Patents Assigned to S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc.
  • Cleaning device with universal motion quick disconnect head
    Patent number: 6889917
    Abstract: A trigger actuated aerosol spray cleaning device having a cleaning head mounted by a quick disconnect coupler to be independently pivotal about at least two axes. In one form, the coupler has a body with a socket receiving a plug end of the cleaning device which is retained by a button actuated, spring biased latching ring preventing axial separation from the coupler until the button is depressed. In another form, spring biased opposing jaws releasably clamp the head to the device. A swivel member pivotally mounts to either the coupler body or opposing jaws along one axis and to the cleaning head at a second axis. The swivel action in either case can be temporarily disabled by a sliding locking feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Cathal L. Fahy, Dale Aberegg, Vincent A. Macri, Brian K. Linstedt
  • Aerosol biliquid foam
    Patent number: 6881757
    Abstract: Pressurized mixtures of propellant gasses and liquid surface or air treating materials are disclosed. The liquid materials are in the form of a dispersion which is a biliquid foam with a thickener, where the foam is structured as an oil-in-water complex. The dispersion has an oil portion having a polysiloxane and/or a hydrocarbon oil. There is also surfactant such as one nonionic surfactant and one polar surfactant. Water is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy I. Moodycliffe, Ralph W. Oakeson, Lynn M. Werkowski
  • Cleaner with adjustable aerosol canister retainer
    Patent number: 6868989
    Abstract: A trigger actuated cleaning device includes an adjustable retainer assembly for alternately holding a full-size or compact aerosol spay canister, thereby allowing the device to be used as a mop with an extension wand and a large canister or a wandless hand-held device with a small canister. The retainer has a “ski-boot” configuration with a heel assembly slidable on a fixed rail having a spring biased latch engaging the rim at the bottom of the canister and clamping it against a toe stop, which is configured to align the canister with a trigger operated actuator. The heel assembly slides and locks in position for either a full-size or compact canister to snap into the device. The canister is removed by depressing a thumb operated release lever which clears the latch from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Cathal L. Fahy, Dale Aberegg
  • Apparatus for releasing differing amounts of an air freshener from a container
    Patent number: 6866169
    Abstract: A dispenser (200) used in conjunction with a conventional replaceable cartridge (100) containing an air freshener. The dispenser (200) includes a first portion (300) and a second portion (400). The first portion (300) is actuatable and includes a diaphragm (350) and a step (351). The second portion (400) is actuatable and includes a flat ring (460) arranged proximate to the step (351) of the first portion (300). When the first portion (300) is actuated, the diaphragm (350) contacts a nozzle (130) of the conventional container (100), thereby releasing a first amount of air freshener. When the second portion (400) is actuated, the diaphragm (350) of the first portion (300) is forced over a portion of the nozzle (130) such that the flat ring (460) of the second portion (400) contacts the nozzle (130), thereby releasing a second amount of air freshener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnauld Blanck, Marc Pinon, Christophe Rebours
  • Spray canister
    Patent number: 6866165
    Abstract: A trigger-actuated cleaning device dispenses an aerosol cleaning agent from a pressurized canister. The canister has a female valve assembly. In one form an over cap fits onto the canister over the valve and has a male stem on a pivotable part of the over cap that opens the valve when moved by a rod linked to a remote trigger. The stem is either formed integrally with the over cap or is removably attached to a stem socket formed in the over cap. In another form the actuator is a button having a stem that fits in the female valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Heathcock, Dale Aberegg, Cathal L. Fahy, Tracey A. Frosch, Steven A. Zach, Brian K. Linstedt
  • Cleaning apparatus with continuous action wiping and sweeping
    Patent number: 6859976
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a housing to be moved along a surface to be cleaned. Within the housing, a cleaning ribbon is disposed between a supply reel and a take-up reel. A portion of the cleaning ribbon is held parallel to, and in substantial contact with, the surface to be cleaned, for attracting and retaining smaller debris. Another portion of the cleaning ribbon is configured to create a particle trap. A rotatable brush, also disposed within the housing, sweeps larger debris into the particle trap. The supply reel, the take-up reel, the cleaning ribbon, and/or the rotatable brush are alternatively included in a cartridge which is detachably secured within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Plankenhorn
  • Rotatable plug assembly including an extra outlet
    Patent number: 6862403
    Abstract: A wall-mounted, plug-in appliance includes a housing and a plug assembly, which is rotatably disposed within the housing. The plug assembly includes (i) a plug for electrically connecting the plug assembly to a wall outlet and (ii) at least one integral extra outlet to which another electrical appliance can be plugged in. The plug assembly conducts power to electrical components of the appliance at each of at least two 90-degree intervals of rotation of the plug assembly, and the extra outlet is accessible through different ones of a plurality of windows in the housing at different 90-degree intervals of rotation of the plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Pedrotti, Paolo Campedelli, Stefano Baldessari
