Boot Cleaners Patents (Class 15/237)
  • Patent number: 10272577
    Abstract: A hat with multifunctional bill portion has a sheath portion and a top sheath attachment portion is fitted over bill of a hat that has been trimmed to fit. A plurality of screws attach the multifunctional bill portion to the bill. The sheath has two magnets and an alignment portion to removably hold a bill tool such as a knife in place. The alignment portion fits within a matching finger portion of the bill tool and helps stabilize the tool within the multifunctional bill portion during use. A variety of bill tool portions may be selected to match a specific use such as knife, bottle cap opener, divot tool, wrench, screwdriver, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventors: William Corner, Glen Odor
  • Patent number: 10123658
    Abstract: A walk-in bathing environment is used by people who may have trouble getting in and out of standard bathtubs or showers. Grab bars are positioned in and around the bathing environments to aid in entering the environments, exiting the environments, sitting, standing, and otherwise moving relative to the bathing environment. The grab bars may be placed on the walls, top, external, or generally on and around the bathing environment such that a user can grab the one or more grab bars in order to provide support for moving relative to the bathing environment. The grab bars are connected to the environment such that they can be moved between a use and a non-use configuration, such that the bars are extending from a portion of the housing only when desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Chet Millerd
  • Patent number: 9925924
    Abstract: A step includes an integrated mud scraper and storage. The step may be part of a vehicle and, therefore, may be coupled to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The step includes a step body. The step body defines a stepping surface. The step body defines an opening extending through the stepping surface. The step includes at least one scraper extending from the stepping surface, wherein the scraper is obliquely angled relative to the stepping surface. The scraper is configured to scrape mud on a shoe, and the opening is configured to receive the mud scraped by the scraper. The scraper has a first scraper end and a second scraper end opposite the first scraper end. The first scraper end may be directly coupled to the stepping surface. The second scraper edge defines a scraping edge, and the scraping edge is aligned with the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Grabowski, Daniel C. Gifford, Brian M. Izard
  • Publication number: 20120324670
    Abstract: A golf tool for cleaning a cleat or spike may include a top surface, a pair of opposing side surfaces connected to the top surface, a bottom surface opposing the top surface, a front surface connecting to the top surface, the bottom surface and the side surfaces, and a back surface connecting to the top surface, the bottom surface and the side surfaces. The bottom surface may be connected to at least three cleaning fingers to simultaneously clean three cleats of a golf shoe. The front surface may be connected to a finger projection having a flexible cleaning cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Clarence K. Cohens
  • Publication number: 20120227204
    Abstract: An ice skate blade maintenance device is provided for removing built-up ice from the surfaces of a skate blade without requiring a skater's hands. The device comprises a backing member, a blade-receiving block having one or a plurality of blade grooves, and a plurality of mounting holes. The backing member may be a surface, block or wedge shape that may be removably secured to a backing structure via fasteners inserted through member mounting holes. The blade-receiving block is secured to the upper surface of the backing member. The blade grooves comprise “Y” shaped channels disposed in parallel alignment along the block for a user to remove ice from a skate blade by sliding the blade therethrough, whereby the walls of the groove contact the blade and remove ice therefrom. The device is preferably comprised of a soft, durable material to prevent damage or dulling of a blade during its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Darrell Maye
  • Patent number: 8191684
    Abstract: The ladder mounted brush apparatus provides for ladder safety with a removably mounted device that affixes to the lower rung of a ladder, adjacent to the ladder rail. Upon beginning to climb the ladder, a user steps downwardly on the brush bristles and base to position the base and bristles atop the rung, moving the base and bristles and attachment plate from parallel to the ladder rail to a position atop the rung, perpendicular to the rail. The user then weights alternates feet to scrub footwear soles, thereby cleaning the footwear to ensure against slipping on the ladder rungs. Upon cessation of use, the attachment plate with attached brush base with bristles automatically returns to a position immediately adjacent to the ladder rail, thereby out of the way of ladder ascension and dissention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: David R. Dammann
  • Patent number: 8096012
