Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Laux

Christopher J. Laux has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7203988
    Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning implement that functions both as a broom and a scuff removing device. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plastic base that serves as the attachment point for (i) a plurality of bristles (ii) a handle, and (iii) a device that is useful for removing scuff marks from floors. A first general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a friction forming material that has been attached to a base or support that includes a rounded or curved forward surface. A second general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a detachable scuff remover that includes a piece of friction forming material mounted on a base which may be clipped to the end of a broom handle opposite the broom head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, Andrew B. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6877181
    Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning implement that functions both as a broom and a scuff removing device. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plastic base that serves as the attachment point for (i) a plurality of bristles (ii) a handle, and (iii) a device that is useful for removing scuff marks from floors. A first general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a friction forming material that has been attached to a base or support that includes a rounded or curved forward surface. A second general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a detachable scuff remover that includes a piece of friction forming material mounted on a base which may be clipped to the end of a broom handle opposite the broom head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, Andrew B. Mendenhall
  • Publication number: 20040149608
    Abstract: A device for storing multiple bathroom implements that includes a housing having four vertical walls, wherein one of the vertical walls is partly or mostly open, and wherein the housing further includes a detachable base and an internal support member for receiving and supporting one of the cleaning implements. A front panel is attached, by hinge means, to the bottom portion of the open side of the housing at one end and includes, at its opposite end, a channel that is specifically designed to receive and support one of the cleaning implements. The first cleaning implement is a plunger that includes a handle-mounted splash guard, the geometry of which corresponds to the shape and dimensions of the internal support member within the housing. The second cleaning implement is a toilet brush that also includes a handle-mounted splash guard, the geometry of which corresponds to the shape and the dimensions of the channel that is formed in the front panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, Andrew B. Mendenhall
  • Publication number: 20040148720
    Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning implement that functions both as a broom and a scuff removing device. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plastic base that serves as the attachment point for (i) a plurality of bristles (ii) a handle, and (iii) a device that is useful for removing scuff marks from floors. A first general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a friction forming material that has been attached to a base or support that includes a rounded or curved forward surface. A second general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a detachable scuff remover that includes a piece of friction forming material mounted on a base which may be clipped to the end of a broom handle opposite the broom head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, Andrew B. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6732396
    Abstract: A self-wringing ratchet mop including an elongated handle, a mop head having mop strands supported on the handle, and a wringing mechanism for wringing the mop strands. The wringing mechanism includes a sleeve attached to the mop strands and supported for longitudinal and rotational movement relative to the handle. The handle includes a first ratchet portion formed by teeth and the sleeve includes a second ratchet portion formed by pawl members for engaging the first ratchet portion to permit the sleeve to rotate in a first direction and prevent rotation in a second, opposite direction. The pawl members are supported on a deformable resilient ring wherein deformation of the ring causes the pawl members to disengage from the first ratchet portion and permit rotation of the sleeve in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: O-Cedar Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, David Hunt, Robert Roth
  • Patent number: 6675427
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mop having a mop head supported on a handle and including a mop head base and a mop body. The mop body is defined by a plurality of mop strands supported on the base. A scrubber element is supported on the base, centrally within the mop body. The scrubber element further has opposing faces on a scrubber body located at laterally opposing sides to define abrasive scrubbing surfaces. A single attachment element provides a simple and cost-effective way to attach the scrubber element simultaneously with attachment of the mop strands. The scrubber element further is engaged with the mop head base to bias the scrubber element into a folded configuration folded so that the opposing faces are facing away from the mop handle thereby enabling a mop user to easily manipulate the scrubber element provided for removal of difficult stains, etc., by applying downward pressure to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: O-Cedar Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiapelli, Christopher J. Laux
  • Publication number: 20030208867
    Abstract: A self-wringing ratchet mop including an elongated handle, a mop head having mop strands supported on the handle, and a wringing mechanism for wringing the mop strands. The wringing mechanism includes a sleeve attached to the mop strands and supported for longitudinal and rotational movement relative to the handle. The handle includes a first ratchet portion formed by teeth and the sleeve includes a second ratchet portion formed by pawl members for engaging the first ratchet portion to permit the sleeve to rotate in a first direction and prevent rotation in a second, opposite direction. The pawl members are supported on a deformable resilient ring wherein deformation of the ring causes the pawl members to disengage from the first ratchet portion and permit rotation of the sleeve in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: O-Cedar Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, David Hunt, Robert Roth
  • Patent number: 6336240
    Abstract: A mop having a mop head with a first sponge member supported to a bottom side thereof and defining a first floor engaging surface. A second sponge member is supported on the mop head and defines a second floor engaging surface. The second sponge member retains a releasable cleaning substance for facilitating cleaning of a surface engaged by the mop. In addition, the second sponge member forms a replaceable auxiliary member which is detachably mounted to the mop head and includes hinged retention members for engaging within receptor passages defined in the mop head wherein the retention members facilitate engagement with and disengagement from the mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: O'Cedar Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, Paul P. Kolada, Mark E. Maich, Dana J. Koppes