Sheet Holders Patents (Class 15/231)
  • Publication number: 20140130827
    Abstract: A resilient cleaning pad with a support body a portion of which is mechanically secured in a slit-like cavity of the cleaning pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Perry S. Dotterman, John J. Dyer, Arthur V. Lang, Robert J. Maki, Milind B. Sabade, DanLi Wang
  • Patent number: 8701238
    Abstract: A hand operated sweeping mop applicator with a unique disposable cloth retaining assembly where the cloth is retained by cloth retaining members attached to the bottom of a top plate which extend perpendicularly away from a bottom of the top plate and extend through aligned openings in a bottom plate to retain a cleaning cloth against a bottom surface of the bottom plate. Separation force members such as force springs are sandwiched between the bottom of the top plate and the top of the bottom plate and retained in a compressed state buy a force from a shotgun closing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Worldwide Integrated Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred I. Morad, William P. Camp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8702015
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Jamie W. Lerbs, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Eric R. Balz
  • Publication number: 20140096335
    Abstract: A buttock wiping apparatus includes a wiping arm to which paper is attachable, a wiping arm driving unit for driving the wiping arm, and a raising part provided between a toilet seat and a toilet bowl. The wiping arm driving unit inserts the wiping arm through a passage part provided to the raising part, and performs a wipe operation. Moreover, a passage part may be formed using a raised toilet seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: OKADA MANUF. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shoji Okada
  • Patent number: 8689388
    Abstract: A hand operated butterfly sponge mop or regular sponge mop with a unique disposable sponge assembly where the sponge is retained by ratchet teeth respectively engaging a notch on a pair of notched collars molded onto the sponge. The sponge is retained in a closed position against the lower surface of the main body by ratchet teeth engaged in notches of a respective notched collar to overcome a force of downward force compression springs. When the respective button attached to a respective tooth is pressed down to overcome a biasing spring force which caused the teeth to be engaged with the notches, the downward spring force of the force compression springs cause the sponge to move away from the main body so that the dirty sponge falls away into a trash receptacle without requiring a user to handle the dirty sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Worldwide Integrated Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred I. Morad, William P. Camp, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140082872
    Abstract: A cleaning element includes a fiber assembly having a plurality of fibers extending in a predetermined direction and a nonwoven fabric provided on the fiber assembly. A first fusion bonded part extends in a cross direction traversing the predetermined direction to fusion-bond the fiber assembly and the nonwoven fabric, and a plurality of second fusion bonded parts is provided discontinuously in the cross direction to fusion-bond the fiber assembly and the nonwoven fabric. Each of the second fusion bonded parts has a first area and a second area. A length in the predetermined direction from the first fusion bonded part to the first area is different from a length in the predetermined direction from the first fusion bonded part to the second area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akemi TSUCHIYA, Yoshinori TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20140060576
    Abstract: A perianal cleansing apparatus including an elongate handle having a first end and a second end, a wipe receiving clamp positioned about said first end, and a sliding lever for controlling a clamp of the wipe receiving clamp positioned about said second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: William Richard Nelson, Catherine Angela Sarris
  • Patent number: 8662781
    Abstract: The invention provides cleaning implements that include head components comprising cleaning surface components and cleaning material support components. The cleaning material support components typically include cleaning material receiving areas that communicate with the cleaning surface components. Cleaning material receiving areas are generally configured to receive cleaning materials that are movable to and/or from the cleaning material receiving areas to extend over at least portions of the cleaning surface components. The invention also provides cleaning material components that include cleaning material support structures and cleaning materials. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher C. Sappenfield
  • Publication number: 20140053359
    Abstract: A device for cleaning surfaces is disclosed, comprising; a housing having a handle on one end and a cleaning head on the other end the cleaning head having an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge and a magnetic means. The magnetic means is removably attached to the cleaning head and provides a magnetic field to its lower surface. There is at least one attachment means provided on the upper surface or the perimeter for securing a cleaning sheet over the lower surface of the cleaning head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: D-SQUARED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Daniel A. ROTHWEIL, David A. ROTHWEIL
  • Patent number: 8650698
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning appliance (1) including a wiper plate (2) having a central region (3) from which a plurality of arms (4) extend on both sides. The wiper plate (2) includes a cleaning side (5) to which a cleaning cloth (6) can be fixed. The cleaning cloth is placed on the floor to be cleaned, with a flat surface in the section associated with the central region (3), and essentially linearly in the sections associated with the arms (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Uwe Dingert, Hans Jörg Clemen
