Squeegee Patents (Class 15/121)
  • Publication number: 20080115303
    Abstract: A device comprising an absorbent structure and one or more wiping elements integrated into the absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure is preferably a sponge or foam structure and the wiping elements are squeegees, nodules, or combinations thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the wiping elements include anchor features that are embedded within the absorbent stricture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jerry Mix, Jaime D. Ashander
  • Patent number: 7363675
    Abstract: A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continuous squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080066248
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a main body with a handle, a wiping strip, mounted on a front side of the main body, and a cleaning head, mounted on a rear side of the main body, and is characterized by the main body having parallel front and rear mounting grooves for easy mounting and replacing the wiping strip and the cleaning head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 7343637
    Abstract: A snow tool for removing snow from vehicles having a telescopic handle and a brush disposable either longitudinally or transversally. The telescopic handle has first and second members connected in a sliding relationship and providing retracted and extended states of the handle. The snow tool has a pair of arms provided with bristles and movable between a closed position where the arms extend along the handle and an open position where the arms extend transversally thereto. The snow tool is provided with a compression spring for urging the first and second members into the extended state, and first and second locking devices for locking the first and second members with respect to each other in the retracted state and in the extended state respectively. The snow tool also has third and fourth locking devices for locking the arms in the open position and in the closed position respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Andre Lafleur RD & D Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Lafleur
  • Publication number: 20080060156
    Abstract: A cleaning implement is disclosed which is of a multifunctional type. In one form it has a squeegee blade sandwiched by absorbents on both sides. The absorbents can absorb cleaning fluid, and do so when the squeegee is moved in multiple directions. In another form the squeegee blade is sandwiched by the substrates, but has through holes such that used cleaning liquid that is driven off the window by the squeegee is collected in a different substrate from a substrate that delivers fresh cleaning liquid to the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Michaels, Prabodh P. Varanasi, Joel E. Adair
  • Patent number: 7182043
    Abstract: An animal grooming tool (10, 10?, 10?) that allows a user to spray an animal with a liquid and squeegee excess water from the animal. Spraying and squeegeeing may be performed substantially simultaneously with one another in one motion, if desired. The grooming tool includes a tubular body (14) having a plurality of liquid outlets (22) located along the length of the tool. The body defines a central passageway (18) for conveying liquid to the outlets. Scrapers (42) for providing the tool with its squeegee capability are located adjacent the liquid outlets. The grooming tool further includes a handle region (54) and a grip (58) adjacent one end of the body. A portion of the body is curved to form a concave region (20) so that the tool better conforms to the curved surfaces typically found on the animals groomed with the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Miller Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Joshua D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7155771
    Abstract: An implement with blade (11) and sponge (12) for cleaning glass sheet, in which the sponge (12) is coupled to the implement by the undercut engagement (9A) of a part of it in a seat (9) of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: F.LLI RE S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Re
  • Patent number: 7055204
    Abstract: A cleaning device having a support pad with a planar side and a side opposed to the planar side. An electrostatic cleaning sheet is detachably secured across the planar side of the pad. An elongated arm is secured at one end to the opposed side of the support pad. An elongated handle has one end secured to the other end of the arm by a locking joint which selectively locks the handle to the arm at a plurality of predetermined angular positions. A rubber blade which forms a squeegee is also secured to the opposed side of the support pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Evercare Company
    Inventor: Sherry Ajluni
  • Patent number: 6990705
    Abstract: A multifunctional cleaning implement having a collapsible, telescoping handle interconnected to a head assembly. The head assembly includes front and back panels which interlock with or are integrally formed with cleaning implements, such as a squeegee, a brush, a sponge, and/or an ice scraper. The handle is pivotally interconnected by a sliding ball and socket joint to a channel in the head assembly so that it may be collapsed into a stored position within a cavity in the head assembly, or extended from the head assembly and pivoted into an open position perpendicular to the head assembly. A resilient member formed in the channel biases the ball joint to selectively maintain the handle in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Carrand Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pieter Schouten, James R. Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 6962741
    Abstract: Press-on tool for pressing on a film to adhere to a substrate. The press-on tool comprises a relatively hard and rigid carrier part with a press-on surface with which, during use, the film can be pressed against the substrate. The intermediate layer comprises a relatively soft, resilient cushion layer. Preferably, the cushion layer is non-slidably connected with the press-on surface and/or the carrier part. The invention also relates to a method for pressing on a film to adhere to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Vinytouch Vinylapplikaties B.V.
    Inventor: Frans Wirtje Bogman
  • Patent number: 6854910
    Abstract: A portable window/windshield cleaning device is self contained with washing liquid and a squeegee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Gilles Leblanc
  • Publication number: 20040261207
    Abstract: A device with a squeegee configuration and an absorbent material positioned between protruding squeegee walls for treating a working surface with wiping edges of the squeegee configuration and the absorbent material is disclosed. A device, in accordance with the invention, comprises a curved squeegee and means for coupling the curved squeegee to a spray nozzle for wiping the working surface with edges of the curved squeegee and spray the working surface with the spray nozzle. A system, in accordance with the invention, comprises a vacuum source, a liquid source and an applicator head with squeegees and apertures wherein a portion the apertures are configured to couple the vacuum source and draw a vacuum on a working surface and a second portion of the apertures are configured to couple to the liquid source and deliver a liquid to the working surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Patent number: 6827039
    Abstract: An animal grooming tool (10, 10′, 10″) that allows a user to spray an animal with a liquid and squeegee excess water from the animal. Spraying and squeegeeing may be performed substantially simultaneously with one another in one motion, if desired. The grooming tool includes a tubular body (14) having a plurality of liquid outlets (22) located along the length of the tool. The body defines a central passageway (18) for conveying liquid to the outlets. Scrapers (42) for providing the tool with its squeegee capability are located adjacent the liquid outlets. The grooming tool further includes a handle region (54) and a grip (58) adjacent one end of the body. A portion of the body is curved to form a concave region (20) so that the tool better conforms to the curved surfaces typically found on the animals groomed with the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Miller Manufacturing
    Inventor: Joshua D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6820299
    Abstract: A device and system with squeegee configurations having intersecting squeegee segments such as cross-shaped or elongated squeegee segments with smaller intersecting squeegee segments is disclosed. A portion of the intersecting squeegee segments, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, are curved and/or linear, but preferably a portion of the squeegee segments have terminus ends. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, edges or walls of the squeegee segments are contoured to be rounded, pointed and/or tapered in a number of different ways. Preferably, the device of the present invention includes bristles and is a manual or electric device for cleaning teeth, gums and/or dentures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040221409
    Abstract: A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continues squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Publication number: 20040205920
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a window positioned between the passenger compartment of a pick-up truck and a cab enclosure covering a bed of the pick-up truck. The apparatus includes a single, unitary, one piece, generally planar, elongate body having a first enlarged end for receiving a soft material cleaning cover for cleaning a window surface, an elongate middle portion, and a second enlarged end opposite from the first enlarged end. At least one hand-grip portion or handle is formed integrally in one piece with the body along at least one outer edge. A squeegee portion can be integrally formed with the second enlarged end, if desired. The plurality of stiffening ribs can extend around peripheral edges of the body and transversely across a surface of the middle portion from a notch formed along one side to another notch from along an opposite side in a zig-zag pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6804853
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a first cleaning member attached to a lower end of an elongated rod, and a second cleaning member mounted slidably on the first cleaning member. The second cleaning member is slidable in a transverse direction relative to the rod between an extended position, in which the second cleaning member is moved away from a free end of the first cleaning member, and a retracted position, in which the second cleaning member is moved toward the free end of the first cleaning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Kuang-Huei Wang
  • Publication number: 20040177461
    Abstract: A cleaning device having a support pad with a planar side and a side opposed to the planar side. An electrostatic cleaning sheet is detachably secured across the planar side of the pad. An elongated arm is secured at one end to the opposed side of the support pad. An elongated handle has one end secured to the other end of the arm by a locking joint which selectively locks the handle to the arm at a plurality of predetermined angular positions. A rubber blade which forms a squeegee is also secured to the opposed side of the support pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: The Evercare Company
    Inventor: Sherry Ajluni
  • Publication number: 20040163194
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a first cleaning member attached to a lower end of an elongated rod, and a second cleaning member mounted slidably on the first cleaning member. The second cleaning member is slidable in a transverse direction relative to the rod between an extended position, in which the second cleaning member is moved away from a free end of the first cleaning member, and a retracted position, in which the second cleaning member is moved toward the free end of the first cleaning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Kuang-Huei Wang
  • Publication number: 20040154117
    Abstract: The sponge snowbrush is an innovative tool used to clean snow & ice from vehicles without scratching the paint. The components of the brush are the rubber grip handle (1), the angled telescoping shaft (2), the spring loaded release buttons (2A) the brush head (3), the detachable sponge (4), the Velcro strips (4A) the detachable ice scrapper blade (5), and the ice scrapper blade storage slot (6). What makes this invention unique from all other snowbrushes is the fact that a sponge is used instead of the typical bristled brushes. This helps to prevent damage to the paint finish while snow is being removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel Luke Patterson
  • Publication number: 20040031115
    Abstract: A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continues squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Patent number: 6681439
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device for manually cleaning surfaces with a support from dimensionally stable material on which at least one cleaning element is mounted. The aim of the invention is to provide a device with which damages to sensitive surfaces that are caused by an inadvertent contact with the dimensionally stable material can be substantially avoided. To this end, the support is at least partially provided with an elastically deformable, shock-absorbing cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: Gregor Kohlruss, Hubert Wiesner, Oliver Griebe
  • Patent number: 6668418
    Abstract: A squeegee implement for attachment to a conventional squeegee including a squeegee handle and a wiping blade. The implement includes an absorbing component for absorbing a portion of the liquid having been wiped from a surface by the wiping blade. The implement also includes an attachment structure for attaching the absorbing component to the squeegee adjacent the wiping blade so as to allow the absorbing component to absorb liquid emanating from the wiping blade. The squeegee implement further includes a guiding structure in fluid communication with both the wiping blade and the absorbing component for guiding the liquid from the wiping blade to the absorbing component. Guiding and absorbing components prevent liquid wiped with the blade from falling back on the wiped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Bastien
  • Publication number: 20030167586
    Abstract: An implement with blade (11) and sponge (12) for cleaning glass sheet, in which the sponge (12) is coupled to the implement by the undercut engagement (9A) of a part of it in a seat (9) of the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: F. LLI RE S. P. A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Re
  • Publication number: 20030135942
    Abstract: A squeegee implement for attachment to a conventional squeegee including a squeegee handle and a wiping blade. The implement includes an absorbing component for absorbing a portion of the liquid having been wiped from a surface by the wiping blade. The implement also includes an attachment structure for attaching the absorbing component to the squeegee adjacent the wiping blade so as to allow the absorbing component to absorb liquid emanating from the wiping blade. The squeegee implement further includes a guiding structure in fluid communication with both the wiping blade and the absorbing component for guiding the liquid from the wiping blade to the absorbing component. Guiding and absorbing components prevent liquid wiped with the blade from falling back on the wiped surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Bastien
  • Publication number: 20030074756
    Abstract: Adapter plates which can be used with a cleaning implement are provided. These adapter plates can be removably attached to a dry or wet cleaning implement in order to allow a consumer to use longer and/or larger sheets or pads without having to purchase a complete cleaning implement. These adapter plates may have elevational elements at the bottom surface to improve the efficiency of cleaning by creating pressure zones in the sheet or pad. These adapter plates may also have a scrubbing element secured at one edge of the plate for heavy stain removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, Philip Samuel Johnson, Paul Joseph Russo
  • Publication number: 20030037390
    Abstract: A portable window/windshield cleaning device is self contained with washing liquid and a squeegee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Gilles Leblanc
  • Publication number: 20030019060
    Abstract: A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continues squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Publication number: 20020078519
    Abstract: A low profile combination brush and scrubbing device used to clean tight fitting, narrow, hard to reach windows on a motor vehicle. The device comprises a low profile body with a cleaning surface, such as a sponge or cleaning pad attached on its top surface, and a rubber blade attached along its front surface that extends downward in a direction opposite the cleaning surface. Connected to the body is an articulating elongated pole. Disposed between the body and the elongated pole is a rotating joint that enables the user to rotate the body 180 degrees around the central axis of the elongated pole. Disposed between the body and the elongated pole are first and second pivoting joints that allow the user to selectively adjust the angular position of the pole and body so that the body may be placed against the surface of both windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Boothby
  • Patent number: 6385807
    Abstract: A tool for washing floors, having at a lower end of a handle a sponge-bearing device comprising at least a first segment and at least a second segment, both first and second segments together forming a support for a sponge, both first and second segments being preferably flat and elongate in shape and hinged together in order to be able to pass from an extended work configuration into a bunched squeezing configuration. The first segment is constrained to the lower end of the handle, while the second segment is constrained to an end of a con rod having another end which is hinged to a sliding sleeve coaxially coupled on the handle. The lower end of the handle is hinged to the first segment about an axis contained in a perpendicular plane to the first segment. The lower end of the con rod is constrained to the second segment by means of an element which is hinged to the second segment in such a way as to be freely rotatable about an axis which is coplanar with the axis hinging the first segment to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Tuttoscope S. Fransesco S.r.l.
    Inventor: Franco Pinochi
  • Patent number: 6353960
    Abstract: A convenient helper attachment device adapted for use in combination with cleaning apparatuses/units is for use as a universal back up for the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus has a near end for being held by a user and a far end for supporting the attachment device. The helper attachment device has a head portion and coupling mechanism including a clamping assembly comprising a pair of clamping members dimensioned for coupling with the cleaning apparatus/unit. Tabs, each provided with an aperture, extend upwardly from the upper end of each clamping member. A fastener extends through the apertures of the tabs for securement of the pair of clamping members to the helper attachment device. The clamping assembly is couplable to the attachment device and the head portion is adapted for coupling to a cleaning apparatus/unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Jannicelli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6351867
    Abstract: A hand wearable body squeegee comprising a glove portion, a concave squeegee band, and a linear squeegee band. The concave squeegee band is formed to contour along the surface area between the forefinger sleeve and the thumb sleeve of the glove portion. The linear squeegee band is formed along the surface area along the pinky sleeve and body towards the opening of the glove portion. The glove portion is constructed from water absorbent material and the squeegee bands are constructed from rubber. An additional feature is that the sleeves each contain a hole for drainage of water. The hole may be located in the area of the sleeve that covers the nail portion of a human hand, or at the end of the sleeve opposite the connection to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Gerard A. Forster
  • Patent number: 6336240
    Abstract: A mop having a mop head with a first sponge member supported to a bottom side thereof and defining a first floor engaging surface. A second sponge member is supported on the mop head and defines a second floor engaging surface. The second sponge member retains a releasable cleaning substance for facilitating cleaning of a surface engaged by the mop. In addition, the second sponge member forms a replaceable auxiliary member which is detachably mounted to the mop head and includes hinged retention members for engaging within receptor passages defined in the mop head wherein the retention members facilitate engagement with and disengagement from the mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: O'Cedar Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, Paul P. Kolada, Mark E. Maich, Dana J. Koppes
  • Publication number: 20010044980
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongate handle and a hollow cleaning head connected to the handle. The cleaning head has a slotted opening on the periphery thereof. A blade is securable to the handle in the interior of the cleaning head and the blade is movable under axial rotation of the handle relative to the cleaning head, between an extended position in which the blade projects outwardly from the cleaning head, and a retracted position in which the blade is contained within the cleaning head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Mariha M. Duplessis
  • Patent number: 6319332
    Abstract: A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continues squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: James Albert Gavney, Jr., Gregory Lee Keaton
  • Publication number: 20010039689
    Abstract: A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continues squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: James Albert Gavney
  • Publication number: 20010025393
    Abstract: A decorating and cleaning product which uses a unique latch attachment designed to efficiently hang decorative holiday items such as strings of Xmas Lights in high trees and other places with the use of an 11′ foot 3 locking telescopic pole and the screw on latch. This allows for the elimination of a ladder which can be a safety hazord, plus it expands holiday decorating through the use of the pole and latch attachment. Working in sync with the decorative end of the latch, is the open end gutter cleaning brush which depresses into the gutter while pulling the attached rope which at the same time opens the opposite decorative end to pick up small limbs, twigs and other items to discard. The secondary cleaning attachment is designed to screw into the same 11′ foot 3 section telescopic pole, which allows for the cleaning of high windows, walls and ceilings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: John Richard Nicolette
  • Patent number: 6223380
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus including a spray bottle dispenser including a bottle portion and a spray head portion and a frame portion connecting said dispenser to a surface contacting portion and configured such that when said dispensing apparatus is in an upright position, said surface contacting portion is located above and in front of a nozzle portion of said spray head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sunex L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Klima, Benjamin A. Pezzlo, Walter F. Klima, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6199240
    Abstract: A brush, which includes a casing having a top chamber and a bottom chamber, a sponge mounted in the top chamber in the casing, a piece of cover cloth covered on the sponge, a rectangular open frame covered on the casing around the sponge to hold down the piece of cover cloth and the sponge, two sliding locking plates respectively coupled to two sliding rails at two opposite lateral side walls of the casing and moved between a locking position where the rectangular open frame is closed, and an unlocking position where the rectangular open frame is allowed to be removed from the casing, and a wiper pivoted to the casing and turned in and out of the bottom chamber in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Bae-Jou You
  • Patent number: 6141814
    Abstract: The squeegee has a washing element which is attached to a support member and covered by a mesh protector. Replacement apparatus provides for rapid replacement of the mesh. The replacement apparatus includes a length of mesh wrapped around a reel. The wrapped end of the mesh is secured by locking the reel against rotation relative to the support member. The free end of the mesh is secured by mesh receiving projections positioned a top the support member which engage the free end of the mesh. To replace mesh which extends over the washer, the free and wrapped ends of the mesh are released and a length of mesh is pulled from the reel and stretched over the washer. Both ends of the mesh are then resecured to provide for a taut mesh deployment over the washer. The reel is removable to permit replacement with a new mesh supply. A cleaning disk for cleaning insects and similar difficult spots can be removably attached at one end of the squeegee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: John C. Renken
  • Patent number: 6092255
    Abstract: A combination windshield scraper, squeegee, and sponge includes a curved edge on the scraper or squeegee blade adapted to fit complexly-curved (double-curved or "bubble") windshields and other surfaces of different radii. Preferably the edge is formed between a first or inner surface which is curved perpendicular to the edge so that the inner surface is concave. The other side of the blade, the outer surface, is preferably also curved but to a smaller radius than the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Frank Y. H. Kim
  • Patent number: 6058548
    Abstract: A backing plate that removably attaches a sponge to a mop head includes a top surface, that removably attaches to the mop head, and a bottom surface, to which the sponge is attached. At least one male attachment member is located on the first edge of the top surface of the backing plate, for removable attachment to a corresponding female member on the mop head. At least one female attachment member is located on a second edge of the top surface of the backing plate, for removable attachment to a corresponding male member on the mop head. In the preferred embodiment, each male attachment member on the backing plate includes a lip and each female attachment member on the backing plate includes a C-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Easy Day Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Harold Footer, Alan D. Ball, Timothy J. Coonahan, Philip C. Walker, David G. Honan
