Patents by Inventor Neil Merrill

Neil Merrill 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: 20250116088
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes improved arena grooming machines, as well as systems, methods and apparatus for arena grooming. In some illustrative embodiments, an improved grooming machine may include a number of digging shanks formed as a set on a framework that that can be adjusted to different depths and an additional set of maintaining shanks. The maintaining shanks may be designed thin to slit the deeper ground with reduced “digging” compared to the digging shanks and may be mounted on an independent bar deployable to a fixed consistent position. The maintaining shanks may be adjustable on the independent bar to allow for alignment with the wheels of the tractor to address compression occurring from repeated arena grooming. In some embodiments, an improved grooming machine may include an adjustable leveling bar assembly that can present the bar at different depths and different pitches and to be removed for replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventor: Neil Merrill
  • Patent number: 11235968
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE BIT or more specifically to a horse bridle bit where the purchase portion of the side shank includes an articulated headstall ring and an articulated curb chain ring allowing the side shank to conform to the side of the horse's cheek or jaw. A less intrusive bit allows for improved rider control and a more comfortable and predicable horse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Neil Merrill
  • Patent number: 11203521
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE BIT or more specifically to a horse bridle bit having a mouthpiece and independently movable shanks connected using a pinch-free ball joint assembly and the shank top ring having a relief joint to reduce contact pressure to the horses jaw when the bit shank is manipulated laterally. The bit configured to convey clear communication to the horse without undue encroachment in the mouth or jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Neil Merrill
  • Publication number: 20210171336
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE BIT or more specifically to a horse bridle bit where the purchase portion of the side shank includes an articulated headstall ring and an articulated curb chain ring allowing the side shank to conform to the side of the horse's cheek or jaw. A less intrusive bit allows for improved rider control and a more comfortable and predicable horse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventor: Neil Merrill
  • Patent number: 10703624
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE MOUTHPIECE or more specifically to a horse bridle mouthpiece having side shanks and a moveable intermediate link connected to the ends of the side shanks using a ring and ball joint fitted into a tapered slot. The ring and ball joint configured to provide optimal control of the mouthpiece to convey clear signals to the horse and provide an improved fit and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Neil Merrill
  • Publication number: 20200002158
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE BIT or more specifically to a horse bridle bit having a mouthpiece and independently movable shanks connected using a pinch-free ball joint assembly and the shank top ring having a relief joint to reduce contact pressure to the horses jaw when the bit shank is manipulated laterally. The bit configured to convey clear communication to the horse without undue encroachment in the mouth or jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventor: Neil Merrill
  • Patent number: 10450187
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE BIT or more specifically to a horse bridle bit having a mouthpiece and independently movable shanks connected using a pinch-free ball joint assembly and the shank top ring having a relief joint to reduce contact pressure to the horses jaw when the bit shank is manipulated laterally. The bit configured to convey clear communication to the horse without undue encroachment in the mouth or jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Neil Merrill
  • Publication number: 20190300360
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE MOUTHPIECE or more specifically to a horse bridle mouthpiece having side shanks and a moveable intermediate link connected to the ends of the side shanks using a ring and ball joint fitted into a tapered slot. The ring and ball joint configured to provide optimal control of the mouthpiece to convey clear signals to the horse and provide an improved fit and comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventor: Neil Merrill
  • Publication number: 20190202683
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE BIT or more specifically to a horse bridle bit having a mouthpiece and independently movable shanks connected using a pinch-free ball joint assembly and the shank top ring having a relief joint to reduce contact pressure to the horses jaw when the bit shank is manipulated laterally. The bit configured to convey clear communication to the horse without undue encroachment in the mouth or jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventor: Neil Merrill