Brush And Wiper Patents (Class 15/114)
  • Publication number: 20020129456
    Abstract: A brush comprises a first body (2) and a second body (1) mounted on the first body (2). The first body (2) has a first set of holes (4) therein and the second body (1) has a second set of through holes (3) therein corresponding in number and spacing to the first set of through holes (4). The first body (2) is moveable relative to the second body (1) between a first position in which each hole (4) in the first set is aligned with a respective hole (3) in the second set to receive therethrough a bristle bundle (5), and a second position in which each pair of holes (3,4) is misaligned to clamp the bristle bundle (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Ruff Pup Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Allen
  • Publication number: 20020120993
    Abstract: A brush assembly, such as for cleaning and sanitizing toilet bowls, having a removable and disposable applicator head. The brush assembly comprises an elongated handle with a broadening diverging end and an applicator head for removable attachment thereto. Dual locking means for the applicator head are provided, where the locking means may be manually released without having to physically handle a soiled applicator head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Kandice A. Busha
  • Patent number: 6438784
    Abstract: A cleaning device. The device includes a hollow shank having a first guide member at a front end and a second guide member joined with and perpendicular to the first guide member. A head is releasably coupled to the front portion of the shank. The head includes a longitudinal bar having an engagement member on the surface at the rear end. The engagement member is guided along the first guide member to move to the end prior to being rotated a predetermined angle about the shank clockwise or counterclockwise so as to urge against either end of the second guide member for securing the shank to the head. A first cleaning member is on one side of the head, and a sleeve put on the joint of the bar of the head and the front portion of the shank. This cleaning device with replaceable head can reduce the manufacturing cost and storing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Hsin Yu
  • Patent number: 6434777
    Abstract: A brush 1 for cleaning golf equipment has a handle (2) and a head (3). A plurality of bristles (5) extend from the head (3). A first locking formation (6) is disposed on the handle (2) and a second locking formation (11) is disposed on the head (3). The first and second locking formations (6, 11) are of a complementary shape to engage to releasably lock the handle (2) and (3) together and clamp a cloth or towel (16) therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Wesley Raymond Sutton
  • Patent number: 6394678
    Abstract: A twisted-in-wire mascara brush constituted of one or more zones of mascara-absorptive material such as cotton fibers or polymeric sponge material alternating with one or more zones of bristles or fibers substantially nonabsorptive to mascara along the length of the brush. A package of mascara includes a container holding a body of mascara and an applicator brush constituted of alternating zones of material absorptive to the mascara and bristles or fibers nonabsorptive to the mascara.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Henlopen Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Volker Schrepf
  • Patent number: 6353960
    Abstract: A convenient helper attachment device adapted for use in combination with cleaning apparatuses/units is for use as a universal back up for the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus has a near end for being held by a user and a far end for supporting the attachment device. The helper attachment device has a head portion and coupling mechanism including a clamping assembly comprising a pair of clamping members dimensioned for coupling with the cleaning apparatus/unit. Tabs, each provided with an aperture, extend upwardly from the upper end of each clamping member. A fastener extends through the apertures of the tabs for securement of the pair of clamping members to the helper attachment device. The clamping assembly is couplable to the attachment device and the head portion is adapted for coupling to a cleaning apparatus/unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Jannicelli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6349443
    Abstract: A cleaning device has a handle. The handle has a wall with a distal end with a recess extending axially into the handle, and an elongated nipple brush secured in the recess, such that the distal end of the brush extends axially beyond the distal end of the handle. The nipple brush can be housed in a core having a main body with a sponge secured thereto and an extension with opposed depressible tabs that can be inserted into the recess of the handle. Each tab has one or more protuberances that are biased to seat in opposed apertures in the wall of the handle. The core has an axial channel. When the extension of the core is inserted in the recess and attached to the handle, there is provided a cleaning device with a sponge at one end of the handle and a nipple brush housed in the channel of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Steven Randolph, Francis X Manganiello
