Having Pivoted Handle Patents (Class 15/244.2)
  • Patent number: 11607031
    Abstract: A reconfigurable modular brush has a brush head including brush-head upper and lower surfaces extending longitudinally along a brush-head axis between brush-head first and second ends. Laterally opposed brush-head first and second sides extend between the brush-head upper and lower surfaces and longitudinally between the brush-head first and second ends. A bristle array is defined by a plurality of bristles protruding from the brush-head lower surface. A brush handle includes a grip portion and a brush-head mount, the brush handle having a lengthwise extent disposed generally along a handle axis between handle proximate and distal ends. The brush head and brush-head mount are cooperatively configured such that the handle can selectively capture and retain the brush head. Moreover, the longitudinal orientation in which the brush head is captured and retained by the brush handle is selectively reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: CREATIVE HAT, INC.
    Inventors: Mario E. Magnani, Richard L. Miller, Ryan J. Waters, Brian H. Yoo
  • Patent number: 11317705
    Abstract: The double action cleaning tool of the present invention includes a dynamic double action dual brush head and a handle. The dynamic double action dual brush head includes two brush heads rotatably attached to a brush head base, allowing the brush heads to independently rotate about the axis in which it is rotatably attached to the brush head base. A mechanical device capable of storing and releasing energy is connected between the two brush heads, which is rigidly attached to the brush head base. The double action cleaning tool stores energy in the form of potential energy in the mechanical energy storage device of the dynamic double action dual brush head during the sweeping stroke of the double action push broom. At the end of the sweeping stroke, the stored potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and rotates the dual brush, thereby providing an additional sweeping motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Salvador Alvarez
  • Patent number: 10987463
    Abstract: A handpiece for cleansing wounds with a fluid jet includes a main body, which has a front end with an emergence opening for the emergence of the fluid jet, wherein a porous body is present on the front end, which porous body surrounds the emergence opening and protrudes beyond the latter in the direction of the fluid jet outlet and forms a space through which the fluid jet can pass unimpeded. The handpiece according to the invention combines the advantages of cleansing by a fluid jet with the advantages of mechanical cleansing and, at the same time, provides effective protection against aerosols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: MEDAXIS AG
    Inventors: Martin Schug, Claudio Steiner, Beat Widmer
  • Patent number: 9266139
    Abstract: A paint/stain stick pad, for use with a paint/stain reservoir handle and dispensing plunger for coating deck boards with opposing side edges having joints therebetween, has a platform having a top and a bottom. The top has a pivotal connection to the handle and a paint/stain inlet in flow communication with the paint/stain in the reservoir handle. The bottom has a paint/stain dispensing and spreading surface in flow communication with the paint/stain inlet for evenly dispensing the paint/stain along the dispensing surface onto the boards. A central cut out is provided in the platform into which a stain/paint applicator is mounted in a floating arrangement within the cut out and biased downwardly as to dispense paint/stain onto the opposing board edges in the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Diversified Dynamics Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Bruggeman, Dion McDevitt, Stephen Kohs
  • Patent number: 8850651
    Abstract: A mop head and handle combination includes a block of substantially rigid foam material with a cylindrically shaped cavity in the interior that extends the length thereof. An elongated slot in said top wall extends downwardly and communicates with the cavity. The width of the slot is less than the diameter of the cavity. The handle includes a vertical pole with a horizontal bar connected to the bottom end forming a T configuration. The handle can be connected to the mop head by aligning the bar with the slot and pushing down on the pole to force the bar through the slot and into the cavity. The portions of the block around the slot flex out of the way to allow the bar to pass therethrough and then flex back to their normal position to maintain the bar in place within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Edward W. Carman
  • Patent number: 8719990
    Abstract: A floor cleaning implement, especially useful as grout mop, that has a rectangular base member having first and second longitudinal edges and a coupling member having at least two pivot axes for supporting swiveling movement between the base member and a handle. A brush bristle mounting structure forms part of the base member and carries at least one, but preferably two, longitudinal rows of bristle tufts located along one longitudinal edge. A cleaning pad is removably secured to the base member adjacent the longitudinal rows of bristle tufts. Supplementary rows of bristle tufts having a longitudinal extent substantially less than the longitudinal extent of the first row of bristle tufts are centrally positioned. The cleaning pad includes an arcuate recess to provide clearance for the supplementary rows of bristle tufts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Richard Borofsky
