Brush And Squeegee Patents (Class 15/117)
  • Patent number: 10791823
    Abstract: A brush assembly is disclosed having a brush handle with a variety of vertical and horizontal bristles positioned thereon, as well as middle paddles. The handle fits upon a resting base which may be a suction cup and adapted to collect water which flows down from the bristles and the handle into a collection area, and further directed down a ramp which directs fluid off of the resting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Agnes Yena Lee, Sung Yun Chan
  • Patent number: 10617272
    Abstract: This invention enables attachment of a washer to a squeegee head in a state in which the handle head and a back plate are joined to each other. A squeegee includes a handle, a back plate and a channel. The handle includes a handle head and a grip. A channel is clamped between the handle head and the back plate. A part of the squeegee on a front end side relative to the grip, the part excluding the channel, is referred to as a squeegee head. The squeegee includes a washer attachment portion which enables attachment of a washer to the squeegee head in a state in which the back plate is attached to the handle head. The washer attachment portion is disposed in an area of the squeegee head, the area being off an area in which the handle head and the back plate overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Masahiro Takaki
  • Patent number: 10238204
    Abstract: An oral care implement is provided comprising a head comprising a first face having a plurality of cleaning elements extending therefrom. The head has a length and a width perpendicular to the length. The head has a proximal section adjacent to the handle and a distal section remote from the handle, the proximal section having a first maximum width and the distal section having a second maximum width, wherein the second maximum width is less than the first maximum width. The distal and proximal sections are located adjacent to one another and are joined at a waist section that has a third maximum width which is less than the second maximum width. At least one bristle tuft having a distal end remote from the first face is provided that comprises bristles of varying lengths so as to form a cup-shaped recess at the distal end of the bristle tuft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: David Kyung Min Lee, Robert Moskovich
  • Patent number: 10065611
    Abstract: A cleaning implement includes an elongated, arcuate shaft having a handle at a proximal end and a cleaning head at a distal end. The cleaning head includes a plurality of juxtaposed, removable attachments, such as a sponge, a scrubbing brush and one or more wiper blades. The shaft is constructed with a resilient but slightly pliable material so that a user can simultaneously force the sponge, brush and blades against a windshield by applying a predetermined amount of force to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventors: Reynaldo V Alonzo, Nina Seyedabadi
  • Patent number: 9920546
    Abstract: Components of automatic pool cleaners (APCs) are detailed. The components may include brushes configured to attach to blades of scrubbers of the APCs. The flexible brushes may rotate as their associated blades rotate and have fingers which flex so as to adduce contact between a to-be-cleaned pool or spa surface and bristles protruding outward from sides of the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems LLC
    Inventors: Hendrikus Johannes van der Meijden, Bruce Harbottle
  • Patent number: 9546023
    Abstract: A plastic bag holding and filling apparatus that is operable to assist in the holding and filling of a plastic bag. The plastic bag holding and filling apparatus includes a body having a bottom that is planar in manner and rectangular in shape. The body further includes a first lateral edge and second lateral edge. Extending upward from the first lateral edge is a first side panel. A second side panel is formed along the second lateral edge and is perpendicular thereto. The body includes a ramp secured to the second end. The ramp includes a hingedly secured first portion and second portion. A bag guide is secured to the second portion of the ramp and is manufactured from wire and further including opposing lower corners that are rounded in shape. A first hook and second hook are secured to the first side panel and second side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Nathan Timm
  • Patent number: 9538895
    Abstract: A device having the ability to alternate between dry spill and wet spill clean-up by simply rotating the head of the device to either the bristle side, for dry material clean-up, or the rubber squeegee side for wet material clean-up. Located on the handle is a release button coupled to the rotatable coupling by which the head rotates about the handle. When this button is pulled or otherwise selectively activated (e.g., pushed, pressed, etc.) the head will now rotate freely allowing the user to alternate between dry and wet clean-up. In an embodiment, the head may be locked at a variety of angles for side sweeping applications such as inside a cabinet, on top of a work bench, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Neli LLC
    Inventors: Ben R. Shippen, Stephen R. Shippen, Scott M. Shippen, David S. Shippen
  • Patent number: 9532694
    Abstract: A device having the ability to alternate between dry spill and wet spill clean-up by simply rotating the head of the device to either the bristle side, for dry material clean-up, or the rubber squeegee side for wet material clean-up. Located on the handle is a release button coupled to the rotatable coupling by which the head rotates about the handle. When this button is pulled or otherwise selectively activated (e.g., pushed, pressed, etc.) the head will now rotate freely allowing the user to alternate between dry and wet clean-up. In an embodiment, the head may be locked at a variety of angles for side sweeping applications such as inside a cabinet, on top of a work bench, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Neli LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Shippen, Ben R. Shippen, Stephen R. Shippen, David S. Shippen
