Brush And Wiper Patents (Class 15/114)
  • Publication number: 20130047358
    Abstract: A device for cleaning debris from a target surface. The device has a sole plate with permanent cleaning material, such as bristles, and a removable/replaceable pad. The device also has a replaceable, on-board supply of cleaning solution. The pad/cleaning solution may be replaced when depleted and replaced with a new pad/cleaning solution or may simply be replaced with a new pad/cleaning solution when that pad/cleaning solution is more suitable for a particular cleaning task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Adam Robert-George Shafer, David William Schuller, Igor Ivanovich Zemskov, Rainer Bernhard Teufel, Richard Lee Lane, Sun-Jun Alan Huang
  • Publication number: 20130019423
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector cleaner including a base, a brush-like subsurface with a top surface, including a plurality of bristles, connected to said base, and a fiber optic connector cleaning material on said top surface of said brush-line subsurface, wherein said bristles are movable to allow gaps to be created, while still maintaining a top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: AFL TELECOMMUNICATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Srutkowski
  • Patent number: 8336153
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a handle member having opposed first and second ends and defining an imaginary longitudinal axis. A brush member is fixedly attached to the first end of the handle and extends outwardly along the axis. The cleaning device also includes an attachment member fixedly attached to the second end of the handle and extending outwardly along the axis. A pad member includes a configuration that is substantially similar to a configuration of the pad holding member and removably coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Diana L. Galbreath
  • Publication number: 20120298135
    Abstract: An oral care device is provided. The oral care device includes a toothbrush and an absorbent pad. The toothbrush has an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end defines a handle for a user. The toothbrush also includes a plurality of bristles at the distal end. The bristles are dimensioned to enter the mouth of a human user. The pad has an outer circumference or edge. The pad further has an interior through-opening for frictionally and removably receiving the shaft of the toothbrush. The pad is fabricated at least along its circumference from an absorbent material. A method for brushing one's teeth using a toothbrush with a pad is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Lindsay G. Luttrell, Bradley J. Luttrell
  • Publication number: 20120301208
    Abstract: A cleaning system comprises a first type of scrubber head having a first type of attachment mechanism and a second type of attachment mechanism and a second type of scrubber head having the first type of attachment mechanism and the second type of attachment mechanism. A first type of cleaning pad may be releasably mounted to either the first scrubber head or the second scrubber head using the first attachment mechanism. A second type of cleaning pad may be releasably mounted to either the first scrubber head or the second scrubber head using the second attachment mechanism. One scrubber head comprises a base comprising a first section and a flexible section. An assembly is movably mounted on the base such that the assembly may be moved to make the flexible section active.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott Hughes, Clayton Kirschner, Joseph Sexton
  • Publication number: 20120272467
    Abstract: A wearable golf towel can be secured around a golfer's lower leg and can carry a bristled brush so that the head of a golf club can be independently brushed and then wiped after brushing. An adjustable strap system enables a golf towel of a single size to accommodate golfers having various lower leg heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Danny Monroe Forbes
  • Patent number: 8276231
    Abstract: A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 8276233
    Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 8250701
    Abstract: Novel appliances for the application, distribution, manipulation and/or removal of different types of media, including art and craft media, may be removably attached to conventional and commonly-available tools, such as palette/painting knives, brushes with hair/filament tips, and other media manipulators such as those having a polymeric contacting surface on their working end. The appliances are adapted for superimposition over the media-engaging working-head formations of the tools, and have media-engaging characteristics which differ from the native media-engaging characteristics of the working-head formations of the tools. Tools to which such appliances are attached in accordance with the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ladd Forsline
    Inventors: Ladd B. Forsline, Susanna R. Starr
  • Publication number: 20120192366
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated housing bounding a chamber with a motor disposed therein. A drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, the drive shaft being coupled with the motor such that during selective operation of the motor the drive shaft is rotated continuously. A brush head having a scrubbing element is removably coupled with the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Aaron D. Cobabe, Kenneth W. Thiess, David J. Lowe, David O. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20120180813
    Abstract: A wafer chuck is cleaned using a cleaning cap to remove processing residue and particulate matter. The cleaning cap is configured to overlie and align with the wafer chuck and includes a base and a first roller connected to the base and having wound therearound a cleaning cloth. The cleaning cap further includes a second roller connected to the base and having attached thereto a free end of the cleaning cloth. During use, the cleaning cloth winds upon the second roller from the first roller when the second roller rotates about its axis. The cleaning cap can be positioned relative the wafer chuck by way of a manipulator to ensure the cleaning cloth contacts the wafer chuck with sufficient force. The cleaning cloth rubs the wafer chuck with both translational motion and rotational motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui-Chun Peng, Heng-Jen Lee
  • Publication number: 20120151699
    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: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, JR., Jerry Mix
  • Patent number: 8186092
    Abstract: A firearm cleaning kit is disclosed that includes a case having first and second compartments joined along a fold line, and a fastener, such as a zipper, joining together the first and second compartments of the case. At least one of the compartments includes a pocket. A flexible cleaning rod having a first end and a second end is removably stored in the pocket. A tool compartment is secured to the fold line. The tool compartment includes a plurality of tool-holding cavities, and a firearm barrel cleaning device is secured within one of the tool-holding cavities. The barrel cleaning device includes a body portion, a swab, and a brush. The swab is fixed to a first end of the body portion, and has an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the firearm barrel so as to contact the barrel at all points around its circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Otis Patent Trust
    Inventor: Lawrence Williams
  • Publication number: 20120110765
    Abstract: A cleaning brush comprises a base, a sponge body fixed on a top surface of the base, a first brushing section fixed on the top surface of the base, and a second brushing section fixed on the top surface of the base in a direction opposite the first brushing section. With the sponge body, the first brushing section and the second brushing section, the cleaning effect is improved. Further, since the sponge body can be adhered with a cleaning agent for assisting removing the dirt, the cleaning operation becomes more convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MONY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: GEORGE LIN
  • Patent number: 8141194
    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 structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix
  • Patent number: 8122557
    Abstract: The invention relates to a broom body (1) having, on its underside facing the surface to be cleaned, at least two cleaning bodies (3, 4) made of different materials. One cleaning body (3) is forted by a foam material body (5), which is non-positively and/or positively joined to the broom body (1). This foam material body (1) can be inserted into the broom body (1) in a manner that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (6) of the broom body (1), and the foam material body (5) has at least one fastening means (7) for positively fastening it to the broom body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Peter L. Arnold, Ralf Jürgens
  • Publication number: 20120027501
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a cleaning pen, which includes a hollow clamping device having two clamping units able to be engaged with each other for clamping a wiping element in a bent state and being inserted into a hollow housing such that a bent portion of the wiping element juts out of the hollow housing and can be used for cleaning an object. When the bent portion is soiled or damaged, a user can conveniently and sequentially take the wiping element out from the hollow housing and hollow clamping device, and then shift the soiled or damaged portion to a position for allowing the wiping element to be clamped by the hollow clamping device again and form a new bent portion jutting out of the hollow housing, so as to effectively prevent the object from being scratched by edge of the wiping element and prolong service life thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Kuan-Di Huang
  • Publication number: 20110296637
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a handle member having opposed first and second ends and defining an imaginary longitudinal axis. A brush member is fixedly attached to the first end of the handle and extends outwardly along the axis. The cleaning device also includes an attachment member fixedly attached to the second end of the handle and extending outwardly along the axis. A pad member includes a configuration that is substantially similar to a configuration of the pad holding member and removably coupled thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Diana L. Galbreath
  • Publication number: 20110252586
    Abstract: An automotive washing system comprising a soft automotive cleaning material with an incorporated tool. The cleaning tool can comprise a scraper tool, a detail brush, a seam cleaner tool, a vent and seam brush, or a stiffener tool, among many other types of tools. Each tool can be incorporated into a pocket or inverted corner of the soft cleaning material, thereby protecting the automotive surfaces from the hard edges of the cleaning tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: HOPKINS MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pieter Schouten, Marcus Gooden
