Pivoted Patents (Class 15/185)
  • Patent number: 11395539
    Abstract: A hair brushing device comprises a housing and a brush, the brush body is formed from a rigid plastics material and is capable of being mounted, in a least two different positions, to allow variation in the functionality of a device of the type of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: DMS Innovations Limited
    Inventor: Deane Marc Stanton
  • Patent number: 11344108
    Abstract: A brush comprising; a shaft having a first end forming a handle portion and a second end including a first part of a swivel mechanism; a brush holding part comprising a central body portion and at least one leg extending therefrom, the leg capable of holding or forming a brush; the central body portion further having a second part of a swivel mechanism and engageable with the first part of the swivel mechanism to form a swivel joint which is rotatable about a common axis in order that the leg may be positioned to extend beyond the second end of the shaft in order that the brush may be used by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Double Take Limited
    Inventor: Matilda Elvira Filippa Ashley
  • Patent number: 11019905
    Abstract: The disclosure relates in general to a comb cleaning adaptor. Specifically, the disclosure relates to an adapter for a comb, or an adapter integrated with a comb, operating between a retracted and extended positions, configured to be reversibly coupled to the comb allowing its removal and reciprocally articulate a cleaning head along the comb's teeth such that at the retracted position, the adapter is still coupled to the comb but does not interfere with the combing activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventors: Ruth Mercedes Gaon, Maya Arieli Vilkomirski, Yoav Gaon
  • Patent number: 10485318
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted to provide a hair brushing and combing device that supplies heat to the hair and scalp. The device has a generally flat bristle area with an underlying heating element. The apparatus includes varying length bristles and is heated by an internal element adapted to be powered by a standard power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Kenecia J. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10349730
    Abstract: A cleaning brush comprises a front curved wall and a rear curved wall. The front curved wall has a front surface and a back surface, with a plurality of frictional cleaning elements projecting from the back surface. The rear curved wall has a front surface and a back surface, with a plurality of frictional cleaning elements projecting from the front surface. The front and rear curved walls are hingedly affixed to each other and movable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Guoyao Ye
  • Patent number: 10299552
    Abstract: A collapsible luggage includes a base, a flexible body connected to the base, a telescopic rod unit coupled to the flexible body, and a foldable support coupled to the flexible body, disposed opposite to the telescopic rod unit, and including a first support member that has a buckle member, and a second support member that has a protrusion. When the foldable support is in an unfolded state, the buckle member partially overlaps the protrusion to maintain the foldable support in the unfolded state. When a force is applied to move the foldable support from the unfolded state to the folded state against a resilient force of the buckle member, the buckle member is urged to deform resiliently so the protrusion is permitted to pass over the buckle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Inventor: Sandy H. Liang
  • Patent number: 8707504
    Abstract: A hygienic toothbrush comprises a bristle cover movably secured to the elongated body of the toothbrush to protect the bristles of the toothbrush when it is not being used. A storage compartment with a removable lid is provided in the handle of the toothbrush body for storing the cover when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Clarkson Ryan
  • Patent number: 8141195
    Abstract: The siwak tooth cleaning instrument provides a carrying, protecting and application instrument for a siwak stick, to be applied to the user's teeth for cleaning thereof. In some embodiments, the siwak tooth cleaning instrument includes a tubular housing with a siwak that may be selectively and adjustably raised and lowered to extend the siwak from the housing for cleaning one's teeth, and retracted within the housing for storage and transport, similar to a lipstick. In other embodiments, the siwak tooth cleaning instrument has tooth cleaning cartridges including a siwak that releasably engage the head portion of an elongated handle. A cover may be pivotally attached to the handle for covering the handle and attached cartridge, or a storage tube with replacement cartridges may be pivotally attached to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
    Inventors: Faleh A. Al-Sulaiman, Muhammad A. Hawwa
  • Patent number: 8074319
    Abstract: A foldable toothbrush has a shell, a cover, a mounting sleeve, a handle and multiple bristles. The cover is mounted pivotally to the shell and selectively covers the top opening and part of the front opening of the shell. The mounting sleeve is mounted pivotally to the shell and is selectively pivoted into the shell. The handle is mounted in the mounting sleeve and is selectively rotatable and slidable in the mounting sleeve. The bristles are attached to the handle. With the handle being rotatable and slidable in the mounting sleeve, the whole length of the toothbrush is adjustable to selectively adapt for using or stowing. Furthermore, the cover keeps the handle and the bristles clean when stowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Hung-Yu Huang
