Patents by Inventor Alan L. Tholkes

Alan L. Tholkes 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: 9133974
    Abstract: A computer lift has a stationary lift assembly and a movable monitor mount containing a gas spring cylinder fixed at one end, using a pulley assembly and cable to double the stroke of the gas spring cylinder by floating the pulley assembly. A positive lock allows the lift to stay in position after moving to a desired height, while maintaining easy movability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: HealthPostures, LLP
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 8567808
    Abstract: A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Altimate Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Wesley Ovre, Gabriel Routh, Jeffrey Schmidt, Michael Lokken, Tamera Trotter
  • Publication number: 20130126682
    Abstract: A computer lift has a stationary lift assembly and a movable monitor mount containing a gas spring cylinder fixed at one end, using a pulley assembly and cable to double the stroke of the gas spring cylinder by floating the pulley assembly. A positive lock allows the lift to stay in position after moving to a desired height, while maintaining easy movability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20100013276
    Abstract: A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: ALTIMATE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Wesley Ovre, Gabriel Routh, Jeffrey Schmidt, Michael Lokken, Duffy Trotter, Tamera Trotter
  • Patent number: 7614639
    Abstract: A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Wesley Ovre, Gabriel Routh, Jeffrey Schmidt, Michael Lokken, Duffy Trotter, Tamera Trotter, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20080271241
    Abstract: A chair for assistance in sexual intercourse is a gliding type rocker chair that has adjustable length legs, seat angle adjustment, an easily removable seat cover, and is foldable for storage. A cot for use with or without the chair is also foldable, with adjustable length legs and angular adjustment, and an easily removable cot cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 7367623
    Abstract: An ergonomic chair having a cooperatively adjustable knee support and seat is herein disclosed. The knee support and seat may be adjusted to position a user of the chair in a physiologic attitude that approaches the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: HealthPostures, LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 6726276
    Abstract: A body-mimicking system ergonomically integrates a user with a work station while promoting active sitting and proactive positioning. Particularly, cooperative structures are provided to timely promote healthy and productive postures in task seating operations through the maintenance of ergonomic access and reach to a work station at all times. The system enables a user to effortlessly and dynamically shift from a conventional seating position to a lean/stand posture, and any health posture in between, without disrupting the task at hand. When viewed in its cooperative aspects of clinically preferred human postures and its anticipation of the next best posture in relation to a specific user the system operates as a synergistic biomechanical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Health Postures, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry
  • Patent number: 6702372
    Abstract: The operator adjustable workstation facilitates adjustments ranging from a seated work level to a standing work level with an infinite number of health posture arrangements and work surface levels in between. Two trigger controlled height and angle adjustment body support actuators and a foot controlled lower leg and lower leg support pivot actuator, provide the operator with independent control to quickly lock into place and/or release each health posture and work surface at any level within the adjustment range. The workstation includes a base structure, a body support area, a work surface area, and lift arm. The work surface area incorporates two substantially planar work surfaces. The body support area incorporates seat, back, lower leg and lower leg support components. The body support and work areas incorporate two separate lift arms. The lift arms have first ends and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Health Postures, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 6644748
    Abstract: An operator adjustable workstation is provided, ranging from a seated work level to a standing work level with an infinite number of health posture arrangements and work surface levels in between. Two trigger controlled height and angle adjustment body support actuators and a foot controlled lower leg and lower leg support pivot actuator, provide the operator with independent control to quickly lock into place and/or release each health posture and work surface at any level within the adjustment range. The workstation includes a base structure, a body support area, a work surface area, and lift arm. The work surface area incorporates two substantially planar work surfaces. The body support area incorporates seat, back, lower leg and lower leg support components. The body support and work areas incorporate two separate lift arms. The lift arms have first ends and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Health Postures, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20020167205
    Abstract: An operator adjustable workstation, ranging from a seated work level to a standing work level with an infinite number of health posture arrangements and work surface levels in between. Two trigger controlled height and angle adjustment body support actuators and a foot controlled lower leg and lower leg support pivot actuator, provide the operator with independent control to quickly lock into place and/or release each health posture and work surface at any level within the adjustment range. The workstation includes a base structure, a body support area, a work surface area, and lift arm. The work surface area incorporates two substantially planar work surfaces. The body support area incorporates seat, back, lower leg and lower leg support components. The body support and work areas incorporate two separate lift arms. The lift arms have first ends and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Health Postures, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 6440046