  • Publication number: 20020002984
    Abstract: A surgical scrub brush for improved hand cleaning prior to and during surgery includes a unitary device with a generally flat base. The base has bristles affixed thereto to at least one portion of the periphery thereof. The periphery is shaped for optimal accessibility to the interdigital hand area. Preferably the brush also includes an absorbent sponge portion adapted to hold a cleansing fluid, such as a soap solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Randall A. Loy
  • Patent number: 6311357
    Abstract: A shoe shine kit including a case with a cavity therein. A buffer pad is affixed to the case with a layer of napped material attached thereto. The case contains three containers with lids all integrally formed with the case. Polish is contained within the containers. Applicators are retained through interference fit in seats defined within the cavity of the case. The applicators each include a handle and an applicator pad having material to which shoe polish adheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Richard C. Horian
  • Patent number: 6308366
    Abstract: A brush attachment for use on a frame of a conventional dry mop. The brush attachment includes a clip assembly for releasably securing the brush to a portion of the mop frame with the brush also being adjustably connected to the clip assembly wherein the attack angle of the brush may be changed by the user. The brush attachment enables the user to clean both the floor surface with the dry mop as well as the baseboard and underneath display racks with the brush attachment, thus eliminating a second subsequent cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick William Hays
  • Patent number: 6298515
    Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose scrubbing sponge having a central rigid rod with a brush on one end, a widened base on the other, the rod surrounded by compressible foam and covered in a mild abrasive flexible mesh and a scrubbing mesh skirt, such compressible foam conforming to the interior of a glass or other hollow container, the brush and mesh assisting in removal of debris from the interior of such glass or hollow container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Bessie Jane Robinson
  • Patent number: 6289547
    Abstract: The present invention is a surgical scrub device that includes a semi-rigid body, at least one row of bristles projecting from the body, and a sponge attached to the body. The design and dimensions of the scrub device are such that the user can wash the palms and the backs of the hand, and under the fingernails and between the fingers, without the need to exchange a sponge for a brush. Optionally, the scrub device can further a cleansing agent impregnated within the sponge, or housed in a reservoir within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventors: Vinod Narula, Dipak Narula
  • Patent number: 6266839
    Abstract: A brush including a moulded handle and a support structure formed of a rigid thermoplastic material, the support structure including first and second keying structures provided on opposite sides thereof, the first keying structure having provided thereon a first cleaning element, the second cleaning elements extending in different directions away from the respective keying structures in substantially the same or parallel planes and wherein the first and second keying structures are elongate, having front and rear ends, the front ends being joined together to form an acute angle therebetween and the handle lies in a line which generally bisects the acute angle. There is also provided a combination brush and dustpan, the brush being constructed as described above, the dustpan including a recess which is dimensioned to allow the handle of the brush to be snap fitted into the recess to hold the brush in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: E. D. Oates Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: John E. Oretti, Kon E. Wong
  • Publication number: 20010005915
    Abstract: A computer mouse cleaner and method for cleaning a computer mouse device with a computer mouse ball located in an interior ball cavity that has a plurality of mouse contact rollers and a plurality of mechanical parts. The mouse cleaner includes a motor, a shaft rotatably driven by the motor, and a cleaning surface connected to the shaft for rotatable movement therewith for cleaning the plurality of mouse contact rollers and the plurality of mechanical parts in the interior ball cavity. The method includes removing the computer mouse ball from the interior ball cavity; inserting the cleaning surface of the mouse cleaner into the interior ball cavity; and rotating the cleaning surface with the motor of the mouse cleaner so as to cause one or more of the plurality of mouse contact rollers to roll and thereby be cleaned by the cleaning surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Applicant: Technology Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Naghi, Herschel Naghi, Eric A. Hanscom
  • Patent number: 6251194
