Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150101110 | PROTECTIVE PADDING ASSEMBLY FOR A SPORTS APPAREL ARTICLE - A protective sports garment comprising including an article of clothing and at least a first pad assembly having an inner surface and an outer surface defining a pad area. The pad assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart cells coupled together by a plurality of linking members, and first and second regions. Each of the first and second regions extends over at least 25 percent of the pad area. The first region is formed of a first inner layer and a first outer layer, and the second region is formed of the first inner layer and does not include the first outer layer. The first inner and outer layers are formed of first and second materials having first and second durometer values measured on a hardness scale, respectively. The second durometer value is greater than the first durometer value. The inner surface of the pad assembly engages the article. | 04-16-2015 |
20140277636 | BALL SENSING - A method including the steps of receiving signals indicating movement of a physical ball relative to a strike zone during a pitch, retrieving a batting characteristic of a simulated batter corresponding to the indicated movement of the physical ball relative to the strike zone during the pitch, and displaying on a computing device a simulated pitch result for the pitch based on the retrieved batting characteristic of the simulated batter for the indicated movement. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277635 | BALL SENSING - A pitch monitoring system for use with a portable electronic device. The system includes a processor, a ball having a core and a cover assembly, at least one sensor for sensing movement of the ball, a data output device in communication with the sensor, and a non-transient computer-readable medium containing code. The cover assembly includes comprising panels joined by stitching and surrounding the core. The output device transmits the signals to the portable electronic device. The code directs the processor to receive signals indicating movement of the ball relative to a strike zone during a pitch of the ball by a first user, retrieve a batting characteristic of a simulated batter corresponding to the indicated movement of the ball relative to the strike zone during the pitch, and output a simulated pitch result for the pitch based on the retrieved batting characteristic of the simulated batter for the indicated movement. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277634 | BALL SENSING - An apparatus including a computing device to receive signals indicating movement of a physical ball relative to a strike zone during a pitch, retrieve a batting characteristic of a simulated batter corresponding to the indicated movement of the physical ball relative to the strike zone during the pitch, and output a simulated pitch result for the pitch based on the retrieved batting characteristic of the simulated batter for the indicated movement. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274487 | BALL SENSING - A ball including a core, at least one layer of yarn surrounding the core, a cover assembly comprising panels joined by stitching and surrounding the at least one layer of yarn, a sensor to sense motion of the ball, a data output device carried by the ball and in communication with the sensor, and a light emitter coupled to the sensor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274486 | BALL SENSING - An apparatus configured for selectable use with an external electronic device. The apparatus comprises a ball including a core, a cover assembly comprising panels joined by stitching and surrounding the core, a sensor to sense motion of the ball, and a data output device. The data output device is carried by the ball and in communication with the sensor, the data output device to transmit data signals to the external electronic device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274485 | BUCKET FEEDER FOR A BALL PROJECTING MACHINE - A ball feeder assembly for a ball projecting machine includes a stand, an upper frame, a ball delivery element coupled to the frame, and a ball feeder member coupled to the ball delivery element. The assembly is configured for supporting a cylindrical ball bucket. The frame is movably coupled to the stand between at least a first position in which the frame is configured to support the bucket in a position with a top end at a higher elevation than a bottom end such that the longitudinal axis of the bucket is at angle within 0 and 80 degrees from a vertical plane, and a second position in which the frame is configured to support the bucket in a downward position with the bottom end at a higher elevation than the upper end such that the axis is within 5 to 90 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274478 | ADJUSTABLE BATTING TEE HAVING A REMOVABLY ATTACHABLE BASE MECHANISM - An adjustable portable batting tee assembly for placement on to a horizontal support surface includes a first hollow tubular post having a lower end and an inner surface, a second tubular post telescopically engaging the first tubular post, a first felt piston wiper, a ball support coupled to the second tubular post, a post mount mechanism, and a base coupled to the mount mechanism. The first wiper is positioned between the first and second posts to enable adjustment of the height of the batting tee assembly between a lower and upper height limits. The mount mechanism includes a support body, an expansion plug and upper and lower fastening elements. The expansion plug and the upper fastening element are configured to be removably received within the lower end of the first tubular body. The expansion plug is configured to releasably engage the inner surface of the first tubular post. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263119 | RACQUET DISPLAY SYSTEM - A racquet display system wherein of the racquets includes a head portion and a handle portion and optionally a throat portion. The head portion of each of the racquets defines a string bed plane. The system includes a first horizontally extending support configured to engage the racquets at first contact points, a second horizontally extending support configured to engage the racquets at second contact points, and a first spacing assembly. The first and second contact points define first and second average heights. The first height is greater than the second height. The system supports the racquets such that the string bed planes are vertical, and parallel with respect to each other. The handle portions of the racquets extend in a direction perpendicular to the first and second supports. Each of the handle portions extends at an angle within the range of 0 to 80 degrees with respect to horizontal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140222177 | BASKETBALL SENSING APPARATUS - An apparatus includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium to direct a processor to: receive signals indicating a made basketball shot or a missed basketball shot of a basketball by a person during a basketball shooting session, receive signals indicating a location from which each made basketball shot is made, and determine and output a user cumulative score for the person for the basketball shooting session, the cumulative score being based upon the location of each made basketball shot. | 08-07-2014 |
20140221137 | BALL LIGHTING - An American style football including an inflatable bladder, a cover surrounding the bladder, a battery carried by the football, and a light emitter. The light emitter is carried by the football and is electrically connected to the battery. At least a portion of the cover transmits light from the light emitter. | 08-07-2014 |
20140207607 | SYSTEM FOR CUSTOMIZING A BALL BAT - A system for customizing a ball bat for a user includes a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor, an input mechanism, and a memory operably coupled to the processor. The ball bat includes a handle portion, a barrel portion and an element. The electronic device is configured to provide first, second third and fourth user interfaces to the user. The first, second and third user interfaces include a representation of at least one handle portion, one barrel portion and one element, respectively. The first, second and third user interfaces are configured to enable the user to select at least one characteristic of the handle portion, the barrel portion and the element, respectively. The fourth user interface includes a representation of the bat including the handle portion, the barrel portion and the element. The input mechanism is configured to enable the user to confirm the selected combination. | 07-24-2014 |
20140206485 | TAPERED ISOLATING ELEMENT FOR A BALL BAT AND SYSTEM FOR USING SAME - A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis and includes a handle portion, a barrel portion, an injection molded element, and a tubular insert. The handle portion has a generally uniform outer diameter. The barrel portion has proximal and distal regions spaced apart by a central region. The element includes a tubular inner wall defining a longitudinal bore. The element is non-removably attached to the handle member. The element includes a tapered proximal region, a barrel engaging region, and an insert engaging region for engaging the insert. The insert engaging region includes a stop for inhibiting longitudinal movement of the insert. The barrel engaging region non-removably engages the proximal region. The bat having a total length measured from a proximal end of the handle portion to a distal end of the barrel portion. The handle portion has a length that is less than 70 percent of the total length. | 07-24-2014 |
20140206484 | TAPERED ISOLATING ELEMENT FOR A BALL BAT AND SYSTEM FOR USING SAME - A ball bat includes a handle portion having a generally uniform outer diameter with respect to a longitudinal axis, a barrel portion and an element coupled to the handle member. The barrel portion has a proximal and distal regions spaced apart by a central region. The element has a tapered proximal region and barrel engaging region. The element has a tubular wall defining a bore for receiving the handle member, and an outer wall extending over a portion of its length. The outer wall is spaced apart from the tubular wall by at least one rib. The barrel engaging region non-removably engages the proximal region of the barrel portion. The bat has a total length measured from a proximal end of the handle portion to a distal end of the barrel portion. The handle portion has a length that is less than 70 percent of the total length. | 07-24-2014 |
20140206483 | TAPERED ISOLATING ELEMENT FOR A BALL BAT AND SYSTEM FOR USING SAME - A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle portion, a barrel portion and an injection molded element non-removably attached to the handle member. The barrel portion has a proximal region and a distal region spaced apart by a central region. The element has a tapered proximal region and barrel engaging region. The barrel engaging region of the element non-removably engages the proximal region of the barrel portion. The bat has a total length measured from a proximal end of the handle portion to a distal end of the barrel portion. The handle portion has a length that is less than 70 percent of the total length. | 07-24-2014 |
20140206482 | RACQUET CONFIGURED WITH FEWER CROSS STRINGS THAN MAIN STRINGS - A racquet including a frame having a head portion coupled to a handle portion, and a string bed of interlaced cross and main string segments. The head portion includes a hoop having inner and outer peripheral walls. The hoop defines a head size having a maximum longitudinal and transverse dimensions, a, and b, respectively. The dimension a is at least 1.2 times the dimension b. The inner peripheral wall includes string holes. The cross segments transversely extend from one of the string holes to another, and the main segments longitudinally extend from one of the string holes to another. The cross segment closest to the handle portion and the end point of the longitudinal dimension, a, closest to the handle portion define a second longitudinal dimension, c. The ratio of dimension a to dimension c is at least 6.5. The string bed has at least one more main segment than cross segment. | 07-24-2014 |
