Patents by Inventor Michael K. Polen

Michael K. Polen 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: 10518402
    Abstract: An extendable kitchen utensil operable to utilize a plurality of extendable and interchangeable culinary operational members. A culinary operational member includes a shank and an operational end constructed to perform culinary tasks. The extendable kitchen utensil includes a handle having a longitudinal channel and slot. The shank is configured to slidably traverse within the channel. A positioning member secured to the shank travels within the longitudinal slot in the handle to provide control of shank positioning. The handle and shank have formed connectors that mateably engage to provide defined securable positions for the shank. A support member that may also function as a bottle opener is connected to the handle and functions as a prop to improve sanitation. One specific embodiment of a culinary operational member is configured to mateably engage with one or more portions of internal wall sections of a conventional food jar to improve food removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Michael K. Polen
  • Patent number: 10330249
    Abstract: A clip having a first jaw member hingedly connected to a second jaw member wherein the clip is biased in an open position. The clip further includes a keeper having a knob and shaft wherein the knob is superposed the first jaw member. The shaft of the keeper engages with a receiver that is pivotally mounted to the second jaw member so as to facilitate the movement of the clip. A passage network and connectors are configured in the bottom of the second jaw member to facilitate the securing of the clip to a somewhat vertically oriented rope. The bottom of the second jaw member is also configured with arm members and a channel to facilitate the suspension of the clip from a somewhat horizontally oriented rope. The second jaw member is further configured with a series of slots to facilitate attachment of the clip to a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Michael K. Polen
  • Patent number: 10293359
    Abstract: An in-ground sprinkler assembly configured to be height adjustable and/or crush resistant from topside forces. An outer body is configured to receive an inner body therein. The outer body includes one or more wing members to facilitate stability and contain forces applied to the inner body. Across most embodiments, the outer body includes an interior surface configured with one or more recessed networks to facilitate the relative vertical positioning and/or movement of the inner body. The recessed networks of the outer body includes at least one vertical channel configured to engage at least one tab extending outward from the inner body. Securement of the selected vertical position of the inner body is facilitated by an upward bias on the inner body, an outward bias on one or more tabs, and/or a retaining member connected to the outer body that compresses a locking member against the inner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Michael K. Polen
  • Patent number: 9890012
    Abstract: A cord storage and retrieval apparatus that is operable to be engaged with a midpoint area of undesired slack of a cord so as to wind and store a portion of the cord wherein the ends of the cord remain available or operably coupled to an object. The cord storage and retrieval apparatus includes a lower portion and an upper portion that are rotatably coupled. A channel and sidewall openings are formed within the lower portion so as to facilitate engagement of a cord. A shaft with a slot is operably coupled to the upper portion and extends downward therefrom so as to rotatably engage an aperture formed within the channel. A ceiling structure, couplings, keepers, and connectors are included in some embodiments to facilitate separation movement, rotational resistance control and/or locking functionality. The shaft is further configured to receive a topside locking member from a second unit for stacking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Michael K. Polen