Grids And Combs Patents (Class 15/142)
  • Patent number: 10906058
    Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting and cleaning a nozzle of a dispenser are disclosed. The systems may include a platform supporting a cleaning substrate. The cleaning substrate may have a plurality of hook structures configured to remove a material from the nozzle. The systems may also include a camera configured to capture an image of the nozzle and a controller configured to control the system. The methods may include providing a cleaning substrate having a plurality of hook structures, and moving at least one of the nozzle and the cleaning substrate relative to the other to remove a material from the nozzle. The methods may also include capturing an image of the nozzle after dispensing with a camera, processing the image to generate a value, utilizing the value to determine if the nozzle should be cleaned, and if the determination is that the nozzle should be cleaned, cleaning the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph C. Nelson, Jared Wilburn, Alan R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 10743739
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning mops comprising a top plate adapted to be engaged upon and spaced apart from a floor surface so as to form a cavity therebetween, an open face formed along an edge between the top plate and the floor surface and a plurality of protrusions extending from the top plate in a direction toward the floor surface, spaced apart along the open face, and a conduit extending between a proximate and a distal end, the proximate end extending through the top plate so as to place an interior of the conduit in fluid connection with the cavity, the distal end having a connector operable to be engaged in fluidic communication with an in-wall vacuum outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Willy Kerntopf, Michael Wayne Malinosky
  • Patent number: 10702121
    Abstract: A cleaning tool includes a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, where the shaft has a handle at the proximal end and a tool head at the distal end; and a sock removably mountable on the tool head. The tool head may include a through hole, and the sock may include a fastener with a first coupling member and a second coupling member, where the first and second coupling members are constructed to align with and couple through the through hole on the tool head. Alternatively the tool head includes one or more coupling members and the sock includes one or more corresponding coupling members constructed align with and couple with the one or more coupling members on the tool head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Hope Weilage, Sarah Gilbertson
  • Patent number: 10638724
    Abstract: A pet grooming clipper cleaning assist device is provided having a body formed of a generally planar element having a thickness that is smaller than an overall width. Along a distal end of the body forming a flat, linear face having a lateral linear centerline forms a plurality of equally sized receiving sockets each being equally positioned and having a female thread, each for connection of a cleaning swab. A plurality of cleaning swabs, one each for engagement with each said socket. Each cleaning swab has a linear shaft having a swab head at a distal end of a shaft and a male threaded connection at a proximal end of said shaft. Each swab head further comprises a soft gripping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Lynnette Siegel
  • Patent number: 10398262
    Abstract: A sponge holding system includes a handle that is joined to a paraboloid having a central slot. An attachment fastener is joined to the handle. A sponge is arranged in the paraboloid. A lanyard is attached to the sponge, extending through the central slot, and connected to the attachment fastener. The lanyard holds the sponge in the paraboloid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: John Pheatt
  • Patent number: 10194780
    Abstract: A waste-receiving device is for use with a sweeping device. The waste-receiving device includes a body, and the body includes a chamber configured to receive waste therein. An opening is coupled to the chamber, and the opening permits the sweeping device to enter into the chamber. A panel is disposed within the chamber, and the panel includes a plurality of apertures. The panel is configured to engage the sweeping device and the plurality of apertures are configured to receive a cleaning component carried by the sweeping device to facilitate separating waste from the cleaning component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventors: Elvis Henao, Viviana Henao
  • Patent number: 10039421
    Abstract: Multi-grater set (1) including at least a first and a second grater (2, 3), arranged opposite one another, and a handle part (8). The first and second graters (2, 3) are arranged in such a way that they can be disassembled, to be in an assembled working position or a separated position, particularly for cleaning, and in that the handle part (8) is arranged so as to be removable from the first (2) or the second grater (3) in order to cover the first (2) or the second grater (3) in the assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: David Benoit, Philippe De La Coussaye, Stephane Plichon, Robin Hoenderdos, Marcel Verkaik, Abke Geels, Mark Assies
