Sponge Or Sponge With Holder Patents (Class 15/244.1)
  • Patent number: 7386910
    Abstract: A cleaning assembly including a disposable cleaning implement having a cleaning element mounted to a fitment having an elongated post. The cleaning assembly includes an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion and a distal implement attachment end thereof. A gripping mechanism is coupled to the wand attachment end, and is configured to releasably grip the fitment post to mount the cleaning implement. The gripping mechanism and the maneuvering wand cooperate to substantially limited pivotal movement of a longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative a longitudinal axis of the gripping mechanism to not more than about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees when the fitment post is subjected to forces radial to the longitudinal axis of the fitment post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Minkler, Russell E. Bell
  • Publication number: 20080098546
    Abstract: The disclosed cleaning tool assembly for cleaning a hard kitchen surface includes a cleaning tool and a wiping substrate. The cleaning tool is a unitary cleaning tool having a base portion, a handle portion, and a neck portion connecting the base portion to the handle portion. The base portion includes a planar, rigid working surface. The handle portion includes an upper convex surface that forms an upper portion of the cleaning tool whereby the upper convex surface engages with the palm of a hand. The neck portion is recessed from both the base portion and the handle portion. The neck portion engages with the fingers of a hand. The wiping substrate is removably attached to the working surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Bridget K. Warmka, Bobbi L. Pinnow, Arthur V. Lang, Perry S. Dotterman, Thomas G. Skulley
  • Patent number: 7363674
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fan blade cleaning tool having a box-shaped housing. The housing has first and second openings on opposing sides, with a passage extending therebetween for receiving a fan blade. A dust gutter extends outwardly from, and adjacent to, the first opening. A method of cleaning a fan blade using the disclosed tool is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: John C. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20080078045
    Abstract: An eyeglasses cleaning device includes: a holding body defining an inner space therein and adapted to receive a cleaning cloth in the inner space, the holding body having a connecting end; and at least one cleaning unit including a mounting member that is coupled detachable to the connecting end of the holding body, and a soft porous block that is mounted on the mounting member and that is adapted to absorb a liquid cleaner therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Allen TSAI
  • Publication number: 20080052852
    Abstract: A holding assembly for a sweeping and wringing apparatus comprises a fastening assembly, fastened to a lower end of a holding rod of the sweeping and wringing apparatus, having a chamber which is enclosed by a left wall and a right wall into which insertion holes are bored, an insertion assembly, inserted between the insertion holes and having two cross-shaped insertion heads separated by a spring, and a release assembly, shaped like the letter U and having two end sections with chamfered end faces which wedge-like respectively enter spaces between the left and right walls and the insertion heads when the release assembly is pressed on, with a spring exerting a counterforce, so that a cleaning head of the sweeping and wringing apparatus is easily replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20080052851
    Abstract: A cleaning head for a sweeping and wringing apparatus is mounted on a lower end of a connecting rod thereof and comprises a cleaning element, having a sweeping part and a held part, a base plate, holding the held part of said cleaning element and having two fixing elements, which each have a fixing hole and a guiding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20080028555
    Abstract: A handheld cleaning tool has a tool body with an ergonomically designed handle and cleaning head, the cleaning head extending at an obtuse angle to the handle. The cleaning head has a flexibly rigid support member with outwardly extending locking tabs located at each side of the member. The cleaning head is configured to be inserted into a mitt-like cleaning pad which substantially encompasses the cleaning head when it is fully inserted into the pad. When the cleaning head is fully within the pad, the locking tabs are immovably positioned within pockets on opposite sides of the pad. This secures the pad on the cleaning head and to the handle of the cleaning tool. The outer surfaces of the cleaning pad can accommodate an abrasive surface, a sponge-like surface, or other equivalent, commonly used cleaning surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Robert E. Petner, Charles E. Gengler
  • Publication number: 20070289606
    Abstract: A multi-pin fiber connector cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning and removal of contamination of multi-pin connectors is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes a handle portion, a tool portion, a specially formulated and disposable foam cleaning pad, a cloth cleaning pad and a cloth cleaning pad container. The apparatus is pushed onto ferrules inside a connector shell wherein the contaminants located on the ferrules adhere to the adhesive nature of the cleaning pads which allows all the ferrules in the connector to be clean in one forward movement on to the ferrules and one withdrawing movement away from the ferrules. The tool portion may have various shapes and sizes such as oval, circular, square or other shapes and sizes in order to accommodate the type of connector to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Abrahamian, Lawrence van der Vegt
  • Publication number: 20070267042