  • Patent number: 8640296
    Abstract: A cleaning tool is provided and includes a cleaning head moveable between a plurality of configurations. The cleaning head may include a main panel, a handle coupled to the main panel via a universal joint, a first side panel pivotally coupled to a first edge of the main panel, and a second side panel pivotally coupled to a second edge of the main panel opposite the first edge. The cleaning tool may also include two biasing members for biasing the first and second panels toward a flat position and at least one ramp member engageable with a surface to pivot at least one of the first and second side panels upward out of its flat position toward an upward pivoted position. The cleaning tool may further include an actuator for pivoting one or more of the side panels between flat and upward pivoted positions, and a selectively deployable scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Jace A. Weaver, Ryan Sheckels, Sean E. Monahan, Michael A. Schiavo
  • Publication number: 20140026344
    Abstract: A retainer for removably attaching a sheet to a cleaning device. The retainer has at least one cantilevered finger extending inwardly from the periphery of a cavity towards the inside of that cavity. Behind the retainer is a flexible barrier, at least partially covering the back of the cavity. The barrier prevents the user's finger from going too far into the cavity and becoming pinched, and allows the thickness of the device to which the sheet is attached to be reduced compared to a device having a conventional sheet retainer. The barrier may provide visual and/or tactile barrier cues to a user, qualitatively signaling the user which direction is proper for insertion of the sheet into the retainer and quantitatively signally the user how far the sheet should be inserted into the retainer. Strands and/or a membrane panel which are elastic or inelastic may be used for the barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Glenn Allen BRADBURY
  • Publication number: 20140013531
    Abstract: The disclosed floor cleaning tool has a working surface with an elevated portion, sloping side surface and ribs that provide structure to an overlying cleaning sheet to improve the surface area utilized for cleaning. The ribs can also provide some stability during use of the tool. In one embodiment, the floor cleaning tool comprises a working surface of a first material having an elevated portion and a recessed point adjacent a perimeter forming a height, a sloping surface extending from the elevated point to the recessed point, and a plurality of ribs of a second material, which is more deformable than the first material, wherein the ribs are raised on the sloping surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: SCOTT J. TUMAN, MICHAEL C. MOLINET
  • Publication number: 20140007367
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a base having a first side and a second side. A first deployment element pivotally connects to the first side of the base and is pivotable from a stowed position to a deployed position. A second deployment element pivotally connects to the second side of the base and is pivotable from the stowed position to the deployed position. In the stowed position the base, the first deployment element, and the second deployment element define a substantially rectangular perimeter. In the deployed position, the base, the first deployment element, and the second deployment element define a substantially trapezoidal perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas A. Soller, Steven A. Zach, Jose M. Arevalo, Matthew J. Forst, Jeffrey L. Crull, Katlyn Ross, Evan A. Sparks, Aaron Marion
  • Patent number: 8595966
    Abstract: A sign assembly includes a substantially rigid framework such as a rectangular or other shaped frame, and a flexible display sheet, typically of cloth or fabric material. The display sheet wraps around an outer portion of the framework and enters a channel, where it is retained at a flexible retainer element disposed in the channel. Optionally, the flexible retainer element may be a strip of resilient sheet material defining one or more slit or slot patterns and/or openings that are configured to releasably engage portions of the display sheet. A cover element may be used to cover the channel and to present a finished appearance along the outside portion of the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: SignComp, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas C. Breihof
  • Patent number: 8578549
    Abstract: Cleaning sheets are provided, which attach to known wet and/or dry cleaning devices such as a mopping device. The cleaning sheets are reusable and have material and/or a geometric configuration that provides efficient cleaning performance, while maintaining a predetermined cleaning force during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Under Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Paul H. Adams, Jeffrey Mulreed, Anthony T. Sgroi, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130284206
    Abstract: A hand-held apparatus employing a non-liquid cleaning composition for cleaning touch screen is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hand-held cleaning instrument and a cap. The hand-held cleaning instrument comprises a handle and a replaceable cleaning pad. The cleaning pad comprises an engagement mechanism for removably coupling the cleaning pad to the handle. When not in use, the cleaning pad may be folded and received in the cap in a stowed configuration. When in use, the cap is removed and the cleaning pad is deployed in an extended position. The cleaning composition on the cleaning pad comprises a combination of carbon black and a hemihydrate of calcium sulfate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: PARKSIDE OPTICAL INC.
