Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved grout tool generally employed with a multi-functional surface cleaning machine having a fluid tank, a pump, and at least one receptacle for holding concentrated cleaning chemicals. In one embodiment, the grout tool employs fluid jets, adjustably connected via brackets, such that the jets are positioned at an angle relative to the grout tool body to allow fluid to hit a surface of an angle.

Abstract: A paint or varnish feeder for a painting device comprises at least one manifold (13; 33; . . . ) with openings or small dispensing channels (15; 55; . . . ). The at least one manifold (13; 33; . . . ) is fed through at least one pipe (16; . . .) starting from a container in which a slight pressure is created. The small dispensing channels (15; 55; . . . ) can have various configurations in the various embodiments.

Abstract: An animal grooming tool (10, 10?, 10?) that allows a user to spray an animal with a liquid and squeegee excess water from the animal. Spraying and squeegeeing may be performed substantially simultaneously with one another in one motion, if desired. The grooming tool includes a tubular body (14) having a plurality of liquid outlets (22) located along the length of the tool. The body defines a central passageway (18) for conveying liquid to the outlets. Scrapers (42) for providing the tool with its squeegee capability are located adjacent the liquid outlets. The grooming tool further includes a handle region (54) and a grip (58) adjacent one end of the body. A portion of the body is curved to form a concave region (20) so that the tool better conforms to the curved surfaces typically found on the animals groomed with the tool.

Abstract: A device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface is provided which includes a broom having a handle and a head, a valve disposed on the device, and a spray bar movably disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar. The valve can be spring-loaded and/or hand-controlled. The device may include tubing between the valve and the spray bar, which tubing may be positioned internal to the handle or external to the handle. The handle may be used to convey liquid, such as that from a garden hose, from the valve to the spray bar. In an embodiment, the head may include water channels and the spray bar may be made integral to the head. The spray bar may oscillate and may take a variety of shapes, including elliptical, u-shaped and straight shapes. The device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface.

Abstract: A fluid material is applied to a surface by an applicator implement shown in the form of a brush having a stem and an applicator in the form of bristles supplied with the fluid material through an array of relatively small diameter lumens extending along the stem of the brush and delivering the fluid material to the bristles in a corresponding array of small streams of fluid material directed along the bristles to lay down the fluid material in an essentially even distribution of regulated amounts of fluid material along the bristles.

Abstract: An animal grooming tool (10, 10′, 10″) that allows a user to spray an animal with a liquid and squeegee excess water from the animal. Spraying and squeegeeing may be performed substantially simultaneously with one another in one motion, if desired. The grooming tool includes a tubular body (14) having a plurality of liquid outlets (22) located along the length of the tool. The body defines a central passageway (18) for conveying liquid to the outlets. Scrapers (42) for providing the tool with its squeegee capability are located adjacent the liquid outlets. The grooming tool further includes a handle region (54) and a grip (58) adjacent one end of the body. A portion of the body is curved to form a concave region (20) so that the tool better conforms to the curved surfaces typically found on the animals groomed with the tool.

Abstract: A cleaning device (1) with a distributing surface (2) to effect a flat distribution of a cleaning or disinfectant fluid is provided, and includes a fluid outlet that is connected via a fluid line to a fluid reservoir containing a cleaning or disinfectant fluid. The cleaning device makes it possible for the application of cleaning or disinfectant fluid with an even faster and easier process, with the device still being easy to manufacture. The fluid outlet of the device is provided in the form of a spray strip that has a number of outlet openings distributed along the length of the strip and the spray strip is removably fastened to the cleaning device.

Abstract: A device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface is provided which includes a broom having a handle and a head, a valve disposed on the device, and a spray bar movably disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar. The valve can be spring-loaded and/or hand-controlled. The device may include tubing between the valve and the spray bar, which tubing may be positioned internal to the handle or external to the handle. The handle may be used to convey liquid, such as that from a garden hose, from the valve to the spray bar. In an embodiment, the head may include water channels and the spray bar may be made integral to the head. The spray bar may oscillate and may take a variety of shapes, including elliptical, u-shaped and straight shapes. The device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface.