    Abstract: A cleaning article in the form of a sponge body for absorbing and retaining a fluid and an encasement membrane attached to the sponge body. The encasement membrane covers a portion of the sponge body being sized to fit within and be held by the hand of a user while leaving exposed, a portion of the sponge body for engaging a surface to be cleaned. As a preferred embodiment, the encasement membrane is further characterized as being a thermal insulator substantially reducing thermal energy contained within the fluid from passing therethrough. The encasement membrane is also characterized as being impervious to water, steam or other gasses to prevent their escape where they could affect the user's hand. The present invention is ideally suited for cleaning a surface by applying a cleaning fluid, such as water with or without a detergent to the sponge body and placing the cleaning article within a microwave oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Gene Menzies
  • Patent number: 7284293
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an article for cleaning uneven, variable geometry surfaces of electronic devices, internal electronic assemblies, or the like. The article comprises a housing having opposing faces with a support mounted to a first of the faces and a cleaning surface mounted to a second and opposite face of the housing. The cleaning surface includes a substantially flexible material formed in multiple, alternating patterns comprising at least one row of non-continuous, relatively tall triangular-like spikes separated by a plurality of rows of continuous, relatively short triangular-like spikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Helen A. Holder, Sandra G. Goebel, William H. Leong
  • Patent number: 7275276
    Abstract: A cleaning head with a cleaning substrate, a cleaning composition and a fitment can used to clean hard surfaces, including toilets, showers, and bathrooms. The fitment can be attached to a cleaning tool. The cleaning face of the cleaning substrate can be in the shape of a polygon. The fitment can be attached to the cleaning substrate by melting the fitment above its softening temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Agnes Jaszenovics, Douglas J. Minkler, Kaitlin Roach
  • Patent number: 7275275
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for cleaning contact lenses is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing (110) having first (112) and second (114) housing sections which are joinable to form a chamber for receiving the lens. Each of the housing sections has an operative face (118, 120, 124, 126) facing the chamber formed for receiving the lens. A reactive layer (122) is provided on a portion of each operative face and the operative faces and the reactive layers are dimensioned and arranged whereby the reactive layers come into engagement with respective surfaces of a lens (155) positioned therebetween when the first and second housing sections are joined together. A portion of at least one of the operative faces is recessed relative to the other operative face to define an open volume within the chamber when the first and second housing sections are joined together. The first and second housing sections can be constructed to be in fluid communication when the apparatus is in an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Iso Clear, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Pankow, Charles C. Valauskas
  • Patent number: 7266857
    Abstract: A foot-scrubbing apparatus includes a non-porous and rigid base member that has planar top and bottom surfaces and suction cups permanently secured to the bottom surface. A primary sponge includes detachably engageable top and bottom layers defining a cavity therebetween for slidably receiving a user's entire foot. The top and bottom layers have vertically offset front edge portions for assisting the user to insert their foot into the cavity. A plurality of secondary sponges are directly conjoined to the top layer of the primary sponge and extend longitudinally therealong. The secondary sponges are sized and shaped such that a user's toes can be selectively nested between the secondary sponges. The secondary sponges have coarser surface textures than the primary sponge surface texture so that the user can clean tough skin surfaces adjacent to their toes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Yosry N. Mezyed
  • Patent number: 7260863
    Abstract: A scrub brush-sponge includes a base provided with a recessed peripheral lip, which has a plurality of attenuated regions configured to minimize the resistance of the base to external bending forces, and a sponge coupled to the base and made from polymeric material, which may have as low a PPI as 10. The sponge is configured so that it can effectively surround at least a substantial peripheral portion of instruments or portions to be treated with fluid, which is contained within the sponge, without applying substantial external forces to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Biomed Packaging Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jack W. Kaufman, James Brown
  • Publication number: 20070192980
    Abstract: A panel wiper including a wiping member including a baseboard section and a cleaning plate connected under a bottom of the baseboard section. The cleaning plate has at least one acute wiping corner for extending into the respective corners of the panel to reciprocally wipe and clean up the panel. The panel wiper further includes a holder having a bed section and an annular wall section swelling from a circumference of the bed section. The annular wall section is formed with several receptacles adapted to a profile of the baseboard section of the wiping member. The wiping member can be seated in the receptacles and stably rested on the bed section. Multiple supporting stands are arranged under a bottom of the bed section and the bed section is formed with multiple vents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jean Chin Chu Lee
  • Patent number: 7257853
