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).
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Publication number: 20240074941Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
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Patent number: 11813226Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 11, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Bullfrog International, LCInventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
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Publication number: 20230329425Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos, Richard Eddington
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Patent number: 11739548Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Bullfrog International, LCInventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen, Mark McLane, Todd Andersen, Chris Lundell, Richard Alex Eddington
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Publication number: 20230225937Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2022Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Taylor Beck, Nathan Tulett, Todd Anderson, Eric Hales, Mark McLane
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Publication number: 20230142127Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2021Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
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Patent number: 11638475Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: Bullfrog International, LCInventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos, Richard Eddington
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Publication number: 20230073056Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2021Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos
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Publication number: 20220412111Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen, Mark McLane, Todd Andersen, Chris Lundell, Richard Alex Eddington
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Publication number: 20220400838Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2021Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos, Richard Eddington
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Patent number: 11447969Abstract: A system for supporting the structure of a spa may include vertical supports, channel brackets that mate with vertical supports, and exterior brackets that mate with the channel brackets to hold spa exterior panels in place. The vertical supports may be formed of a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and second portion formed of contiguous hexagons having one open side. The first portion may be open on a first side, with the second portion open on a second side. The open sides of the hexagons may create a space or pocket to allow for additional structures, such as brackets, to mate with the hexagons of the vertical support. A channel bracket may include a hexagonal boss to mate with a vertical support, as well as a channel for receiving a projection of an exterior bracket to hold a spa side panel in place.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Bullfrog International, LCInventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen, Mark McLane, Todd Andersen, Chris Lundell, Richard Alex Eddington
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Publication number: 20210095488Abstract: A system for supporting the structure of a spa may include vertical supports, channel brackets that mate with vertical supports, and exterior brackets that mate with the channel brackets to hold spa exterior panels in place. The vertical supports may be formed of a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and second portion formed of contiguous hexagons having one open side. The first portion may be open on a first side, with the second portion open on a second side. The open sides of the hexagons may create a space or pocket to allow for additional structures, such as brackets, to mate with the hexagons of the vertical support. A channel bracket may include a hexagonal boss to mate with a vertical support, as well as a channel for receiving a projection of an exterior bracket to hold a spa side panel in place.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen, Mark McLane, Todd Andersen, Chris Lundell, Richard Alex Eddington
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Patent number: 10794457Abstract: An assist device for lifting and facilitating the coupling of an implement's driveline to a power take-off on a vehicle is disclosed. The assist device is configured with a handle enabling a user to rotate the device from a storage position to an upright position where the device engages the driveline and hits it into a position suitable for coupling the driveline to the power take-off. The assist device is equipped with a roller to allow the driveline to slide along its longitudinal axis to facilitate coupling. The assist device may be equipped with one or more springs to further accept at least some of the weight of the driveline and enable easier maneuvering of the driveline during the coupling process.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Blount, Inc.Inventor: Mark McLane
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Publication number: 20190063565Abstract: An assist device for lifting and facilitating the coupling of an implement's driveline to a power take-off on a vehicle is disclosed. The assist device is configured with a handle enabling a user to rotate the device from a storage position to an upright position where the device engages the driveline and hits it into a position suitable for coupling the driveline to the power take-off. The assist device is equipped with a roller to allow the driveline to slide along its longitudinal axis to facilitate coupling. The assist device may be equipped with one or more springs to further accept at least some of the weight of the driveline and enable easier maneuvering of the driveline during the coupling process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventor: Mark McLane
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Patent number: 9713571Abstract: A spa cabinet construction system where horizontal panels on the sides are mounted with a horizontal clip strip that mates with horizontal snaps attached to vertical members, and where corner profiles are mounted with a vertical clip strips that mate with vertical snaps.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Inventors: Mark McLane, Eric Hales
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Publication number: 20160213561Abstract: A spa cabinet construction system where horizontal panels on the sides are mounted with a horizontal clip strip that mates with horizontal snaps attached to vertical members, and where corner profiles are mounted with a vertical clip strips that mate with vertical snaps.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2015Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Mark McLane, Eric Hales
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Publication number: 20060253423Abstract: An information retrieval system having a structured data store; and a signature generator configured to receive data from the structured data store, to create a category signature based on the data received from the structured data store, to receive search results from at least one crawler, and to generate a document signature based on the results from the at least one crawler. The system may also include a data store populated with a set of category signatures; and a search utility configured to receive a seed and to provide the seed to a plurality of search engines. Each search engine may be configured to generate a search result set, to parse each search result set, and to return a relevant data set. The crawler is configured to receive the relevant data set and to generate a second set of search results with a relevancy to a category. A signature comparator receives at least one document signature and at least one category signature and compares the two.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2005Publication date: November 9, 2006Inventors: Mark McLane, Kevin Runde, Gregory Sellek