Adjustable Patents (Class 15/144.1)
  • Patent number: 7587781
    Abstract: A paintbrush comprising of a tubular handle (11), forged male slip/snap locking wheel (10) at top of handle (11), and a brush head (3) with two embedded forged female slip/snap locking wheels, with one female at bottom of brush head (3) marked (6) and the other marked (4) on face of brush head (3). These slip/snap locking wheels allow the user to adjust the paintbrush to paint various angles through rotation extending one-hundred and eighty degrees (180°). The tubular handle (11) also has a bottom/rear female thread (12) to accept a standard universal male-threaded pole/device to reach various heights. Also, female thread (12) will accept a male thread (16) as part of finishing cap (13) with a hanging hole (14) to give the paintbrush a classic, finished appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Raymond Vales
  • Publication number: 20090183329
    Abstract: A cleaning device including a cleaning member and a handle connected to the cleaning member. The handle includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a ball member and the second member includes a socket. The ball member being disposed in the socket to couple the first member and the second member and enable the second member to pivot with respect to the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Brook Kennedy, Richard Whitehall, Davin Stowell, Boris Kontorvich
  • Patent number: 7559108
    Abstract: A rolling lint and pet and human hair remover will function in at least two different positions and with the option of extending the handle in order to reach hard to reach places for use in automobiles, homes, and other locations, as well as on a person's clothing. The handle is foldable against the lint roller portion for compact storage and for use in tight places. An air-freshener body may be incorporated into the lint roller portion. Air-freshener beads are placed inside the air-freshener body and give off an aromatic fragrance while the lint remover is in use due to the tumbling action of the air-freshener beads inside the lint roller as it is rolled. A plurality of holes in the air-freshener body allow the aromatic fragrance to flow out and away from the lint roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Chad Forte
  • Patent number: 7540057
    Abstract: A mop assembly includes a rotatable device to allow the mop head to rotate relative to the stick so that the user will no longer need to manually rotate the mop head to continue cleaning the floor using the clean side and a positioning device to allow the stick to be temporarily positioned when the mop assembly is not in use and to enable the mop head to pivot relative to the stick to mitigate the trouble of lowering the stick to clean an area under furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Dikai International Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien-Shih Lin, Ming-Che Ting
  • Publication number: 20090094769
    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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Wilson
  • Patent number: 7506398
    Abstract: An adjustable trowel for spreading material on a surface includes a trowel plane and a post extending from the trowel plane. A mechanism for selectively attaches a handle to the post in either a left-handed orientation or a right-handed orientation relative to the trowel plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: John Martin
  • Patent number: 7496984
    Abstract: A floor sweeping apparatus comprises a cleaning head with an elongate handle fixed at an inner end by a pivoting joint to the cleaning head, and at an outer end by a hinge to an elongate handle extension. A locking mechanism allows the handle extension to be locked in different angular positions relative to the handle and can be remotely controlled from the handle extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kwonnie Electrical Products Limited
    Inventor: Kwok Fung Pang
  • Publication number: 20090025164
    Abstract: A rotary washing wand that is connectable to a conventional garden hose, the wand including an elongated tube having a handle portion with a hose connector and a flow control valve and a distal end with a cleaning head having a housing containing a nozzle at the end of the elongated tube and a water wheel on a shaft with one end that extends through the housing and is joined to a rotatable washing implement, such as a sponge with the cleaning head having a shroud around the washing implement to direct water at the object being washed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Sun Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 7472447
    Abstract: A paintbrush having an adjustable brush head which allows for various positioning of the head with respect to the handle. The paintbrush comprises a wedge-shaped tilt element (30) positioned between the head (20) and the handle (10). The body and the wedge-shaped tilt element can rotate with respect to one another. The wedge-shaped tilt element and the handle can rotate with respect to one another. The handle, the wedge-shaped tilt element and the body are removably secured against one another by a connecting member, such as a nut and bolt assembly passing through apertures which extend through the handle, the wedge-shaped tilt element and the body. Interlocking protrusions may be provided to assist in the handle, the wedge-shaped tilt element and the body being removably secured against one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Frederick M. Lougheed