    Abstract: A method for cleaning or restoring a surface using a mop that is attached to a carrier block. A flowable pesticide or restorative material is applied and removed by passing the mop over and in contact with the material that is applied in closely timed relationship. The method further utilizes different mops attached to the carrier block for each phase, one of which has grommets for attaching the mops to the carrier block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Williams, Richard A. Williams
  • Patent number: 6202246
    Abstract: An all-purpose cleaning apparatus and kit. The cleaning apparatus includes a head having a substantially triangular shape. The head includes a front portion having an interior and an exterior, a plurality of substantially long hard bristles extending from the exterior of the front portion, and a plurality of substantially short soft bristles extending from the interior of the front portion. The head also includes a rear portion manufactured of a sponge material. In the preferred embodiment, the head of the cleaning apparatus includes a top surface and a bottom surface, disposed in substantially parallel relation to one another such that the head has a substantially low profile, and a rounded front portion. The preferred cleaning apparatus also includes a telescoping handle removably attached to the rear portion of the head via a pivot joint, and an accessory holder dimensioned to secure a bottle to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Laura Boucher
  • Patent number: 6193809
    Abstract: A rigging cable cleaning device primarily, although not exclusively, adapted for use on sailboat rigging cables, such as main sail cables, lanyard cables, and the like. The rigging cable cleaning device comprises an outer flexible fabric cover and an inner cleaning pad which can be folded or wrapped about a sailboat rigging cable. Holes with grommets are located on the ends of the outer fabric cover for receiving a releasable locking mechanism to thereby hold the cable cleaning device on a rigging cable. In this way, the device can be physically moved up and down or along the cable for cleaning same. The cleaning pad is removably attached to the inner surface of the fabric cover so that one type of cleaning pad can be substituted for another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Mark E. Hudson
  • Patent number: 6185778
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a computer mouse having a cavity for housing a sphere and a plurality of internal components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body having a first end and a second end, the body having a handle portion disposed proximate the first end and a cleaning portion disposed proximate the second end, the cleaning portion having a width dimension which is slightly larger than the diameter of the computer mouse sphere and having a surface which includes a number of resilient, deformable hooks. The cleaning portion is inserted into the cavity of the computer mouse and rotated, thereby causing the number of hooks to remove debris from the internal components of the computer mouse. The apparatus further includes a retaining ring removal device which facilitates the removal of a retaining ring of the computer mouse, the retaining ring removal device being disposed at the first end of the body, and an interior cavity which facilitates the storage of accessories within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Ornstedt
  • Patent number: 6088866
    Abstract: This device is a cleaning tool for cleaning the inside of gun barrels. The device consists of a metal brush which is enclosed within a tubular sheath of material, typically a woven fabric. The bristles of the brush extend through the wall of the woven sheath of fabric. The tubular sheath is pulled through a gun barrel and the bristles of the brush clean the inside of the gun barrel. Also enclosed within the tubular sheath are one or more foam inserts, or one or more cleaning regions formed by folding the cord within itself, either of which creates a bulge in the tubular sheath and cleans debris from the gun barrel, spreads gun cleaning solvent in the gun barrel, absorbs solvent and combustion and bullet residues, and spreads a layer of gun oil in the gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Michaels of Oregon Co.
    Inventor: Bruce F. Hedge
  • Patent number: 6081958
    Abstract: A scrub brush includes a bristle block having an array of bristles depending therefrom. Disposed over the bristle block and spaced therefrom is a handle that is supported by a pair of spaced apart handle supports that extend between the bristle block and the handle. Disposed on the bristle block is a relatively soft foam knuckle protector for engaging the knuckles of the hand of a user while the scrub brush is moved over a cleaning area or when the hand slips with respect to the handle. Also, in one embodiment, the knuckle protector assumes the form of a removable pad that can be used for scrubbing, cleaning or sponging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Van Staagen
  • Patent number: 6070286
