Patents by Inventor Louis F. Polk

Louis F. Polk 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: 7357758
    Abstract: A treadmill is provided that has a treadmill drive motor carriage that can pivot relative to a frame of the treadmill such that the incline of the treadmill can be controlled while the carriage can be moved to a position that permits upright storage of the treadmill on the carriage. This arrangement advantageously permits a walk through treadmill design to be used that can be stored uprightly. The treadmill can be equipped with a console and stanchion that can be folded against the deck of the treadmill. One incline arrangement pivots the carriage using an incline drive carried by the carriage that engages a gear grounded to the treadmill frame. Another preferred incline arrangement uses a four bar linkage movable carried by the frame that is driven by a linear actuator to pivot the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: Louis F. Polk, III, Paul M. Theisen, Randy Williams, Kenneth V. Schomburg, Kevin Stevens, Darrin Swagel
  • Patent number: 6887173
    Abstract: Inflatable articles with self-contained mechanisms, such as sporting equipment, medical equipment, recreational devices and toys, preferably any inflatable article with at least one mechanism for inflating or adding pressure to the article, or for deflating or removing pressure from the piece of equipment, such that the mechanism is located inside the article are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Russell Asset Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew K. Lacroix, Terence Melvin, Daniel P. Touhey, Brian P. Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, III, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler
  • Patent number: 6702699
    Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volley ball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism for inflating or more likely adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Russell Asset Management Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Touhey, Brian P. Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, III, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler, Richard F. Terrazzano, Eric K. Litscher, Andrew C. Harvey, Malcolm E. Taylor, Peter M. deBakker, Robert C. Sykes, Charles Keane
  • Publication number: 20030060331
    Abstract: A treadmill is provided that has a treadmill drive motor carriage that can pivot relative to a frame of the treadmill such that the incline of the treadmill can be controlled while the carriage can be moved to a position that permits upright storage of the treadmill on the carriage. This arrangement advantageously permits a walk through treadmill design to be used that can be stored uprightly. The treadmill can be equipped with a console and stanchion that can be folded against the deck of the treadmill. One incline arrangement pivots the carriage using an incline drive carried by the carriage that engages a gear grounded to the treadmill frame. Another preferred incline arrangement uses a four bar linkage movable carried by the frame that is driven by a linear actuator to pivot the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Louis F. Polk, Paul M. Theisen, Randy Williams, Kenneth V. Schomburg, Kevin Stevens, Darrin Swagel
  • Publication number: 20030032507
    Abstract: Inflatable articles with self-contained mechanisms, such as sporting equipment, medical equipment, recreational devices and toys, preferably any inflatable article with at least one mechanism for inflating or adding pressure to the article, or for deflating or removing pressure from the piece of equipment, such that the mechanism is located inside the article are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew K. Lacroix, Terence Melvin, Daniel P. Touhey, Brian P. Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler
  • Publication number: 20020187866
    Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volley ball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism for inflating or more likely adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Touhey, Brian P. Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler, Richard F. Terrazzano, Eric K. Litscher, Andrew C. Harvey, Malcolm E. Taylor, Peter M. deBakker, Robert C. Sykes, Charles Keane
  • Patent number: 6478312
    Abstract: An inline skate and brake system including a plurality of skate wheels with a first braking surface and a plurality of brake members with a second brake surface and an actuation mechanism for causing movement of the brake element brake surfaces into and out of braking engagement with the brake surfaces of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Gary M. Petrucci, Louis F. Polk, III, George D. Stickler
  • Patent number: 6450906
    Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volley ball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism for inflating or more likely adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a self-contained, manually operable pumping chamber which is inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to compress the chamber and. pump ambient air into the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Touhey, Brian Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, III, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler, Richard F. Terrazzano, Eric K. Litscher, Andrew C. Harvey, Malcolm E. Taylor, Peter M. de Bakker, Robert C. Sykes, Charles Keane
  • Patent number: 6443793