    Abstract: Disclosed is a butterfly mop having an elongate shaft with a mop element disposed at one end of the shaft and a wringer connected to the shaft and the mop element. In preferred embodiments, the wringer includes a channel body having first and second leg portions defining a channel therebetween. The mop element includes a foldable, compressible, liquid-absorbent member, a mounting element having first and second support portions connected by a flexible member, and a scrubber mounted to the mounting element. The mop element and channel body are movable relative to one another, whereby the mop element may be drawn into the channel causing the mop element to fold along a central transverse axis and to become compressed between the channel body leg portions. The wringer includes a handle and an actuator link connecting the handle to one of the mop element and channel body for effecting relative hinged movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Chris Boyer, Miroslav Vuckovic
  • Patent number: 7213296
    Abstract: A spreading apparatus is provided for spreading flowable materials such as adhesives and/or sealants on a surface such as a floor and/or a wall. The apparatus has a pad retainer for retaining a removable spreader pad and a reservoir chamber for flowable material pivotally attached to the pad retainer to permit pivoting of the reservoir chamber frontwards and backwards. The spreader pad comprises an elongated resilient foam member sufficiently thick to fit within and frictionally engage the pad retainer, and sufficiently high to extend below the pad retainer so that the spreader pad rather than the pad retainer contacts the surface when the spreader pad is retained by the pad retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Billy Star Holding Ltd
    Inventors: David E. Livingstone, Donald W. Matechuk
  • Patent number: 7210188
    Abstract: A sponge for cleaning grout that occupies the concave spaces between tiles has a cleaning surface that includes a plurality of rows of elongate convexities. In a first embodiment, the convexities are linear in configuration, are disposed in parallel relation to one another, and the space between the convexities is flat. In a second embodiment, the space between the parallel, linear convexities is occupied by secondary convexities that have less height than the primary convexities. In a third embodiment, the convexities are non linear and non-parallel. In all embodiments, the convexities may be aligned with the concave grooves between tiles or positioned at a right angle to the grooves. In both orientations, the convexities extend into the concavities and clean the grout between the tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Mark E. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7203989
    Abstract: A buffing and polishing ball made of a compressible polymeric foam material is formed by slitting a body of foam material in a substantially uncompressed state (1) from an outside surface of the body in a direction generally perpendicular to the rotational axis and (2) on circumferentially spaced planes that extend generally radially from the outside surface of the body to define a plurality of foam fingers. A fastening system is used to compress and hold a center portion of the foam body in a direction along the rotational axis such that the uncompressed outer ends of the finger assume a generally spherical ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lake Country Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott S. McLain
  • Patent number: 7198050
    Abstract: A handheld device for sculpting hair includes a pliable member having a substantially smooth bottom surface. A plurality of spaced-apart bores are disposed in the bottom surface. When the handheld device is placed against a person's head, the pliable member at least partially deforms to conform to the shape of the person's head. By repeatedly pulling the bottom surface of the pliable member across the hair tangentially to the surface of the person's scalp, the plurality of spaced-apart bores disposed in the bottom surface cause clumps of hair to be formed at substantially regular intervals that are a function of the distance between ones of the spaced-apart bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventors: Brigitte Gopou, Bruce Boyd
  • Patent number: 7178195
    Abstract: A device for wringing moisture from a mop includes pressure elements between which a holder of the mop, together with a mop cover attached thereto, can be pressed. The mop cover projects beyond the holder, thereby forming a cushion at edges of the holder in order to prevent the holder from doing damage, for example to furniture. In order to be able to wring moisture in a defined manner from both the projecting edge of the mop cover as well as the portion thereof covered by the holder, the two interacting pressure elements form a gap having a height which decreases toward the edges. In particular, the height decreases in a gradual manner. The pressure elements are preferably rollers, several cylinder sections of which can have different diameters in order to be able to obtain gap sections of different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Damrath, Markus Spielmannleitner, Gerhard Wetzl
  • Patent number: 7174595
    Abstract: A bathing brush comprises an elongated bar, an elastic net and a massaging device. The bar has a base portion at an end thereof, a securing portion at an edge of the base portion and a handle having an end thereof fixed with the base portion. The elastic net is pressed into twisty condition and is fastened on a top surface of the base portion the massaging device made of a flexible material and molded into a single element has a base member, a sidewall on an edge of the base member, a second securing portion on an interior side of the sidewall and a plurality of grains on an exterior side of the base member wherein the second securing portion is connected with the first securing portion for securing the massaging device on a side of the base portion of the bar which is opposite from the elastic net such that a chamber will be formed between the base portion of the bar and the massaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 7155771
    Abstract: An implement with blade (11) and sponge (12) for cleaning glass sheet, in which the sponge (12) is coupled to the implement by the undercut engagement (9A) of a part of it in a seat (9) of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: F.LLI RE S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Re
  • Patent number: 7155769
    Abstract: A back scrubber is contoured to be amenable to a wide range of user sizes and shapes and has a soap storage compartment so liquid soap can be stored between uses of the back scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Catherine Baker
  • Patent number: 7146676
    Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a fibrous cleaning pad. The handle assembly includes a generally rigid first member including a first insertable portion, and a handle portion with a first end of the handle portion fixed to a second end of the first insertable portion and a manually engageable part adjacent a second opposite end of the handle portion. The handle assembly also includes a second member including a second insertable portion, and an actuation portion having a first end fixed to a second end of the second insertable portion. A first end of the second insertable portion opposite the actuation portion is pivotally mounted on a first end of the first insertable portion opposite the handle portion for relative movement of the insertable portions by manual manipulation of the actuation portion between a diverging position with outer surfaces of the insertable portions diverging from their first ends, and an adjacent position with the outer surfaces of the insertable portions generally parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Kubes, Perry S. Dotterman, Mark D. Sorlien
  • Patent number: 7144172
    Abstract: A cleaning device, comprising a housing having a substantially vertical axis; a sponge-like working element movable between a working position in which it is located outside the housing for cleaning a surface, and a position in it is forcedly moved into the housing so as to be squeezed and therefore to expel liquid; and a removable plate which in an installed position extends substantially radially above the sponge-like working element so that a user can apply an action to the plate from above and therefore to apply an action on the sponge-like working element from above toward a surface to be cleaned substantially over a whole radial extension of the sponge-like element, while when the plate is removed the sponge-like working element is exposed from above and can be used with its lower, peripheral, and upper sides and with its lateral edge to extend into areas to be cleaned which are difficult to access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Sam Zhadanov, Eli Zhadanov
  • Patent number: 7140063
    Abstract: A multi-use bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) for use in cleansing and exfoliating skin and as a toy, a holder of soap or like products, and a decoration. The bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) includes a toroidal sponge component (14) and can also have a removable attachment component (26, 30). The donut-shaped sponge component (14) is preferably made of mesh sponge material and is concentrically disposed about an inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) defining a central opening (12, 62) in which the attachment component (26, 30) can be removably secured. The inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) provides a ready gripping area which can be held for manipulating the bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58). The attachment component (26, 30) can be, for instance, a toy, a solid soap product, a container of a bath/cosmetic product or the like, a mesh netting pocket, or a knob-shaped hanging device (44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) having a suction cup (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: James J. Osborne
  • Patent number: 7127773
    Abstract: A damp-wiping cloth (e.g., a sponge or the like) from a foam body of flexible foam material, the foam body (2) being interspersed with foam strips (3) whose hardness is greater than the hardness of the foam body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Heike Nowottnick, Dirk Schubert, Jochen Wirsching, Hans-Jürgen Wendelken
  • Patent number: 7127768
    Abstract: A disposable cleaning head comprising a sponge, scrim and a one-piece flexible fitment having an engagement member adapted to removably engage a handle. Preferably, the scrim includes a cleaning composition having at least one surfactant. The cleaning composition can optionally include one or more bactericidal agents, bleaching agents, chelants, salts, coloring agents, fragrances and preservatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Lisa Blum, Russell Bell, Layfayette Foland, George Katsigras, Douglas Minkler, Sara Morales
  • Patent number: 7111353
    Abstract: An applicator mounted on a hand T-bar tool has a split tube removably supported on the bar of the tool and a coating material applying sleeve secured to the tube. The tube and sleeve have upwardly and inwardly inclined opposite ends with bottom lips for applying coating materials and liquids to a floor adjacent a side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Dean J. Cowdery
  • Patent number: 7097629
    Abstract: A cleaning swab is for wet or dry use. The swab includes an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis. The handle has a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The swab includes a multi layer cleaning head having a core, a mid-layer and an outer layer. The core and the mid-layer are absorbent. The outer layer is formed from a cleaning textile. The outer layer is sealed to itself and to the handle to isolate the core and mid-layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Blair
  • Patent number: 7086114
    Abstract: A wet floor wiping device includes a mop made of absorbent material and a mop frame exhibiting a center carrier piece (4) attached to a handle (3). Mounted pivotably at each hinge edge (5) at the center carrier piece (4) are two mop carrier wings (6), the inner surfaces of which, carrying the mop, can be pressed one against another by means of a squeeze feature. At least one of the two side edges (8, 9) extending from the hinge edge (5) is angled in relationship to the opposite side edge (9). Each mop carrier wing (6) forms a trapezoid including a right angle, the longer base line of which is the hinge edge (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventor: Gernot M. Hirse
  • Patent number: 7076826
    Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid treatments such as paint, stain, varnish or the like to surfaces such as wood. The applicator includes an elongated handle, one end of the hand serving as a primary gripping element, the other end of the handle being covered with fluid-retaining material such as natural or synthetic wool fleece or foam rubber to form an applicator pad. The portion of the handle bearing the applicator pad may be detached from the portion of the handle forming the primary gripping element. A secondary gripping element such as a knob is movable from a first position on the handle to a second position on the applicator pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Wade Hochanadel
  • Patent number: 7065825
    Abstract: A cleaning tool assembly including a disposable cleaning implement having a liquid soluble, relatively rigid engaging surface, and an elongated shaft having a handle portion on one end thereof. A gripping mechanism is mounted to the elongated shaft, and includes a contact region moveable between a gripping condition and a release condition. In the gripping condition, the contact region cooperates with the engaging surface of the cleaning implement to releasably mount the cleaning implement to the elongated shaft, and in the release condition, the cleaning implement is released from the gripping mechanism. An elastic boot is provided which is composed of a substantially liquid impervious material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. Minkler, Russell E. Bell
  • Patent number: 6981293
    Abstract: A device for providing self-assisting hygienic activity to individuals of limited dexterity, the device including an elongated body constructed of first and second telescoping portions and terminating at a first end in an ergonomically configured handle. A hygienic related accessory is secured to the other end of the elongated body, which includes a repositionable goose neck portion. The accessory capable of being manipulated relative to the elongated body in at least one of axially extending and angularly configurable fashions and the accessory is further capable of being releasably engageable to the associated end of the elongated body and substituted by at least one alternately configured accessory drawn from at least one of a sponge attachment, lotion dispensing attachment, disposable sheet attachment, scrub brush attachment and powder applicator attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Rochelle Steinberg
  • Patent number: 6978507
    Abstract: A bottle washing and drying implement has a handle with two ends, the ends being provided with removable washing and drying attachments, respectively. In particular, the drying attachment has a plurality of looped strips of drying material, such as natural or artificial chamois, fastened to a holder. The holder is fastened to the handle by a threaded stud and a corresponding threaded opening; the stud can protrude from the end of the handle to fit securely into a corresponding aperture in the attachment, or the stud can protrude from the attachment to fit into a corresponding aperture in the end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Jennifer L. Spaulding
  • Patent number: 6922865
    Abstract: A cleaning tool comprises a scrubber head having an upper arm, a lower arm, and a connecting member coupling the upper and lower arms. A scrubbing material is secured to an inner surface of the scrubber head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Audley Logan, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6880197
    Abstract: A disposable toilet cleaning device is provided to clean the surfaces of a toilet which includes a handle and a telescoping arm which extends from the handle for cleaning a toilet. A cleaning head is secured to the free end of the telescoping arm and may include a cleaning chemical to effectuate cleaning of the toilet. The telescoping arm may include a flexible neck for positioning the brush head for cleaning the toilet. The components of the toilet brush may be made of a paper product and/or plastic material suitable for one use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventors: Susan Katz, Cheryl Bersano
  • Patent number: 6872021
    Abstract: A cleaning assembly 10 having a telescoping handle portion 12 and a sponge member 40 which is pivotally coupled to the telescoping handle portion 12. In various non-limiting embodiments, the cleaning assembly 10 may include material, such as but not limited to, material 80 which is selectively communicated to the sponge member 40, effective to aid in the cleaning of an object and/or area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Vernell Wilson, Raquelle Wilson, Craig Wilson
  • Patent number: 6865769
    Abstract: Various paint applicator pads are disclosed. These include a pad with a tapered edge for applying paint, and those having a generally convex body with a stiff backing portion. These pads include those with two layers of different porosity foams. Preferably, these pads are rotary pads for use with a spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Gerhard-Sorenson
    Inventor: Gregg R. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 6865772
    Abstract: An applicator used to evenly apply liquid tire dressing to the entire outer sidewall of a tire. The applicator includes a pad that includes an elongated, concave, curved lower surface that is complementary in shape with a portion of the sidewall. The pad includes at least one beveled, concave lateral edge that enable the tire dressing to be applied evenly to the areas of the sidewall adjacent to the wheel hub and to the compressed shoulder area of the tire adjacent to the ground. The pad is attached to a rigid base that includes a rigid handle aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pad and rigid base and that allows the user to easily hold the applicator perpendicular to the sidewall and move the applicator in long broad strokes in a circular pattern around the sidewall of a tire. An optional holding tray is also provided that temporarily stores the applicator and prevents the tire dressing from drying out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Randolph L. Risch
  • Patent number: 6832405
    Abstract: The two-sided toilet brush has a scrub brush head having stiff bristles for loosening accumulated dirt, debris and hard water stains, and a sponge head on the opposite side for wiping away excess dirt or debris inside the toilet bowl and the top and side of the toilet rim element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Melinda Miller
  • Patent number: 6831049
    Abstract: A cleaning compound and applicator pad for cleansing the covers of headlights and taillights on automobiles. This cleansing compound is substantially non-abrasive and is a composition of kerosene, coco fatty acid diethanol amide, aluminum oxide, ammonia solution, water, white silice and hydrated calcium. The compound is contained upon an applicator pad. The compound and pad are used to remove the opaque yellowish film which result on the surface covering of headlights and taillights which appears after years of accumulating particles of smog, dirt and weathering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Juan Pablo Torres Moreno
  • Publication number: 20040226124
    Abstract: A multi-color faux art palette includes a resilient substrate having an upper and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes handles integrally dependent from the bottom surface of the substrate. Upon the top surface are secured a plurality of discrete substantially planar color-absorbent sponges, each sponge thereof having a bottom surface integrally dependent from the upper surface of the resilient substrate. Opposing edges of the planar sponges are separated from each other by a distant sufficient to preclude contact therebetween when the sponges are compressed against a planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Sandra S. Silva
  • Patent number: 6813800
    Abstract: A mop head having a sculpted cutout in at least one side surface that corresponds to the shape of floor molding to allow for cleaning of the floor molding and floor together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Pia C. Licciardi
    Inventor: Pia C. Liccardi
  • Patent number: 6810549
    Abstract: A drainage mop has a handle unit and a drainage unit. A rotary unit is disposed between the handle unit and the drainage unit so that the handle unit can be bent with respect to the drainage unit. In bending state, the rotary unit drives a driven unit so that the water absorbing unit of the drainage unit is squeeze radially to drain water out. Thus, in draining or cleaning, the operations of the water absorbing unit can be executed easily and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Pi
  • Patent number: 6804853
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a first cleaning member attached to a lower end of an elongated rod, and a second cleaning member mounted slidably on the first cleaning member. The second cleaning member is slidable in a transverse direction relative to the rod between an extended position, in which the second cleaning member is moved away from a free end of the first cleaning member, and a retracted position, in which the second cleaning member is moved toward the free end of the first cleaning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Kuang-Huei Wang
  • Patent number: 6802099
    Abstract: A rotary shaft having a predetermined diameter and a cylindrical cleaning element having an axial through-hole formed therein and capable of being either in a wet or a dry state are prepared. The through-hole has, in a wet state, a predetermined diameter smaller than that of the rotary shaft. The cleaning element is wetted and the through-hole of the wet cleaning element enlarged so that it has a diameter larger than that of the rotary shaft. The enlarged cleaning element is dry-set and the rotary shaft is inserted into the through-hole of the cleaning element. The cleaning element is then wetted, to contract the diameter of the through-hole of the cleaning element and provide a press-fit between the cleaning element and the shaft. A, cleaning member comprising a cylindrical cleaning element and a rotary shaft held therein with a press-fit is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Seigo Murakami, Hiroshi Ishii, Norio Yamada, Hidetoshi Nose, Fujio Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20040187241
    Abstract: A disposable toilet cleaning device is provided to clean the surfaces of a toilet which includes a handle and a telescoping arm which extends from the handle for cleaning a toilet. A cleaning head is secured to the free end of the telescoping arm and may include a cleaning chemical to effectuate cleaning of the toilet. The telescoping arm may include a flexible neck for positioning the brush head for cleaning the toilet. The components of the toilet brush may be made of a paper product and/or plastic material suitable for one use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Susan Katz, Cheryl Bersano
  • Patent number: D509033
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Perry S. Dotterman, Michael J. Kubes, Arthur V. Lang