Combined Patents (Class 15/105)
  • Patent number: 9554685
    Abstract: A mop air dryer combination comprising: a mop head; an air dryer, wherein the air dryer is positioned above the mop head; an adjustable clip extending from the air dryer; and a handle inserted into the adjustable clip extending from the air dryer. In one particular embodiment, the handle further includes an audio player or a radio integrated into the handle. Alternatively in another exemplary embodiment, the air dryer may be used in conjunction with a broom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Gwendolyn Gadsden
  • Patent number: 9521900
    Abstract: A car snow brush includes an elongated handle with a gripping area, and bristles protruding from the elongated handle. The bristles are in the form of elongated and flat strips, which are manufactured of a plastic material, and are arranged in at least two rows such that inner larger side surfaces of the strips in one row face inner larger side surfaces of the strips in another row. The rows are separated from each other by a gap which is larger than the thickness of the strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Fiskars Garden Oy Ab
    Inventors: Kari Kunnas, Petteri Masalin, Teemu Sandelin, Mika Sokka
  • Patent number: 9498312
    Abstract: An oral health care implement and system are provided for use during oral health care activities. The oral health care implement has a proximity sensor, most often in the embodiment of a capacitive sensor. The proximity sensor provides usage time and instance measurements in a plurality of proposed formats. The oral health care system has an oral health care implement, a first data transfer medium, and any combination of: a second data transfer medium, a network storage device, and a third data transfer medium. The system provides means for collecting usage measurements and transmitting data into a readable, usable form for the user via an oral health care implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: BEAM TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Dykes, Alex X. Frommeyer, Alexander D. Curry
  • Patent number: 9498053
    Abstract: An interactive toothbrush is provided. The toothbrush may include memory including a set of instructions and at least one processor. The set of instructions, with the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the toothbrush to display a list of option to a user via a display panel when a switch to power on the apparatus is pressed. The set of instructions, with the at least one processor, may further be configured to cause the toothbrush to perform an action when a selection from the list of options is received from a user via the display panel. In some embodiments, the set of instructions, with the at least one processor, may further be configured to cause the toothbrush to detect the brushing habits of the user and transmit the brushing habits to another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Anish Patel
  • Patent number: 9498825
    Abstract: A pipe de-burring assembly includes a mount that may be coupled to a power tool such that the power tool rotates the mount when the power tool is turned on. A de-burring member is movably coupled to the mount. The de-burring member may remove burrs from either of an inside surface or an outside surface of a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: David Robeson, Bryston Robeson
  • Patent number: 9487188
    Abstract: A tool for removing ice and residual moisture from a surface has a lower frame element having a forward facing edge with multiple teeth arrayed along a curvature, the attachment including a substantially straight scraper bar disposed laterally across the rear edge of the lower frame element, the teeth and the scraper bar defining a first plane, a handle guard including a handle grip joined to the lower frame element at a juncture above the first plane, the handle grip and the juncture defining a second plane placing the handle grip above the scraper bar, and a flexible squeegee panel mounted to the handle guard along a front peripheral edge, the panel disposed above the multi-tooth array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: One Pass Water Blade LLC
    Inventor: Donald Varner
  • Patent number: 9420876
    Abstract: A scraper broom integrates an elongated handle with a fixed scraper element attached thereto and a displaceable broom head. The displaceable broom is movable between a first position and a second position for conversion of the device from a broom to a scraper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: SANI PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Biagi
  • Patent number: 9392921
    Abstract: There is provided a cleaner including an agitator, and a mounting portion on which the agitator is rotatably mounted. The agitator includes a brush assembly having brushes, a frame that includes a first opening into which the brush assembly is inserted, an installation space for receiving therein the brush assembly, and a second opening through which the brushes protrude, and first and second side caps that are connected to the frame and support the brush assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ohhyun Baek, Mingyu Kang
  • Patent number: 9383142
    Abstract: The evaporative cooler and pad operates on the principle of cooling the air by evaporation of water passing through one or more evaporator pads in the cooler. The evaporation of water cools the air as it is drawn through the cooler by an internal fan. The pads of the evaporative cooler and pad are formed of luffa sponge fibers. The cooler may include a device for dispensing antimicrobial and/or antifungal agents into the water reservoir of the cooler. Alternatively, the pads may be pretreated with antimicrobial and/or antifungal agents. A cooling fan is provided in the interior of the cooler to blow cooled, humidified air over the surface of the water in the reservoir before the water is passed through the evaporator pads, thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: UMM AL-QURA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Turki Mohammed Abdulkarim Habeebullah
