Patents by Inventor Charles Viola

Charles Viola 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).

  • Patent number: 6899059
    Abstract: A catnip-filled toy (10) which may be caused to roll, spin, rock, wobble, and slide when manipulated by the paw of a cat. The device (10) has a convex hub (12). Extending axially from the hub (I 2) are two hollow reservoirs (14) that may be filled with catnip (24). The convex hub (12) and catnip reservoirs (14) are circular in shape when seen in side elevation from an end view, so as to allow the device (10) to roll freely upon any smooth surface (30). The hub is larger in circumference than the reservoirs for continuous rolling of the toy on the hub. In the preferred embodiment of the device (10), the reservoirs (14) are elongated axially beyond a hemispherical shape. The catnip reservoirs (14) have openings (20) through which the catnip (24) may be filled, emptied, and refilled and have a plurality of small holes (22) through which the scent of the catnip (24) inside may emanate outside. The holes (22) are small enough to substantially contain finely cut catnip (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Samuel Crane, Charles Viola
  • Publication number: 20020174838
    Abstract: A catnip-filled toy (10) for cats which may be caused to roll, spin around, wobble, and slide when manipulated by the paw of a cat. The device (10) has a central hub (12) which is convex in shape. Extending horizontally from the central hub (12) are two hollow reservoirs (14) which may be filled with catnip (24). The central hub (12) and catnip reservoirs (14) are circular in shape when seen in side elevation from an end view, so as to allow the device to roll freely upon any smooth surface. The catnip reservoirs (14) have openings (20) through which the catnip (24) may be filled, emptied, and refilled and have a plurality of small holes (22) through which the scent of the catnip (24) inside may emanate outside. The catnip reservoirs (14) are attached by screwing together and may be detached by unscrewing. An alternative embodiment may include yarn (232), feathers, or other soft material extending from and attached to the outer ends of the catnip reservoirs (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Samuel Crane, Charles Viola
  • Patent number: 5269716
    Abstract: A rotating flying toy comprising a circular airfoil (12) and a plurality of radial airfoils (13). Said radial airfoils (13) extend, at a uniform angle, from a central hub (14), which is elevated in profile above the circular airfoil (12). When tossed through the air in different specific ways, the device performs various unique aerodynamic maneuvers involving its tendency to roll over in a predictable manner, during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Charles Viola
  • Patent number: D503758
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventors: Samuel Crane, Charles Viola
  • Patent number: D505233
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Charles Viola
  • Patent number: D513816
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Samuel Crane, Charles Viola
  • Patent number: D514264
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Viola
  • Patent number: D514753
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Samuel Crane, Charles Viola