Patents by Inventor Mark A. Ebbenga

Mark A. Ebbenga 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: 20240101032
    Abstract: A collapsible ladder assembly for mounting to a trailer comprises a ladder portion, a trailer mounting bracket, two extensible arms extending between connection with the ladder portion and connection with the trailer mounting bracket. The assembly has a first pivotal connection coupling the ladder portion to each of the two extensible arms a second pivotal connection coupling the ladder portion to each of the extensible arms, wherein an axis of the first pivotal connection is substantially normal to an axis of the second pivotal connection; and a third pivotal connection coupling each of the two extensible arms to the trailer mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Publication number: 20240010485
    Abstract: A method and device for cleaning a beverage dispenser diffuser. The device is removably coupled to the beverage dispenser and creates a vortex in within the device when fluid is dispensed from the diffuser to clean the inside of the diffuser. The cap has a main body with a base portion having an open end for receipt of the diffuser, a cleaning chamber, and a vortex creator configured to create a vortex within the beverage dispensing diffuser from fluid dispensed from the diffuser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey McCollum, Mark Ebbenga
  • Publication number: 20230331353
    Abstract: A non-metal seat comprising a non-metal frame work and a non-metal open mesh seating surface stretched across an opening in a base portion of the non-metal framework and a non-metal open mesh back rest surface stretched across an opening in a back support portion of the non-metal framework. The non-metal frame is constructed from plastic and the non-metal open mesh comprises a woven or knit open mesh panel comprising nylon, vinyl, or a combination thereof. The seat has a pivoting mechanism coupling the base portion to the back support portion such that the non-metal seat is a foldable seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Patent number: 11260939
    Abstract: A spring-biased support pole 10 for supporting a boat cover 40 over a boat during transport of the boat as well as docking of the boat. The support pole comprises a base 14 and a support rod system 100 connected to the base. The support rod system comprises at least two support rod sections 110, 120 that are telescopically connected to one another and a spring 20. The spring is positioned between the telescoping connection of a first support rod section and a second support rod section, such that the spring controls vertical movement of the second support rod section with respect to the first support rod section and provides a biasing force that is applied to the second support rod section and to the cover supported by the support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: QUALITY MARK, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Popa, Mark Ebbenga, Dana Hallberg
  • Publication number: 20210276381
    Abstract: A bracket and method for providing a pivoting joint to a trailer tongue where the bracket has a first surface having a plurality of first apertures therein and a second surface having a plurality of second apertures therein wherein the first surface and the second surface are connected by a 90 degree bend and wherein one or more of the plurality of first apertures are configured to receive a pivot pin therethrough and one or more of the plurality of first apertures are configured to receive a pivot position securing mechanism therethrough and where the bracket can further have a third surface having a plurality of third apertures therein wherein a second 90 degree bend integrally connects the third surface to the second surface and wherein the plurality of third apertures are spaced apart on the third surface to align with one or more of the plurality of first apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Dana Hallberg
  • Publication number: 20210061424
    Abstract: A navigation light pole and method of protecting the navigation light and pole by providing a flexible joint at a base of the light pole which allows the light pole to bend about the flexible joint when the light or light pole is hit, for example, by a low clearance structure such as a bridge or boat lift to prevent damage to the light pole or light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Publication number: 20200324860
    Abstract: A spring-biased support pole 10 for supporting a boat cover 40 over a boat during transport of the boat as well as docking of the boat. The support pole comprises a base 14 and a support rod system 100 connected to the base. The support rod system comprises at least two support rod sections 110, 120 that are telescopically connected to one another and a spring 20. The spring is positioned between the telescoping connection of a first support rod section and a second support rod section, such that the spring controls vertical movement of the second support rod section with respect to the first support rod section and provides a biasing force that is applied to the second support rod section and to the cover supported by the support pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas Popa, Mark Ebbenga, Dana Hallberg
  • Patent number: 9156667
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a jack including a first axle. The apparatus includes a fulcrum wheel disposed on a second axle, the second axle being connected directly or indirectly to the first axle. A lever has a first end connected directly or indirectly to the second axle and a second end having a terminus. A first line intersects the first axle and second axle. A second line intersects the second axle and the lever terminus. The first and second lines meet at an obtuse angle. In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed including a jack having a first axle, an extension member, and a fulcrum wheel is disposed on a second axle connected to the extension member. A lever has a first end attachable to the extension member proximate the second axle. A method of moving a jack relative to a ground surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Edwin H. Ryan, Mark J. Little
  • Patent number: 8636110
    Abstract: In an first aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket assembly for mounting on the trailer; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; and a plurality of rungs pivotally connected to both the first and second side rails. The ladder is collapsible to decrease a distance between the first and second side rails. In a second aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; a plurality of rungs connecting the first and second side rails; and a pivotal connection. The first and second side rails define a plane and the pivotal connection allows for rotation of the plane about a vertical axis. The pivotal connection is disposed between the attachment bracket and the first side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Bow Step, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Amy Lee, Daniel Lin
  • Patent number: 8607418