Abstract: An improved squeegee with integral nozzle and wiping blade for the washing and grooming of animals, especially large animals such as horses and other livestock, includes a body portion, a valve to regulate the flow of water, a nozzle oriented to direct a spray of water generally perpendicularly downwards relative to the body, and an arcuate wiping blade. The arcuate shape of the wiping blade enables it to be oriented relative to the surface being cleaned so that the curvature of the blade conforms to the shape of the surface. The apparatus is connected to a supply of water such as a garden hose, such that when it is drawn across the animal's body, water from the nozzle wets the animal's coat, and the wiping blade then removes water, soap, and dirt.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a fluid which includes a hollow handle member, a pinch valve member, a tank mounted on the handle for controlling the flow of fluid to a surface, and a conduit for selectively communicating the fluid to the surface, the pinch valve being engageable with the conduit for controlling flow of the fluid therethrough utilizing a lever. A method of operation of the dispenser is also utilized.

Abstract: A device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface is provided which includes a broom having a handle and a head, a valve disposed on the device, and a spray bar movably disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar. The valve can be spring-loaded and/or hand-controlled. The device may include tubing between the valve and the spray bar, which tubing may be positioned internal to the handle or external to the handle. The handle may be used to convey liquid, such as that from a garden hose, from the valve to the spray bar. In an embodiment, the head may include water channels and the spray bar may be made integral to the head. The spray bar may oscillate and may take a variety of shapes, including elliptical, u-shaped and straight shapes. The device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface.

Abstract: A device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface is provided which includes a broom having a handle and a head, a valve disposed on the device, and a spray bar disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar. The liquid may be water from a common garden hose. In embodiments, the spray bar is movably positioned on the head. In embodiments, the device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface. In embodiments, the valve is spring-loaded and/or hand-controlled. The device may include tubing between the valve and the spray bar. The tubing may be positioned internal to the handle or external to the handle. The handle may be used to convey liquid from the valve to the spray bar. In an embodiment, the head may include water channels. The spray bar may be made integral to the head.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for the application and even spreading of flowable roofing materials such as bituminous mastics which includes an elongated, hollow delivery bar (14) adapted to be pulled across a roofing surface and having a plurality of material delivery openings (40) along the underside thereof, as well as a material spreader (16) positioned adjacent the bar (14). The spreader (16) includes first and second elongated, generally side-by-side brooms (42, 44) in trailing relationship to the bar (14). The first broom (42) is generally concave, whereas the second broom (42) is substantially rectilinear). A tubular handle (32) is coupled with the bar (14) for delivery of heated material thereto. A temperature gauge (36) is mounted on the handle (32) in close adjacency to the bar (14), allowing the user to closely monitor material temperatures at the point of application. An alternate delivery bar (14a) has individual nipple-valves (82) affording better material flow control.

Abstract: A dual toilet brush (10) comprising an elongate handle (12). A first brush head (14) is connected to a first end of the elongate handle (12) for cleaning an interior surface (16) of a bowl (18) of a toilet (20). A second brush head (22) is connected to and extends outwardly from the first end of the elongate handle (12) above the first brush head (14), for cleaning an overhanging rim (24) of the toilet (20).

Abstract: A squeegee-type cleaning device for washing windows and other structures has a holder with a brush, a support for the holder, a wiper blade adjacent the brush and a fluid supply connected by a hose to the holder. Apertures provided along the length of the holder allow fluid to be pumped from the supply along the entire length of the brush. A manually operated pump is provided to pump this fluid. The brush is pivotable relative to the support and a telescopic pole can be provided on the support to aid in cleaning of the structure.

Abstract: Window cleaning apparatus is described which has a cleaning head that is rotatable to any position when used on a window surface. The apparatus includes a rotatable sleeve coupling which is positioned between the cleaning head and the handle for the apparatus. A cleaning element, such as a wiper, cleaning pad, sponge or brush, is attached to the cleaning head. Because of the rotatablity of the cleaning head, the apparatus effectively cleans edges and corners of windows of any shape. The described apparatus optionally includes a fluid supply conduit for delivering a cleansing fluid from a pressurized source to a fluid distribution conduit positioned on the cleaning head. The fluid distribution conduit contains perforations which enable fluid to be sprayed onto a window surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pine tar applicator for applying pine tar to an athlete's hands and sports equipment to provide a more secure grip. The pine tar applicator includes an elongate chamber disposed between two end caps. Alternately, the pine tar applicator includes an absorbant foam roller disposed on an elongate support element. A sleeve slips over the chamber or support element and is sealed shut when the applicator is not in use. A fastener is provided at one end cap to allow the applicator to be conveniently hung from a backstop, fence or the like, providing easy access for the player.

