Patents by Inventor Mark McCulloh

Mark McCulloh 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: 6085682
    Abstract: A parasailing assembly to suspend a rider from a parachute which is being towed by a boat, with the rider supported by one of various rider support structures, such as a body harness or a seat assembly. The parasailing assembly includes an improved connecting assembly that is structured to removably interconnect a rider support structure to the canopy of a parachute and preferably, includes two elongated straps, each having an interconnecting link disposed intermediate opposite ends thereof. Preferably, each strap of the connecting assembly has at least one end is connected to rider support structure, on opposite sides of the rider. In addition, either fixedly or removably attached to the interconnecting link is a base portion having a plurality of strap segments, each of which is connected, preferably but not necessarily in a fixed manner, to a separate grouping of riser line sets which extend up to the canopy of the parachute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Controlled Parasailing Corporation of America, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark McCulloh
  • Patent number: 5816184
    Abstract: A parasailing assembly designed to suspend a rider from a parachute being towed by a boat, the assembly including a rider support structure formed of a rigid yet lightweight and buoyant material and having a front end, a rear end, a pair of oppositely disposed sides, a top side, a bottom side, and a hollow interior, accessible from one of the sides. A reclining seat structure is disposed within the hollow interior and is structured to support at least one rider in a generally reclined position. A pair of straps are further provided and formed of a flexible yet high strength material, with each one of the straps securely yet removably connected to one of the opposite sides of the rider support structure such that when the assembly is disposed in a launched orientation each of the straps is disposed in spaced parallel relation to the other and provides for balance and stable movement of the rider support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Controlled Parasailing Corporation of America, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark McCulloh
  • Patent number: 5367972
    Abstract: A launching assembly designed to be used in combination with a rider support connected to a parachute and a tow line which is movably secured so as to connect the rider support to a towing boat which is typical of para-sailing activity. A line guide assembly includes a winch mounted on the towing boat and movably connected to the tow line and adapted to extend and retract the tow line as well as the rider support attached thereto wherein the line guide assembly includes a guide means mounted in spaced relation to the winch and adapted to movably engage and guide the towing line along a path of travel of the towing line extending between the winch and the rider support regardless if the rider support is in the launched or retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Controlled Para-Sailing Corp. of America, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark McCulloh
  • Patent number: 4738414
    Abstract: A parasailing assembly structured for the safe support of a rider in a depending and supported relation from an air suspended or ascending parachute wherein the rider support and ascending parachute are launched from a launching platform on a tow boat. The parasailing assembly includes a rider support including a float structure thereon for the safety of the rider in the event of coming into contact with the water. The launch assembly on the tow boat is capable of launching and retrieving the parasailing assembly and rider in at least a partially mechanically automated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Controlled Parasailing Corporation of America
    Inventor: Mark McCulloh
  • Patent number: 3987746
    Abstract: Parasail launching and retrieving apparatus adapted to be mounted on a vehicle such as a boat having a tower for supporting a rotatable and pivoted main boom and outrigger boom. The outrigger boom supports the parachute when not in flight and the main boom has a line extending along its full length, one end being connected to a powered winch and the other end having a harness for supporting a person desiring to engage in the sport of parasailing. Upon the person being connected to the harness and the boat moving forwardly at a sufficient speed to permit the billowing of the parachute, the line is payed out and the parachute becomes airborne carrying the parasailor. When it is time to retrieve the parachute the winch is energized to reel in the line as the boat speed is progressively decreased until the parachute is in close proximity to the boat. Then the outrigger boom is extended to engage the canopy of the parachute while the person is deposited in the boat and he is then unhooked from the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1976
    Assignee: Sun Sports Corporation of America
    Inventor: Mark McCulloh
  • Patent number: D392242
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Mark McCulloh