  • Patent number: 9944257
    Abstract: A washing system to clean a surface with enhanced efficiency and reduced water usage includes a housing member having a first cleaning fluid compartment and a second rinsing fluid compartment separated by a dividing wall, a pair of rollers rotatably mounted to the housing member, and a sponge assembly having a first sponge and a second sponge. The sponge assembly contacts the housing member to permit the first sponge to soak the cleaning fluid in the first compartment and the second sponge to soak the rinsing fluid in the second compartment simultaneously. The sponge assembly is maneuvered to simultaneously permit the first sponge to contact the first roller and dividing wall to remove excess cleaning fluid stored therein and the second sponge to contact the second roller and dividing wall to remove excess rinsing fluid stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventors: John J Sramek, Steve Sramek
  • Patent number: 9751200
    Abstract: The invention relates to a core disassembling device. The core disassembling device comprises an opening-closing box housing and at least one holding hole deposited at one side of the opening-closing box housing. The opening-closing box housing comprises an upper housing and a bottom housing, and the holding hole comprises a first notch and a second notch. The first notch is deposited at one side of the upper housing and the second notch is deposited at one side of the bottom housing. The second notch is corresponded to the first notch. When the opening-closing box housing is closed, the first notch and the second notch constitute the holding hole for holding and fixing the core of the capacitance pen. Therefore, it is easy and convenient for a user to draw the core out the capacitance pen and to change a new core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: WALTOP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Fuu Mao, Hsin-Chiang Ho
  • Publication number: 20150143649
    Abstract: A method and device for cleaning paint from a paintbrush is provided. The method comprises compressing the bristles of a paintbrush between a first row of V-shaped teeth and a second row of V-shaped teeth, and pulling the paintbrush brush outwardly from between the rows of V-shaped teeth. The teeth in the first row of V-shaped teeth are interlockable with the teeth in the second row of V-shaped teeth. The interlocking teeth are affixed to two tooth plates rotatably connected together. The tooth plates “sandwich” the bristles of the paintbrush and pull paint from the brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Paint Piranha, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Garland Junkins
  • Patent number: 9032981
    Abstract: A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The apparatus facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus includes a base 18 and a bracket 32 coupled to the base. The roller 12 is supported on the bracket 32 in an upwardly extending diagonal position between shields 45 and 54 for containing paint spreads from the roller. The brush 14 is supported on bracket 32 in a upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to shield 45 and supported thereon in a descending position. Once the painting implements 12, 14 and 16 are supported on the apparatus 10, cleaning can be accomplished by the application of a stream of water thereto after which the implements can be left until they are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Rhines
  • Publication number: 20150101636
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus; said apparatus combining mechanical combing action and liquid flow to remove detritus from frond-like structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Patrick Jeremy Rice
  • Patent number: 8938848
    Abstract: A mop bucket comprises an internal compartment defined by a side wall for retaining a liquid. A first bracket is supported in the compartment and supports a first agitator blade and a second bracket supported in the compartment and supports a second agitator blade such that the agitator blades are spaced from one another a distance sufficient to receive a mop. The first agitator blade and the second agitator blade each comprising a plurality of fins extending from a planar support surface. The first agitator blade and said second agitator blade may also comprise a plurality of bristles extending from a planar support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commerical Products, LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Reneau Van Landingham, Jr., Jesse Andrew Matola
  • Patent number: 8763195
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: ELC Management, LLC
    Inventors: Herve F. Bouix, Francis Corbellini, William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: 8701243