  • Publication number: 20110226638
    Abstract: A cleaning pad (28) is disclosed. The cleaning pad (28) includes a base sheet (202) bonded to a fiber mat (203) and exhibits improved debris retention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: David A. Hoadley, John W. Moderwell
  • Publication number: 20110225751
    Abstract: A toilet brush includes a handle and head, which has both bristles and wiping members. The bristles provide a scrubbing surface and define under-rim extensions, the wiping members provide a wiping or scraping surfaces in addition to the scrubbing surface for removal of more stubborn debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: QUICKIE MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dean B. Chapman, Matthew L. Chin, Vince Cella, Jason Brian Gold, Sean E. Monahan
  • Patent number: 8001646
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning mop, including a handle fixed onto a cylindrical coupler having rotational capability; a joint fixed to the cylindrical coupler; a retainer for retaining a cleaning element; and a scrubber formed with projections on one part and fins on the other part, the fins extending side to side along the scrubber. The scrubber can be formed to have a circular cross-section. It also can be formed to have a polygonal cross-section. Each surface of the polygon is formed alternatively with either irregularly spaced projections or regularly spaced fins, such that the projections and fins alternate on every other face of the polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Aquastar, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Blom
  • Patent number: 8001645
    Abstract: A scrub brush-sponge includes a base provided with a recessed peripheral lip, which has a plurality of attenuated regions configured to minimize the resistance of the base to external bending forces, and a sponge coupled to the base and made from polymeric material, which may have as low a PPI as 10. The sponge is configured so that it can effectively surround at least a substantial peripheral portion of instruments or portions to be treated with fluid, which is contained within the sponge, without applying substantial external forces to the base. A flexible layer made of woven or non-woven bonded polymeric fibers is on a scrubbing surface of the sponge and provides an enhanced scrubbing feature. An abrasive may be included on the flexible layer to further enhance the scrubbing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Biomed Packaging Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jack W. Kaufman, Janet Kaufman, legal representative, James Brown
  • Patent number: 7975339
    Abstract: A device with a squeegee configuration configured to clean or treat surfaces submersed in liquid is described. The squeegee configuration is preferably contoured to wipe contoured surfaces or flexible such as to conform to a variety of contoured surfaces. The squeegee configuration can be configured with bristles, a sponge or scouring elements. In further embodiments of the invention, the squeegee configuration is configured to draw a vacuum while wiping the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110119847
    Abstract: A cleaning device to assist in cleaning wheels and lug nuts comprising: a stem, where said stem includes a first end and a second end; a bristle assembly at the first end; and a sponge at the second end. The bristle assembly may include a base and a plurality of bristles. The base may be circular in shape and the plurality of bristles extend around the perimeter of the base leaving an opening in the inside the perimeter of the bristles. In one exemplary embodiment, the bristles may be evenly spaced and the sponge may be conical shaped with a pointed tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Herbert GOMES
  • Patent number: 7904986
    Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a golf club cleaning device that includes a cleaning portion including an upper and lower or concentrically-arranged cleaning surfaces; a flag portion disposed at a top end of the cleaning portion, the flag portion including a gripping means; and a spike portion disposed at a bottom end of the cleaning portion substantially opposite the top end of the cleaning portion, the spike portion including a support means for supporting the device in an upright manner when depressed into the ground. By grasping the flag portion, the spike portion is selectively disposed in the ground at a predetermined location associated with a golf course, practice range, or the like, thereby allowing a player to clean a golf club by selectively running the front face and/or rear face of the golf club horizontally and/or vertically across the one or more cleaning surfaces/materials of the cleaning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Exsite Golf, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher W. Cieri
  • Publication number: 20110030158
    Abstract: A contact device with resilient contact elements is disclosed. The resilient contact elements have primary structures and secondary structures. The primary structures and secondary structures have contact surfaces for engaging a working surface. The primary structures are preferably molded structures with hardness value between 10 to 90 Shores A. The secondary structures are nodules, squeegees, arrays of nodules or squeegees and matrices but are preferably bristle structures formed from plastic resins, wherein the device is configured clean dentition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, JR.