    Abstract: A recoil module is provided for use in toy airplanes or other suitable devices. The recoil module includes an outer shell including an outer surface and an interior cavity within the shell. A recoil spool is retained within the cavity of the shell and is supported on an elastic band that spans the interior cavity of the shell. The elastic band is held fixed at its opposed ends by the shell. A pull cord is affixed to a portion of the spool and has an end extending through the shell to the outer surface. The pull cord has a free end that can be grasped to extend the pull cord from the shell and store potential energy in the elastic band. When released, the pull cord retracts back to the interior cavity of the shell. The module shell and the recoil spool can each be constructed for easy snap together assembly. The recoil module can be installed on a toy requiring or benefitting from its use. A recoil device is also disclosed that can be integrated into a toy or other object such as a toy glider airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Leisure Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Huebl, Louis F. Polk, III
  • Patent number: 6409618
    Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volley ball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism for inflating or more likely adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide,Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Touhey, Brian P. Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler, Richard F. Terrazzano, Eric K. Litscher, Andrew C. Harvey, Malcolm E. Taylor, Peter M. de Bakker, Robert C. Sykes, Charles Keane
  • Patent number: 6287225
    Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volley ball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism for inflating or more likely adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Touhey, Brian P. Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, III, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler
  • Patent number: 6110079
    Abstract: A kick-boxing exercise device includes a weighted base unit which supports a target section. The target section having an appearance of a head, neck and torso of a human. The target section is vertically adjustable on the base unit and includes a plurality of target areas. A plurality of LEDs are mounted within the target areas which illuminate as the specific target areas are to be punched or kicked by a user. A foam pad is attached to the target section for cushioning the punch or kick of the user. An electronic control unit illuminates the LEDs in a preprogrammed punch or kick sequence. Various skill levels are provided to sequentially illuminate the LEDs at various speeds. The electronic control unit includes a scoring system which allows the user to evaluate his or her performance. A sensor detects contact with the target section and triggers illumination of the next LED in the sequence. A sensor adjustment dial allows the sensitivity of the sensor to be adjusted by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Fitness Quest, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam A. Luedke, Louis F. Polk, III, Kim M. Parmater
  • Patent number: 5794362
    Abstract: A size adjustable athletic boot of a molded plastic or composite construction which is adjustable in length, width and height allowing three dimensional fit (3-D fit) for a variety of foot sizes. The boot has a base section and a tongue section which extends from a toe end of the base section. The tongue and base sections combine to define a variable volume foot space between them. A heel section telescopes over a rear end of the base section. The heel section has a heel surface which in combination with an upper surface of the base section defines a foot support surface. A cuff extends upward from a heel wall of the heel section. The cuff and a free end of the tongue section confront one another and define a foot entry opening between them. An adjustment mechanism is adapted to selectively position the heel section on the rear end of the base section to vary the length of the foot support surface relative to the length of a user's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Louis F. Polk, III, James B. Easley, Adam L. Luedke, Scott B. Olson
  • Patent number: 5516102
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a game surface, a game piece which is movable on the game surface, a pair of striker assemblies for moving the game piece on the game surface and a fence assembly which cooperates with the striker assemblies for retaining the game piece within a confined area on the game surface. The striker assemblies are movable in both longitudinal and transverse directions on the game surface, and they are attached to movable sections of the fence assembly so that the confined playing area on the game surface is varied as the striker assemblies are moved during the course of game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Leisure Incorporated
    Inventors: Louis F. Polk, III, Aaron J. Moriarity, Paul A. Pilosi
  • Patent number: D436153
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Adani A. Luedke, Louis F. Polk, III, Kim M. Parmater
  • Patent number: D441414
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Leisure Incorporated
    Inventor: Louis F. Polk, III
  • Patent number: D517442
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis F. Polk, III
  • Patent number: D410986
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Leisure, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam A. Luedke, Louis F. Polk, III, Kim M. Parmater
  • Patent number: D426602
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Leisure, Incorporated
    Inventors: Louis F. Polk, III, Stuart Imai
  • Patent number: D435618
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Leisure Incorporated
    Inventors: Louis F. Polk, III, Stuart Imai, Steven J. Huebl