With Securing Means Patents (Class 15/176.6)
  • Patent number: 7059006
    Abstract: A brush including removable plates with tines that can be inserted into a complementary handle. The plates, made up of tines connected to a manifold at one end, are retained by the handle. Removable flat plates can be of a unitary construction and can be rolled, stacked or folded upon one another to form layers of tines. The plates are designed to be easily separated from a brush after use to allow for cleaning or replacement. The plates may also be interconnected by a set of hinges. The tines may include a plurality of flutes or ribs that increase the surface area of the tines and aid in increasing liquid retention when the brush is being used. After use, the individual plates can be removed from the handle and easily cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignees: Innovate LLC, Merry Chance Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: L. Scott Huff, Steven Kwan
  • Patent number: 6968590
    Abstract: A disassemblable toothbrush, includes a bristled portion and a handle portion, the bristled portion comprising a coupling part having at least one flexible working portion provided with a tooth and the handle portion comprising a seat for engagement of the coupling part which has at least one locating element for retaining the tooth, in which the engaging seat (4) comprises a recess (4b) for housing a deformable elastomeric mass (E) able to exert an elastic reaction pressing against the flexible working portion of the coupling part so as to keep the tooth (3c) actively engaged with the locating element (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Ponzini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Eligio Ponzini
  • Patent number: 6910241
    Abstract: A barbecue basting brush with a changeable brush head consists of an elastic brush head and a handle that are fastenable and detachable with each other. The brush head has a coupling section which has one end forming a notch on one side and another side forming an elastic latch tongue. The handle has one end forming an annular hub to couple with the coupling section of the brush head. The annular hub and the stem of the handle form a juncture which has a retaining block formed on the inner side of the annular hub. The brush head may be inserted into the annular hub from the end where the notch is located. The plane of the notch is in contact with the plane of the handle where the retaining block is located to form a latched bucking to allow the brush head to be inserted into the annular hub for a selected depth and anchored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Yu-Tzu Wang
  • Patent number: 6872026
    Abstract: A handle connector for securing the head of a cleaning tool to its handle is formed as a unitary integral body, preferably of die-cast construction. The connector has two distal ends. At one end, there is an opening for receiving a handle. The other end of the connector extends outwardly and is configured to mate with the head of a broom, mop, or similar manual tool. The body of the connector includes a floating web comprising a substantially flat section and laterally flanking slots. A bolt and wing nut are provided for joining the handle to the connector. As the wing nut is manually tightened against the connector, it applies a compressive force against the flat section of web, which flexes inward in relation to the handle, ultimately contacting the outside surface of the handle. Continued manual tightening ensures for a tight fit between handle and connector and rigidly secures the joint between these tool components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Petner
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6775875
    Abstract: A visually appealing toothbrush having an applicator portion including a head and a track and including a replaceable bristle bed, wherein the track on which a bristle bed is slidingly mounted is rotatable out of a longitudinal axis of the handle into an open position by the rotation of a knob at the end of the handle, the open position allowing disengagement and replacement of the bristle bed, the track then being rotatable back into the longitudinal axis of the handle in order to trap and lock a newly mounted bristle bed by means of a stop at an extremity of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Charles Ornelas, Paul Sava, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6709185
    Abstract: The invention concerns a toothbrush whereof the neck is provided with a centering spindle having a snap-on tab at its end secured in a hole of the handle. The handle is hollowed out over its entire length with a cylindrical orifice for housing a push element whereof the stem is provided with unlocking wedges to disengage the snap-on tab and the handle. The invention is applicable to toothbrushes produced in several separable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: DuPont Industries
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Lefevre
  • Publication number: 20040016073
    Abstract: A disposable toothbrush system for maintaining a desired level of sanitation. The disposable toothbrush system includes a handle member having a detent member, a head member having a bore for removably receiving the handle member, an aperture within the head member for receiving the detent member, and a plurality of bristles extending from the head member. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of claws extending from the handle member catchably engage a pair of catch slots within the head member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: James D. Knutson
  • Publication number: 20040010877
    Abstract: The present invention cleaning brush includes a handle member and a brush member which are connected to one another in a locking/unlocking fashion and wherein they are separated from one another by a mechanism component that is located on the handle member remotely from the brush member. The handle member has a first end having a handle portion and a second end having a mechanism for removably attaching the brush member. The brush member has one of a male and female fittage and the second end of the handle member has the other of the male fittage and the female fittage. There is a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the male fittage and the female fittage relative to one another. The locking mechanism includes lock-unlock manually operated component remotely located from the brush member, typically toward or near the first end of the handle member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Sally B. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20040003479