    Abstract: An outsole grid cleaner for removing dirt and debris from the sole of shoes includes a base and a plurality of scraper prongs which remove dirt and debris from the shoe's sole. The outsole grid cleaner has one continuous sidewall extending peripherally around the device. A plurality of scraper prongs extend outwardly from the sidewall. The plurality of scraper prongs have a free end. The plurality of scraper prongs are manipulated through a shoe's outsole pattern of projections to forcibly remove debris and dirt from the lowermost surface of the shoe's outsole pattern. The scraper prongs also remove dirt and debris when in contact with the channel on the top surface of the shoe sole's projections. The scraper prongs further remove the dirt and debris when in contact with the top surface of the shoe sole's projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Shoes For Crews, LLC
    Inventor: Randy N. Lubart
  • Publication number: 20110252592
    Abstract: A golf tool for cleaning a cleat or spike may include a top surface, a pair of opposing side surfaces connected to the top surface, a bottom surface opposing the top surface, a front surface connecting to the top surface, the bottom surface and the side surfaces, and a back surface connecting to the top surface, the bottom surface and the side surfaces. The bottom surface may be connected to at least three cleaning fingers to simultaneously clean three cleats of a golf shoe. The top surface may include a first concave surface, and the top surface may include a second concave surface. The top surface may include a traverse upward extending projection, and the top surface may include an inclined portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Clarence K. Cohens
  • Publication number: 20100180394
    Abstract: An outsole grid cleaner for removing dirt and debris from the sole of shoes includes a base and a plurality of scraper prongs which remove dirt and debris from the shoe's sole. The outsole grid cleaner has one continuous sidewall extending peripherally around the device. A plurality of scraper prongs extend outwardly from the sidewall. The plurality of scraper prongs have a free end. The plurality of scraper prongs are manipulated through a shoe's outsole pattern of projections to forcibly remove debris and dirt from the lowermost surface of the shoe's outsole pattern. The scraper prongs also remove dirt and debris when in contact with the channel on the top surface of the shoe sole's projections. The scraper prongs further remove the dirt and debris when in contact with the top surface of the shoe sole's projections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Randy N. Lubart
  • Patent number: 7752701
    Abstract: A device for cleaning golf equipment such as golf clubs and golf shoe includes a handle, a brush head surface formed in an underside of the handle at a proximal end thereof, and a plurality of metal and plastic bristles extending downward from the brush head surface. The bristles are configured so that the plastic bristles are arranged around an outer circumference of the brush head surface to encircle the metal bristles extending from a central portion of the brush head surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Frogger, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremiah Bohannon, Darrell S. Staley
  • Patent number: 7555802
    Abstract: A device for cleaning golf equipment includes a handle, a removable brush assembly attached to an end of the handle, and a removable groove cleaner assembly attached to the handle directly above the brush assembly. The brush assembly includes a plurality of metal bristles arranged around a periphery of the handle. The metal bristles surround a plurality of plastic bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Frogger
    Inventors: Jeremiah Bohannon, Darrell S. Staley
  • Patent number: 7462385
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved disposable cleaning sheet for removing debris, especially hair from a non-smooth or rough surface, especially fibrous type surfaces such as carpeting or upholstery. The cleaning sheets comprise a fibrous substrate and a plurality of protrusions extending from strand elements embedded within fibrous substrate. The cleaning sheets use the protrusions to dislodge the debris from the surface being cleaned, and the fibrous substrate captures the dislodged debris without a backing for the protrusions interfering with the particle capture of the fibrous substrate. Further, the protrusions are firmly embedded within the fibrous substrate such that they cannot be dislodged from the substrate in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jayshree Seth, Ronald W. Ausen, Kim C. Sachs
  • Patent number: 7437793
    Abstract: An athletic shoe cleaning device includes cleaning teeth affixed to a handle. Pairs or opposed cleaning teeth are provided which have a first section and a second section joined by an angle suitable for cleaning golf shoe spikes having multiple nubs or flanges. The cleaning teeth are especially suited for removing debris from circular or softer type golf spikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Lane
  • Patent number: 7234191
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus for use with a vehicle includes a brush assembly having at least one brush unit thereon. A mounting arm includes a first end extending from the brush assembly and a second end selectively coupled to a hitch receiver of the vehicle in an installed position. The mounting arm further includes a hinge for moving the brush assembly between an operating position and a storage position. The mounting arm includes an upper portion coupled to the hitch receiver and a lower portion laterally offset from the upper portion toward a ground surface. The lower portion is coupled to the brush assembly. The hinge is disposed on the lower portion of the mounting arm. A stepped portion extends perpendicularly between the upper portion and the lower portion. The brush assembly rotates from a substantially parallel relationship with the ground surface in the operating position to an upright position substantially perpendicular to the ground surface in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: John P Finley
  • Patent number: 7107645
    Abstract: A brush for suede shoes, or any other object made of napped material, hasving a one-piece molded plastic handle having a hollow interior with a planar outwardly-facing bristle-mounting surface, a collar extending annularly about the bristle-mounting surface and a gripping portion extending centrally from the collar transversely oppositely of the bristle-mounting surface. Bristles are embedded in and extend outwardly from the bristle-mounting surface. A hollow removable erasing rubber sleeve is configured for essentially complemental fitting over the gripping portion. Paired apertures and protrusions fit together to retain the hollow removable erasing rubber sleeve in complemental contact overlying the gripping portion of the handle of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Peter Bressler, John Coleman, Mathieu Turpault, Zoey Juhng, Xavier Vinas
  • Patent number: 6993806
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus and method of attaching the same to a vehicle includes a brush assembly having at least one brush unit. A linkage includes a first end selectively coupled to the brush assembly and a second end selectively coupled to a hitch receiver of the vehicle. A hitch sleeve is inserted into the hitch receiver and is secured in an installed position. In an alternate embodiment, a shoe cleaning apparatus and method of attaching the same to a hitch receiver of a vehicle includes a frame having a forward end including a mounting arm and at least one brush unit coupled to the frame. A coupling element couples the mounting arm of the frame to the hitch receiver of the vehicle. A mounting aperture of the frame is aligned with an aperture formed on the hitch receiving portion of the vehicle defining a mounting axis. The mounting arm is secured to the hitch receiving portion at the mounting axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: John P. Finley
  • Patent number: 6898817
    Abstract: A brush/scrapper device cleans dirt and debris from the soles of outdoor sports shoes, such as the cleats of golf or other such shoes. The device is a single piece frame having a body portion to which a brush is mountable and an appendage portion for engaging a bumper. The frame being a single piece bent to form the body and appendage portions and is removably mountable on the bumper of a vehicle like a golf cart without modification of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6813795
    Abstract: A shoe and boot cleaning device is disclosed, comprised of a main housing of a generally rectangular, hollow box configuration. A scraping blade is used to scrape mud off of shoes and boots. At least one rotating brush is used to clean off debris from the bottom of the shoes and boots. A drawer is located on the bottom of the main housing and collects the mud and dirt from the shoes and boots. The drawer can be removed for easy cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Judy Graves
  • Patent number: 6534146
    Abstract: A dual purpose floor mat for providing a better floor mat for vehicles that will better protect the floor of the vehicle. The dual purpose floor mat includes a mat member having a bottom wall and also having side and end walls securely attached to and extending along a perimeter of the bottom wall with the bottom wall having a first and second portion; and also includes a floor member being attached to the mat member and having a wall and a first and second side; and further includes a plurality of scraping members being spaced apart and being securely attached to the first end portion of the bottom wall and to the first side of the floor member; and also includes fabric covering securely disposed upon the second portion of the bottom wall and upon the second side of the floor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: James W. Mentz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6530105
    Abstract: A golf shoe spike cleaner particularly adapted for use in association with a golf cart comprises a frame for mounting at least one spike cleaner thereto, at least one spike cleaner mounted to the frame, and mounting member for mounting the spike cleaner to the golf cart. The present device may further include a plurality of spike cleaners, angularly disposed with respect to the horizontal or ground at a convenient angle for dragging a golf shoe thereacross. To prevent debris from flying into the golf cart a shield is used to deflect the debris away from the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Guy J. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20020174499
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning and sanitizing footwear includes a container for disinfectant liquids which container has an upwardly open U-shaped channel tack-welded to the bottom panel of the container in which channel at least one brush is removably attached. The brush is adapted to remove debris from the bottom of footwear while a pair of inwardly facing brushes are provided for cleaning the sides of the footwear. Preferably, a scraper blade is attached to one end panel of the container. Outwardly extending flanges are provided on opposed surfaces of the container for manual grasping and lifting of the device. Optionally, a pair of laterally extending L-shaped brackets is attached opposite sides of the container are provided for to stabilizing the device during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Irwin B. Meshbesher
  • Patent number: 6363567
    Abstract: A shoe brush is mounted for slidable motion between a retracted position and an extended position. The brush is fixedly attached to longitudinally extending support members which are mounted for slidable motion on a support which is fixedly connected to the underside of a vehicle. A spring assembly is connected to the brush support urging the brush to the retracted position. The brush is drawn outwardly against the tension of the spring assembly to an extended position for utilization in brushing shoes. A latch member retains the brush in this extended position unless and until it is released to permit the spring to draw the brush to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Jay J. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20020029432
    Abstract: A shoe and boot cleaning device is disclosed, comprised of a main housing of a generally rectangular, hollow box configuration. A scraping blade is used to scrape mud off of shoes and boots. At least one rotating brush is used to clean off debris from the bottom of the shoes and boots. A drawer is located on the bottom of the main housing and collects the mud and dirt from the shoes and boots. The drawer can be removed for easy cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Gary Graves, Judy Graves
  • Patent number: 6301739
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning device for a vehicle includes a tray mounted beneath a vehicle immediately adjacent one of the door openings. Slidably received within the tray is a drawer like cleaning device including a lower wall with a pair of side panels upwardly extending therefrom. A layer of abrasive material is disposed on the lower wall. A plurality of bristle pads may be removably attached to the mat as well as the inwardly facing sides of the side panels for removing heavier debris. A motor and gear assembly automatically extends and retracts the cleaning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Fernando A. Cazaux
  • Patent number: 6243907
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cleaning member having a plurality of bristles extending from an upper surface thereof for cleaning a golf shoe. The cleaning device further includes a plate coupled to an end of the cleaning member and pivotal between a first open position laterally adjacent to the cleaning member and a second closed position covering the bristles. The bristles extend both upwardly and inwardly for simultaneously cleaning the sides, sole, and cleats of a golf shoe as the shoe is scraped across the cleaning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: James F. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6032316
    Abstract: A stowable brush assembly includes a support body having a brush retainer pivotably affixed to it so that the brush retainer can be moved from a storage position in which it overlies, and is generally parallel to the support body to a use position in which it is disposed at an angle relative to the support body. An operating lever engages the brush retainer and pivots it from the storage position to the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: PVM Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles D. Peake, Kenneth Hyotlaine
  • Patent number: 5713097
    Abstract: A boot scraper of novel design and shape and incorporating a novel boot scraping surface that can be mounted to, or incorporated in, skiing implements such as skis and snowboards, as well as ski boot bindings, snowboard boot bindings, and ski boots and snowboard boots. In one embodiment, the boot scraper comprises an elongated polygonal molded rigid ABS plastic block that is mounted to the top surface of a ski. The block is mounted to the ski by an adhesive or by mechanical fasteners such as screws. The top surface of the boot scraper incorporates a two-dimensional grid of adjacent polyhedrons extending in an upward direction. The tips of the polyhedrons form a scraping surface consisting of a multi-dimensional array of spaced, generally rigid pointed surfaces. The underside of the block contains hollowed out cavities that reduce weight but maintain strength and rigidity of the block. The scraper is used by drawing the sole of the ski boot to be cleaned over the scraper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Jaime Brown
  • Patent number: 5694660
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a tool for cleaning shoe soles having cleats comprises a thin, elongated bar of material wherein at least one end comprises a generally V-shaped notch portion and, on at least one side of the notch portion, a scraping portion to facilitate the removal of mud. The notch portion is formed by converging surfaces having a relatively wide open end tapering to a relatively narrow closed end. In use, the notched portion is pushed into a cleat, which it contacts at two points, and rotated around the cleat, causing a scraping portion to clean around the cleat periphery. Advantageously the notch portion has a width greater than its depth to permit cleaning of a wide range of cleat diameters, and the notch walls are straight (rather than beveled) to provide solid pivot contacts. The scraping portion is advantageously beveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph E. Rachwalski
  • Patent number: 5636404
    Abstract: A portable shoe and boot tie and cleaner apparatus for securing to automobiles, trucks and the like. This apparatus includes a web belt which is secured by the closed hood of a vehicle, an independent collapsible foot support pivotally attaches at the top to a base which hooks securely to the belt, a foot support pivotally attached to the top of the base and a brace that is pivotally attached to the bottom of the foot support. There is also two separate cleaning and scraping attachments which slide into position over the top of the foot support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Gilbert J. Ribera
  • Patent number: 5575337
    Abstract: A horse pick for cleaning foreign matter from the hoof of a horse, the pick having an elongated shank with a wedge-shaped tip, typically forming an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the shank. On the end of the shank opposite the tip is fastened a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Rachel T. Sapyta
  • Patent number: 5509167
    Abstract: A cleat cleaning tool that is comprised of a handle and a first prong and a second prong, the first and second prongs connected to the handle and extending therefrom. The first and second prongs are positioned next to one another to form a groove, which has a groove length and groove width. The groove length is approximately equal to a cleat length and the groove width is approximately equal to a cleat width, so that the groove fits around a cleat, so that the cleat cleaning tool can be moved back and forth around the cleat in order to clean and remove debris (e.g., mud, dirt, and grass) from the cleat. The groove is formed by a first interior surface of the first prong and a second interior surface of the second prong. The first prong has a first end and the second prong has a second end, neither of which is connected to the handle. The first and second prong may be beveled in ordered to provide a fairly sharp edge. Similarly, the first and second ends may be hooked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Dylan Wilson
  • Patent number: 5147098
    Abstract: A scraping device adhesively mounted on the top surface of a ski for removing ice and snow from the bottom surfaces of a ski boot. The scraping device, with a rectangular base supporting a plurality of vertical segments, symmetrically spaced, is molded from an elastomeric material having sufficient stiffness and elasticity to rotate horizontally under the compressive force of a ski boot. The top surface of each segment having a saw tooth or abrasive surface. The skier scraping the boot while asserting pressure on the scraper is able to remove ice and snow from the bottom surface of the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: David J. McCrink
  • Patent number: 5042839
    Abstract: A selectively positionable scraping apparatus is disclosed for scraping matter from the sole of articles of footwear, for example ski boots or shoes. The apparatus is mountable, for example, on the upper surfaces of a ski adjacent to the ski boot binding toe piece and includes a mounting portion and a scraper connected with the mounting portion and movable with respect thereto between stored and operative positions. A spring biases the scraper toward the operative position abutting the binding toe piece and a retainer connected with the mounting portion is provided for releasably securing the scraper in the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: James R. Ciari
  • Patent number: 4819984
    Abstract: An automobile doormat is provided for protecting and preserving the floormat and carpet provided with the car. The doormat includes a stationary bracket extending vertically along the front portion of the interior of a door and a cleaning element removably supported on the bracket. The cleaning element may be installed and removed without tools and may be cleaned and replaced when desired. The cleaning element may be made from carpet which complements the appearance of the carpet in the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Bruce B. Wylie
  • Patent number: 4790122
    Abstract: A rectangular shaped pad is mounted on a building in an area adjacent the doorframe to protect the building from damage due to kicking by persons trying to remove devris from their footwear upon entering the building. The pad can be mounted below the doorframe where the doorframe is raised above the entrance to the building or the pad can be mounted on either side of the doorframe where the doorframe is level with the entrance to the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Joseph W. Marriott
  • Patent number: 4785490
    Abstract: This invention comprises a plurality of side by side chains mounted on a base, so that golf shoe spikes may be combed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Everett H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4718138
    Abstract: A device for removal of matter from shoes and boots is disclosed. The device includes a scraping portion, a mounting portion, and a rotatable member for mounting the scraping portion on the mounting portion so that the scraping portion can be rotated, relative to the mounting portion, between stored and operative positions, with the rotatable member being biased to urge the scraping portion toward the operative position upon actuation of a release mechanism connected with the rotatable member. The device is mounted upon, or integrated with, a handle structure, such as, for example, a ski pole, so that, when so mounted or integrated, the scraping portion is substantially aligned with the handle structure in the stored position and is rotated to a position extending in a direction away from the handle structure in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Steven R. Brown
    Inventors: Steven R. Brown, Gene A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 4670932
    Abstract: A portable tool of durable thermoplastic composition for cleaning or removing mud or other debris from the heels and soles of a cleated shoe. A swordlike handle is secured to an elongated blade which extends to a beveled scraping edge at its distal end. The blade end is of a width dimension adapted to pass between adjacent cleats and is centrally grooved or slotted for intervening receipt of a cleat during cleaning. A transverse guard plate extending about the blade at the inboard end of the handle protects a user's hand on the handle against dirt and/or cleat contact during the course of debris removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Williams
  • Patent number: 4571767
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cleaning grass and dirt from golf shoes. The invented apparatus may be carried in a golf bag and can be easily used while the golfer is positioned in an upright standing position. The invented apparatus generally includes: a rigid block or base which has a brush means mounted on the upper surface of the block; a tubular shaft, similar to a conventional golf club shaft is fixedly attached to the block or base; and, at least one cleat, mounted on the bottom surface of the block or base and adapted to be inserted into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Inventor: Charles C. Dangler
  • Patent number: 4549327
    Abstract: A cleaner and chalk dust receptacle for chalk board erasers comprises a box shaped container which is received and supported within a wall mounted cover member. The container has an open top, a bottom wall, a back wall, a front wall, and a pair opposed side walls which are provided with opposed outwardly arcuate convex beads extending longitudinally therealong, and the cover member has an open front, a top wall provided with an opening therethrough, a back wall, and a pair of side walls extending from the open front to the back wall. The interior surface of the side walls are provided with opposed arcuate concave grooves extending longitudinally therealong for slidably receiving the beads of the container. A scraper blade disposed on the top surface of the top wall extends transversely across the opening in the top wall for scraping chalk dust from the bottom surface of chalkboard erasers when they are drawn thereacross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Inventor: Robert M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4490878
    Abstract: A versatile flat mount shoe scraper comprising a framed grate, an arch standard extending downwardly with a scraper bar secured to the terminated ends of the standard, which is then secured to the framed grate, thereby providing a base one would stand upright on and a grab bar one would grip for balance while removing debris from ones shoes on the grate and scraper bar by placing ones shoes on same, applying light pressure and pulling backwards to ones self. Decorative swirls on the framed grate are for stability and decor. An upper brace bar on the arch standard accommodates the following attachments: address plate and flower pot holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Eulema G. Boggs
  • Patent number: 4425677
    Abstract: A shoe cleaner for removing debris from the sole of a shoe is comprised of a foraminous scraper for contacting the sole of a shoe and, upon relative motion therebetween, removing debris therefrom and a wick member for applying a liquid deodorant and/or solvent for the debris to the shoe from a reservoir proximate the foraminous scraper. The shoe cleaner disclosed herein also preferably includes a mat for removal of any excess deodorant and/or solvent and for secondary removal of debris from the sole of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Inventor: James P. Cox
  • Patent number: 4276728