  • Plug-in type liquid atomizer
    Patent number: 6857580
    Abstract: A piezoelectrically actuated liquid atomizer device which applies alternating voltages from an ordinary wall outlet to a piezoelectric actuator intermittently and at a high rate sufficient to cause an atomization plate which is vibrated by the actuator to form small droplets from liquid which is supplied to the plate. The intermittent application of voltages to the piezoelectric actuator is carried out according to a duty cycle in which the off times are adjustable. An override of the duty cycle is provided so that the piezoelectric actuator operates continuously for intervals which are manually or automatically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Walter, Thomas A. Helf, Edward J. Martens, III, Luke Stonis, John J. Knittle, Chris von Dohlen, Dennis J. Denen
  • Dual action toilet rim mounted toilet bowl cleaner
    Patent number: 6854136
    Abstract: A device for dispensing toilet bowl treatment preparations, such as a cleaning liquid and a liquid containing a dissolved solid cleaner, from under the rim of a toilet bowl by way of the flow of water during a toilet flush is disclosed. The device comprises a bottle that holds a liquid and a base that is suspended from the toilet rim and holds the bottle. The base has a piercing post for opening a closure of the bottle. A wicking device that is supported by the base conveys the liquid to a dispensing position within the flow of flush water. The container holds a dissolvable solid product, and is configured to permit flush water to enter the container. The container has an exit opening that permits a mixture of water and dissolved product to be released from the container into the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Leonard, Jerome J. Veltman, Megan L. Polzin, Michael E. Klinkhammer
  • Push-lock handle assembly
    Patent number: 6854919
    Abstract: A push-lock handle assembly includes segments that are interconnected by axial movement using snap-in D-shaped tabs and recesses. Slits and grooves allow the tabs to deflect slightly inwardly during insertion. In another form there is a grip section, at least one pole section, and one accessory attachment section. Simple axial movement snap locks the parts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Neumann, Kenneth H. Kloet
  • Modular electrical device for delivery of volatile compounds
    Patent number: 6853801
    Abstract: A means is provided for manufacture of dispensers of volatile materials for various regions, where a single buss assembly strip is provided, having standardized electrical connections whereby the manufacturer, distributor, or consumer is enabled to construct a large variety of finished dispensers by choice of individual selected attachment modules providing differing functions. For example, one may combine the buss assembly strip with a modular plug assembly for use in a specific region of the world, with optional heaters, night lights, timers, switches, and controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Wefler
  • Method of designing improved spray dispenser assemblies
    Publication number: 20050023368
    Abstract: A method of determining design parameters for a design of a spray dispenser assembly for dispensing a mist. The method includes identifying one or more preferred performance characteristics of the spray dispenser to be designed and identifying design variables of structures of a spray dispenser assembly that affect those performance characteristics. The method also includes obtaining test data indicative of performance characteristics of spray dispensers at different combinations of values of the design variables. To achieve an improved dispenser design, design parameters are defined for the identified design variables based on the test data. The design parameters provide the preferred performance characteristics when embodied in a spray dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Applicant: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Valpey, John Goelz, Michael Rohrer
  • Actuator jaw
    Patent number: D501728
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon M. Conway, Todd A. Zeilinger
  • Pressure container with actuator overcap
    Patent number: D501794
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Kunesh, Allen D. Miller, Douglas James Birkholz, James Charles Boda
  • Handle
    Patent number: D502002
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon M. Conway, Douglas A. Soller, Todd A. Zeilinger, Anne C. Moser, Tianzhu Wang, John W. Van Akkeren
  • Part of a handle
    Patent number: D502324
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon M. Conway, Douglas A. Soller, Todd A. Zeilinger, Anne C. Moser, Tianzhu Wang, John W. Van Akkeren
  • Volatile actives dispenser
    Patent number: D502540
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Leroy Cruver, IV, Christian J. Kulujian
  • Candle holder
    Patent number: D502559
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Francois P. Delcourt
  • Mat for dispensing a volatile
    Patent number: D503467
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley J. Flashinski, William G. Parsons, Susan C. Enders, Marcelo Ginestel Lauras
  • Bottle
    Patent number: D504069
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Alana J. Gross, Jill Tyler Gundy, Brent W. Lindberg