    Abstract: The present invention relates to various systems that enable users with appreciably limited muscular, body and coordination control to assume ergonomic postures for task seating, standing, ambulation and physical exercise. Particularly, the embodiments of the invention provide secure support and positioning systems to safely aid the user through an entire process involving transfer from a wheel chair to the assemblies. The systems also assist the user to assume a desired posture and provide ergonomic and integral support after the user is situated in the desired posture. More particularly, the use of the present invention does not require the help of a therapist or additional muscle control on the part of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Altimate Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan L. Tholkes
  • Patent number: 6439657
    Abstract: An adjustable height work station is adjustable between a seated work level and a lifted work level. The work station includes a base structure, a work area, and a lift arm. The work area incorporates a substantially planar surface. The lift arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally secured to the base structure while the second end is pivotally secured to the work area. Tie first end and second end are pivotable through a range of motion to raise and lower the work area between the seated work level and the lifted work level while maintaining the planar surface of the work area in a substantially horizontal position through the range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Alan L. Tholkes
  • Publication number: 20010015567
    Abstract: An operator adjustable workstation, ranging from a seated work level to a standing work level with an infinite number of health posture arrangements and work surface levels in between. Two trigger controlled height and angle adjustment body support actuators and a foot controlled lower leg and lower leg support pivot actuator, provide the operator with independent control to quickly lock into place and/or release each health posture and work surface at any level within the adjustment range. The workstation includes a base structure, a body support area, a work surface area, and lift arm. The work surface area incorporates two substantially planar work surfaces. The body support area incorporates seat, back, lower leg and lower leg support components. The body support and work areas incorporate two separate lift arms. The lift arms have first ends and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 5884935
    Abstract: A reconfigurable support assembly accessible to a wheel chair bound user for supporting and elevating the user between seated and erect postures. A base frame is configurable to be stationary with foot pads or mobile with roller casters or wheels. Molded foot restraints mount to a base frame or an elevated cross tower to support the feet at selected orientations. A telescoping forward support framework accepts a variety of adjustable accessories, including cushioned knee or leg support assemblies, a chest or upper body support, a table top, arm troughs and manual, hand driven drive assemblies. Adjustable seat and seat back assemblies optionally support pivoting armrests, hip and lateral trunk supports, an extendible back support frame, shoulder retainers, and a head rest. The position of a seat cushion and inclination of the seat back are separately adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Alan L. Tholkes
  • Patent number: 5484151
    Abstract: A personal support assembly accessible to a wheel chair bound user to support and elevate the user from a seated to an erect posture. A telescoping support column includes an adjustable tabletop, padded chest and leg supports and a pivotally mounted seat and hip support. A base frame includes transport wheels and a foot support. A manually controlled hydraulic lift pivots a cantilevered support arm to the seat support. A base frame of a stationary construction includes transport wheels and a clamped boot restraint. In a user maneuverable construction, a pair of hand wheels independently direct assembly movement via locking drive belt assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Alan L. Tholkes
  • Patent number: 5054852
    Abstract: A self-directed seating support and posture control assembly operable between fully seated and erect posture positions. A hand operated, hydraulic lift mechanism pivotally supports a cushioned seat and folding linkage from a base framework. A forward positioned upright utility platform includes a heighth and tilt adjustable tabletop. Depth controllable, cushioned knee/calf and mid-section supports extend from the platform uprights. An accessory, upper body exerciser detachably mounts to the chair back at pivotally mounted arm rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Alan L. Tholkes
  • Patent number: 4741547
    Abstract: A folding wheelchair frame including a compound folding mechanism having fore and aft tubular hinged wing frames pivotally coupled to the chair's side frames and to a longitudinal tubular slide-follower coordinating assembly. Scissored arms coupled between the forward hinged frame and slide-follower coordinate the folding action relative to the chair's longitudinal center axis and allows the latching thereof. Associated swing-away footrests, removable armrests and latched, folding back frames further reduce the folded profile and facilitate chair usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Alan L. Tholkes
  • Patent number: D425321
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry
  • Patent number: D425713
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry