Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning apparatus comprising a quick connect-disconnect handle, an ovate frame, a collecting net structure with an inner and outer section, and a blade-like edge on the forward portion of the frame. The collecting net structure contains an open inner net contained in a closed outer net; the inner net allows easy ingress of debris into the outer net while retarding its escape if the direction of net motion is reversed. The blade-like edge of moderately flexible material attached to the front of the net increases the efficiency of collection of debris close to the bottom walls of the pool. Construction of the apparatus is modular and allows easy replacement of worn parts without discarding serviceable parts; repairs can be made without the use of tools. The ease of assembly and disassembly allows the net to be stored and shipped in a disassembled state and is reflected in reduced handling costs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device which is both a backscrubber and/or a backscratcher in which a sponge is utilized to provide the contacting member. A handle of conventional design is provided and a stem portion of wire or wire-like material extends therefrom. At a selected distance from this handle a pivot means is provided in this stem portion. Beyond this pivot means the end of the wire member is bent or formed into an arc-like configuration to provide one-half of a tong-like jaw. Another and like wire or wire-like member is pivotally retained and one end portion is compatibly formed to provide the other half of a tong-like jaw. The other end of this member is bent into a hook to provide a lock means for the jaws. A sponge is formed with a reduced midportion which is sized to be gripped and retained by the tong-like jaw ends. A sponge having a pocket for the insertion and retention of a soap bar is shown. Meshing means for retaining the tong-like jaw ends are also shown.

Abstract: A paint brush is described as having a handle which is composed of two sections which are normally joined together in end-to-end relation, but which can be interchangeably used with a number of differently sized ferrules that contain fibers. The ferrules are each provided with a special adapter to which a single handle can be detachably mounted.

Abstract: A bowl mop for use in cleaning toilet bowls and the like including a disposable yarn head having a slide portion slidably received in a slot on a projecting end portion of a handle. The slide is releasably retained within the slot as by engagement of a cam projection on the slide in a recess in the handle end portion to permit the disposable yarn head to be snapped off for easy disposal and replaced with a replacement head. The handle end portion extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle to facilitate cleaning of difficult to reach areas. Also, the handle is adjustable to different lengths for safer, faster cleaning with less bending and stooping and less operator fatigue.

Abstract: A multiple part toothbrush includes a handle stem having a connecting part projecting outwardly from one end thereof and extending in a direction which forms an angle of about 7.degree. with respect to the handle stem. A brush head has a cavity therein, the connecting part being snugly receivable within the cavity to effect a removable mounting of the brush head on the handle stem. The connecting part can be inserted into the brush head cavity with either of two different orientations, whereby two different orientations of the plane defined by the bristle ends with respect to the handle stem are possible.

Abstract: A permanent handle for a disposable brush or mop head. The handle comprises an elongated hollow body having a bottom and top end, the bottom end to releasably frictionally engage a disposable brush or mop head and secure it in working position on the handle body. When it is desired to change the head, a plunger longitudinally movable within the elongated body is manipulated by the user to bear against a portion of the brush or mop head and dislodge it from frictional engagement with the body. In this manner the operator can avoid touching a soiled brush or mop head when removing it from the handle for replacement.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning leaves and other debris from overhead building gutters having a scoop-shaped body open at one end with a plurality of spike-like projections extending from the body. An inverted U-shaped attachment is connected to the scoop-shaped body, and at least one pole defining first and second free ends is provided for removable connection to the attachment.

Abstract: A duster of an improved type for dust capturing efficiency, comprising a cylindrical stem with a continuous spiral thread extending along a portion thereof, a grip engaged with said stem, and fabric materials comprising a band of fiber or fibril bundles which are made of a ductile synthetic resin film or foil which has been split into fibers or fibrils and crimped. The bundles are arranged in a meandering manner. One edge of the band comprises loose edges while the other edge is held together by one or more strings. The secured edge is disposed within the thread with the ends of said material being engaged, respectively, by a supporting member provided at the tip of said stem and an engaging member provided at the root portion of the thread.

