Adjustable Patents (Class 15/144.1)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040226125
    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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Grant Cox
  • Publication number: 20040226126
    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 lever 260 is movable between locked and released positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Grant Cox, Nicholas Talesfore, Joseph McArdle
  • Publication number: 20040216256
    Abstract: Disclosed is an extension device for use on a hand-held water wiping apparatus. The extension handle allows for ease of attachment to the apparatus by use of a semi-circular configuration that includes cutouts that allow the device to be walked onto the handle of the hand-held water wiping apparatus by accommodation of the handle protuberances. By use of the cutouts, no modification is necessary to the handle of the handheld water wiping apparatus, and the locking protuberances are maintained to prevent accidental disengagement of the extension device during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: George Varga
  • Patent number: 6810547
    Abstract: A vehicle waxing/buffing appliance capable of having a removable/repositionable secondary handle. The appliance includes at least one adaptor to receive and hold the handle installed in the outer plastic molded housing. The user may install or reposition the handle as desired to help in both the efficiency of the operation and the comfort of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Shinn Fu Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hung
  • Publication number: 20040200023
    Abstract: A window cleaning apparatus includes a handle, a paddle and a cleaning element. The paddle is removably attachable to the handle. The paddle has a peripheral edge defined in part by opposed first and second ends. The paddle has an arcuate shape between the first and second ends. The cleaning element is one of a plurality of interchangeable bodies, each having one major surface engagable with one major surface of a paddle and side edges having elastic mounted thereon 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. In one aspect, the cleaning apparatus forms a cleaning system including a plurality of handles, a plurality of paddles and a plurality of cleaning elements releasably interconnectable into a cleaning apparatus formed of one handle, one cleaning element and one paddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Post, Robert Laskos
  • Patent number: 6795999
    Abstract: A window cleaning apparatus includes a handle, a paddle and a cleaning element. The paddle is removably attachable to the handle. The paddle has a peripheral edge defined in part by opposed first and second ends. The paddle has an arcuate shape between the first and second ends. The cleaning element is one of a plurality of interchangeable bodies, each having one major surface engagable with one major surface of a paddle and side edges having elastic mounted thereon 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. In one aspect, the cleaning apparatus forms a cleaning system including a plurality of handles, a plurality of paddles and a plurality of cleaning elements releasably interconnectable into a cleaning apparatus formed of one handle, one cleaning element and one paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Consumer Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Post, Robert Laskos
  • Publication number: 20040181890
    Abstract: The present invention is a dual action sweeper (‘DAS’) that comprises a dust mop section with a “regular broom” attached to either edge of the dust mop section. The broom section is retractable to allow users to get close to walls during use of the dust mop section. The DAS allows the user to switch between the dust mop function and the regular broom function with relative ease and speed. This flexibility allows the user to efficiently clean and continue working regardless of changes in the type of surface, which the user is cleaning. With the press of a button on the handle, the unit adjusts and locks to the sweeping mechanism that's best for the surface at hand. The handle of the DAS automatically adjusts to the length necessary for the user to efficiently use either feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Orin A. Roberson
  • Patent number: 6793434
    Abstract: A brush having a brush member, and adjustable handle, and an optionally convex cover. The brush member accommodates a sponge. A first plurality of bristles extends from the brush member and each of a second plurality of orifices is disposed between the bristles, optionally in an offsetting relation. The handle extends from the brush member. The cover has a pair of slots accommodating the handle and overlays the sponge during use. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Anita D. Olson
  • 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: 20040154119
    Abstract: A liquid application tool (10,110) that holds a liquid applicator (14) at an angle to a handle (12,112). The tool (10,110) broadly comprises a handle (12,112), a liquid applicator (14,114) and a flexible arm (16,116) between the handle (12,112) and the applicator (14,114). The handle (12,112) may be adapted to be held in a user's hand. The applicator (14,114) preferably comprises a roller assembly (32) capable of holding a paint roller. The arm (16) preferably comprises L-shaped segments (20,22) joined by an adjustable joint (24) in order to adjust the angle. Alternatively, the flexible arm (116) may bend along at least a portion of its length in order to adjust the angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Bullock