  • Publication number: 20090019653
    Abstract: A hairbrush 10 has rounded outer surfaces 23, 25 of hinged heads 22, 24 that, when the brush is closed, achieve a closed form that is generally round or spherical in cross-sectional shape. Another aspect of the present invention includes inner head surfaces 26, 28 that support bristles and that are complementarily shaped concave and convex, respectively, to hold a tuft of hair in a curved position as the tuft is pulled through the closed heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ronald Teddy Diamond
  • Publication number: 20090000049
    Abstract: A hairbrush includes a handle, a bristle carrier holder, which is hinged to the handle and has two sliding grooves arranged in parallel at the top and two raised retaining portions protruded from the top wall and projecting into the sliding grooves and two protruding blocks with a respective sloping face respectively disposed inside the sliding grooves, a bristle carrier, which has a flexible pad holding a plurality of metal bristles and two rod-like flanges with a respective recessed retaining portion formed integral with the flexible pad at two sides by insertion molding for insertion into the sliding grooves to secure the bristle carrier to the bristle carrier holder base. The rod-like flanges are forced outwards by the sloping faces of the protruding blocks when inserted into the sliding grooves of the bristle carrier holder base, and therefore the recessed retaining portions of the rod-like flanges are forced into engagement with the raised retaining portions of the bristle carrier holder base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Bi-Chih Liao
  • Patent number: 7458124
    Abstract: A multi-purpose hearing aid cleaning device including a housing that includes a pair of housing members that are supported for relative hinging therebetween and that defines open and closed positions. A plurality of cleaning pieces are supported in the housing with each cleaning piece pivotable from a storage position in which the cleaning piece is stored in the housing to a use position in which at least a portion of the cleaning piece extends out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Health Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Leman
  • Patent number: 7383603
    Abstract: All embodiments of the present invention relate to a toothbrush to prevent tooth abrasion and gum damage during use. A first embodiment of the invention includes a handle including an open cavity and a neck interconnected to the handle by a pivot. The neck is movable between an aligned first position and a second angled position relative to the handle. A leaf spring is bonded to the end of the neck at a first end, and the second end of the leaf spring engages the handle to provide biasing resistance. The leaf spring is configured such that if pressure to the neck exceeds a threshold limit, there is movement of the neck portion from the first position to a second position. The threshold limit is the pressure just below the pressure at the brush that may cause damage to the hard and soft tissue of the mouth. A protective sheath envelops the junction between the handle member and the neck member to prevent accumulation of unwanted material within the cavity of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Fitmouth, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7310848
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a head placed at a front longitudinal end of a handle made overall as a single piece. The head has flexible brushing elements on its upper surface. The toothbrush is equipped with an arm articulated at one end, and provided at the opposite free end with a protective cover for the brushing elements. The general thickness of the arm gradually increases from its articulation end to the cover so as to form a profile projecting from a longitudinal surface of the rear portion of the handle, by virtue of which the gripping surface of the handle is increased. The articulation of the arm on the handle is designed to allow it to describe at least two different rotations about two substantially orthogonal geometric axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis
    Inventors: David Lepoittevin, Francois Lhuisset, Denis Plainchamp
  • Patent number: 7305733
    Abstract: A foldable hand tool for use with cleaning golf club heads which has an open position and a closed position. The tool has a first section having a first inner side; a second section having a second inner side; and a connector section. The connector section is connected pivotably to the first section at a first connection point, and the connector section is connected pivotably to the second section at a second connection point. The first connection point and the second connection point are spaced from one another and positioned such that the first inner side of the first section is capable of contacting the second inner side of the second section when the tool is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: D & H Golf Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis D. D'Aguanno
  • Patent number: 7246400
    Abstract: The present invention is a hygienic toothbrush with cover, which utilizes a uniquely designed novel brush cover to keep the brush head bristles free of harmful particles and contaminants when not in use. The unique cover design allows for bristles to dry through utilization of finely woven mesh/screen-like side panels which allows the largest surface area of the brush head bristles to be exposed to the maximal amount of airflow without risk of contamination. The desired effect of faster drying reduces the ability of bacterial agents to grow on the brush bristles. The unique feature of the cover always remaining fastened to the brush handle helps prevent the contamination of the cover which happens when it is set upon a contaminated surface, and also accomplishes the desired goal of encouraging consistent use. When the toothbrush is being used, the cover is conveniently stored within the handle in a storage compartment, always remaining with the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Patrick Clarkson Ryan