Abstract: A pressure-fed brush may be used for efficient painting. The elastomeric bladder member inside the brush member is provided with a plurality of slots which separate the pressure-fed V-slots into separate fingers, thereby allowing flexing over irregular surfaces. A flow control restrictor is also provided to allow the flow fed to the brush to be varied according to the nature and viscosity of the materials being used. By providing such a flow controller, the need to feather or otherwise modulate the valve at the brush is removed. The handle and valve assembly may be utilized with different size brush heads by provision of different intermediate members which retain varying size bladders for use with varying size brush members.

Abstract: A hollow housing has a handle for connecting the housing to a suction device. The housing has a suction chamber and a comb, and further may include second and third chambers. A distributor tube is disposed in the third chamber for spraying product through the second chamber that is open in the direction of the comb for spraying the treating product toward the comb. One of the ends of the distributor tube is connected to a container of treating product under pressure which can be manually actuated by the user.

Abstract: A power brush coating applicator including a separable handle, valve housing and brush housing. A bristle assembly and flexible tapered insert are confined in sealing engagement in the applicator, the flexible insert having a plurality of capillary holes extending from an upper chamber to bottom openings aligned with a plurality of V-shaped slots. The V-shaped slots are supported by tapered ribs terminating at the slot ends, and the flexible insert is tapered to a plurality of closed ends bridging the shaped slots. The handle of the applicator is adapted for connection to a source of pressurized liquid and an interior liquid flow path is provided through a valve chamber and into flow communication with the capillary openings through the flexible insert.

Abstract: A fluid pressure cleaning apparatus for cleaning large or inaccessible surfaces, such as a floor or truck sidewall. A housing has a manifold assembly mounted in the interior thereof with a plurality of linearly aligned spray nozzles spaced apart to provide a continuous spray or curtain of cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. Portions of the manifold assembly extend through the housing and are connected to a handle assembly. A first brush array lines the outer edges of the housing and confines the spray from the manifold assembly and assists in cleaning the surface. A second array of scrub brushes is provided within the periphery of the first array. In one form of the cleaning apparatus the manifold assembly has a fluid discharge port and a valve selectively operable to open and close the port. When the valve is closed high pressure fluid is discharged from the nozzles to wash and rinse the surface. Detergent and fluid is directed unto the surface when the valve is open.

Abstract: A liquid applicator for wipingly applying various liquids to various items includes a liquid supply container mounted on one end of a tubular handle with a shutoff valve for metering liquid flow to the handle. A pair of applicator heads adapted for different liquid application movements are interchangeably mounted on the other end of the handle, and each of the applicator heads have a liquid distributor tube for evenly dispensing the liquid to a wicking element carried by the applicator head.

Abstract: A portable floor finish applicator includes a pressurized liquid finish storage tank carried by a shoulder harness on the operator's back and a hand carried floor finish applicator comprising a hollow elongated handle and an applicator head mounted on the lower end of the handle. The applicator includes a liquid finish outlet tube for dispensing liquid finish uniformly over the surface of an applicator frame and wick applicator mounted on the underside of the applicator frame. Finish is applied through the wick by contact of the soaked wick with the floor. For water emulsion finishes, the wick applicator can be formed of a natural or synthetic lambs wool or it can be a flexible absorbent fibrous yarn material attached to a mesh backing material that permits liquid finish to flow readily through the backing.

Abstract: A car wash or polishing mop is provided comprising an elongated hollow handle open at one end for connection to a water supply; the other end defining a hollow transverse cross member open at laterally extending ends through which water can be discharged. A tubular frame assembly, having apertures through which the water or other fluid can discharge, is pivotally connected to the laterally extending ends of the transverse cross member so that during use pivotal movement of the frame assembly relative to the handle can occur. A mop head fits over the tubular frame assembly to aid in the distribution of water and to facilitate the cleaning of the surface of an automobile.