Abstract: A handheld cleaning tool for automotive engine intake components is described which is easily manipulated even by non-skilled automobile technicians. The cleaning tool comprises: (i) a handle for griping the cleaning tool; (ii) a flexible, elongated rod shaft having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the rod shaft is coupled to the handle; (iii) an attachment collar having a first end coupled to the second end of the rod shaft and a second end; and (iv) a pliable cleaning head having a first end removably coupled to the second end of the attachment collar and a second end which includes a high tensile strength sponge designed to fit in and around surfaces of the intake components, and to effectively clean the intake components without damaging, or leaving any undesirable residue on, the surfaces of the intake components. The sponges of the present invention are typically comprised of polyvinyl alcohol to prevent shredding and are easily and inexpensively replaced after they become dirty.

Abstract: A wall mounted back-scrubbing and massaging apparatus has a wall mounting plate which is bonded to a rubber sheet having a plurality of suction cups, thereby allowing the wall mounting plate to be removably attachable to a wall surface. A sponge mounting box is mounted on the wall mounting plate by a lip. Opposite the lip, the sponge mounting box provides a base and a peripheral edge, which together form a sponge mounting surface. In a first embodiment, the base and the peripheral edge removably engage a sponge. A plurality of outwardly extending fingers integral with the base, penetrate the sponge, further securing the sponge onto the base. The sponge is thus supported in spaced relationship with respect to the wall surface by the sponge mounting box so as to be in a position for convenient scrubbing of a person's skin when brought into contact with the sponge.

Abstract: A fluid applicator having a telescoping handle and an applicator assembly. The applicator assembly comprises a casing, a cavity, an inner plate, an outer plate, a sponge, and a cover. The inner plate is positioned adjacent to the cavity area, with the outer plate adjacent to and in contact with the inner plate. The sponge is attached to the outer plate and extends beyond the casing to allow sponge-to-skin contact. The inner plate is slidably engaged by the casing; thus, allowing the inner plate to be slid between open and closed positions. The inner plate and the outer plate have a plurality of through-holes formed therethrough. When the inner plate is in the closed position, the through-holes of the inner plate do not align with the through-holes of the outer plate; thus, preventing the flow of liquid from the cavity to the sponge. To allow the filling of the cavity, an aperture is formed through the casing, and a cap is provided to seal the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic product having an applicator body with a first longitudinal axis and defining external and internal walls. The internal walls of the present invention define at least one internal member having a second longitudinal axis and capable of movement between a retracted first position and a second projected position. The internal member of the present invention provides the consumer with one application surface adapted to apply relatively small amounts of one or more cosmetic products.

Abstract: A self-contained single-use apparatus for cleaning and hydrating a pair of contact lenses comprises a housing including a pair of hollow snap-lock lens containers in which opposed layers of a deformable relatively hydrophobic reactive material having surfaces arranged for non-abrasive contiguous wetted contact with the optical surfaces of the lenses when the lenses are enclosed in the housings. While in contact with the optical surfaces contaminants in the lenses are attracted to the contacting surfaces of the reactive layers. Upon removal of the lenses the attracted contaminants remain on the contacting surfaces and are disposed of with the housing. The container contains sufficient absorbed liquid for maintaining the lens in a hydrated condition while being treated in the container during the treatment process.

Abstract: A paint brush comprises a handle, a connection seat, and an application head. The handle is provided at the fastening end thereof with a receiving portion and a retaining slot in communication with the receiving portion. The connection seat is provided with a retaining member and a connection member. The connection seat is detachably fastened at one end thereof with the receiving portion of the handle such that the retaining member of the connection seat is retained in the retaining slot of the handle. The application head is connected at one end thereof with the connection member of the connection seat.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongate handle and a hollow cleaning head connected to the handle. The cleaning head has a slotted opening on the periphery thereof. A blade is securable to the handle in the interior of the cleaning head and the blade is movable under axial rotation of the handle relative to the cleaning head, between an extended position in which the blade projects outwardly from the cleaning head, and a retracted position in which the blade is contained within the cleaning head.

Abstract: A hand-supported pivoting cleaning device is provided so that a user can insert at least his/her fingers into a support element which is pivotally attached to a cleaning element in order to reach and clean awkwardly configured, and otherwise difficult-to-reach, surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for applying lotion to hard-to-reach areas of a person's body consisting of a head portion 12 to which a sponge 16 is secured with a handle portion 14 extending outward from the head portion of the apparatus. A handle extension 18 extends from the handle portion. The head, handle, and handle extension are formed of plastic, acrylic or, in the alternative, may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel.

Abstract: A lotion application device includes a protective shell, a rotatable plate that mounts onto the shell, and a sponge secured to the plate. The sponge can be exposed and used to apply lotions to the skin, or the sponge can be concealed so the device can be transported without risk of contamination or damage to the sponge.

Abstract: A sponge with a sponge body and at least two slots formed in the sponge body to respectively receive the fingers and thumbs of a user. Relief portions may also be formed at each of the first and second slots. As a further feature, inserts can be formed in each of the first and second slots, which inserts may be formed of plastic, a further sponge material, etc. The sponge body may also include a cap area so that the overall sponge body has a mushroom shape. The sponge body can be formed of any acceptable material, such as a uretane based material, a cellulose based material, etc.