  • Patent number: 7172357
    Abstract: An applicator may include a handle member, a stem connected to the handle member via a hinge, and an applicator element at a first end of the stem. The stem and the applicator element may not extend entirely along a common rectilinear axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 7051395
    Abstract: A disposable toothbrush that can folded and unfolded upon it self is shown and described. The toothbrush is constructed of two folding sections that each contain bristles each half can join to the other half and so provide a rigid toothbrush for brushing. Prior to use, the toothbrush is in the unfolded position so that the bristles in each of the brush lie flat. This orientation presents a toothbrush with very narrow width for ease of storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Todd Philip Domke
  • Publication number: 20040170464
    Abstract: The combination according to the present invention contains parts of a uniform material making a three-dimensional composition, wherein individual fragments assume in their form the functional elements of handle (1), brush (2), and case (3) as well as agent for cleaning teeth (4) disposed in the fragment performing the function of the case (3). A part of the three-dimensional composition of a portion of uniform material performs the function of the handle (1) and has the form of a flat bar with long sides bent downwardly as well as connecting the handle (1) at the short side. a part of the three-dimensional composition of a portion of uniform material is performing the function of the brush (2) and has the shape of a flat bar, wherein rows of spikes protrude from the surface of the flat bar. A part of the three-dimensional composition of a portion of uniform material performs the function of the case (3) and has the shape of an open case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Juliusz Polczynski
  • Publication number: 20040045113
    Abstract: A foldable hand tool for use with cleaning golf club heads which has an open position and a closed position. The tool has a first section having a first inner side; a second section having a second inner side; and a connector section. The connector section is connected pivotably to the first section at a first connection point, and the connector section is connected pivotably to the second section at a second connection point. The first connection point and the second connection point are spaced from one another and positioned such that the first inner side of the first section is capable of contacting the second inner side of the second section when the tool is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: D&H Golf Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis D. D'Aguanno
  • Patent number: 6643887
    Abstract: A foldable toothbrush having a self-contained storage compartment contiguous with the body of the toothbrush. A pair of storage compartments are connected to one another, one of which is, in turn, connected to an arm assembly. The arm assembly has a pair of members connected to each other. The toothbrush's bristles are attached to the outermost member of the arm assembly. In its fully folded position, the arm assembly's members fold down on one another to form a folded arm section which is folded into one of the storage compartments. The other storage compartment folds down onto the first storage compartment to yield a small, flat, cylindrical case which houses the toothbrush which can easily be stored in a purse or pocket. The foldable toothbrush is designed to be inexpensive enough to be disposable but sturdy enough to withstand repeated use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Radius Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Foley, James O'Halloran
  • Patent number: 6560810
    Abstract: A collapsible toothbrush includes a body member that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is pivotally coupled to the second portion such that the first portion is selectively positionable adjacent the second portion facilitating compact storage of the body member. The first portion has a plurality of bristles. The bristles are adapted to be rubbed against teeth of the user for cleaning the teeth of the user. The bristles are positioned opposite the second portion of the body member such that the body member is adapted for is held in a hand of the user when the bristles are used to clean the teeth of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20030019063
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided that includes a toothbrush body having a toothbrush handle and a brush head. A display window is selectively attachable to and detachable from the toothbrush body. A photograph can be placed behind the translucent display window to cover, and yet provide visual access to, the photograph. Different photographs can be chosen for different toothbrushes such that each toothbrush is customized for a particular user. This provides for easy identification of different toothbrushes, and provides each user with a uniquely customized toothbrush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: HoMedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Paulette Abraham
  • Patent number: 6477732