  • Patent number: 7464440
    Abstract: The ergonomic appliance handle is an extension handle that is attachable to a carrying or transport handle on a canister style vacuum cleaner or similar floor appliance. The ergonomic appliance handle provides an elongated handle shaft that is attached to the canister vacuum's handle at a proximate end of the handle shaft by a mounting assembly. The handle shaft extends angled upward, away from the vacuum, placing a handgrip at the distal end of the handle shaft at an ergonomically comfortable height and position for a user to easily and conveniently operate the vacuum in a comfortable posture without subjecting the user to unnecessary bending, stooping, or twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Deborah Decker
  • Publication number: 20080276396
    Abstract: A modular paintbrush head and handle system using a plurality of lightweight ergonomic handles adjustably and detachably connected to a plurality of paintbrush heads. A complete array of brush sizes and types have standard connections that cooperate with connections on an array of handles. The connections create a pivot point such that the brush head may be pivoted about at least one axis for adjustment, and then fixedly held at the desired angle. One or more adapters can be disposed between the handle and brush head to increase the number of axes of rotation of the head in relation to the handle and thereby allowing for compound angles of the brush head relative to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony R. LUCERO
  • Publication number: 20080256732
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing snow from an exterior surface of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a brush member having bristles attached to one side of a handle portion. The brush member has a predetermined shape. A first elongated handle member is engageable at a first end thereof with a first end of the brush member. An angle adjusting mechanism is engageable at a first end thereof with a second end of the first elongated handle member and a second elongated handle member is engageable at a first end thereof with a second end of the angle adjusting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony L. Donatelli, Anita L. Gingery
  • Publication number: 20080235889
    Abstract: A polyaxial toothbrush constructed to provide a brush portion with a plurality of axes of pivotal movement relative to a handle which can assume a straight or intermittently-angled shape position is described. The toothbrush is formed by interconnecting a brush portion and a head portions by a universal joint to define a polyaxial joint. The universal joint includes a substantially spherical end and a substantially spherical appendage extending outwardly end sized to cooperate with the spherical cavity. Such construction and arrangement provides universal movement between the brush and handle portions. The toothbrush further has at least one resilient member extending between the brush portion and handle portion of the invention, providing resistance to the pivoting brush portion with respect to the handle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Banning Gray Lary
  • Patent number: 7428768
    Abstract: A wiping plate (1) for accommodating a replaceable wiping cloth (2) is disclosed. The wiping plate (1) includes an essentially plate-shaped support plate (3) with an elastically resilient foam member (4) that can be fixed to the bottom face thereof. The foam member (4) is provided with at least one recess (5) inside which at least one non-elastic plug (6) is arranged. The at least one plug (6) is connected to the support plate (3) and has a length that is smaller than the height of the foam member (4) in the unstressed state. The plug (6) can at least be brought in contact with the side of the wiping cloth (2), which faces away from the wiping surface, by applying pressure to the support plate (3) and the compressed foam member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Uwe Dingert
  • Publication number: 20080216261
    Abstract: A cleaning tool that includes an elongate cleaning element holder and a cleaning element to be attached to the cleaning element holder is provided. The cleaning element holder has a grip to be held by a user and two holding elements extending parallel in a longitudinal direction from the grip. The holding elements are adapted to be inserted into an insert region of the cleaning element to thereby hold the cleaning element. The two holding elements of the cleaning element holder can be rotated in parallel toward each other around a longitudinal axis of the cleaning element holder on a rotation axis disposed between the holding elements. As a result, through the rotation of the two holding elements inserted into the insert region, the sectional shape of the cleaning element can be changed in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Tsutanaga, Jun Uragami, Toshihiko Uenishi, Masaho Hayashi, Yoshinori Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20080155774