  • Publication number: 20140053352
    Abstract: A device for cleaning carboys, kegs, and similar containers is disclosed. The device includes a pair of cleaning pads pivotally attached to a rod. Each pad has a fabric exterior, a stiffening insert, and the absorbent sponge. The insert and sponge are placed on one side of the fabric exterior. The opposite side of the fabric exterior is folded over the stiffening insert and the sponge and then sewn together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Ryan F. Karasek
  • Patent number: 8650699
    Abstract: A scrubber for rain gutters with a scrubbing pad having a profile complementary to the profile of the outside side face of the gutter. The scrubbing pad is formed of a open cell natural or synthetic sponge and is attached to a substantially flat backing plate and makes substantially 100% surface contact with the outside side face of the rain gutter. The scrubbing pad overlaps a flange at the top of the outside side face of the gutter and overlaps a bottom of the rain gutter at the bottom of the outside side face. The scrubber is guided by the scrubbing pad along the rain gutter in a straight line by the overlapping portions of the scrubbing pad as the scrubber is moved back and forth along the rain gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew C. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 8646142
    Abstract: A multi-fluid applicator utensil comprising a head assembly having a head section; a face surface; a back surface; and a receiver and a handle assembly having a shank and a gripper. The head assembly is pivotally mounted on the handle assembly with the shank received by the receiver located in the head section. The head assembly comprises a socket. The handle assembly comprises a ball pivotable in the socket. The shank is telescopic providing an extended length of about twelve inches and a retracted length of about 8½ inches. The gripper provides a grippable surface by which a user-applier is able to manipulate the multi-fluid applicator utensil. The multi-fluid applicator utensil comprises injection-molded thermoplastic and is useable by the user-applier to surface-apply the oil, lotion and cream to the bodily skin surface in hard-to-reach locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Ferrara, Lyn Ferrara
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8381346
    Abstract: A mop having a handle with a wringing frame disposed at a distal end, which defines a cam slot. An actuator lever is pivotally attached to the handle intermediate the distal and proximal ends and is coupled to an actuator linkage that extends into the internal hollow of the handle and connects to a pad plate, which supports a cleaning pad, such as a sponge thereon at the distal end of the mop. The pad plate has hinges that permit it to bend upon itself. When the actuator lever is moved to wring the cleaning pad, the actuator linkage pulls the pad plate at least partially through the cam slot, causing it to bend at the hinges and wring the cleaning pad supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Butler Home Products, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cavalcanti, Michael Silverman, Robert Michelson
  • Publication number: 20130014334
    Abstract: A cleaning device (2) comprising a first support member (6), a second support member (8), a cleaning pad (10) which is supported by the first and second support members (6, 8) and which is made of a liquid-absorbing material, a lever mechanism (34) for the first and second support members (6, 8), a drying aperture (32), and a handle (44), and the cleaning device (2) being such that: (i) the first and second support members (6, 8) are pivotable towards each other; and (ii) pulling on the lever mechanism (34) causes the first and second support members (6, 8) to pivot towards each other and be pulled into the drying aperture (32) in the cleaning device (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Peter Kalam Ali, Russell Peter Yates, Francis Edzard Yates
  • Patent number: 8321990
    Abstract: A detachable multifunctional cleaner comprises a handle which has an insertion piece downwardly protruded from one end; a cover which has an insertion hole at one side of an upper surface for inserting the insertion piece; and a foreign substance removing means which is detachably attached to the cover, wherein the insertion piece and the insertion hole are assembled on a vertical line Z with respect to a bottom surface of the cover, and at least one position determination protrusion and at least one position determination groove are formed in the insertion piece and the insertion hole, respectively, for determining the engaging position of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Pil Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8276236
    Abstract: A baseboard cleaning apparatus for cleaning a baseboard of a wall extending upright along the wall with respect to a floor includes a cleaning head and a block positioned in either side of a skid plate, and which are connected by a connector that extends through a slot formed in the skid plate. The skid plate has a lower extremity formed with a skid, and the connector is movable along the slot between lowered positions of the baseboard cleaning head and the fixture toward the skid formed in the lower extremity of the skid plate, and raised positions of the baseboard cleaning head and the fixture away from the skid formed in the lower extremity of the skid plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Michele I. Goodman, Isaias Luna
  • Patent number: 8266756