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for collecting swept waste material are described herein. The apparatus includes a dustpan having a base and a wall, a handle, and a plurality of protrusions. The base is configured to be placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned and includes a front lip over which debris can be swept. The wall extends upwardly from at least a portion of the base other than the front lip and is configured to contain debris in the dustpan. The handle is coupled to a top edge of the wall opposite the front lip and extends away from the wall and downwardly from the top edge so that an end of the handle is disposed approximately even with the base. The plurality of protrusions extend inwardly from the wall and are configured to remove debris from bristles of a broom when the broom is swept across the plurality of protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Quirky, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Ward, Jordan Diatlo, Kate Vallon, Gareth Brown, Nikki Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8607979
    Abstract: A paint brush protector and maintenance device provides storage, protection, and care for paint brushes includes a clamshell enclosure that opens to encase bristle and ferrule portions of a paint brush. The enclosure in at least one embodiment provides a rigid plastic to ensure that the bristles remain in a straight position and a plurality of drying holes along a front surface to aid in drying the bristles after cleaning. An end portion of the enclosure has a compressible stabilizer pad to hold the paint brush securely in place. The apparatus also provides a brush comb that clips onto the exterior of the enclosure providing a toothed comb and a pair of stiff bristle brushes to clean and condition the bristles as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Scott G. Cody
  • Patent number: 8439054
    Abstract: A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus of this invention facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus of this invention is provided with a base support member 18. The roller 12 is supported on the base support member 18 in an upwardly extending diagonal position adjacent a shield 70 for containing paint spreads from the roller in a predetermined confined area. The brush 14 is supported on the base support member in a predetermined upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to the base support member 18 and supported thereon in a diagonally descending position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rhines
  • Patent number: 8409358
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: ELC Management, LLC
    Inventors: Herve F. Bouix, Francis Corbellini, William Robert Bickford
  • Publication number: 20130014781
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Herve F. Bouix, Francis Corbellini, William Robert Bickford
  • Publication number: 20120180237
    Abstract: This system and invention enables a commercial painter to comb-clean and to wash a paintbrush with the same apparatus; and also to clean roller paintbrushes; and then to use that apparatus to clean itself; and to provide convenient ways for the painter to carry and to store this tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jorge Mejia, Hirak Mitra, Donald Carson Lewis, Nicholas Brawne
  • Publication number: 20120180235
    Abstract: A comb structure that includes a curved portion and a teeth portion may be used to remove contaminants from a mop head. The curved portion may include various features, including a wavy grip portion and grip-facilitating indentations, to aid a user in gripping the comb structure. The curved portion may also include features such as a plurality of flexible tabs and a ledge that allow the comb structure to snap onto a mop handle. Meanwhile, the teeth portion may include a plurality of teeth and indentations between the teeth to grab unwanted particulates such as hair, dust, and other contaminants from a mop head as the teeth are pushed/pulled through the mop head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: THE LIBMAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew Libman, Robert J. Libman, Aaron Libman, Tobia Berti
  • Publication number: 20110271981
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus, said apparatus combining mechanical combing action and liquid flow to remove detritus from frond-like structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Jeremy Rice
  • Patent number: 8042215
    Abstract: A cleaning system for removing abrading material adapted to remove and keep separated the abrasive contaminants from a wash rag, mitt, or brush which is capable of being mounted within a standard 5 gallon bucket for the purposes of washing a car, boat, recreational vehicle or the like. The cleaning system is a lattice structure including a scrubber grate which is positioned within the bucket such that a wash rag, mitt, or long handled brush is capable of being vigorously rubbed against the scrubber grate such that any abrasive grit or contaminants within the wash rag, mitt, or long handled brush will become dislodged and settle to the bottom of the cleaning fluid within the bucket. The lattice structure also has a receiver base to support the scrubber grate and is located near the bottom of the bucket. The lattice structure receiver base allows abrasive contaminants and debris to settle to the bottom of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Richard R. Thibault
  • Patent number: 7971310
    Abstract: An implement mounted on a shaft has a device that either collects or has on it during or after use unwanted matter. The implement has a portion that is easily removable from the shaft and has a section creating at least a partial interference fit with the device to remove the unwanted matter therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Cobra Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Metaxatos, Eric Perlman, Ryan Scribner, Kurt Maclaurin
