Particular Handle Patents (Class 15/143.1)
  • Patent number: 8453296
    Abstract: An ergonomically maneuverable vacuum cleaner has: a vacuum cleaner head moveable across a floor and a motor to create a vacuum on the vacuum cleaner head. There is a relatively upright single stem handle for gripping and moving of the vacuum cleaner with a single hand of a user. Releasably attached to the upright single stem handle is a dual grip handle positioned relatively perpendicular to the upright stem handle. The dual grip handle has a central handle bar that lies relatively horizontal to the floor when the vacuum cleaner is in use, and the handle bar having two cushion grips, one each on ends of the handle bar. There is a connecting element between the central handle bar and the upright single stem handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: David Swerdlick
  • Patent number: 8449212
    Abstract: A floor tool including a handle, a mop head, and a fluid reservoir. The handle includes first and second opposite ends through which a longitudinal axis of the handle extends. The mop head is coupled to the second end of the handle. The fluid reservoir is coupled to and carried by the handle at a location between the first and second ends of the handle and has a center of mass offset from the longitudinal axis. A portion of the handle is offset from the longitudinal axis more the center of mass of the fluid reservoir. Additionally, the portion of the handle is located between the fluid reservoir and the first end of the handle such that the portion of the handle is located above the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Crawford, Andrew M. Bober, Craig Conner, Mark Cors, Nicholas Reback, Daniel Lee
  • Patent number: 8448284
    Abstract: The toothbrush according to the invention is equipped with a handle of which the surface is formed, at least in certain sections, in a facet-like manner by way of multiplicity of planar surface-area elements. The surface-area elements are arranged directly adjacent to one another and form a network of element edges. The multiplicity of surface-area elements reproduce, more or less, an essentially rounded handle form, this ensuring comfortable use of the toothbrush in different rotary positions in relation to its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Peter Gross, Martin Zwimpfer
  • Patent number: 8448285
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a toothbrush and methods of making it. The toothbrush may have an elongated body being composed of a first material and having a head portion and a handle portion, a head composed of a second material and disposed in the head portion of the elongated body, and a plurality of bristles extending from the head forming a bristle brush. The method of making a toothbrush may include molding a head of a first material, inserting the head into an elongated body mold, molding an elongated body having a head portion and a handle portion of a second material onto the head, and inserting bristles into the head. The first material is more rigid than the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Loops, LLC
    Inventor: Steven L. Kayser
  • Patent number: 8434188
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to building tools with improved comfort in gripping and/or efficient control that may be used in various manners and orientations. A handle and work object (e.g., trowel blade) may be connected together by a connecting member (or connecting means) that may be a sloped, angled, and/or substantially curved member, so that a user has increased hand orientation options and/or control over the tool while gripping the handle and/or connecting member in various manners and orientations. In various embodiment(s), the connecting member (e.g., a tang for a trowel) may be a relatively gradually and/or notably sloped, angled, and/or curved structure that may reasonably provide a comfortable extension of the handle and augment the gripping of the tool. The various tools may include a handle connecting member having construction whereby a portion of the sides of the handle connecting member are removed. Magnesium may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Exceptional IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eduardo J. Jimenez, David B. Jalbert
  • Publication number: 20130097793
    Abstract: A snow brush assembly is formed of a brush handle ergonomically designed, angled at each end thereof. These angles allow the user to stand clear of the vehicle and direct snow away from the person, keeping the person dry and clean. A brush head is attached at one end of the brush handle and includes a brush holder with a brush that can be positioned at various angles relative to the brush handle. A protective cover is selectively installed over the brush and is provided with squeegee. An ice scraper is removably attached to another end of the brush handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Richard HENNINGSEN
  • Publication number: 20130097794
    Abstract: The disclosed portable gun cleaning system is comprised of multiple components, including a variety of gun cleaning implements. These components can be combined to create gun cleaning kits used to clean a wide variety of types and sizes of guns. The system includes a t-handle, a flexible cable for improved portability, individual cleaning implements and quick connect couplings to attach the cleaning implements and the t-handle to the flexible cable. After a cleaning implement is attached to the flexible cable with a quick connect coupling, the cable is fed through the breech of a gun and the t-handle is attached to the opposite end of the flexible cable with a quick connect coupling. The cleaning implement is then pulled through the barrel of the gun. The t-handle is then removed using the quick connect coupling and the process is repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: REVO BRAND GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: REVO BRAND GROUP, LLC
  • Patent number: 8424215
    Abstract: A handle for a safety razor is provided that includes an elongated hand gripping structure with a cartridge support structure at an end of the hand gripping structure. The hand gripping structure includes a frame and a first and second gripping pad. Each gripping pad can have a thermoplastic elastomeric gripping layer and a nonelastomeric thermoplastic support layer. The first gripping pad has an extension that cooperates with an opening of the frame to provide a snap fit joint between the frame and the first gripping pad. The second gripping pad has an extension that cooperates with the extension of the first gripping pad to prevent disengagement of the snap fit from the opening of the frame. The extension of the first gripping pad can be bifurcated and the extension of the second gripping pad can be received in the bifurcation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Quintiliani, Frank Renaldi, III, Nathan Venskytis
  • Patent number: 8418321
    Abstract: An auxiliary pole handle assembly includes a sleeve positioned on a shaft. A grip is pivotally coupled to the sleeve and includes a tube including a peripheral wall that has an open first end and an open second end. The peripheral wall has a pair of breaks therein. Each of the breaks extends through each of the first and second ends such that first and second portions of the grip are defined. The first and second portions are hingedly coupled together and are positioned in an open condition or in a closed condition. The first end of the grip is pivotally coupled to the sleeve. The grip is releasably positioned in a stored position defined by being in the closed condition extending around the sleeve or the grip is movably positioned into a deployed position extending outwardly away from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ron Heiman
  • Patent number: 8404053
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a computer or typewriter keyboard with a cleaning device, wherein the keyboard includes a pair of keys spaced apart a distance S1 from each other, and wherein the cleaning device includes a handle, a bristle retaining portion extending in a direction d1 away from the handle, wherein the bristle retaining portion has a first end connected with the handle and an engagement area located on the bristle retaining portion at a point on the bristle retaining portion which is furthest from the handle, and a plurality of bristles connected with and extending from the bristle retaining portion at the engagement area, the method comprising: inserting the engagement area in between the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Michael D Prince
  • Patent number: 8387197
    Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush includes a head and a tooth cleaning element. The oral care implement's mass centroid may be adjusted to guard against the application of excessive force against a user's teeth. Adjustment may be performed using a variety of systems and mechanisms including adjustment of a weight within a portion of the oral care implement. The location of the weight may be modified using a variety of techniques including a screw configuration and/or a slider control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Eduardo Jimenez
  • Patent number: 8382208
    Abstract: The inventive handle for a brush, in particular for a toothbrush or a domestic brush, has an integral handle body with a hollow space which is surrounded by a wall. Recesses which are offset in relation to one another and open into the hollow space are formed in the wall. The handle is produced from a plastic in an injection-molding process using an injection-molding die which has finger elements, with sections of these finger elements touching in a sealing manner when the injection-molding die is in the closed state and, as a result, these finger elements forming the recesses and the hollow space in the hardened handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Trisa Holding
    Inventors: Armin Baertschi, Martin Zwimpfer, Christian Hilfiker
  • Patent number: 8375499
    Abstract: An ergonomically-configured handle for tools such as cleaning devices and, more particularly, to a handle for a broom or mop (for example) is formed with curved end terminations to reduce back strain and provide ease of use. A first curved end termination is attached to a tool head (such as a brush, rake head or the like) via an elbow joint. A straight section of handle is then attached to the first curved end termination, where a second curved end termination is then attached to the opposite end of the straight section. A handle grip may be disposed over the termination of the second curved end termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Lee Marino
  • Patent number: 8376470
    Abstract: A molding process and a mold for manufacturing a toothbrush of plastic material with a resistant inner core, is disclosed. It is provided to manufacture a resistant inner core, and to introduce it into a mold cavity having opposite footprints belonging to a lower half-mold and an upper half-mold (S2) and to subsequently inject molten plastic material into the mold cavity for manufacturing at least part of the toothbrush handle. A resistant metal core is placed into a respective footprint of the lower half-mold in contact with at least two support platforms, adapted to support the core in the proximity of a central line of the mold cavity, and before the injection of structural plastic material, to couple the lower half-mold with an upper half-mold having at least one ribbing to contact with the metal core at least in a position between the support platforms and in a position opposite thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ponzini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Eligio Ponzini
  • Publication number: 20130036564
    Abstract: A handle for a cleaning tool such as a floor mop comprising at least two handle segments attached to each other by a flexible connector such that the handle has one configuration in which it is rigid and another configuration in which it is flexible. In one exemplary embodiment, a movable rigid sleeve extends over the entire flexible connector and a portion of each handle segment such that it prevents the flexible connector from bending. When the movable rigid sleeve is moved to a position where it does not extend over the flexible connector, the flexible connector can bend relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle, to allow easy access under cabinets or furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Alan Tussy
  • Publication number: 20130031735
    Abstract: This disclosure may disclose, inter alia, devices, systems, and methods for cleaning or removing contamination from a lens, or for increasing visibility of a lens during surgery. For example, a device with a handle actuated element is disclosed. The device includes a shaft that includes a rod, an element coupled to a distal tip of the rod, and a handle coupled to a proximal end of the rod. Actuation of the handle into a first position may cause the handle to be configured in a substantially hexagonal shape and may cause deployment of the element from the shaft. Actuation of the handle into a second position may cause the handle to be configured in a substantially rectangular shape and may cause retraction of the element into the shaft. The device may be introduced into an abdomen, and an element on the device can be deployed during surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: MISDER LLC
    Inventors: Marc I. Brand, David Stienmier, Kenneth W. Maydew
  • Publication number: 20130014336
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for easily, cleanly, efficiently, and cheaply removing hair and other debris from drain strainers and refuse filters, thereby helping to improve bathroom and kitchen sanitation and preventing hair and debris from forming clogs in the drainpipe. The apparatus and method are used for daily or regular maintenance of debris in a drain strainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Sarah A. Bernstein
  • Publication number: 20130000064
    Abstract: A lower face of a base body (15) includes a wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) of which cross-section in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined direction along which cleaning is performed with a cleaning device body (11) in a planar view is wave-shaped as having a ridge portion (17) and a valley portion (18) arranged alternately and continuously. The valley portion (18) of the wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) includes an oblique valley portion (18a) of which end part is opened to a side portion of the base body (15) facing to the predetermined direction as being extended obliquely against the predetermined direction to obliquely guide objects such as dust to be stuck to a cleaning sheet (13) in accordance with wiping of the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Katou, Susumu Fujinami, Kimie Sannomiya, Yukio Noda, Tomohisa Hirata, Yutaka Hamano, Takuaki Harada
  • Publication number: 20120324665
    Abstract: The implement has a head interconnected to a handle. The head has a projecting insertion element which extends backwardly. The handle includes a front and back zones; longitudinal axis of the front zone intersects longitudinal axis of the back zone. The front zone incorporates an internally engaging, frontally open channel, which complementarily conform to the shape and size of the projection insertion element, so as to admit and snugly capture the projection insertion element. The head has a front end portion for engaging and detachably securing a working tool, for example, a wiping blade for window cleaning or a paint brush. The projecting insertion element has the shape of a spindle, a shape similar to a truncated cone or is cylindrical. The internally engaging, frontally open channel is adaptable to fit to the projecting insertion element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Steeven Miller
  • Publication number: 20120324664
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a flexible toothbrush with a rigid handle support that is also compact in size and shape and can be safely used by prison inmates. In order to allow for adequate handle length and still allow for the required radial, axial, and rotational direction flexibility, there needs to be in place on or more structural units within the elongated body and handle portions of the toothbrush that also provide enough support and rigidity in the longitudinal direction so that the user can accomplish the task with the same feel and ability accomplished with conventional toothbrushes that possess rigid thermoplastic or thermoset handles. For the purposes of the present application, a truss is a structure comprising one or more triangular sections provides the necessary support along the longitudinal length of the handle while still allowing enough flexibility that the toothbrush cannot be used as a weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Don Allen Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20120304408
    Abstract: A floor tool including a handle, a mop head, and a fluid reservoir. The handle includes first and second opposite ends through which a longitudinal axis of the handle extends. The mop head is coupled to the second end of the handle. The fluid reservoir is coupled to and carried by the handle at a location between the first and second ends of the handle and has a center of mass offset from the longitudinal axis. A portion of the handle is offset from the longitudinal axis more the center of mass of the fluid reservoir. Additionally, the portion of the handle is located between the fluid reservoir and the first end of the handle such that the portion of the handle is located above the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Crawford, Andrew M. Bober, Craig Conner, Mark Cors, Nicholas Reback, Daniel Lee
  • Patent number: 8321987
    Abstract: A tool system is disclosed having a body including a handle extending therefrom, a detachable head including a working tool, and a multi-part connector for detachable connecting the head to the body, the connector including opposed, flexible members positioned on the body towards an end of the body and means on the head for connecting with the opposed flexible members, the opposed flexible members and the means for connecting with the flexible members working in concert to detachably secure the head to the body. The handle of the tool system can be offset with respect to the axis of the body and the detachable head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: ComfortGlide, Inc.
    Inventor: Perry S. Bagley
  • Publication number: 20120297561
    Abstract: A handle (1) for a cleaning device (2), comprising a rod (3) consisting of a multilayered, extruded plastic rod is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicants: SP-KLONER ECOTEC S.L., CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventors: Norbert Weis, Christoph Zimmermann, Uwe Dingert
  • Patent number: 8261398
    Abstract: A paint brush has a handle and a paint brush head. The paint brush head is detachable from the paint brush handle. The paint brush head may be rotatable to a number of positions relative to the paint brush handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Margco International, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Haigh, Louis B. Schiesz, Clarence Wesley Headrick, III
  • Publication number: 20120204369
    Abstract: A massage brush (10) includes a base plate (12) that is curved in a rounded shape, a plurality of pressing protrusions (13) that protrude downward from the concave-shaped inner surface of the base plate (12), and a grip portion (20) that is connected to the center portion of the convex-shaped outer surface of the base plate (12). The base plate (12) is provided with a plurality of tongue-like sections (14) arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction and extending outward in a radial direction from the center portion of the base plate (12). The tongue-like sections protrude in a cantilever shape from base end portions (15) of the center portion by the presence of U-shaped through grooves (16) provided around the tongue-like sections other than the base end portions (15). The pressing protrusions (13) protrude downward from the tip portions of the tongue-like sections (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: KAO COPORATION
    Inventors: Toshio Watanabe, Keiji Yoshii
  • Patent number: 8241427
    Abstract: A floor tool is provided, and includes a handle with first and second opposite ends through which a longitudinal axis of the handle extends, and a mop head coupled to the second end of the handle. In some embodiments, a fluid container is coupled to and carried by the handle at a location between the first and second ends of the handle. The fluid container can have a center of mass offset from the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, a portion of the handle is located between the fluid container and the first end of the handle, and is offset from the longitudinal axis more than center of mass of the fluid reservoir. The floor tool can also have a valve coupled to the handle and having a gap into which a length of conduit extending from the fluid container can be laterally inserted. A valve-actuating trigger can be coupled to the handle for rotation, such that the trigger pivot point is closer to the second end of the handle than the terminal end of the trigger squeezed by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Crawford, Andrew M. Bober, Craig Conner, Mark Cors, Nicholas Reback, Daniel Lee
  • Publication number: 20120180238
    Abstract: A device for clearing yard debris comprises a ring encircling a void space, a bag having a mouth disposed about the ring. The ring has a proximal end and a distal end with a handle extending from the distal end of the ring and a blade attached to the proximal end of the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Edgar Van Slaten
  • Publication number: 20120174329
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The device and method selectively couple a floor cleaning implement, such as a pad or brush, in manner that can be easily released and connected. In one embodiment the coupling device comprises a plate having a first and second channel coupled to opposite edges of the plate. The channels are dimensioned and configured to receive edges of the cleaning implement. At least one channel has projecting members that selectively prevent the cleaning implement from leaving the channel. In some embodiments, the plate has a plurality of recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Heinrich-Tito Mayer, Franz Oberhaensli
  • Patent number: 8214962
    Abstract: A device for massaging the jaw or cleaning the teeth of a baby. The device has a handle and a plate-shaped bite part which is curbed in such a way that it essentially corresponds to the curbed shape of the jaw. The bite part has massage or cleaning projections on at least one broad side and is of a material which is softer than that of the handle. The handle and the bite part are interconnected in a nondetachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mam Babyartikel Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Peter Rohrig
  • Patent number: 8201300
    Abstract: A cleaning implement is disclosed for effectively removing not only liquid and solid food debris from plate or dish surfaces, but also dirt and other debris accumulated on other surfaces without the use of water, thereby conserving water consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Cutler
  • Publication number: 20120144612
    Abstract: A multi-function brush for an overdenture includes a brush handle having a head end and a tail end. The head end has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first group of brushes is provided on the first surface of the head end. The second group of brushes is provided on the second surface of the head end. The third group of brushes is provided on the tail end. With these three groups of brushes having different locations, specifications and indications, an overdenture user can clean the tissue surface and the denture surface of the overdenture, the male part of the dental attachments provided on the tissue surface, and the female part of the dental attachments provided on alveolar ridge or roots by this single brush. Thus, the present invention really has convenience and practicability, and the money for buying different toothbrush and denture brush is saved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Ming-Sheh CHEN
  • Patent number: 8191558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to human keratinous materials or for adding finishing touches to makeup, the applicator comprising: a vibration source including a vibration generator that vibrates at a frequency lying in the range 1 Hz to 500 Hz, a handle, a stem carried by the handle and an applicator or finishing member for coming into contact with keratinous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 8171594
    Abstract: A paint brush includes a plurality of filaments that form a brush head. A handle, having a brush attachment end, can be coupled to the brush head. The handle can have a grip that extends away from the brush head. A coating can cover the brush attachment end and at least a portion of the grip. The coating can form a seal around the handle to resist absorption of chemicals by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Proform Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Terry Cox, Jon Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 8166603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that efficiently removes water from a surface without the need for a towel and effectively removes hair or fur from a surface. The apparatus is designed to provide a comfort gripping region to a human hand to facilitate ease in use. The material that the apparatus is made from can be static electric attracting to more effectively remove charged particles such as hair or fur from a surface. The apparatus may have various flex edges, including combs, slits and bulges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Donald Varner, Tom Palecki
  • Patent number: 8161591
    Abstract: An oral care implement with an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue and a body for gripping the implement including a handle with a front and a removable faceplate is described. The removable faceplate may be transparent or translucent and may also include design features. The faceplate may provide protection to a user inscription surface on one of the surfaces of the handle which is may be configured to receive user indicia that may later be removed and further indicia provided. A method for marketing the oral care implement and various features of the oral care implement including one or more thematic faceplates is also contemplated and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John Gatzemeyer, Eduardo Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20120090115
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a clamp head comprising a handle member, a spring handle clamp being removably joined to the handle member, and a first coupler being removably joined to the handle member. The spring handle clamp comprises a coil base being configured to slide over the handle member and two clamp handles extending outwardly from the coil base. Each of the clamp handles terminates in a clamp head. The clamp heads are interlocked and configured for holding a cleaning item in a normally closed position with the clamp heads moved to an open position by squeezing the two clamp handles together. A utility handle comprises a second coupler being removably joined to the first coupler, and a contoured grip, in which the apparatus may be assembled by a user for holding the cleaning item to clean their posterior and subsequently disassembled for cleaning and transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Parsons
  • Publication number: 20120090116
    Abstract: A toothbrush has a handle with an open-ended elongated slot in the body of the handle that partially defines the handle with two opposing handle portions and a hinge portion. Wherein one of the handle portions is directly joined with the rest of the handle in a cantilevered manner and the other handle portion is joined with the rest of the handle in an elastically hinged manner via the hinge portion. The handle portions have oppositely facing straight sides for engaging opposite sides of a tube of toothpaste and the hinge portion allows for swinging and positioning of the hinged handle portion with respect to the cantilevered handle portion with a manually applied force on the hinged handle portion to effect the progressive collapse of a tube of toothpaste with forced movement between the handle and the tube to thereby force the toothpaste toward the dispensing end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Scott T. Hebebrand
  • Publication number: 20120084933
    Abstract: A unit dose for cleaning an unsanitary surface, such as a toilet bowl. The unit dose comprises a water dispersible shell containing granules defining a core. The granules obviate the need for sheet material in the unit dose and provide cleaning efficacy when submerged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Kerry Andrew Vetter, Hirotaka Uchiyama, Glenn Allen Bradbury, Adam Robert-George Shafer, Joseph Michael Gaines, Francisco Go Lao, JR., Gregory Clegg Spooner
  • Patent number: 8151411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner of a type comprising an elongated support body (1) including a handle (3) in an upper end of the support body, a nozzle device attached to a lower end of the support body by means of a rotatable joint, and a vacuum unit, including an electric motor, a fan and a debris collecting compartment, being accommodated in the support body. An upper portion of the support body (1) is provided with a layer (7, 8) of a slip reducing material at least on a rear surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Jonas Beskow, Håkan Miefalk, Oskar Fjellman, Christian Ågren, Esbjörn Svantesson
  • Patent number: 8151404
    Abstract: A modular trowel handle device comprises a handle section to provide a handle interface for a user of the trowel handle. A post extends from the handle section and a mounting surface is coupled to the post and extends generally parallel to the handle section. A trowel blade receiving plate includes engaging structure configured to engage a connector of a trowel blade. The trowel blade receiving plate is coupled to the mounting surface and is formed from a different material than the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Beno J. Gundlach Company
    Inventor: Gregory J Gundlach
  • Patent number: 8136196
    Abstract: A dusting tool (1) with a handle (2) to which two bars (3, 4) are attached at a certain distance from each other, with the free ends (5, 6) of said bars (3, 4) being connected to each other and with a number of spacers (7) being disposed between said bars (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Uwe Dingert
  • Patent number: 8136195
    Abstract: A handle for an implement for cleaning a surface, such as a floor, includes an elongated pole, an end cap and a hang cap. The elongated pole has a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of the elongated pole is adapted to be coupled to a cleaning head on the implement. The end cap is fixedly mounted over the top end of the pole and the hang cap is movably mounted over the end cap. The end cap and hang cap are constructed so that when the hang cap is mounted in place on the end cap, the hang cap may rotate relative to the end cap but cannot move up or down relative to the end cap. The hang cap may define a hole for removably mounting the implement on a hook attached to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Butler Home Products, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Michelson
  • Publication number: 20120060322
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for influencing movement of a handle of a floor treatment device, such as a vacuum. The floor treatment device may include a handle portion that is attached to a base, which includes a floor treatment portion. The handle portion may be pivotally movable about a rotation axis relative to the base between at least first and second positions, where the rotation axis lies in a vertical plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the handle when the handle portion is in the first position and the longitudinal axis is a non-vertical position. A pivot assist device may apply a bias to the handle portion that urges the handle portion to move from the second position to the first position, e.g., to help support the weight of the handle when a user steers the floor treatment device across a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: David J. Simonelli, Jason Thorne
  • Publication number: 20120060864
    Abstract: A barbeque brush device comprising: a brush assembly. The brush assembly includes: at least one removably attachable brush head having a receiver aperture, a handle with an extruded post, an end-scraper, and a wire loop. The brush assembly of the barbeque brush system is usable to remove debris and thereby clean at least one surface of a barbeque grill. The extruded post of the handle comprises a universal ball and socket system. The removably attachable brush head(s) is swivelly-held located at a heat-isolated distance from the handle via the universal ball and socket system. The receiver aperture of the removably attachable brush head(s) couplably receives the extruded post on the handle. The removably attachable brush head(s) is used as a cleaning means for use on the surface(s) of a barbeque grill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Tom Nowakowski
  • Patent number: 8127402
    Abstract: An attachment for clutchingly covering a major portion of a handle of a plunger, enhancing grip of the handle of the plunger, and absorbing shock from repeated thrusts of the plunger. The attachment includes an end cap and a sleeve. The end cap covers the free end of the handle of the plunger and absorbs the shock from the repeated thrusts of the plunger. The sleeve depends from the end cap, clutchingly covers the major portion of the handle of the plunger, and enhances the grip of the handle of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Overgaard
  • Publication number: 20120042465
    Abstract: A device for holding and manipulating compressible cleaning implements is disclosed wherein the cleaning implements may be made from a compressible material and may have a compressible portion. The device may include a handle. A blade may be attached to the handle. An outer blade edge may surround the blade. An opening through the blade may be defined by an inner blade edge. A channel may pass through the blade and may extend from the inner blade edge to the outer blade edge, and may be defined by a first channel edge and a second channel edge. The compressible portion of the cleaning implement may be passed through the channel into the opening and may be held in the opening by engagement with the inner blade edge. Each of the first and second channel edges may respectively define first and second circumferentially directed points configured to poke into the compressible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Patent number: 8118037
    Abstract: A system of brushes for coloring hair with each brush including an ergonomically shaped handle, recessed valley areas for comfortable and effective finger pressure points, each brush color coded to specific base colors, and each brush provided with a color changing system to alert the user to recent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Rey Cardenas, Evelina Cardenas
  • Publication number: 20120036662
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle, a head with oral care elements and a neck connecting the head with the handle is described. The toothbrush has a base structure of the handle, and the neck and the head are formed by a hard plastic component. Said basic structure of the handle is covered, at least in part, by a first soft plastic component. Said head including a second soft plastic component and said neck including a through-opening, wherein at least one section of a boundary wall of the opening is provided with an elastic muscle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Bjoern Kling, Andreas Birk
  • Patent number: 8108962
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided having an elongated handle and a brush head supported by the handle. The brush head has a base and a plurality of bristles that are arranged in sections. Each section has bristles that extend from the base to form a contact surface elevated from the base. One or more of the sections include bristles that extend to varying lengths from the base to form a contact surface that inclines or declines relative to the base. The sections of bristles further include a first outside section having a contact surface that declines inwardly, an inside section, adjacent the first outside section, having a contact surface that declines outwardly toward the first outside section, and a second outside section positioned adjacent an opposite side of the inside section from the first outside section. The second outside section has a contact surface that declines inwardly toward the inside section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Davidson, Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 8096012
    Abstract: An outsole grid cleaner for removing dirt and debris from the sole of shoes includes a base and a plurality of scraper prongs which remove dirt and debris from the shoe's sole. The outsole grid cleaner has one continuous sidewall extending peripherally around the device. A plurality of scraper prongs extend outwardly from the sidewall. The plurality of scraper prongs have a free end. The plurality of scraper prongs are manipulated through a shoe's outsole pattern of projections to forcibly remove debris and dirt from the lowermost surface of the shoe's outsole pattern. The scraper prongs also remove dirt and debris when in contact with the channel on the top surface of the shoe sole's projections. The scraper prongs further remove the dirt and debris when in contact with the top surface of the shoe sole's projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Shoes For Crews, LLC
    Inventor: Randy N. Lubart