20140200692 | BASKETBALL SENSING APPARATUS - An apparatus includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium to direct a processor to: receive first signals indicating a made basketball shot or a missed basketball shot by a first person during a first basketball shooting session, receive second signals indicating a made basketball shot or a missed basketball shot by a second person during a second basketball shooting session, track a number of made basketball shots by the first person and the second person, and output an indicator of a relationship of the number of made basketball shots by the first person to the number of made basketball shots by the second person at least after each made shot by of the second person while the second person is partaking in the second basketball shooting session producing the second signals. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200103 | BASKETBALL ELECTRONICS SUPPORT - A game ball supports electronics. In one implementation, the electronics sense motion of the game ball and are encapsulated by potting compound which forms an encapsulating body sized and shaped to fit within a cavity of the game ball. In one implementation, a game ball comprises an inflatable body which supports the electronics, wherein an electrical conductive line is electrically connected to electronics extends along a surface of the inflatable body at least 60 degrees about the inflatable body. | 07-17-2014 |
20140195022 | BASKETBALL SHOT DETERMINATION SYSTEM - A basketball shot determination system for use with a basket and a portable electronic device including a data acquisition device, a processing unit, a memory and an output device, the system includes a basketball, at least one sensor carried by the basketball, and a non-transient computer-readable medium. The medium contains code to direct the processor to obtain at least one attribute of a shot of the basketball towards the basket from the data acquisition device. The at least one attribute is sensed by the sensor or derived from signal output by the sensor. The medium contains code to direct the processor to determine whether the shot is a made basket by comparing the at least one attribute of the shot to one or more predetermined signature characteristics of a made basket, and to present output to a person based on the determination of whether the shot is a made basket. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195021 | BASKETBALL SHOT DETERMINATION SYSTEM - A basketball shot determination system for use with a basket and a portable electronic device including a processing unit, a memory and an output device, the system includes a basketball, at least one sensor carried by the basketball, and a non-transient computer-readable medium. The medium contains code to direct the processor to obtain at least one attribute of a shot of the basketball towards the basket. The at least one attribute being sensed by the at least one sensor or derived from signal output by the at least one sensor. The code also directs the processor to determine whether the shot is a made basket by comparing the at least one attribute of the shot to one or more predetermined signature characteristics of a made basket, and to present output to a person based on the determination of whether the shot is a made basket. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195020 | BASKETBALL SENSING APPARATUS - An apparatus including a data acquisition device, a processing unit, a memory and an output device. The data acquisition device obtains at least one attribute of a shot of a basketball towards a basket. The at least one attribute is sensed by at least one sensor carried by the basketball or derived from signal output by the at least one sensor. The memory contains instructions to direct the processing unit to determine whether the shot is a made basket shot or a missed basket shot by comparing the at least one attribute of the shot to one or more predetermined signature characteristics of a made basket, and to present on the output device to a person an output based on the determination of whether the shot is a made basket shot or a missed basket shot, and other information regarding the shot. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195019 | BASKETBALL SENSING - An apparatus including a data acquisition device, a processing unit, a memory and an output device. The data acquisition device obtains at least one attribute of a shot of a basketball towards a basket. The at least one attribute is sensed by at least one sensor carried by the basketball or derived from signal output by the at least one sensor. The memory contains instructions to direct the processing unit to determine whether the shot is a made basket shot or a missed basketball shot by comparing the at least one attribute of the shot to one or more predetermined signature characteristics of a made basket. The output device presents output to a person based on the determination of whether the shot is a made basket shot or a missed basket shot. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194232 | BALL LIGHTING - A sports ball including an inflatable bladder, a battery carried by the ball, at least one light emitting element carried by the ball, a sensor carried by the ball to sense rotation of the ball, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the sensor and the light emitting element. The controller actuates the light emitter based upon sensed rotation of the ball. | 07-10-2014 |