  • Patent number: 7877833
    Abstract: An oral-care device with a power cleaning head configured to dispense an oral-care cleaning solution is disclosed. The power cleaning head comprises squeegees and bristles and one or more apertures for dispensing the oral-care solution. Preferably, the squeegee and bristle are configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while dispensing the oral-care solution through the one or more apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7841037
    Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a golf club cleaning device that includes a cleaning portion including an upper and lower cleaning surfaces; a flag portion disposed at a top end of the cleaning portion, the flag portion including a gripping means; and a spike portion disposed at a bottom end of the cleaning portion substantially opposite the top end of the cleaning portion, the spike portion including a support means for supporting the device in an upright manner when depressed into the ground. By grasping the flag portion, the spike portion is selectively disposed in the ground at a predetermined location associated with a golf course, practice range, or the like, thereby allowing a player to clean a golf club by selectively running the front face and/or rear face of the golf club horizontally and/or vertically across the one or more cleaning surfaces/materials of the cleaning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Exsite Golf, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher W. Cieri
  • Patent number: 7836540
    Abstract: Applicant discloses a broom that comprises at least one particle capture sheet. In various embodiments, the particle capture sheet can comprise a nonwoven material, a woven material, a knitted material, or a synthetic polymeric membrane. The particle capture sheet can be air permeable or air impermeable, and can comprise an electret material and/or an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lloyd S. Vasilakes, Scott J. Tuman, Gretchen A. Hauble
  • Patent number: 7823244
    Abstract: A fabric cleaning device (20) is disclosed. The fabric cleaning device (20) includes a hand held support (22) having a plurality of loosening projections (50) associated therewith, and a resilient pad (26) comprising a plurality of individual flexible cleaning sheets (60) receiving the loosening projections (50) and having an affinity for debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, Steven A. Zach, Chrissie M. Smits, Douglas P. Gundlach
  • Patent number: 7814605
    Abstract: A floor washing system includes a foot covering that with a sole, a heal end and a toe end. A panel has a bottom side, a top side and a peripheral edge. The panel includes a peripheral lip that is coextensive with the peripheral edge. The panel has a front edge, a back edge and a pair of lateral edges. The panel has a break therein extending through the lateral edges to define a first portion and a second portion of the panel. A coupler extends between and secures together the first and second portions at a selected length from each other. A plurality of cleaning assemblies is removably attached to the bottom side of the panel. The foot covering is positioned on a foot, the sole placed on the top side of the panel and the cleaning assemblies used to clean a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Austin L. Tippel
  • Patent number: 7814604
    Abstract: A contact device with resilient contact elements is disclosed. The resilient contact elements have primary structures and secondary structures. The primary structures and secondary structures have contact surfaces for engaging a working surface. The primary structures are preferably molded structures with hardness value between 10 to 90 Shores A. The secondary structures are nodules, squeegees, arrays of nodules or squeegees and matrices but are preferably bristle structures formed from plastic resins, wherein the device is configured clean dentition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100251497
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a base body, a rotatable brush roller disposed on the base body, a dirt container disposed on the base body, a cloth holder attached removably to the base body, and a cleaning cloth attachable to the cloth holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventor: Peter Arnold
  • Patent number: 7797784
    Abstract: A net for making body scrubbing tool includes a tubular net body and at least one member fastened to the tubular net body and made from a material different from that of the tubular net body. In this way, a body scrubbing tool constructed from the net has a better foam forming capacity and variant roughness on variant portion thereof so as to provide a satisfactory cleaning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Che Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 7716775
    Abstract: A brush includes a handle and a head having an array of bristles and a paddle with a plurality of apertures formed therein. The paddle and bristles may be formed of silicone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Dean DiPietro, Paul Katz, Goeran Jerstroem, Forrest Keith Luu, John Thomas Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20100115722
    Abstract: One embodiment of an adjustable cleaning brush may include a handle and a head carried by an end portion of the handle. The head may include a base having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a neck pivotally interconnecting the head and the handle. The neck may be carried by the end portion of handle. The head may further include a plurality of bristles carried by the first surface of the base and a sponge member carried by the second surface of the base. The head may be movable to a plurality of angular positions with respect to the handle to permit the plurality of bristles and the sponge member to be adjusted for cleaning a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Malloy
  • Patent number: 7690069
    Abstract: A cleaning tool, such as a mop, used for cleaning a surface includes a cleaning head having a face with a plurality of projections extending therefrom. A cleaning pad is removably attached to the cleaning head face by engagement with the projections, the pad being formed of a first material having a thickness and composition such that the projections penetrate through the pad and extend beyond an outer planar surface of the first material. The projections thus serve to securely attach the cleaning pad to the head and also provide an abrasive scrubbing functionality to the cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Fung-Jou Chen, Jeffrey D. Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20100017983
    Abstract: A combination-type golf club cleaner is provided. A combination-type golf club cleaner includes a body, and a panel attached to the body to remove extraneous substances remaining on a head of a golf club, the panel made of a material capable of generating frictional force or a coarse synthetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: O-shik SONG
  • Publication number: 20100011525
    Abstract: A collapsible bath brush is disclosed with a handle that collapses telescopically into the interior of the brush head, thereby making the brush more convenient, compact, and adaptable than other bath brushes. In preferred embodiments, the brush head includes bristles or a sponge, the handle includes at least three segments, and when extended, the handle is wide (at least one inch), long, and easy to hold. When the handle is collapsed, the brush head is a fully functional handle-free bath brush without protrusions that could interfere with washing. A securing mechanism prevents inadvertent collapse of the handle when extended, and in preferred embodiments a retaining mechanism prevents inadvertent extension of the handle when collapsed. The brush is easy to pack for travel, requiring no disassembly to achieve its smallest configuration. In preferred embodiments the brush has an open, horseshoe-shaped, easy-to-clean handle, and can be disassembled for thorough cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Habrle
  • Publication number: 20090271937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning mop, including a handle fixed onto a cylindrical coupler having rotational capability; a joint fixed to the cylindrical coupler; a retainer for retaining a cleaning element; and a scrubber formed with projections on one part and fins on the other part, the fins extending side to side along the scrubber. The scrubber can be formed to have a circular cross-section. It also can be formed to have a polygonal cross-section. Each surface of the polygon is formed alternatively with either irregularly spaced projections or regularly spaced fins, such that the projections and fins alternate on every other face of the polygon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Blom
  • Patent number: 7607188
    Abstract: This invention embodies six different teeth cleaning aspects in one teeth cleaning apparatus. These aspects are: (i) use of an abrasive surface supported by a pad that is rubbed for cleaning exposed and easily reachable part of the teeth, (ii) use of bristles for reaching spaces between teeth and gum lines and between two teeth, (iii) use of a sponge under the abrasive surface that delivers plaque cleaning and anti-bacterial agent to the teeth surface, (iv) use of a woven cloth like surface with the ability to absorb and remove the food/acid film from the teeth, (v) ability to clean teeth with little or no use of water, (vi) use of a one time throw away cleaning head for better hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Tara Chand Singhal
  • Publication number: 20090165230
    Abstract: A cleaning tool comprises a cleaning body having such a layer structure that non-woven fabrics and fiber bundles are laminated onto each other. In the cleaning body, a hardening treatment is applied to the fiber bundles disposed in the storage space of a cylindrical part in which the holding part of a holder is stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Akemi Tsuchiya, Yoshinori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7533436