  • Patent number: 9364074
    Abstract: An arcuate head broom apparatus for sweeping debris across a surface while collecting debris being moved in a trapping area. The arcuate head broom apparatus comprises a broomstick, defined as a conventional elongated broom handle having a distal end, connected at the distal end to a broom head assembly. The broom head assembly defines an arcuate assembly base and a plurality of bristles extending downward therefrom. The arcuate assembly base has an inward curved section with squared ends. Because of the curved orientation of the arcuate assembly base, the bristles are collectively oriented in an arcuate shape that creates an inner trapping area. In addition, the squared ends provide a flat end surface that allows the arcuate head broom apparatus to be used in corners and against straight walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: John Krasovic
  • Patent number: 9326593
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a housing having a handle and a toothbrush head, a pump having a pump chamber and a pump impeller or pump gear arranged in the pump chamber, and a motor driving the impeller or pump gear. An input port and an output port are connected to the chamber, the impeller causing a flow of a working fluid through the output port when the impeller is driven by the motor and the working fluid is supplied through the input port. The pump chamber has a circumferential wall defining a transverse cross section, the output port being connected to the pump chamber through the circumferential wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Scott Amron
  • Patent number: 9297170
    Abstract: Tool for finishing a plastic filler includes an elongate member having a first end and an opposing second end; on the first end of the member is an absorbent/adsorbent structural component; and on the second end of the member is a spatula blade. The elongate member may have a stabilizing contrivance for the absorbent/adsorbent structural component and/or spatula blade. The spatula blade may have a laterally extending rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Michael A. Jones
  • Patent number: 9289055
    Abstract: A force-sensitive toothbrush incorporates a bistable mechanism into the toothbrush handle. The mechanism can alert a user to excessive brushing force by changing shape in response to brushing forces exceeding a predetermined threshold. The mechanism can also automatically return to its original state when the brushing forces are lowered back down below the predetermined level. In one aspect, the mechanism may include a force-sensitive region having a principal beam and a secondary notched hinge buckling support beam located within the handle between the bristles and the gripping portion of the toothbrush. In another aspect, the force-sensitive region includes a principal beam and a secondary un-notched buckling support beam. In another aspect, the force-sensitive region includes a principal beam and a secondary support beam with a toothed clutch. These mechanisms can advantageously be molded into an integral toothbrush body using an injection molding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan T. Slocum
  • Patent number: 9259302
    Abstract: The toothbrush includes a sensor system for determining pressure on the teeth by a direct force measurement such as displacement, and a system for determining pressure on the teeth by a dynamic load measurement system, such as phase shift. These different pressure results are combined with peak-to-peak bristle motion values of Hall effect output values and compared to a table to obtain a more accurate value of bristle pressure against the teeth and to raise, lower or maintain the trigger threshold of excessive pressure accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Kevin Arnold Miller
  • Patent number: 9238246
    Abstract: An illuminated handle assembly for attaching to a paint roller includes a top handle that is removably coupled to the paint roller. A primary handle is coupled to the top handle so the primary handle is coupled to the paint roller. A plurality of light emitters is each coupled to the primary handle. The plurality of light emitters directs a beam of light toward the paint roller. Each of the plurality of light emitters is operationally independent from one another. An actuator is coupled to the primary handle. The primary actuator is operationally coupled to each of the plurality of light emitters. The actuator selectively actuates the plurality of light emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventors: Cubby Surratt, Theresea Surratt
  • Patent number: 9223903
    Abstract: An approach for analyzing data collected by a sensor-enabled device over a network is provided. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, a set of usage data will be received from a device over a network. The set of usage data may be collected via at least one sensor integrated with the device, and the set of usage data may pertain to use of the device by a user. Regardless, the set of usage data will be compared to a set of diagnostic information stored in at least one computer storage device. The set of diagnostic information typically pertains to a condition (e.g., medical) treated by use of the device (e.g., dental, cardiac, renal, etc.). Based on the comparison, at least one determination (e.g., diagnosis, treatment plan, level of compliance with applicable standards, etc.) will be made and a set of reports will be generated based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Lamb, Henry C. Will, IV
  • Patent number: 9185484
    Abstract: A hydraulic modulator provides a rectangular outlet from which water can be discharged across an outlet mouth. Spaced from the rectangular outlet across the outlet mouth is a rigid blade. Because water is effectively incompressible at the frequencies of interest a compliance chamber is provided along an interior side of the rigid blade. Mechanical compliance elements are provided within or adjacent to the compliance chamber which may be displaced to absorb and discharge mechanical energy from the flow of water. Water flow shifts back and forth relative to the interior and exterior sides of the rigid blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Curtis E. Graber
