Patents by Inventor Joseph P. Markham

Joseph P. Markham 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: 20080035518
    Abstract: A packaging device includes a pair of major side panels joined at one end, with opposite ends of the side panels diverging away from one another forming a storage container. A base interconnects the diverging ends of the side panels. The side panels include openings that conform to the shape of a product placed therein. A plurality of retention means are provided to frictionally engage the product. The storage container includes a pair of side panel flaps which enable access to the storage container to insert or remove objects placed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: The Kong Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 7096826
    Abstract: A molded pet toy includes sections or layers of various hardnesses. The pet toy may be constructed through known injection molding, transfer, or compression molding processes. The layers and sections typically have varying hardnesses which facilitates use of the pet toy for a specific purpose. For use as a pet toy, an optimal arrangement provides that the outermost section or layer is of a lower hardness, while the inner sections or layers have a higher hardness. Durability of the pet toy is increased through the molding process which prevents separation between the layers. The pet toy is preferably shaped aerodynamically so it may be easily thrown by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 6965005
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition useful in the construction industry for the prevention or remediation of mold growth in a man made structure. The composition contains an extruded milo matrix incorporating terpenes, phytoalexins, calcium propionate or combinations of these chemicals having antifungal activity. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Thomas Kieth Martin
  • Patent number: 6939937
    Abstract: A mold inhibitor integrated within a matrix and a method of making the same are disclosed. The matrix is preferably made of a processed sorghum grain, and preferably from hybrids of Milo. The grain is subjected to decortication and extrusion. Agents are added to the decorticated Milo prior to extrusion. The agents may be anti-fungal agents or anti-microbial agents. In use, the produced matrix is spread and placed upon a targeted area which requires either remediation or prevention of growth of fungus or microbes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Thomas Kieth Martin
  • Patent number: 6894136
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition useful in the construction industry for the prevention or remediation of mold growth in a man made structure. The composition contains an extruded milo matrix incorporating terpenes, phytoalexins, calcium propionate or combinations of these chemicals having antifungal activity. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Thomas Kieth Martin
  • Publication number: 20040223999
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition useful in the construction industry for the prevention or remediation of mold growth in a man made structure. The composition contains an extruded milo matrix incorporating terpenes, phytoalexins. calcium propionate or combinations of these chemicals having antifungal activity. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Thomas Kieth Martin
  • Publication number: 20040224060
    Abstract: A mold inhibitor integrated within a matrix and a method of making the same are disclosed. The matrix is preferably made of a processed sorghum grain, and preferably from hybrids of Milo. The grain is subjected to decortication and extrusion. Agents are added to the decorticated Milo prior to extrusion. The agents may be anti-fungal agents or anti-microbial agents. In use, the produced matrix is spread and placed upon a targeted area which requires either remediation or prevention of growth of fungus or microbes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Thomas Kieth Martin
  • Publication number: 20040224065
    Abstract: A food product and method of making the same are disclosed. The food product is preferably made of a processed Sorghum grain, and preferably from hybrids of Milo. The grain is subjected to decortication and extrusion. Additives may be provided to flavor or otherwise nutritionally enhance the processed Milo. The additives are added prior to extrusion. The food product may be made from other grains or tubers by removing the starch and then using the starch to extrude the food product. A final food product may be achieved by further processing of the extruded grain. Further processing may include molding, baking, or pelletizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Thomas Kieth Martin
  • Publication number: 20040224053
    Abstract: Habitat for caged animals is manufactured from extruded milo grain. Preferably, the grain is defatted and decorticated. By selectively altering the moisture content of the grain as well as selectively altering the particular extrusion process, habitat may be formed in various shapes, sizes, and densities. The disclosure provides a method of introducing an extruded milo grain to the environment of the animal, and observing the behavior of the animal to provide the type of product that best suits the animal's particular behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Thomas Kieth Martin
  • Publication number: 20040224063
    Abstract: A food product and method of making the same are disclosed. The food product is preferably made of a processed Sorghum grain, and preferably from hybrids of Milo. The grain is subjected to decortication and extrusion. Additives may be provided to flavor or otherwise nutritionally enhance the processed Milo. The additives are added prior to extrusion. In another embodiment, the food product may be made from other grains or tubers by removing the starch and then using the starch to extrude the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Thomas Kieth Martin
  • Publication number: 20040089245
    Abstract: A molded pet toy includes sections or layers of various hardnesses. The pet toy may be constructed through known injection molding, transfer, or compression molding processes. The layers and sections typically have varying hardnesses which facilitates use of the pet toy for a specific purpose. For use as a pet toy, an optimal arrangement provides that the outermost section or layer is of a lower hardness, while the inner sections or layers have a higher hardness. Durability of the pet toy is increased through the molding process which prevents separation between the layers. The pet toy is preferably shaped aerodynamically so it may be easily thrown by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Publication number: 20040083983
    Abstract: A molded pet toy includes sections or layers of various hardnesses. The pet toy may be constructed through known injection molding, transfer, or compression molding processes. The layers and sections typically have varying hardnesses which facilitates use of the pet toy for a specific purpose. For use as a pet toy, an optimal arrangement provides that the outermost section or layer is of a lower hardness, while the inner sections or layers have a higher hardness. Durability of the pet toy is increased through the molding process which prevents separation between the layers. The pet toy is preferably shaped aerodynamically so it may be easily thrown by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 6546896
