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).
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Publication number: 20080022472Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Douglas Minkler, Russell Bell
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Patent number: 7127768Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Lisa Blum, Russell Bell, Layfayette Foland, George Katsigras, Douglas Minkler, Sara Morales
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Publication number: 20060216193Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2005Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Kaj Johnson, Douglas Minkler, Scott Cumberland, Joyce Delosreyes, Steven Bromberg, Edward Rinker, Aram Garabedan, Ricardo De Gopegui
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Publication number: 20060213017Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2005Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Russell Bele, Douglas Minkler, Amy Crandall
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Publication number: 20060130221Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2004Publication date: June 22, 2006Inventors: Cherie Bulala, Russell Bell, Douglas Minkler, A. Ooka
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Publication number: 20050246849Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2004Publication date: November 10, 2005Inventors: Douglas Minkler, Lisa Blum
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Publication number: 20050217045Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2005Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventors: Douglas Minkler, Thao Nguyen, Russell Bell
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Publication number: 20050138742Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2005Publication date: June 30, 2005Inventors: Agnes Jaszenovics, Douglas Minkler, Kaitlin Roach
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Publication number: 20050066465Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: March 31, 2005Applicant: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Douglas Minkler, Russell Bell
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Publication number: 20050055787Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2003Publication date: March 17, 2005Inventors: Lisa Blum, Russell Bell, Layfayette Foland, George Katsigras, Douglas Minkler, Sara Morales
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Publication number: 20050058500Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2004Publication date: March 17, 2005Inventors: Michael Hall, Douglas Minkler, Francis Culang, Danielle Couts
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Publication number: 20030077105Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Michael J. Hall, Douglas Minkler, Francis J. Culang, Danielle J. Coutts
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Patent number: D480523Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Michael J. Hall, Douglas Minkler, Robert W. Flagler
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Patent number: D480651Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Radar, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert Flagler, David Sayler, Eric Park
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Patent number: D485954Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Rader, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert W. Flagler, David J. Sayler, Eric Y. Park
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Patent number: D486616Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: 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
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Patent number: D486949Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Rader, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert W. Flagler, David J. Sayler, Eric Y. Park
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Patent number: D488386Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Rader, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert W. Flagler, David J. Sayler, Eric Y. Park
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Patent number: D489007Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Michael J. Hall, James E. Radar, Karen S. Hefter, Douglas Minkler, Robert Flagler, David Sayler, Eric Park