    Abstract: A floor sweeping apparatus comprises a cleaning head with an elongate handle fixed at an inner end by a pivoting joint to the cleaning head, and at an outer end by a hinge to an elongate handle extension. A locking mechanism allows the handle extension to be locked in different angular positions relative to the handle and can be remotely controlled from the handle extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: KWONNIE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Kwok Fung Pang
  • Patent number: 7383603
    Abstract: All embodiments of the present invention relate to a toothbrush to prevent tooth abrasion and gum damage during use. A first embodiment of the invention includes a handle including an open cavity and a neck interconnected to the handle by a pivot. The neck is movable between an aligned first position and a second angled position relative to the handle. A leaf spring is bonded to the end of the neck at a first end, and the second end of the leaf spring engages the handle to provide biasing resistance. The leaf spring is configured such that if pressure to the neck exceeds a threshold limit, there is movement of the neck portion from the first position to a second position. The threshold limit is the pressure just below the pressure at the brush that may cause damage to the hard and soft tissue of the mouth. A protective sheath envelops the junction between the handle member and the neck member to prevent accumulation of unwanted material within the cavity of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Fitmouth, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7377003
    Abstract: A compactable paintball marker squeegee adapted to compact for carrying on the playing field for paintball games. The squeegee is designed to compact into smaller arrangements while providing the capability of wiping paint out a marker barrel. The present invention is designed such that the system will lock into an elongated position and may be unlocked and flipped closed with a single hand motion for compaction during play of a paintball game. Additional improvements provide for a protective design to provide improved insertion into clothing with a protected cleaning head, and improved cleaning head movements through a pear-shaped connection aperture for the pivoting head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Rick Dochterman, Terry Neumaster, Lester Broersma
  • Patent number: 7373708
    Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Ragnar Stahle, Lill-Hege Hagensen
  • Patent number: 7343638
    Abstract: The structure of the present invention provides pivotable coupling of a head to a handle. The head may assume various pitch angles relative to the handle. Once place at a particular pitch angle the head is releasably fixed-in-place and opposes pitching of the head relative to the handle to assume a new pitch angle. With the application of sufficient force on the head, the head is released from the fixed-in-place pitch angle and a new pitch angle is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael Mitchell, German R. Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20080052856
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable bath brush comprises a handle disposed with a sliding block and an elastic element that is connected to the sliding block, the sliding block having at least a protruded portion; and a connecting pole being connected to the handle which includes a plurality of brush fleeces and concave portions. When the protruded portion of the sliding block is engaged in the concave portion, the connecting pole is unadjustable, when the protruded portion of the sliding block is disengaged in the concave portion, the angle of the connecting pole is adjusted. When the protruded portion is engaged in other concave portions again, thus adjusting and fixing the angle of the connecting pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: George Lin
  • Patent number: 7293317
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holding device including a handle and a support member pivotally connected to a front end of the handle for supporting a cleaning wiper. The support member has a pivot axis oriented in a direction crossing a shaft axis of the handle. The support member has sliding surfaces and recesses alternating with each other about the pivot axis. The handle has a locking member capable of engaging in the recesses. The locking member is movable along the shaft axis inside the handle. The locking member is provided along with a biasing member for applying a biasing force to the locking member toward the recesses and an operating member for moving the locking member against the biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Akemi Tsuchiya, Yoshinori Tanaka, Masatoshi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7281289
    Abstract: A toothbrush operable by a user has a handle having a distal end, a head having a proximal end extending from said handle's distal end and bristles extending generally in a first direction designated “forward”. The head has a first orientation relative to the handle when the head is relaxed, the head being pivotable relative to said handle out of the first orientation to a second orientation rearward of the first orientation, when a force greater than a predetermined threshold level is applied to the head in a direction generally opposite the first direction. The head remains out of the first orientation until it is manually returned by the user to the first orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Placontrol, Inc.
