Adjustable Patents (Class 15/144.1)
  • Publication number: 20140263031
    Abstract: A pole attachment mechanism for removably attaching swimming pool maintenance accessories to an end of a pole. The pole attachment mechanism includes a thumb-press which, when pressed, the pegs projecting from the shaft of the pole attachment are retracted thereby permitting the pole to be received over the retracted pegs or to be released from pegs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Stout Stuff, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lawson, Christopher E. Chance, Timothy Hart, Andrew Bojie
  • Patent number: 8813298
    Abstract: In a cleaning tool 1, a lock piece 50 provided to the other of a handle 10 and a main body 20 can be switched between a lock position and a lock release position, the lock piece 50 positioned in the lock position butts against a stopper face 41D of an engagement member 41 to retain the engagement member 41 in a position of engagement with the recessed face 36, and the lock piece 50 positioned in the lock release position separates from the stopper face 41D of the engagement member 41 to allow the engagement member 41 to resiliently move forward and backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotoshi Tawara
  • Patent number: 8813297
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device includes a floor cleaning head and a pole directly or indirectly connectable to the floor cleaning head. The pole includes two sections, and a joint for lockably positioning the two pole sections in at least two different angular orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Mark Rosenzweig, Stephen Gatchell
  • Patent number: 8793831
    Abstract: A lower face of a base body (15) includes a wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) of which cross-section in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined direction along which cleaning is performed with a cleaning device body (11) in a planar view is wave-shaped as having a ridge portion (17) and a valley portion (18) arranged alternately and continuously. The valley portion (18) of the wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) includes an oblique valley portion (18a) of which end part is opened to a side portion of the base body (15) facing to the predetermined direction as being extended obliquely against the predetermined direction to obliquely guide objects such as dust to be stuck to a cleaning sheet (13) in accordance with wiping of the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Katou, Susumu Fujinami, Kimie Sannomiya, Yukio Noda, Tomohisa Hirata, Yutaka Hamano, Takuaki Harada
  • Publication number: 20140208533
    Abstract: An applicator system for applying a product includes a handle (e.g., housing) and at least a first applicator and a second applicator. A mechanism, such as a pivot mechanism or a slide mechanism, enables the first applicator and the second applicator to be placed in at least two different positions. In a first position, the first applicator may be aligned with (e.g., adjacent to) the second applicator to define a continuous applicator perimeter that is longer than either the perimeter of the first applicator or the perimeter of the second applicator. In a second position, the first applicator may be positioned at an opposite end of the split-tip applicator relative to the second applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: HCT PACKAGING, INC.
    Inventor: Cindy Sean Yuei Lim
  • Publication number: 20140201935
    Abstract: A collapsible paint roller frame includes: an axle and means configured to receive a roller cover; a first link; a second link; a coupler configured to fixedly receive the axle and to receive a first end of the first and second links in a pivotal relation; and a handle configured to receive a second end of the first and second links in a pivotal relation. The handle is movable with respect to the axle, using the first and second links, between collapsed and extended positions. The collapsed position permits easy storage of the roller frame in small spaces, and also an efficient arrangement of multiple roller frames in a shipping carton, reducing packaging/shipping costs. A torsion spring engages one link to bias the handle relative to the axle into the collapsed position. A trigger movable between first and second positions releasably secures the handle in the collapsed and/or extended positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Ryan McGann
  • Patent number: 8782842
    Abstract: A hair brush with a slideable brush head that allows the brush head to be positioned on either end of the elongated handle to thereby providing ease of use by both right handed or left handed users. The elongated handle has different ways thereon to arrest the brush head in any desired position. The brush head may also be removed from the handle, if so desired, so that a brush head of a different circumference but the same inner diameter may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Mary Asta
  • Patent number: 8756744
    Abstract: A hair brush with a slideable brush head that allows the brush head to be positioned on either end of the elongated handle to thereby providing ease of use by both right handed or left handed users. The elongated handle has different ways thereon to arrest the brush head in any desired position. The brush head may also be removed from the handle, if so desired, so that a brush head of a different circumference but the same inner diameter may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Mary Asta
  • Patent number: 8752231
    Abstract: A hair brush with a slideable brush head that allows the brush head to be positioned on either end of the elongated handle to thereby providing ease of use by both right handed or left handed users. The elongated handle has different ways thereon to arrest the brush head in any desired position. The brush head may also be removed from the handle, if so desired, so that a brush head of a different circumference but the same inner diameter may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Mary Asta
  • Patent number: 8640295
    Abstract: A paint brush has a handle and a paint brush head. The paint brush head is detachable from the paint brush handle. The paint brush head may be rotatable to a number of positions relative to the paint brush handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Margco International, LLC
    Inventors: Louis B. Schiesz, Christopher E. Haigh, Matthew Scott Graham, Troy Daniel Mason
  • Patent number: 8631530
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning device (10) comprising a handle (20), a bendable elongated cleaning element (30) connected to the handle; and an elongated control element (40) having a first end (41) fixated at a top part (32) of the cleaning element. The control element is arranged along and inside of the cleaning element, and has a second end (42) arranged to be accessible at the handle. Controlled bending of the cleaning element is provided by applying a pulling force on the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventor: Johann Zita
  • Patent number: 8595884
    Abstract: In a cleaning tool 1, a lock piece 50 provided to the other of a handle 10 and a main body 20 can be switched between a lock position and a lock release position, the lock piece 50 positioned in the lock position butts against a stopper face 41D of an engagement member 41 to retain the engagement member 41 in a position of engagement with the recessed face 36, and the lock piece 50 positioned in the lock release position separates from the stopper face 41D of the engagement member 41 to allow the engagement member 41 to resiliently move forward and backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotoshi Tawara
  • Publication number: 20130298342
    Abstract: A unitary shock absorbing one piece flexible joint located between an upper and lower handle portion of a cleaning apparatus handle thus allowing flexing of the handle around the mid section when the handle is being abused. The Flex-Joint apparatus being rectangular in shape thus having flexing attributes when the handle is forced down thus flexing and not bending causing handle breakage. Secondly, the curvature of the connector on the bottom side and flat surface between the end of the connector lip and handle allows for heavy object to come on contact with the handle and not cause breakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Simon Ralph Cassar
  • Patent number: 8572796
    Abstract: A painter's tool comprising: a handle and a working arm attached to said handle by means of a polygon shaped mating connection to prevent movement of said working arm relative to handle when in use, said polygon shaped mating connection further having a mating connection comprising a male polygon protrusion inserted into a female polygon cavity such that the mating connection prevents said working arm from moving in relation to said handle when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Willis Gerald Major
  • Patent number: 8561246
    Abstract: In a mop head (1) having a handle attachment (2) that is displaceable along a frame (29), the handle attachment has a slider (3) that is displaceable (direction S) in a guide groove (20) in the frame. The slider has at least one engagement surface for frictional engagement with a respective cooperating surface of the guide groove and biasing means that with a force bias the surface/-s of the slider against the cooperating surface/-s of the guide groove. The handle attachment with the slider are depressable against the force from the biasing means, for relieving the engagement between the surface/-s of the slider and of the guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hygienteknik Sverige AB
    Inventor: Stefan Johansson
  • Publication number: 20130269131
    Abstract: An ergonomic sweeping device that can be used with one hand while providing a user with proper biomechanical alignment and support, which can reduce muscular strain, fatigue, and the potential for injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Mallett
  • Publication number: 20130174364
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning device that comprises a first arm portion with an adjustable length, a first cleaning portion, a second arm portion supporting the first cleaning portion, and a rotating adjustable portion located between the first arm portion and the second arm portion, the first arm portion being rotatable in a predefined range about the second arm portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Liang Cheng, Gainmauro Vella, Feng Zeng
  • Patent number: 8454097
    Abstract: An applicator for applying a cosmetic or a skin care product may include a stem including at least one stamped portion forming a joint, and an applicator member disposed at a first end of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 8449682
    Abstract: A broom comprises a head supporting bristles. A handle is connected to the head at a swivel joint where the swivel joint allows the handle to feely rotate relative to the head. A lock is movable to a locked position to fix the position of the handle relative to the head when the head is in a first position relative to the handle and an unlocked position where the head is free to rotate relative to the handle. A method of operating a broom comprises providing a head supporting bristles connected to a handle at a lockable swivel joint; locking the lockable swivel joint to fix the position of the handle relative to the head in a first position; and unlocking the lockable swivel joint to allow the handle to rotate relative to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commerical Products, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Perelli, Grant Mason, Matthew Scott Kepner, William Michael Charrier
  • Patent number: 8448285
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a toothbrush and methods of making it. The toothbrush may have an elongated body being composed of a first material and having a head portion and a handle portion, a head composed of a second material and disposed in the head portion of the elongated body, and a plurality of bristles extending from the head forming a bristle brush. The method of making a toothbrush may include molding a head of a first material, inserting the head into an elongated body mold, molding an elongated body having a head portion and a handle portion of a second material onto the head, and inserting bristles into the head. The first material is more rigid than the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Loops, LLC
    Inventor: Steven L. Kayser
  • Patent number: 8443481
    Abstract: A mop head with an attachment part for receiving a handle. The attachment part is arranged to slide along the mop head between at least two fixed positions, in which the attachment part cooperates with the mop head in a locking fashion through the action of locking elements. The attachment part is provided with at least one unlocking element that, when a force directed towards another fixed position is applied on the unlocking element, by acting on the locking element cancels the locking cooperation between the attachment part an the mop head. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the unlocking elements are embodied as ears arranged at the attachment part. Further, the locking elements may include attachment lips arranged on the unlocking elements that cooperate with attachment bores on the mop head. The attachment part may also be arranged to slide in a groove in the mop head with a receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Ömer Altun
  • Patent number: 8443479
    Abstract: A multi-positionable manual toothbrush includes a toothbrush body, a toothbrush head, and a spring capable of engaging the toothbrush head at a plurality of angles with respect to the toothbrush body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Todd H. Yamada, Gregg M. Yamada
  • Patent number: 8434189
    Abstract: A brush includes: a brushing unit including a bristle-retaining member that has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, a plurality of bristles retained on the bristle-retaining member and disposed on the first side, and a pivot connector provided on the second side of the bristle-retaining member; a handgrip having a pivoted portion that is pivotally connected to the pivot connector, a grip portion that is opposite to the pivoted portion, and a positioning portion that is disposed between the pivoted portion and the grip portion; and a resilient component disposed between the brushing unit and the handgrip, and providing a biasing force for urging the positioning portion of the handgrip to abut against the bristle-retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Huo-Pia Wang
  • Patent number: 8429785
    Abstract: The erectably operable hand trowel is composed of an elongated handle that extends from a trowel head up to a handle that is engaged upon by an end user. The elongated handle includes an actuator handle that is pivotally engaged about the elongated handle and of which includes at least one pivot rod, which extends from the actuator handle down to the trowel head. The actuator handle provides for articulation of the trowel head about the bottom of the elongated handle, which enables the end user to adjust the angle of the trowel head when pulled across a surface being flattened or smoothed via the trowel head. The erectably operable hand trowel enables an end user to trowel a surface from an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Royal
  • Patent number: 8418321
    Abstract: An auxiliary pole handle assembly includes a sleeve positioned on a shaft. A grip is pivotally coupled to the sleeve and includes a tube including a peripheral wall that has an open first end and an open second end. The peripheral wall has a pair of breaks therein. Each of the breaks extends through each of the first and second ends such that first and second portions of the grip are defined. The first and second portions are hingedly coupled together and are positioned in an open condition or in a closed condition. The first end of the grip is pivotally coupled to the sleeve. The grip is releasably positioned in a stored position defined by being in the closed condition extending around the sleeve or the grip is movably positioned into a deployed position extending outwardly away from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ron Heiman
  • Publication number: 20130047361
    Abstract: A device for treating a target, such as cleaning a window. The device has a handle and head, mounted in pivotal relationship to each other. When the head is placed in sliding, contacting relationship with the target surface the handle can pivot relative to the head for the ergonomic convenience of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Alan Meili, William Michael Cannon, Mark John Steinhardt, Jeremy David Jarrett, Daniel James Prenger
  • Publication number: 20130047363
    Abstract: A device for treating a target, such as cleaning a window. The device has a handle and head, mounted in pivotal relationship to each other. When the head is placed in sliding, contacting relationship with the target surface the handle can pivot relative to the head for the ergonomic convenience of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Mark John Steinhardt, William Michael Cannon, Kevin Michael Rodgers, Kin Wong Pierce Yau, David Keith Dycher, Gregory Clegg Spooner, Bengt Ivar Anders Ivarsson
  • Publication number: 20130047362
    Abstract: A device for treating a target, such as cleaning a window. The device has a handle and head, mounted in pivotal relationship to each other. When the head is placed in sliding, contacting relationship with the target surface the handle can pivot relative to the head for the ergonomic convenience of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Mark John Steinhardt, William Michael Cannon, Jeremy David Jarrett
  • Patent number: 8375500
    Abstract: A windshield maintenance assembly having a telescoping pole assembly that is selectively extendable and retractable. An upper end of the windshield maintenance assembly preferably includes a reversible snow brush and an ice scraper. The windshield maintenance assembly further includes a long strap that is attached at the top of the windshield maintenance assembly which allows a user to pull down or pull back on the upper end to increase operating forces. The windshield maintenance assembly beneficially enables a plurality of attachable heads, such as a squeegee, a broom, or a sponge, to be attached to the upper end to enable other maintenance functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Michael K. Aguirre
  • Patent number: 8375499
    Abstract: An ergonomically-configured handle for tools such as cleaning devices and, more particularly, to a handle for a broom or mop (for example) is formed with curved end terminations to reduce back strain and provide ease of use. A first curved end termination is attached to a tool head (such as a brush, rake head or the like) via an elbow joint. A straight section of handle is then attached to the first curved end termination, where a second curved end termination is then attached to the opposite end of the straight section. A handle grip may be disposed over the termination of the second curved end termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Lee Marino
  • Patent number: 8356548
    Abstract: Handles, extendable handles, and linkage mechanisms are examples of apparatuses that include a body; a pivotably attached head; cylinder, actuator, or hydraulic actuator; a fluid passage or hose; and a valve, blocking means, or hydraulic control device. The valve, blocking means, or hydraulic control device may be normally open and may close only when held closed, and may be connected on one side to the fluid passage or hose and on another side to atmosphere. An operator may use a tool, such as a drywall flat box attached to the head, by holding the handle and controlling pivoting of the head by operating the valve. Methods include providing for an operator to control a tool on a handle, and include providing the handle and instructing the operator to actuate the blocking means to hold the tool in a constant orientation relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cinta Tools, LLC
    Inventor: David T. Roman
  • Patent number: 8353076
    Abstract: A hair brush with a slideable brush head that allows the brush head to be positioned on either end of the elongated handle to thereby providing ease of use by both right handed or left handed users. The elongated handle has different ways thereon to arrest the brush head in any desired position. The brush head may also be removed from the handle, if so desired, so that a brush head of a different circumference but the same inner diameter may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Master Poe Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: Mary Asta
  • Publication number: 20130000064
    Abstract: A lower face of a base body (15) includes a wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) of which cross-section in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined direction along which cleaning is performed with a cleaning device body (11) in a planar view is wave-shaped as having a ridge portion (17) and a valley portion (18) arranged alternately and continuously. The valley portion (18) of the wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) includes an oblique valley portion (18a) of which end part is opened to a side portion of the base body (15) facing to the predetermined direction as being extended obliquely against the predetermined direction to obliquely guide objects such as dust to be stuck to a cleaning sheet (13) in accordance with wiping of the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Katou, Susumu Fujinami, Kimie Sannomiya, Yukio Noda, Tomohisa Hirata, Yutaka Hamano, Takuaki Harada
  • Publication number: 20120324665
    Abstract: The implement has a head interconnected to a handle. The head has a projecting insertion element which extends backwardly. The handle includes a front and back zones; longitudinal axis of the front zone intersects longitudinal axis of the back zone. The front zone incorporates an internally engaging, frontally open channel, which complementarily conform to the shape and size of the projection insertion element, so as to admit and snugly capture the projection insertion element. The head has a front end portion for engaging and detachably securing a working tool, for example, a wiping blade for window cleaning or a paint brush. The projecting insertion element has the shape of a spindle, a shape similar to a truncated cone or is cylindrical. The internally engaging, frontally open channel is adaptable to fit to the projecting insertion element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Steeven Miller
  • Patent number: 8321990
    Abstract: A detachable multifunctional cleaner comprises a handle which has an insertion piece downwardly protruded from one end; a cover which has an insertion hole at one side of an upper surface for inserting the insertion piece; and a foreign substance removing means which is detachably attached to the cover, wherein the insertion piece and the insertion hole are assembled on a vertical line Z with respect to a bottom surface of the cover, and at least one position determination protrusion and at least one position determination groove are formed in the insertion piece and the insertion hole, respectively, for determining the engaging position of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Pil Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8286294
    Abstract: An adjoined shock absorbing non-breakable two-sectional swivel type attachment in which one section is made from a unitary shock absorbing flexible elastomer material absorbing shocks and allowing for a quick release clamp mechanism and the other section is adjoined by an axis that retains the handle allowing for swivel movement. The combination of the quick release unitary flexible clamp mechanism adjoined to a swivel mechanism allows for small tools, cleaning devices, such as scrub brushes, wall washers, abrasive pad holders, etc. or any other type of device requiring a non-breakable quick disconnect device to occur that can be easily engaged and disengaged allowing tools, etc. to also be used as a hand held device. When the swivel mechanism is in the locked fixed non-swiveling position, the shock absorbing axis and its supporting upper and lower plates, that are retained by a pin, flex and absorbs shocks due to its elastomers flexible properties and eliminates breakage when hitting stationary objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Simon Cassar
  • Publication number: 20120255133
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning device (10) comprising a handle (20), a bendable elongated cleaning element (30) connected to the handle; and an elongated control element (40) having a first end (41) fixated at a top part (32) of the cleaning element. The control element is arranged along and inside of the cleaning element, and has a second end (42) arranged to be accessible at the handle. Controlled bending of the cleaning element is provided by applying a pulling force on the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Johann Zita
  • Patent number: 8276236
    Abstract: A baseboard cleaning apparatus for cleaning a baseboard of a wall extending upright along the wall with respect to a floor includes a cleaning head and a block positioned in either side of a skid plate, and which are connected by a connector that extends through a slot formed in the skid plate. The skid plate has a lower extremity formed with a skid, and the connector is movable along the slot between lowered positions of the baseboard cleaning head and the fixture toward the skid formed in the lower extremity of the skid plate, and raised positions of the baseboard cleaning head and the fixture away from the skid formed in the lower extremity of the skid plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Michele I. Goodman, Isaias Luna
  • Patent number: 8261398
    Abstract: A paint brush has a handle and a paint brush head. The paint brush head is detachable from the paint brush handle. The paint brush head may be rotatable to a number of positions relative to the paint brush handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Margco International, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Haigh, Louis B. Schiesz, Clarence Wesley Headrick, III
  • Patent number: 8220104
    Abstract: A mop fabric snap-in connection structure comprises: a disc having a groove formed around the bottom of the disc, and a plurality of first snap-in connection structures arranged in the groove; a plurality of mop fabrics, disposed across a surface of the groove; and a pressing member, installed at the bottom of the disc, and a main body of the pressing member having a plurality of second snap-in connection structures corresponding to and latched each other with the first snap-in connection structures of the groove respectively. The present invention engages two modules including the disc and the pressing member with the mop fabrics 80 into an M-shape by the mutual and alternate engagement, and the method of latching and fixing the two modules achieves a convenient assembling and a secured clamping, and prevents the fabrics from falling out easily without requiring any locking components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Shu-Hsun Chu
  • Publication number: 20120167322
    Abstract: Presented here invention provides the brush with specifically shaped and adjustable handle that allows holding the apparatus in the front of the body to provide efficient functions of self washing, massaging and scratching the skin of the back of the body. The handle is divided into two parts, the lower and the upper. The lower handle has a brush at one end and the gripping portion at the upper end. There is also a pivotal disc above the gripping portion of the lower handle. The upper handle contains the gripping portion at one end and the pivotal disc at the other end. Both pivotal discs are connected together by a nut. The pivotal connection allows the brush to be used in the open position, as well as, the closed position. When the brush is in the open position it will be used for maneuvering it at the back of the body. The closed position will allow using it as a traditional brush with the straight handle and also for the convenient storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Jaworski, Daniel Grzegorz Jaworski
  • Patent number: 8166599
    Abstract: In accordance with another aspect of the present development, an articulated link duster support frame includes a base and a working region connected to the base. The working region includes a plurality of links pivotally connected in series such that each link is pivotally connected to at least one adjacent link, with an inner one of said links pivotally connected to the base. Respective articulated joints pivotally connect the inner link to the base and pivotally connect each link to at least one adjacent link. Each joint includes a first side comprising at least two ears and a second side comprising at least one tab located between and slidably abutted with the at least two ears of said first side. Each joint further includes a fastener pivotally connecting the first and second joint sides. A fabric, feather, or other dusting member is connected to the working region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Erwin Tomm
  • Patent number: 8166602
