Hollow-ware Cleaners Patents (Class 15/164)
  • Patent number: 11272781
    Abstract: A hair collector apparatus including a brush. The hair collector apparatus also can include a base portion comprising a housing and a motor configured to rotate the brush. The hair collector apparatus additionally can include a visor adjustably coupled to the base portion and covering the brush in a neutral position of the visor. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin W. Rose, Lauren E. Rose
  • Patent number: 11009053
    Abstract: Embodiments of clamping hub are disclosed. In one embodiment, the clamping hub includes a non-circular aperture with a portion of the non-circular aperture being formed so as to be substantially flat. The clamping hub also includes a shaft securer aperture that is formed in a substantially flat wall that contributes to the substantially flat portion of the non-circular aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Robotzone, LLC
    Inventor: Brian T. Pettey
  • Patent number: 10758328
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a toothbrush, in particular an electric or otherwise driven toothbrush having a rotatable head, wherein the head incorporates arrays of bristle tufts, at least some of which extend substantially radially of the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (UK) IP Limited
    Inventor: David Diamond
  • Patent number: 10271688
    Abstract: An improved culinary device featuring a handle, a chamber that can receive fluid such as a sauce, a component for dispensing the fluid, and a component for measuring the fluid. The device features a head, which is meant to contact a portion of food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Maddy E. Iacuzio
  • Patent number: 9456716
    Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage preparation system (1) for preparing a beverage by injection of a liquid into an ingredient capsule, the beverage system comprising an ingredient capsule (54) and a beverage preparation machine (2, 200) having:—an injection unit (73; 204) with at least one inner through channel (75; 210) for injecting a liquid into the ingredient capsule;—operating means for causing the machine to prepare a beverage, characterized in that the machine further comprises a cleaning device (90; 220) for automatically cleaning said at least one inner through channel, said cleaning device being actuated by said operating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Frédéric Fragniere
  • Patent number: 9125482
    Abstract: A device for improving the effectiveness and throughput of the cleaning of drinking vessels, the exemplary embodiments of the device having a base member with a top surface and a spacing member which extends downward and away from the top surface. A static base may be used which contains a female threaded hole. A central brush may be used which contains a male threaded portion, sized to pass through the base member and engage with the female threads in the static base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Amicon
  • Patent number: 8732888
    Abstract: A brush including a gripping handle combined with a cleaning head, wherein the cleaning head has a base forming an extension of the handle, including a peripheral wall and an end wall. The latter is located opposite the handle. Cleaning elements in the form of hairs are attached to the base. The base is, for example, substantially planar and has a rectangular cross-section. The hairs are arranged on two opposite sides of the base and at the end thereof, i.e. in the same plane as the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Duwa Brosses
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Duwa
  • Patent number: 8714162
    Abstract: A portable pipe bowl cleaner may include a poker for cleaning pipe bowls. The poker may generally extend linearly and have a top portion that is used to perform the cleaning. The portable pipe bowl cleaner may also include a base and a suction cup. One side of the base may be coupled with a bottom portion of the poker. Another side of the base may be coupled with the suction cup. The suction may have an internal cup surface that is capable of being removably affixed to a smooth, non-porous surface. A method of using a portable pipe bowl cleaner may include holding the base over a smooth, non-porous surface, with the suction cup facing toward the surface. By momentarily pressing the base toward the surface, the suction cup is pressed against and removably affixed to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Brett Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130327354
    Abstract: Means for keeping an internal cavity of an implant or specifically an internal cavity provided in a fixture constituting an implant in a clean state by a simple operation without injuring the gingiva around the fixture is provided. A brush for cleaning the inside of an implant provided with a twisted brush part in which helical brush bristles are formed around the wire rod by arranging a large number of resin fibers in parallel in a direction perpendicular to a wire rod and then, by twisting the wire rod, an intermediate columnar part to which the twisted brush part is fixed, and a main columnar part to which the intermediate columnar part is fixed, where a length in a major axis direction of the intermediate columnar part is within a range of 0.8 to 2.0, assuming that a length in a major axis direction of the twisted brush part is 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: HOMAREPRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Homare Akagi
  • Patent number: 8479343