    Inventors: Zubair Mirza, Ingram S. Chodorow
  • Patent number: 7281288
    Abstract: An improved cleaning tool is provided with a flexible connection between the head or spindle and the handle. The improved tool broadly includes a spindle or head, a handle and a flexible connection between the head and handle to permit relative pivotal movement therebetween and rubber bumpers to protect against scratching furniture. The flexible connection regulates relative movement between the spindle head in such a way that lateral movement is greater than the up and down movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Hartz Mountain Corporation
    Inventor: William D. McKay
  • Patent number: 7231684
    Abstract: A window cleaning apparatus includes a handle, a paddle and a cleaning element. The paddle is removably attachable to the handle. The handle includes oppositely extending end pins which are pivotally received in receivers carried on the paddle. At least one of the receivers has a bore which receives on of the handle end pins. At least one of the receivers is formed with separable members for forming a snap-connection with one of the handle end pins. The cleaning element has side edges with elastic to draw the ends of the side edges of the body inward to form an opening smaller than the outer diameter of the paddle to releasably attach the cleaning element about the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignees: Consumer Solutions, Inc., K & R Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Post
  • Patent number: 7213292
    Abstract: Apparatus for grooming and body care has a handle at a first, an elongate shaft, and a connector at a second end for removably attaching a selection of grooming and body care devices. The shaft is bendable in one mode of operation to enable the user to configure the apparatus for reaching certain parts of the body. In a second mode of operation, the shaft is rigid and remains in the position to which it was bent in the first mode. The apparatus can then be used without having it bend while in use. The selection and use may all be done with one hand. The grooming and body care devices may include sponges, brushes, combs, and shoehorns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Stuart L. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7213294
    Abstract: A paint applicator includes a paint roller having a pivotally adjustable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: David Karroll
  • Patent number: 7210187
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an article for cleaning, such as a toothbrush. The article includes a hand grip part, with a screw-threaded spigot projecting from one end of the hand grip, and a cleaning part having a plurality of screw threaded sockets in each of at least a top, end and side surface of the cleaning part, which are releasably engageable to the spigot. The hand grip, part and the cleaning parts can be assembled in a plurality of different relative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Graduate Group SDN. BHD.
    Inventor: Hon Seong Liew
  • Patent number: 7178191
    Abstract: A means by which to adjust the angle of a handle. The device is comprised of two components. The body, made of a semi rigid material having a shape that is capable of being inserted into a typical paint brush ferrule. From this section, a “U” shaped component having a cylindrical cross section, and having a width of the attaching section. The handle of this design is composed of a suitable material having a varying thickness along its length. The handle having a section that partially encircles the “U” shaped component. The handle component has a hook at one end of one of the legs that receives the end of the other leg. This locks the handle in place on the “U” shaped component. When unlocked, the handle is capable of being moved along the length of the “U” shape to achieve the desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Davis Hitzler
  • Patent number: 7155770
    Abstract: A tool for removing ice, snow and other debris from a vehicle or other surface has an extension handle with telescoping ends. On one end of the handle there is an oblong head carrying a broom on one surface and a squeegee on the opposite surface. The head is rotatably mounted on the handle to provide both a linear cleaning motion and an arcuate motion. On the other end of the handle is a bifurcated extension carrying a scraper and a toothed cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Torrence Anderson, Lyle Rosine
  • Patent number: 7144180
    Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Ragnar Stahle, Lill-Hege Hagensen
  • Patent number: 7120962
    Abstract: A cleaning tool implement has a cleaning head having dual parallel aligned supports. The supports can take the form of interconnected parallel plates which are configured and sized to receive and removeably secure cleaning elements, for example, bonnets with stranded mop, scrub pad, brush, cloth and sponge surfaces, which can be adapted for removable attachment to the plates. The handle of the cleaning tool is connected to the cleaning head via a universal swivel joint which permits the head to rotate 360° in relation to the handle. This rotational movement permits the cleaning tool to be used on an infinite number of vertical, horizontal, angled, raised, and low surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Petner
  • Patent number: 7100238
    Abstract: A bendable extension arm. A stiffening wire having a first end and a second end is connected at its first end to a wire receptor and at its second end to another wire receptor. A sheath covers the stiffening wire and prevents over bending of the stiffening wire. In a preferred embodiment, attachment devices are connected to the wire receptors. For example, in one embodiment a paint brush is connected to one of the wire receptors and an extension pole is connected to the other wire receptor. In another preferred embodiment, the bendable extension arm is used as a bendable handle. The user can grab the bendable handle at one end and attach an attachment device to the other end of the bendable handle. The bendable handle can be bent as desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick McCauley
