Patents by Inventor Michael Van Horst

Michael Van Horst 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: 11141846
    Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods that assist in hanging pictures or other things in a desired position on a wall or other surface where it is desired to insert two or more mounting nails or studs. Embodiments of the invention include a pair of nail-inserting punch assemblies that are provided on one or more stabilizing bars, although other embodiments may include more than two punch assemblies. Preferred embodiments may also include a measuring strip (ruler) between the punch assemblies, a slidable level, a slidable nail or stud carrier, and/or a laser. The unique nail insertion mechanism of each punch includes a sleeve for receiving a finishing nail, a magnet for holding the nail in place, and a coil spring for maintaining the handle in striking position. After positioning the device on a wall, applying punching force to each handle collapses the spring and causes a nail to be driven into the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: William Arbuckle, Michael Van Horst
  • Publication number: 20190202044
    Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods that assist in hanging pictures or other things in a desired position on a wall or other surface where it is desired to insert two or more mounting nails or studs. Embodiments of the invention include a pair of nail-inserting punch assemblies that are provided on one or more stabilizing bars, although other embodiments may include more than two punch assemblies. Preferred embodiments may also include a measuring strip (ruler) between the punch assemblies, a slidable level, a slidable nail or stud carrier, and/or a laser. The unique nail insertion mechanism of each punch includes a sleeve for receiving a finishing nail, a magnet for holding the nail in place, and a coil spring for maintaining the handle in striking position. After positioning the device on a wall, applying punching force to each handle collapses the spring and causes a nail to be driven into the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: William Arbuckle, Michael Van Horst
  • Patent number: 10328557
    Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods that assist in hanging pictures or other things in a desired position on a wall or other similar surface where it is desired to insert two or more mounting nails. Embodiments of the invention include a pair of punch assemblies for inserting the nails provided on a pair of parallel stabilizing bars, although other embodiments may include more than two punch assemblies. Preferred embodiments also include a measuring strip (ruler) between the punch assemblies, and a slidable level and/or a laser. The unique nail insertion mechanism includes a sleeve for receiving a finishing nail, a magnet for holding the nail in place, and a coil spring for maintaining the handle in striking position. After positioning the device on a wall, applying force to each handle collapses the spring and causes a nail to be driven into the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventors: William Arbuckle, Michael Van Horst
  • Publication number: 20170259418
    Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods that assist in hanging pictures or other things in a desired position on a wall or other similar surface where it is desired to insert two or more mounting nails. Embodiments of the invention include a pair of punch assemblies for inserting the nails provided on a pair of parallel stabilizing bars, although other embodiments may include more than two punch assemblies. Preferred embodiments also include a measuring strip (ruler) between the punch assemblies, and a slidable level and/or a laser. The unique nail insertion mechanism includes a sleeve for receiving a finishing nail, a magnet for holding the nail in place, and a coil spring for maintaining the handle in striking position. After positioning the device on a wall, applying force to each handle collapses the spring and causes a nail to be driven into the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: William Arbuckle, Michael Van Horst
  • Patent number: D819465
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventors: William Arbuckle, Michael Van Horst
  • Patent number: D949718
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: William Arbuckle, Michael Van Horst