Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Votel

Thomas F. Votel 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: 20130092283
    Abstract: Disclosed are a pole weight device and method of filling a weighting enclosure, comprising an integrated funnel structure to assist in filling the enclosure. In one aspect, the device comprises a body defining a first chamber. The first chamber includes a closed bottom, closed sides and an upwardly facing open top. The funnel can extend outwardly from the open top in a deployed position and can fold inside of the chamber in the retracted position. A closure can be disposed at the interface of the funnel and open top. A single or a plurality of chambers can be defined in the body, each with its own integral funnel. The chambers can be of any desired shape and size. A closure can be provided to the opening in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas F. Votel, Adria Rae Ensrud
  • Patent number: 7581292
    Abstract: A clip having structure for detachably interlocking with another clip having substantially equivalent structure. The clip of this invention can be used to secure items, such as gloves, to garments being worn by a user. The instant clips may be made from a resilient material and include a base structure defining an aperture and a gap, which enable the detachable interlinking. One of the clips includes generally opposed arms in mechanical communication with jaw members biased in a contacting relation. The jaw members are forced apart by the user applying opposing forces to each of the arms. The jaw members operably grasp the article when the arms are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Tenacious Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Publication number: 20080017683
    Abstract: A tool pouch and tool holder attached to the tool pouch, the tool pouch having a front, rear, sides, and bottom forming a pouch cavity, the bottom having an aperture bounded by a fastening structure disposed and dimensioned to allow liquids to egress the pouch cavity through one or more openings in the fastening structure. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. ยง1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: 7213307
    Abstract: A clip having structure for detachably interlocking with another clip and which can be used to secure items to garments being worn by a user. The instant clips may be made from a resilient material and include a base structure defining an aperture and a gap, which enable the detachable interlinking. The jaw members are forced apart by the user applying opposing forces to each of the arms and grasp the article when the arms are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: 5176131
    Abstract: A back support (10) for providing abdominal and lumbosacral support has a waistband (11) of substantially unstretchable construction. An elastic band (30) is operatively connected to the outer surface of the waistband (11). The waistband has a generally V shape, wherein the waistband resists riding up on a wearer. The elastic band is preferably releasably connected to the outer surface of the waistband (11). The support (10) may also have a tool belt (50) operatively connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Votel, Susan K. Kulbeik
  • Patent number: 5040524
    Abstract: A back support (10) for providing abdominal and lumbosacral support has a waistband (11) of substantially unstretchable construction. An elastic band (30) is operatively connected to the outer surface of the waistband (11). The waistband has a generally V shape, wherein the waistband resists riding up on a wearer. The elastic band is preferably releaseably connected to the outer surface of the waistband (11). The support (10) may also have a tool belt (50) operatively connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Votel, Susan K. Kulbeik
  • Patent number: D522851
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: D537328
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: D468074
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: D468075
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: D608978
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Tenacious Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: D614862
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Tenacious Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: D618908
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tenacious Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: D653401
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Tenacious Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Olson, Thomas F. Votel