  • Patent number: 9167888
    Abstract: An oral care implement having a head with a soft tissue cleaner disposed on a second side thereof. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle and having a first side and a second side; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements attached to the first side of the head; and a soft tissue cleaner disposed on the second side of the head, the soft tissue cleaner including a first portion comprising a plurality of projections and a second portion comprising a plurality of bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Douglas Hohlbein, Bruce Russell
  • Patent number: 9072369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral care implement comprising a head and a handle, the head having a first surface and a second surface; the head having a plurality of cleaning members coupled to the first surface; the head having a plurality of openings defined therein, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings passing through the first surface and second surface provide for the drainage of the fluids and the air ventilation; and wherein the plurality of cleaning members arranged adjacent to the plurality of openings without blocking the openings thereby forming a plurality of ventilation channels among the plurality of cleaning members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Cyrus Shokoohi
  • Patent number: 8943637
    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: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: James Albert Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 8887344
    Abstract: A sweeping device and method of manufacturing a silicone sweeping device. The sweeping device is made of silicone and includes: a silicone block with internal chassis; a plurality of downwardly silicone elongated bristles; and an upwardly projecting member containing a handle-receiving member with a cavity. The method of manufacturing a silicone sweeping device includes: providing a hard heat resistant chassis; providing a hard heat resistant cone with internal screw thread; drilling a hole into the center of the chassis; providing protective coating to the chassis; providing primer coating to the chassis; inserting the hard cone heat resistant tube as the handle receiving hole into the hole in the chassis; providing a mold including a mold cavity; placing the chassis into the mold cavity; processing the silicone in the mold into a final product; and applying secondary heat treatment in the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: David Bachar, Dror Bachar
  • Publication number: 20140201932
    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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: James Albert Gavney, JR., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Publication number: 20140202492
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a collector surface of a solar collector. The system includes a first liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a first spray of liquid to the collector surface. The system also includes a brush element having a longitudinal side oriented along a first direction and disposed adjacent to the first liquid-dispensing unit. A first squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and adjacent to the brush element. The first squeegee element, the brush element, and the first liquid-dispensing unit define a first cleaning area. A second squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and separated from the first squeegee element by a gap to define a second cleaning area. The system also includes a second liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a second spray of liquid to the second cleaning area located between the first and second squeegees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Marc GROSSMAN, Cedric JEANTY
  • Patent number: 8683636
    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: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Publication number: 20140053351
    Abstract: A coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller including an elongated core with end mounting features defining a central longitudinal axis of rotation, multiple floor cleaning bristles extending radially outward from the core, and at least one compliant flap extending radially outward from the core to sweep a floor surface. The flap is configured to prevent errant filaments from spooling tightly about the core to aid subsequent removal of the filaments. In another aspect, a coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, a controller, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller. The coverage robot includes a roller cleaning tool carried by the chassis and configured to longitudinally traverse the roller to remove accumulated debris from the cleaning roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Deepak Ramesh Kapoor, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky
  • Publication number: 20140041137
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, JR., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Publication number: 20130269129
    Abstract: The cleanup system employs an associated clearing component, such as a tool comprised of plate portion and an adjacent squeegee and/or brush element, to close the top opening and entrance to a containment or receptacle unit with which it is pivotably interengageable, to thereby prevent leakage or escape of liquid, semi-liquid, and/or dry matter during transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Santarsiero, Roger Comora
  • Patent number: 8516644
    Abstract: A barbecue grill cleaner, including a head member having a front end and a rear end, a cleaning element coupled to the head member and extending downwardly therefrom, and a barrier flap. The barrier flap is coupled to the head member and extends downwardly therefrom, the barrier flap being formed of a flexible and resilient material and positioned rearwardly relative to the cleaning element. The barrier flap is configured to obstruct debris that is projected rearwardly by the cleaning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Onward Multi-Corp Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Witzel, Benjamin Harrison, Christian Robinson
  • Publication number: 20130007967
    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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, JR., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • 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: 8196249
    Abstract: A cleaning implement in the form of a combined brush and squeegee with a head member (2) with bristle (4) extending from the head member and a handle (7), where a squeegee blade (8) is movably supported on the head member (2). An extension mechanism (14) is operable by a user to extend or retract the squeegee blade member (8) relative to the head member (2) in a direction generally parallel to the extent of the bristles (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hayco Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Gregory Clegg Spooner, Christopher James Mccaughan Hay, Benjo Lapuebla Manuel, Caroline Maree Francis
  • Patent number: 8166606
    Abstract: A squeegee assembly (10, 10?) includes a flexible wiper blade (30) sandwiched between a mounting bracket (32, 32?) and a retaining strap (34, 34?). A retainer (94) has a head (98) which is positionable between aligned and misaligned positions with mounting apertures (82, 92) to allow disassembly, assembly and retention of the squeegee assembly (10, 10?). Arcuate portions (36, 36?, 66, 66?) formed in the mounting bracket (32, 32?) and the retaining straps (34, 34?) have different radiuses. Linear portions (68, 68?, 70, 70?) of the retaining straps (34, 34?) have upper and lower edges (72, 74) bent from center portions thereof. The mounting brackets (32, 32?) include L-shaped slots (46) for slideably receiving vertical bolts (56) of the floor maintenance machine (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance, Inc.
    Inventors: Kale R. Johnson, Everett Eugene Johnson
  • Patent number: 8141192
    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: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: James A Gavney, Jr.
  • 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: 20110302735
    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: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Santarsiero, Roger Comora
  • 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: 20110061187
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 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: 7819487
    Abstract: A cleaning device and a method of manufacturing a cleaning device are provided. The method may include molding a squeegee blade out of a first material, providing a mold insert including a slot, providing a mold including a mold cavity, placing a first portion of the molded squeegee blade into the slot of the mold insert with a second portion of the molded squeegee blade exposed externally of the mold insert, placing the mold insert with the molded squeegee blade therein into the mold cavity, and subsequently molding a head member of the cleaning device, out of a second material of greater hardness than said first material, to the second portion of said previously molded squeegee blade by adding the second material to the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jace A. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7785681
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing elongate wooden handles for floor mops and the like comprises (a) splitting a green bamboo cane lengthwise and then spreading it into the shape of a sheet, (b) planing both surfaces of the sheet to give it a substantially uniform thickness, (c) cutting the bamboo sheet into an elongate section of selected width, (d) drying that bamboo section, (e) providing an assembly comprising a pair of dowels, at least one elongate core member, said bamboo sections and an adhesive, with the bamboo section wrapped around the dowels and the core member and the adhesive disposed between the bamboo section and the dowels and core member, (f) heating that assembly under pressure so the adhesive will bond the dowels and core member to the surrounding bamboo section and thereby form an elongate pole, and (g) turning the elongate pole to a selected outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Dick Liao
  • Patent number: 7743448
    Abstract: A device with moving squeegees is disclosed. The squeegees can have any number of squeegee configurations. The squeegee or groups of the squeegees are configured to move independently or separately concerted fashion. The device is preferably and oral-care device and can include bristles and/or nodules that move or are stationary. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the oral-care device includes rows of squeegees that move with a first motion and a center section with squeegees, bristles and/or nodules that move with a second motion in a direction and/or frequency that is different from the first motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7717524
    Abstract: The invention relates to cleaning devices adapted to sweep floors with an attached squeegee, and to methods of manufacturing such cleaning devices. In one embodiment of the invention, a squeegee blade may be molded out of a first material. Subsequently, a head member may be molded, out of a second material of greater hardness than the first material, to a first portion of the previously molded squeegee blade. Bristles and a handle may be attached to the head member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jace Alan Weaver
  • Patent number: 7562411
    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: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • 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: 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.