20140148278 | OPTIMIZED THERMOPLASTIC RACQUET - A sports racquet extends along an axis and is configured for use with a quantity of racquet string forming a string bed about a string plane. The racquet includes a frame formed of a thermoplastic material, and including first and second halves including first and second spaced apart hoop regions, and first and second handle regions, respectively. The hoop regions includes projections extending from hoop regions in a direction orthogonal to the string plane. At least one of the hoop regions defines a set of bores. The projections are configured to matably engage the bores. The projections extend through the string plane and define curved bearing surfaces configured for engaging and supporting the racquet string. The projections include first and second projections having first and second radii of curvature, respectively. The first radius of curvature being at least 0.5 mm greater than the second radius of curvature. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148277 | OPTIMIZED THERMOPLASTIC RACQUET - A sports racquet extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured for use with a quantity of racquet string about a string plane. The racquet includes a frame formed of a thermoplastic material. The frame includes a first frame half coupled to a second frame half. The first and second halves include first and second hoop regions, and first and second handle regions, respectively. The first and second handle regions include first and second distal end sections, first and second proximal sections and first and second central sections, respectively. The first and second proximal end sections include transversely extending end wall segments that form a butt end wall. The transverse cross-sectional area of the coupled first and second proximal ends is greater than the transverse cross-sectional area of the coupled first and second distal end sections. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148276 | OPTIMIZED THERMOPLASTIC RACQUET - A racquet extending along a longitudinal axis includes a frame formed of a thermoplastic material. The frame includes two halves having two spaced apart hoop regions, two handle regions and two mating surfaces. One of the halves includes a set of projections extending from one of the mating surfaces. At least one of the halves defines a set of bores. The projections are configured to engage the bores. At least two of the projections are stepped projections having a proximal section and a distal section. The transverse cross-sectional area of the proximal section is greater than the transverse cross-sectional area of the distal section. Two of the bores are configured to receive the corresponding distal sections, but not the proximal sections, of the two stepped projections, such that the projected height of the proximal section of the two stepped projections substantially defines the spacing between the hoop portions. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148275 | OPTIMIZED THERMOPLASTIC RACQUET - A sports racquet extending along a longitudinal axis and configured for supporting a quantity of racquet string generally about a string plane. The racquet includes a frame formed of a thermoplastic material and including a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion is formed of first and second hoop regions. At least one of the first and second hoop regions includes a first set of projections extending from one of the first and second hoop regions across the string plane and engaging the other of the first and second hoop regions. The first set of projections space apart the first and second hoop regions by a first predetermined dimension to define a plurality of through-hoop region openings. The handle portion is formed of first and second handle regions directly coupled together without defining either a plurality of handle openings. | 05-29-2014 |
20140135959 | SPORT PERFORMANCE SYSTEM WITH BALL SENSING - A apparatus for use with a portable performance system. The portable performance system includes a processor, a memory and a display. The training apparatus includes an American-style football, at least one sensor coupled to the football, at least one transmitter coupled to the football and operably coupled to the sensor, and a non-transient computer-readable medium containing code. The code directs the processor to: determine at least one football event by comparing the at least one attribute of the football to one or more predetermined signature characteristics of different football events; and an output device to present output to a person based on the determination of the at least one football event. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135958 | SPORT PERFORMANCE SYSTEM WITH BALL SENSING - A player training apparatus for use with a portable performance system. The portable performance system includes a processor, a memory and a display. The training apparatus includes an American-style football, at least one sensor coupled to the football, at least one transmitter coupled to the football and operably coupled to the sensor, and a non-transient computer-readable medium containing code. The code directs the processor to: receive input pertaining to motion of the football; derive at least one football motion parameter from the input pertaining to the motion of the football; and display information relating to the input. The at least one football motion parameter includes spiral efficiency. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135957 | SPORT PERFORMANCE SYSTEM WITH BALL SENSING - A player training apparatus for use with a portable performance system. The portable performance system includes a processor, a memory and a display. The training apparatus includes an American-style football, at least one sensor coupled to the football, at least one transmitter coupled to the football and operably coupled to the sensor, and a non-transient computer-readable medium containing code. The code directs the processor to: receive input pertaining to motion of the football; determine a target accuracy based upon the input; and display the determined target accuracy. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135956 | SPORT PERFORMANCE SYSTEM WITH BALL SENSING - A player training apparatus for use with a portable performance system. The portable performance system includes a processor, a memory and a display. The training apparatus includes an American-style football, at least one sensor coupled to the football, at least one transmitter coupled to the football and operably coupled to the sensor, and a non-transient computer-readable medium containing code. The code directs the processor to: retrieve a football instructional package from the memory regarding an act with the football; display the football instructional package on the display; instruct the player to perform the act with the football; receive input pertaining to motion of the football; store information related to the input into the memory; and display information relating to the input. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135150 | SPORT PERFORMANCE SYSTEM WITH BALL SENSING - A player training apparatus for use with a portable performance system. The portable performance system includes a processor, a memory and a display. The training apparatus includes an American-style football, at least one sensor coupled to the football, at least one transmitter coupled to the football and operably coupled to the sensor, and a non-transient computer-readable medium containing code. The code directs the processor to: receive input pertaining to motion of the football resulting from the player performing an act with the football; store information related to the input into the memory; compare the received input with previously stored celebrity information regarding similar football acts performed by a celebrity; and display information relating to the input and the comparison to the celebrity information. | 05-15-2014 |
20140080642 | BALL BAT WITH OPTIMIZED BARREL WALL SPACING AND IMPROVED END CAP - A ball bat extending along an axis configured for hitting a ball. The bat including a handle portion, a barrel portion coupled to the handle portion, a tubular sleeve positioned within the barrel portion, and an end cap. The barrel portion includes proximal and distal end regions, and a central region. The end cap is coupled to the sleeve and to the barrel portion by an adhesive. The end cap includes an end wall and an annular wall proximally extending from an inner surface of the end wall. The annular wall is configured to engage an inner surface of a distal end region of the sleeve. The annular wall defines at least one through-wall opening configured for facilitating flow of the adhesive through and about the annular wall during the coupling of the end cap to the barrel portion. | 03-20-2014 |
20140080641 | BALL BAT WITH OPTIMIZED BARREL WALL SPACING AND IMPROVED END CAP - A ball bat extending about an axis, and configured for hitting a ball. The bat including a barrel portion coupled to a handle portion, a tubular sleeve positioned within the barrel portion, and an end cap. The barrel portion is formed of a fiber composite material, and includes a proximal end region, a distal end region, and an inner and outer layer. The layers are separated by a first separation configured to allow for independent movement between the layers upon impact with the ball. The sleeve is coupled to the handle portion. A portion of the sleeve is separated from the inner layer by a second separation within the range of 0.030 to 0.125 inch when measured radially from the axis. Upon impact, the barrel portion deflects inwardly such that the inner wall operably engages the sleeve. The cap is coupled to the sleeve and to the barrel portion. | 03-20-2014 |
20140031150 | RACQUET CONFIGURED WITH FEWER CROSS STRINGS THAN MAIN STRINGS - A racquet includes polyester, monofilament racquet string and a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and including a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion includes a hoop having inner and outer peripheral walls. The hoop defines a head size having maximum longitudinal and transverse dimensions, a, and, b, respectively. The dimension a is at least 1.2 times the dimension b. The inner peripheral wall includes string holes. The string has a diameter within the range of 1.10 to 1.55 millimeters. The string forms a string bed of interlaced main and cross string segments. Each of the cross segments transversely extends from one of the string holes to another, and each of the main segments longitudinally extends from one of the string holes to another. The string bed has at least one more main segment than cross segment. At least one of the main segments contacting the tennis ball exhibits a snap back velocity of at least 1 meter per second. | 01-30-2014 |
20130260927 | AMERICAN FOOTBALL INCORPORATING BOUNDARY LAYER TRIP MECHANISMS TO REDUCE AERODYNAMIC DRAG - 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. | 10-03-2013 |
20130252769 | RACQUET IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - A racquet identification system for use with at least first and second racquets supported by a multi-racquet support structure. Each of the first and second racquets includes a head portion. The system includes first and second head cards coupled to the head portion of the first and second racquets, respectively. The first and second head cards include first and second bodies and first and second projections extending from the first and second bodies, respectively. The shape of the first body is similar to the shape of the second body. The first body and the first projection define a first orientation. The second body and the second projection define a second orientation. The first and second orientations are different. The first and second racquets have at least one characteristic that varies between the first and second racquets, and the first and second projections are configured to highlight the characteristic. | 09-26-2013 |
20130237349 | BALL BAT HAVING PERFORMANCE ADJUSTING ANNULAR MEMBER - A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a bat frame having a handle portion and a tubular barrel portion, a knob coupled to the handle portion; and an annular member. The bat has a proximal end, a distal end, a center of percussion and a length of at least thirty inches. The barrel portion has an inner surface. At least a portion of the inner surface of the barrel portion includes a first set of projections. The annular member includes an outer radial surface having a second set of projections. The annular member is positioned within the barrel portion such that the first set of projections engages the second set of projections to inhibit longitudinal movement of the annular member with respect to the barrel portion in at least one direction. | 09-12-2013 |