    Abstract: A multifunction cleaning device configured to brush, scrub, and squeegee a surface is provided. The cleaning device includes an elongate handle having an axis oriented along a plane. The device also includes a brush coupled to the handle. The brush includes bristles positioned on a side of the plane. A squeegee is coupled to the handle, with the squeegee having a contact edge positioned on an opposite side of the plane. A scrubber is coupled to the handle and adjacent the squeegee. A contact surface of the scrubber is also being positioned on the opposite side of the plane. Products according to the invention may provide any of several benefits, including cleaning corners and preventing damage to surfaces such as painted surfaces in particular inside corners as seen on todays motorcoaches, RV's, large trucks (hood and fenders).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Kornelis Vaartjes, Margaret Carrol Vaartjes
  • Patent number: 7523518
    Abstract: A trim tool and paint tray system for use in dispensing paint. The system includes a trim tool having a paint applicator to apply paint to a surface to be painted and at least one edge guard to shield adjacent surfaces that are to remain free of paint from the applicator. The system also includes a paint tray having a paint-receiving well and at least one slot free of paint. The paint tray is configured to receive the trim tool such that the paint applicator is received in the paint well to charge the paint applicator with paint and the edge guard is received in the slot so the edge guard remains free of paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Zibra, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis M. Futo, Scott A. Pyle, Michael M. Sherman, James C. Dale
  • Publication number: 20090064433
    Abstract: A multi-purpose cleaning device is provided which can be used to clean and/or dry a paw or other part of an animal, or which can be used as a brush. The cleaning device includes a body portion surround by a removable cleaning pad, where a handle portion is removable attached to the body portion. The body portion has an arcuate section defining a cleaning trough and a top cleaning surface. The cleaning trough can be used to clean and/or dry a paw and/or leg of the animal, where the paw and/or leg is positioned within the cleaning trough. The top cleaning surface can be used to clean and/or dry other parts of the animal. The handle portion is removable and includes a brush at one end, which can be used to brush the animal. Additionally, the cleaning pad can be removed from the body portion and used as a cleaning mitt to wash the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Nicholas Seager, Octavio Alen, Channing Miller, Justin Crout
  • Patent number: 7473046
    Abstract: A cleaning utensil for cleaning a container comprises a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit is axially movable relative to the mounting for the first unit. The second unit is for location axially within an axial aperture of the first unit. Each cleaning unit includes a brush with relatively outwardly extending bristles. The first cleaning unit includes a sponge which is relatively outwardly extending. There is a closable cavity in the handle for containing cleaning fluid, and the cavity is connected with the first cleaning unit or second cleaning unit. Cleaning fluid can be expelled from the container through one of the units to facilitate the cleaning of the bottle. The first cleaning unit effectively cleans a portion of an inside of a baby bottle, and the second cleaning unit effectively cleans a second portion of an inside of the baby bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Kraus, Randal Ouye
  • Publication number: 20080295267
    Abstract: A door mat with the dirt-removing and water-absorbing features includes several stripes of dirt-removing layers and water-absorbing layers disposed alternately on the surface of a bottom pad, thereby forming a stepping surface. Therefore, the invention can effectively remove dirt and absorb water on the bottom of shoes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Hui Li Wang
  • Patent number: 7434288
    Abstract: A contact device with resilient contact elements is disclosed. The resilient contact elements have primary structures and secondary structures. The primary structures and secondary structures have contact surfaces for engaging a working surface. The primary structures are preferably molded structures with hardness value between 10 to 90 Shores A. The secondary structures are nodules, squeegees, arrays of nodules or squeegees and matrices but are preferably bristle structures formed from plastic resins, wherein the device is configured clean dentition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7340796
    Abstract: A painting apparatus facilitating the painting of a surface that lies adjacent to another surface that is not to be painted contemporaneously. The apparatus comprises a roller applicator, a shield, a paintbrush, a handle, and a platform. The shield can rotate between a paint loading position and a paint application position. The handle is connected to the platform by a universal joint which allows the handle to be disposed at any angle relative to the platform, which, in turn, allows the painting apparatus to be used in conjunction with an extension pole in edging a wall along a ceiling without requiring the use of a ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Matthew Pyles