    Inventor: Peter Meurrens
  • Patent number: 8561251
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mop (1) comprising a mop-head plate (2) and an interchangeable mop cover (3) with a mopping surface (4) that is attached to the mop-head plate (2). According to the invention, the mop cover (3) is equipped on two opposing sides with a respective fixing device (5), which engages in a respective retainer (6) of the mop-head plate (2). At least one retainer (6) is formed by a recess (7) and the corresponding fixing device (5) is held by a positive fit in the recess (7) so that it can be detached without sustaining any damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Frendenberg KG
    Inventors: Falk Lindner, Andreas Eisenhut, Michael Masih, Torsten Gratzki
  • Patent number: 8549690
    Abstract: A floor cleaning tool is disclosed that provides for an improved method of gathering and picking up debris from the floor. In one embodiment, the floor cleaning tool has a handle, a wiping body wiping body comprised of a solid and continuous material connected at one end to the handle and a capture sheet covering the wiping body. The wiping body includes a first wiping side and a second wiping side, opposite the first wiping side wherein a length and width of the wiping body are each at least five times larger than a thickness between the first wiping side and second wiping side. The capture sheet covers the wiping body by wrapping continuously around the first wiping side and second wiping side. In one embodiment, the capture sheet includes a tacky surface outwardly facing from the wiping body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lloyd S. Vasilakes, Gretchen A. Hauble, Scott J. Tuman
  • Patent number: 8549694
    Abstract: A mop system incorporating a replaceable foam-based mop head. The mop head is adapted to wrap at least partially around a curved support mandrel and to be held in place by releasable engagement between the mandrel and connection elements disposed in localized relation along edge portions of the mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Contec, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Nobile, Jackson S. Burnett, III
  • Publication number: 20130247322
    Abstract: A cleaning sheet that is attachable to a cleaning sheet-attaching component and is characterized in having a central part configuring a cleaning surface and at least one end provided on at least one side of the central part in a prescribed direction. The at least one end has a first part with a first elongation percentage and a second part with a higher elongation percentage than the first part. The second part is provided between the first part and the central part in the prescribed direction, and the sheet is configured so as to be detachably held on the cleaning sheet-attaching component at the boundary between the first part and the second part. Also configured is a cleaning implement provided with said cleaning sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Satoshi Hasegawa, Tomokazu Suda
  • Publication number: 20130232706
    Abstract: A cleaning article optionally removably attachable to a handle and comprising tow fibers and at least one sheet joined together in a layered construction. The cleaning article is generally planar. An elastically contracted panel is joined to the plane of the fibers or the sheet. The elastic causes the panel to contact and extend outwardly from the plane of the cleaning article. By extending outwardly from the plane of the cleaning article, the panel can directly entangle the fibers or disrupt the sheet, to promote fluffing of the tow fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Nicola John Policicchio
  • Publication number: 20130227807
    Abstract: Hand-held cleaning apparatus suitable for smooth and continuous surfaces comprises a base fitted with a handle that can be joined to a cloth. The base is composed of at least a first and a second half-frame hinged together that can together form one configuration that is flat, wherein the half-frames are held aligned by a retaining device. A second angled configuration can release or engage a cloth that has pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: FILMOP S.R.L.
