Patents Issued in February 13, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030028946
    Abstract: A tissue face mask similar to that used by a dentist but placed in covering relation over the face of a patient preparatory to a dental procedure using a laser or similar light-emitting device in which mask there are shaping stays that are manually conformed to the facial features of the patient to prevent harm to the patient from the emitted light of the dental procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Peter J. Zegarelli, Mitchell Steinberg
  • Publication number: 20030028947
    Abstract: A garment in the form of a knee pad or elbow pad protects a wearer during athletic activities. A toughening patch is applied to the outer surface of a nylon shell with the application of heat and pressure. A mixture of Teflon powder and plastisol ink is applied to a release liner and is applied to the nylon shell with the application of heat and pressure. Excess ink is removed from the patch with a blotting paper to impart a relatively low coefficient of friction to the patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: McDavid Knee Guard, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence Michael Fee, Robert Finley McDavid
  • Publication number: 20030028948
    Abstract: A garment for a personal cooling or warming system, the garment comprising a carrier formed in the shape of the garment, and a bladder comprising at least two channel segments, wherein the channel segments have a substantially flat configuration so as to improve thermal efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Paul A. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20030028949
    Abstract: A one piece protective garment has a single vertical opening (3) closable by high strength clasp fasteners secured to the fabric of the garment (5) by high strength twine. Selected areas of the garment is reinforced by extra layers, e.g. of high tenacity/NYLON.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew Robert England Kerr
  • Publication number: 20030028950
    Abstract: An improved hospital garment is herein disclosed. The garment is set forth in the context of a scrub top having a main body designed to extend from the shoulders to the hips of the wearer, short sleeves, two pockets located along the bottom of the main body, a V-shaped neckline, and a plurality of snap-type closures located at the front center of the garment to hold it closed. The hospital scrub top includes an improved fabric that weaves together two yarn types with at least one of the types being an elastomeric or hyper-elastic yarn such as LYCRA®, and the other being a synthetic or blend of natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton and polyester. This unique blend of polyester/cotton and elastomeric yarns creates a woven fabric having increased shape retention, versatility, and useful life (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Marigale Walsh
  • Hat
    Publication number: 20030028951
    Abstract: A hat which is manufactured of material such as synthetic resin and the like and formed into a box-shaped, generally square pyramidal main body as a whole comprises integrally-provided foldable chocking pieces formed by cutting a plurality of evenly spaced slits on a rim around a locking hole disposed in a center of a base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Toshihisa Mitsuhashi
  • Publication number: 20030028952
    Abstract: A garment 10e comprising a stretch fabric wherein the garment covers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, wherein the garment 10e in part has a portion 1 with a strong straining force; the portion 1 with a strong straining force is a strong straining portion (A); right and left parts of the portion (A) are connected at a position 2 on the back side of the garment corresponding to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body; and the portion (A) covers a region extending from the position 2 through tops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus at right and left to at least the vicinity of trochanter major.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Takako Fujii, Risa Saka, Toshiko Murakami
  • Publication number: 20030028953
    Abstract: The windbreak eye shield type assembly (10) comprises members (19, 19A) for mounting the shield (10) so as to be mobile on a helmet (1), so that the shield (10) can be moved away from the line of sight, under the control of wind pressure sensing members, remaining opposed to the wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: A. Jean-Noel Acquaviva
  • Publication number: 20030028954
    Abstract: A toilet ventilation system includes a manifold having an inlet through which gasses may be drawn from a toilet bowl area, at least one outlet, and a hollow interior through which gasses are routed from the inlet to the outlet(s). An exhaust conduit extends from the outlet(s). An air flow inducing element draws air from the toilet area through the manifold from its inlet to the outlet(s) through the exhaust conduit to an exhaust point. The manifold has a bottom surface adjacent the inlet which slopes downwardly in the direction of the inlet, causing fluid which enters the inlet to drain back out of the inlet. In one embodiment, the manifold includes at least one wall extending upwardly from the bottom surface, preventing fluid from traveling through the manifold from the inlet to the outlet(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony Prisco, Angelo Anthony Cassaro, Nicholas Vincent Montana