    Abstract: A floor grid is provided for a trafficway for removing debris from traffic passing thereover. The grid comprises a support structure below the surface of the trafficway, a plurality of spaced tread rails defining an upper surface which is generally flush with the surface of the trafficway and being supported by the support structure, and a plurality of traverse spacer bars or channels positioned immediately beneath the tread rails. Each tread rail is secured to each spacer channel by a bolt where both cross. Each bolt has a head which is received in and is slidable, when the bolt is not tightened, along a pair of confronting slots in an associated tread rail. Each of the slots has a flat vertical surface which respectively butt against a pair of flat vertical surfaces of the bolt head preventing rotation of the bolt relative to the tread rail. Preferably the slots are just high enough to snugly receive the bolt heads. Feet extend outwardly from the lower end of each tread rail and engage the spacer channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude P. Balzer, Edward M. Corman
  • Patent number: 4221393
    Abstract: This invention relates to ski poles in general and more specifically to a ski pole shaft manufactured from plastic and having an integral recessed portion which functions as a snow and ice scraper to clean the bottom of a ski boot so that the boot will fit securely in the binding of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Inventor: Arnold Donahue
  • Patent number: 4145063
    Abstract: A ski boot scraper which is light in weight and is removably attachable to a ski pole and will not interfere with the normal use of the ski pole. The boot scraper is a little more semi-cylindrical shaped in cross section and will yieldingly contact with the ski pole to hold it in place. An anchor block is permanently secured to the ski pole adjacent to the handle and it has an annular groove for removably receiving the lip of the boot scraper for holding the scraper against any longitudinal movement along the ski pole. The lip on the scraper is positioned at one end thereof while the other end of the scraper is tapered to form an integral handle by means of which the scraper can be removed from or applied to the ski pole. One longitudinal edge of the scraper is notched to aid in removing snow from a boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Inventors: Gregory T. Knapp, Gordon Haney
  • Patent number: 4145062
    Abstract: A snow scraper attached to a ski pole shaft includes an elongated member having an exterior surface and a wall. The ski pole shaft extends through a longitudinally oriented, cylindrical channel in the member. The member has a substantially planar exterior surface portion oriented tangentially to the channel and spaced outwardly from the channel. A radial slot extends from the channel perpendicularly toward and intersects the substantially planar exterior surface portion. Two longitudinally extending edges are defined by second and third exterior surface portions that intersect with the substantially planar exterior surface portion. Inwardly concave, exterior surface portions are located between the edge and the channel in the sidewall of the member. A means for clamping the member to a ski pole shaft is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Inventor: Cyrus R. Stiemert
  • Patent number: 4023291
    Abstract: An advertising device carrying a name on the scraper plate and having an attachment bracket which can be used as a stake to fix the bootscraper to the earth. The same attachment bracket can also fasten the name-bearing plate to the license plate support of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1977
    Inventor: William L. McMillan
  • Patent number: 4000909
    Abstract: A ski boot snow scraper is attached to one of a skier's ski poles and is readily available to remove the caked snow from the bottom of a ski boot so that the ski boot can be properly and safely placed and clamped within the bindings of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1977
    Inventor: Sidney C. Coale
  • Patent number: 3999773
    Abstract: A combination boot scraper adapted to scrape the snow off the sole of a ski boot and an anti-theft device is disclosed. The combination boot scraper and anti-theft device comprises a flat substantially rectangular base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface of the base is adapted to contact and be affixed to an upper surface of a ski. The upper surface of the base has a rigid upstanding flange integrally formed therewith. The flange is generally coextensive with two opposing points along the periphery of the upper surface of the base. The flange has an arch defined therein which is adapted to receive a cable or other similar securing means for securing the ski to a fixed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1976
    Inventor: James H. Shuttleworth
  • Patent number: 3976304
    Abstract: A device adapted to be mounted on, or integral with, the upper surface of a snow ski for the purpose of removing ice, snow, mud, and the like from the bottom of a skier's boot prior to insertion of the boot into the binding. The device is generally in the shape of a disk, a ring, a polygon, or variations of those shapes so as to present a maximum scraping surface to the boot regardless of the direction of approach of the boot relative to the ski. At the same time, a smaller lower surface is provided for mounting on the ski with a minimal effect on the flex of the ski, and the device has preferably a low profile and a beveled edge or ramp so as to prevent crossed skis from becoming interlocked either between the scraper and the ski or between the scraper and the boot binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1976
    Inventors: Christopher B. Lillibridge, Alfred H. Lotring