    Inventor: Zorzo Bruno
  • Patent number: 8438690
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an elongate cleaning element holder which contributes to a smoother cleaning operation, for a cleaning tool in which a cleaning element for cleaning an object to be cleaned is attached to the cleaning element holder. The representative cleaning element holder 120 includes a holding element 132 to be inserted into an insert region of the cleaning element. The holding element 132 has an inclined part 136 wherein a height of the inclined part 136 in a direction transverse to an extending direction of the holding element 132 gradually increases toward the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tanaka, Masumi Fukuzawa, Masaho Hayashi, Jun Uragami
  • Patent number: 8429784
    Abstract: A fiber optic component cleaning device includes a folder having a base, a cover and a separator. The cover and the separator are opposite one another relative to the base. The folder has a width. The base and cover have a fold therebetween such that the cover folds onto the base and the base and separator have a fold therebetween such that the separator folds onto the base. The base and cover have about an equal length and the separator has a length less than the length of the base and cover. A plurality of cleaner sheets are disposed in the folder. The cleaner sheets have a width that is about equal to or less than the width of the folder and have a length that is about equal to or less than the length of the base and cover. A top-most fresh cleaner sheet is separated from the plurality of cleaner sheets and is positioned on the separator sheet for cleaning the connector. When soiled, the soiled cleaner sheet is removed and discarded. A method for cleaning a fiber optic connector is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Forrest, Jr., Paul M. Blair
  • Patent number: 8407847
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wet and dry disposable cloth sweeper that has a cleaning head with a cleaning body and a ridged substrate, push fit zippers for securing a cleaning pad, an annular universal joint with a handle connector for pivotally securing the cleaning head to a handle, and a handle connected to the cleaning head. The wet and dry disposable cloth sweeper may be a cleaning kit having a cleaning head, a handle, and optionally cleaning pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Casabella Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Quan Li
  • Patent number: 8407848
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprises a handle; a head portion pivotally attached to the handle comprising an upper surface and a lower surface connected to the upper surface by side edges; and a cleaning pad removably attached to the head portion, the cleaning pad comprising an absorbent layer which extends over the lower surface of the head portion and a scrubbing strip which extends along a side edge of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David John Pung, Hugh Joseph O'Donnell, Edward Phillip Allie, Vincent Sean Breidenbach, Jeffrey Len Osborne, Nicola John Policicchio
  • Publication number: 20130037049
    Abstract: The technical decision is applied for cleaning exteriority of external male genital organs. The hygienic article consists of the handle made to the shape of a dowel with the possibility of grasping by thumb and index finger of human hand and the sheaf of sliced cleaning material. The handle is made from press paper; sanitary-hygienic paper is used as the sliced cleaning material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Vyacheslav Leonidovich Kulichkov
  • Publication number: 20130031738
    Abstract: A cleaning tool that includes a cleaning element. The cleaning element includes two insert holes which receive two holding elements and extend in a first direction, a first sheet and a second sheet which are formed of nonwoven fabric, a first inner bonding part and a first outer bonding part by which the first and second sheets overlaid one on the other are bonded together and which define the first insert hole, a second inner bonding part and a second outer bonding part by which the first and second sheets overlaid one on the other are bonded together and which define the second insert hole, an intermediate region which is formed between the first inner bonding part and the second inner bonding part, and a fiber element formed by a plurality of fibers which extend in a second direction transverse to the first direction and are bonded to the first sheet in the intermediate region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Masumi Fukuzawa, Tomokazu Suda
  • Patent number: 8359698
    Abstract: An improved mop system and method is provided including a T-shaped handle and a mop head. The handle comprises an elongated cylindrical shaft with a crossbar perpendicularly attached at the base of the shaft. The mop head comprises a sheet of flexible, absorbent first material and a sheet of flexible, reinforcing second material attached to a central area of the absorbent first material, with the joined absorbent first material and reinforcing second material configured with a generally circular central hole. The central hole is sized and shaped to accommodate the handle shaft, allowing the mop head to be fitted over the shaft and drawn down the shaft to be suspended over the crossbar. Preferably the mop head also comprises a third material attached near one or both outer edges of the absorbent first material. Thus the improved mop system provides an easily removable, launderable, and re-installable mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Norma More
  • Patent number: 8356379
    Abstract: A foldable wiper plate includes a first plate wing pivotable about a first axis, and a second plate wing pivotable about a second axis differing from the first axis. The first plate wing includes a first lock-in device that releasably interlocks the first plate wing with the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Leifheit AG
    Inventor: Klaus-Juergen Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130000064
    Abstract: A lower face of a base body (15) includes a wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) of which cross-section in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined direction along which cleaning is performed with a cleaning device body (11) in a planar view is wave-shaped as having a ridge portion (17) and a valley portion (18) arranged alternately and continuously. The valley portion (18) of the wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) includes an oblique valley portion (18a) of which end part is opened to a side portion of the base body (15) facing to the predetermined direction as being extended obliquely against the predetermined direction to obliquely guide objects such as dust to be stuck to a cleaning sheet (13) in accordance with wiping of the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Katou, Susumu Fujinami, Kimie Sannomiya, Yukio Noda, Tomohisa Hirata, Yutaka Hamano, Takuaki Harada
  • Publication number: 20130000069
    Abstract: Cleaning sheets are provided, which attach to known wet and/or dry cleaning devices such as a mopping device. The cleaning sheets are reusable and have material and/or a geometric configuration that provides efficient cleaning performance, while maintaining a predetermined cleaning force during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNGER MARKETING INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Paul H. Adams, Jeffrey Mulreed, Anthony T. Sgroi, JR.