    Abstract: A hand-held, collapsible, self-adjusting mechanism, which is an improvement to the Spatula, for removing the remaining contents inside a plurality of containers. The device consists of three attached arms, two lower arms geared around their pivot ends to each other to keep their rotation symmetrical in relation to a drive arm, and pressurized with a double torsion spring to rotate towards said drive arm to apply pressure to a swiveling attachment receiver at the opposite end which makes contact with the inside walls of a container. The drive arm has a foldable crank arm assembly which allows you to quickly rotate and slide the mechanism in and out within a container with one hand while the other hand supports said container thus removing the contents from the walls of the container without difficulty or a mess. References Cited U.S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew J. Smetana
  • Publication number: 20130074280
    Abstract: A brush apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle having a handle, a scrubbing portion, and a removable splash shield. The handle includes a grip portion and a channel for removably securing the splash shield to the handle. A plurality of bristles extend radially outward from a bristle stem to form a brush having a substantially cylindrical scrubbing portion. The removable splash shield functions as a shield to contain splashing while cleaning a bottle and when the user removes the scrubbing portion from the bottle. A smaller nipple brush is contained within the handle grip portion of the brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Tony Kenyatta Picou
  • Patent number: 8365338
    Abstract: The wheel cleaning device is especially useful in cleaning lug nuts and the area and orifice within a wheel that surround a lug nut. The device may importantly provide for brush change, via a threaded fitting. Various bristle designs are provided. The device also importantly provides an arc within the shaft so that the brush can be inserted beyond a bulbous exterior of many typical lug nuts. The arc then allows a user to clean the area without device failure and without undue brush bristle fatigue, as the arc allows clearance adjacent to the most bulbous part of a lug nut so that the brush may better reach the confines of the spaces typically not reached. The cylindrically shaped handle may be provided with a rounded end as a more user friendly interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Cedric Figaro
  • Patent number: 8336156
    Abstract: A device to aid in drying baby bottles after washing is herein disclosed, comprising a plastic handle, a flexible “wand”, and a drying head having a plurality of absorbent cloth strips. In use, the cloth end of the device is reciprocated therewithin a baby bottle after it has been washed and rinsed. The cloth strips and drying head are removably attached thereto the handle assembly and may be released for washing, drying, or and/or replacement purposes. In such a manner the highly absorbent cloth strips will absorb any excess moisture in a bottle, thereby leaving the bottle clean and dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Nicole Shimazu
  • Publication number: 20120210529
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brush (1) including a gripping handle combined with a cleaning head (3), the cleaning head including: a base (5) forming an extension of the handle, including a peripheral wall and an end wall (10), the latter being located opposite the handle; and cleaning elements (7) in the form of hairs attached onto the base. The base is, for example, substantially planar and has a rectangular cross-section, the hairs only being arranged on two opposite sides of the base and at the end thereof, i.e. in the same plane as the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: DUWA BROSSES
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Duwa
  • Patent number: 8087120
    Abstract: A baby bottle cleaning brush which includes a reversible cover between the brush and handle that covers the opening of a baby bottle, so when the action of the brush on the lip of the baby bottle opening would tend to spray water, the brush cover envelops the bottle opening and prevents the spray from spreading out and hitting the user or surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Beau Alec Lochridge
  • Publication number: 20110314621
    Abstract: A baby bottle cleaning brush which includes a reversible cover between the brush and handle that covers the opening of a baby bottle, so when the action of the brush on the lip of the baby bottle opening would tend to spray water, the brush cover envelops the bottle opening and prevents the spray from spreading out and hitting the user or surroundings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Beau Alec Lochridge
  • Patent number: 8065772
    Abstract: A cleaning element for lumen of surgical instruments includes a brush and a flexible metal leader. The brush has a first end, a second end, and a metal core, the metal core defining a longitudinal axis extending throughout the brush. The flexible metal leader has a first end and a second end, the second end of the flexible metal leader being welded to the first end of the metal core of the brush. The flexible metal leader is adapted to be fed through the lumen of the surgical instruments and pulled by the first end thereof through the lumen, with the brush also being adapted to be pulled through the lumen due to its being welded to the second end of the flexible metal leader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cygnus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Walter L. Maguire, Jr., Shaun Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7958664
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a gun barrel having striations, which includes a cleaning device that comes in contact with the inner surface of the gun barrel as it is moved by a drive device installed inside a cylindrical main body. The cleaning device includes (i) a plurality of divided plates that fit atop the striations as a saddle and are slanted to correspond to a slope of the striations, (ii) cleaning members fixed to outer peripheries of the respective divided plates that come in contact with the inner surface of the gun barrel, and (iii) a cam device that converts a rotation of a drive motor installed inside the main body into a rectilinear movement in order to move the respective divided plates upward and downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Soosung Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Jin An
  • Patent number: 7650662
    Abstract: A brush using water alone to clean up toilets, baths, kitchens, tableware, kitchen utensils or the like. Phosphate ingredients contained in the higher alcoholic type detergents and nonionic detergents currently in use do enhance the cleansing effect, but are nutritive substances to plankton and the cause of its abnormal propagation. Resulting pollution of rivers, lakes and marshes, in particular their coasts, has been a social problem to be solved as soon as possible. The present cleaning brush can remove ordinary dirt, stains or the like, without using such pollution-causing detergents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sanko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Kakutani
  • Patent number: 7473046
    Abstract: A cleaning utensil for cleaning a container comprises a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit is axially movable relative to the mounting for the first unit. The second unit is for location axially within an axial aperture of the first unit. Each cleaning unit includes a brush with relatively outwardly extending bristles. The first cleaning unit includes a sponge which is relatively outwardly extending. There is a closable cavity in the handle for containing cleaning fluid, and the cavity is connected with the first cleaning unit or second cleaning unit. Cleaning fluid can be expelled from the container through one of the units to facilitate the cleaning of the bottle. The first cleaning unit effectively cleans a portion of an inside of a baby bottle, and the second cleaning unit effectively cleans a second portion of an inside of the baby bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Kraus, Randal Ouye
  • Patent number: 7386912
    Abstract: A cleaning and scouring brush generally made from a pair of twisted wire arms, each arm having a cleaning portion shaped to conform to the interior profile of an article to be cleaned. The portions are provided with a cleaning or scouring device such as a sponge, scrubber or bristles intended to clean or scour the interior surface of the article to be cleaned. The brush is also provided with a handle which rotates the cleaning portions with respect to one another about an axis in order to facilitate the entry and removal of the device from the article to be cleaned which generally has a relatively small opening into a relatively large interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Rodney Horton
  • Patent number: 7370383
    Abstract: A brush device for cleaning an interior of a bottle includes a shaft being insertable into an interior of a bottle. Each of a plurality of bristle sets is coupled to the shaft and is positioned adjacent an end of the shaft. Each of the bristle sets is insertable into the interior of the bottle to scrub the bottle. A handle is coupled to an end of the shaft distal to the bristle sets. The handle is graspable to facilitate manipulation of the shaft and the bristle sets to scrub the interior of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Debra L. Chinowsky Wink
  • Patent number: 7017222
    Abstract: A brush assembly for scrubbing an article such as a baby bottle includes a bottle brush that has a recess defined in its handle and a nipple brush that has a scrubbing end that is sized and shaped to at least partially fit within the recess in a storage position. A second end of the nipple brush is provided with a suction cup that permits the nipple brush to be mounted to a fixed surface, such as a sink. Retention structure is provided for retaining the nipple brush in the storage position with respect to the bottle brush, so that the bottle brush may be used to scrub bottles while the nipple brush, and hence the bottle brush, remains affixed to the fixed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven B. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6892416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a baby bottle brush for washing a nursing bottle. The brush comprises at least one soft and resilient support member, a washing brush, and a cap inserted into an opening portion of the nursing bottle with the upper end of the support member fixed and rotated to the right and to the left by a user. According to the brush, the interior of a nursing bottle is easily and quickly washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Sang Woong Lee, Dong Hean Lee
  • Patent number: 6868575
    Abstract: A cleaning device and method for making which is constructed from a flexible base member of thermoplastic material to which a plurality of fibers are fused and protrude therefrom, and formed into a curvilinear configuration such as a helix-like, or U-shaped-like configuration. The method includes the steps of heating the base until it is softened and bent to a U-shape like configuration and then cooling the base member, or helically winding the base onto a rotating mandrel; stopping the mandrel and severing an end of the base member; and cooling the base member so that it retains its U-shape or helical configuration. A core member may also be inserted through the opening in the helix-like configuration and attached at one or more points of the base member permitting the cleaning device to be pushed through tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: George Koregelos
  • Patent number: 6857157