    Abstract: A cleaning arrangement for removing accumulated leaves and other debris from an overhead gutter of a building, said arrangement including: a cleaning tool having a blade of comparative cross sectional profile to the gutter to be cleaned, an elongated rod having one end adapted to be held by a user and a remote end substantially perpendicular to the said blade when blade is connected to said rod, said blade including an aperture at an upper corner of said blade for an end of the rod to be releasable fastenable therein, such that the off-centering of the rod to the corner of the blade allows the cleaning tool to be scraped along the length of a segment of guttering without the blade making contact with internal brackets or bracing supporting the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Stephen Paterson
  • Patent number: 8166598
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes an elongated u-shaped handle terminating with a mounting neck at a distal end. A handgrip engages the handle at the proximal end. A support strap may attached to the handgrip. A cleaning head is releasably attached to the mounting neck. The cleaning head is configured to releasably engage the mounting neck. The handle is u-shaped and resilient to generate a biasing force that facilitates use and cleaning contact. The cleaning head is opposite and in direct alignment with the handgrip, so that a user may determine the exact position of the cleaning head against the user's back by observing the position of the handgrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Craig Steedley
  • Patent number: 8149576
    Abstract: Since an information processing unit of the present invention includes a protrusion portion on a back face side of a first casing, it is possible to reduce an impact transmitted to a notebook PC when the notebook PC is placed in an upright position on the surface of a desk. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the notebook PC from being damaged. Furthermore, since the protrusion portion is provided to the back face side of the first casing, it is possible not to allow the notebook PC to stand self-supported in an upright position. Therefore, the notebook PC will not be placed carelessly in an upright position on the surface of a desk or the like; thus, it is possible to prevent the PC from being broken or damaged due to a fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shintaro Tanaka, Hitoshi Nakatani, Haruka Kaneko, Yoshiaki Nagamura
  • Patent number: 8132283
    Abstract: A push broom that is constructed of a broom head that includes a broom plate for supporting bristles or the like and having a rest surface and a bristle support surface; an elongated handle attached to the broom plate of the broom head and for controlling a sweeping action of the broom head and a pivotal coupling member for mounting the elongated handle with the broom head. The pivotal coupling member has separate positions including a rest position in which the broom head rests on the rest surface of the broom plate so that the handle is substantially upright to maintain the broom free-standing and an action position in which the handle is pivoted relative to the broom head so as to enable the sweeping action of the broom head by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy P. Downes
  • Patent number: 8127392
    Abstract: A convertible broom having a broom head able to be selectively latched in either of two pivoted angular positions with respect to a broom handle. A latch mechanism includes a sleeve grip slidable on the handle to move a locking feature into and out of engagement with either of two locator features or pairs of locator features on a head bracket pivotally mounted to one end of the handle. On locator feature (or pair of features) is aligned with the locking feature with the broom head in a straight configuration, the other locator feature aligned with the locking feature with the broom head in a push broom configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Wilson
  • Patent number: 8117707
    Abstract: A brush device can be releasably attached to a distal end of a pool broom and has a plurality of strategically placed brushes which brushingly engage the surfaces of the beams of a pool cage to clean those surfaces. The brushes are mounted on a head that can be angularly adjusted so the brushes will engage the cage surfaces in a manner which is conducive to thorough cleaning of those surfaces. The brushes are releasably mounted so they can be removed for cleaning or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Robert Ruh, II
  • Publication number: 20120036662
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle, a head with oral care elements and a neck connecting the head with the handle is described. The toothbrush has a base structure of the handle, and the neck and the head are formed by a hard plastic component. Said basic structure of the handle is covered, at least in part, by a first soft plastic component. Said head including a second soft plastic component and said neck including a through-opening, wherein at least one section of a boundary wall of the opening is provided with an elastic muscle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Bjoern Kling, Andreas Birk
  • Patent number: 8104426
    Abstract: A paint shield for preventing the misapplication of coating material comprises a shielding member having a leading edge and a base member, an extension handle for enabling a user to hold the leading edge of the paint shielding member against a surface, a pivot member connected to the base member for angularly positioning the shielding member, and a storage location positioned in said base member for storing the pivot member and the extension handle when the pivot member is selectively removed from the base member. The pivot member preferably includes two walls having at least one frictional pad disposed on an inner surface of each wall for frictionally engaging the base member and allowing a user to angularly pivot the shielding member without loosening the pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Allway Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Gringer