Patents by Inventor Thomas Africa

Thomas Africa 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: 11523665
    Abstract: A soft-store having a storage compartment for holding one or more articles. The soft-store has a main body that can be inserted into and seated in a crate. The soft-store has a plurality of walls that form a portion of the storage compartment, a top body that attaches to the main body and covers the storage compartment, and a pair of ancillary bodies. Each of the ancillary bodies has an end portion that rotatably attaches to the main body and an opposite end portion that rotates away from the main body to allow the ancillary bodies to be moved to a single-hand transport configuration. The main body includes an attachment mechanism that attaches the main body to the crate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Plano Molding Company, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Africa, Ryan R. Berger, Raymond R. Harpham, James H. Lua, Clark P. McCune, Ryan T. Olander, Emily K. Stokes, Sean W. Svendsen, John H. Whalen
  • Publication number: 20210310769
    Abstract: A body protection system comprising multiple protective assemblies that permits adjustability of the multiple assemblies in respect to one another thereby permitting a complete body protection system that is usable across different size personnel. The multiple protective assemblies may be separately adjusted permitting a one-size-fits-most capability for the different sized personnel. The body protection system permits reuse among different sized people thereby reducing overall costs associated with protecting members of law enforcement, military or other organizations. The body protection system may include a unique adjustable neck protectors that provides enhanced protection for the neck area. The various multiple protective assemblies may suspend directly or indirectly from the shoulder pad assemblies providing a common comprehensive suspension system for a wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: John ROBY, Jason EMERLINE, Andrew MARIELLA, Thomas AFRICA, Kevin VITITOE, Sherry JONES, Oren SHAI, Lauren ANGELL
  • Publication number: 20190000199
    Abstract: A soft-store having a storage compartment for holding one or more articles. The soft-store has a main body that can be inserted into and seated in a crate. The soft-store has a plurality of walls that form a portion of the storage compartment, a top body that attaches to the main body and covers the storage compartment, and a pair of ancillary bodies. Each of the ancillary bodies has an end portion that rotatably attaches to the main body and an opposite end portion that rotates away from the main body to allow the ancillary bodies to be moved to a single-hand transport configuration. The main body includes an attachment mechanism that attaches the main body to the crate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Africa, Ryan R. Berger, Raymond R. Harpham, James H. Lua, Clark P. McCune, Ryan T. Olander, Emily K. Stokes, Sean W. Svendsen, John H. Whalen
  • Publication number: 20180292176
    Abstract: A shin guard protection assembly may include a shin guard plate for protecting a shin area of a wearer, an upper leg pad attached to the shin guard plate. The upper leg pad may be configured for being interposable between the shin guard plate and a shin of the wearer. The assembly may include a lower leg pad removably attachable to the upper leg pad, the lower leg pad configured to be repositionable along a lower leg of the wearer. The assembly may include an adjustable securing mechanism configured to secure the shin guard plate and upper leg pad about a leg of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: John ROBY, Jason EMERLINE, Andrew MARIELLA, Thomas AFRICA, Kevin VITITOE, Sherry JONES, Oren SHAI, Lauren ANGELL
  • Publication number: 20180292173
    Abstract: A body protection system comprising multiple protective assemblies that permits adjustability of the multiple assemblies in respect to one another thereby permitting a complete body protection system that is usable across different size personnel. The multiple protective assemblies may be separately adjusted permitting a one-size-fits-most capability for the different sized personnel. The body protection system permits reuse among different sized people thereby reducing overall costs associated with protecting members of law enforcement, military or other organizations. The body protection system may include a unique adjustable neck protectors that provides enhanced protection for the neck area. The various multiple protective assemblies may suspend directly or indirectly from the shoulder pad assemblies providing a common comprehensive suspension system for a wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: John ROBY, Jason EMERLINE, Andrew MARIELLA, Thomas AFRICA, Kevin VITITOE, Sherry JONES, Oren SHAI, Lauren ANGELL
  • Publication number: 20180292174
    Abstract: A body protection system includes a forearm protector having an outer plate attached to an outer pad, the outer plate and outer pad positionable for protecting an outer portion of a forearm. The forearm protector also includes an inner plate attached to an inner pad, the inner plate and inner pad positionable for protecting an inner portion of the forearm. The inner plate and the outer plate are adjustably and releaseably reconnectable to one another for permitting adjustment with respect to one another for receiving different forearm circumferences therebetween. The forearm protector of claim may further include at least one additional pad connectable to the inner pad providing added padding for increased protection to the forearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: John ROBY, Jason EMERLINE, Andrew MARIELLA, Thomas AFRICA, Kevin VITITOE, Sherry JONES, Oren SHAI, Lauren ANGELL
  • Publication number: 20180292175
    Abstract: A thigh protector may include an upper portion comprising two straps for attaching the at least one thigh protector to a belt, the two straps defining a space therebetween for permitting attaching of a hip pad or a holster to the belt through the defined space and a lower portion comprising a plurality of thigh plates attached to a base pad, the plurality of thigh plates defining a hinge area therebetween and configured to permit the at least one thigh protector to be opened and placed about a thigh of a wearer. The thigh protector may further include at least one rib extending laterally from a face of one of the thigh plates for receiving and supporting a shield. The rib may include at least one protrusion extending vertically from a top of the at least one rib for assisting in keeping a shield in place on the at least one rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: John ROBY, Jason EMERLINE, Andrew MARIELLA, Thomas AFRICA, Kevin VITITOE, Sherry JONES, Oren SHAI, Lauren ANGELL
