Patents by Inventor Michael K. Close

Michael K. Close 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).

  • Breakaway knuckle for arm of a car wash
    Patent number: 8141568
    Abstract: A breakaway knuckle for an arm of a car wash is disclosed. The knuckle allows the arm of a car wash to receive an impact from a vehicle without breaking and return the arm to its original position automatically. The knuckle preferably comprises a joint having a series of inclined grooves and corresponding balls. The knuckle is spring loaded to actuate the return of the arm to an in-use position after an impact, and the balls roll into the grooves to hold the arm in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Washworld, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan G. Huntington, Kenneth R. Smith, Michael K. Close, Jeffrey A. Martin, Peter T. Jensen
  • BREAKAWAY KNUCKLE FOR ARM OF A CAR WASH
    Publication number: 20090173366
    Abstract: A breakaway knuckle for an arm of a car wash is disclosed. The knuckle allows the arm of a car wash to receive an impact from a vehicle without breaking and return the arm to its original position automatically. The knuckle preferably comprises a joint having a series of inclined grooves and corresponding balls. The knuckle is spring loaded to actuate the return of the arm to an in-use position after an impact, and the balls roll into the grooves to hold the arm in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Alan G. Huntington, Kenneth R. Smith, Michael K. Close, Jeffrey A. Martin, Peter T. Jensen