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).
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Patent number: 11965293Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN , INC.Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Amy Stubley
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Patent number: 11806633Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: THE FOUNTAIN PEOPLE, INC.Inventors: Kevin Brown, Chris Thomas, Luke Cavanaugh, Matthew Dangle, Thomas Robert Norquist
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Publication number: 20230311010Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
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Patent number: 11673065Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 27, 2022Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
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Patent number: 11589683Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN , INC.Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Salil Shriram Vaijapurkar
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Publication number: 20230054943Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Tin-Man Lau, Elisabeth Mathis
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Publication number: 20230050108Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
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Patent number: 11511203Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
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Patent number: 11511205Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV, Anthony Ryan Parker
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Publication number: 20220176258Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2021Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Kevin Brown, Chris Thomas, Luke Cavanaugh, Matthew Dangle, Thomas Robert Norquist
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Publication number: 20220071409Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Salil Shriram Vaijapurkar
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Patent number: 11202965Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: THE FOUNTAIN PEOPLE, INC.Inventors: Kevin Brown, Chris Thomas, Luke Cavanaugh, Matthew Dangle, Thomas Robert Norquist
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Patent number: 11197559Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Salil Shriram Vaijapurkar
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Publication number: 20210230816Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Amy Stubley
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Publication number: 20210138353Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2021Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV, Anthony Ryan Parker
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Publication number: 20210101084Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
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Patent number: 10898817Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV, Anthony Ryan Parker
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Patent number: 10888793Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
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Patent number: 10835831Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood
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Patent number: D919032Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.Inventors: Kim Corvin Blackwood, Thomas Robert Norquist, Brian K. Henry