    Abstract: A scrubber for lap siding with a profile complementary to the profile of the boards in the lap siding such that when the scrubber is moved side to side in a washing action, an exposed side face and under surface of the siding boards are effectively scrubbed and dirt, dust, mildew, mold and algae are effectively removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew C. Kovarik
  • Publication number: 20120222703
    Abstract: An enhanced sponge mop is presented for extracting cleaning solution from a mop head. The enhanced sponge mop may include a mop block structure, a hinged connector, and a sponge structure. Also, a rod may be threaded through a mop handle and attached to the hinged connector on one end and a pressure applying member on the other end. When the pressure applying member is moved from one position to another, swivels located on the mop block structure may allow a sponge attached to the sponge structure to be wrung. In addition, the mop block structure may include rails that mate with teeth located on the hinged connector to give additional stability to the enhanced sponge mop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: THE LIBMAN COMPANY
    Inventor: Roberto Pellacini
  • Patent number: 8225452
    Abstract: A mopping device includes a mop plate including a first mopping wing and a second mopping wing. The first and second mopping wings are configured to fold toward one another, and the first and second mopping wings each include a first material and each include at least one sliding element made of a second material. The mopping device further includes a first squeezing arm and a second squeezing arm disposed movably relative to the first and second mopping wings. The first and second squeezing arms are configured to respectively slide on the respective at least one sliding element and fold the first and second mopping wings toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Leifheit AG
    Inventor: Klaus-Juergen Fischer
  • Patent number: 8166597
    Abstract: A cleaning device that includes a first component, a second component and a handle. The first component is configured to hold a first portion of the cleaning device. The second component is configured to hold a second portion of the cleaning device. The first and second components are connected and are configured so that the first portion and the second portion on the respective first and second components are independently replaceable. The handle is coupled to the second component to control an application of at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the cleaning device on a surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Levitt, Brian R. Leafblad, Paul J. Mattia
  • Patent number: 8151411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner of a type comprising an elongated support body (1) including a handle (3) in an upper end of the support body, a nozzle device attached to a lower end of the support body by means of a rotatable joint, and a vacuum unit, including an electric motor, a fan and a debris collecting compartment, being accommodated in the support body. An upper portion of the support body (1) is provided with a layer (7, 8) of a slip reducing material at least on a rear surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Jonas Beskow, Håkan Miefalk, Oskar Fjellman, Christian Ågren, Esbjörn Svantesson
  • Patent number: 8132283
    Abstract: A push broom that is constructed of a broom head that includes a broom plate for supporting bristles or the like and having a rest surface and a bristle support surface; an elongated handle attached to the broom plate of the broom head and for controlling a sweeping action of the broom head and a pivotal coupling member for mounting the elongated handle with the broom head. The pivotal coupling member has separate positions including a rest position in which the broom head rests on the rest surface of the broom plate so that the handle is substantially upright to maintain the broom free-standing and an action position in which the handle is pivoted relative to the broom head so as to enable the sweeping action of the broom head by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy P. Downes
  • Patent number: 8032973
    Abstract: A coating applicator comprising a substrate removably mounted to a frame, where the frame includes an actuator repositionable between an engaging position and a disengaging position, where the engaging position is operative to maintain the substrate in mounting engagement with the frame, where the disengaging position is operative to discontinue the substrate in mounting engagement with the frame, and where the substrate includes a receptor for retaining a coating composition for application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Joseph Leon Lutgen, Robin E. Smith, Brandon Cory Hoover, Brandon Seth Cross, George Andrew Hartel, Matthew Shute
  • Patent number: 7882589
    Abstract: A mop system for cleanroom use incorporating an autoclavable mop head adapted for snap-on, pressure fit attachment to a frame member having a pair of substantially planar free end portions. The mop head incorporates raised profile insert elements engaging free end portions of the frame member. The mop head is also optionally adapted to retain a dusting cloth or other web structure in removable relation across its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Contec, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Nobile, Jackson S. Burnett, III
  • Publication number: 20100088839