  • Publication number: 20030028955
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cover including a main body made of wooden material. The main body is enclosed by a cover layer. The cover layer is made of fabric or paper material with natural fibers. The cover layer is further enclosed by an outer layer. The cover layer serves to fill up the irregular portions of the outer face of the main body. Also, the cover layer serves as a lining of the outer layer to highlight the colors of the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Elvis Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20030028956
    Abstract: A pneumatic-snake like appratus and method for routine clearing of clogged plumbing-drain lines in buildings and marine installations, employing an air-supply of 80-120 psi at a nozzle-generated velocity sufficient to virtually disintegrate obstructions logged within the plumbing-drain system. Owing to direct-impact infusion of high-velocity air exiting the special ball-shaped fracturing-nozzle positioned at leading-end of the snaking air-hose, the “PwrClogbuster™” is more effective at breaking-up plumbing-line clump-obstructions than conventional coiled-metal snake devices. Passed-into a drain-line to point of obstruction the pneumatic-snake operator opens a control-valve positioned between the air-hose and air-supply unit (a conventional portable air-compressor/reservoir rig);—whereupon a few thrusting blasts at point-blank are sufficient to clear an obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Eugenio L. Pangramuyen
  • Publication number: 20030028957
    Abstract: There can be provided a pipe clogged item removing and pipe cleaning device as well as its method in which the clogged items in various kinds of pipes can be removed rapidly, simply and easily and the pipes can be cleaned in a work such as a repairing work for the clogged state in a toilet stool, they can be used widely not only in the usual homes, but also in various kinds of drain facilities in the usual society, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Sakae Kawai
  • Publication number: 20030028958
    Abstract: A dual flush-volume outflow valve assembly for a toilet tank is provided. The outflow valve assembly comprises a base having an opening configured to pass water out of the toilet tank, a lower outflow tube section extending upwardly from the base, and an upper outflow tube section adjustably coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower outflow tube section. The lower outflow tube has a hollow interior and includes a high-volume flush valve positioned to pass a first, larger volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. The upper outflow tube section has a hollow interior and includes a low-volume flush valve positioned to pass a second, smaller volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. In some embodiments, the hollow interiors of the upper outflow tube section and the lower outflow tube section are positioned over and in line with the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Publication number: 20030028959
    Abstract: A bedpan providing ease of use, comfort, and cleanability. The bedpan includes a body member defining a reservoir shaped and dimensioned for receiving bodily waste. The body member includes a closed base section adapted for retaining bodily wasted deposited within the bedpan and an open support section. The support section includes a central opening providing access to the reservoir defined by the body member. The central opening is defined by first and second inwardly inclined walls extending from a first end of the body member toward a second end of the body member. The support section further includes a forward support surface adjacent the first end of the body member. The forward support surface has a forward end adjacent the base member and a rearward end adjacent the first and second inwardly inclined walls, wherein the forward support surface is generally horizontal and tapers downwardly as it extends toward the base section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Scott A. Moser
  • Publication number: 20030028960
    Abstract: A track assembly for flexible pool covers. The track assembly includes track members, and securing pieces for being secured to the pool deck and for splicing the track members together in an end-to-end series. The securing pieces are designed to reside beneath, and to be concealed by, the tracking members. The securing pieces may be attached to a pool deck with fasteners, after which the track members may be snapped downwardly onto the securing pieces to thereby secure the track members to said securing pieces. The track members conceal the securing pieces, and the fasteners that secure the securing pieces to the pool deck, thereby providing an aesthetic appearance of continuous tracking uninterrupted by fasteners, fastener holes, or other through holes. This arrangement prevents the fasteners from coming loose and posing a risk to barefooted bathers, because the upward movement of the fasteners is inhibited by the track members that reside above the fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley L. Mathis