  • Patent number: 7828001
    Abstract: A pad washing system is provided. This system includes a filter device that further includes: a filter component having a textured top surface and at least one baffle formed on the underside thereof; a filter support apparatus adapted to receive the filter device, wherein the filter support apparatus further includes: a base, a plurality of vertical support columns formed integrally with the base, a plurality of caps mounted on top of the vertical columns, and a plurality of biasing members disposed between the caps and the tops of the vertical columns; a bucket for receiving both the filter device and the filter support apparatus; a threaded rim attached to or formed integrally with the top edge the bucket; and a splash guard mountable within the threaded rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas R. Lamb
  • Patent number: 7661173
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) and method for restoration of hook/loop attachment materials (8) which apparatus (1) includes a rake with a set of teeth (2) that match the separation widths of rows of the hooks of the attachment materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Pamela Louise Amos
  • Patent number: 7587780
    Abstract: A sand rake which serves two purposes: 1) raking the sand in a bunker to provide a smooth sand surface; and 2) efficient and safe removal of the sand trapped or lodged on or near the soles of a player's golf shoes. The dual purpose sand rake may be used to conveniently clean the player's shoes before stepping foot on the putting green, thereby reducing the amount of sand and other debris tracked onto the green, or, alternatively, before the player attempts another shot, thereby enhancing the player's footing. The sand rake removes the need for the player to walk to the next tee box or wait until the round is finished to clean his or her shoes. Moreover, the sand rake removes the need for the player to tap his or her shoes with the golf club to clean his or her shoes, thereby eliminating the risk of injury to the player's ankle or foot as well as damage to the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: John G. Pfister
  • Patent number: 7266858
    Abstract: A combination tool for cleaning the bristles of a paintbrush includes a plurality of wire strands arrayed on said base in rows and columns, at least one blunt-edged scraper blade arrayed on said base in transversely disposed relation to a longitudinal axis of the tool, and a plurality of comb teeth arrayed on said base between the handle and the wire strands and the at least one scraper blade. The tool performs three functions at one time so that the amount of time required to clean the bristles is one-third the time required to use all three tools separately. The tool increases productivity and reduces the number of paintbrushes that must be purchased in a given time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Sarmic Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond M. Cronin, Steve Athanassie
  • Publication number: 20040261819
    Abstract: A brush cleaning and storing apparatus, particularly for storing of paint brushes and coating brushes and brushes of like material, in such Manner that the brush can be introduced into a solvent and then rubbed against a plate having a surface which aids in removal of the paint or similar substance. In addition, the apparatus and the method provide for suspending the brush in a housing of the apparatus. In this way, the solvent is contained within the housing, thereby avoiding environmental nuisance problems associated with the disposing of the solvent, and which also enables the reuse thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Ira Farnoush, Yehuda Sinay
  • Patent number: 6779220
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a partially cylindrical shaped hairbrush cleaner having teeth or tines 16 projecting longitudinally from the structure 26 forming an arc on one end and a gripping handle 22 on the other end. The tines 16 are made of a material suitable to resist bending, therefore, slots 20 are made extending beyond the tine base 24 into the structural member forming flexible ribbing 18 whereby forces 36 applied to the distal end of the tines will cause them to conform to the cylindrically shaped brush being cleaned. The present invention 10 will remove debris such as hair, threads and line 38 from cylindrically shaped hairbrushes 12. The device can be provided with various shaped handles 40, 42, 44 and 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Caroline Raffa
  • Patent number: 6671921
    Abstract: A carpet is cleaned by drawing the broom over it, capturing animal hair and other objects from the carpet. The broom has a handle, preferably round of ½″ to 2″ diameter made of relatively rigid material such as wood, plastic, metal, or composite material. The handle is from about 4′ to 5′ long, providing comfort for the user while affording good control of the broom head. The handle is attached to the head by means of a threaded connection, adhesive, or other suitable means adequate to ensure the handle remains connected to the head, and preferably is removable for storage and/or travel. The head is 2″ to 6″ deep and comprises a base made of relatively rigid material such as wood, plastic, metal or other suitable material, having an arcuate long dimension of ½′ to 1 & ½′ at an angle of 5 to 25 degs., and a short dimension of 2″ to 6″.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Bradley L. Hickman
