Abstract: A sewer grate removal apparatus comprises first and second extended rods, each having handles on first terminal ends thereof, and J-shaped elements on second terminal ends thereof, respectively. A bridging member extends from the first extended rod to the second extended rod proximal the first terminal ends thereof, and configured to allow rotation of the first and second extended rods. In use, the J-shaped portions at the second terminal ends of the first and second extended rods are fit into grate holes and the handles on the first terminal ends thereof are turned to engage the J-shaped portions with the grate, and the apparatus is pulled upwardly to remove the grate.

Abstract: A tubular web element is made from a strip of fabric having opposing longitudinal edges. The strip is longitudinally twisted to define a hollow tube having between approximately 0.01-0.95 turns per inch. At least one helical gap is defined between the opposing longitudinal edges of the hollow tube. The opposing longitudinal edges have self-fused edge regions. The hollow tube has self-fused longitudinally-extending regions between its opposing longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A tubular web element is made from a strip of fabric having opposing longitudinal edges. The strip is longitudinally twisted to define a hollow tube having between approximately 0.01-0.95 turns per inch. At least one helical gap is defined between the opposing longitudinal edges of the hollow tube. The opposing longitudinal edges have self-fused edge regions. The hollow tube has self-fused longitudinally-extending regions between its opposing longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A reversible mop includes a rectangular woven center panel forming an array of nodes having tasseled ends extending therebeyond, the materials for the warp material being formed of a hoop sensitive material enabling direct contact mounting of the mop at a mop head in a hook and loop mounting system.

Abstract: A polysurfacial mop head suitable for use with a mop handle, including an array of strand elements secured by securement members to form a unitary mop head body of generally flat character when reposed on a planar supporting surface The mop head body is securable on a mounting assembly of the mop handle in at least two differing deployment orientations with the active mopping surface presented to said planar supporting surface comprising differing surface portions of the mop head body in the different deployment orientations of the mop head body. Also disclosed is a mop head assembly having an extended support structure which is "breakable" at a medial part thereof, so that the outer extremities of the structure pivotally distend to a relaxed condition, in which the mop head body secured to the support structure may be readily wrung out, or otherwise prepared for reuse (e.g., in dry mopping or applicator uses).

Abstract: A sorptive article comprising an assemblage of fibrous web elements. The assemblage may be intrinsically consolidated by intertwining, melt-bonding, or otherwise aggregating the web elements themselves, or else by extrinsic consolidating means, e.g., filaments, wires, clips, clamps, adhesive media, etc. The sorptive article is usefully employed for selective pick-up and retention of fluids (liquids) and/or particulate solids.

Abstract: A sorptive article that is made of one or more fibrous web elements enclosed within a fibrous web casing and that may be used for absorbing liquid material.

Abstract: A mop head comprising a plurality of web elements having involutions therein. The involutions may be formed by treatment conditions comprising successive tensioning/detensioning, compression, differential stressing or stretching, twisting, or combinations of these or other conditions or treatments imparting involutions to the web elements. In a preferred aspect, the web elements are formed of a non-woven material comprising a cellulose and synthetic fiber blend. Mop heads of the invention are usefully employed in dry mopping and/or wet mopping applications.

Abstract: A system comprising means for retaining fluids, such as liquids e.g., by mopping or sopping action, through the use of three-dimensional fabrics or other material articles which are structured to create optimally sized and proportioned interstices providing maximum holding capacitance ability for picking up, retaining, and releasing such fluids.