  • Publication number: 20030028961
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bath for generating water vibration wave which may massage the whole body, facilitate blood circulation, and increase the effects of a diet and various treatments by vibrating as well as circulating water by means of vibration blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Sang Duck Back, Hoon Her
  • Publication number: 20030028962
    Abstract: An ultra lightweight hammock for suspension between two trees includes a rectangular top panel joined along at least three side and end edges to a bottom panel. An elongate opening permits access between the top and bottom panels. Tubular sleeves form each end of the hammock and receive elongate webs which extend from the ends of the tubular sleeves around an adjacent tree to be secured by an adjustable buckle attachment. An option pocket may be formed in the bottom panel to receive a sleeping pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Crazy Creek Products
    Inventors: Robert F. Batchelder, Robert D. Hart
  • Publication number: 20030028963
    Abstract: A floating slat frame adapted to provide additional flexibility within mattress foundations of various configurations. The floating slat frame is constructed for attachment to a core assembly, and has a series of slats in a first plane, at least some of which are resiliently supported relative to a second series of slats in a second plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin N. McCraw, James J. Bush, R. Stuart Spiller
  • Publication number: 20030028964
    Abstract: A blanket providing enhanced ventilation to a person lying underneath the blanket. The blanket includes a sheet of material having a plurality of spaced apertures. Each aperture includes an opening allowing the passage of air through the blanket. The blanket may also include a reinforcing section embedded within a perimeter of the sheet of material. The reinforcing section may be a tube containing trapped air. In addition, the blanket may include supports connected to a collar section. The supports allow the blanket to be raised a specified distance above the person lying under the blanket. When the person releases the blanket, the blanket returns to its original position, lying over the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Hongbiao Li
  • Publication number: 20030028965
    Abstract: An adjustable bed skirt, for use with a bed having a mattress and a box spring, includes side panels having a non-slip portion, and end panels also including a non-slip portion. By inserting the non-slip portion of each side panel and each end panel between the mattress and the box spring, the side and end panels are retained in position so that the remaining non-inserted portion of each of the side and end panels hangs adjacent the box spring and forms a bed skirt thereon. Caps including a non-slip portion may also be inserted between the mattress and the box spring, adjacent edges of the box spring, to hide any gaps between edges of the side and end panels. The bed skirt may also be used with a bed having a mattress placed on a frame, and supported between the mattress and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald E. Wootten,, Kenneth L. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030028966
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pediatric stretcher. The pediatric stretcher includes base unit, attached to which are a number of lift assemblies. A frame is supported by the lift assemblies. Attached to the frame is a patient support deck. A railing is coupled to the frame by a plurality of coupling members and is configured to surround the patient support deck. The railing includes four individual rails, including a front rail, a rear rail, a left rail and a right rail. At least one of the four rails is configured to be raised and lowered with respect to said patient support deck and the plurality of coupling members. At least one of the four rails includes a gate that can pivot about a pivot axis. The gate is configured to be released and locked along the pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Guy Lemire, Michel Robitaille
  • Publication number: 20030028967
    Abstract: An adjustable position limb support for surgical tables consisting of a support arm pivotally mounted at one end to a base which is attachable to the table and an externally powered position actuator pivotally mounted to the support arm and the base at positions spaced apart from the support arm pivot. The actuator is extendable and retractable and may be powered either electrically, hydraulically, or by compressed air. The actuator is controlled by a suitable device within the actuator or remote from it and an appropriate appliance for holding the limb is provided on the support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Schuerch
  • Publication number: 20030028968