    Abstract: A cleaning implement is specifically designed to be held with one hand during cleaning operations. The implement has an upper control section and a lower cleaning section which are detachable from each other. The lower section is primarily a cleaning element in the form of a sponge member or similar compressible pad or component. A cleaning control arm and a moisture squeeze arm extend from the upper control section. When the implement is to be used in its cleaning mode, the control arm is held in one hand by the user to clean soiled surfaces. Moisture accumulating in the cleaning element is squeezed out simply by rotating the squeeze arm away from the control arm, such that the cleaning element is squeezed or compressed between base plates supporting each of the arms. For continued use in the cleaning mode, the squeeze arm is simply released and allowed to return to its position adjacent to the control arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: George Georgieff
  • Patent number: 7673365
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes a handle section including operably connected linear sections. A proximal section has a handle portion and a distal section has a fixed longitudinal length protruding away from the proximal section. A float is included having planar top and bottom surfaces. The assembly also includes mechanisms for pivotally connecting the float to the handle section, for pivotally attaching the proximal section to the distal section, and for rotatably connecting the proximal section to the distal section. A mechanism is also included for telescopically adjusting a length of the proximal section. A carrying case is included for housing the float and the handle section therein, and is provided with an articulated lid attached thereto. The pivotally connecting mechanism, the pivotally attaching mechanism, the rotatably connecting mechanism, and the telescopically adjusting mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas A. Griffin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7589053
    Abstract: Described is a pre-soaped, disposable luffah. The luffah of the type having a series of ruffles, is impregnated or coated with a cleansing and/or moisturizing agent such that a separate cleansing and/or moisturizing agent does not need to be applied to the luffah. The luffah may be impregnated or coated with the cleansing and/or moisturizing agent in any number of ways including submerging luffahs in a substantially wet, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent or spraying the substantially wet, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent on the luffahs. Once the substantially wet, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent is applied, the luffahs are dried until the substantially wet, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent forms into a substantially dry, cleansing and/or moisturizing agent on the luffah ruffles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Larsen Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce T. Larsen, Bryan Larsen
  • Patent number: 7543351
    Abstract: A mop system for cleanroom use incorporating an autoclavable mop head adapted for snap-on, pressure fit attachment to a frame member having a pair of substantially planar free end portions. The mop head incorporates raised profile insert elements engaging free end portions of the frame member. The mop head is also optionally adapted to retain a dusting cloth or other web structure in removable relation across its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Contec, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Nobile, Jackson S. Burnett, III
  • Patent number: 7469441
    Abstract: A floor mop has two mop supporting wings, which carry an absorbent mop layer and are hinge-connected to a common supporting centerpiece. A mop handle is hinge-mounted to the supporting centerpiece via a Cardan joint. A squeezing slider, which is displaceable along the mop handle and is guided non-rotatably, has two rigid squeezing arms whose ends can each be brought into engagement with a guide surface on the upper side of the respectively assigned mop supporting wings via rollers. Each mop supporting wing forms a rectangular trapezium or triangle. The edges running at right angles to the hinge edge of each mop supporting wing form a common straight continuous front edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Gernot Hirse
  • Publication number: 20080295869
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for cleaning outdoor surfaces. The apparatus includes a cleaning element attached to a handle which also supports a reservoir for cleaning fluid. The cleaning element includes absorbent and scrubbing layers structured to clean various types of outdoor surfaces. A cleaning fluid is applied by a liquid delivery system in fluid communication with the cleaning element to the outdoor surface to be cleaned and the outdoor surface is wiped with the cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Jim Schriver, Robert T. Pogue, Richard A. Beuke
  • Publication number: 20080222826
    Abstract: A cleaning device is provided including a support body (1), which is connected to a cleaning sponge (2). The support body (1) has at least two needle-shaped projections (3.1, 3.2, . . . , 3.n) on the side facing the cleaning sponge (2), with these projections being arranged in only one common recess (4) of the cleaning sponge (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Phu-Dennis Tran, Paul Michael Lesley
  • Patent number: 7343638