20130231206 | GAME BALL COVER WITH IMPROVED STRIPES - An American football is configured for direct contact with a user's hands and includes first and second transversely extending stripes and a plurality of cover panels. The cover panels have an outer surface formed of a first material. One of the cover panels is formed of first, second and third sub-panels. One of the side edges of the first and second stripes is fixedly coupled to one of the first and second sub-panels, respectively, and the other of the side edges of the first and second stripes is fixedly coupled to one of the second and third sub-panels, respectively. The stripes having an outer surface formed of a second material. The second material has a static coefficient of friction that is greater than the static coefficient of friction of the first material when measured in accordance with the standard test method for static coefficient of friction of ASTM D1894-01. | 09-05-2013 |
20130059683 | BASKETBALL HAVING GROOVED SEAMS - A basketball including a carcass, cover panels, and cover strips. The carcass has an outer surface defining a first set of channels and cover panels regions between the first set of channels. The panels are respectively positioned over the panel regions and are spaced apart from each other. The strips are positioned over the channels. The strips have inner and outer surfaces extending between first and second sidewalls. The strips have a thickness that is measured radially from a centerpoint from the inner to the outer surface, and a width that is measured from the first to the second sidewall. At least one groove is formed into the outer surface. The groove has a width that extends between 20 to 70 percent of the width of the strip and has a maximum depth from the outer surface that is at least 50 percent of the maximum thickness of the strip. | 03-07-2013 |
20130012344 | BASEBALL WITH IMPROVED CORE AND ENHANCED DURABILITY - A baseball capable of being tested under ASTM F1887-09 wherein the baseball is projected at a strike plate at a speed of approximately 60 mph to measure the COR of the baseball. The baseball includes a core formed of a diene-based rubber composition, at least one layer of yarn surrounding the core, and a cover assembly surrounding the one layer of yarn. The core has a diameter of less than 2.0 inches and a weight less than 1.5 ounces. The baseball has a circumference of less than 9.5 inches and a weight of less than 5.5 ounces. The baseball has an initial COR value when tested in accordance with ASTM F1887-09 and a second COR value measured after the baseball has undergone at least 60 impacts of approximately 60 mph against the strike plate. The second COR value is greater than 95 percent of the initial COR value. | 01-10-2013 |
20120277039 | CUSTOMIZED RACQUET STRINGING SYSTEM - A racquet stringing system for use with a stringing machine configured for stringing a racquet having a string bed of racquet string formed of a plurality of main string segments and a plurality of cross string segments. The stringing system includes a control unit and at least one racquet string algorithm operably coupled to the control unit. The control unit is coupled to the racquet stringing machine and includes a processing unit. The racquet stringing algorithm is configured to enable the control unit to produce at least three different string tension signals for tensioning the main string segments and/or cross string segments of the racquet on the stringing machine based upon one or more racquet head profiles and/or one or more player characteristics. | 11-01-2012 |
20120264552 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES - A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. | 10-18-2012 |
20120190487 | SPORTS RACQUET FOR IMPACTING A BALL AND FACILITATING THE OPENING OF A CAP ON A BOTTLE - A sports racquet for impacting a game ball and for facilitating the opening of a cap on a bottle. The sports racquet includes a head portion and a handle portion. The handle portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is coupled to the head portion. The proximal end defines a recess, and includes a projection spaced apart from a fulcrum. The recess is sized to removably receive a portion of the cap. The projection is configured to catch a portion of an underside of the cap and the fulcrum is configured to bear against the top of the cap as one or both of the handle portion and the bottle serve as a lever for prying the cap off of the bottle. | 07-26-2012 |
20120149508 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES AND/OR RIDGES - A football having first and second ends and including a bladder, a cover and a lacing. The cover is disposed over the bladder and defines channels. The cover has an outer surface and includes a plurality of ridges. The height of the ridge is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. The football includes an upper central region positioned between first and second upper end regions, and a lower central region positioned between first and second lower end regions. The lacing is coupled to the upper central region. The ridges extend over the upper central region, the first and second upper end regions, and the first and second lower end. The lower central region is formed without ridges. The lacing has a first length and the lower central region has a second length that is generally equal to the first length. | 06-14-2012 |
20120108371 | BALL BAT INCLUDING A BARREL PORTION HAVING SEPARATE PROXIMAL AND DISTAL MEMBERS - A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. A bat includes a tubular bat frame. The bat frame includes first and second frame pieces. The first frame piece has a gripping portion integrally formed to a transition portion, and the transition portion has a distal end region. The second frame piece has a proximal end region. The distal end region of the first piece is coupled to the proximal end region of the second piece. One of the distal and proximal end regions overlaps the other of the distal and proximal end regions. The bat has a center of percussion, and the mid-length of the overlap of the distal and proximal end regions is positioned within plus or minus three inches of the center of percussion of the bat. | 05-03-2012 |
20120108369 | BALL BAT INCLUDING A BARREL PORTION HAVING SEPARATE PROXIMAL AND DISTAL MEMBERS - A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle and a barrel portion having an outer surface and including a proximal member and a distal member. The proximal member has first and second end regions and the distal member has third and fourth end regions. The first end region is coupled to the handle portion, the second end region of the proximal member is coupled to the third end region of the distal member, and the fourth end region of the distal member is coupled to an end cap. The proximal and distal members are formed of first and second materials, respectively. The second material is a fiber composite material, the second fiber composite material of the distal member is co-molded to the outer surface of the second end region of the proximal member. | 05-03-2012 |
20120108368 | BALL BAT INCLUDING A BARREL PORTION HAVING SEPARATE PROXIMAL AND DISTAL MEMBERS - A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle and a barrel portion. The barrel portion has an outer surface and includes a proximal member and a distal member. The proximal member has first and second end regions and the distal member has third and fourth end regions. The first end region is coupled to the handle portion, the second end region of the proximal member is coupled to the third end region of the distal member, and the fourth end region of the distal member is coupled to an end cap. At least a portion of each of the proximal and distal members defines the outer surface of the barrel portion. One of the second and third end regions overlaps the other of the second and third end regions. | 05-03-2012 |
20110289664 | PROTECTIVE SHOULDER PADS - A shoulder pad assembly includes a flexible vest, a pair of shoulder pads coupled to the vest, and first and second straps. The flexible vest has a back side and right and left front sides. The first strap has a first end region coupled to and extending from a first location on the back side and a second end region refastenably and selectively attached to the right or left front sides. The second strap has a third end region coupled to and extending from a second location on the back side and a fourth end region refastenably and selectively attached to the right or left front sides. At least a portion of the left front side is configured to releasably engage the first or the second straps, and at least a portion of the right front side is configured to releasably engage the first or the second straps. | 12-01-2011 |
20110287877 | BALL BAT HAVING PERFORMANCE ADJUSTING ANNULAR MEMBER - A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a bat frame, a knob and an annular member. The bat frame has a handle portion and a tubular barrel portion. The bat has a proximal end, a distal end, a center of percussion and a length of at least thirty inches. The barrel portion has an inner surface. The knob is coupled to the handle portion. The annular member is coupled to the inner surface. The annular member has a center of mass and is positioned within the barrel portion such that the center of mass is longitudinally spaced apart from the center of percussion by a first distance of at least 0.25 inches. The annular member increases the moment of inertia of the bat measured about an axis positioned six inches from the base of the knob of the bat by no more than twenty percent. | 11-24-2011 |
20110287875 | BALL BAT HAVING PERFORMANCE ADJUSTING ANNULAR MEMBER - A ball bat including a bat frame and a performance adjusting annular member positioned within the barrel portion. The bat frame has a handle portion and a barrel portion. The annular member has an outer diameter, a weight within the range of 0.4 to 1.85 ounces and a radial cross-sectional area. The radial cross sectional area has a maximum height and a maximum width. The maximum height over the maximum width defines a first aspect ratio. The outer diameter over the maximum width defines a second aspect ratio. The first aspect ratio is at least 0.5 and the second aspect ratio is greater than 1.5. The annular member has at least first and second annular portions. The first annular portion extends over no more than 50 percent of the width of the body and includes over sixty percent of the mass of the body. | 11-24-2011 |
20110224014 | GOLF PUTTER HEAD INCLUDING A CANTILEVERED ALIGNMENT AID - A putter head including a fore body and an aft body. The fore body includes a planar front strike face, heel and toe side walls, a rear wall, a top surface and a generally planar sole. The top surface includes a sight line. The sight line extends along a first plane that is perpendicular to the strike face and to the sole, and is substantially evenly spaced from the heel and toe side walls. The aft body is coupled to the fore body and includes a rear main portion and an overhang. The rear main portion is engaged to the rear wall of the fore body, and has a central region positioned between first and second end regions. The overhang forwardly extends from the central region. The overhang includes an elongate slot extending along the first plane, and is positioned over at least a portion of the sight line. | 09-15-2011 |
20110214652 | ARM PITCHING MACHINE HAVING IMPROVED BALL DELIVERY ASSEMBLY AND PITCHING ARM - A pitching machine including a frame, a ball feed trough coupled to the frame, a ball acquisition structure coupled to the frame, and a ball cup coupled to the frame. The trough is configured to retain at least three of the balls. The cup is positioned at the lower end of the trough and is adjacent the acquisition structure. The trough is sloped to allow for gravity feed of the balls to the cup. The cup has a curved wall defusing a ball opening sized for receiving and dispensing the one of the balls. The cup is rotatable about a ball cup axis such that, during use, the cup receives one of the balls when the ball opening of the cup rotates to meet the lowest ball in the trough and the curved wall inhibits more than one ball from entering the cup, and as the cup continues to rotate. | 09-08-2011 |
20110214651 | ARM PITCHING MACHINE HAVING A LEAD TIMING ARM - 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. | 09-08-2011 |
20110039641 | RACQUET HAVING ARTICULATING GROMMET ASSEMBLIES - A sports racquet including a frame, at least one grommet assembly. The frame includes a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion includes a hoop having inner and outer peripheral walls. At least a first set of concave recesses and channels are formed into the outer peripheral wall. The hoop includes first, second and third groups of string openings. The second and third groups of string openings are aligned with the first set of concave recesses. The second group of string openings extends through the outer peripheral wall at the first set of concave recesses. The grommet assembly engages the outer peripheral wall. The grommet assembly includes at least three pivotable elements interconnected by torque transmitting arms, each pivotable element including a string passage. The pivotable elements and the torque transmitting arms are pivotable about an axis parallel to a string bed plane. | 02-17-2011 |
20100227716 | RACQUET STRINGING MACHINE - A stringing machine includes a base and an adjustable stringing platform coupled to the base. The stringing platform includes a turntable rotatable about a first axis, and a first releasable resistance assembly coupled to the turntable. The first releasable resistance assembly is selectable between an engaged operating mode in which the releasable resistance assembly resists rotation of the turntable about the first axis, and a disengaged operating mode in which the releasable resistance assembly does not resist rotation of the turntable about the first axis. The releasable resistance assembly includes a magnetorheological fluid for resisting rotation of the turntable about the first axis when in the engaged operating mode. | 09-09-2010 |
20090325743 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES AND/OR RIDGES - A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. | 12-31-2009 |
20090325742 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES - A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. | 12-31-2009 |
20090325741 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES - A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. | 12-31-2009 |
20090325740 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES VISIBLE UPON GRASPING BY A USER - A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. | 12-31-2009 |
20090260612 | Ball projecting machine - A ball projecting machine having a C-shaped arm that provides the ability to adjust the length or elevation of pitched balls. The C-shaped arm connects a ball projecting head to a stand, with the ball projecting head affixed to one end of the C-shaped arm, and the C-shaped arm is slidably engaged through a frame atop the stand to allow rotation of the ball projecting head about a horizontal axis. A center of gravity of the ball projecting head in combination with the C-shaped arm facilitates stability of the ball projecting machine when the C-shaped arm is slid up or down. A locking device, when loosened, allows the C-shaped arm to slide up or down through the frame. | 10-22-2009 |
20090260611 | Pitching machine having optimal adjustability - A pitching machine configured for adjustment by a user, and including a pitching head, a first macro-adjustment device and a first micro-adjustment device. The pitching head is situated atop a stand. The pitching head includes a first wheel spaced apart from an opposing surface and a first motor for driving the first wheel. The first macro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head and includes a first locking assembly that, when loosened, allows manual rotation of the pitching head about a first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head, and includes a first adjusting element that, when repositioned, incrementally rotates the pitching head about the first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device configured for operation by a single hand of a user, and the first macro-adjustment device retaining the pitching head in a secure position during adjustment of the first micro-adjustment device. | 10-22-2009 |
20080254924 | Racquet stringing machine - An ergonomically-designed racquet stringing machine. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a stand extending from a base at an angle between about 70 and about 89 degrees from horizontal. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a releasable resistance assembly configured to provide resistance to rotation of the turntable about an axis. | 10-16-2008 |
20080254923 | Racquet stringing machine
- An ergonomically-designed racquet stringing machine. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a stringing platform supporting at least one racquet mount for securing the racquet in a stringing plane at an angle of about 1 to about 15 degrees from a horizontal surface. A control unit may be coupled to the stringing platform and operably coupled to a platform tilt assembly for adjusting the position of the stringing platform and the angle of the stringing plane. Additionally, the stringing machine may include a tool storage tray coupled to the stringing platform, with the tool storage tray having a bottom surface that is in a plane non-parallel with the stringing plane. | 10-16-2008 |
20080254922 | Racquet stringing machine - An ergonomically-designed racquet stringing machine. The stringing machine includes an electronic control unit coupled to a platform and/or to a height adjustment assembly. The control unit is capable of generating a control signal to automatically adjust at least one parameter of the machine, such as machine height, angle of stringing platform, or string tension, based upon a selected user profile. A method of controlling tension in a racquet while stringing the racquet entails the use of the stringing machine. | 10-16-2008 |