    Abstract: A visually appealing toothbrush having an applicator portion including a head and a track and including a replaceable bristle bed, wherein the track on which a bristle bed is slidingly mounted is rotatable out of a longitudinal axis of the handle into an open position by the rotation of a knob at the end of the handle, the open position allowing disengagement and replacement of the bristle bed, the track then being rotatable back into the longitudinal axis of the handle in order to trap and lock a newly mounted bristle bed by means of a stop at an extremity of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Charles Ornelas, Paul Sava
  • Patent number: 6669397
    Abstract: A quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools. The quick disconnect tool apparatus includes an elongate pole member having a uniquely shaped aperture. Inside the aperture are bearing members surrounded by a sliding sleeve member designed to position the bearing members inwardly and outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole. Tool members having a tool coupler with a groove are insertable into the aperture and are releasably secured when the bearing members engage the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Woodson Christion
  • Patent number: 6594850
    Abstract: A locking bracket for brooms that have a multi-sided locking section near the mounting end of the handle has a pair of spaced-apart locking arms that enable the bracket to be attached in the proper position against the locking section without passing the bracket over either end of the handle. When secured in position, faces on the locking arms engage faces on the locking section, limiting rotation of the handle. The bracket can be mounted in position by a plug that engages the unused handle hole on the broom head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Libman Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Libman, Enzo Berti
  • Patent number: 6553601
    Abstract: A pipe end cleaner device formed in a set of sizes to be mounted in the chuck of an electric drill for cleaning the ends of pipes in preparation for connections by threading or soldering. The cleaner device has a plurality of internal grooves configured and dimensioned to secure a conventional bristle brush having external grooves on its ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Michael R. Major
  • Patent number: 6546585
    Abstract: A toothbrush with a detachable/replaceable head, comprising a top section having a first aperture, a second aperture, a first end and a second end. The first end includes a notched portion. The first aperture extends from the top section first end along a length of the top section within the top section. The second aperture is located along a top surface of the top section, a bottom section having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a tabbed portion which matingly engages with the notched portion of the top section first end. The bottom section further includes an extension having a first end and a second end and a protrusion adjacent the extension first end wherein the extension is connected to the bottom section first end. The protrusion selectively cooperates with the second aperture in the top section to selectively lock and unlock the top and bottom sections. The extension is inserted into the first aperture of the top section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Blaustein, John Osher, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk
  • Publication number: 20030019061
    Abstract: A locking bracket for brooms that have a multi-sided locking section near the mounting end of the handle has a pair of spaced-apart locking arms that enable the bracket to be attached in the proper position against the locking section without passing the bracket over either end of the handle. When secured in position, faces on the locking arms engage faces on the locking section, limiting rotation of the handle. The bracket can be mounted in position by a plug that engages the unused handle hole on the broom head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Libman, Enzo Berti
  • Patent number: 6510578
    Abstract: A paint brush having a removable bristle pack which snaps on and off a handle portion by means of a resilient prong mounted pin. The present invention employs a slot in the ferrule of the bristle pack to receive with a friction fit the pin extending resiliently from the handle. In assembly the handle is merely inserted into the ferrule until the pin snaps into place, and the bristle pack can be removed for cleaning or changing by depressing the pin which will thereby cause the bristle pack to be disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventors: William F. Cyr, George E. Marotta
  • Patent number: 6502585
    Abstract: A hairstyling device for providing a user with a selection of interchangeable heads. The hairstyling device comprises a handle member. The handle member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the handle member includes a cavity. The handle member includes a pair of elongated slots. There is a nub that includes a top wall, a peripheral wall integrally coupled to and extending away from the top wall. A free edge of the peripheral wall is integrally coupled to the first end of the handle member. There are a plurality of heads that include a first end and a second end with a peripheral wall extending therebetween. Each of the second ends of the heads includes a bore extending therein. Each of the bores includes a base wall and an inner side wall. The inner side wall includes a pair of wells therein. Each of the bores includes a size and shape designed for removably receiving the nub. There is a coupling means for removably connecting one of the heads to the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Gino Mazzei, Antonio Di Santo
  • Patent number: 6487748
    Abstract: The present invention is that of a newly designed toothbrush that has a replaceable head. The head of the toothbrush and the base of the toothbrush would have complimentary dove tail shapes ensuring that the pieces would fit together snugly. In addition, the present invention would have a mechanism for securing the two components together. The mechanism would either allow the brush head to be secured to the handle with a locking pin that slips through the head and into a hole in the base of the toothbrush, or alternatively, a locking tab that snaps into the hole in the brush handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventors: Jonathan Dardar, Viveca Dardar