Abstract: A scrub brush comprising, a housing having a base, a back side, a front side, a pair of opposed sides extending between the back side and front side, and a forward portion extending from the base on the front side at an acute angle relative to the base. The base has a plurality of bristles extending from a lower surface of the base, and the forward portion has a plurality of bristles extending outwardly from the forward portion.

Abstract: A handle attachment device for easily attaching a handle to a dust mop or the like including a clip that is readily secured to or removed from the frame of the dust mop and a connector member for coupling the clip to the handle. The clip includes only a pair of relatively movable members that capture the shaft of the dust mop frame therein, and such clip may be released for swiveling movement relative to said connector or locked in place as desired.

Abstract: An adapter sleeve to be carried by the tool head end of a handle is provided including a first end for receiving the head end of a handle therein and a second end for receiving the free end of a tool head supported shank. The second end of the sleeve includes a generally radial bore for registry with a radial bore formed in the free end of the tool head shank and an elongated spring arm having base and free ends is provided and extends longitudinally of the sleeve with the free end thereof closely adjacent the radial bore formed in the sleeve and the base end of the arm attached to the sleeve at a point spaced toward the first sleeve end from the radial bore of the sleeve. The spring arm has a slide mounted thereon and the sleeve includes a cam surface relative to which the slide is shifted during movement of the slide along the arm.

Abstract: A toothbrush system is provided wherein a plurality of disposable heads may be inserted onto a disposable stem, allowing the use of a wide variety of specialized heads on both manually operated and power toothbrush handles. The system permits the head and stem designs to be custom tailored to the individual patients' needs in terms of mouth size, brushing comfort, dental and periodontal needs, as well as convenience both at home and away from home. The modular system also permits the patient to clean his teeth in a more aseptic manner than would otherwise be possible.

Abstract: A device for finishing a wet plaster surface is disclosed. The device of the present invention comprises a finishing tool holder which includes a handle engaging lower end. An upper end of the holder broadens to a planar fan shape, and the upper end is notched to create a step. A filler piece complementary to and substantially filling the notch is inserted therein. A threaded fastener proximate a lower end of the notch secures a lower end of the filler piece to the handle. A pair of spaced apertures near the upper end of the holder are aligned with a pair of spaced apertures in the filler piece, and a pair of threaded fasteners engage the aligned apertures to secure a variety of surface finishing tools to the holder. The surface finishing tools which are directly attachable to the handle include an elongated brush, a variety of trowels with various widths and edge forms, and a circular or star-shaped cup.

Abstract: A mop carrier is provided for mounting a mop and/or a brush to a mop handle. The mop carrier includes an elongated, continuous resilient blade having a first portion which extends downward at an acute angle, a second portion which curves around on itself and a third, straight portion which is horizontal and longer than the first portion. An upwardly open hollow cylindrical boss and connector are provided on the first portion near its outer end for mounting the mop carrier to the lower end of a mop handle. A hook is provided on the outside of the second portion for detachably retaining the loop of a mop that is sleeved on the third portion. And a set of flanges is provided on the third portion to permit a brush to be slidingly mounted on the third portion.

Abstract: An improved implement handle assembly according to the present invention comprises a first and second jaw each having a clamping face adapted to co-operate with one another to releasably engage a mounting member of an implement when in a face-to-face clamping relationship, the first jaw being fast with respect to the handle. The first jaw has a mounting edge extending transversely of the distal end thereof and the second jaw has a locking lip formed at the distal end thereof which is shaped and proportioned to hook around the mounting edge when the jaws are in the clamping position to lock the jaws closed.

Abstract: A conical sleeve with a male screw thread for fixing a length of tube as a handle to a broom head has inner ridges sloping towards the axis of the sleeve as they get nearer the narrower end of the sleeve. On driving the length of tube into the sleeve, grooves are folded inwards by the ridges. At their ends nearest the narrower end of the sleeve, the ridges have radial faces, over which the end of the tube is bent and splayed for producing a strong locking action and stopping any twisting of the tube in relation to the sleeve.