  • Patent number: 6036388
    Abstract: A windshield washing service unit for providing a station for holding the equipment and supplies needed for cleaning windshields and other windows. The windshield washing service unit includes a housing with a spaced apart pair of side walls, spaced apart front and back walls extending between the side walls, and a bottom wall extending between the side walls and connecting the front and back walls together. The front, back, and bottom walls define a receptacle therebetween. An insert is inserted into the receptacle. The insert defines an open topped reservoir designed for holding a liquid therein. An elongate dowel is extended between and rotatably mounted to the side walls above the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel L. Atcher
  • Patent number: 6026530
    Abstract: A mop for use on a surface to be cleaned includes a handle and a mop head attached to one end of the handle. A pair of parallel, spaced apart, uniquely-shaped rollers are rotatably mounted on the mop head. Each roller has an essentially round first surface and an essentially flat second surface extending tangently from the first surface. A sponge material is interposed and selectively movable between the first surfaces of the pair of rollers and includes a tip for contacting the surface to be cleaned. The first and second surfaces of the rollers are capable of selectively wringing the sponge material, including the tip, of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: William P. Camp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6003187
    Abstract: A mop for cleaning a floor includes a handle. A mop head is attached to the distal end of the handle. A sponge having a floor contact surface is removably attached to the mop head. A squeegee, having a floor wiping surface, is formed integral with a front surface of the mop head. The mop also includes a mechanism for wringing the sponge, coupled to the mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Easy Day Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Harold Footer, Alan D. Ball, Timothy J. Coonahan, Philip C. Walker, David G. Honan
  • Patent number: 6000089
    Abstract: The squeegee has a sponge washer which is attached to a support and covered by a mesh protector. Replacement apparatus provides for rapid replacement of the mesh. The replacement apparatus includes a length of mesh wrapped around a reel. The wrapped end of the mesh is secured by locking the reel against rotation, and the free end of the mesh is secured by a plastic strip with a serrated edge which engages the mesh. The strip is wedged within a recess in the support. To replace mesh which extends over the washer, the free and wrapped ends are released, a length of mesh is pulled from the reel and stretched over the washer. Both ends of the mesh are then resecured. The reel is removable to permit providing a new mesh supply. A cellulose cleaning disk for cleaning insects and similar difficult spots can be removably attached at one end of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: John C. Renken
  • Patent number: 6000088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Laurie M. Shumaker, Craig M. Saunders, Joseph Lazarra, Mark Cipolla, Glenn E. Specht, Richard C. Farone, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Terry L. Zahuranec
  • Patent number: 5987685
    Abstract: A combination cleaning tool for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields. The cleaning tool includes an elongate shaft with a head portion coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft. An elongate resiliently flexible squeegee blade is coupled to the head portion. A resiliently compressible sponge member is coupled to the head portion distal the squeegee blade. Coupled to each end of the head portion is a resiliently compressible scrubbing pad each designed for scrubbing debris off of a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Bill S. Lambert
  • Patent number: 5983448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The squeegee blades are mounted in a squeegee tray, and at least one of the squeegee blades is movable between an extended and a retracted position in response to changes in the relative angle between the housing and the surface being cleaned. The movable squeegee blade is spring-biased into the extended position by one or more springs such as leaf springs. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Laurie M. Shumaker, Craig M. Saunders, Joseph Lazarra, Mark Cipolla, Glenn E. Specht, Richard C. Farone, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Terry L. Zahuranec, Gary J. Dieterich
  • Patent number: 5970560
    Abstract: An implement for drying a surface and for simultaneously recovering a liquid from the surface includes a drying blade of flexible material secured to a hand-held support, the drying blade having a linear leading edge for scraping the surface and for drying the surface by establishing a bead of the liquid behind the leading edge on an inside face of the drying blade, and a substrate having a face fixed to a face of the drying blade adjacent the linear leading edge and which collects the bead of liquid established behind the linear leading edge. This substrate constitutes a drying and liquid recovery head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Willy Leroux