Patents by Inventor Michael F. Blank

Michael F. Blank 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: 7494300
    Abstract: An ice anchor and method of use thereof for securing or rescuing a vehicle which has become stuck or trapped while on a frozen surface of a body of water. The ice anchor may include blades which form a shaft and fit into an opening in the ice, and plates that limit insertion of the anchor into the hole and define an attachment area for a safety device such as a rope, chain, or cable, which may include a tensioning device. When lateral force is placed on the shaft by tensioning the safety device, the outer surfaces of the blades engage the inner wall of the hole and oppose the lateral forces, allowing the vehicle to be removed from the gap or opening in the ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Michael F. Blank
  • Publication number: 20080112764
    Abstract: An ice anchor and method of use thereof for securing or rescuing a vehicle which has become stuck or trapped while on a frozen surface of a body of water. The ice anchor may include blades which form a shaft and fit into an opening in the ice, and plates that limit insertion of the anchor into the hole and define an attachment area for a safety device such as a rope, chain, or cable, which may include a tensioning device. When lateral force is placed on the shaft by tensioning the safety device, the outer surfaces of the blades engage the inner wall of the hole and oppose the lateral forces, allowing the vehicle to be removed from the gap or opening in the ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Michael F. Blank