    Abstract: An ultra-thin folding bristle hairbrush, capable of being operated with one hand, suitable for back-pocket storage. A base enclosure comprising a plurality of spaced transverse bristle bars, each bristle bar pivotally mounted within the base enclosure. At one end, the base enclosure is pivotally attached to a handle member. A kinematical linkage assembly adjoins the handle with the plurality of bristle bars whereby the opening and closing motion of the handle results in a synchronized articulation of the bristles from a stowed, generally horizontal, position, to a generally vertical position of use. The linkage lends itself to contouring the base enclosure and handle for ergonomic consideration such as back-pocket storage. The handle can also operate as a cover element. A unique one-handed “switchblade” action can be employed to flip open the brush, installing the bristles into their position of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin W. Cline, John A. McCurdy
  • Patent number: 6408473
    Abstract: The invention concerns a toothbrush with a bristle head or accessory unit which compensates for the brushing pressure and associated bending of the holder unit as well as hand movements. The toothbrush is characterized in that an O-ring or elastic shoe that is made either detached from or connected to the adjacent components is provided between the replaceable or fixed bristle unit and the holder unit. The bristle unit and holder unit are joined via a ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Kurt Kessler
  • Publication number: 20020073496
    Abstract: An improved toothbrush comprising a thin bristled pick rotatably mounted at the bottom end of the toothbrush handle. A rotating device allows the bristle pick to be extended roughly 85 degrees from the handle shaft so that the user may insert the pick between the teeth with ease for cleaning purposes. When not in use, the pick may be stored within the shaft of the toothbrush by rotating it inward and into a small rectangular cavity in the shaft. The added bristled pick feature allows users to attain enhanced tooth cleaning benefits from one device instead of a plurality of cleaning utensils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Soo An Kim
  • Patent number: 6385808
    Abstract: A bi-positional toothbrush comprising a brush head member (18) rotatably mounted to a handle (14) by a cylindrical pin (22) and coil spring (26) is described. The brush head member includes an array of bristles (42) at a forward end and terminates in an essentially flat angled surface (46) at a rearward end. The angled surface includes an axial bore (58) shaped to permanently constrain the forward end of the pin. The handle is elongated and includes at a forward end an essentially flat surface (70) angled at the same angle to the long axis of the handle as the angled flat surface of the brush head member is to its long axis. The angled flat surface of the handle includes an axial bore orthogonal thereto, sized to receive the pin and terminating in a means to rotatable secure the pin within the axial bore. The angled surfaces of the handle and brush head member includes symmetrical locking features (54, 86).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Todd H. Yamada, Gregg M. Yamada
  • Patent number: 6367111
    Abstract: A hairbrush formed from two pivotally connected bristle holders is provided. A spring is disposed between the two bristle holders for the bristle holders to easily open or close relative to each other. When the hairbrush is used in styling hairdo, hairs may be held in place between the two bristle holders without flying disorderly under the hot air of a hair drier. A user's thumb, which is usually extended to hold the hairs in place during styling hairdo, could be protected from burning by the hot air of the hair drier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Chin Chen
  • Publication number: 20010054211
    Abstract: A toothbrush that provides, besides the conventional bristles for brushing the teeth, other basic periodontal components recommended by dentists for perfect cleaning, massaging and stimulating of the gum tissue, all in one single, convenient artifact. The brush component is molded into one end of the handle, and the opposite end of the handle contains tubular recesses for holding two other dental tools. The invention includes four embodiments for holding, storing and ready retrieval of those tools. Two embodiments utilize a sliding button that extends the components out of internal recess chambers in the body of the toothbrush handle, the first one extends the components out of each end of the toothbrush handle, and the second one extends the tools out of the opposite end of the toothbrush, from the brush end. A third embodiment rotates the tools out of a covered recess chamber in the toothbrush handle and the fourth embodiment utilizes a knurled sleeve to extend the components out of the toothbrush handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Maria R. Cabedo-Deslierres, John M. Deslierres
  • Patent number: 6283930
    Abstract: The disclosed travel massage brush is an ultra-compact vibrating hair brush that comfortably fits an average woman's or man's hand in the hair brushing or massage modes. It is light in weight and portable permitting grooming and/or soothing scalp or body massage anywhere, at any time. Pivotally connected vibratory brush-head and handle subassemblies provide maximum space saving portability, making the travel massage brush ideal for taking along to the gym, to work, or while traveling. The vibratory brush-head subassembly includes a bristle carrier that is removably attached to a base member thereof and preferably slides on and off the base member to allow for convenient bristle cleaning and to access the battery compartment. Gentle ball-tipped bristles stimulate circulation to hair follicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Headwaters Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant David Purvis, David M. Raffo, Troy Gene Anderson, Rudy Anthony Vandenbelt
  • Patent number: 5970990
    Abstract: A mascara container has a bottle for receiving a supply of mascara and defining a bottle neck and opening. A cap is removably secured to the bottle neck at a closure end of the cap, the cap having a comb end extending from the closure end to a top end of the cap and defining a comb slot therebetween. An applicator is mounted to the closure end of the cap and extends through the bottle opening when the cap is secured on the bottle neck. A comb has teeth sized for combing eyelashes, and the comb pivotally mounted to the comb end of the cap for pivotal movement between a closed position with the teeth stored in the comb slot and an open position with the teeth deployed for combing action. The comb is removably retained in the comb slot by snap engagement and is provided with an extending grip for manipulating the comb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignees: The Brideport Metal Goods Mfg. Co., Revlon Consumer Products Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Dunton, Robert Le Bras-Brown, Jeffrey Mizell, Dominic A. Paratore, James Thalheimer
  • Patent number: 5906023
    Abstract: A pivotable hairbrush for offering a hairbrush that would adjust to the contour of a user's head. The inventive device includes a pivotable head, a plurality of bristles protruding from the pivotable head, and a handle extending from one end of the pivotable head. The pivotable head includes a stationary portion and a pivotable portion wherein the pivotable portion and the plurality of bristles protruding therefrom conjointly pivot relative to the stationary portion so as to conform to the contour of the head of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: David B. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5906022
    Abstract: A remote control apparatus with a cleaning mechanism comprises a controller accommodated in a housing and a cleaning device assembled to the housing. The user holds the apparatus and makes a selection so as to remotely control the electric appliance. The cleaning device outwardly extends from the housing. The user rubs the surface of the electric appliance with the cleaning device pressed against the electric appliance, thereby cleaning the surface of the electric appliance. The cleaning device includes a cleaning element and an extend-retract mechanism. The cleaning element may be a brush, a sheet of cloth, or belt of cloth. The extend-retract mechanism causes the cleaning element to move to an operative position where the cleaning element is extended for cleaning the electric appliance and to a non-operative position where the cleaning element is retracted into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Ohkawa, Akio Kirimura, Mitsue Takamori
  • Patent number: 5735298
    Abstract: A tri-fold multipurpose toothbrush (14) which comprises a component (16) for cleaning teeth. An arm assembly (18) is provided. A unit (20) on a first end of the arm assembly (18) is for retaining the teeth cleaning components (16) thereto in a removable manner. A case (22) is also provided. A member (24) at a second end of the arm assembly (18) is for pivoting the arm assembly (18) on a first end of the case (22). The arm assembly (18) with the teeth cleaning component (16) can fold down upon the case (22) when not in use and can fold out from the case (22) when in use. An assemblage (26) is for locking the arm assembly (18) in any angle when folded out from the case (22). A handle (28) is also provided, having a recessed area (30). Another member (32) at a first end of the handle (28) is for pivoting the handle (28) on a second end of the case (22). The handle (28) can fold down upon the case (22) with the recessed area (30) over the arm assembly (18) with the teeth cleaning component (16) when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventors: Harlo Mayne, P. Dustin McNeill
  • Patent number: 5692261
    Abstract: A foldable, elongated handle is provided at one end with a pad to which may be applied a lotion or cream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Mary Grace Lops
  • Patent number: 5522109
    Abstract: A toothbrush comprises an elongate element with a brushhead on each end. The elongate element (10) is composed of a first curved portion (10a, 10b) on one end and a corresponding second curved portion (10b, 10a) on the other end. Each curved portion further comprises an outer section (14) and a holder section (12) integrally connected by a goose-neck shaped middle section (13), with the brushhead attached to the free end of the outer section such that the longitudinal axis of the brushhead (20, 30) is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent outer section (14) of the element (10). The toothbrush is pivotally fitted with a rotatable cover-cum-handle that allows either brushhead-carrying curved portion (10a, 10b) of the elongate element to be exposed and concealed in turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Boon Su Chan
  • Patent number: 5511274
    Abstract: There is disclosed therein a tufted construction formed of a thermoplastic sheet which defines a two-dimensional projection of a three-dimensional tufted construction design which has integrally mutually spaced prefused tufts mounted at preselected areas on one surface thereof. The three-dimensional design includes a radial surface having said tufts thereon and a handle portion so that when the projection is assembled and the edges thereof joined, the three-dimensional design will be complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Tucel Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5485646
    Abstract: A brush which includes a stroke counting mechanism used to count the number of strokes made in the brushing of hair. The number of strokes is displayed on a digital read out which is mounted to the brush handle for easy reference. The brush can be used as a training aid it assists children in building counting skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Robert L. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5382107
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handgrip portion and a head portion pivoted to the handgrip portion and movable between a folded position and a stretched position. The head portion includes a pair of lugs with a pair of first positioning notches and a pair of second positioning notches which are spaced angularly from the first positioning notches. The handgrip portion includes a pair of parallel plates. A spring-loaded slider provided between the parallel plates and has a projection that extends into the first notches of the head portion when the toothbrush is at the folded position and into the second notches when the toothbrush is at the stretched position. The slider is movable so as to release the projection from the first notches in order to cause the head portion to pivot relative to the handgrip portion to the stretched position due to the provision of a torsional spring which biases normally the head portion away from the handgrip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Jau-Jer Nian
  • Patent number: 5377377
    Abstract: An interproximal brush for carrying on the person has an elongated one piece body member of elastomeric material forming a planar surface disposed between two leg members from which a substantially rigid boss extends for supporting a brush member. A plurality of hinges are formed in the body member at either side of the boss and the oppositely extending leg members are folded one adjacent the other and attached for slidable movement relative to one another. The planar surface is disposed transverse to the direction of relative movement of the leg members and rotates to move the brush from a position in alignment with the direction of movement of the leg members to a position forming an angle with the direction of movement of the leg members, when the leg members are moved relative to one another. The one piece body member may also be made foldable in the opposite direction to encase the brush within the leg members, or a bumper may be provided for supporting the planar surface when the brush is so rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Bredall, Graham J. Simms
  • Patent number: 5335390
    Abstract: An improved structure of a foldable comb having a handle and a hollowed frame pivotally connected therewith, the hollowed frame has an elastic member for implanting thereon a plurality of brush pins. The handle provides an eccentric wheel at the pivotal connection thereof, a push rod having a block thereon can be moved with the eccentric wheel and having an elongated shank thereof inserted into a rod sheath beneath an elastic member in a cavity of the hollowed frame to move therewith; therefore a plurality of brush pins on the elastic member being capable of stretching automatically when the handle and the hollowed frame being spreaded and being capable of contracting automatically for storage when the handle and the hollowed frame being folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Jong Ching Brushes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 5333341
    Abstract: A combination of a lint roller and encasement therefore in which two clam shell elements are pivotally connected together at one of their ends. One of the elements is a holder for a lint roller and the other is a cover/handle which when pivoted closed encloses the lint roller and when pivoted open serves as a handle. The two elements are each one-piece molded parts. The handle/cover element includes side sections which pivotally collapse to form a smaller and more comfortable handle in the opened use position. The holder element includes flanges extending from the end walls and between which the adhesive roller is rotatably mounted. The flanges are preferably arcuate in shape and have slanted edges providing a cam to spread the collapsed sections of the handle/cover to allow the handle/cover to fit over the roller and protect it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: William R. Heneveld
  • Patent number: 5323793
    Abstract: Hair clasping and brushing device and method of styling hair using the same. The device is capable of being arranged in a brushing configuration for brushing hair and in a clasping configuration for clasping hair, and generally comprises a clasp frame, a brush assembly, a clasp bar, a hinge mechanism, and a releasable clasp locking mechanism. The clasp frame has a first clasp frame end portion, a second clasp frame end portion, and an intermediate clasp frame portion disposed therebetween. The brush assembly is disposed along the intermediate clasp frame portion, for brushing hair. The clasp bar has a first clasp bar end portion, a second clasp bar end portion, and an intermediate clasp bar portion disposed therebetween, which is capable of being grasped in the hand of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Paolo Lorenzi
  • Patent number: 5309596