  • Patent number: 6463620
    Abstract: A brush assembly, such as for cleaning and sanitizing toilet bowls, having a removable and disposable applicator head. The brush assembly comprises an elongated handle with a broadening diverging end and an applicator head for removable attachment thereto. Dual locking means for the applicator head are provided, where the locking means may be manually released without having to physically handle a soiled applicator head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Kandice A. Busha
  • Publication number: 20020120993
    Abstract: A brush assembly, such as for cleaning and sanitizing toilet bowls, having a removable and disposable applicator head. The brush assembly comprises an elongated handle with a broadening diverging end and an applicator head for removable attachment thereto. Dual locking means for the applicator head are provided, where the locking means may be manually released without having to physically handle a soiled applicator head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Kandice A. Busha
  • Patent number: 6438784
    Abstract: A cleaning device. The device includes a hollow shank having a first guide member at a front end and a second guide member joined with and perpendicular to the first guide member. A head is releasably coupled to the front portion of the shank. The head includes a longitudinal bar having an engagement member on the surface at the rear end. The engagement member is guided along the first guide member to move to the end prior to being rotated a predetermined angle about the shank clockwise or counterclockwise so as to urge against either end of the second guide member for securing the shank to the head. A first cleaning member is on one side of the head, and a sleeve put on the joint of the bar of the head and the front portion of the shank. This cleaning device with replaceable head can reduce the manufacturing cost and storing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Hsin Yu
  • Patent number: 6425705
    Abstract: A ratchet-like coupling mechanism (20) for releaseably coupling a cleaning head (22) to a handle (24). The mechanism (20) comprises a handle adaptor (28); a sleeve (30); an engagement arm (32); and an engagement wheel (34). Where a liquid delivering handle (24) is used, the handle adaptor (28) operates to adapt the mechanism (20) to avoid interfering with the liquid flowpath. The handle adaptor (28) may be eliminated where a solid handle is used. The sleeve (30) secures to the handle adaptor (28) or directly to the handle, and supports the engagement arm (32). The engagement wheel (34) is secured to the head (22). The arm (32) and wheel (34) present oppositely biased teeth (56,57) allowing the adaptor (28) or handle to be threadably coupled with the head (22), but which must be disengaged, by actuating the arm (32), to uncouple the head (22) from the handle (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Ingram
  • Patent number: 6393647
    Abstract: A broom has a handle, a broom head, a bracket for securing the handle against rotation, and a plug for securing the bracket to the broom head. The handle has a segmented locking section near its mounting end, and can be attached to either of two opposed apertures in the broom head. The bracket has a pair of spaced-apart arms with locking faces that can engage the faces on the locking section. To enable the locking faces to engage onto the locking section from a radial direction, the open ends of the locking arms are spaced apart by a distance at least equal to the minor chord of the locking section. The bracket also has a locking aperture that allows it to be secured to the broom head by fastening the plug to the unused opposed aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: The Libman Company
    Inventor: Robert Libman
  • 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: 20010052161
    Abstract: The invention depicts a detachable brush comprising a brush portion (60) and a fastening portion (50) that extends along a first axis (C). The fastening portion (50), in order to be retained by a handle, comprises a first surface (52a) being angled in a first direction such that a normal of the first surface has at least a component in a first direction along said first axis (C), and a second surface (53a) being angled in a second direction such that a normal of the second surface has at least a component in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, along said first axis (C). The invention further depicts a handle with retainer portions shaped to receive and carry the detachable brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ake Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6321408
    Abstract: A basting brush having a replaceable bristle head provides for economical and hygienic reuse of basting brush handle portions. The brush also permits rapid twist-lock disconnection and replacement of the bristle head element. Angled bristles, a curved neck and a soft-grip hand-piece provide for improved comfort during use for more convenient basting action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Esterson, Kristie M. Killen, Donald R. Lamond, Paul Lacotta, Anna Stern, Bill Fiebel
  • Patent number: 6295685
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel internal ferrule which is used in a paint brush that has a removable bristle pack and one or more moveable bristle clamping panels which, when in a closed position, grip the bristle pack and prevent paint from migrating up the bristles to the base of the paint brush handle. The paint brush with the internal ferrule and the removable bristle pack is easy to use, and provides ready cleaning after use, by releasing the one or more panels and enabling the bristle pack to be removed and exposed to the cleaning solution. An internal ferrule for use with a paint brush handle and a removable bristle pack comprising: (a) a hollow girdle for encircling a first end of a bundle of parallel bristles, the girdle having interior and exterior faces; (b) a concave glue cavity formed in an interior face of the hollow girdle; and (c) a protrusion formed on an exterior face of the girdle for engaging with a corresponding cavity formed in the body of a paint brush handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Kwick Clean and Green Ltd.
    Inventor: Terry R. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20010009048
    Abstract: An infant toothbrush is described that comprises a generally cylindrical handle member and a brush head. The handle member is in the form of a baby bottle having an upper end and lower end. The brush head is releaseably securable to the upper end of the baby bottle. The brush head is comprised of a generally conical central body having a lower generally cylindrical base and an upper reduced diameter neck portion ending in a generally rounded tip. The rounded tip has a plurality of protrusions positioned thereon. The cylindrical base of the brush head is releaseably securable to the baby bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventor: Eric Safieh
  • Patent number: 6237183
    Abstract: A toothbrush and replaceable brush head wherein the brush head is easily and positively inserted and removed by axial motion along the axis of the handle. The handle and head have cooperating tongue and groove configurations providing parallel guides to receive and retain the members in assembled relation by virtue of handle recesses and resilient catches on the brush head, while permitting ready disassembly to remove and replace the brush head. Further, the handle and brush head have cooperating wedge formations to insure positive centering of the brush head along the axis of the handle. The assembly is snug and leaves no room for dirt, thereby enhancing hygiene during repeated use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Franz Fischer
  • Patent number: 6230716
    Abstract: A hairbrush having a head that may be quickly removed from the brush handle and a hairbrush system utilizing the same. In its most basic form, the hairbrush includes a brush head having a plurality of bristles, a removable brush handle, and a quick disconnect mechanism for removably attaching the brush handle to the brush head such that the brush handle may be quickly removed from the brush head. In the preferred embodiment, the quick disconnect mechanism includes a rod extending from the brush handle with a spring loaded ball partially extending from the rod, and an opening disposed within the brush head for accepting the rod and retaining the ball. The preferred ball presses against a sleeve disposed within the opening in the brush head. In some embodiments, however, the sleeve is eliminated and the opening includes a keyway and retainer mates with the ball and holds the ball in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Luigi Minoletti
  • Patent number: 6209164
    Abstract: A toothbrush for removing plaque, tartar, and calculus from teeth. The toothbrush includes an elongated grip handle having a plurality of toothbrush bodies mounted on a an end. The toothbrush bodies are adapted to clean various surfaces of the teeth simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Masanori Sato
  • Patent number: 6189175
    Abstract: A private parts cleaning system including a plurality of cleaning attachments adapted for cleaning hard to reach areas of a user. The cleaning attachments each are defined by a rigid plate. The rigid plate has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end has a cleaning head secured thereto. The lower end has an inverted Y-shaped protrusion secured thereto and extending downwardly therefrom. An attachment clip is provided that is adapted for coupling with the plurality of cleaning attachments. The attachment clip includes an inverted Y-shaped channel dimensioned for slidably receiving the inverted Y-shaped protrusion of one of the cleaning attachments therein. A handle portion is provided that is adapted for removably coupling with the attachment clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Katie Priester
  • Patent number: 6182322
    Abstract: A rotary brush including an elongated handle and brush head and a rotary swivel joint between the handle and brush head allowing the brush to rotate to reach hard to access places when used for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Louis Tubman