  • Publication number: 20080189890
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Peter L. Arnold, Ralf Jurgens
  • Publication number: 20080163442
    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: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Kornelis Vaartjes, Margaret Carrol Vaartjes
  • Patent number: 7380306
    Abstract: A mop assembly for a mop includes an under side having a first fastener for holding a cleaning cloth, and an upper side parallel with the under side. The upper side is provided with a holder for holding a shaft. At least one side surface interconnects the under side with the upper side. The side surface includes second and third fasteners, which are provided opposite of each other on opposite sides of the under and upper sides in order to hold a liquid scraper and a stain scraper such that the mop assembly can handle three difference cleaning functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Smart Products Scandinavia AB
    Inventor: Daniel Broman
  • Patent number: 7347468
    Abstract: A combined shovel and clearing tool with a shovel and a clearing tool member for being coupled to the shovel. The clearing tool member can be selectively retained in a usage disposition, such as relative to a leading edge of a shovel blade, and in a storage disposition, such as relative to a trailing edge of the shovel blade or relative to a handle of the shovel. The clearing tool member can be retained by, for example, a clip arrangement, an elastic tether, or a rigid arm. Bristles can project from an obverse side of the shovel blade. The handle and the blade can be reconfigurable by, for example, a relative pivoting or a selective coupling of the handle with multiple receiving portions on the blade. A universal clearing tool can be coupled to a standard shovel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Tidcomb
  • Patent number: 7343637
    Abstract: A snow tool for removing snow from vehicles having a telescopic handle and a brush disposable either longitudinally or transversally. The telescopic handle has first and second members connected in a sliding relationship and providing retracted and extended states of the handle. The snow tool has a pair of arms provided with bristles and movable between a closed position where the arms extend along the handle and an open position where the arms extend transversally thereto. The snow tool is provided with a compression spring for urging the first and second members into the extended state, and first and second locking devices for locking the first and second members with respect to each other in the retracted state and in the extended state respectively. The snow tool also has third and fourth locking devices for locking the arms in the open position and in the closed position respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Andre Lafleur RD & D Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Lafleur
  • Publication number: 20070266510
    Abstract: The invention relates to cleaning devices adapted to sweep floors with an attached squeegee, and to methods of manufacturing such cleaning devices. In one embodiment of the invention, a squeegee blade may be molded out of a first material. Subsequently, a head member may be molded, out of a second material of greater hardness than the first material, to a first portion of the previously molded squeegee blade. Bristles and a handle may be attached to the head member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Jace Alan Weaver
  • Patent number: 7181799
    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: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Eegee, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 7178190
    Abstract: A system for cleaning includes a handle and a head having a cleaning surface. The head is connected to the handle and is extendable to selectively widen or narrow the cleaning surface. A gear is fixedly connected to the handle and rotatingly connected to the head, so that twist of the handle rotates the gear. A first series of extension gears operably connect to the gear, and a second series of extension gears also operably connect to the gear. Rotation of the gear via the handle, rotates the first series and the second series. A first head extension is operably connected to the first series, such that rotation of the first series swings the first head extension into laterally aligned extension of the head. A second head extension is operably connected to the second series, such that rotation of the second series swings the second head extension also into laterally aligned extension of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: CrowleyJones, LP
    Inventors: Terry G. Jones, Christian Gerard, Philip Leveridge
  • Patent number: 7155770
    Abstract: A tool for removing ice, snow and other debris from a vehicle or other surface has an extension handle with telescoping ends. On one end of the handle there is an oblong head carrying a broom on one surface and a squeegee on the opposite surface. The head is rotatably mounted on the handle to provide both a linear cleaning motion and an arcuate motion. On the other end of the handle is a bifurcated extension carrying a scraper and a toothed cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Torrence Anderson, Lyle Rosine
  • Patent number: 6990705
    Abstract: A multifunctional cleaning implement having a collapsible, telescoping handle interconnected to a head assembly. The head assembly includes front and back panels which interlock with or are integrally formed with cleaning implements, such as a squeegee, a brush, a sponge, and/or an ice scraper. The handle is pivotally interconnected by a sliding ball and socket joint to a channel in the head assembly so that it may be collapsed into a stored position within a cavity in the head assembly, or extended from the head assembly and pivoted into an open position perpendicular to the head assembly. A resilient member formed in the channel biases the ball joint to selectively maintain the handle in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Carrand Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pieter Schouten, James R. Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 6944903
    Abstract: An applicator with squeegee configurations is disclosed. The applicator has a removable cover. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the removable cover is sealed through a squeegee edge using a suitable adhesive. The removable cover can be formed from foil, plastic or any combination of suitable materials. In use, the removable cover is removed and the squeegee configuration is used to treat, clean and/or wipe a surface. In further embodiments of the invention, a medication, a cleaning agent or other surface treating substance is seal between the removable cover and the squeegee configuration. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6865767
    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: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6859969
    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: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim