Patents by Inventor Bruce Middleton

Bruce Middleton 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: 7686744
    Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to untensioned internally semi-mounted springs/tension elements. A holster retains the inoperative semi-mounted elements and avoids contact or friction with fully engaged tension elements. Adjustable connection elements permit compensation for lengthening of spring elements due to creep or elongation set. The connection elements include collars that compress the tension elements, and may be connected to the springs/tension elements by first stretching the elements beyond their working elongation and then placing the collars onto the stretched portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: J.M. Originals, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Middleton
  • Publication number: 20080108449
    Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to untensioned internally semi-mounted springs/tension elements. A holster retains the inoperative semi-mounted elements and avoids contact or friction with fully engaged tension elements. Adjustable connection elements permit compensation for lengthening of spring elements due to creep or elongation set. The connection elements include collars that compress the tension elements, and may be connected to the springs/tension elements by first stretching the elements beyond their working elongation and then placing the collars onto the stretched portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Middleton
  • Patent number: 7331909
    Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to untensioned internally semi-mounted springs/tension elements. A holster retains the inoperative semi-mounted elements and avoids contact or friction with fully engaged tension elements. Adjustable connection elements permit compensation for lengthening of spring elements due to creep or elongation set. The connection elements include collars that compress the tension elements, and may be connected to the springs/tension elements by first stretching the elements beyond their working elongation and then placing the collars onto the stretched portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Middleton
  • Publication number: 20050075182
    Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to untensioned internally semi-mounted springs/tension elements. A holster retains the inoperative semi-mounted elements and avoids contact or friction with fully engaged tension elements. Adjustable connection elements permit compensation for lengthening of spring elements due to creep or elongation set. The connection elements include collars that compress the tension elements, and may be connected to the springs/tension elements by first stretching the elements beyond their working elongation and then placing the collars onto the stretched portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventor: Bruce Middleton
  • Patent number: 6716108
    Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to an internally mounted compound tension spring. Semi-mounted internal storage of disengaged tension elements may be provided. The tension elements may be engaged or disengaged through an access feature such as a slot in the apparatus frame. A user's finger or tool may be employed to effect engagement/disengagement. Alternatively, the apparatus may include mechanical components capable of effecting engagement/disengagement. The tension elements may also be part of a cartridge unit that can be wholly removed from the apparatus for engagement/disengagement. The assembly may also include a torque-transmitting bearing and/or a universal foot joint for improved high performance operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: J. M. Originals, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Middleton, Steven Bellofatto, John Earle, Scott Salmon
  • Patent number: 6558265
    Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus includes a carriage assembly that can support a person; a foot alternately retracting toward and extending away from the carriage assembly; and a thrust assembly having a tension force and effecting the retraction and extension using a plurality of engageable and disengagable elastomer tension elements that supply the tension force. A shield member integral with the carriage assembly protects the rider from accidental contact with moving parts of the thrust assembly, and an access feature enables engagement and disengagement of the tension elements for adjustment of the tension force. Piston pogo, scissor-lift pogo and scissor-lift bounceboard embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Middleton