Patents by Inventor Michael J. Pratt

Michael J. Pratt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110094976
    Abstract: A simple-to-use motorcycle stand does not require any moving parts, and adequately supports a motorcycle in an upright position. The motorcycle is simply pushed forward onto the stand and pulled backward off the stand causing rotational movement of at least a portion of the stand, which may include some translational movement of the stand across an underlying surface. The stand includes one or more structures that engage portions of the motorcycle as the motorcycle is pushed into the stand, thereby causing the rotational movement. As the motorcycle continues moving forward over the stand, the one or more structures engage the body of the motorcycle behind the front wheel, supporting the motorcycle in an upright position. Meanwhile an opposite side of the stand engages the ground. The entire process for engaging or disengaging the stand can be accomplished in one smooth movement of pushing the motorcycle forward or backward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Pratt, Seth C. Lytle, David W. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20100223740
    Abstract: Motorcycle ramps that permit a single individual to safely and easily load a motorcycle to/from an elevated surface, such as a truck bed, without assistance of a second individual are described. The motorcycle ramp includes a fixed or moveable resting platform that receives and secures a rear wheel of the motorcycle, thereby preventing gravity from causing the motorcycle to roll uncontrolled down the ramp. When the rear wheel is resting on the platform, the person pushing the motorcycle up or down the ramp is more easily able to climb to and from the elevated surface, as the individual only needs to steady the motorcycle against sideways motion and needs not worry about backward motion down the ramp. The person is commonly able to prevent unwanted sideways motion using a single hand, freeing the person's other hand to assist in climbing up to or down from the elevated surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Pratt, David W. Bradley, Seth C. Lytle
  • Patent number: 7628188
    Abstract: A pocket closure device for facilitating retention of and access to items placed in a pocket. Specifically, certain embodiments of the present invention comprise an elongate resilient member disposed along a pocket and attached to a front panel of the pocket and to an outer surface of a bag. The elongate resilient member acts to bias the front panel against the outer surface of the bag such that the panel may be quickly and effectively accessed in a single movement. The biased nature of the front panel of the pocket also enables quick and automatic closure of the pocket to secure pocket contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Ogio International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pratt, Scott Kendrick Warner, Joseph W. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20080236452
    Abstract: Convertible, multi-functional furniture is disclosed that has at least a standard configuration and a converted configuration, the standard and converted configurations providing different uses for the convertible furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Pratt, David W. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20040256426
    Abstract: A substantially rigid bag carrying device for facilitating manual transport of a bag, such as a golf bag, luggage, camping equipment, backpack, and the like. The bag carrying device facilitates manual transport of a bag by providing independent support for the bag as well as enabling a user to quickly and easily implement the bag carrying device in a single motion. The support structure of the bag carrying device may be defined by a variety of shoulder supports, connecting supports, and other support structures. The bag carrying device may also incorporate one or more support straps for selectively adjusting the position of the bag relative to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Sanderson, Michael J. Pratt, Joseph W. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6109433
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf bag for holding golf clubs, the golf bag having a club storage portion with a base, an open upper end, and a sidewall; a stand affixed to the sidewall for positioning the golf bag in a partially reclined position; and at least one ridged element in the open upper end having ridges and valleys oriented and positioned such that when the golf bag is in the partially-reclined position, the golf clubs rest unrestrained and separated within the valleys between the ridges. The present invention facilitates retrieval of golf clubs when the golf bag is in the partially reclined position by spreading the clubs out in the valleys, without requiring cumbersome or complex retaining or isolating mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: OGIO International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5928833
    Abstract: A radiation sensitive material comprises particles including a water-insoluble heat-softenable core surrounded by a shell which is soluble or swellable in aqueous medium. The material also includes a radiation sensitive component which, on exposure to radiation, causes the solubility characteristics of the material to change. The material may be positive- or negative-working and may be coated onto a substrate from aqueous media to form a radiation sensitive plate which, after image-wise exposure, can be developed in aqueous media and then heated to cause the particles to coalesce and form a durable printing image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: DuPont (U.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Matthews, David E. Murray, Allen P. Gates, John R. Wade, Michael J. Pratt, William A. King
  • Patent number: 5816397
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful apparatus for use in carrying, organizing, and protecting golf clubs. The golf club carrying apparatus of the present invention combines secure retention and segregation of the clubs, with a unique, streamlined design. These features facilitate protection of the shafts and heads of the clubs, identification of the presence or absence of a particular club, and prevention of unwanted shifting of the clubs. The present invention incorporates a substantially elliptically-shaped perimeter which has been found to maximize the functionality and sleekness of the apparatus. The golf club carrying apparatus includes both a golf bag body and a tiered retaining apparatus. The golf bag body forms a receptacle for carrying golf clubs, and the tiered retaining assembly secures and protects the clubs. The tiered retaining assembly includes an upper tier, an intermediate tier, and a lower tier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Ogio International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5722574
    Abstract: An apparatus for securely retaining a container in place during transport yet offering ease of insertion and removal. The apparatus further facilitates blind, one-hand access to a portable fluid supply without significantly impairing the user's activity. A container portion holds and transports fluid, and is sized according to the needs of the user. The container portion is received by a retaining portion which secures the container portion to a surface such as a hip holster or a bike frame. The retaining portion and container portion securely engage with one another by way of a reciprocal connecting assembly. The reciprocal connecting assembly includes a protuberance and socket assembly which allows the container portion secure retention upon merely dropping it into the retaining portion, or, with a simple, one-handed twisting motion the container portion is virtually locked into place in the retaining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ogio International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5609980
    Abstract: A radiation sensitive material comprises particles including a water-insoluble heat-softenable core surrounded by a shell which is soluble or swellable in aqueous medium. The material also includes a radiation sensitive component which, on exposure to radiation, causes the solubility characteristics of the material to change. The material may be positive- or negative-working and may be coated onto a substrate from aqueous media to form a radiation sensitive plate which, after image-wise exposure, can be developed in aqueous media and then heated to cause the particles to coalesce and form a durable printing image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: DuPont (U.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Matthews, David E. Murray, Allen P. Gates, John R. Wade, Michael J. Pratt, William A. King
  • Patent number: 5550001
    Abstract: A radiation-sensitive plate comprises a substrate coated with a radiation-sensitive composition including a component having groups imparting solubility in aqueous solutions and a component having functional groups capable of reacting with a silane compound. The surface of the composition is modified by reaction with a silane compound. The plate gives rise to images of improved ink receptivity and can be developed in aqueous developer liquids after image-wise exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: DuPont (U.K.) Limited
    Inventors: John R. Wade, Michael J. Pratt, Robert A. W. Johnstone, David I. Smith
  • Patent number: 5534623
    Abstract: Polyunsaturated diazonium compounds suitable for use in negative working radiation sensitive compositions are provided. They may be produced by reacting an aromatic diazonium compound of the formula(A.sup.- N.sub.2.sup.+).sub.p --Ar--(R).sub.q --(XH).sub.rwith a polyethylenically unsaturated monoisocyanate compound of the general formula ##STR1## where p and q are integers ranging from 1 to 5, r is an integer ranging from 1 to 10; Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted divalent or polyvalent radical derived from an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound; X represents O, S or a secondary or tertiary amino group; R represents a single bond or a substituted or unsubstituted divalent or other polyvalent radical and may be the same or different when q is greater than 1; A.sup.- represents an anion; Z represents the residue of a polyisocyanate OCN--Z--(NCO).sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Du Pont (UK) Limited
    Inventors: John R. Wade, Michael J. Pratt, Jianrong Ren
  • Patent number: 5466789
    Abstract: Polyunsaturated diazonium compounds suitable for use in negative working radiation sensitive compositions are provided. They may be produced by reacting an aromatic diazonium compound of the formula(A.sup.- N.sub.2.sup.+)p--Ar--(R)q--(XH)rwith a polyethlenically unsaturated monoisocyanate compound of the general formula ##STR1## where p and q are integers ranging from 1 to 5, r is an integer ranging from 1 to 10; Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted divaient or polyvalent radical derived from an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound; X represents O, S or a secondary or tertiary amino group; R represents a single bond or a substituted or unsubstituted divalent or other polyvalent radical and may be the same or different when q is greater than 1; A.sup.- represents an anion; Z represents the residue of a polyisocyanate OCN--Z--(NCO)n where n is 1 or 2; and Y is the residue of a monohydroxy compound of the formula YOH where Y contains at least two ethylenically unsaturated double bonds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Du Pont (UK) Limited
    Inventors: John R. Wade, Michael J. Pratt, Jianrong Ren
  • Patent number: 5286603
    Abstract: A radiation sensitive plate comprises a substrate coated with a photopolymerisable composition. The composition comprises a polymerisable compound containing ethylenic unsaturation, a perester photoinitiator and optionally an optical sensitiser. The substrate may be a sheet of grained and anodised aluminum and the plate is useful in the production of lithographic printing plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Vickers PLC
    Inventors: John R. Wade, Rodney M. Potts, Michael J. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5210904
    Abstract: This invention relates to an interengaging handle having a first handle member and a second handle member capable of interengagingly receiving the first handle member. A flexible connecting strap is attached to the handle members through longitudinal bores passing the length of the handle members. A connecting strap is passed through the longitudinal bore of the first handle member and is fixed in a position relative to the first handle member by forming a transverse hole through the first handle member that passes through the longitudinal bore and the connecting strap. A rivet is then placed in the transverse hole fixing the connecting strap in position. Stabilizer flanges may also be formed at or near the ends of the first handle member and the second handle member to orient forces directed along the connecting strap downward and outward away from the axis of the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Ogio International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5130227
    Abstract: A radiation sensitive plate comprises a substrate coated with a photopolymerizable composition. The composition comprises a polymerizable compound containing ethylenic unsaturation, a perester photoinitiator and optionally an optical sensitiser. The substrate may be a sheet of grained and anodized aluminum and the plate is useful in the production of lithographic printing plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Vickers Plc
    Inventors: John R. Wade, Rodney M. Potts, Michael J. Pratt
  • Patent number: 4946960
    Abstract: Perester compounds suitable for causing the polymerisation of addition polymerisable compounds on exposure to radiation have the general formulae ##STR1##
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Vickers PLC
    Inventors: John R. Wade, Rodney M. Potts, Michael J. Pratt
  • Patent number: D442783
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Ogio International
    Inventors: Michael J. Pratt, Joseph F. Novak, Andrew Cimini
  • Patent number: D520762
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: AK Designs, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Pratt, Scott K. Warner
  • Patent number: RE34361
    Abstract: A utility bag which is generally rectangular in shape and size to fit into an athletic locker or under the seat of an airplane. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A preferred embodiment of the .Iaddend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Michael J. Pratt