  • Publication number: 20030177597
    Abstract: A kit for use in cleaning paintbrushes and paint rollers includes a paintbrush cleaning tool having a hollow, elongated handle, a closed proximal end, an open distal end adapted for attachment of a hose, and a plurality of teeth extending transversely from the handle adjacent the handle distal end, the teeth having base ends attached to the handle and outer ends, and holes at the base of the teeth extending into the interior of the handle; and a paint roller cleaning tool having a tubular section with a hollow interior, a closed lower end, an open upper end adapted for attachment of a hose, a plurality of spaced, longitudinally aligned holes in communication with the hollow interior, and a clip extending outwardly from the tubular section. The kit can also include a container, such as a bucket, and a hose, with the tools and hose being stored in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Millard F. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20030126711
    Abstract: A paint roller frame with a cage assembly rotatably mounted on a shaft portion of the roller frame, which is used with a replaceable paint roller sleeve, and accessories useful when working with the paint roller frame. The cage assembly is designed to securely retain a paint roller sleeve and to eliminate leakage of paint into the interior of the roller sleeve core. The roller cage assembly comprises the bearing portion and the outer portion which is removable to permit replacement of the roller sleeve. The bearing portion has the roller sleeve supporting surface and the inner annular face to be urged against the inner end of the sleeve core. The outer portion has the cylinder surface to support the outer end of the sleeve and the outer annular face to be urged against the outer end of the sleeve core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Lev Korenevsky
  • Patent number: 6585742
    Abstract: A wart removal device includes a handle and a pad. The pad has a base and tines with each tine preferably having a height not less than approximately twice its width. The tine height is preferably less than approximately 0.1 inch. The pad has a width that is preferably not greater than approximately ¼ inch and a length that is preferably not less than approximately twice its width. Each tine is sharpened so that opposing sides form a point at an upper edge with the opposing sides forming an angle of from approximately 20° to approximately 40°. In operation, the device is raked against wart tissue to create incisions in the wart tissue. The sharpness and cutting depth of the device are designed to create incisions without causing noticeable bleeding. The device may be provided in a kit with a medicament, such as pyruvic acid, to improve the effectiveness of the medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Dowling B. Stough
  • Publication number: 20020092106
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a box having a hole for a board wiper inserted in the box and a plurality of plates are connected between two opposite inner walls of the box. An opening is defined through the box and communicates with an interior of the box. A collection drawer is slidably received in the box via the opening. The board wiper is hit on the plates and chalk powder drop in the collection drawer. Two brushes are connected to one of the inner sides of the box for further cleaning the wipers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Gwo-Liang Fu
  • Publication number: 20020078523
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning vehicular floor mats and the like includes a support member in a container having an opening for receiving dirt and other matter that is removed from a floor mat. A generally horizontal screen is positioned above the container such that the dirt and other matter falls into the container. At least one resilient member connects the screen to the support member, such that the screen shifts when a floor mat positioned on the screen is impacted by a user to thereby dislodge dirt and other matter from the floor mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Laverne C. Ball
  • Patent number: 6276022
    Abstract: A backscrubber assembly adapted to hold a washing element with a cord. The backscrubber assembly comprises a handle, and a bowl permanently attached to the handle, the bowl being sized and shaped to cradle the removable washing element. The backscrubber uses the cord to attach and detach the washing element. When attached, the cord holds the washing element firmly in the bowl. When the cord is detached, the washing element is separate and free from the backscrubber assembly. In one embodiment, the backscrubber assembly has a slit in the bowl. The slit has a first pressure point and a second pressure point. The first pressure point and the second pressure point are directed towards each other so that when the cord of the washing element in placed in the slit, the first and second pressure points squeeze the cord between them, thus securing the cord by friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Scott Eric Gallacher
  • Patent number: 6264755
    Abstract: The Cleaner is a comb-like instrument designed to clean debris from VELCRO. Its prongs are sized and spaced to fit between the rows of hooks on different sizes of VELCRO. A handle, approximately perpendicular to the prongs, is used to slide the prongs between the VELCRO's rows and under debris. A vertical motion will lift up the debris and restore the VELCRO's effectiveness and appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Melissa Alden Georgiou
  • Patent number: 6237181
    Abstract: The present invention “A Comb for Removing Debris on Carpet” is a hand held tool that will comb debris such as pine needles or other debris left lying on carpet or embedded in carpet into a pile for easy pick-up. This tool consists of a body, a handle, and a plurality of plates that are spaced, varying in height, and extended the entire length of the body. These plates extend upward into parallel grooves cut into the underside of the body and are permanently attached there. These plates also extend downward from the body and have a plurality of teen that are distal from the body deposed on the edge of each plate. The teeth are in a saw-toothed configuration. The tool is held in the hand(s) and is drawn towards the operator. The plates and teeth are in contact with the carpet. The manual action of drawings the tool over the carpet results in the collection of debris at the front side of the tool and between the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Dawn L. Onuffer
  • Patent number: 6112359
    Abstract: A broom for cleaning a surface having a bristle cleaning mechanism. The broom has a handle with a grasping end and a cleaning end. At the cleaning end is a comb member having a plurality of tines. The comb member pivots into and out of engagement with the bristles as a sleeve or handle is moved along the broom handle. The tines engage the bristles as the grasping portion is pushed downward such that the tines push trapped dirt and dust out from the bristle ends. As the slidable sleeve is pulled back into its original position, the tines disengage from the bristles and return to their original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Bryan Kaleta
  • Patent number: 6105198
    Abstract: An improved blower wheel blade cleaner, which is hand held, and includes a first handle portion for grasping the apparatus, and a second cleaning portion. The cleaning portion comprises a double row of elongated teeth extending outward from the handle portion with the first row terminating in a single plane along the outward edge of the cleaning teeth, and the second row extending adjacent the first row forming a concave V-shape at the end of the first row. There is further provided that the first row of teeth has a slight bend at the end portion of the row, and likewise, the inner row of teeth forming the V-shape likewise having a slight bend in their configuration for use of the tool. There is further provided the fact that the two rows of teeth are secured to the handle portion via soldering or the like, and there may be included a movable tensioner band movable along the lengths of the teeth as the case may be.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Marvin LaCoste
  • Patent number: 6041470
    Abstract: A commercial carpet brush cleaning device that removes built-up accumulations of carpet fibers and associated cleaning compound residue and dirt from a carpet cleaning brush. An elevated machine receiving area is defined having a plurality of arcuately spaced elongated openings therein and corresponding upstanding elongated cleaning tines assemblies are positioned in spaced inter-related relations to the openings. A collection and evacuation chamber below the openings removes the brush waste as it is cleaned by the rotation of the brush on the cleaning tines assembly within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: James C. Branham, Vincent P. Barry, Dale E. Hogue
  • Patent number: 5987686
    Abstract: The vacuum floor brush cleaner is generally in the form of a rectangular three sided tray into which a vacuum cleaner brush attachment or floor cleaning unit may be placed or rolled. The bottom inside surface of the tray may have protrusions extending therefrom which engage the brush attachment bristles to remove dirt, hair, thread and other such accumulated debris. The tray may have an adjustable wire bar with protruding wire elements which can be raised and lowered depending on the vacuum cleaner brush attachment. In the case of rotating roller brush units used in floor cleaning units, the wire elements are of a length such that when the wire bar is at the appropriate height the wire elements engage the hard surface of the roller to remove entangled thread and other such debris. Rotating handles and gears as well as levers and gears or cams may be used to raise and lower the wire bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Steven Lane
  • Patent number: 5930862
    Abstract: A rug rake is used for removing dead and unwanted hairs from a pile of a floor covering, such as either a rug or a carpet. The rug rake includes an elongated handle and a rake-head. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end. A person grips the proximal end of the handle. The rake head is coupled to the distal end of the handle. The rake head includes a rectangularly shaped steel support plate and a rectangularly shaped matrix of a plurality of tin plated wire bristles. Each tin plated wire bristle has a distal end and is bent at the distal end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Barbara I. Garrett
  • Patent number: 5924162
    Abstract: Shown and described is a waste receptacle suitable for receiving swept waste materials from a broom or similar cleaning implement. The waste receptacle includes a sweeping ramp having protruding teeth. Users may sweep waste up the sweeping ramp, and the teeth serve to hinder the escape of waste from the ramp as the broom head is withdrawn across the ramp surface. A waste bin may be included adjacent the top of the sweeping ramp to receive waste swept up the ramp. A chute may be provided above the waste bin so that users may drop waste down the chute and into the waste bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Leo Peter Kalscheur
    Inventors: Leo Peter Kalscheur, Kathleen Ellen Siggelkow
  • Patent number: 5922139
    Abstract: A rake is used to clean nap from between teeth of a nap grip located on the underside of a carpet stretcher. The rake generally has an elongated handle connected to a rake head. Multiple prongs are connected to a leading edge of the rake head. Each prong has a shaft with an end connected to the leading edge of said head and a gradual bend forming a pointed tip substantially perpendicular to the shaft. The prongs are equally spaced to align with alternate spaces of the carpet stretcher gripping element so that the prongs can be drawn along the alternate spaces to remove material from said carpet stretcher gripping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: James Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5802657
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning brooms that include a plurality of bristles mounted at the end of the broom's handle. The cleaning device includes a handle member that has a C-shape embracing member for removably mounting the cleaning device to the broom's handle. One end of the handle member includes a rake assembly with a plurality of rigid teeth mounted thereon. The teeth are sufficiently long to pass through the bristles and permit, when moved downwardly through them, removal of extraneous material entangled on the bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventors: Juana M. Nogues, Nelson E. Nogues
  • Patent number: 5720071
    Abstract: An implement for cleaning cooking grates. The cleaning implement has an elongated handle and a head including teeth. The teeth are adjustably secured to, and spaced laterally along, the head so as to fit in between the staves of a cooking grate. The teeth are laterally movable so as to be adjustable to a particular cooking grate. A preferred embodiment has a slot to provide for lateral movement of the teeth. One embodiment envisions use of tapered teeth for contacting the grate staves along a tapered region. One embodiment employs an ergonomic handle allowing for cleaning with only a horizontal back and forth motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel L. Hall
  • Patent number: 5687444
    Abstract: A device for cleaning paint brushes or the like comprises a container (1) for a cleaning fluid and a plurality of wiping elements (2) projecting upwardly substantially from the bottom of the container. Each wiping element of at least a part of the wiping elements has one or more scraping edges along at least a part of its length, said scraping edges being adapted to cooperate with the paint brush to be cleaned. This is for example obtained in that each wiping element has a polygonal, preferably rectangular cross section at its end adjacent the bottom and tapers from the bottom. Thereby these wiping elements have sharp edges operating as scraping edges when the paint brush to be cleaned is moved along the wiping elements, so that an excellent cleaning action is obtained. The device can be part of an assembly which further comprises a refuse container and a cover for closing the refuse container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Johannes Cornelis Hakker
  • Patent number: 5682638
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a buffing pad mounted on a rotary powered buffing machine is adapted to be adjustably mounted by a plurality of support legs within an open container containing a liquid cleaning solution. The buffing pad is placed in an upper enclosure that can be adjusted in size to correspond to buffing pads of varying thickness. The bottom of the enclosure includes a water wheel mounted for engagement by the buffing pad and rotatable between the enclosure and a point below the level of cleaning solution in the container, such that powered operation of the buffing machine and rotation of the pad drives the water wheel to deliver cleaning solution to the pad enclosure to clean accumulated wax, dirt and other materials from the pad. The device makes use of a series of rotatable cleaning wheels of the type used in prior devices which are also driven by the buffing pad and assist in loosening and removing accumulated materials from the buffing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Richard A. Kaiser