Patents by Inventor Douglas Minkler

Douglas Minkler 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).

  • Publication number: 20080022472
    Abstract: A cleaning assembly including a disposable cleaning implement having a cleaning element mounted to a fitment having an elongated post. The cleaning assembly includes an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion and a distal implement attachment end thereof. A gripping mechanism is coupled to the wand attachment end, and is configured to releasably grip the fitment post to mount the cleaning implement. The gripping mechanism and the maneuvering wand cooperate to substantially limited pivotal movement of a longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative a longitudinal axis of the gripping mechanism to not more than about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees when the fitment post is subjected to forces radial to the longitudinal axis of the fitment post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Douglas Minkler, Russell Bell
  • Patent number: 7127768
    Abstract: A disposable cleaning head comprising a sponge, scrim and a one-piece flexible fitment having an engagement member adapted to removably engage a handle. Preferably, the scrim includes a cleaning composition having at least one surfactant. The cleaning composition can optionally include one or more bactericidal agents, bleaching agents, chelants, salts, coloring agents, fragrances and preservatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Lisa Blum, Russell Bell, Layfayette Foland, George Katsigras, Douglas Minkler, Sara Morales
  • Publication number: 20060216193
    Abstract: A combination tool for cleaning and sanitizing a surface is disclosed. The tool includes a cleaning device and at least one UV flash unit. The cleaning device can be adapted for either wet or dry cleaning. The combination tool can also include a dispensing unit that can dispense a treatment agent. The tool can also include a sensor that can detect surface properties. In some arrangements, the tool includes a motive component that can propel the tool robotically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventors: Kaj Johnson, Douglas Minkler, Scott Cumberland, Joyce Delosreyes, Steven Bromberg, Edward Rinker, Aram Garabedan, Ricardo De Gopegui
  • Publication number: 20060213017
    Abstract: A reinforced handle comprising a handle housing with one or more support ribs positioned on the inside surface of the handle housing and a reinforcing insert positioned adjacent to the support ribs, wherein the reinforcing insert has a preferable shape selected from one of the following group of an elongated bar with a U-shaped channel, a rod with a U-shaped channel, or a hollow cylinder. The reinforced handle can be used with a cleaning system containing a cleaning head assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventors: Russell Bele, Douglas Minkler, Amy Crandall
  • Publication number: 20060130221
    Abstract: Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The device includes a connector with an air-treatment housing coupled to one end and a water-treatment housing coupled to the opposite end of the connector. The connector is configured such that the air-treatment housing, in which the air-treatment concentrate is disposed, is positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the toilet tank and the water-treatment housing, in which the water-treatment concentrate is disposed, is positioned adjacent the interior surface of the toilet tank below the fill-level of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Cherie Bulala, Russell Bell, Douglas Minkler, A. Ooka
  • Publication number: 20050246849
    Abstract: A cleaning implement with a handle and an antimicrobial surface can be used to clean hard surfaces and thereafter remain sanitary. The cleaning implement may be a manual tool or a motorized tool. The cleaning implement may have a disposable cleaning pad. Examples of suitable cleaning implements include a toilet cleaning device, a bathroom cleaning device, a shower cleaning device a hard surface floor mop, a carpet mop, and an auto cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventors: Douglas Minkler, Lisa Blum
  • Publication number: 20050217045
    Abstract: An ergonomic cleaning device that fits less than the entire hand can be used to effectively clean surfaces. The cleaning device can be used for inanimate or animate surfaces. The cleaning device optionally contains a cleaning composition and can optionally be attached to a cleaning implement. A kit containing the cleaning device optionally provides directions for use and information about disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Douglas Minkler, Thao Nguyen, Russell Bell
  • Publication number: 20050138742
    Abstract: A cleaning head with a cleaning substrate, a cleaning composition and a fitment can used to clean hard surfaces, including toilets, showers, and bathrooms. The fitment can be attached to a cleaning tool. The cleaning face of the cleaning substrate can be in the shape of a polygon. The fitment can be attached to the cleaning substrate by melting the fitment above its softening temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Agnes Jaszenovics, Douglas Minkler, Kaitlin Roach
  • Publication number: 20050066465
    Abstract: A cleaning assembly including a disposable cleaning implement having a cleaning element mounted to a fitment having an elongated post. The cleaning assembly includes an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion and a distal implement attachment end thereof. A gripping mechanism is coupled to the wand attachment end, and is configured to releasably grip the fitment post to mount the cleaning implement. The gripping mechanism and the maneuvering wand cooperate to substantially limited pivotal movement of a longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative a longitudinal axis of the gripping mechanism to not more than about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees when the fitment post is subjected to forces radial to the longitudinal axis of the fitment post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventors: Douglas Minkler, Russell Bell
  • Publication number: 20050055787
    Abstract: A disposable cleaning head comprising a sponge, scrim and a one-piece flexible fitment having an engagement member adapted to removably engage a handle. Preferably, the scrim includes a cleaning composition having at least one surfactant. The cleaning composition can optionally include one or more bactericidal agents, bleaching agents, chelants, salts, coloring agents, fragrances and preservatives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Lisa Blum, Russell Bell, Layfayette Foland, George Katsigras, Douglas Minkler, Sara Morales
  • Publication number: 20050058500
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of fluid from an inverted fluid reservoir, the valve comprising: retaining mechanism for coupling the valve to a fluid reservoir; a central fluid opening for flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir through the valve; a valve post slidably disposed within the central fluid opening, the valve post having a sealing portion adapted to seal the central fluid opening and prevent fluid flow through the valve in a closed position; a biasing mechanism coupled to the valve post for biasing the sealing portion of the valve post against the central fluid opening when the valve is in the closed position; and an air vent system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Hall, Douglas Minkler, Francis Culang, Danielle Couts
  • Publication number: 20030077105
    Abstract: An advanced cleaning system having a handle portion with a proximal end and a distal end, a cleaning head portion, the cleaning head portion adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad, and a cleaning fluid reservoir fluidically coupled to the cleaning head portion such that cleaning fluid is controllably allowed to flow via gravity onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, Douglas Minkler, Francis J. Culang, Danielle J. Coutts
  • Patent number: D480523
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, Douglas Minkler, Robert W. Flagler
  • Patent number: D480651
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Radar, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert Flagler, David Sayler, Eric Park
  • Patent number: D485954
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Rader, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert W. Flagler, David J. Sayler, Eric Y. Park
  • Patent number: D486616
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Rader, Robert W. Flagler, Scott T. Haubrich, Karen S. Hefter, Richard Porticos, Gene Park, Douglas Minkler, David J. Sayler, Eric Y. Park
  • Patent number: D486949
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Rader, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert W. Flagler, David J. Sayler, Eric Y. Park
  • Patent number: D488386
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Rader, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert W. Flagler, David J. Sayler, Eric Y. Park
  • Patent number: D489007
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Radar, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert Flagler, David Sayler, Eric Park