  • Patent number: 7086116
    Abstract: A dental cleaning implement such as a toothbrush, having longitudinally disposed first and second parts flexibly joined together. Between the first and second parts is a rotatable member such that when the implement bends the first parts adjacent to the member bear upon the member. The rotatable member has circumferentially disposed relatively softer and harder regions, so that as the member is rotated the parts can be caused to bear compressibly upon selected softer or harder regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerd Broecker, Matthias Georgi, Berthold Meyer, Wolf-Dieter Müller
  • Patent number: 7086115
    Abstract: A cordless hand held duster comprising a handle and a small feather duster head attachable thereto. An internal battery and motor provides power to rotate or vibrate the duster head for removing dust and debris. The duster head can attach directly to the tool for dusting tables or other low surfaces, or various extension arms can be used, including a straight arm or variously angled arms. One extension arm, or a combination of extension arms, may be used to accommodate removal of dust, dirt or debris from elevated spaces, recesses or objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Suzzy Rex, Brandi Sislo
  • Patent number: 7076826
    Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid treatments such as paint, stain, varnish or the like to surfaces such as wood. The applicator includes an elongated handle, one end of the hand serving as a primary gripping element, the other end of the handle being covered with fluid-retaining material such as natural or synthetic wool fleece or foam rubber to form an applicator pad. The portion of the handle bearing the applicator pad may be detached from the portion of the handle forming the primary gripping element. A secondary gripping element such as a knob is movable from a first position on the handle to a second position on the applicator pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Wade Hochanadel
  • 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: 7047587
    Abstract: A lint roller holder assembly having a lint roller support with an outer cylindrical surface. The lint roller support is dimensioned so that a tubular and cylindrical lint roller may be rotatably supported around the outer surface of the lint roller support. An elongated handle is axially slidably mounted to the lint roller support between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the handle extends axially outwardly from one end of the lint roller support when use of the lint roller assembly is desired. Conversely, in its second position, the handle is at least partially contained within the interior of the lint roller support for compact storage, display and/or transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: The Evercare Company
    Inventor: Lena L. Heidel
  • Patent number: 7000282
    Abstract: A spring-biased pivoting squeegee 10 provides a head 12 pivotally attached to a handle 16. The head 12 is movable between a rest position, in which the head 12 is angularly displaced from the handle 16, and a biased position in which the head 12, handle 16, and wiping blade 14 are in linear relation. In the biased position, the wiping blade is maintained at an optimum angle for cleaning a glass surface even with the handle 16 held generally perpendicular to the glass. A spring 60 is fully contained in the head 12 and biases the head toward the rest position. A tension adjustment knob 80 in the head 12 permits adjustment of the spring 60 to a tension level according to the ergonomic requirements of a user. In a second embodiment of the invention an improved locking mechanism comprises a pivoting lock lever 260 held against the top wall 262 of a recess 264 in the head 202 of the squeegee by a retainer 278. The lock 260 is movable between locked and released positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ettore Products Co.
    Inventors: Grant Cox, Nicholas Talesfore, Joseph McArdle
  • Patent number: 6990706
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a head which carries a dental cleaning tool, and a grip handle, the head and handle being disposed along a longitudinal head-handle axis, the toothbrush having a resiliently flexible structure which can resiliently bend under the action of toothbrushing pressure and having adjustment means comprising a longitudinally moveable stiffening member which can be moved longitudinally into greater or lesser engagement with the resiliently flexible structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignees: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co KG, M&C Schiffer GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Broecker, Matthias Georgi, Berthold Meyer, Wolf-Dieter Müller
  • 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: 6981293
    Abstract: A device for providing self-assisting hygienic activity to individuals of limited dexterity, the device including an elongated body constructed of first and second telescoping portions and terminating at a first end in an ergonomically configured handle. A hygienic related accessory is secured to the other end of the elongated body, which includes a repositionable goose neck portion. The accessory capable of being manipulated relative to the elongated body in at least one of axially extending and angularly configurable fashions and the accessory is further capable of being releasably engageable to the associated end of the elongated body and substituted by at least one alternately configured accessory drawn from at least one of a sponge attachment, lotion dispensing attachment, disposable sheet attachment, scrub brush attachment and powder applicator attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Rochelle Steinberg
  • Patent number: 6931690
    Abstract: A spring-biased pivoting squeegee 10 provides a head 12 pivotally attached to a handle 16. The head 12 is movable between a rest position, in which the head 12 is angularly displaced from the handle 16, and a biased position in which the head 12, handle 16, and wiping blade 14 are in linear relation. In the biased position, the wiping blade is maintained at an optimum angle for cleaning a glass surface even with the handle 16 held generally perpendicular to the glass. A spring 60 is fully contained in the head 12 and biases the head toward the rest position. A tension adjustment knob 80 in the head 12 permits adjustment of the spring 60 to a tension level according to the ergonomic requirements of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Grant Cox
  • Patent number: 6928687
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and system includes at least one handle, at least one paddle, and at least one cleaning element. The handle is a pivotally attachable to each paddle. The cleaning element has elastic to draw the side edges of the body inward to form an opening smaller than the outer diameter of the paddle to releasably attach the cleaning element about the paddle. A receiver is mounted on each paddle and movably receives one end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignees: K & R Industries, Inc., Consumer Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Post, Robert Laskos
  • Patent number: 6848384
    Abstract: A boat hull cleaner having a handle (not shown) and a knuckle (see FIG. 1), the knuckle 1 having a first portion 2 and a second portion 3, the first portion 2 having a first channel and the second portion 3 having a second channel, the first portion 2 having a first connector part 4 to be joined to a first tubular part of the handle, and the second portion 3 having a second connector part 5 joined to a second tubular part of the handle; the arrangement being such that a fluid can be caused to flow within the first tubular part of the handle, into the first and second channels of the knuckle 1, and then into the second tubular part of the handle, and wherein the first and second portions 2 and 3 of the knuckle 1 can be adjusted with respect to one another such that the first and second tubular parts of the handle assume an angle with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventors: John Andrew Higgins, Michael John Heap, James Nelson Hodder
  • Patent number: 6840557
    Abstract: A self supporting implement apparatus includes an elongated handle having upper and lower end portions and a working tool end portion that is affixed to the lower end portion of the handle. The combination of handle and working tool end portion define an implement to be gripped and manipulated by a user. A sleeve provides a central longitudinal bore that is sized and shaped to receive the handle, the sleeve having a gripping surface and a lower end portion with a plurality of separate legs having slots there between, each leg having a foot. A fitting is attached to the handle above the tool end portion, the fitting having a plurality of passages, one passage for each leg. Each of the passages is shaped to divert a leg away from the central longitudinal axis of the handle so that the foot of each leg can define engage a floor surface at a position that is spaced radially from the central longitudinal axis of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Tracy E. Manthey
  • Publication number: 20040250367
    Abstract: A cleaning tool apparatus comprises an elongate handle having a proximal end for gripping, and a terminal end. A support arm is pivotally engaged at one of its ends with the terminal end of the elongate handle. The support arm is positionable over a range of angles with respect to the elongate handle. A rigid brace joins the support arm with the elongate handle, for setting an angle between them. A wiper is engaged medially in a transverse position on the support arm. The apparatus is used for reaching high places for removing snow and slush and is particularly useful for cleaning the top surfaces of aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Mitch Fraser
  • Publication number: 20040250365
    Abstract: A tool for removing ice, snow and other debris from a vehicle or other surface has an extension handle with telescoping ends. On one end of the handle there is an oblong head carrying a broom on one surface and a squeegee on the opposite surface. The head is rotatably mounted on the handle to provide both a linear cleaning motion and an arcuate motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Torrence Anderson, Lyle Rosine
  • Publication number: 20040244131
    Abstract: An adjoined two-sectional swivel type floor cleaning attachment in which one section is made from a unitary flexible elastomer material 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 cleaning devices, such as scrub brushes, wall washers, abrasive pad holders, etc. to be easily engaged and disengaged allowing the cleaning device to also be used as a hand held device. Furthermore, swivel type floor cleaning devices will no longer need their own swivel type connector affixed onto the cleaning head thus making the cleaning products more cost efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Simon Ralph Cassar
  • Publication number: 20040237240
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and system includes at least one handle, at least one paddle, and at least one cleaning element. The handle is a pivotally attachable to each paddle. The cleaning element has elastic to draw the side edges of the body inward to form an opening smaller than the outer diameter of the paddle to releasably attach the cleaning element about the paddle. A receiver is mounted on each paddle and movably receives one end of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicants: K & R Industries, Inc., Consumer Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Post, Robert Laskos