Patents by Inventor Robert L. McMahan

Robert L. McMahan 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: 10849450
    Abstract: An anti-fatigue mat is disclosed including a foam member and a gel member that each exhibit a different durometer. The foam member includes a support surface that supports the gel member atop the foam member. The foam member includes a foam ramp that extends outwardly downward from the gel member to a bottom surface of the foam member. A flexible cover layer is situated above the gel member and extends over the foam ramp so that the foam member and the flexible cover layer together encapsulatively seal the gel member therein. The flexible cover layer includes an indentation region situated substantially adjacent a gel/foam interface between the gel member and the foam member and further situated a predetermined distance from the peripheral edge of the mat in one embodiment. The bottom surface of the mat may include a non-slip surface to stabilize the mat on the particular surface that the mat covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Let's Gel Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert L McMahan, John P Busch, Ira L Rush, Derric C Hobbs
  • Patent number: 10582793
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat are disclosed. In one embodiment an anti-fatigue mat includes a foam member and a gel member, wherein each member exhibits a different durometer. The foam member includes a gel receiver that is configured with a geometry shaped to receive the gel member. A top fabric is situated on the top of the mat above the gel member and the foam member. A non-slip surface is provided on the bottom of the anti-fatigue mat. The gel member may be sealed within the mat by the foam member and the top fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Let's Gel Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert L McMahan, John P Busch, Ira L Rush, Derric C Hobbs
  • Patent number: 10070747
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure are related systems and methods for lead-ins for anti-fatigue floor mats. More particularly, embodiments disclose lead-ins with tapered ends with variable heights that transition from a floor level to a mat surface level to enable drop stitch-mats to be used in residential and commercial areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Let's Gel Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Publication number: 20170273490
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure are related systems and methods for lead-ins for anti-fatigue floor mats. More particularly, embodiments disclose lead-ins with tapered ends with variable heights that transition from a floor level to a mat surface level to enable drop stitch-mats to be used in residential and commercial areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 9687100
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe anti-fatigue mat systems and methods configured to provide a seamless transition between a first position allowing a user to sit on a chair positioned in front of a workstation and a second position allowing the user to stand on an upper mat positioned in front of the work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: LET'S GEL INC.
    Inventor: Robert L McMahan
  • Patent number: 9452597
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an anti-fatigue mat employs a pre-formed gel cushioning member that includes opposed major surfaces. One of the opposed major surfaces of the gel cushioning member is heated and liquefied. A flexible support sheet is applied and bonded to the liquefied surface of the gel cushioning member. The remaining opposed surface of the gel cushioning member is then heated and liquefied. A flexible base sheet is applied and bonded to this liquefied surface of the gel cushioning member. The method may move one of the opposed surfaces of the gel cushioning member adjacent a heat source to liquefy a portion of the gel cushioning member passing by the heat source. A flexible sheet is dispensed or applied to the liquefied portion of the gel cushioning member as the liquefied portion passes by a flexible sheet dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: LET'S GEL, INC.
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Publication number: 20160073724
    Abstract: A shoe cover system includes a flexible shoe cover that is configured to substantially surround a shoe of a user of the shoe cover system. A resilient cushioning member inside the shoe cover is non-removably attached to the interior bottom of the shoe cover to receive and support the bottom of the user's shoe. Over-molding the resilient cushioning member to the interior bottom of the shoe cover may provide a permanent and direct attachment of the resilient cushioning member to the shoe cover. An adhesive layer between the resilient cushioning member and the interior bottom of the shoe cover may provide a permanent and indirect attachment of the resilient cushioning member to the shoe cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Publication number: 20150320247
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe anti-fatigue mat systems and methods configured to provide a seamless transition between a first position allowing a user to sit on a chair positioned in front of a workstation and a second position allowing the user to stand on an upper mat positioned in front of the work station
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: LET'S GEL INC.
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 8723086
    Abstract: A heating device of a portable nature is disclosed. The heating device of a portable nature includes a heating element, a hinged coupled to the heating element, and an arm coupled to the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Let's Gel, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Publication number: 20120145699
    Abstract: A heating device of a portable nature is disclosed. The heating device of a portable nature includes a heating element, a hinged coupled to the heating element, and an arm coupled to the hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Publication number: 20120024454
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material that exhibits a first durometer. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible support sheet. The frame assembly includes an aperture that receives a layer of heated liquid gel which cools to form the layer of resilient gel material exhibiting the first durometer. In one embodiment, a barrier layer exhibiting a second durometer is situated on the gel layer that exhibits the first durometer. In one embodiment, the barrier layer prevents the flow of oils from the gel layer to a flexible base sheet disposed on the barrier layer. In another embodiment, the flexible base sheet may exhibit a second durometer. In either embodiment, the layers exhibiting the first and second durometer cooperate to influence the feel of the mat to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: LET'S GEL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 8034274
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material that exhibits a first durometer. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible support sheet. The frame assembly includes an aperture that receives a layer of heated liquid gel which cools to form the layer of resilient gel material exhibiting the first durometer. In one embodiment, a barrier layer exhibiting a second durometer is situated on the gel layer that exhibits the first durometer. In one embodiment, the barrier layer prevents the flow of oils from the gel layer to a flexible base sheet disposed on the barrier layer. In another embodiment, the flexible base sheet may exhibit a second durometer. In either embodiment, the layers exhibiting the first and second durometer cooperate to influence the feel of the mat to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Let's Gel Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert L McMahan
  • Publication number: 20110240212
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an anti-fatigue mat employs a pre-formed gel cushioning member that includes opposed major surfaces. One of the opposed major surfaces of the gel cushioning member is heated and liquefied. A flexible support sheet is applied and bonded to the liquefied surface of the gel cushioning member. The remaining opposed surface of the gel cushioning member is then heated and liquefied. A flexible base sheet is applied and bonded to this liquefied surface of the gel cushioning member. The method may move one of the opposed surfaces of the gel cushioning member adjacent a heat source to liquefy a portion of the gel cushioning member passing by the heat source. A flexible sheet is dispensed or applied to the liquefied portion of the gel cushioning member as the liquefied portion passes by a flexible sheet dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: LET'S GEL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 7754127
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible sheet to form the base sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes a movable frame member having an angled aperture for controlling the geometry of the gel layer when heated gel is dispensed into the aperture. In one embodiment, the frame assembly receives another flexible sheet disposed on the gel layer to form the support sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly may further include a cooling channel for convective or liquid cooling of liquid gel dispensed into a gel receiving cavity formed by the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Let's Gel, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 7682680
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material that exhibits a first durometer. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible support sheet. The frame assembly includes an aperture that receives a layer of heated liquid gel which cools to form the layer of resilient gel material exhibiting the first durometer. In one embodiment, a barrier layer exhibiting a second durometer is situated on the gel layer that exhibits the first durometer. In one embodiment, the barrier layer prevents the flow of oils from the gel layer to a flexible base sheet disposed on the barrier layer. In another embodiment, the flexible base sheet may exhibit a second durometer. In either embodiment, the layers exhibiting the first and second durometer cooperate to influence the feel of the mat to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Let's Gel, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Publication number: 20080078028
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible sheet to form the base sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes a movable frame member having an angled aperture for controlling the geometry of the gel layer when heated gel is dispensed into the aperture. In one embodiment, the frame assembly receives another flexible sheet disposed on the gel layer to form the support sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly may further include a cooling channel for convective or liquid cooling of liquid gel dispensed into a gel receiving cavity formed by the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: LET'S GEL
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 7219377
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for using a bedstead board attached to a bed to support a roller of a patient transport system. A recess extends into the bedstead board and is spaced a distance from the side of the board. The recess retains a roller sufficiently to withstand forces acting upon the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Barton Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 7076270
    Abstract: A docking station for a wireless communications device includes a support structure that includes a cradle for the wireless telephone. The docking station includes a switch, sensor or other detection mechanism that detects when the wireless communication device is docked. When the wireless communication device is docked, the detection mechanism sends a signal to the wireless communication device. A set of instructions stored in the processor determines which display and which input to use, depending on whether or not the signal is received from the detection mechanism. Embodiments include a display, USB hub, and modem in the docking station. Another embodiment includes a USB connector in the wireless communication device. Finally, an embodiment includes a docking station with equivalent features for a cellular telephone or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Jaggers, Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 7062803
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bedstead board having at least one recess near a first or a second side. The at least one recess is configured to removably receive a roller of a patient transport system. In use, two bedstead boards are connected to a bed frame. Each of the two bedstead boards includes at least one recess, with the at least two recesses aligning to receive a roller of the patient transport system to be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bed. Preferably, the at least one recess is tilted from vertical such that the roller will not tend to dislodge from the at least one recess during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Barton Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 7013163
    Abstract: A docking station for a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone. The docking station includes a cradle for the cellular phone and comprises an associated LCD that enhances the video display capabilities of the cellular telephone. When docked, the cellular telephone draws power from a voltage supply provided by the docking station. While the cellular telephone is docked, a charging circuit recharges the cellular telephone battery. The docking station may be disconnected from an AC outlet so that the docked cellular telephone retains both enhanced display capabilities, which prove to be highly desirable for applications such as Internet access, as well as its inherent portability. Even in the portable mode, where the docking station is disconnected from the AC outlet, the docking station recharges the cellular telephone battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Jaggers, Robert L. McMahan