  • Patent number: 6769153
    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 is one of a plurality of interchangeable bodies, each having one major surface engagable with one major surface of a paddle and side edges having 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 pivotally receive one end of the handle. In one aspect, a ball element is mounted at the first end of the handle and is moveably mounted in the receiver. A plug carrying a ball seat is insertable into the receiver to lock the ball in the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignees: K&R Industries, Inc., Consumer Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Post, Robert J. Laskos
  • Publication number: 20040143921
    Abstract: A multi-application art tool apparatus for use by paralytic or other physically challenged individuals. The art tool apparatus comprises a rod, at least one strap for attachment, and a plurality of art tools pivotally attached to the end of the rod with a nut and bolt assembly. The nut and bolt assembly allows for easy and multiple positioning of the art tool selected. Different art tools may be easily added or removed from the art tool apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Shari Borkin
  • Publication number: 20040134803
    Abstract: A kit includes the combination of an stand-up dustpan having a length of approximately 107.5 cm and a less than full-sized broom having a length of approximately 84.8 cm. The floor cleaning kit also includes an enclosed box-shaped container shaped to define an interior cavity into which the dustpan and broom, when they are disassembled, can be disposed, the container having a length of approximately 36.8 cm, a width of approximately 32.6 cm and a depth of approximately 10.9 cm. Each of the dustpan and the broom includes a handle comprising at least two independent sections which are adapted to be coupled together. The container includes a rear panel, a front panel, a pair of side panels, a top panel and a bottom panel which together define the enclosed interior cavity. The container additionally includes a partition which at least partially subdivides the enclosed interior cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Michelson, Thomas Dunn
  • Patent number: 6760949
    Abstract: A rotating dish brush is described having a handle and a head. The handle includes a neck connected by a pin to the head. The rotating connection of the handle and head are limited by a pair of stops that also function as areas of force transfer from the handle to the head. The stops limit the relative movement of the head and handle between a first position and a second position. The head includes a set of bristles having a generally hemispherical shape. A loop is provided on the handle for hanging the rotating dish brush when it is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce Kaminstein, Flavio Cavalherio
  • Patent number: 6757928
    Abstract: A deck gap cleaning tool comprises a pole and a cleaning head. The cleaning head comprises an upper portion that is pivotally connected to the pole, and a blade extending opposite to the pole. The blade is configured to be received between deck flooring gaps for clearing debris therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Raymond Lee
  • Publication number: 20040074033
    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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Rochelle Steinberg
  • Publication number: 20040071490
    Abstract: A mop with a platen-shaped cleaning head member, to be used for dry or wet applications, with or without cleaning sheets, suited to be used as a liquid dispensing mop. An abrasive scrubber support is integrally formed with and extends from the forward upper surface of the cleaning head member. An abrasive scrubber component is secured to the support. The cleaning head member is connected to the mop's handle by a swivel joint which permits easy and ready rotation of the cleaning head member, 360° in relation to the handle. This permits unencumbered positioning of the abrasive scrubber, for efficient and effective cleaning of ingrained soiled surfaces. After this cleaning is completed, the cleaning head member can easily be rotated back to its primary cleaning position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Peter S. Vosbikian, Robert E. Petner
  • Patent number: 6718589
    Abstract: A push broom having an extendable handle with an upper section slidably mounting a lower section with a compressible coil spring mounted therebetween for urging the lower section forward or away from the upper section. The lower section includes a bristle brush with an attachment fitting for threadably coupling with the lower section. Bushings carried on both the upper section and the lower section permit a smooth sliding relationship between the sections. A protective boot of the bellows type has opposite ends secured to the upper section and the lower section respectively and encloses the compressible coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Chris R. Kimbro
  • Patent number: 6709529
    Abstract: A roof brush and method of use. The roof brush comprises a horizontal arm pivotally attached to a vertical arm at a pivot assembly. A cleaning head is disposed on the vertical arm, and has bristles at a predetermined bristle angle to the horizontal arm to maximize the effectiveness of the instant roof brush in cleaning debris off a roof. The cleaning head also comprises a cleaning head horn to catch the cleaning head from falling off a roof in the event it is pulled to far during a cleaning stroke. Both the horizontal arm and the vertical arm may be made of a plurality of telescoping members, so the roof brush may be sized for the particular roof to be cleaned, then collapsed for storage or transportation. One alternate embodiment roof brush provides a hose attachment which permits cleaning solution to be discharged from the cleaning head at the bristles. Another alternate embodiment cleaning brush provides a bolt and butterfly nut to pivotally attach the horizontal and the vertical arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Julius Mekwinski
  • Publication number: 20040049873
    Abstract: A multi-use tool device is provided with an actuator that is moveable to turn a tool relative to the tool device to change the angle of attack of the tool to the work or to change to a different work surface on the fool. Further, the tool device is releasably connected to the tool without the use of threaded fasteners or wrenches. An actuator on the tool is moved to release the tool and preferably to push the tool from the tool device so that the user need not touch a dirty or spent tool that may be coated with an adhesive, mastic or the like. Conversely, the tool may be attached by pushing the tool relative to the tool device. Also, the preferred tool is made in one piece with a connecting portion and a turning portion thereon. The illustrated tool has an upstanding post and angularly spaced teeth that cooperate with the tool device to allow the connected tool to be turned relative to the tool body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Master Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George Smeja, Michael V. Smeja, Troy Livingston
  • Publication number: 20040040108
    Abstract: A rotating dish brush is described having a handle and a head. The handle includes a neck connected by a pin to the head. The rotating connection of the handle and head are limited by a pair of stops that also function as areas of force transfer from the handle to the head. The stops limit the relative movement of the head and handle between a first position and a second position. The head includes a set of bristles having a generally hemispherical shape. A loop is provided on the handle for hanging the rotating dish brush when it is not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce Kaminstein, Flavio Cavalherio
  • Publication number: 20040034955
    Abstract: A mounting means for connecting a broom handle (18) to a broom head (10). The mounting means includes a bracket (15) non-rotatably connected to the broom head (10). The bracket is also pivotally connected to said handle (18) about an axis (19) which is substantially at right angles to the main axis of the broom head (10) and is angled with respect to the axis of the handle (18) and broom head (10) so that greater manoeuvability of the broom is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce Robert Townsend
  • Publication number: 20040031116
    Abstract: A two in one broom comprising a standard sweep broom with a detachable push broom to extend the capacity of the broom. To provide support for the combination a brace having incl9ined legs is used wherein the handle of the sweep broom is enclosed in an arc of the brace. The brace is connected to the head of the push broom with slotted flanges extending obliquely from the legs and fastened to the head. The handle of the broom can be adjusted for different angulations and a scale can be located on the sweep broom head for measuring the type of angulation desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Lorenzo Jacob Coleman
  • Publication number: 20040025897
    Abstract: A hairstyling accessory is disclosed which permits a handle to be rotatably adjusted with respect to a head on the accessory, thus permitting the accessory to be tailored to the user's particular needs. The head has a downwardly extending shaft with a longitudinal axis. The handle is disposed about at least a portion of the shaft and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The accessory includes a lock for locking the handle to the shaft at one of a plurality of different rotational positions about the longitudinal axis. The lock has a locked position and an unlocked position. The accessory preferably includes a spring for biasing the lock against movement into the unlocked position. The accessory may be a hair brush, a comb or a mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Neal Menaged, Michael D. Prince, Tong J. Kim, Michael Reedy
  • Publication number: 20040025271
    Abstract: In a cleaning device (9) comprising a cleaning portion (10) having a cleaning surface (13) and an opposing surface opposite the cleaning surface (13), a support arm (11) having a handle portion (16), and a pivot (12) for pivotally supporting the support arm (11) on the opposing surface, the cleaning surface (13) of the cleaning portion (16) comprises an adhesive surface (17) and a cleaning cloth surface (18), and wherein the adhesive surface (17) and the cleaning cloth surface (18) can individually come into surface contact with a surface to be cleaned, and a stopper (19) for restricting movement of the handle portion (16) relative to the pivot (12), wherein the cleaning cloth surface (18) can contact wherein the surface to be cleaned when the support arm (11) is tilted within a predetermined angle range relative to the surface having the pivot (12), and the adhesive surface (17) can contact the surface to be cleaned when the support arm (11) is tilted beyond the predetermined angle range relative to the surf
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimada, Tomohiro Ohki
  • Publication number: 20030233718
    Abstract: A twist-lock handle assembly includes sections that are interconnected by first telescoping them together, followed by relative rotational movement to interlock two pair of axially spaced apart tabs and recesses. The assembly can have a grip section, at least one pole section, and one accessory attachment section for connecting to a mop head. The components are rigidly and essentially permanently connected by sliding them together and twisting, but can be compactly shipped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: John A. Heathcock, Peter M. Neumann, Michael E. Short
  • Publication number: 20030224121
    Abstract: A paint applicator includes a paint roller having a bevelled nap at one end and a separator attached to or integral with the roller at one end. The roller is used with a pivotally adjustable handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: David Karroll
  • Publication number: 20030182751
    Abstract: A faux painting tool includes a tubular handle, planer body and an application surface. The handle is rotatable and extendable to provide versatility and user comfort. The handle rotates about a first end having a circular dowel rotatably engaged by two spaced parallel couplings. A second end of the handle is removably engaged by a semi-circular carrier member having an opening for insertion of a portion of the handle. A telescoping elongated unit is slidably positioned over the tubular handle. Pressing spring biased pins permits the telescoping unit to be adjusted along a length of the tubular handle thereby lengthening the handle. A handle end includes a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded pole extension. Application material, including lamb's wool, is removably attached to a body of the tool by means of hook and loop fasteners attached to the material and a back surface of the tool's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Barth White
  • Patent number: 6611984
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a hinge located between its head and its handle, provided by first and second hinge parts extending respectively from the head end of the toothbrush toward the handle end, and from the handle end toward the head end, in a longitudinally overlapping side by side relationship, the overlapping parts being able to rotate relative to each other through a restricted angle about an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the two parts being linked by a torsion element between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Halm
  • Publication number: 20030150478
    Abstract: This is a dust mop handle and method in which the handle has a plurality of arcuate and straight segments including means to attach a dust mop to one end; unique hand holding means providing for bi-planar holding and movement of the dust mop handle in such manner that the effective force being applied to the dust mop is multiplied and enhanced and strain on the user is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Blyth S. Biggs
  • Publication number: 20030131433
    Abstract: A toothbrush and method of manufacture thereof is provided wherein the toothbrush has a neck, which is angled and longitudinally flexible with respect to the head and the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Bernadino J. Pavone
  • Publication number: 20030134699
    Abstract: A curling broom, comprises a broom head, a broom handle attached to the broom head, and a delivery accessory adapted for attachment to either the broom handle or the broom head in both a first position and a second position. The delivery accessory improves the balance of a person delivering a curling stone in the first position. The delivery accessory is stored in a nonobtrusive manner in the second position enabling the curling broom to be used for conventional sweeping in front of a delivered curling stone. The delivery accessory for comprises a support stand and a mount adapted for attaching the support stand to the curling broom. The accessory is also useable with tools such as shovels, rakes, and the like. A method for delivering a curling stone is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of attaching a delivery accessory to a curling broom, and delivering the curling stone with one hand and holding onto the curling broom with a second hand as the curling stone is being delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Robert S. Scott
  • Patent number: 6588956
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for effectively and efficiently cleaning a broad surface includes a handle member, a pivot structure attached to a distal end of the handle member, a plurality of arms extending from the pivot structure, a center pad attached to the pivot structure, a plurality of outer pads attached to a distal end of the arms, and a plurality of cover members attached to the pads. The center pad is rotatably attached to the pivot structure for allowing rotation during cleaning of a surface. The outer pads are pivotally attached to the arms for conforming to the shape of the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Frankie J. Gennuso, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6581236
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with an implement for spreading a powdery cleaning material on surfaces that have been contaminated with fluids dropping from vehicular traffic. The powdery material needs to be evenly spread over the contaminated surfaces while at the same time undergoing an abrading action relative to the surface to be cleaned. The implement consists of a rectangular block having a rubber sheet overlying its bottom surface with the sheet being fastened to the longitudinal side surfaces of the block. The rubber sheet on the bottom of the block and facing the surface to be cleaned has a tire-like tread profile thereon. A handle is attached to a top surface of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Paul E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6571418
    Abstract: A floor coating applicator having a pad affixed to a frame and having cord strands extending outwardly from part of the periphery of the pad and adapted to be manipulated over a floor surface by a handle affixed to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: David P. Slager, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6553627
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a tool for providing an ergonomic handle designed to minimize back strain and injury. The handle assembly for a tool includes a main member with a gripping portion, a connection assembly which extends from the main member and includes a pair of opposing connection arms, and a locking assembly couplable to the opposing connection arms for clamping the opposing connection arms to an elongated rod handle of a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Clifford J. Horler
  • Patent number: 6550095
    Abstract: A flexible and detachable toothbrush for allowing the head of the toothbrush to flex to 180 degree and to be replaced when it becomes worn or damaged. The inventive device includes head having curve to the back of head in order to rotate on handle with round surface at tip. The simplified disconnection of head from handle to allow head to be removed when it becomes worn and replaced with new head and bristles without having to replace the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: Wynter Shynet Hawkins, Marvin Hawkins Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6550214
    Abstract: A concrete smoothing device including a plate portion having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is planar for positioning on freshly poured concrete. The upper surface has a reinforcement brace secured centrally thereon. A swivel bracket is secured to the reinforcement brace of the upper surface of the plate portion. The swivel bracket includes a cylindrical post extending upwardly from the reinforcement brace. The cylindrical post has a collar rotatably disposed thereon. The collar has a pair of arms extending laterally therefrom. The pair of arms has a space disposed therebetween. An elongated handle is provided having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end has an end cap secured thereto. The end cap has a tab extending outwardly therefrom. The tab is positioned within the space between the pair of arms of the swivel bracket and pivotally secured thereto by a pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Gilbert Aguilera
  • Patent number: 6546588
    Abstract: A flexible body cleansing brush with angularly-adaptable head is provided having an elongated, tubular body with a rubber handle positioned at one end, and an applicator/cleansing sponge located at an opposite end. A flexible elastomeric tubular coupler flexibly adjoins a primary arm to an extension arm. The flexible elastomeric coupler allows the extension arm to move pivotally, with unlimited angular relation with respect to the primary arm. The applicator/cleansing sponge is fabricated of a polysulfone/polyurethane conjugate foam which allows the sponge to retain dimensional stability when in contact with a cleansing agent, and is also durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Patent number: 6546584
    Abstract: A paint pad holder has a pad holder plate with a housing for mounting a handle on the plate. The housing has a guide recess for receiving a head of the handle, and for pivotally mounting the handle for movement about an axis generally parallel to the plane of the pad holder plate. The handle can be pivoted a selected number of degrees relative to the plate, and includes a lock sleeve that can be used for locking the handle in selected angular positions relative to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Flock Development & Research Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Edmond C. A. Hobden
  • Publication number: 20030056311
    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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Gerd Broecker, Matthias Georgi, Berthold Meyer, Wolf-Dieter Muller
  • Patent number: 6526619
    Abstract: A gutter cleaning system has a shovel with a working surface and a connecting component. The connecting component is a rigid member. A handle has inboard and outboard components and a locking mechanism to vary the length of the handle. An adjustable holder has an inboard component coupled to the handle, an outboard component coupled to the shovel, and a locking bolt with a wingnut to vary the angle between the shovel and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Donald M. Cassels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6523213
    Abstract: A window cleaning apparatus includes a handle, a paddle and a cleaning element. The paddle is removably attachable to the handle. The cleaning element is one of a plurality of interchangeable bodies, each having one major surface engagable with one major surface of a paddle and side edges having elastic mounted thereon 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. A first pair of receivers are mounted on each paddle and pivotally receive one end of the handle. A second pair of receivers, mounted in conjunction with the first pair of receivers on a paddle or as a separate element on a paddle, receive a second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: K & R Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Post
  • Publication number: 20030009839
    Abstract: A cleaning implement for removing debris from a surface comprises a handle, a mop head, and a joint connecting the handle and mop head; wherein the joint is adjustable and lockable. The joint allows the angle between the mop head and the handle to be adjusted appropriately and then locked into place. Another embodiment of the present cleaning implement comprises a handle and a mop head, wherein the mop heads comprises one or more gliders to facilitate the ability of the cleaning implement to glide smoothly across the surface being cleaned. Methods of removing debris comprise the step of contacting the surface with a cleaning implement of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Alen David Streutker, Gary Ray Drake, Gary Lee Loney, Michael Stephen Maile, Mark Leslie Kacher, Glenn Allen Bradbury, Leonard Lik-Hang Tse, Gregory Spooner, Hoss Vong
  • Publication number: 20030009840
    Abstract: A paint roller apparatus for use with a tubular paint applicator including a shaft, a tube-receiving frame, a handle, and a connector. The shaft defines a first end and a second end. The tube-receiving frame is rotatably attached to the second end of the shaft. The handle includes a leading section that defines a plurality of shaft-receiving passages and a bore. The passages are sized to slidably receive the first end of the shaft. The bore extends in a generally perpendicular fashion relative to an axis of each of the passages, intersecting each of the passages. The connector includes a shank sized for placement within the bore. Upon insertion of the first end of the shaft into one of the passages, the shaft is selectively locked relative to the handle via advancement of the shank within the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Samuel Karsten
  • Publication number: 20030000039
    Abstract: A sponge assembly includes an elongated handle having a first end and an opposing second end. A mesh sponge is secured at the first end of the handle. Disposed between the first end of the handle and the second end of the handle is a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly enables moving of the handle between a folded position and an unfolded position. Formed on a joint of the hinge assembly is a notch. A latch is slidably mounted on the handle. At least a portion of the latch is configured to be slidably received within the notch on the hinge joint when the handle is in the unfolded position so as to lock the handle in the unfolded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Jean Charles Incorporated
    Inventor: Victor Borcherds
  • Publication number: 20030000038
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with an implement for spreading a powdery cleaning material on surfaces that have been contaminated with fluids dropping from vehicular traffic. The powdery material needs to be evenly spread over the contaminated surfaces while at the same time undergoing an abrading action relative to the surface to be cleaned. The implement consists of a rectangular block having a rubber sheet overlying its bottom surface with the sheet being fastened to the longitudinal side surfaces of the block. The rubber sheet on the bottom of the block and facing the surface to be cleaned has a tire-like tread profile thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Paul E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6499172
    Abstract: An adjustable handle assembly is provided for use with a hand-held power tool, such as a polisher, to enhance control while operating on delicate surfaces of varying contours. The handle assembly includes a handle mounted to the housing of the tool in a manner that facilitates quick adjustment of the handle between various predetermined positions relative to the housing without the use of tools, turning of nuts and bolts and prolonged work stoppage. The handle assembly also includes lock members on one of the handle and the housing and lock receiving grooves on the other of the handle and housing which can cooperate with the lock members to fix the handle in one of the predetermined positions relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: WMH Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. McCracken
  • Publication number: 20020189037
    Abstract: A deck gap cleaning tool comprises a pole and a cleaning head. The cleaning head comprises an upper portion that is pivotally connected to the pole, and a blade extending opposite to the pole. The blade is configured to be received between deck flooring gaps for clearing debris therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jack Raymond Lee