  • Publication number: 20180292177
    Abstract: A modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) compatible pocket includes a pocket formed in conjunction with a chest pad, the pocket configured with a plurality of vertical channels positioned along a left side and a right side of the pocket, the plurality of vertical channels for receiving an adjustable chord therethrough for adjusting to different thickness of interchangeable plates insertable within the pocket, the pocket comprising a plurality of 45 degree anchor points to permit attachment of MOLLE-compatible pouches or accessories. The plurality of 45 degree anchor points may be arranged as a plurality of different rows oriented at 90 degree angles to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: John ROBY, Jason EMERLINE, Andrew MARIELLA, Thomas AFRICA, Kevin VITITOE, Sherry JONES, Oren SHAI, Lauren ANGELL
  • Patent number: 8910844
    Abstract: A backpack for providing improved user access points. In particular a backpack providing for side entry into the contents. The backpack may utilize an S-shape zipper to improve access. The backpack may have multiple ways to access the inner pocket, including top access and dual side access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Rowe, Edward Busam, Kevin Witter, Trisha Maurer, Kyley Reed, Amy Bryant, Thomas Africa, Sherry Jones, Harlan Peden, Elizabeth Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100108731
    Abstract: A backpack for providing improved user access points. In particular a backpack providing for side entry into the contents. The backpack may utilize an S-shape zipper to improve access. The backpack may have multiple ways to access the inner pocket, including top access and dual side access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Rowe, Edward Busam, Kevin Witter, Trisha Maurer, Kyley Reed, Amy Bryant, Thomas Africa, Sherry Jones, Harlan Peden, Elizabeth Taylor
  • Publication number: 20070172309
    Abstract: A notebook holder system including a notebook holder having a cover and a panel pivotally coupled to the cover, the panel having an outer perimeter. The system further includes a bound component, wherein the panel and bound component are configured to be releasably attached together. The bound component has a plurality of pages and a binding mechanism binding the plurality of pages together. The panel and the bound component are configured such that when the bound component is releasably attached to the panel at least part of the binding mechanism is positioned outside the outer perimeter. The pages of the bound component are pivotable about the binding mechanism between a first position, wherein the pages are located adjacent to and supported by a first side of the panel, and a second position wherein the pages are located adjacent to and supported by a second opposite side of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Kevin Witter, Kenneth Richied, Thomas Africa
  • Publication number: 20070085328
    Abstract: A binding wrapper including a first generally stiff end component, a second generally stiff end component spaced apart from the first end component, and a connecting component extending between the first and second end components. The connecting component includes at least a portion of elastic material, and the first and second end components are releasably attachable together such that the wrapper is formable into a closed loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Christopher Smith, Phillip Neal, Thomas Africa, Kate O'Hara
  • Publication number: 20050046173
    Abstract: A body and pouch combination including a body having a front cover and a rear cover pivotally coupled together. The front cover has a generally flat, planar outer surface having a body attachment structure located thereon. The combination includes a pouch that can cooperate with the body attachment structure to removably attach the pouch to the outer surface, the pouch having an inner storage cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Lindsay Hall, Thomas Africa, Mark Stockstill
  • Publication number: 20050016648
    Abstract: A head cover for a golf club that is relatively simple use is provided. The head cover includes a cover body formed essentially of flexible, nonrigid material and a magnetic fastener. More particularly, the cover body defines an inner compartment for receiving at least the head of the golf club having an adjustable opening sized to provide easy access thereto. The magnetic fastener is disposed about the opening to at least partially shut the opening, thereby maintaining the head cover on the club head, once installed. As the fastener is operable via magnetic force, engagement and disengagement of the fastener is achieved without undue manipulation, thereby promoting frequent use of the head cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Prem Vakharia, Paul Kolada, Robert Nunez, Thomas Africa, Chad Haas
  • Patent number: D821035
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SIRCHIE ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC.
    Inventors: John Roby, Jason Emerline, Andrew Mariella, Thomas Africa, Kevin Vititoe, Sherry Jones
  • Patent number: D821654
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: SIRCHIE ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC.
    Inventors: John Roby, Jason Emerline, Andrew Mariella, Thomas Africa, Kevin Vititoe, Sherry Jones
  • Patent number: D829439
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Plano Molding Company
    Inventors: Clark McCune, Thomas Africa, Ryan Berger, Emily Stokes
  • Patent number: D854755
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: SIRCHIE ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC.
    Inventors: John Roby, Jason Emerline, Andrew Mariella, Thomas Africa, Kevin Vititoe, Sherry Jones
  • Patent number: D855254
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SIRCHIE ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC.
    Inventors: John Roby, Jason Emerline, Andrew Mariella, Thomas Africa, Kevin Vititoe, Sherry Jones
  • Patent number: D871678
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SIRCHIE ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC.
    Inventors: John Roby, Jason Emerline, Andrew Mariella, Thomas Africa, Kevin Vititoe, Sherry Jones