    Abstract: The structure of the present invention provides pivotable coupling of a head to a handle. The head may assume various pitch angles relative to the handle. Once place at a particular pitch angle the head is releasably fixed-in-place and opposes pitching of the head relative to the handle to assume a new pitch angle. With the application of sufficient force on the head, the head is released from the fixed-in-place pitch angle and a new pitch angle is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael Mitchell, German R. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7174600
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, a squeezing out device and a container device enabling a textile wiping element located on a wiping panel of the wiping device to be squeezed out simply and reliably. The wiping panel is provided with edge fixing sections which can be held from behind by a counter bearing device of the squeezing out device in order to prevent the wiping panel from being moved out of the squeezing out device unintentionally when the textile element is squeezed out on a bearing surface, or which have an insertion ramp which facilitates the optionally jamming insertion between the bearing surface and a counter bearing surface that is set apart from said bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OGH
    Inventors: Franz Kresse, Heiko Faubel
  • Patent number: 7120962
    Abstract: A cleaning tool implement has a cleaning head having dual parallel aligned supports. The supports can take the form of interconnected parallel plates which are configured and sized to receive and removeably secure cleaning elements, for example, bonnets with stranded mop, scrub pad, brush, cloth and sponge surfaces, which can be adapted for removable attachment to the plates. The handle of the cleaning tool is connected to the cleaning head via a universal swivel joint which permits the head to rotate 360° in relation to the handle. This rotational movement permits the cleaning tool to be used on an infinite number of vertical, horizontal, angled, raised, and low surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Petner
  • Patent number: 6990705
    Abstract: A multifunctional cleaning implement having a collapsible, telescoping handle interconnected to a head assembly. The head assembly includes front and back panels which interlock with or are integrally formed with cleaning implements, such as a squeegee, a brush, a sponge, and/or an ice scraper. The handle is pivotally interconnected by a sliding ball and socket joint to a channel in the head assembly so that it may be collapsed into a stored position within a cavity in the head assembly, or extended from the head assembly and pivoted into an open position perpendicular to the head assembly. A resilient member formed in the channel biases the ball joint to selectively maintain the handle in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Carrand Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pieter Schouten, James R. Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 6973695
    Abstract: A device or cleaning apparatus 10 which includes a telescoping shaft member 8 and a universal joint assembly 40 and which allows a user to easily and ergonomically clean or otherwise engage an angled or curved glass surface or another surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Todd G. Nesler
  • Patent number: 6854150
    Abstract: A floor mop has two carrier plates (5) that are connected with a common carrier center piece (3) in jointed manner and carry an absorbent mop covering (6). A mop handle (1) is affixed on the carrier center piece (3) by way of a cardan joint (2), in jointed manner. A wringer slide (9) that can be moved along the mop handle (1) and is guided not to rotate has two rigid wringer arms (11), the ends (11a) of which can each be brought into engagement with a guide surface (17) on the back of the carrier plate (5) assigned to them, in each instance, by way of rollers (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Gernot M. Hirse
  • 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: 6777064
    Abstract: An article of manufacture useful for removing allergens from surfaces comprises (a) a package; (b) cleaning sheet capable of removing allergens from surfaces; and (c) information to communicate the allergen removal ability of the cleaning sheet to consumers. A method of promoting the sale of cleaning sheets useful for removing allergens from surfaces comprises a variety of steps to inform a consumer of the allergen removal ability of the present cleaning sheets, implements, and articles and encourage the consumer to use them to remove allergens from a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Laura Krebs Brown, Jennifer Lee Counts, David Charles Bernens, Paul Joseph Russo
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6766552
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning implement comprising a handle and a removable cleaning pad. The cleaning pad is designed to provide multiple cleaning surfaces each of which contact the soiled surface during the cleaning operation. The cleaning pad also preferably has the ability to absorb at least about 10 g of water per g of pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, Steven Allen Holt, Saeed Fereshtehkhou
  • Patent number: 6698056
    Abstract: A butterfly sponge mop (1) which has a mop handle (2) which can be set at a desired angle with respect to the wings (12,14) of the mop. The handle is attached to a swivel housing (34) which is provided between the wings, by a swivel connector (32) provided with a swivel pin (38). The axis of the swivel pin is at an angle to the axis of the handle so that rotation of the handle and swivel connector sets the angle of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: E. D. Oates Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: John Ernest Oretti, Jan-Anders Schjottelvig
  • Patent number: 6675426
    Abstract: A damp mop for plane surfaces having two mop plates 1, 2 that are coupled to a handle 13 and that have a mop pad 35 provided thereon. The two mop plates 1,2 are joined by a double joint 3, and can be pressed against one another by pressure arms 19, 20 disposed on a slide sleeve. The handle 13 is secured pivotably to the double joint 3 via a cardan joint 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Leifheit AG
    Inventors: Heinz Josef Ohm, Klaus-Jürgen Fischer
  • Patent number: 6645604
    Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets having at least two regions, where the regions are distinguished by basis weight. In particular, the cleaning sheet comprises one or more high basis weight regions having a basis weight of from about 30 to about 120 g/m2 and one or more low basis weight regions, wherein the low basis weight region(s) have a basis weight that is not more than about 80% of the basis weight of the high basis weight region(s). Also disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality, in addition to having multiple basis weights. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a scrim material, which when heated and then cooled, contracts so as to provide a macroscopic three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average height differential”, as well as the “average peak-to-peak” distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Saeed Fereshtehkhou, Paul Joseph Russo, Wilbur Cecil Strickland, Jr., Nicola John Policicchio
  • 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: 6601261
    Abstract: A cleaning implement comprising a handle and a removable cleaning pad. The removable cleaning pad is capable of absorbing at least 10 g deionized water per g of cleaning pad in 20 minutes, under a confining pressure of 0.09 psi. These implements provide the convenience of disposable cleaning implements and the cleaning ability of conventional mops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Steven Allen Holt, Alan Edward Sherry, Vernon Sanford Ping, III
  • Publication number: 20030135948
    Abstract: A cleaning implement comprising a handle and a removable cleaning pad. The removable cleaning pad is capable of absorbing at least 10 g deionized water per g of cleaning pad in 20 minutes, under a confining pressure of 0.09 psi. These implements provide the convenience of disposable cleaning implements and the cleaning ability of conventional mops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: STEVEN ALLEN HOLT, ALAN EDWARD SHERRY, VERNON SANFORD PING
  • Patent number: 6591442
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible mop base. The mop base comprises of a top layer and a bottom absorption layer attached to the top layer. The mop base further comprises at least one flexible end, wherein this flexible end is attached to the mop base through an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism allows the end to freely rotate from horizontal to perpendicular position with respect to the mop base. The mop base further comprises a handle attached to the top layer and capable of free rotation. The handle has a mop holder socket attached to it, which is also free to rotation to accommodate a user of the mop base when cleaning different surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kaminstein Imports, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Kaminstein
  • Patent number: 6571419
    Abstract: An improved mop which is equipped with a long handle, a connector, a torsion spring, a rivet, a securing ring, a coarse sponge, a soft sponge, a fixing seat, a washer ring, a sucking plate and a screen housing. The front end of the long handle is provided with bifurcated connecting lugs each having a pivot hole so as to permit the bifurcated connector to be pivotally fixed to the handle. An externally threaded journal end is disposed at the bottom of the connector. The securing ring of a proper thickness sandwiched between the soft and coarse sponge is provided with a tubular central hole with internal threads defined therein so as to permit the connector to be removably engaged with the securing ring. The fixing seat is tubular in shape and has an opened end with an engagement cavity defined at the closed bottom end thereof so as to permit the sucking plate provided with a raised block, a pull piece disposed at a periphery edge thereof to be engaged with a pulling cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Chien-Chan Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pei-Yuan Lee
  • Publication number: 20030046782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, a squeezing out device and a container device enabling a textile wiping element located on a wiping panel (4) of the wiping device to be squeezed out simply and reliably. The wiping panel is provided with edge fixing sections (8) which can be held from behind by a counter bearing device (33) of the squeezing out device in order to prevent the wiping panel (4) from being moved out of the squeezing out device unintentionally when the textile wiping element (5) is squeezed out on a bearing surface, or which have an insertion ramp which facilitates the optionally jamming insertion between the bearing surface and a counter bearing surface that is set apart from said bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Franz Kresse, Heiko Faubel
  • 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: 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