Patents by Inventor Thomas Robert Norquist

Thomas Robert Norquist 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: 11965293
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to impact-attenuating pathways that can be easily installed in outdoor areas, such as an outdoor area associated with a senior or assisted living facility. The impact attenuating pathways of the present disclosure provide a natural looking path having impact attenuation properties that can help prevent life threatening injuries. In addition to the impact attenuation properties, the pathway is configured to withstand regular wear from shoes, canes, crutches, and the like. The impact-attenuating pathway comprises a firm base layer, such as concrete; a cushion layer positioned on top of the base layer; and a wear layer positioned on top of the cushion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN , INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Amy Stubley
  • Patent number: 11806633
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to water effect play structures for use in playgrounds, splash pads, and water parks. The play structures comprise a plurality of water tanks maintained at an elevation above a play surface. Each of the plurality of water tanks fills with water and then releases the water contained therein, splashing children in the vicinity. Each of the plurality of water tanks may be configured to release the water contained therein at different times. Further, in some embodiments, the water tanks may be enclosed, such as by being connected to a water transport system that fills the tanks internally and by having a movable cover over the opening(s) through which the water is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: THE FOUNTAIN PEOPLE, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Brown, Chris Thomas, Luke Cavanaugh, Matthew Dangle, Thomas Robert Norquist
  • Publication number: 20230311010
    Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
  • Patent number: 11673065
    Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
  • Patent number: 11589683
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a high chair that is permanently secured to a picnic table to facilitate the public enjoyment of communal meals and recreational time by families that include small children. In some embodiments, the high chair may be configured to extend above the upper surface of the picnic table, providing the additional benefit of facilitating interaction and attunement between a child occupant of the high chair and adult occupants of the picnic table bench seats. In other embodiments, the high chair may be configured such that a food tray of the high chair is substantially level with the upper surface of the picnic table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN , INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Salil Shriram Vaijapurkar
  • Publication number: 20230054943
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to artificial topographical structures, such as mounds, installed at playgrounds using a structural framework. The structural framework is made up of a first plurality of panels extending in a first direction and a second plurality of panels extending in a second direction, with the second direction being transverse to the first direction. Each of the second plurality of panels may be connected to one or more of the first plurality of panels, such as through a complementary arrangement of slots. The artificial structure also includes at least a support layer and a cushion layer. The upper edges of the panels are designed to together provide an artificial mound having a defined contour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Tin-Man Lau, Elisabeth Mathis
  • Publication number: 20230050108
    Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
  • Patent number: 11511203
    Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
  • Patent number: 11511205
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV, Anthony Ryan Parker
  • Publication number: 20220176258
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to water effect play structures for use in playgrounds, splash pads, and water parks. The play structures comprise a plurality of water tanks maintained at an elevation above a play surface. Each of the plurality of water tanks fills with water and then releases the water contained therein, splashing children in the vicinity. Each of the plurality of water tanks may be configured to release the water contained therein at different times. Further, in some embodiments, the water tanks may be enclosed, such as by being connected to a water transport system that fills the tanks internally and by having a movable cover over the opening(s) through which the water is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin Brown, Chris Thomas, Luke Cavanaugh, Matthew Dangle, Thomas Robert Norquist
  • Publication number: 20220071409
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a high chair that is permanently secured to a picnic table to facilitate the public enjoyment of communal meals and recreational time by families that include small children. In some embodiments, the high chair may be configured to extend above the upper surface of the picnic table, providing the additional benefit of facilitating interaction and attunement between a child occupant of the high chair and adult occupants of the picnic table bench seats. In other embodiments, the high chair may be configured such that a food tray of the high chair is substantially level with the upper surface of the picnic table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Salil Shriram Vaijapurkar
  • Patent number: 11202965
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to water effect play structures for use in playgrounds, splash pads, and water parks. The play structures comprise a plurality of water tanks maintained at an elevation above a play surface. Each of the plurality of water tanks fills with water and then releases the water contained therein, splashing children in the vicinity. Each of the plurality of water tanks may be configured to release the water contained therein at different times. Further, in some embodiments, the water tanks may be enclosed, such as by being connected to a water transport system that fills the tanks internally and by having a movable cover over the opening(s) through which the water is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: THE FOUNTAIN PEOPLE, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Brown, Chris Thomas, Luke Cavanaugh, Matthew Dangle, Thomas Robert Norquist
  • Patent number: 11197559
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a high chair that is permanently secured to a picnic table to facilitate the public enjoyment of communal meals and recreational time by families that include small children. In some embodiments, the high chair may be configured to extend above the upper surface of the picnic table, providing the additional benefit of facilitating interaction and attunement between a child occupant of the high chair and adult occupants of the picnic table bench seats. In other embodiments, the high chair may be configured such that a food tray of the high chair is substantially level with the upper surface of the picnic table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Salil Shriram Vaijapurkar
  • Publication number: 20210230816
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to impact-attenuating pathways that can be easily installed in outdoor areas, such as an outdoor area associated with a senior or assisted living facility. The impact attenuating pathways of the present disclosure provide a natural looking path having impact attenuation properties that can help prevent life threatening injuries. In addition to the impact attenuation properties, the pathway is configured to withstand regular wear from shoes, canes, crutches, and the like. The impact-attenuating pathway comprises a firm base layer, such as concrete; a cushion layer positioned on top of the base layer; and a wear layer positioned on top of the cushion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Amy Stubley
  • Publication number: 20210138353
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV, Anthony Ryan Parker
  • Publication number: 20210101084
    Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
  • Patent number: 10898817
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV, Anthony Ryan Parker
  • Patent number: 10888793
    Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
  • Patent number: 10835831
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a rotatable play device that comprises a central support post, a hub rotatably mounted to an upper end of the central support post, and a plurality of arms attached to the hub, wherein a seat is suspended from the distal end of each of the plurality of arms. Rotation of the hub about the central support post causes the plurality of seats to rotate around the central support post in a substantially circular rotation path. In addition, each of the seats may be configured to swing in substantial alignment with the circular rotation path. Each of the seats may also be configured to have at least a partially restricted range of motion toward the central support post, away from the central support post, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood
  • Patent number: D919032
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Kim Corvin Blackwood, Thomas Robert Norquist, Brian K. Henry