Patents Issued in November 13, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030208826
    Abstract: This side shield retention clamp for locking an eyeglass side shield having a side hole to a temple of an eyeglass frame has a temple clamp with an arm extending therefrom having a hole rather than a hook at its end. A screw extends through the hole, but is not tapped into the hole. Instead, a threaded shield clamping nut extends into the hole in the side shield from the inside of the shield. This screw is threaded through this shield clamping nut and contacts the temple. In contrast to this, the screw tightening the temple clamp engages the clamp directly rather than pressing against the temple. In the preferred embodiment, the shield clamping nut has a projection with a flat face that fits against the outside of the temple, extends into the clamp slot, and is clamped against the temple when the clamp is tightened (via a clamp screw).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Norman J. Radziwon, Nicola S. Verdino
  • Publication number: 20030208827
    Abstract: A water resistant covering covers a part of the body, prevents water from penetrating the covering, and can be emplaced on the body with a single hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: David V. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20030208828
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apron and a method for fastening the same. The apron includes a body having opposed sides, one of which includes first and second spaced-apart tenons extending therefrom. Each of the first and second spaced-apart tenons have a length, with the length being of sufficient magnitude to wrap around the shoulder and attach to the body between the opposed sides. A first fastener couples the first tenon to the body, forming a first loop. A second fastener couples the second tenon to the body, forming a second loop. With this design, the distance between the first side and a neck is a function of a circumference of the first and second loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20030208829
    Abstract: A full-cut swimsuit of the shorts-type, particularly of the type having a waistband and legs, and in which at least one rear elastic zone is arranged in correspondence with the user's buttocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Ragot, Laurent Nevejans
  • Publication number: 20030208830
    Abstract: A wearable garment having medical electrode/sensors mounted in predetermined position relative to the skin of a wearer provides for the sensors to be removed and attached easily for cleaning, repair and/or replacement without adverse effect on the electrical connections thereto. The garment comprises a wearable body structure having one or more flexible electrical conductors on its inner surface, with a first separable fastener half-section, made of flexible electrically conductive material, mounted on the inner surface and electrically connected to the electrical conductor. A medical sensor formed of flexible conductive material, preferably conductive silicone, is coupled, electrically and mechanically, to a second separable fastener half-section also formed of flexible conductive material. The second separable fastener half-section is configured to couple separably with the first half-section to complete an electrical current path between the medical sensor and the electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: George Marmaropoulos, Clive Read Van Heerden
  • Publication number: 20030208831
    Abstract: A cooling garment constructed, at least in part, of a cooling fabric. The cooling fabric includes an upper layer that includes a water-resistant fabric, a lower layer that includes a water-resistant fabric, a plurality of chambers disposed between the upper layer and the lower layer formed by stitching the upper layer and the lower layer together using a water wickable thread, and a superabsorbent polymer contained within a majority of the chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Robert P. Lazar, Dorothy M. Hill
  • Publication number: 20030208832
    Abstract: A durable weighted vest insert to produce a calming effect in users. The insert has a plurality of sealed compartments having weights in an anterior and posterior portion. Weight distribution is configured to provide a uniform and even pressure predominately over the upper muscles of the back and high on the pectoral muscles (i.e., an anterior and posterior shoulder girdle) when placed on a user and can be determined as a percentage of a user's body weight. The insert has mechanical fasteners such as pressure sensitive fastening materials, zippers, buttons, ties or hooks on an exposed surface. The invention can also include a vest having an interior surface comprising opposing mechanical fasteners placed corresponding to the fasteners of the insert whereby the insert can be incorporated and concealed within the vest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Nancy Lynn VandenBerg
  • Publication number: 20030208833
    Abstract: A gunn cut glove construction in which a pre-curvature at selected locations, preferably around the joints, in the fingers is achieved by sewing wedges of material into cut portions of the gunn section so that the shortened fingers and larger back sections easily meet at and can be joined without the need to gather or moccasin material resulting in the shape of the finger being such that it curves forward towards the palm section. Increased volume at the fingertips of a gunn cut construction glove is achieved by darting the palm side pieces of fingers proximate the fingertips. In addition, to reduce the inflexibility of gloves when curled into a fist, an elliptical piece is removed from the palm portion of the glove and the sides of the elliptical piece are sewn together along a seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Danny Gold
  • Publication number: 20030208834
    Abstract: A left golf glove includes a left pressure part formed on a selected portion of at least one of the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinky finger; a left holding part formed on a selected portion of the palm part; a first left indication part formed on a selected portion of the thumb; and a second left indication part formed on a selected portion of the palm opposite part. A right golf glove includes a right pressure part formed on a selected portion of at least one of the middle finger and the ring finger; a right holding part formed on a selected portion of the palm part; a right indication part formed on a selected portion of the thumb; and a second right holding part also formed on a selected portion of the thumb. The left golf glove and the right golf glove provide control over a golf club and also provide indication of a proper grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Jung Ho Park
  • Publication number: 20030208835
    Abstract: A semi-frameless mask; its structure contains a hard glass lens, and a soft flexible skirt; Longer distance buckles are implemented at the sides of the intersection of the lens and the skirt, and the strap is implemented on the buckles. By implementing the longer distance buckles close to the hard lens on the skirt, the forces apply can be averagely spread on the mask while pulling or pushing the strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: QDS Injection Molding LLC
    Inventor: Chen-Lieh Pan
  • Publication number: 20030208836
    Abstract: A disposable toilet seat cover, made of a liquid impervious laminate having an upper layer of soft, thick paper and a lower layer of plastic film embossed to form a series of ridges which prevents sliding on the toilet seat during use. The cover is a single sheet of laminate material, die cut to shape and embossed to promote ease in fitting. The cover has oval inner and outer embossed creases to define the portion of the cover coming in contact with the seat. The cover is embossed to form creases from which fall the inner and outer portions of the toilet bowl rim area and decorated for children. The inner and outer pleated skirts allow children to grasp the toilet seat for balance without coming into contact with the toilet seat or the bowl rim and upper inner and outer surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Marian E. Bankemper
  • Publication number: 20030208837
    Abstract: A urinal for allowing a user to dispose of urine while taking a shower. The urinal includes a bowl that includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines an interior space that is designed for collecting urine. A back wall of the bowl designed to be coupled to a wall of the shower. A drainage port is positioned at a bottom of the bowl. The drainage port designed to be coupled to a drainpipe of the shower. The drainage port is in fluid communication with the interior space of the bowl such that the drainage port is designed for draining the urine from the interior space of the bowl into the drainpipe of the shower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Ernest Durant
  • Publication number: 20030208838
    Abstract: An enclosure for a portable toilet comprises at least two sections, one of which has a door opening and a door mounted thereon. The enclosure door is moveable between a closed position and an opened position. Each enclosure section includes a first end and a second end. A tab having a hole extends from the first and a hole is formed in the second end of each enclosure section. When assembled, the first end of one section abuts the second end of the adjacent section. To ensure a substantially smooth seam or junction between the two sections, the tab extends from the inner surface of one section, across the junction between the two sections, to lie against the inner surface of the adjacent section. The tabs are aligned with the holes, and are sized such that the tab holes align with the section holes. A fastener is passed through the section hole and the tab hole to secure the two sections together. Mounting tabs are also provided at the bottom of the enclosure to secure the enclosure to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Mason
  • Publication number: 20030208839
    Abstract: A drain cover for a swimming pool, spa or tub drain that includes a hollow tube or shell having a slot formed in a wall therein and a fitting connecting the drain cover with respect to the drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Ralph Lipsey Barnett, Peter Joseph Poczynok
  • Publication number: 20030208840
    Abstract: A variable speed electrical AC induction motor has windings and a rotor disposed within a motor housing. A switch for varying the speed of the rotor is disposed at a location external of the motor housing. The variable speed electrical AC induction motor is ideal for use in a water recreational combination, such as a spa, hot tub or recirculating bath tub. Because the AC induction motor has a switch which is external to the motor housing, repair or replacement of the switch is conveniently and easily accomplished without having to take apart the electrical motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: California Acrylic Industries
    Inventors: Casey Loyd, Pedro Vargas
  • Publication number: 20030208841