    Abstract: An all-in-one fitting brush system that is adapted for use in cleaning the ends of pipes and pipe fittings so that proper joints may be made between the pipes and the fittings. The all-in-one fitting brush system includes a handle, a dog leg shaped shank, and a number of detachable brushes and a cleaning element holding shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Fred C. Hoyle
  • Patent number: 6845539
    Abstract: A multipurpose brush includes a brush head and a handle coupled to and extending from the brush head. The brush head includes a central core member. The central core member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a rear surface and a front surface, wherein the central core member also includes a central longitudinal axis. The brush head further includes bristles extending from the top surface, bottom surface and front surface of the central core member. The bristles extending from the top surface define an upper brushing surface at distal ends of the bristles which is approximately 5° to 20° relative to the central longitudinal axis and the bristles extending from the bottom surface define a lower brushing surface at distal ends of the bristles which is approximately 5° to 20° relative to the central longitudinal axis. A set of brushes is also provided in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Louis Tubman
  • Patent number: 6804852
    Abstract: A brush for cleaning purposes comprises an elongate block (8), a spigot (10) extending laterally from the block (8), a handle (2) secured to the spigot (10), a plurality of outwardly-extending bristles (6) secured to the block (8), including bristles (6) on a region of block (8) adjacent the spigot, which bristles (6) extend in the direction of the spigot (10) towards the handle (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Hayco Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald Espie Hay
  • Publication number: 20040187241
    Abstract: A disposable toilet cleaning device is provided to clean the surfaces of a toilet which includes a handle and a telescoping arm which extends from the handle for cleaning a toilet. A cleaning head is secured to the free end of the telescoping arm and may include a cleaning chemical to effectuate cleaning of the toilet. The telescoping arm may include a flexible neck for positioning the brush head for cleaning the toilet. The components of the toilet brush may be made of a paper product and/or plastic material suitable for one use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Susan Katz, Cheryl Bersano
  • Publication number: 20040177864
    Abstract: A brush for cleaning a carboy includes a flexible substrate, e.g., a chamois attached to a first end portion of a shaft. The chamois has opposed major surfaces lying in an imaginary plane that is parallel to the long axis of the shaft. Cleaning fluid, e.g., soap and water, is applied to the chamois and the first end of the shaft is inserted into the carboy. The opposite end of the shaft rotated, e.g., by a hand-held drill, and centrifugal force moves the edges of the chamois against the interior walls of the carboy cleaning it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Angelo Segalla
  • Patent number: 6775874
    Abstract: A cleaning and scouring brush generally made from a pair of twisted wire arms, each arm having a cleaning portion shaped to conform to the interior profile of an article to be cleaned. The portions are provided with a cleaning or scouring device such as a sponge, scrubber or bristles intended to clean or scour the interior surface of the article to be cleaned. The brush is also provided with a handle which rotates the cleaning portions with respect to one another about an axis in order to facilitate the entry and removal of the device from the article to be cleaned which generally has a relatively small opening into a relatively large interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Rodney Horton
  • Publication number: 20040143923
    Abstract: A toilet bowl brush that is especially useful to industrial and commercial cleaners is provided. The toilet bowl brush has an elongated handle with a grasping portion and a connecting portion. The grasping portion and connection portion have centerlines at an angle to one another. A brush head body is connected to the connecting portion of the handle. Scrubbing bristles extend from the brush head body at a variety of angles, including at an acute angle of from about 35° to slightly less than 90°, relative to a centerline of the connection portion of the elongated handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard L. Bensussan, Ronald Callanan
  • Patent number: 6760949
    Abstract: A rotating dish brush is described having a handle and a head. The handle includes a neck connected by a pin to the head. The rotating connection of the handle and head are limited by a pair of stops that also function as areas of force transfer from the handle to the head. The stops limit the relative movement of the head and handle between a first position and a second position. The head includes a set of bristles having a generally hemispherical shape. A loop is provided on the handle for hanging the rotating dish brush when it is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce Kaminstein, Flavio Cavalherio
  • Publication number: 20040117933
    Abstract: A multipurpose brush includes a brush head and a handle coupled to and extending from the brush head. The brush head includes a central core member. The central core member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a rear surface and a front surface, wherein the central core member also includes a central longitudinal axis. The brush head further includes bristles extending from the top surface, bottom surface and front surface of the central core member. The bristles extending from the top surface define an upper brushing surface at distal ends of the bristles which is approximately 5° to 20° relative to the central longitudinal axis and the bristles extending from the bottom surface define a lower brushing surface at distal ends of the bristles which is approximately 5° to 20° relative to the central longitudinal axis. A set of brushes is also provided in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Louis Tubman
