Abstract: A flow control device (10) for selectively controlling a flow of a fluid, including a high-viscosity fluid, such as, for example, engine oil, from a relatively large capacity container, such as, for example, a five quart container, wherein the device (10) has a lower port configuration operable to substantially reduce glugging effects, thereby allowing for a maximized rate of fluid transfer through a relatively narrow exit opening (42). The device (10) broadly comprises an adapter (12); a body (14); and a cover (16). The body (14) and cover (16) cooperate to provide fully selectable control over the flow. The fluid flows through ports (36) in either the body (14) or the cover (16), which are movable relative to one another so as to selectively control exposure of the ports (36) to the fluid. Thus, for example, in a first extreme position, the ports (36) are completely blocked and no fluid flows; while in a second extreme position, the ports (36) are completely unblocked and the fluid flows at a maximum rate.

Abstract: A flow control device (10) for selectively controlling a flow of a fluid, including a high-viscosity fluid, such as, for example, engine oil, from a relatively large capacity container, such as, for example, a five quart container, wherein the device (10) has a lower port configuration operable to substantially reduce glugging effects, thereby allowing for a maximized rate of fluid transfer through a relatively narrow exit opening (42). The device (10) broadly comprises an adapter (12); a body (14); and a cover (16). The body (14) and cover (16) cooperate to provide fully selectable control over the flow. The fluid flows through ports (36) in either the body (14) or the cover (16), which are movable relative to one another so as to selectively control exposure of the ports (36) to the fluid. Thus, for example, in a first extreme position, the ports (36) are completely blocked and no fluid flows; while in a second extreme position, the ports (36) are completely unblocked and the fluid flows at a maximum rate.

Abstract: A wash brush (10) having a handle (11) securely coupleable with a cleaning head (13) by a ratchet-like coupling mechanism (12), and including a flowpath control mechanism (22) operable to direct and control a stream of liquid to the brush head area. A continuous liquid flow path is provided from a handle source connection end (62) to the head-mounted flowpath control mechanism (22) which is operable to selectively control flow characteristics, including pattern and direction.

Abstract: A tool (10) for removing ice, snow, and general debris from vehicles. The tool (10) broadly comprises an elongated handle (14) having opposed first and second ends, a brush head (12) pivotally coupled to the first end of the handle (14) by a pivot mechanism (16), and a scraper (18) attached to the second end of the handle (14). The pivot mechanism (16) comprises a spring-loaded knob (46) which may be easily actuated with one hand and whose large proportions make operation by gloved hands convenient. To pivot the brush (12), an operator merely depresses and turns the knob (46) of the pivoting mechanism (16). Two pair of detents (21), arranged 90° to one another, lock the brush (12) into a first position, in which the brush is aligned with the handle (14) and may be used with a sweeping motion, or a second position, in which the brush (12) is perpendicular to the handle (14) and may be used with a pushing or pulling motion.

Abstract: A wash brush (10) having a handle (11) securely coupleable with a cleaning head (13) by a ratchet-like coupling mechanism (12), and including a flowpath control mechanism (22) operable to direct and control a stream of liquid to the brush head area. A continuous liquid flow path is provided from a handle source connection end (62) to the head-mounted flowpath control mechanism (22) which is operable to selectively control flow characteristics, including pattern and direction.

Abstract: A versatile pouring system (10) reducible to constituent components having independent and combinatorial functionality. The pouring system (10) comprises a funnel (12), including a removable filter (26); a first spout (14); a second spout (16); and a cap (18). The funnel (12) is semi-rectangular with an offset neck (24) to securely receive and support common one quart fluid containers. The removable filter (26) is operatively positioned within the funnel neck (24) to trap and retain residue or debris. The spouts (14, 16) are of different lengths and are coupleable with the funnel (12), with one another, or with common wide or small-mouthed fluid containers. The cap (18) fits both spouts (14, 16). All four constituent components can be assembled into a single coherent unit for convenient storage.

Abstract: A ratchet-like coupling mechanism (20) for releaseably coupling a cleaning head (22) to a handle (24). The mechanism (20) comprises a handle adaptor (28); a sleeve (30); an engagement arm (32); and an engagement wheel (34). Where a liquid delivering handle (24) is used, the handle adaptor (28) operates to adapt the mechanism (20) to avoid interfering with the liquid flowpath. The handle adaptor (28) may be eliminated where a solid handle is used. The sleeve (30) secures to the handle adaptor (28) or directly to the handle, and supports the engagement arm (32). The engagement wheel (34) is secured to the head (22). The arm (32) and wheel (34) present oppositely biased teeth (56,57) allowing the adaptor (28) or handle to be threadably coupled with the head (22), but which must be disengaged, by actuating the arm (32), to uncouple the head (22) from the handle (24).

Abstract: A versatile pouring system (10) reducible to constituent components having independent and combinatorial functionality. The pouring system (10) comprises a funnel (12), including a removable filter (26); a first spout (14); a second spout (16); and a cap (18). The funnel (12) is semi-rectangular with an offset neck (24) to securely receive and support common one quart fluid containers. The removable filter (26) is operatively positioned within the funnel neck (24) to trap and retain residue or debris. The spouts (14, 16) are of different lengths and are coupleable with the funnel (12), with one another, or with common wide or small-mouthed fluid containers. The cap (18) fits both spouts (14, 16). All four constituent components can be assembled into a single coherent unit for convenient storage.