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for use in securing a boat that is afloat, includes a main body having a channel for accepting a line that will hold the boat. A latching member is pivotally secured within the main body and is movable between a position that closes off the channel and movable to a position which opens the channel, the latching member being pivotable about a pivot point on the main body. A spring force holds the latching member in a closed position and a cable attached to the latching member at a location on an opposite side of the pivot point pivots the latching member to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Patent number: 8596906
    Abstract: An assembly for attaching to a boat lift 12 includes a boat lift 12 attachment mechanism 70 for attaching to the boat lift 12; an outer support 24; an inner support 26 slidable within an interior of the outer support 24; a tire 22 attached to the inner support 26; and a stop member 82 extending from the outer support 24 to engage the tire 22 when the inner support 26 is retracted into the outer support 24. An outer surface of the inner support 26 is configured to be mateable with an inner surface of the outer support 24, thereby preventing rotation therein while permitting longitudinal movement with respect to the outer support 24. In another aspect, an assembly includes an axle 54 attached to the inner support 26 for the attachment of a ground engaging member. A method of leveling a boat lift 12 includes causing substantially vertical movements of first and second portions of the boat lift 12 until the boat lift 12 is horizontally level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Smarte Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Dana Haliberg, Dan Coates
  • Patent number: 8322692
    Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Publication number: 20120056139
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a jack including a first axle. The apparatus includes a fulcrum wheel disposed on a second axle, the second axle being connected directly or indirectly to the first axle. A lever has a first end connected directly or indirectly to the second axle and a second end having a terminus. A first line intersects the first axle and second axle. A second line intersects the second axle and the lever terminus. The first and second lines meet at an obtuse angle. In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed including a jack having a first axle, an extension member, and a fulcrum wheel is disposed on a second axle connected to the extension member. A lever has a first end attachable to the extension member proximate the second axle. A method of moving a jack relative to a ground surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Edwin H. Ryan, Mark J. Little
  • Publication number: 20110286830
    Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Publication number: 20110268505
    Abstract: An assembly for attaching to a boat lift 12 includes a boat lift 12 attachment mechanism 70 for attaching to the boat lift 12; an outer support 24; an inner support 26 slidable within an interior of the outer support 24; a tire 22 attached to the inner support 26; and a stop member 82 extending from the outer support 24 to engage the tire 22 when the inner support 26 is retracted into the outer support 24. An outer surface of the inner support 26 is configured to be mateable with an inner surface of the outer support 24, thereby preventing rotation therein while permitting longitudinal movement with respect to the outer support 24. In another aspect, an assembly includes an axle 54 attached to the inner support 26 for the attachment of a ground engaging member. A method of leveling a boat lift 12 includes causing substantially vertical movements of first and second portions of the boat lift 12 until the boat lift 12 is horizontally level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Smarte Jack Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Dana Haliberg, Dan Coates
  • Publication number: 20110018724
    Abstract: A device system includes a transmitter assembly and a receiver assembly. The transmitter assembly includes a frequency transmitter having an antenna and a first plurality of electrically conductive elements. The receiver assembly includes a frequency receiver having an antenna and an annunciator. Immersion of at least a portion of each of the first plurality of conductive elements in water causes the frequency transmitter to transmit a frequency via its antenna to the antenna of the frequency receiver, thereby causing a first annuciation by the annunciator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Mark J. Little, Mark Ebbenga
  • Publication number: 20110011675
    Abstract: In an first aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket assembly for mounting on the trailer; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; and a plurality of rungs pivotally connected to both the first and second side rails. The ladder is collapsible to decrease a distance between the first and second side rails. In a second aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; a plurality of rungs connecting the first and second side rails; and a pivotal connection. The first and second side rails define a plane and the pivotal connection allows for rotation of the plane about a vertical axis. The pivotal connection is disposed between the attachment bracket and the first side rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Bow Step, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Amy Lee, Daniel Lin
  • Publication number: 20110005453
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for use in securing a boat that is afloat, includes a main body having a channel for accepting a line that will hold the boat. A latching member is pivotally secured within the main body and is movable between a position that closes off the channel and movable to a position which opens the channel, the latching member being pivotable about a pivot point on the main body. A spring force holds the latching member in a closed position and a cable attached to the latching member at a location on an opposite side of the pivot point pivots the latching member to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Patent number: 7866632
    Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Patent number: 7866631
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for tensioning lines of a winch having a reel and three lines wound about the reel. The apparatus is used to position an object on a support. The first and second lines are wound about the reel in a first direction and the third line is wound about the reel in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first line extends around the first guide, the second line extends around the second guide, and the third line extends between the first and second guides. All three lines are connected to each other and to the object at their distal ends. An inner frame and an outer frame each contact the first and second lines. At least one of the inner frame and outer frame moves with respect to the other of the inner and outer frame to maintain tension in the first and second lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga