With Screw-type Fastener Patents (Class 15/176.3)
  • Patent number: 11957286
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a robot body defining a forward drive direction, a controller supported by the robot body, a drive supporting the robot body and configured to maneuver the robot across a surface in response to commands from the controller, a pad holder disposed on an underside of the robot body and configured to retain a removable cleaning pad during operation of the cleaning robot; and a pad sensor arranged to sense a feature of a cleaning pad held by the pad holder and generate a corresponding signal. The controller is responsive to the signal generated by the pad sensor, and configured to control the robot according to a cleaning mode selected from a set of multiple robot cleaning modes as a function of the signal generated by the pad sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Ping-Hong Lu, Dan Foran, Marcus Williams, Joe Johnson, Andrew Graziani
  • Patent number: 10426249
    Abstract: An oral care implement that includes a handle and a head. A tuft of cleaning elements extends from the front surface of the head along an axis and includes a plurality of cleaning elements. In one embodiment, the cleaning elements may be formed of an elastomeric material. Furthermore, a sleeve may be coupled to the head and extend from the front surface of the head. The sleeve circumferentially surrounds a first portion of the tuft of cleaning elements and a second portion of the tuft of cleaning elements protrudes beyond a distal end of the sleeve. The sleeve may apply a radial compression force onto the first portions of the cleaning elements that are surrounded by the sleeves. The second portions of the cleaning elements may diverge as they extend from the distal end of the sleeve. The oral care implement may include sleeves of varying heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Douglas Joseph Hohlbein, Chi Shing Wong
  • Patent number: 10352005
    Abstract: A screed having a rectangular tube with a pair of cross braces. A rod extends the length of each cross brace and has threaded bores at the end thereof. The cross braces have legs that extend outward to the sides of the tube from the rod. An end plate is mounted on each end of the screen and is attached thereto by screws received in the threaded bores and passing through openings in the end plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Kraft Tool Company
    Inventor: David Mendendorp
  • Patent number: 9915024
    Abstract: The present application relates to a hand-held steamer head for a fabric steamer. The hand-held steamer head has a body (2) with one or more steam vents (9) and a friction surface (23) for locating against a fabric to be steamed. The friction surface (23) is configured to act on the fabric to resist movement of the fabric relative to the body (2) as the body (2) is drawn over the fabric. The present invention also relates to a fabric steamer having a hand-held steamer head and a hand-held steamer head kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Hee Keng Chua, Luck Wee Png, Mahesh Gurumalliah Areuyr, Siew Hon Loke, Sahil Wadhwa
  • Patent number: 8607400
    Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Butler Home Products, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Michelson, Robert Cavalcanti, Michael Silverman
  • Publication number: 20130174365
    Abstract: A device for improving the effectiveness and throughput of the cleaning of drinking vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth Amicon
  • Patent number: 8296895
    Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Butler Home Products, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Michelson, Robert Cavalcanti, Michael Silverman
  • Mop
    Patent number: 8087121
    Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a mop includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the mop. In one embodiment of the invention the mop is a squeeze mop which includes a mounting plate and the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the mounting plate. In using the cleaning pad the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Butler Home Products, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Michelson, Robert Cavalcanti, Michael Silverman
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6895628
    Abstract: Multiple implement makeup applicators provide access to multiple makeup application implements releasably secured within a case. A plurality of locking mechanisms releasably secure a plurality of implements within tubes enclosed by a case. The case has a lid that closes it when it is not in use. The locking mechanisms consist of a locking pin with a locking pin tab on one end with its opposing end slidably inserted through a guide slot and a tube slot into a locking pin receiving channel. A spring encircling the opposing end of the locking pin pushes it into the sidewall of the tube to engage the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Melissa A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6854151
    Abstract: A brush includes a handgrip defining a retaining recess, a cap disposed frontwardly of the handgrip and defining an insertion recess, and a felt-mounting member extending between the cap and the handgrip, and having a rear end section received in the retaining recess of the handgrip. A felt sheet is disposed on the felt-mounting member, and has a front end snugly inserted into the insertion recess of the cap, and a rear end section received in the retaining recess in the handgrip. A clamp unit includes upper and lower clamping members that releasably clamp the rear end sections of the felt sheet and the felt-mounting member therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Huo-Pia Wang
  • Publication number: 20040000018
    Abstract: A brace for reinforcing the connection between a handle and head of a push broom. The brace comprising a flat elongated base member attached in a T-shaped configuration with an elongated tubular member. The base member being shaped to conform to the shape of the top side of the conventional push broom. A bore extending through the length of the tubular member and the base member for receiving a handle of a push broom therethrough. A plurality of apertures being formed through the base member and the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher Choi
  • Patent number: 6634822
    Abstract: A cleaning brush comprises a brush embodiment, a telescopic tube, a valve assembly, a rotary connector, and a retaining sleeve wherein the brush embodiment having a threaded coupling hole disposed at the center thereof to be engaged with a threaded sleeve of the telescopic tube is provided with a through groove for a scraper strip to be adapted thereto. The valve assembly made up of a valve body, a valve sleeve and a switch sleeve is sleeve joined to an outer tube of the telescopic tube. A pivot rod of the retaining sleeve is led through a pivot hole of the rotary connector and fixedly located at a water inlet hole of the valve body thereof via ultrasonic wave or fastening agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Yuan Mei Corp.
    Inventor: King Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 6609847
    Abstract: A water inlet control mechanism for cleaning brushes has a brush embodiment, a telescopic tube, a valve assembly, and a rotary connector wherein the brush embodiment having a through groove for a scraper strip to be adapted thereto is attached to one end of the telescopic tube. The valve assembly sleeve joined to an outer tube of the telescopic tube is mainly made up of a valve body, a valve sleeve and a switch sleeve. The valve sleeve adapted to a transverse retaining hole of the valve body has a sealing ring abutting against a projecting flange of the valve body to seal up the discharge of water, and two arc ends located onto an eccentric arc facet of the switch sleeve via a guide slope for regulating the water discharge. The switch sleeve is rotated to one side to dislocate the sealing ring thereof from the projecting flange thereof via the eccentric arc facet pushing both arc ends thereof to reveal a gap there-between for the discharge of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Yuan Mei Corp.
    Inventor: King-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 6553601
    Abstract: A pipe end cleaner device formed in a set of sizes to be mounted in the chuck of an electric drill for cleaning the ends of pipes in preparation for connections by threading or soldering. The cleaner device has a plurality of internal grooves configured and dimensioned to secure a conventional bristle brush having external grooves on its ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Michael R. Major
  • Publication number: 20020124341
    Abstract: A push broom bracket device for connecting a rectangular-shaped broom brush head of a given length to a rod-shaped handle. The device includes a sheet-like member in the form of an isosceles triangle having a base edge and two side edges of equal length extending to an apex, the base edge having a length which is greater than one-half of the given length but less than the given length of the brush head, the two side edges forming an angle of substantially 45° at the apex, and the sheet-like member being bent along a line extending substantially parallel to the base edge to form two substantially planar sections which intersect at an angle of substantially 35°, the section adjacent the base edge being adapted for attachment to a top portion of the brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Wieslaw Cesak, Vincent Amabile, Cosmo Amabile, Salvatore Amabile, Daniel P. Dundara
  • Patent number: 6425705
    Abstract: A ratchet-like coupling mechanism (20) for releaseably coupling a cleaning head (22) to a handle (24). The mechanism (20) comprises a handle adaptor (28); a sleeve (30); an engagement arm (32); and an engagement wheel (34). Where a liquid delivering handle (24) is used, the handle adaptor (28) operates to adapt the mechanism (20) to avoid interfering with the liquid flowpath. The handle adaptor (28) may be eliminated where a solid handle is used. The sleeve (30) secures to the handle adaptor (28) or directly to the handle, and supports the engagement arm (32). The engagement wheel (34) is secured to the head (22). The arm (32) and wheel (34) present oppositely biased teeth (56,57) allowing the adaptor (28) or handle to be threadably coupled with the head (22), but which must be disengaged, by actuating the arm (32), to uncouple the head (22) from the handle (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Ingram
  • Patent number: 6370723
    Abstract: A multifunctional bathing tool includes a handle and at least one cleaning brush unit. The handle has one end provided with at least one engaging portion for removably securing a securing seat of the cleaning brush unit on the engaging portion. The handle further has a plurality of massaging bosses provided on the side opposite to the cleaning brush unit. The user can hold the handle to clean the body with the cleaning brush, and use the massaging bosses to massage the body. The cleaning brush unit is detachable from the handle so that the user can directly hold the securing seat to clean the body with the cleaning brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Che-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 6349444
    Abstract: A connector for multi-directionally mounting and securing a manual cleaning implement, such as a broom head, to a shaft, includes a main body portion having a collar for receiving the shaft. The main body portion has an upper mounting flange for mounting to an upper surface of the cleaning implement. The upper mounting flange has an opening therein for receiving a fastener, such as a bolt. The connector includes at least one lower mounting flange having a depending portion for extending around a side surface of the cleaning implement and a hook portion for mounting to a lower surface of the cleaning implement. The fastener is inserted into the opening in the upper mounting flange for multi-directionally securing the connector to the cleaning implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Harper Brush Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Sander
  • Patent number: 6230357
    Abstract: A paintbrush comprises a handle portion including a stem portion and a head portion, with the head portion having a receiving means thereon. The paintbrush also has a paint application cartridge having a paint application portion, and a holding means for holding the paint application portion. A connecting means for connecting the paint application cartridge releasably to the receiving means of the handle portion is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Art Davis