Abstract: An attachment device for facilitating the use and/or storage of a paint roller handle having a male threaded end which is adapted to extend into the female threaded opening of the handle, a hook portion which will prevent the handle from falling into the paint and the roller from entering into the trough of the tray and a female threaded opening which permits the attachment of an extension handle.

Abstract: An interproximal toothbrush comprises an elongated metal handle terminating at one end in a threaded section. The stem of a twisted wire brush passes through a hole in said threaded section, humps up above the threads, and then passes down into a groove in the handle. A nut travels on the threads until it encounters and seizes upon the hump in the twisted wire. This way, the brush is securely locked into position, but the nut never touches the stem in the area of the brush. Thus, the brush is not damaged by the locking nut. A second hole in the handle receives a toothpick.

Abstract: A hand tool according to the present invention comprises in combination, a workpiece assembly and a handle assembly adapted for quick release coupling to one another to provide a manually supported tool having rapidly interchangeable workpieces. The workpiece assembly includes a work head adapted to function as a painting or decorating tool or the like and a support member on the head. The support member has a section of its length disposed rearwardly from the head which extends in a tortuous path to form a first coupler element. The handle assembly comprises an elongated manually engageable handle and a quick release clamp. The quick release clamp comprises first and second jaws which have a clamping face formed with a channel-shaped clamping recess which extends along a tortuous path corresponding to that followed by the coupler element whereby the coupler element may be seated in the clamping recess in a close fitting relationship.

Abstract: A pad-type painting applicator of the type having a handle and a replaceable applicating pad includes a simplified design for use in either of two paint applying modes and an improved mechanism for removably mounting applicating pads. A relatively short handle gripping portion is secured to an enlarged base, which mounts the replaceable applicating pad, for use when painting areas close within reach of the painter and where the painter can easily move the tool in strokes generally parallel to the surface on which the paint is being applied. A threaded aperture or short cylindrical portion is provided in the base at an angle with respect to the handle gripping portion for use in conjunction with an elongated extension pole that may be secured to the tool to enable normally inaccessible areas or surfaces to be reached. A flexible tab on the base secures a slideably mounted applicating pad generally in the center thereof.

Abstract: Handle attaching means for brooms and the like consisting of a tubular member having a portion of large diameter for receiving and holding a handle and a portion of reduced diameter for insertion into an opening in a broom, the portion of reduced diameter having openings to receive a bolt which also engages a second opening in the broom to hold the tubular member in engagement therewith.

Abstract: An indestructible handle for a mop or broom or the like comprises a tubular steel handle member with a solid steel plug mounted in the end thereof and protruding out of the end. The exterior of the steel plug is provided with a modified Acme thread that fits a standard thread on a push broom. The outer end of the steel plug includes a threaded opening such that it can fit on a threaded handle attachment stud on a mop frame. A plastic sleeve encases the handle member. The steel plug is mounted in the end of the handle member by crimping the handle member over the portion of the plug extending into the handle member at three equally spaced points around the handle. The threads on the plug extend into the handle, and crimping tools having a plurality of pointed projections thereon at each of the three crimping positions crimp the tubular member so that the tube is crimped inwardly between the threads of the plug, thus holding the plug in the end of the tubular member.

Abstract: The specification discloses a swab holding tool (10) in which a handle (12) includes a passageway (14) with a tube (16) mounted in the passageway (14). The end of the tube (16) away from the handle (12) includes a flaired portion (20) for receiving and holding a swab (22). Indents (18) are formed in the tube (16) for engaging and holding an elongate rod (24) of the swab (22). The swab (22) may be moved in a telescoping action within the tube (16) to a desired fixed position. The handle (12) includes a female recess (15) in the rearward end for inserting of a ramrod into the passageway (14) to eject a broken rod or contaminated swab. Bends (32 and 36) are formed in the tube (16) to provide different angles of attack for cleaning operations.

Abstract: A gripping device for tooth brushes adapted to be positioned over the handle of the tooth brush, the gripping device comprising an elongated body member formed from a plastic foam material and having a cross-sectional diameter so that the tooth brush can be readily gripped by the user thereof. The body includes a centrally disposed longitudinal slot adapted to receive the tooth-brush handle in a releasably secured manner, whereby the brush can be removed for replacement.

Abstract: A paint roller tool is disclosed on which a paint roller is placed for painting walls, ceilings and the like. Attached to the handle of the paint roller tool is a hand grip which forms an angle of between 35.degree. and 65.degree. with the handle. The hand grip slopes away from the paint roller so that the paint roller tool is easily and comfortably held by a user.

Abstract: A tool handle is fitted with a spring member having thumb buttons extending through one set of handle apertures and locking buttons extending through another set of handle apertures, and a pool pole is connected to the handle by being fitted within the handle and provided with a set of apertures through which the locking buttons also extend.

Abstract: A unitary molded plastic pad holder for a scouring device having a handle portion and a cupped bell portion. The bell is a spherical shell segment with a lower edge lying along a plane and a parallel flat portion with an opening for the pad-securing device. The handle has a channel defined by an upper wall, side walls, and an end wall. The handle joins the bell at one side and at about 45.degree. to the plane. The channel extends into the bell and is crossed and closed by a reinforcing arcuate wall perpendicular to the plane. The upper wall is joined to the flat portion of the bell by a pair of reinforcing diverging struts. The handle is reinforced by: (1) a lengthwise rib midway between the side walls, depending from the upper wall and extending from the arcuate wall to a point short of the end wall, (2) three transverse ribs joined to the upper wall, side walls and lengthwise ribs and inclined at about 45.degree.

Abstract: A handle having a sprung forked end with two branch arms in the form of a fork is releasably securable to a cleaning-implement body by engagement of the branch arms in apertures in the body by means of a clamping device which is movable with respect to said branch arms and includes a pivoting lever.

Abstract: A device having angular and rotatable linkage between a handle and squeegee blade for manipulating the blade on the surface of glass being cleaned.

Abstract: A pad-type painting applicator of the type having a handle and a replaceable applicating pad includes a simplified design for use in either of two paint applying modes and an improved mechanism for removably mounting applicating pads. A relatively short handle gripping portion is secured to an enlarged base, which mounts the replaceable applicating pad, for use when painting areas close within reach of the painter and where the painter can easily move the tool in strokes generally parallel to the surface on which the paint is being applied. A threaded aperture or short cylindrical portion is provided in the base at an angle with respect to the handle gripping portion for use in conjunction with an elongated extension pole that may be secured to the tool to enable normally inaccessible areas or surfaces to be reached. A flexible tab on the base secures a slideably mounted applicating pad generally in the center thereof.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a liquid coating to a suitable object includes a pad and a detachable handle. The pad includes a cushion, working means applied to the cushion lower surface, and a backing plate secured to the cushion upper surface. The plate is provided with hooks extending upwardly from its upper surface, and each hook is arranged along one of three sides of an imaginary square so as to capture an object slidably inserted into this imaginary square from the fourth side thereof. The handle has, adjacent one end, an outturned square perimetrical flange which is adapted to be inserted into engagement with the hooks at any of four angular positions. The applicator may further include an adapter arranged to be inserted into the open end of the tube-like handle, to modify the same to matingly receive the threaded end porion of an extension pole.

Abstract: A bathtub mop comprising an elongated handle having a replaceable cleaning element or the like pivotally secured to one end thereof for conforming to the contour of the inner periphery of the bathtub during a cleaning operation. The cleaning element is removably secured to the outer end of the handle for ease of replacement, and is suitably reinforced to provide sufficient rigidity for efficient use while retaining sufficient flexibility for following the contour of the tub.

Abstract: A handle having a sprung forked end is releasably securable to a cleaning-implement body by engagement of the fork arms in apertures in the body by means of a clamping device engaging between said arms and being movable, by rotation, displacement or pivoting, to spread the arms apart or draw them together. Various forms of clamping device (comprising a cam disc and/or a slider, or a pivoting lever), various configurations of fork arms and various features of said body are described.

Abstract: A mop connector comprising, a handle, a frame for releasably carrying a sleeve-like mop member, first swivel means mounted for 180.degree. swivel movement in a vertical plane relative to the frame and releasably attached to the handle, and second swivel means mounted for 180.degree. swivel movement about a horizontal axis pivotally coupled to the first swivel means and frame.

Abstract: A paint brush, having a handle extending from a stock into which bristles are fastened is provided with and adapter to which an extension rod or pole may be attached. The adapter is connected to the stock adjacent to the termination of the handle in the stock, and at an angle to the handle. The adapter, handle and stock, are in coplanar arrangement. The adapter is constructed to releasably receive an extension rod, preferrably in threaded engagement. With the extension rod, the improved paint brush may be used to paint floor and ceiling mouldings and the junction between floors and ceilings without the aid of a ladder.

Abstract: A paint applicator has a handle and a pad supporting base. A paint applying pad is attached to a first face of the base. First and second flanges, a groove, and a ramp are provided on a second face of the base for receiving and holding the handle. The handle includes a plate with side walls and a lip extending below a front edge of the plate, and a gripping portion. To assemble the paint applicator, the plate is inserted into and slid rearwardly in the first and second flanges. The lip is guided up the ramp and into the groove, where the plate is held in a locking position by the first and second flanges engaging the side walls and the groove, where the plate is held in a locking position by the first and second flanges engaging the side walls and the groove engaging the lip.

Abstract: An improved applicator is adapted for use in applying a liquid coating, such as paint and the like, to an object. The improved applicator includes a handle member having a blade, and includes a reversible applicator pad having a parallelogram-shaped cushion, having a blade receiver provided on the cushion upper surface, and having bristle means provided on the cushion lower surface. The blade receiver is open at either end to receive slidable insertion of the handle blade. The blade carries a locking boss which is adapted to deform the blade receiver, and prevent unintended separation of the handle member from the pad. The position of the pad may be reversed with respect to the handle member to obtain various configurations useful in painting different objects.

Abstract: A paint brush assembly includes a pair of complete, handle-equipped brushes frictionally, but removably held in side-by-side relationship by a tubular holder to provide a unitary, relatively wider bristle brush assembly. The wider brush assembly may be easily separated or disassembled to provide two independently operable paint brushes of relatively narrow widths.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the magnetic heads of magnetic recording and/or playback machines, comprising an elongate holder and a holding member for holding and retaining a tape head cleaner, the holder and the holding device being interconnectible by a spigot and socket connection which is such as to allow a plurality of orientations of the spigot relative to the socket.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a liquid coating to a suitable object includes a pad and a detachable handle. The pad includes a cushion, working means applied to the cushion lower surface, and a backing plate secured to the cushion upper surface. The plate is provided with hooks extending upwardly from its upper surface, and each hook is arranged along one of three sides of an imaginary square so as to capture an object slidably inserted into this imaginary square from the fourth side thereof. The handle has, adjacent one end, an outturned square perimetrical flange which is adapted to be inserted into engagement with the hooks at any of four angular positions. The applicator may further include an adapter arranged to be inserted into the open end of the tube-like handle, to modify the same to matingly receive the threaded end portion of an extension pole.

Abstract: A cleaning implement including a cylindrical member having brush bristles on its exterior and interior surfaces and bristles on the front and rear edge surface of the cylinder. A handle element is reversibly connected to a threaded bore in a centrally located disc fixed to the interior of the cylinder. The interior bristles are used to clean lug nuts on a rally wheel and the bristles extending from the front and rear edge surfaces are used to clean the edges of the openings through which the lugs extend. The exterior bristles can be used to clean larger openings in the rally wheel, all without removing the rally wheel from a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A handle mounting for cleaning implements (brooms, scrubbers, squeegees or the like) comprises a forked connecting member whose fork arms are at one end securable to the head of the cleaning implement and at the other end, interconnected by a crosspiece, are inserted into one end of a tubular metal stem forming the handle or a portion thereof. The connecting member is secured in the stem by deformation of the latter between the two arms of the fork until the tube wall forms two layers, also by welding. The inserted parts of the fork arms, beyond the deformed end of the tube, are bent so as to bear on opposite faces of the tube wall. A cranked arrangement of the outer ends of the fork arms, for engagement with the cleaning implement, are described.