  • Patent number: 8341796
    Abstract: A device for wiping a section of the human body surrounding the anus having a contoured body that is shaped to mimic the contours of the anatomy between the anus and groin within the natural depression. A ridge is formed on the contoured body. The ridge starts proximate a forward edge and progresses toward a rear edge. The ridge follows an ascending slope to an apex. Additionally, sloped side surfaces ascend from the side edges toward the ridge. A handle extends laterally from the contoured body. The handle enables the contoured body to be pulled laterally across the body. The contoured body is covered with a disposable wipe. As the wipe moves across the body, it wipes clean the contacted area. The wipe is then removed and thrown away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Kyung Tai Rhee, Bongshin Rhee, Audrey C. Rhee, Michele K. Rhee
  • Publication number: 20120311805
    Abstract: A cleaning sheet and a cleaning tool which have improved usability. The cleaning sheet is attachable to a cleaning-sheet mounting member. The cleaning sheet has a center section made up of a cleaning surface and at least one end section disposed at one or more sides with respect to the center section in a predetermined direction. The end section has a first portion having a first elongation percentage and a second portion having a second elongation percentage which is higher than that of the first portion. The second portion is disposed in said direction between the first portion and the center section and is constructed so as to be supported by the cleaning-sheet mounting member at the boundary between the first and second portions. The cleaning tool is provided with the cleaning sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Satoshi Hasegawa, Tomokazu Suda
  • Patent number: 8316499
    Abstract: Cleaning devices which use cleaning sheets affixed in traps are disclosed. The traps comprise first and second jaws, each comprising base and forward portions, each forward position having a forward surface. The forward portion of the second jaw is flexible in at least a first direction, such as towards a surface over which the device is configured to move. When the second jaw is relaxed, the forward portion of the second jaw is substantially coplanar with the forward portion of the first jaw and the forward surfaces are proximate or touching. When the second jaw is flexed in the first direction (e.g., by the application of a force from a user), the forward surface of the forward portion of the second jaw moves in the first direction, away from the forward surface of the first jaw. This opens a gap through which a portion of a sheet may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Evolution Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dooley, Nikolai Romanov
  • Patent number: 8281451
    Abstract: Cleaning sheets are provided, which attach to known wet and/or dry cleaning devices such as a mopping device. The cleaning sheets are reusable and have material and/or a geometric configuration that provides efficient cleaning performance, while maintaining a predetermined cleaning force during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Paul H. Adams, Jeffrey Mulreed, Anthony T. Sgroi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8250700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprises a handle; a head portion pivotally attached to the handle comprising an upper surface and a lower surface connected to the upper surface by side edges; and a cleaning pad removably attached to the head portion, the cleaning pad comprising an absorbent layer which extends over the lower surface of the head portion and a scrubbing strip which extends along a side edge of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David John Pung, Hugh Joseph O'Donnell, Edward Phillip Allie, Vincent Sean Breidenbach, Jeffrey Len Osborne, Nicola John Policicchio
  • Patent number: 8220103
    Abstract: A pad for use with a rigid base plate is in a rectangular configuration. The pad has long front and back edges and short left and right side edges. The pad has upper and lower surfaces. The pad has an exterior lower sheet of pile-type microfiber material. The pad has an exterior upper sheet. In this manner a pocket is formed between the lower and upper sheets. The pad further has shammy material in the pocket. Mechanisms removably couple the upper surface of the pad to the lower surface of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: TL IP Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Tanya M. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8186898
    Abstract: A plural nozzle cleaning implement. The nozzles are oriented inwardly, to provide a converging spray pattern. The converging spray pattern provides more coverage of the target surface, which increases residence time of fluid sprayed onto debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Glenn Allen Bradbury, Keith David Fanta
  • Publication number: 20120117744
    Abstract: A cleaning element holder of a cleaning tool includes a handle to be held by user's hand, and a pair of holding parts which extend from the handle in a longitudinal direction of the cleaning element holder. Each of the holding parts has deflection displacement characteristics around a connection between the handle and the holding part, at least in a first direction transverse to an extending direction of the holding parts and a second direction transverse to the first direction. When a load of 2.5 N is applied in the first direction to an end, the holding part deflects 15 to 80 degrees in the first direction, and when a load of 2.5 N is applied in the second direction to the end, the holding part deflects 25 to 55 degrees in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tanaka, Masumi Fukuzawa
  • Publication number: 20120117743