    Abstract: An animal toy includes a plurality of irregular outer features to hold one or more animal treats which are placed within the irregular outer features. The features may be of varying sizes, shapes, and combinations so that treats are held at varying depths therein. The animal toy may have a hollow core to further receive animal treats, or to receive a buoyant material allowing the animal toy to float. The treats may be held in the irregular outer features by friction or adhesion. The irregular outer features further serve to increase contact with the animal's mouth thereby also increasing the cleaning action of the animal toy with respect to the animal's teeth and gums. The animal toy can be made of a desired resilient flexible material which enhances dental cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Bounce, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 6439166
    Abstract: An animal toy includes a plurality of raised features to enhance the dental cleaning action of the animal toy with the animal's mouth. The raised features may be made of varying shapes and designs. The animal toy may have a hollow core to further receive animal treats, or to receive a buoyant material allowing the animal toy to float. The animal toy can be made of desired resilient flexible material which enhances the dental cleaning. The raised features may be made in any desired format to include outline form and solid form. Furthermore, the raised features may have differing tips or ends which also have beneficial effects on the animal's mouth for dental cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Bounce, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 6129053
    Abstract: A pet toy product for holding one or more animal treats has a body member having an outer surface with one or more recesses for removably holding one or more animal treats. The recesses may be of varying depth so that the treats in the deeper recesses are more difficult for the animal to extract than are the treats in the shallower recesses. The recesses may be circular, triangular, irregular, in the form of a groove or any other suitable configuration. The outer surface of the toy may be raised to accommodate the recesses or the recesses may extend into the surface. The pet toy may have recesses forming openings which extend through the pet toy product for receiving treats. With the structure recited, the pet owner can replenish the treats as often as necessary to maintain the pet's interest in the toy. Different treats can be provided with different nutritional values and tastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Bounce, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Brent P. Johnson, Gary D. Fields
  • Patent number: 5947061
    Abstract: A pet toy product for holding one or more animal treats has a body member having an outer surface with one or more recesses for removably holding one or more animal treats. The recesses may be of varying depth so that the treats in the deeper recesses are more difficult for the animal to extract than are the treats in the shallower recesses. The recesses may be circular, triangular, irregular, in the form of a groove or any other suitable configuration. The outer surface of the toy may be raised to accommodate the recesses or the recesses may extend into the surface. The pet toy may have recesses forming openings which extend through the side wall of the pet toy product for receiving treats. With the structure recited, the pet owner can replenish the treats as often as necessary to maintain the pet's interest in the toy. Different treats can be provided with different nutritional values and tastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Bounce, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Brent P. Johnson, Gary D. Fields
  • Patent number: 5904118
    Abstract: A floatable pet toy including a hollow deformable body with a buoyant material, such as a closed cell foam, inside of the body. The buoyant material increases the pet toy's buoyancy and resistance to deformation for durability. A rope may be attached to the body. In a second embodiment, the body may be elongated, made from elastomeric material, and substantially filled with a closed cell foam insert. This insert has a rope running longitudinally through its center and through an opening in a second end of the body. In a further embodiment, the body may be made from a flexible material, such as canvas or plastic. In a still further embodiment, the buoyant material may be injected into a sealed hollow deformable body for increased buoyancy and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Bounce, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 5865146
    Abstract: A pet toy has an elongated hollow body extending along a longitudinal axis with first and second spaced bulbous sections, each having a side wall of substantially constant cross-section throughout. The first and second sections each include respective first and second openings defining respective first and second diameters. A center section has an inner surface forming a center opening of a third diameter which is less than at least one of the first and second diameters. The center section interconnects the first and second bulbous sections. A plurality of longitudinally spaced annular ribs extend around the periphery of the bulbous sections forming grooves to facilitate an animal gripping the toy with its teeth. At least one of the bulbous ends has an opening with a diameter greater than the diameter of the center section so that a knot of a pull rope extending through the center of the pet toy will pass through the opening in the bulbous section but will not pass through the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Bounce, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 5832877
    Abstract: An elongated elastomeric pet toy includes a longitudinal panel with first and second lips formed along opposite respective longitudinal edges of the panel. These edges are folded over to form respective bights which serve as deformable hollow shape-retaining receptacles for receiving an animal treat. The lip forms a longitudinal slit along the panel through which the treat can be inserted in the respective receptacles. When the animal chews on the pet toy, the treats will be forced out through the longitudinal slit so that the animal can eat them. Also, the receptacles may have open ends through which the treats can be inserted by a person and dispensed from the toy by the animal chewing on the toy. In one embodiment, the lips are folded over on the same side of the longitudinal panel to create bights which form adjacent receptacles. In another embodiment, the lips are folded on opposite sides of the longitudinal panel to create bights which form receptacles on opposite sides of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Bounce, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: RE39563
    Abstract: A pet toy product for holding one or more animal treats has a body member having an outer surface with one or more recesses for removably holding one or more animal treats. The recesses may be of varying depth so that the treats in the deeper recesses are more difficult for the animal to extract then are the treats in the shallower recesses. The recesses may be circular, triangular, irregular, in the form of a groove or any other suitable configuration. The outer surface of the toy may be raised to accommodate the recesses or the recesses may extend into the surface. The pet toy may have recesses forming openings which extend through the pet toy product for receiving treats. With the structure recited, the pet owner can replenish the treats as often as necessary to maintain the pet's interest in the toy. Different treats can be provided with different nutritional values and tastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Bounce, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham