requires both billiard skills and bowling skills to play. Scaled down bowling lanes, gutters, pins and approach are provided. The scaled down bowling balls are regulation size billiard balls that are struck and driven by regulation size billiard cues. The approach is covered with a billiard table type felt material and is raised approximately ¼ inch above the lane to allow the billiard balls to replicate the sounds of a bowling alley during play. Standard bowling scoring is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Vernon Hasty
  • Patent number: 6264574
    Abstract: A game ball is provided for primarily practicing throwing a football in a passing spiral motion to impact a vertical wall, and then via a reactive force, the game ball returns in a passing opposite spiral motion to be caught by the person, who is practicing throwing a football. The body of the game ball has an external appearance looking somewhat like a football, except having only one conical pointed end, referred to as the trailing end, and having the other end, referred to as the leading end, being a substantially planar wall contacting surface. The body is made to absorb a substantial portion of the wall impact energy, and to quickly release a substantial amount of this absorbed energy, which is then directed in the opposite direction, successfully causing the body, serving as the game ball, to return in a passing opposite spiral motion to the locale, where the game ball was initially thrown by a person in a passing spiral motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Play Visions, Inc.
    Inventors: Webb T. Nelson, Michael E. McGonigle
  • Patent number: 6254502
    Abstract: Closure members are provided at the opposite ends of a hollow casing. Shock absorbers are confined within the casing by the closure members. A weight is disposed within the casing between the shock absorbers. The weight may be defined by a plurality of granules confined within an enclosure in the casing between the shock absorbers. Alternatively, the weight may be defined by a solid member. The casing may be in the shape of a baseball bat. Alternatively, a tube may be disposed within the casing and may be closed by the end caps. The shock absorbers and the weight may be confined within the tube by the end caps. The arrangement described above may also be provided in different types of balls. For example, end caps may be provided at the opposite ends of a hollow main body shaped to define the central portion of a football. Shock absorbers may be disposed with the hollow main body at positions interior to the end caps. A weight may be disposed within the hollow main body between the shock absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sport Fun, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Becker
  • Patent number: 6056622
    Abstract: Unpredictable bounce characteristics are imparted to a ball by forming the ball as a composite wherein a second ball part is disposed within a first ball part with the centers of each ball part spaced one from the other. In a first embodiment the second ball part is of the relatively high bounce ball type that is disposed in a cavity formed in the first ball part which is fabricated from sponge-like rubber; with the second ball part center spaced from the first ball part center. In a second embodiment the first ball part is of the relatively high bounce ball type and the second ball part is an air filled cavity formed within the first ball parts with the center of the cavity spaced from the center of the first ball part. The composite balls may be formed by severing the first ball part, forming the cavity therein and either leaving the cavity empty or placing a second ball part of different characteristics than the first ball part within the cavity..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Chang I. Chung
  • Patent number: 6015358
    Abstract: A molded plastic play ball having the appearance of a humanoid head. Formed on the surface on the ball at sites corresponding to respective facial features of the head, such as the eyes and a nose, are flat depressions that merge with the contours of the ball. Adhered to these flat depressions are stickers having color-printed thereon facial features appropriate to the sites. The appearance of the humanoid head is determined by the stickers selected by the player and applied to the depressions, which features may be altered by replacing some or all of the stickers with different stickers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5934968
    Abstract: A toy having a motorized portion in the form of an inanimate object and a non-motorized portion in the form of an animate object. The two portions are tethered together, and the motorized portion is driven such that the non-motorized portion in the form of an animate object appears to be alive and in pursuit of the inanimate motorized portion. The motorized portion preferably is in the form of a substantially spherical hollow ball within which an eccentric driving mechanism is placed. The non-motorized portion is an animal with a furry body or bushy tail and is preferably a weasel, embodies by a furry tail having a face invisibly connected to the ball. The non-motorized portion is preferably tethered to the motorized portion with a substantially invisible attachment so that from a distance the two portions of the toy do not appear to be connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Dah Yang Toy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Hsiang Lin