  • Patent number: 9174326
    Abstract: An arrangement for floor grinding with a floor conditioning device. A tool instrument is used in the floor conditioning device by rotating the floor conditioning device. The instrument is an essentially porous washing, polishing, waxing disk for carrying out basic functions of the floor conditioning device. A grinding instrument is removably coupled in connection with the tool instrument. A fastener couples the grinding instrument with the tool instrument by a fastening frame supported on a front surface of the tool instrument and by an auxiliary frame supported on a back surface of the tool instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Mika Ahonen
  • Patent number: 9144476
    Abstract: A three-axis acceleration sensor is mounted to a body of an electric toothbrush. A CPU detects the three-dimensional attitude of the body based on an output from the acceleration sensor and, based on the attitude of the toothbrush, estimates which portion is being brushed. Then, the CPU performs control for switching between operation modes (such as the rotational direction of a motor and the frequency of vibration of the brush) according to the estimated portion being brushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Iwahori, Akitoshi Miki
  • Patent number: 9120217
    Abstract: A telescoping pole and blade to form a snow rake. The pole has a plurality of segments selectively axially movable relative to one another. The pole segments are keyed to one another to prevent relative rotation between adjacent pole segments. A lock device is associated with adjacent pairs of pole segments to selectively fix the relative axial positions of the pairs of pole segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary M. Fischer, Jr., Michael R. Vogler
  • Patent number: 9084472
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention describe an educational toothbrush that includes a brush head with bristles, a brush neck, and a body. The body includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body are configured to operably connect to each other to form the body. The body also includes a button configured to activate the educational toothbrush and deactivate the educational toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Anish Patel
  • Patent number: 9066641
    Abstract: A tool for removing ice and residual moisture from a surface includes a semi-annular attachment having multiple teeth arrayed about the periphery on the forward facing edge thereof, the attachment including a substantially straight-edged scrapper bar disposed laterally across the anterior edge of the attachment opposite the multiple teeth, a semi-annular handle guard affixed to the semi-annular attachment, the handle guard including a laterally disposed handle grip, and a flexible squeegee panel mounted to the semi-annular handle guard along the front peripheral edge thereof, the panel disposed above the multiple tooth array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: One Pass Water Blade LLC
    Inventor: Donald Varner
  • Patent number: 9038226
    Abstract: The toothbrush having light emitters on a bottom side includes a handle that may be gripped by a user. The handle is positionable proximate the user's mouth. A bristle is coupled to the handle. The bristle engages the user's teeth when the handle is positioned proximate the user's mouth. A processor is coupled to the handle. A light emitter is coupled to the handle. The light emitter is operationally coupled to the processor. The light emitter selectively emits light. The light emitter may communicate the maximum duration of time. An actuator is coupled to the handle. The actuator is operationally coupled top the processor. The actuator selectively actuates the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Patrick Franklin
  • Publication number: 20150136174
    Abstract: A new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields. In particular the invention described herein provides a new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields or the like, with corner portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jacob Paro
  • Patent number: 9027796
    Abstract: A flexible and resilient tool for use with a conventional half barrel, parallel frame caulking gun or enclosed “sausage” style caulking gun, aiding the user in finishing and shaping after the caulking material has been applied. One function of the tool is to collect excess caulk from his finger(s) or from various shaping tools and spatulas. Also provided can be cap, rag and sponge holders. Additional embodiments include adaptations to existing prior art disposable caulking cartridges and caulking guns to include components of the disclosed tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: David M. Leitch
  • Patent number: 9027192
    Abstract: This invention is a toothbrush with usage indicator for use in connection with personal dental hygiene. Most people continue to use the same toothbrush, even when it no longer provides the quality needed to maintain good dental hygiene. An old toothbrush typically has worn bristles which fail to clean the teeth and gums properly. In addition, a toothbrush that has been used for a long time tends to have a build up of bacteria on it, posing a potential health problem for the user. The toothbrush with usage indicator has particular utility in connection with knowing when it is time to replace a toothbrush, employing a battery-operated counter which turns on a red light when the toothbrush needs to be discarded. The counter is loaded with a predetermined value, for example 45, which correlates to the number of times the toothbrush should be used before being discarded. A push button on the handle of the toothbrush allows the user to decrement the counter each time the toothbrush is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Mandy Cole