    Abstract: A bed top co-sleeping d ice designed to accompany both the infant and the parent. Designed to be a simple fabric absorbent pad (1) with protective safety cushion/body pillow enclosure (2), containing body pillow (6) to one side. Safety cushion/body pillow enclosure has a removable body pillow inside. When complete unit (body pillow is inside enclosure) is placed on top of the bed, the parent will be able to co-sleep comfortably next to the infant without worry of breast milk leaking to the sheets, diaper changing messes or, the child rolling off the bed. With the body pillow removed, the one-piece fabric pad and body pillow enclosure allows for easy cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Hugh M. Fennell, Cheri L. Fennell
  • Publication number: 20030028969
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pillow, comprising the steps of granulating pieces of latex foam to produce a variety of sizes of latex foam crumbs; passing the crumbs through a screen to generally exclude most latex foam crumbs which are greater than a predetermined nominal diameter; filling a pillow casing with the screened crumbs; and sealing the casing shut to capture the latex foam crumbs. The screen optimally has apertures approximately ⅜ inch (9.5 mm) in diameter to produce a pillow comprising a casing filled with latex foam crumbs where the latex foam crumbs are in a variety of sizes, generally not exceeding about 1 inch (25.4 mm) in nominal diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Ralph H. Rossdeutscher
  • Publication number: 20030028970
    Abstract: A bed assembly provides an enlarged sleeping surface area as compared to a standard Queen sized bed. Specifically, in the disclosed bed assemblies, the sleeping surface area is about 64 inches to about 68 inches wide and about 77 inches to about 82 inches long. This can be accomplished by providing both a mattress and a foundation having the appropriate, enlarged sleeping surface area, or by combining an enlarged mattress with a foundation having at least one standard Queen sized surface. The mattress and foundation can be fit into a bed frame made of a suitable size to fit the bottom surface of the foundation (i.e., either “enlarged” or standard Queen size). The enlarged sleeping surface of the bed may be between about 65 inches to about 67 inches wide and about 78 inches to about 80 inches long. This enlarged sleeping surface area provides a more comfortable and restful sleep for two occupants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Rick F. Gladney, Kurtis A. Ling
  • Publication number: 20030028971
    Abstract: A configurable, adjustable inflatable device including one or more inflatable bladders and a shape-defining membrane that combines with the inflatable bladders such that an overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is at least partially controlled by the shape-defining membrane, and wherein the overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is substantially different from an inflated shape of inflatable bladders alone. The configurable adjustable inflatable device may include a covering layer that may partially or completely surround the inflatable bladders and may attach to the membrane or the inflatable bladders. The level of inflation of the inflatable bladders may also be controlled, further adding to the adjustability of the inflatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Publication number: 20030028972
    Abstract: An air mattress is formed with a deep pocket adjacent one end portion for storing and concealing various items such as glasses, wallets, flashlights and the like. An inflatable pillow or similar cover member is tethered at one end to the mattress with a flexible hinge and connected to the mattress at its other end with a releasable connection which positions and holds the pillow over the storage pocket so as to cover and conceal the storage pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Susan Michaelis, Douglas Casto
  • Publication number: 20030028973
    Abstract: A multi-tasking utility tool comprising a body; a knife compartment coupled to the body, wherein the knife compartment contains a cutting tool, the cutting tool configured to extend out from the knife compartment; and a cartridge unit coupled to the body, the cartridge unit having a first writing instrument and a second writing instrument, wherein the first writing instrument and the second writing instrument are positioned opposite from one another, the cartridge unit rotatable between a first position and a second position, further wherein the first writing instrument is positioned within the body in the first position and extends away from the body in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Wampum LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Russell D. Powers
  • Publication number: 20030028974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to stain removal methods and products associated therewith. The methods of the present invention are especially useful as part of a dry cleaning operation, but can also be used under any circumstances where stain removal from articles, especially fabrics, is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin David Moe, Shellie Jean Caudill, Janice Quintana Sadlowski
  • Publication number: 20030028975
