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: 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
  • Publication number: 20230073056
    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: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos
  • Publication number: 20220412111
    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: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen, Mark McLane, Todd Andersen, Chris Lundell, Richard Alex Eddington
  • Publication number: 20220400838
    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: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos, Richard Eddington
  • Patent number: 11447969
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen, Mark McLane, Todd Andersen, Chris Lundell, Richard Alex Eddington
  • Publication number: 20210095488
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen, Mark McLane, Todd Andersen, Chris Lundell, Richard Alex Eddington
  • Patent number: 10794457
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark McLane
  • Publication number: 20190063565
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventor: Mark McLane
  • Patent number: 9713571
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventors: Mark McLane, Eric Hales
  • Publication number: 20160213561
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Mark McLane, Eric Hales
  • Publication number: 20060253423
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Mark McLane, Kevin Runde, Gregory Sellek