  • Publication number: 20150113746
    Abstract: A device comprising an absorbent structure and one or more resilient contact elements integrated into the absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure is preferably a sponge or foam structure and the resilient contact elements are squeegees, nodules, or combinations thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the resilient contact elements include anchor features that are embedded within the absorbent stricture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: IGI LLC
    Inventors: James Albert Gavney, JR., Jerry Mix
  • Publication number: 20150101635
    Abstract: A universal garbage pick-up tool includes a main body, an inner support tube, at least two guard members positioned between the main body and inner support tube, a pushing rod positioned within the inner support tube, a push button operatively connected to a proximal end of each guard member and a proximal end of the pushing rod, and a plurality of spring claws attached to a distal end of the pushing rod. The spring claws are positioned within the inner support tube, and the guard members and the spring claws are released upon the actuation of the push button, thereby allowing the spring claws to extend axially from a distal end of the main body. An adjustment ring may be attached to the distal end of the main body, including at least two pins circumferentially spaced apart. A magnet may be positioned within the push button of the pick-up tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Lev Y. Shnol
  • Publication number: 20150096136
    Abstract: A device comprises a top portion defining a space adapted to accommodate a finger of a user, and a bottom portion configured to securely fasten to the top portion and sandwich a towel therebetween, the bottom portion including a bottom surface having a plurality of bristles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew B. McKee
  • Publication number: 20150096135
    Abstract: A combined hair brush and mobile phone case. In particular, an improved device that is uniquely configured to allow a user to brush his/her hair and protect his/her mobile phone. The phone case hair brush has a head portion, a handle portion, a plurality of bristles extending from the front of the head portion, an outer rim on the back of the head portion, and a hollow body defines by the outer rim for securely receiving the mobile phone therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Rosenzweig
  • Patent number: 8997761
    Abstract: A disposable mini-toothbrush comprises a brush and flosser head positioned at a first and second end of a handle portion. The brush head is comprised of a plurality of bristles that extend in opposite directions from a bristle supporting element. The plurality of bristles which extend in opposite directions facilitate cleaning of the upper and lower teeth without having to readjust grip by a user. The mini-toothbrush also comprises a first and second flat grip element to facilitate manipulation of the brush and flosser head while using only a thumb and at least one finger by the user. In its preferred embodiment, the plurality of bristles will be coated with dentifrice for cleaning is of the user's teeth and gums. A thin plastic cover surrounds and seals the toothbrush and provides a seal which maintains sterility during shipping and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Dean MacCauther Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20150082564
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided including: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements projecting outwardly from a first surface of the head; and a cleanser including at least one projection protruding outwardly from a second surface for removal of microbial and other debris from soft tissue in the mouth, which second surface is arranged opposite to the first surface; wherein the at least one projection is made of a hard component; wherein the second surface is an elastomeric second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Erwin Buchholz, Berthold Meyer
  • Patent number: 8984699
    Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, and a light source incorporated into or adjacent the head. The light source is incorporated prior to the attachment of the cleaning elements for ease of manufacturing and a cost-effective assembly. The cleaning elements are preferably pre-formed and attached to the head after the incorporation of the light source so that the provision of the light source does not require any post-processing that might impair the integrity of the head or cleaning elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Bruce M. Russell, James H. Kemp
  • Patent number: 8984702
    Abstract: A multiple purpose cleaning apparatus may provide mopping or scrubbing functionality as well as sweeping functionality in a single apparatus. The cleaning apparatus comprises an extendable and retractable broom casing that extends from between a pair of pivotally connected panels. When the broom casing is extended from between the panels, the cleaning apparatus may be used as a broom. When the broom casing is retracted within the panels, the cleaning apparatus may be used as a mop or scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Shashank Pant
  • Publication number: 20150074926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable toothbrush which, in particular: has a cleaning solution capable of cleaning the mouth, toothbrush bristles, and an interdental brush; discharges, via a spraying method, the cleaning solution from a storage member for storing the cleaning solution; has an interdental cleaning member detachably installed thereon, and a cover for covering the interdental cleaning member that is coupled to an interdental cleaning member fixing hole; is used by discharging the cleaning solution via the spraying method before and after the toothbrush is used so as to enable the hygienic rinsing of the mouth; and facilitates the carrying and replacement of the interdental toothbrush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: WHIMI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sun Oh Jang
  • Publication number: 20150069263
    Abstract: A round hair-brush comprising: a hollow body comprising holes in its circumference; and a handle connected with the hollow body on one end thereof, wherein the body comprises: at least one electric generator having a shaft; at least one LED electrically connected with the at least one electric generator; and at least one propeller electrically connected with the at least one electric generator shaft, the at least one propeller configured to turn upon receiving air current from a hair-dryer and transfer the rotation power to the generator, the generator configured to transform the rotation power to electric power thereby lighting up the at least one LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel MOYAL
  • Patent number: 8966694
    Abstract: There is provided an electric toothbrush with which teeth can be brushed in a relaxed pose while imperfect brushing is suppressed. In an electric toothbrush including: a body portion that is gripped by a hand during toothbrushing; and a brush component serving as an intraoral insertion portion inserted in a mouth cavity during the toothbrushing, the brush component including a brush at a leading end thereof, the brush component is inclined onto a rear surface side of the brush from the leading end toward the body portion, and a leading end portion of the brush component is located in a vicinity of an extended line (alternate long and short dash line) of a virtual line that connects centroids of sectional shapes perpendicular to a longitudinal direction in the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Iwahori, Jun Shimoyama, Kuniyoshi Takahashi, Hiroshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8931115
    Abstract: Microfiber cloth is attached to articles of regularly worn clothing, including shirt tails, neckties, scarves, sweaters, pants or other clothing article, making the microfiber cloth more accessible and ready to use for cleaning surfaces of personal devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Nathanael Moon Bonham
  • Publication number: 20150007401
    Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a head frame and a cleaning elements assembly attached thereto with tooth cleaning elements extending from one or more carriers. One or more central carriers can be suspended via a flexible bridge between a pair of support carriers attached to the head frame. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central carriers to move from an initial position toward the head frame during use. The bridge may include rigid supports and flexible elastomeric supports. The carriers and the bridge can be formed as a unitary assembly attached to the head frame, such as via mechanical connections. The mechanical connections could include snap-fit connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth Waguespack, Robert Moskovich, Bruce M. Russell, Douglas Hohlbein
  • Publication number: 20150000063
    Abstract: An oral care implement having a head that achieves an enhanced cleaning action during brushing. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle and comprising a base structure (130) having a front surface (131), a rear surface (132), an island protruding from the rear surface of the base structure, and a passageway extending through the base structure from the front surface of the base structure to a rear surface of the island; a resilient soft tissue cleanser (170) on the rear surface of the base structure, the resilient soft tissue cleanser comprising an aperture through which the island extends; a mass (180) of a first resilient material positioned within the passageway so that a first portion (181) of the mass protrudes from the front surface of the head and a second portion (182) of the mass protrudes from the island, the island isolating the resilient soft tissue cleanser from the mass; and a plurality of teeth cleaning elements (105).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Andreas Wechsler, Michael Rooney, Douglas Hohlbein
  • Publication number: 20150000064
    Abstract: An oral care implement is disclosed that comprises a handle and a head. The head comprises a base structure having a front surface. A cleaning element carrier is provided that includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The cleaning element carrier is supported so that the bottom surface of the cleaning element carrier is spaced from the front surface of the base structure. At least a portion of the cleaning element carrier is movable relative to the base structure in a direction towards the front surface of the base structure. A plurality of first cleaning elements are mounted to the cleaning element carrier and extend from the top surface of the cleaning element carrier. A plurality of second cleaning elements are mounted to the base structure and extend from the front surface of the base structure and beyond the top surface of the cleaning element carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, Bruce M. Russell
  • Publication number: 20150000060
    Abstract: A reversible cleansing article comprising a body having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface comprises semi-rigid layers, the second surface having a uniform surface; the first surface and the second are coupling from the rear of each of the first surface and the second surface; the body having a cavity defined therein, wherein the cavity is reachable through an opening defined in the body; and wherein the first surface is on the body and the second surface is in the body, the body is reversible between the first surface and the second surface through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Grant Collins, Theresa Marie Pilutti
  • Patent number: 8918940
