Abstract: This invention relates to retractable brushes, of the general type having bristles which can be retracted into the casing of the brush, or moved outwardly from the casing into the position at which the bristles are used. Wiping flaps are provided on a retractable brush to engage and wipe the bristles as they are extended and retracted through the openings in the front wall of the brush. The wiping flaps may take the form of a thin membrane extending across each of the openings and formed with slits. The brush may be arranged to be extended and retracted by producing relative rotation between the front and rear members of the brush. To assist in securing the front and rear members together, a detent connection may be provided between one of the members and an axial post connected to the other member. Detent elements may also be provided between the front member and cam members which are provided on the rear member.

Abstract: A novel structure for a blackboard eraser is provided wherein the eraser comprises a plurality of raised rows of two or more different erasing mediums such as brushes, fiber or cloths laterally spaced and extending parallel on a base support to form an eraser body. The body is connected at its two ends to a resilient dust-collecting frame flush with the raised erasing mediums so that when erasing the blackboard with the eraser the latter completely encloses the corresponding part of the blackboard, guiding the dust along the spaces between adjacent raised rows of erasing mediums and then collecting them in the frame, thereby preventing the dust from flying about and polluting the air. A chalk container may further be formed at the lower part of the eraser for holding the chalks.

Abstract: A mitt type shoe cleaner having first and second brushes secured to non-expandable flexible thumb and finger receiving sections, respectively. The said sections are secured together by a central section made from elastic material so that the mitt may accommodate various sizes of hands.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use on car windshields and shoes, the device being of the type having the cleaning elements mounted on a head carried by a manually engageable handle. The cleaning elements include a sponge, a window squeegee, a shoe scraper, and a shoe cleaning brush.

Abstract: A convertible multi-purpose brush assembly characterized by providing a multiplicity of working surfaces for a variety of tasks and versatility and ease in conversion for various uses. The brush assembly may be constructed for attachment to a home appliance for driving rotation thereof or may be constructed for manual use by an operator. The brush assembly includes a flexible, resilient brush member having a predetermined outside diameter and providing a working surface of a predetermined character for performing certain tasks, and a desired number of hollow sleeve members having a predetermined inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the brush member and providing outside working surfaces of different predetermined characters for performing certain different tasks.