Patents by Inventor Mark McLane

Mark McLane 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: 20260138149
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an integrated connector for securing an interchangeable jet module within a spa. The integrated connector may include a first portion defining a hole for receiving a water connector disposed at a bottom of the interchangeable jet module, the first portion forming a bulkhead fitting. A second portion may extend vertically from the first portion, the second portion having an engagement feature for engaging the interchangeable jet module. The integrated connector may be disposed in a hollow of the spa, where the interchangeable jet module is secured within the hollow through the integrated connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2025
    Publication date: May 21, 2026
    Inventors: Richard Alex Eddington, Michael Andersen, Cory Shorr, Mark McLane
  • Publication number: 20260115097
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to interchangeable jet modules having improved air and water flow. An interchangeable jet module may include at least one jet, a manifold with a mounting surface for mounting a base portion of the at least one jet, and a jet plate with a mounting surface for mounting a top portion of the at least one jet. The module may also include a first array of air and water chambers underlying the manifold mounting surface, a second array of air and water chambers underlying the manifold mounting surface and in fluid communication with the first array of air and water chambers through a valve, and a third array of air and water chambers underlying the manifold mounting surface and in fluid communication with the first array of air and water chambers and the second array of air and water chambers through a second valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2025
    Publication date: April 30, 2026
    Inventors: Richard Eddington, Michael Andersen, Cory Shorr, Chris Kamerath, Mark McLane, Mike Adams
  • Patent number: 12611583
    Abstract: A system and method for circulating water in a swim spa. A recessed chamber formed in the shell of the spa defines a space to hold at least a portion of a first, upper horizontal water propulsion device and at least a portion of a second, lower vertical water propulsion device. The first, upper horizontal flow of water is combined with the second, lower vertical flow of water to create a third, horizontal flow of water. The resulting turbulence is lower, creating a more laminar flow and better user swimming experience. Jet bodies with side intakes may maximize capacity of the water propulsion devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2026
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane
  • Patent number: 12329715
    Abstract: A reinforcing system for a vessel that can contain water. The system includes a shell for containing water, the shell having one or more jets extending therethrough from an inside of the shell to an outside of the shell, and a structural support layer on an underside of the shell. The structural support layer can include: an inner layer of rigidizer applied to the underside of the shell, a central low density core, and an outer layer of rigidizer applied to the central low-density core. The structural support layer can extend from a bottom side of the underside of the shell, across at least one sidewall of the underside of the shell, and form at least one rib along the sidewall of the underside of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
  • Publication number: 20250154785
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to steps for a spa or another water containing vessel. In various aspects, steps for a spa may include a lower hollow frame, a first platform disposed over the lower hollow frame, and an upper hollow frame disposed over a back portion of the first platform. The steps may also include a second platform disposed over the upper hollow frame. Each of the lower hollow frame and the upper hollow frame may be formed of a plurality of structural panels and a plurality of decorative panels. The plurality of decorative panels may match any decorative paneling of the spa, next to which the steps are arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Michael Andersen, Mark McLane
  • Publication number: 20250090924
    Abstract: A system and method for circulating water in a swim spa. A recessed chamber formed in the shell of the spa defines a space to hold at least a portion of a first, upper horizontal water propulsion device and at least a portion of a second, lower vertical water propulsion device. The first, upper horizontal flow of water is combined with the second, lower vertical flow of water to create a third, horizontal flow of water. The resulting turbulence is lower, creating a more laminar flow and better user swimming experience. Jet bodies with side intakes may maximize capacity of the water propulsion devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane
  • Publication number: 20250065250
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a filter media that can be used to filter a spa, hot tub, or pool. The filter media can include a body with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of pleats. A border is joined and surrounding a periphery of the body, the border for maintaining a planar shape of one or more of the top surface and bottom surface of the filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Todd Anderson, Mark McLane, Richard Alex Eddington, Jeremy J. Evans
  • Patent number: 12233021
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for sealing components in a spa shell. A through-component body, such as a spa jet, extends from the inner side of the spa shell to an outer side of the spa shell. A retaining member includes at least one injection port, and retains the through-component body in place on the outer side of the spa shell. A sealant is injected into the at least one injection port to seal a space between the outer side of the spa shell and the through-component body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Taylor Beck, Nathan Tulett, Todd Anderson, Eric Hales, Mark McLane
  • Patent number: 12232598
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a hammock for a user to rest thereon in the water of the spa. The hammock may include a proximal end with head support portion and one or more attachment means for connection to an anchor on the spa shell, and a distal end with one or more attachment means for connection to an anchor on the spa shell. One or more lateral coupling members may couple the hammock to the lateral sides of the spa, and one or more longitudinal coupling members may couple the hammock to a front side and/or back side of the spa. The longitudinal and lateral coupling members may support the hammock in the water to give the user a unique flotation experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos, Richard Eddington
  • Patent number: 12064661
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an exercise bar for a user to use for rowing or other exercises in the water of the spa or adjacent to the spa. The exercise bar may comprise a central hub, and two sides, each with a first inner tube attached to opposing side of the central hub and a an outer tube in telescoping connection with the inner tube, and a handgrip in connection with the first outer tube. A connector may be mounted to the central hub, the connector to enable the exercise bar to be connected to one or more resistance cables. The exercise bar may be adjustable from a first, shorter length for use with exercises in which a user's hands are positioned closer together and a second, longer length for use with exercises in which a user's hands are positioned father apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: BULLFROG INTERNATIONAL, LC
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos
  • Publication number: 20240074941
    Abstract: A reinforcing system for a vessel that can contain water is described. The system includes a shell for containing water, the shell having one or more jets extending therethrough from an inside of the shell to an outside of the shell, and a structural support layer on an underside of the shell. The structural support layer can include: an inner layer of rigidizer applied to the underside of the shell, a central low density core, and an outer layer of rigidizer applied to the central low-density core. The structural support layer can extend from a bottom side of the underside of the shell, across at least one sidewall of the underside of the shell, and form at least one rib along the sidewall of the underside of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
  • Patent number: 11813226
    Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing a spa shell includes a structural support layer on an underside of the spa shell. The structural support layer may include an inner layer of rigidizer, a central foam layer, and an outer layer of rigidizer. The structural support layer may extend from a bottom side of the underside of the spa shell, across at least one sidewall of the underside of the spa shell to a lip of the spa shell, the structural support layer forming at least one rib along the sidewall of the underside of the spa shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
  • Publication number: 20230329425
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a hammock for a user to rest thereon in the water of the spa. The hammock may include a proximal end with head support portion and one or more attachment means for connection to an anchor on the spa shell, and a distal end with one or more attachment means for connection to an anchor on the spa shell. One or more lateral coupling members may couple the hammock to the lateral sides of the spa, and one or more longitudinal coupling members may couple the hammock to a front side and/or back side of the spa. The longitudinal and lateral coupling members may support the hammock in the water to give the user a unique flotation experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos, Richard Eddington
  • Patent number: 11739548
    Abstract: A structural support system for a spa can include: a vertical support comprising a first portion and a second portion and a first side and a second side, wherein the first portion is comprised of a plurality of shaped openings being open on the first side and wherein the second portion is comprised of a plurality of shaped openings being open on the second side; a channel bracket, the channel bracket comprising a shaped boss on a first side and a first groove formed in a second side, wherein channel bracket further comprises a second groove formed in a third side, the third side being opposite the second side; and a spa panel retention member, the spa panel retention member comprising a projection to mate in the first groove of the channel bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen, Mark McLane, Todd Andersen, Chris Lundell, Richard Alex Eddington
  • Publication number: 20230225937
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for sealing components in a spa shell. A through-component body, such as a spa jet, extends from the inner side of the spa shell to an outer side of the spa shell. A retaining member includes at least one injection port, and retains the through-component body in place on the outer side of the spa shell. A sealant is injected into the at least one injection port to seal a space between the outer side of the spa shell and the through-component body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Taylor Beck, Nathan Tulett, Todd Anderson, Eric Hales, Mark McLane
  • Publication number: 20230142127
    Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing a spa shell includes a structural support layer on an underside of the spa shell. The structural support layer may include an inner layer of rigidizer, a central foam layer, and an outer layer of rigidizer. The structural support layer may extend from a bottom side of the underside of the spa shell, across at least one sidewall of the underside of the spa shell to a lip of the spa shell, the structural support layer forming at least one rib along the sidewall of the underside of the spa shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
  • Patent number: 11638475
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a hammock for a user to rest thereon in the water of the spa. The hammock may include a proximal end with head support portion and one or more attachment means for connection to an anchor on the spa shell, and a distal end with one or more attachment means for connection to an anchor on the spa shell. One or more lateral coupling members may couple the hammock to the lateral sides of the spa, and one or more longitudinal coupling members may couple the hammock to a front side and/or back side of the spa. The longitudinal and lateral coupling members may support the hammock in the water to give the user a unique flotation experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos, Richard Eddington
  • Patent number: D1104299
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2025
    Assignee: BULLFROG INTERNATIONAL, LC
    Inventors: Michael Andersen, Mark McLane
  • Patent number: D1121183
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2026
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Michael Andersen, Mark McLane
  • Patent number: D1121184
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2026
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Michael Andersen, Mark McLane