    Abstract: An interproximal brush for carrying on the person has an elongated one piece body member of elastomeric material forming a planar surface disposed between two leg members from which a substantially rigid boss extends for supporting a brush member. A plurality of hinges are formed in the body member at either side of the boss and the oppositely extending leg members are folded one adjacent the other and attached for slidable movement relative to one another. The planar surface is disposed transverse to the direction of relative movement of the leg members and rotates to move the brush from a position in alignment with the direction of movement of the leg members to a position forming an angle with the direction of movement of the leg members, when the leg members are moved relative to one another. The one piece body member may also be made foldable in the opposite direction to encase the brush within the leg members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Graham J. Simms
  • Patent number: 5226752
    Abstract: A golf equipment brush is provided for ease of transport and manual manipulation by individuals for the cleaning of golf clubs and associated golfing accessories to include a brush head mounted within a housing in a separable orientation relative to one another. The housing is arranged for selective torso or equipment support by directing a loop relative to the housing, and the brush including a matrix of bristle tufts mounted to a floor of the brush head. A first embodiment of the invention includes the brush head arranged for a snap-fit interconnection within the housing along a floor thereof, with a second embodiment including a spring-biased interconnection of the brush relative to the housing. A further embodiment of the invention includes the brush head pivotally mounted relative to the housing for selective release therefrom for ease of manual manipulation of the brush in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventors: Ronald Guerin, Jean G. Laroche
  • Patent number: 5185902
    Abstract: A collapsible hair brush employs a flat rectangular flexible membrane with a plurality of bristles projecting perpendicularly from one of its flat surfaces with this membrane having its opposite edges journalled on two spaced-apart, parallel elements which elements are disposed at a width less than the width of the membrane whereby the membrane will have an arcuate configuration when assembled on said elements and can be pushed to one side of the elements to open the bristles and the other side of the elements to close the bristles, along with a handle hinged to the brush which can be folded over the membrane when the bristles are closed to make a compact unit for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: James C. Fong
  • Patent number: 5083336
    Abstract: A cleaning brush for a shaver is provided which comprises a substantially plate-like main member divided into a first and a second half, the first and second halves being coupled on the side of one surface by a hinge member with their side faces being substantially adjacent to each other, the first half being provided at the side face thereof with bristles extending perpendicularly to the side face, the second half being formed in a second surface thereof with a recess which opens at the side face thereof to accommodate the bristles, the cleaning brush further comprising a holding portion provided on the first and second halves and on a mounting surface, respectively, for cooperating with each other to detachably mount the main member on the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corp.
    Inventors: Yukihiko Atsumi, Hiroshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5083337
    Abstract: A hand-held implement can be used to clean various surfaces and is totally self-contained. The implement includes a sponge element that is impregnated with disinfectant and a drying cloth mounted on a head section thereof. A handle section of the implement folds over the head section during storage. A disposal bag unit is mounted on the sponge and also serves to prevent the disinfectant from evaporating from sponge during storage. A packet of dry cleaning powder is also mounted on one of the handle sections. After, use, the implement is placed in the disposal bag and discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Marlene M. Jones
  • Patent number: 5074414
    Abstract: A disposable toothbrush for travelers, guests of business establishments, and others who need an inexpensive throwaway toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a handle which is folded in the shape of a small angular hollow book. A neck is integrally attached to the handle and folded thereon. A head with bristles is integrally attached to the top of the neck. When the head with bristles and neck are folded inside the hollow handle a compact inexpensive toothbrush is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Juan J. Romana
  • Patent number: 5003658
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toothbrush and in particular to a combination folding toothbrush-toothpaste system. The system is compact and can be readily made tamper resistant. The folding toothbrush is readily carried in one's pocket or purse.The toothbrush of the present invention in its simplest form has a two section handle. A first handle section having a brush end with bristles and a second handle section having a terminal end with a protrusion containing a reservoir. The reservoir is contoured to conform to the profile of the brush.Means for connecting and pivotally rotating the first handle section with respect to the second handle section are provided. It is preferred that the pivotable motion be limited between the first handle section and the second handle section such, that when the toothbrush is in the open position the protrusion and the bristles of the brush are diametrically opposed. When the toothbrush is in a closed position the reservoir encompasses the bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Dennis A. Rolleri