    Abstract: A toothbrush which will alleviate stress through an angulated handle portion that has a series of coils located at its distal end. The distal end being connected to a mandolin shaped brush head which includes a center core material which acts to urge the bristles into a 45 degree angle of brushing. The head can be removed for cleaning or replacement by a screw shank connector. The screw shank connector includes a dominant component and an inferior component which will enable the user to be able to position the brush head at the desired working angle. The opposite end of the handle has grip which includes, a 360 degree serrated thumb rest on one end and a 360 degree hand stop at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Venanzio Cardarelli
  • Patent number: 6045623
    Abstract: A set (310) of lumen cleaning devices (310a, 310b, . . . ) is provided, with each consisting of a flexible shaft (312), a radial bristle brush (314) at one end of the shaft, and a swab (316) on the other end of the shaft. The brushes have particular brush diameters, may be stepped or tapered in diameter, and the swabs are dimensioned in conjunction with the maximum diameters of the brushes. The lumen of a medical device such as a catheter to be cleaned is first brushed with the brush end of a cleaning device selected to approximately match the lumen diameter. After brushing, the device is reversed, or preferably simply pushed through the lumen to be cleaned, and the swab end is used to remove any film remaining after the brushing. In a preferred method of cleaning, the brush end of the cleaning device is inserted into an end of the lumen to be cleaned, and pushed through only once, to avoid recontamination of the lumen by matter remaining on the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Bradley Jay Cannon
  • Patent number: 6042287
    Abstract: A surgical scrub brush-sponge has an extension in providing additional surface area for cleansing and retaining solvents and solutions used during the cleansing process. Where a portion of the sponge-like element of the brush extends beyond the base of the brush and conforms to an end of the base. Additionally, the portion may be made to extend beyond the base covering the brush bristles on that end of the brush-sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Jack W. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6038794
    Abstract: A snow broom (10) includes a scraper element (12) and multiple sweeping elements (26, 36) positioned on opposite sides thereof. The scraper element (12) is in the preferred form of a sheet of relatively stiff plastic and includes serrations (22) formed on its lower edge (16). The lower edge (16) of the scraper element (12) is divided into a plurality of tines by cuts (24) extending from the lower edge (16). The inner sweeping elements (26) positioned adjacent to and on opposite sides of the scraper element (12) are formed from a sheet of foamed plastic of a flexibility to conform to the surface being swept and having a lower edge (30) parallel to and spaced slightly above the lower edge (16) of the scraper element (12). The outer sweeping elements (36) are formed from a sheet of extruded plastic to which snow does not have an affinity to stick. In addition to providing a sweeping function, the outer sweeping elements (36) provide protection and stiffening for the inner sweeping elements (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Holger Kilander
  • Patent number: 6003187
    Abstract: A mop for cleaning a floor includes a handle. A mop head is attached to the distal end of the handle. A sponge having a floor contact surface is removably attached to the mop head. A squeegee, having a floor wiping surface, is formed integral with a front surface of the mop head. The mop also includes a mechanism for wringing the sponge, coupled to the mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Easy Day Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Harold Footer, Alan D. Ball, Timothy J. Coonahan, Philip C. Walker, David G. Honan
  • Patent number: 5993560
    Abstract: Devices and compositions are provided for cleaning optical surfaces with carbon black. Carbon black may be impregnated on a soft pad, such as chamois leather, to provide a lens cleaning device. The soft pad may be supported on a handle. The soft pad may be mounted on the handle by a resilient member that is capable of adapting with the soft pad to conform the cleaning surface to concave or convex optical surfaces. A retractable brush may be mounted at the opposite end of the handle from the soft pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Wojciech Wasak, Moshe Ravid
  • Patent number: 5972125
    Abstract: This device is a cleaning tool for cleaning the inside of gun barrels. The device consists of a metal brush which is enclosed within a tubular sheath of material, typically a woven fabric. The bristles of the brush extend through the wall of the woven sheath of fabric. The tubular sheath is pulled through a gun barrel and the bristles of the brush clean the inside of the gun barrel. Also enclosed within the tubular sheath are one or more foam inserts, or one or more cleaning regions formed by folding the cord within itself, either of which creates a bulge in the tubular sheath and cleans debris from the gun barrel, spreads gun cleaning solvent in the gun barrel, absorbs solvent and combustion and bullet residues, and spreads a layer of gun oil in the gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Michaels of Oregon Co.
    Inventor: Bruce F. Hedge
  • Patent number: 5968282
    Abstract: A cleaning mechanism and method for cleaning the probe needles of a probe card used for the inspection of the electric characteristics of a wafer W. This mechanism is provided with a soft cleaner and a brush cleaner. The soft cleaner has a cleaner layer formed of rubber and inorganic filler. The brush cleaner has a number of brush sections, and each brush section is a bundle of fiber members. The fiber members are thinner than the probe needles and have a certain degree of elasticity. The cleaning method includes the steps of: a) cleaning the probe needles using the soft cleaner having a the cleaning layer made of rubber and inorganic filler and b) cleaning the probe needles using the brush cleaner having bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Rikihito Yamasaka
  • Patent number: 5940924
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated first handle having a first longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus also includes a second handle having a second longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A connector is adapted to removably connect the second handle to the first handle in such a way that the second handle can be moved along and rotated around the first axis. A first holder is coupled to the distal end of the first handle, and a second holder is coupled to the distal end of the second handle. A first cleaning implement is removably mounted to the first holder, and a second cleaning implement is removably mounted to the second holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Williams, Richard A. Williams
  • Patent number: 5915434
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new body washing and scrubbing device. According to the invention, the body washing and scrubbing device comprises a pliable outer cover having a first washing surface and a second more abrasive washing surface and an inner malleable core comprised of small bead-like or ovoid objects suitable for exposure to water and/or cleaning agents. This overall configuration achieves a novel body washing and scrubbing device that provides a better grip for the user, as well as an easy and comfortable fit within the user's hand. The overall shape of the present invention may also be configured to resemble animals, such as dogs, ducks, and the like, or objects such as footballs and baseballs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Mark Reinle Juarez
  • Patent number: 5878459
    Abstract: A toilet brush having a handle portion and a scrubbing portion is provided. A flexible connection is provided between the handle portion and the scrubbing portion. A deflection limiter is located in proximity to the connection which limits deflection of the scrubbing portion in a first direction relative to the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Kelly McParland
  • Patent number: 5871589
    Abstract: This device is a cleaning tool for cleaning the inside of gun barrels. The device consists of a metal brush which is enclosed within a tubular sheath of material, typically a woven fabric. The bristles of the brush extend through the wall of the woven sheath of fabric. The tubular sheath is pulled through a gun barrel and the bristles of the brush clean the inside of the gun barrel. Also enclosed within the tubular sheath are one or more foam inserts, or one or more cleaning regions formed by folding the cord within itself, either of which creates a bulge in the tubular sheath and cleans debris from the gun barrel, spreads gun cleaning solvent in the gun barrel, absorbs solvent and combustion and bullet residues, and spreads a layer of gun oil in the gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Bruce F. Hedge
  • Patent number: 5860182
    Abstract: A hand-held device for sliding along the length of a windshield wiper blade to clean it. The device includes a resilient hollow, cylindrical shell which houses two cleaning strips forming a V-shaped groove. The wiper blade is accommodated within the V-shaped groove and the two legs of the shell are squeezed together and slid along the length of the blade to remove dirt therefrom. The device is optionally quipped with an ice-scraping ridge on one leg of the shell, and/or an absorbent cleaning ridge on the other leg of the shell, and insect-scraping grooves running along the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Sareyani
  • Patent number: 5851116
    Abstract: The invention is directed in part to an interproximal brush apparatus containing:a stem portion having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis, at least one of said first and said second ends being adapted for receiving an interproximal cleansing portion having an hourglass shape extending 360.degree. along said longitudinal axis of said stem portion. Methods of cleansing interproximal spaces are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Brian S. Margolis
  • Patent number: 5845359
    Abstract: An applicator for paint and coatings includes a housing, roller, brush, spreader, and handle. The roller, brush, and spreader are positioned on the housing so that they can each be used independently of one another and so that any combination of them can be engaged at any time while the applicator is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Great American Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Sherman L. Weiss
  • Patent number: 5839146
    Abstract: A back cleaning brush mainly including two steel wires and a large number of mixed brush hairs, foam rubber strips and/or scouring pads positioned between the two steel wires. The steel wires are spirally twisted together to tightly clamp the brush hairs, the foam rubber strips and/or the scouring pads in place, so that two ends of the brush hairs, the foam rubber strips, and/or the scouring pads evenly and radially extend outward from the twisted steel wires. The foam rubber strips and the scouring pads have good water absorbing ability to hold sufficient amount of water and soap bubbles when the back cleaning brush is wetted to clean user's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Kuo-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 5761761
    Abstract: A tri-sectioned multi-purposed golf towel comprising two side of fabric, one side preferably being made of an absorbent material such as terry cloth, and the other side made of a more coarse material, wherein the rectangular towel is divided into three longitudinal sections of equal width, first, second and third longitudinal sections. The first longitudinal section is folded over the second longitudinal section, and then the third longitudinal section is folded over the first longitudinal section. The ends of the towel are secured by binding strips to prevent fraying of the towel. The upper end of the trifolded towel is then stitched transversely. Adjacent to the permanently bound end, preferably centrally disposed on one of the outer faces of the towel, is a circular looping patch which corresponds to a circular hooking patch which is located on the outer face of the towel as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Heather An
  • Patent number: 5758381
    Abstract: A new Foot Scrubbing Apparatus for cleaning and scrubbing feet and hands. The inventive device includes a base member having an upper contoured surface, a plurality of bristles secured to the upper surface, a between digit scrubbing member removably secured to the upper surface, and suction cups on the bottom of the base member for securing the base member to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Manuel Rocha
  • Patent number: 5727275
    Abstract: A manual cup cleaning system including a base member. The base member has a plurality of suction members coupled thereto for releasably mounting the base member onto a receiving surface. A conical member is provided. The conical member has a top surface, a support member, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The support member is sized for positioning within base member. Lastly, a plurality of bristles are attached to the conical member and project outwardly from the top surface. The bristles are capable of engaging an inside bottom of a cup that is positioned over the conical member for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Manuel Antonio Rocha
  • Patent number: 5688238
    Abstract: An infant-feeding nipple and an infant-feeding nipple system in which the nipple may be used conventionally on a baby bottle or used in conjunction with an elongate conduit connected between the nipple and a container holding liquid to be drunk by the infant. The nipple has a radially enlarged flange on its base end, with a rigid safety ring insert which prevents the flange from being pulled from beneath the cap holding the nipple to a bottle, and which prevents the nipple from being swallowed by an infant when the nipple is detached from a container. In one form of the invention, the nipple has a flexible transverse wall across its base end, with a central opening therethrough for receiving one end of an elongate conduit whose other end may be extended into a container of liquid to be drunk by the infant. Different diameter conduits may be connected to the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: EZ Drink Baby Products, L.C.
    Inventors: Ramon Moser, Gustavo Moser, Antonio Valery, Campo Maya, John Maya
  • Patent number: 5666684
    Abstract: A golf club cleaner has a receptacle having a closed bottom end, a side wall and an opening at the top end for receiving the head of a golf club to be cleaned. An absorbent provided adjacent the bottom of the receptacle for receiving cleaning liquid and a multiplicity cleaning bristles disposed within the receptacle for contacting the head of the golf club when it is inserted into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Cussen
  • Patent number: 5596785
    Abstract: A multi-utility shoe brush system (11) is provided which includes a main body (13) having a several sides meeting other adjacent sides to form angles greater than ninety degrees so a plurality of paste applicator brushes (17, 19, 21b), a soft buffing brush (45), hard soil-removing brush (21a, 53), and one or more polishing pads (23, 27). A handle (31) is attached to the main body (13) to increase the efficiency of the use of the multi-utility shoe brush system (11), and its cleanliness. Each of the brushes and polishing pads is recommended to be removably attached to the main body (13). A shoe horn (49) is attached at the free end of the handle (31) for an additional utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Hyun C. Park
  • Patent number: 5591507
    Abstract: An absorbant cloth having an agitating feature. The cloth is formed from a base material which exhibits a high degree of absorbancy. In order to achieve this high degree of absorbancy, the base material preferably exhibits a very large surface area, such as a synthetic lamb's wool. The cloth additionally has one or more areas of a rough, bristled material which is efficient at transmitting mechanical forces from movement of the user's hand to the stain. The bristled material is preferably a synthetic fabric, such as that commonly used for indoor/outdoor carpeting. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbant material and the bristled material are formed in alternating bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Samuel S. Jones
  • Patent number: 5577289
    Abstract: A flexible rubber-like device that will conform to the divider wall of a kitchen- or wet-bar sink and providing an attached scrubber pad for the purpose of single-handedly cleaning utensils or flat objects such as knives, forks, scrapers, plastic or metal blades or spatula blades and paint scrapers and putty knife blades. The device can be used for cleaning bakery cake-decorating spreader-knives, demonstrator's knives, painter's stirring utensils and laboratory tools. The device will adhere securely to the divider wall as it becomes wet from running water. The device will assist in cleaning kitchen utensils, tools, paint scrapers, or any flatware that may be sensibly scraped in water and on a scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Margaret R. Russell
  • Patent number: 5564148
    Abstract: A dental prosthesis cleaning instrument is defined by an elongated member having a brush portion and a handle portion. The brush portion has a head formation formed at one end of the handle and a plurality of bristles extend from a surface portion thereof. The bristles terminate in an angled brushing surface defining an apex brush ridge adapted to clean angled surfaces of a dental prosthesis. A small scraping tool is provided at an opposed end of the handle portion. The scraping tool is dimensioned to scrape cavitated areas of the dental prosthesis. The scraping tool is a small spatula-shaped tool having a rounded end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventors: Solange Prevost, Geffrey Frenette
  • Patent number: 5519911
    Abstract: A headlight cleaner for a vehicle including a brush head; a brush handle having a tip end coupled to the brush head, a base end, and a bend therebetween to thereby define a straight short segment and a straight long segment; a straight squeegee handle having a tip end and a base end coupled to the base end of the brush handle; and an elongated squeegee coupled to the tip end of the squeegee handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Richard J. Callander
  • Patent number: 5491863
    Abstract: A utensil that is configured for scrubbing both baby bottles and nursing nipples for such bottles includes a handle that has a recess defined therein, a bottle brush operatively connected to the handle which is sized so as to be able to efficiently scrub an inside of a baby bottle, and a nipple brush assembly. The nipple brush assembly includes a nipple brush portion that is sized so as to be able to efficiently scrub an inside of a nursing nipple and a grip portion. It is releaseably attached to the handle so that said brush portion is positioned in the handle recess and the grip portion is grippable externally of the recess by a user, whereby said utensil can be used to conveniently scrub both baby bottles and nursing nipples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Munchkin Bottling, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven B. Dunn
  • Patent number: 5479673
    Abstract: A cleaning tool with an elongated handle having a storage hook at one end and in one aspect a modified "V" shaped work piece holder at the opposite end. Optimally, the workpiece holder has bristles on a short side, a scouring pad on a long side and a scraper on its base. The best ratio for workpiece holder supports is two on the long side for every one on the short side. The optimum placement of worksurfaces is with the scrubber and bristles one inch apart and 26 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the handle and the scraper at the longitudinal axis of the handle and offset to one side. One form of scraper has a rounded nose tailored for cleaning between barbeque grill wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Bruce M. Carton
  • Patent number: 5444888
    Abstract: A foot-and-toe cleaning apparatus that comprises an elongated shaft formed from a stiff plastic material which is provided with a cleaning assembly mounted adjacent the lower end of the shaft which includes a toe-cleaning device that includes a pair of spaced-apart support arm members extending outwardly from the shaft having a cleaning element supported therebetween and secured in place by a nut threadably mounted on each arm member. A brush is mounted on the shaft and positioned diametrically opposite from that of the toe-cleaning device for cleaning one's foot area including the ankle and lower portion of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Edward L. Withey
  • Patent number: 5394914
    Abstract: A combined wiper and head cover for a golf club, including a club head scrubber, and the method of applying the cover to the club and in particular to a putter. A preferred embodiment of the cover includes a towel section and a head-engaging section secured to the towel section for engaging the heel of the club head, a fastener for releasably securing the head-engaging section to the club such that the towel section drapes from the toe of the club head and is substantially confined to one side of the club shaft when the club's head is positioned above its shaft, and a pliant scrubber patch secured to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: MacWillie's Golf Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William Meek