Patents by Inventor Michael B. Woelfel

Michael B. Woelfel 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: 6659337
    Abstract: A universal mailbox signal device is provided to visually indicate mail is delivered. A detachable component is comprised of a wide flag element attached to a flat resilient nylon stem. Upon installation in a mailbox, the straight stem is bent and shaped as needed to conform to one of the many mailbox configurations available. The stem can also then be twisted to adjust the flag in a desired viewable direction. The other end of the stem will slide into a channel in an adhesively mounted base-plate on the inside of the mailbox door. The stem/flag assembly may be removed when absent to prevent an activated, non-attended flag posing a possible security problem. When mail is deposited the flag flips into view and is held firmly at the pre-adjusted viewing angle by the closed door. When mail is retrieved one hand is used to tuck in the flag and close the mailbox door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Michael B. Woelfel
  • Publication number: 20020158117
    Abstract: A universal mailbox signal device is provided to visually indicate mail is delivered. A detachable component is comprised of a wide flag element attached to a flat resilient nylon stem. Upon installation in a mailbox, the straight stem is bent and shaped as needed to conform to one of the many mailbox configurations available. The stem can also then be twisted to adjust the flag in a desired viewable direction. The other end of the stem will slide into a channel in an adhesively mounted base-plate on the inside of the mailbox door. The stem/flag assembly may be removed when absent to prevent an activated, non-attended flag posing a possible security problem. When mail is deposited the flag flips into view and is held firmly at the pre-adjusted viewing angle by the closed door. When mail is retrieved one hand is used to tuck in the flag and close the mailbox door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Michael B. Woelfel