    Abstract: A structure for automatically rotating a spiral rod is provided. The structure allows a dusting cloth to be turned into a spiral shape along the spiral rod by rotating a rotating element, and, while the rotating element is being rotated, a torsion spring generates a restoring torque. Once the rotating element is no longer rotated, a pulling element pressing against the teeth inside the rotating element retains the rotating element and thus keeps the dusting cloth in the spiral shape. When the pulling element is subsequently pulled away from the teeth of the rotating element, the rotating element automatically rotates in the reverse direction due to the restoring torque of the torsion spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Ya-Ching Yang, Yi-Jun Pan
  • Mop
    Patent number: 8161593
    Abstract: A mop comprising a roller and mop pad system and a roll of absorbent mopping material operably coupled to the roller and mop pad system. The mop enables the user to replace the soiled mopping material with clean mopping material by using the roller system to roll the soiled mopping material away from the mop pad and thus replace the soiled mopping material with clean mopping material from a supply roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Noble Ideas II, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Noble
  • Publication number: 20120073075
    Abstract: A cleaning tool has a cleaning element which includes a pair of right and left elongate split cleaning parts, each having an insert hole for receiving a holding element. A space is provided between the split cleaning parts for receiving an object to be cleaned. A third bonded part defines an outer side of the insert hole. The third bonded part includes a bonding line which extends straight in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element in a front end region of the cleaning element, a bonding line which is formed rearward of the bonding line in the cleaning element and extends straight in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element, and a bonding line which is formed rearward of the bonding line in the cleaning element and extends straight in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tanaka, Masumi Fukuzawa
  • Publication number: 20120042462
    Abstract: In the exemplary embodiment, a steaming appliance in combination with an absorber is disclosed. The steaming appliance has an underside having a nozzle for dispensing steam. The absorber is disposed under the underside and includes a pad having an opening there-through. The absorber is attachable to the underside. The opening is shaped and disposed to avoid the nozzle, such that steam is dispensed without impacting and being absorbed the pad as it exits the nozzle. The pad comprises hydrophilic fibers and hydrogel-forming particles. The absorber also includes an envelope made of a porous fabric for enclosing the pad. The envelope also has a zippered opening through which the pad may be inserted into or removed from the envelope's hollow interior chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Pierantonio Milanese, Andrea Milanese
  • Publication number: 20120030893
    Abstract: A textile sheet element having selectively applied arrays of surface projection elements defining raised zones across an active surface for cleaning and/or personal care, The textile sheet element is adapted for use by itself and/or for attachment to a user manipulated support with or without a handle such as a mop head or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Wildeman, Michelis Hardegree, William D. Bell, Robert A. Johnson, David K. Osteen, Wade Wallace
  • Publication number: 20120023696
    Abstract: A flip mop apparatus has a handle; a mop head mounted on the handle; a sheet flipper mounted on the mop head; and a cleaning sheet mounted to the sheet flipper. The sheet flipper has an outside arm and an inside arm that are movable and configured to transpose between a first mode and a second mode for flipping the cleaning sheet that has a first edge mounted to the outside arm and a second edge mounted to the inside arm. The sheet flipper may have an inside gear in gear connection with an outside gear. The inside gear may have gear connection with the outside gear through an intermediate gear. The inside gear may have inside gear outside teeth meshing with intermediate gear teeth on the intermediate gear. Intermediate gear teeth also mesh with outside gear inside teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Joey Huang
  • Patent number: 8099822
    Abstract: A grill oiler for applying oil to a grill comprising a handle attached to an applicator body. An applicator sleeve envelopes an applicator surface. The applicator surface is releasably attached to the applicator body such that the applicator sleeve may be easily replaced when worn or excessively soiled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Douglas Dale, Theodore McBain
  • Publication number: 20110296633
    Abstract: A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of fabric joined at their peripheral edge with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of an outer terry layer and inner material with an upper jersey layer, padding and a lower mesh layer with a 45 degree quilting pattern to improve performance. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Brian F. Kaminer, Charles A. Boulos, James N. Lewiecki, Kathleen V. Jones, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Publication number: 20110258800
    Abstract: A device by which a person who is handicapped by physical limitations in performing ordinary cleaning of the anal region after toilet excretion has elongated members which have grips or handles at one end and finger-like tips at the other end and are pivotally attached to one another intermediate the ends so that the user can grasp the handle end and hold toilet tissue between the finger-like pads and move the device horizontally while partly slightly raised above the toilet seat to place the tissue in the anal region and move the device to produce a wiping action and when completed , turn the device to release the used tissue into the toilet bowl. The device can be used in similar fashion to apply medication to the anal-genital region. An embodiment of the invention provides an adjustability feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. McCoy