    Abstract: A self draining bath fitting for use in bathing installations including baths, showers, spa baths or jacuzzis. A flow path is provided through the fitting to allow liquid to drain from the fitting under the influence of gravity. A mounting for a bath fitting is also provided having a face plate with a rear flexible membrane seal which is concealed behind the faceplate, and a mounting nut provided on the body of the fitting behind the bath wall. Tightening the nut secures the fitting about an aperture in the bath wall. The faceplate can be removed to allow access to the fitting for inspection and maintenance purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Kipley Roydon Marks
  • Publication number: 20030208842
    Abstract: A shower cubicle comprises a stationary structure (1) and a movable structure (2). The movable structure (2) has a curved wall panel (10), a floor (11) and an upper member (12). A curved door (14) is pivotally hinged to the movable structure (2). The movable structure (2) is pivotally connected to the stationary structure (1) about axis Y1. The movable structure (2) can be moved from a standby or storage position in which the movable structure (2) is stowed inside the stationary structure (1) to an in-use position in which the movable structure (2) is pivoted outwardly from the stationary structure (1) to form a larger shower enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Adam Timothy Laws
  • Publication number: 20030208843
    Abstract: A shower mounted douche/bidet apparatus employs a diverter and an angled handle member with a dispenser head thereon. The handle is a ball headed arm member which provided an ergonomic spray dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Schrag
  • Publication number: 20030208844
    Abstract: A computerized controller that limits the movement of a patient lifting device, wherein the controller is operated in a normal mode to sense the lateral rotation of a lifting arm that lifts patients and the linear displacement of extendable support legs for said lifting device and the angular diversion of said support legs. The controller inhibits movement of said lateral rotation of a lifting arm in response to the linear displacement and the angular diversion of the support legs to prevent tipping the lifting device. The same controller may be operated in a bypass mode to override the normal mode wherein the patient lifting device may be operated during a setup and breakdown operation to permit construction and disassembly of the patient lifting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony Louis Moffa, Richard Howard Tuft
  • Publication number: 20030208845
    Abstract: The invention relates to profiling beds where sections of the bed can be raised or lowered for the benefit and comfort of the user of the bed. The object of the invention is to prevent a compression of the lower stomach of the user as sections of the bed are raised, an objective met by a construction comprising at least a head and upper body support hingedly connected to a frame, a seat support hingedly connected to the head and upper body support at one end and to the frame at the other, the hinged connections being such that as the head and upper body support is raised about its hinged connection to the base, the seat portion is lowered about its hinged connection to the frame, and the distance between said hinged connections in the longitudinal direction of the bed increasing as the said sections are simultaneously raised and lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Paul Heaton
  • Publication number: 20030208846
    Abstract: A single piece, multi-use support pillow with curved ends of varying heights (28 and 34) and dual inclined support surfaces (22) designed to contour and support differing parts of a human body, which helps to maintain proper body alignment with even distribution of weight throughout muscular/skeletal system of an individual. The support pillow provides support with a contour fit for potentially all of the following areas: head, neck, shoulders, torso, back, thighs, knees, shins, ankles, feet, and toes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Francesco Guarino
  • Publication number: 20030208847
    Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan L. Bartlett, Bruce Phillips, Michael Stenberg, Glenn C. Stroh, Daniel A. Woehr, Dan G. Dimitriu, Felipe Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20030208848
    Abstract: A cushioning device including a first fluid bladder support structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a second fluid bladder support structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and at least one fluid accumulation reservoir. The first and second fluid bladder support structures deform under application of a load and reform upon removal of the load. A first conduit interconnects the first fluid bladder support structure in fluid communication with the second fluid bladder support structure. The first conduit includes a first one-way valve which permits fluid flow from the first fluid bladder support structure to the second fluid bladder support structure. A second conduit interconnects the second fluid bladder support structure in fluid communication with the at least one fluid accumulation reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Roland E. Flick, Raymond P. Paolini, Joel T. Jusiak
  • Publication number: 20030208849
    Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: John W. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20030208850
    Abstract: A monomer cracker and tool for breaking ampoules that includes an elongated handle which has a first end and a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge, and an opener which defines an opening extending into the upper edge at the first end and further defining a flexible cantilevered arm. The opener has at least one arcuate pocket for gripping containers of different sizes between sides of the opening, holding the container and breaking a tip of the container to remove a liquid therefrom for further use with powdered components to produce a mix. The tool also includes a spatula disposed at the second end of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher M. Tague, Kris D. Eager
  • Publication number: 20030208851
    Abstract: A textile made at least in part with conductive yarns for the purpose of generating heat from an electrical power source. The textile has conducting yarns, or “heaters”, with conductivity and spacing tailored to the electrical source to be used and the heat to be generated. The heater yarns have a positive temperature coefficient whereby the resistance of the yarn increases with an increase in temperature and decreases with a decrease in temperature. “Leads”, such as conductive yarns, can be used to supply electricity to the heater yarns. A coating to the textile can electrically insulate the textile as well as provide protection to the textile during activities such as laundering or use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Alfred R. DeAngelis, Earle Wolynes
  • Publication number: 20030208852
    Abstract: A method to wash varying clothes load sizes with the same level of water is provided for a washer having a controller. A clothes load size setting signal is received in the controller. A mechanical duty cycle is set through the controller as a function of the clothes load size setting signal. A high-concentration wash step may be performed where a wash basket of the washer is spun at certain speeds while a highly concentrated wash bath solution is sprayed, extracted, and re-sprayed over the clothes load. On the completion of this high-concentration wash step, the washer is filled to a common water level regardless of the clothes load size setting signal. The clothes load is then processed through a wash cycle until completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony H. Hardaway, K. David McAllister, Carrie Ann Dickinson, Duane M. Kobos
  • Publication number: 20030208853
    Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for commercial and home-use cleaning of textile. Home-use embodiments replace the home laundry clothes dryer, except for embodiments using a novel manual kit. Home-use embodiments have an integrated spotting station. Soiled/stained textile is spray dampened with solvent, preferably automatically in the apparatus' rotatable drum; but the textile is not soaked nor immersed in solvent. Highly absorbent, untreated pad material is placed into the drum, for rubbing against the tumbling textile, to remove the soil, stains and solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: William K. Steiner, Michael Scott Steiner
  • Publication number: 20030208854
    Abstract: This method for impregnating cleaning fabrics with detergent liquid has the characteristic of radially and centrifugally spraying a reel of fabric (11) through profiled apertures (3) present in a rotatable feed shaft (1), said shaft being internally filled with detergent liquid under pressure in accordance with selectively variable parameters, said liquid being fed into said rotatable feed shaft (1) by suitable pipes provided with rotary seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: T.G.C. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marcello Ghisalberti, Lorenzo Ghisalberti
  • Publication number: 20030208855
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved clothes rollover in automatic washer cycles using time-varying rotor oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and a rotor being rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The rotor is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: K. David McAllister, Carrie Ann Dickinson, Duane M. Kobos
  • Publication number: 20030208856
    Abstract: Provided is a hair dye composition comprising a direct dye (1):
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Miyabe, Kenichi Matsunaga, Yukihiro Ohashi, Shintaro Totoki, Yoshinori Saito
  • Publication number: 20030208857
    Abstract: The invention concerns the use of indoline derivatives of formula (I): 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Iduna Matzik, Detlef Hollenberg, Mechthild Borgerding
  • Publication number: 20030208858
    Abstract: Provided are a hair dye composition comprising a diamide compound (1) and a dye; and a hair bleach composition comprising the diamide compound (1) and an oxidizing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuji Hirano
  • Publication number: 20030208859
    Abstract: Whitened fluff pulp and methods for making whitened fluff pulp. The whitened pulp is a fluff pulp that has been treated with one or more of a white pigment, a colorant, or a fluorescent whitening agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Amar N. Neogi, Hugh West, David L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20030208860
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for automatically aligning an end of a passenger loading bridge with a doorway of an aircraft. A beacon is transmitted from the doorway of the aircraft. The beacon is sensed and from the sensed beacon a direction for moving of the end of the passenger loading bridge is determined. The passenger loading bridge is then moved according to the determined direction. The process is iterated until the docking of the bridge to the aircraft is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Neil Hutton, Rami Ibrahim
  • Publication number: 20030208861
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for automatically aligning an end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft. A beacon is transmitted from a predetermined location aboard the aircraft, such as within a window proximate a doorway of the aircraft. The beacon is sensed and from the sensed beacon a direction for moving of the end of the passenger boarding bridge is determined. The passenger boarding bridge is then moved according to the determined direction. The process is iterated until the docking of the bridge to the aircraft is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Neil Hutton, Rami Ibrahim
  • Publication number: 20030208862
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a pool cleaner (60) to travel through a water pool to collect dirt and other debris from the water and/or pool containment wall (88). The cleaner (60) defines a suction passageway having an inlet (74) open to pool water and an outlet (78) adapted to be coupled via a flexible hose (30) to the suction side of an electrically driven pump (26). A resulting suction flow, from the inlet (74) to the pump, functions to (1) carry dirt and other debris to a filter (41) and (2) to drive a turbine (80) for propelling the cleaner (60). In accordance with the invention, the suction passageway inlet (74) includes an orifice defining a physical flow area A1 and configured to create an “effective” flow area A2 smaller than A1, downstream from the orifice. The small effective flow area A2 creates a water flow of sufficient velocity to efficiently drive the turbine (80) whereas the larger physical flow area A1 permits debris to pass more readily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
  • Publication number: 20030208863
    Abstract: A mechanically-driven toothbrush consists of a handle, which contains a driving motor with a conversion mechanism, and a toothbrush attachment removably connectable to the output shaft of the conversion mechanism. The handle with the conversion mechanism and the drive motor may comprise a standard, commercially produced unit with the output end of the conversion mechanism performing alternating rotary movements. The toothbrush attachment is made in the form of a conventional toothbrush head without any angular transmission. The tail of the head is connected with the output end of the conversion mechanism by a coupling, which has a locking element for engagement with an appropriate connection element on the output end of the conversion mechanism. The connection portion is covered by a protective sleeve that can be removably connected to the front end of the handle. In operation, the user moves the toothbrush up and down in the vertical directions of the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Carl Green
  • Publication number: 20030208864
    Abstract: A device for applying lotion to the human body, the device comprising a handle including a gripping end and a blade member attached at an obtuse angle to the handle and tapered at its edges to which lotion is applied. The blade member is made of a pliable, absorption resistant, silicone rubber compound that more efficiently applies lotion to a user's body and is more easily cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Father Ed G. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20030208865
    Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a handle and a head for improved cleaning to the interdental regions of the teeth, said head comprising a linear arrangement of bristles transverse to the general longitudinal axis of the brush and extending along a length equal to or greater than a third of the width of the toothbrush head at the location of the arrangement, characterised in that a portion of the bristles at either end of the arrangement are angled away from the vertical such that the arrangement presents a fan-shaped transverse brushing array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Huw Davies
  • Publication number: 20030208866
    Abstract: A hand-held pad is disclosed for cleaning, waxing, rubbing, polishing and applying liquid or semi-liquid to surfaces. The pad has at least four faces that are in non-parallel planes to every other face. Each face has a wide end tapered to a narrow end. Each face may have different texture, absorbency and/or abrasiveness than each other face. The hand-held pad provides ergonomic advantages and may be used on a variety of surfaces and/or materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Robert T. Parks
  • Publication number: 20030208867
    Abstract: A self-wringing ratchet mop including an elongated handle, a mop head having mop strands supported on the handle, and a wringing mechanism for wringing the mop strands. The wringing mechanism includes a sleeve attached to the mop strands and supported for longitudinal and rotational movement relative to the handle. The handle includes a first ratchet portion formed by teeth and the sleeve includes a second ratchet portion formed by pawl members for engaging the first ratchet portion to permit the sleeve to rotate in a first direction and prevent rotation in a second, opposite direction. The pawl members are supported on a deformable resilient ring wherein deformation of the ring causes the pawl members to disengage from the first ratchet portion and permit rotation of the sleeve in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: O-Cedar Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, David Hunt, Robert Roth
  • Publication number: 20030208868
    Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe. The attachment having a first (horizontal) flange extending to a second (vertical) flange. The first flange attaching to the sole of the shoe, with the second flange attaching to a wiping element such as a brush. The attachment could alternatively be provided with a disk-like single flange having threading allowing the attachment to be screwed into a standard golf shoe threaded spike hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Dean Jeffery Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030208869
    Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe. The attachment having a first (horizontal) flange extending to a second (vertical) flange. The first flange attaching to the sole of the shoe, with the second flange attaching to a wiping element such as a brush. The attachment could alternatively be provided with a disk-like single flange having threading allowing the attachment to be screwed into a standard golf shoe threaded spike hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Dean Jeffery Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030208870
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a flexible neck connecting the head to the handle. The handle is a stout handle which is wider than the width of the head. At least a portion of the handle has a channel in its outer surface to reduce the amount of material of said handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Eduardo J. Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20030208871
    Abstract: A multi-use bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) for use in cleansing and exfoliating skin and as a toy, a holder of soap or like products, and a decoration. The bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) includes a toroidal sponge component (14) and can also have a removable attachment component (26, 30). The donut-shaped sponge component (14) is preferably made of mesh sponge material and is concentrically disposed about an inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) defining a central opening (12, 62) in which the attachment component (26, 30) can be removably secured. The inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) provides a ready gripping area which can be held for manipulating the bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58). The attachment component (26, 30) can be, for instance, a toy, a solid soap product, a container of a bath/cosmetic product or the like, a mesh netting pocket, or a knob-shaped hanging device (44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) having a suction cup (66).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: James J Osborne
  • Publication number: 20030208872
    Abstract: A steam cleaning device with a built-in storage for a power cord, brushes and conversion connectors can change steam output devices by switching a first conversion connector with a second conversion connector to achieve multiple function with the same device. The device further has a winding box and a brush compartment to store the power cord and various types of brushes in one body to save storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Samson Tsen
  • Publication number: 20030208873
    Abstract: A glass surface cleaning machine includes a supporting frame which has a fluid receiving chamber provided therein and includes a supporting arm frontwardly extended therefrom, a wiper blade transversely mounted on a front edge of the supporting arm of the supporting frame for wiping on a glass surface, and a vacuum device supported by the supporting frame. The vacuum device includes at least a fluid suction nozzle supported underneath the wiper blade and in communication with the fluid receiving chamber and an impeller to create a low pressure within the fluid receiving chamber with respect to the atmosphere pressure so as to create a sucking effect for removing fluid from the glass surface through the fluid suction nozzle and directing the fluid to deposit in the fluid receiving chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Marshall Chang
  • Publication number: 20030208874
    Abstract: A cleaning and tool storage assembly includes a housing having a base and a lid which is hingedly connected with the base. A vacuum cleaner assembly is disposed within the housing. A handle on the lid may be utilized to retain an electrical power cord. Articles, such as a hose, which are utilized in association with the vacuum cleaner, may be retained on the lid. A tray for holding items may be provided in the base of the housing. The tray may be removable from the housing to provide access to storage space. A cover for a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner may be opened with the tray in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: White Consolidated, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cennert Steffen, Arnie Sepke, Vince Bobrosky, Scott Terven, John Morphey
  • Publication number: 20030208875
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a suction air inlet disposed in front of an electric blower and a dust chamber detachably installed to the rear of the electric blower. The vacuum cleaner further embodies a swivel caster and wheels for facilitating transportability thereof, wherein the swivel caster is provided in front of the electric blower. By not having the dust chamber above the swivel caster, regardless of the amount of dust accumulated in the dust chamber, the load that is distributed on the swivel caster stays substantially unchanged, thereby enhancing durability of the swivel caster. Furthermore, in such configuration loading and unloading of the dust chamber can be carried out without being interfered with a hose due to the placement of the suction air outlet connected with the hose and the dust chamber on opposite ends of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Ito, Hiroshi Nishimura