    Abstract: Compositions for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, containing at least one oxidation base and at least one coupler chosen from indolizine derivative comprising at least one cationic group Z, Z being chosen from quaternized aliphatic chains, aliphatic chains comprising at least one quaternized saturated ring, and aliphatic chains comprising at least one quaternized unsaturated ring. Methods of using these cationic indolizine derivatives as couplers for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, in combination with at least one oxidation base, and to dyeing processes using them. Some of these cationic indolizine derivatives are novel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Philippe Breton, Fabienne Segala, Alain Lagrange
  • Publication number: 20030028976
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel compositions for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising at least one para-phenylenediamine derivative containing an azetidinyl group as oxidation base, to the dyeing process and to the dyeing kit using this composition, and also to novel para-phenylenediamines containing an azetidinyl group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Terranova, Aziz Fadli
  • Publication number: 20030028977
    Abstract: The invention concerns an oxidation dyeing composition for keratinous fibers, and in particular human keratinous fibers such as hair comprising, in a suitable dyeing medium, at least a first oxidation base selected among certain substituted para-phenylenediamine derivatives and their addition salts with an acid, and at least a second selected oxidation base, and the dyeing method using said composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Gerard Lang
  • Publication number: 20030028978
    Abstract: A shaped body is provided for preparing coloring compositions and for coloring keratin fibers. The shaped body contains at least one indole derivative, and/or at least one indoline derivative as a dye precursor. The shaped body is placed in a composition containing water to form a coloring composition that can be applied to keratin fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Erik Schulze zur Wiesche, Detlef Hollenberg, Michael Dreja
  • Publication number: 20030028979
    Abstract: An aqueous hair color composition for oxidatively coloring hair in twelve minutes or less, wherein said composition is prepared by combining a dye mixture and a developer mixture, said aqueous hair color composition comprising 0.01-2.0% (combined weight) of the total composition of primary intermediates and couplers, a free alkalinity concentration of 0.20-0.75 meq/gram, and a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 4-6% by weight of the total composition; and a hair coloring kit containing separate containers of an aqueous dye mixture and an aqueous developing mixture for use with said dye mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Dalal Ibrahim Esber Duffer, Louann Christine Vena, Minmin Tian, Shailendra Kumar Singh
  • Publication number: 20030028980
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for dyeing a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) BCF yarn carpet continuously, in which an aqueous dyeing solution is applied to a continuously moving poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yarn carpet, and then the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yarn carpet is steamed, rinsed, and dried, characterized in that the carpet is heat-set at 120 to 150° C. and then steamed with saturated steam at 102 to 150° C. for 5 to 10 min. The carpet may be dyed by using the aqueous dyeing solution of 45 to 90° C., or by using the aqueous dyeing solution comprising an anti-migration agent at room temperature as well as by heating the carpet with a dry heat of 140 to 300° C. for 30 to 60 sec after steaming the carpet and before rinsing it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Kee-Chul Song, Je-An Yu, Il-Won Jung
  • Publication number: 20030028981
    Abstract: An improved method of making a series of bead or microsphere or particle populations characterized by subtle variation in a proportion or ratio of at least two fluorescent dyes distributed within a single bead of each population is provided. These beads, when excited by a single excitation light source are capable of giving off several fluorescent signals simultaneously. A set containing as many as 64 distinct populations of multicolored, fluorescent beads is provided and when combined with analytical reagents bound to the surface of such beads is extremely useful for multiplexed analysis of a plurality of analytes in a single sample. Thus, methods of staining polymeric particles, the particles themselves, and methods of using such particles are claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Don J. Chandler, Beth A. Lambert, Janet J. Reber, Stacie L. Phipps
  • Publication number: 20030028982
    Abstract: In a sweeping apparatus with a sweeping roller arranged substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface and a storage bin for swept material fixable to the sweeping apparatus and which has a sweeping edge facing the sweeping roller, the sweeping edge is movable relative to the sweeping roller in such a way that the vertical position of the sweeping edge with respect to the sweeping surface is independent of the vertical position of the sweeping roller with respect to the sweeping surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Werner Kress
  • Publication number: 20030028983
    Abstract: A rotary drum release assembly includes a multiple of lock pins which engage a rotary drum shaft to lock and unlock a rotary drum to a drain cleaning machine without the need for tools. The rotary drum release assembly is mounted within a support frame assembly. A rotary drum shaft groove is located within a sleeve mounted to the support frame assembly to minimize localized weakening of the shaft. Rotation of an actuating handle engages cam surfaces with the lock pins to overcome their spring bias of the lock pins and simultaneously drive the lock pins away from the shaft to allow release of the drum. To mount the drum, the drum shaft is pushed into the sleeve and the lock pins are received into the shaft groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Randall Paul Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20030028984
    Abstract: The present invention is a personal hygiene device. Specifically, the invention is a back maintenance device comprised of a brush head attached to a variable length handle. The brush head is attached to at least one abrasive element. In an alternate embodiment, a second abrasive element is attached to the brush head. Abrasive elements include bristle and porous structures. The variable length handle is both extendible from and retractable into a storage cavity within the brush head. The variable length handle is telescoping. One embodiment consists of fixed length tubular members slidably disposed and extending to form a rigid handle structure. An alternate embodiment consists of a coiled member slidably disposed along its length and extending to form a rigid handle structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Nancy Fichter
  • Publication number: 20030028985
    Abstract: This invention relates to a scrub pad comprising a scrubbing layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; a wiping layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; and an absorbent core layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer comprising at least one absorbent material selected from the group consisting of short-fiber, air-laid nonwoven material, nonwoven plastic batting, cellulosic fibrous web materials, wax coated paper, corrugated paper, fluff pulp, cotton balls, cotton batting, or mixture thereof; wherein the absorbent core layer is located intermediate to the scrubbing layer and the wiping layer and wherein the scrubbing layer, the absorbent core layer and the wiping layer are joined at the periphery of each layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Scott Prodoehl, Brian David Douglas, Jennifer Lynne Brown, Ronald Joseph Zink, Lisa Craft Blanton, Ward William Ostendorf, Michael Bernard Dugas
  • Publication number: 20030028986
    Abstract: A hand held cleaning device that has a self wringing mechanism for extracting liquids from a flexible cleaning element. A wringer mechanism is mounted at the end of an elongated handle. A slidable mop head base is mounted on the bottom of the handle and slides along the elongated handle. When the mop head is moved from its first cleaning position, the flexible cleaning element is drawn through the wringing assembly to remove absorbed liquids from the cleaning element. A pivotal gate opens, allowing the mop head and cleaning element to pass back through the wringing mechanism to assume its original cleaning position. In an alternate embodiment the mop head is attached to the elongated handle and the wringer mechanism is mounted for slidable movement with respect to the elongated handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan Kaleta
  • Publication number: 20030028987
    Abstract: Decorated personal grooming devices, and particularly, decorated toothbrushes, comprise a handle, a neck and a head. The devices further comprise a plastic film having a decorative pattern thereon, said film being in conforming contact with at least a portion of the handle. When the device of the invention is a toothbrush, it further comprises bristles attached to said head. A toothbrush of the invention may be decorated by providing a toothbrush body having a handle, a neck and a head; providing a heat-shrinkable plastic film in tubular form having a decorative pattern thereon; positioning the tubular film around at least a portion of the handle such that the portion of the handle is contained in the interior region of the tubular film; and heating the film to a temperature and for a time sufficient to cause the film to shrink into conforming contact with the toothbrush handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Linda Morawski, Richard M. Prospero
  • Publication number: 20030028988
    Abstract: A cleaning implement for removing debris from a surface comprises a handle, a mop head, and a joint connecting the handle and mop head; wherein the joint is adjustable and lockable. The joint allows the angle between the mop head and the handle to be adjusted appropriately and then locked into place. Another embodiment of the present cleaning implement comprises a handle and a mop head, wherein the mop heads comprises one or more gliders to facilitate the ability of the cleaning implement to glide smoothly across the surface being cleaned. Methods of removing debris comprise the step of contacting the surface with a cleaning implement of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Alen David Streutker, Gary Ray Drake, Gary Lee Loney, Michael Stephen Maile, Mark Leslie Kacher, Glenn Allen Bradbury, Leonard Lik-Hang Tse, Gregory Spooner, Hoss Vong
  • Publication number: 20030028989
    Abstract: A ring meshed scrubbing pad constructed of a plurality of contoured, interconnected rings forming a mesh working or scrubbing surface of the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Wendy Jae Peterson
  • Publication number: 20030028990
    Abstract: A wiper device includes a wiper arm that is mounted in driveable fashion and that bears a wiper blade, the wiper arm being formed by an essentially U-shaped profile part that surrounds the wiper blade at least partially. The front limb, which in the installed position points essentially in the direction of travel of the vehicle, forms a spoiler, and at least one air outlet opening is situated on the additional limbs. An air guide element, configured to pass through the profile part, is arranged at least in the inner area of the U-shaped profile part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20030028991
    Abstract: The present invention is based on a wiper arm (10) having a securing member (12) and a hinge member (14) coupled thereto via a hinged joint (16), a cover cap (46) being affixed to the securing member (12) and having a cover wall (48) and side walls (50) laterally contiguous thereto which cover the securing member (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20030028992
    Abstract: The invention is based on a mounting part (10) of a windshield wiper, having a receiving opening (12, 46) for a wiper shaft (44) at one end, and forming a part (14) of a fold-away hinge at the other end, and being formed from a flat sheet metal (28) by deep-drawing, punching and bending and having a u-shaped cross-section profile (20) and a spring mount (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20030028993
    Abstract: A robot cleaner, a system thereof, and a method for controlling the same. The robot cleaner system includes a robot cleaner that performs a cleaning operation while communicating wirelessly with an external device. The robot cleaner has a plurality of proximity switches arranged in a row on a lower portion of the cleaner body. A guiding plate is disposed in the floor of the work area, the guiding plate having metal lines formed in a predetermined pattern, the metal lines being detectible by the proximity switches. Since the recognition of the location and the determination of traveling trajectory of the cleaner within a work area becomes easier, performance of the robot cleaner is enhanced, while a burden of having to process algorithms is lessened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Jeong-Gon Song, Kwang-Su Kim, Jang-Youn Ko
  • Publication number: 20030028994
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a main body having an electric blower for generating a suction air flow, a dirt collecting case for centrifugally separating and collecting dirt, and a compression assembly for compressing dirt collected in the dirt collecting case to reduce a volume thereof. The dirt collecting case has a separation chamber for centrifugally separating dirt from the dirt containing air and a dirt collecting chamber in communication with the separation chamber for accumulating the dirt separated by the separation chamber. The compression assembly has a first air intake member provided in the separation chamber and communicating with the electric blower, a second air intake member provided in the dirt collecting chamber and communicating with the electric blower, a shielding plate for selectively opening the first and the second air intake member and an actuator for driving the shielding plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Kitamura, Saburo Kajikawa, Masakazu Onda, Seiji Ishikawa, Yasunori Tsuzaki, Masashi Okushima, Tetsuharu Nomachi, Koji Yamamura, Hirokazu Nagaoka
  • Publication number: 20030028995
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel and highly effective design for the squeegee blades used to remove and collect used cleaning solution and other liquids from substantially flat surfaces in manual and motorized cleaning tools. In comparison to the prior art, the present invention provides the squeegee blade with controlled flexibility so that the blade contacts the surface to be cleaned with a wiping lip area that does not change with the applied pressure. As a result of the constant wiping area provided by this invention, the new squeegee blades can operate efficiently on uneven surfaces with reduced wear. Further, the constant contact area between squeegee blade and the surface to be cleaned provides an excellent sealing action, which in turn, leads to more effective removal of the used cleaning solution from the surface and minimizes losses in vacuum that removes the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Yasushi Ikeda