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a connection component configured to connect the apparatus to any one of a plurality of different apparatuses. A toothbrush may include at least one measurement component configured to measure a parameter of use of an oral care region, and a processor configured to change output of a first audio signal of a plurality of audio signals to a second audio signal of the plurality of audio signals based on the measured parameter. Another toothbrush may include a processor configured to receive first data from an external source component and output second data corresponding to the received first data to at least one output device in response, and the at least output device configured to output the second data from the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Eduardo Jimenez, Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, James Kemp, Douglas Hohlbein, Mary Horchos, Thomas Mintel
  • Publication number: 20140377470
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide an adjustable, aimed, lighting system that may be selectively secured to and removed from the ferrule of a paintbrush for illuminating the edge of the bristles during a cutting-in process. The light may be moved as appropriate, and may be aimed to ride with the brush, thus illuminating directly at the edge where paint is being deposited. Thus, precise deposition of paint may be done in spite of the shadows cast by the body of the painter and the bulk of the brush during much of such cutting-in procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: John D. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20140373872
    Abstract: Face and body brush with thin and tapered bristles system includes a face and body brush assembly having a brush head, a handle, and plurality of bristles. The bristles include sharp and pointed edges for cleaning face and body of a user-brusher. The bristles can be thin and tapered. The plurality of bristles can comprise tiny tapered bristles. The bristles, tiny tapered bristles, and tongue cleaner can comprise cleansing ingredient and nutritional ingredient. The bristles, tiny tapered bristles, brush head, handle, and massage surface can comprise flavoring ingredient. The face and body brush assembly is usable for hygienically brushing and cleaning face, body, head, hair, nails, hands and feet of a user-brusher. The massage surface can be included for massage of the face, body, head, hands, and feet. The face and body brush assembly and the massage surface can comprise an electrically powered instrument for wet and dry use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Alice Chang
  • Patent number: 8904590
    Abstract: An oral hygiene implement is described herein. The oral hygiene implement has a handle; a head, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. The head has a plurality of contact elements. A sealing element is positioned between the handle and the neck. The sealing element is translucent. An indication element is positioned between the adjacent the sealing element. A light emitting source provides electromagnetic energy to the indication element, and the electromagnetic energy passes through the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Jungnickel
  • Patent number: 8904589
    Abstract: The cleanup system employs an associated clearing component, such as a tool comprised of squeegee and/or brush elements, to close the entrance to a containment or receptacle unit to thereby prevent leakage or escape of liquid, semi-liquid, and/or dry matter during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Santarsiero, Roger Comora
  • Patent number: 8898847
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for cleaning tools, utensils, and other objects. The apparatus comprises a container, a first wiping element that is submerged in a liquid in the container capable of removing undesirable material from at least a portion of the object and a second wiping element mountable to the container that is capable of removing excess moisture from the object. The object undergoes at least a two-step wiping comprising a first wiping against the first wiping element while submerged in the liquid and a second wiping against the second wiping element after being at least partially removed from the liquid. The apparatus of the invention reduces the potential for serious injuries from cuts or abrasions from contact with the objects and is more sanitary than systems currently used in the prior art. The apparatus of the invention may also be easily disassembled for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher P. Farrell
  • Patent number: 8898843
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a body portion, a portion of which is gripped by a user, and a brush part that is exchangeably attached to the body portion. The body portion includes a switch that is a contact-type sensor unit arranged on a portion that excludes the gripped portion, and that receives operations from the outside, and a control unit for controlling operations of the electric toothbrush in accordance with an operation received by the contact-type sensor unit. If a first operation is received by the contact-type sensor unit, the control unit outputs an indication that operations can be received for a certain time period, and if a second operation received by the contact-type sensor unit in the certain time period is an operation that corresponds to a predetermined operation pattern, the control unit controls operations of the electric toothbrush in accordance with the second operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuzo Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20140345072
    Abstract: A generally Y-shaped cleaning apparatus comprises a handle and two necks extending from a same portion thereof, each neck bearing a cleaning head that includes cleaning tools, the two cleaning heads configured to be used asynchronously and independently of each other, the longitudinal axis of a first neck intersecting the longitudinal axis of the apparatus to form an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 100 degrees on a first lateral side of the apparatus and the longitudinal axis of a second neck intersecting the longitudinal axis of the apparatus to form an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 100 degrees on an opposing lateral side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Harry Krasnick