  • Patent number: 6745427
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brush, especially a toilet brush, comprising a brush head and a brush head holder, wherein the brush head can be detachably mounted on the brush head holder, especially in such a way that the two interlock. According to the invention, the brush head can be slid onto the brush head holder with a friction fit. It is therefore possible to exchange a used brush head for a new, germ-free replacement. This not only avoids the unattractive appearance that conventional brushes acquire after repeated use, but also prevents health risks to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Hagleitner Hygiene International GmbH
    Inventors: Diethard Trenz, Markus Enzfellner
  • Publication number: 20040060577
    Abstract: A brush assembly for scrubbing an article such as a baby bottle includes a bottle brush that has a recess defined in its handle and a nipple brush that has a scrubbing end that is sized and shaped to at least partially fit within the recess in a storage position. A second end of the nipple brush is provided with a suction cup that permits the nipple brush to be mounted to a fixed surface, such as a sink. Retention structure is provided for retaining the nipple brush in the storage position with respect to the bottle brush, so that the bottle brush may be used to scrub bottles while the nipple brush, and hence the bottle brush, remains affixed to the fixed surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Steven B. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20030235110
    Abstract: In a method for reproducible dissolution of a pharmaceutical product in a dissolution medium contained within a vessel, a flow regime characterized by high turbidity and low bulk movement of dissolution medium is induced within the vessel. Simultaneously, solid particles of the pharmaceutical product on a bottom portion of the vessel are mechanically dispersed. Induction of the flow regime and mechanical dispersion of solid particles may be accomplished by a brush body adapted to sweep a bottom portion of the vessel. The brush body is repeatably biased into contact with the bottom portion of the vessel, and caused to rotate in a controlled manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by The Minister of Health
    Inventor: Saeed A. Qureshi
  • Publication number: 20030209458
    Abstract: A combination toilet bowl cleaning brush and a brush holder includes a toilet bowl cleaning brush with a brush head, a non-flexible shaft and a bulbous handle. The non-flexible shaft extends linearly from the brush head to a positively curved portion and thence to a second linear portion that connects to the bulbous handle. The brush holder includes a circular, flat surface base and a cylindrical wall rising from the base. The cylindrical wall which extends around less than half of a minor circumference of the base rises linearly from the base to a negative curved portion, the upper end of the wall covering a radius of the base. The upper end of the cylindrical wall includes an open groove for receiving the shaft of the cleaning brush. The positive curved shaft and the negative curved wall intersect at the open groove, securing the cleaning brush in the brush holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Kaminstein
  • Publication number: 20030131434
    Abstract: A food preparation utensil has a body, a flexible wiper and a handle. The body has a food-contacting surface bounded by a peripheral edge. The flexible wiper extends outwardly from at least a portion of the peripheral edge. The handle is coupled to the body and extends from the body in a direction that is opposite the food-contacting surface. The body can be inserted into an opening of a container and into contact with a food product in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Lonnette Susan Parks
  • Publication number: 20030127109
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an air gap in a plumbing fixture by removing the cap from a counter table access and inserting a flexible wire brush into a hose connecting the counter-top access to the drain opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Paul A. Sommerfeld
  • Publication number: 20030056809
    Abstract: A cleaning and scouring brush generally made from a pair of twisted wire arms, each arm having a cleaning portion shaped to conform to the interior profile of an article to be cleaned. The portions are provided with a cleaning or scouring device such as a sponge, scrubber or bristles intended to clean or scour the interior surface of the article to be cleaned. The brush is also provided with a handle which rotates the cleaning portions with respect to one another about an axis in order to facilitate the entry and removal of the device from the article to be cleaned which generally has a relatively small opening into a relatively large interior volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Rodney Horton
  • Publication number: 20030058735
    Abstract: A mixing device for low speed precision mixing of contents of a vessel has a support member adapted to be rotatably supported in spaced relationship from a bottom portion of the vessel and separated therefrom by a gap, and a brush assembly depending from the support member for sliding engagement with the bottom portion of the vessel. Low speed rotation of the support member within the vessel causes the brush assembly to sweep the bottom portion of the vessel while mixing the contents of the vessel. The brush assembly can be made of a resilient coil or a plurality of filamentary or lamellar elements, affixed to the support member. This device provides controlled and repeatable mixing and is well suited for use in drug dissolution measurement apparatuses used for assessing drug release characteristics of solid oral pharmaceutical products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as Represented by The Minister of Health
    Inventor: Saeed A. Qureshi
  • Patent number: 6473930
    Abstract: A scrubber for cleaning a baby bottle nipple is comprised of a handle and a rod rotatably and removably attached to said handle. The rod is attached to a clip having tangs, removably attached to each other and securing a conical scrubbing material therebetween. The tangs and the scrubbing material are received within a baby bottle nipple for scrub cleaning the baby bottle nipple as the handle of the scrubber apparatus is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Alberto F. Ortega
  • Publication number: 20020112301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a baby bottle brush for washing a nursing bottle. The brush comprises at least one soft and resilient support member, a washing brush, and a cap inserted into an opening portion of the nursing bottle with the upper end of the support member fixed and rotated to the right and to the left by a user. According to the brush, the interior of a nursing bottle is easily and quickly washed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Sang Woong Lee, Dong Hean Lee
  • Publication number: 20020108196
    Abstract: A cleaning device and method for making which is constructed from a flexible base member of thermoplastic material to which a plurality of fibers are fused and protrude therefrom, and formed into a curvilinear configuration such as a helix-like, or U-shaped-like configuration. The method includes the steps of heating the base until it is softened and bent to a U-shape like configuration and then cooling the base member, or helically winding the base onto a rotating mandrel; stopping the mandrel and severing an end of the base member; and cooling the base member so that it retains its U-shape or helical configuration. A core member may also be inserted through the opening in the helix-like configuration and attached at one or more points of the base member permitting the cleaning device to be pushed through tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: George Koregelos
  • Patent number: 6349443
    Abstract: A cleaning device has a handle. The handle has a wall with a distal end with a recess extending axially into the handle, and an elongated nipple brush secured in the recess, such that the distal end of the brush extends axially beyond the distal end of the handle. The nipple brush can be housed in a core having a main body with a sponge secured thereto and an extension with opposed depressible tabs that can be inserted into the recess of the handle. Each tab has one or more protuberances that are biased to seat in opposed apertures in the wall of the handle. The core has an axial channel. When the extension of the core is inserted in the recess and attached to the handle, there is provided a cleaning device with a sponge at one end of the handle and a nipple brush housed in the channel of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Steven Randolph, Francis X Manganiello
  • Publication number: 20020000016
    Abstract: A brush includes a lower section made of polypropylene so that the lower section is flexible and can be bent into different angles, the lower section having an intermediate portion formed with a neck, the lower section being provided with a plurality of bristles, a collar made of gel fitted in the neck, and an upper section having a lower end inserted into an upper end of the lower section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Tung-Chiang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6298515
    Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose scrubbing sponge having a central rigid rod with a brush on one end, a widened base on the other, the rod surrounded by compressible foam and covered in a mild abrasive flexible mesh and a scrubbing mesh skirt, such compressible foam conforming to the interior of a glass or other hollow container, the brush and mesh assisting in removal of debris from the interior of such glass or hollow container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Bessie Jane Robinson
  • Patent number: 6154913
    Abstract: A toilet brush is provided which includes an elongated handle having a first axis, a brush head having a second axis, and a flexible joint flexibly connecting the handle to the brush head. The joint is threadedly connected to at least one of the brush head and the handle, whereby the joint allows the second axis of the brush head to be deflected with respect to the first axis of the handle. The brush head may also include first and second sets of segregated bristles. The second set of bristles being longer, stiffer and disposed closer to the handle than the first set of bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: General Housewares Corp.
    Inventor: Maximillian P. Burton
  • Patent number: 6141816
    Abstract: A device for cleaning dishes comprising a support having an elongated base horizontally disposed at its lower extent with an outboard end and an inboard end. A connector is essentially vertically disposed between a central extent of the base and one end of the support. The connector has a region at its upper extent with a hole therethrough. Angled fingers extend upwardly at an angle from adjacent the outboard end of the base and angled away from the inboard end of the base to define slots with open upper ends therebetween. The slots have interior surfaces with bristles formed therein extending toward the vertical centers of the slots for receiving dishes to be cleaned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: John M. Burnett