Abstract: An improved carpet sweeper includes a handle, an intermediate member having legs at the lower portion thereof, and a plurality of sweeper units, the number of legs being equal to that of the sweeper units. Each of the corresponding legs and sweeper units is connected to provide the assembly of the sweeper units.

Abstract: Disposable cleaning devices, preferably constructed entirely of paper, having a conically shaped head with a jagged or tacky exterior surface for clinging to and removing cob webs and the like from hard to clean areas such as corners. A hollow stem portion connected to the conical head is sized to fit onto and frictionally engage the ends of standard broom handles and the like to provide simple inexpensive means for cleaning ceilings and other normally out of reach locations.

Abstract: An elongated rod is provided including opposite ends and a pair of end members are removably rotatably mounted on the opposite ends of the rod. The opposite rod ends include first endwise outwardly facing abutment friction surfaces and the end members include second abutment friction surfaces opposing and frictionally engaged with the corresponding first friction surfaces. An elongated flexible tension member is anchored at its opposite ends to the end members and is spiraled about the rod intermediate the end members in a tensioned condition, whereby the tension member retains the end members on the opposite ends of the rod and the frictional engagement between the first and second friction surfaces prevents relative rotation of the end members relative to the rod and thereby maintains the tension member in a spiraled condition about the rod. A cleaning structure in the form of a rag, brush head, sponge, etc.

Abstract: A dust mitt comprising a dust mitt cover made of a nappy or pile material into a pocket formation by folding the material inwardly along the sides to form edges and then folding the material upon itself to form the pocket with an open end into which is inserted a folded section of soft, resilient and absorbent foam plastic material of sufficient bulk and thickness to fill the inside of the pocket. The open end of the pocket is closed into a small fabric mouth which optionally receives one end of a stick handle inserted inside the folded foam material.

Abstract: A powered lawn and yard implement for removing trash or like material from a lawn or yard and discharging the material into a wheeled pushcart. The implement includes a wheel supported housing to which the wheeled pushcart is releasably connected. A chute assembly directs trash from the housing into an upwardly open bin of the pushcart. The pushcart includes an elongated support roller and a pushbar assembly that facilitate independent movement of the pushcart assembly when detached from the housing. The housing includes a latching mechanism that may be operated from one side of the housing to secure or release the pushcart relative to the housing. Also associated with the latching mechanism is a deflector assembly that operates in response to operation of the latching assembly to open or close the discharge chute leading to the open bin. When the pushcart is detached from the housing, the deflector mechanism is located in position to prevent discharge of material through the chute.

Abstract: A kit of portable cleaning tools storable in a bag. The kit includes a collapsable pail, a broom and wiper blade each separately attachable to the opposite ends of a pole, and a pole formed with male threads on one end section and one end section as a tapered cone on the opposed end section. The pole is formed of four segments joined by hinges and detachable latches. The axis of the hinge of the pole joining the two pole mid-sections is perpendicular to the axis of the two hinges each joining an outer pole section to a mid-section so that the pole folds to a compact structure.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONMy invention is a kit of portable cleaning tools storable in a bag. The kit includes a collapsable pail, a broom and wiper blade each separately attachable to the opposite ends of a pole, and a pole formed with male threads on one end section and one end section as a tapered cone on the opposed end section. The pole is formed of four segments joined by hinges and detachable latches.

Abstract: A handle arrangement particularly for a paint pad adapted for releasable engagement with a channel provided on the structure to which the handle is to be applied consists of an apertured base plate a handle member extending upwardly from such base plate and a manually actuable locking means supported within the handle member and adjustable between a first position wherein a part thereof extends through the aperture in the base plate and a second position wherein such part is retracted through such aperture.

Abstract: A plastic adapter or connection for a broom or mop pole handle including a screw threaded area for securement to the broom head and a socket thereon for the reception of the end of the broom handle wherein means is provided to space the proximate end of the broom handle from the bottom of the socket in the connector, and means also being provided for spacing the periphery of the proximate end portion of the handle from the interior side wall of the socket.