Abstract: A patterned synthetic sponge mimics a natural sea sponge when creating faux paint finishes. Such synthetic sponge is formed from an open cell elastomeric material that bears a pattern that has been created by a rotating grinding wheel that removes sponge material with a tearing action. A rotating silicon carbide, or other abrasive grit, grinding wheel preferably is used to remove the elastomeric sponge material, which preferably is made from an open cell, inter alia, polyurethane, polyether, polyester foamed elastomer. A paint roller made from the novel patterned synthetic sponge has its edges beveled.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser and applicator is provided having a reservoir for holding a liquid such as a liquid foundation and having a spout through which the liquid may be dispensed. An applicator is attached to the reservoir and is detachable therefrom. The liquid maybe dispensed through the spout onto the applicator for application to a user's skin. The applicator slides into a track provided on the reservoir and is held in the track by a friction fit. A pump may be provided on the reservoir for dispensing the liquid foundation. The user may pump liquid foundation onto the applicator and remove the applicator from the reservoir and apply the liquid foundation onto the user's skin using the applicator. A lid attachable to the reservoir and enclosing the pump and applicator protects the applicator from dirt and other substances and allows the dispenser and applicator to become portable in a handbag or purse.

Abstract: A sponge cloth of decrystallized cellulose modified by the acetyl group content, where the average degree of substitution is 0.2 to 1.5. The cloth does not contain any organic or inorganic sulfur compounds. The sponge cloth is produced by treating wood pulp with sodium hydroxide solution, then treating it with acetylating substances, drying and dissolving in an organic solvent with the addition of a pore-forming salt, fibers and optionally pigment dyes and foaming agents, spreading the mixture on a web and boiling in water with subsequent drying to form a finished cloth.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for cleaning contact lenses comprising a deformable, non-abrasive material having an enzyme enriched layer for contact with the optical surfaces of the lenses. While in contact with the optical surfaces, the contaminants on the lens surfaces are enzymatically removed. Upon separation of the lenses and the deformable material, substantially all of the enzymes are retained on the deformable material, largely eliminating the need to perform additional operations to inactivate the enzymes or otherwise rid the lenses of residual enzymatic matter.

Abstract: A sponge of decrystallized cellulose modified by an acetyl group content, where the average degree of substitution is 0.2 to 1.5. No organic or inorganic sulfur compounds are present in the sponge. The sponge is produced by treating pulp with sodium hydroxide solution, then treating it with acetylating substances, drying and dissolving in an organic solvent with the addition of a pore-forming salt, fibers and optionally pigment dyes, pressing the mixture into a perforated mold whose receiving volume corresponds to the dimensions of the sponge to be produced, then placing the mold with its contents in boiling water, and removing the sponge thus formed in the mold.

Abstract: An expiated bath sponge is described including a combination of a tubular element of elastic plastic mesh coupled with a smooth/abrasive sponge which has an abrasive surface on the outside and a smooth surface on the inside. A seam extends around the circumference of the sponge and forms ties at two diametrically opposed points on the seam. The sponge is fixed to the tubular element with the ties. Once the tubular element and the sponge are joined together there is a space between the tubular element and the smooth inside face of the sponge into which a hand may be inserted to manipulate the sponge as desired.

Abstract: The invention is a grill cleaning brush to aid in the cleaning of table top grill surfaces. Resembling a foam type paint brush, it allows the user to quickly and easily swipe clean the grilling surface on table top type grilling machines. The foam rubber sponge section is provided with cut in grooves or valleys with embedded scouring tips that align with and match the upper contact points or tips of the grill surface.

Abstract: A patterned synthetic sponge mimics a natural sea sponge when creating faux paint finishes. Such synthetic sponge is formed from an open cell elastomeric material that bears a pattern that has been created by a rotating grinding wheel that removes sponge material with a tearing action. A rotating silicon carbide, or other abrasive grit, grinding wheel preferably is used to remove the elastomeric sponge material, which preferably is made from an open cell, inter alia, polyurethane, polyether, polyester foamed elastomer. A paint roller made from the novel patterned synthetic sponge has its edges beveled.

Abstract: A detailing brush device having a handle formed with a stem mounting a conically foam cleaner brush and an absorbent sock received removably over the brush.

Abstract: A grout scrubber for providing interchangeable scrubber heads having scrubbing pads sized to correspond to a width of a surface being scrubbed to facilitate cleaning of the surface includes a scrubber portion and a handle assembly. The scrubber portion is slidably couplable to the scrubber portion. The scrubber portion includes a slot having angled sides and a nipple for engaging the handle assembly. In an embodiment, a protrusion is positioned on the handle assembly to engage the nipple on the scrubber portion. The handle assembly provides a grip at a distal end of an elongated handle. In an embodiment, the elongated handle is separable into two sections threadingly engageable to each other. Alternately, the handle assembly provides an angled shortened handle having an offset grip for scrubbing surfaces at an elevated level within reach of an upright user.

Abstract: A decorative painting kit including multiple-color paint applicators and a method of decoratively painting a surface though in situ surface blending of two or more paints of different colors by using a multiple-color paint applicator which is stroked over the same surface a sufficient number of time to at least partially blend the different paint colors. The partial in situ surface blending of two or more paints produces a decorative pattern on the painted surface that is color characterized by having areas with some of the original paint colors and other areas with various blends of the original paint colors thereon to produce a decoratively painted surface.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a fluid to a surface includes an applicator tip element (5) connected to the end of a substantially rigid stem (1) by a part (3) capable of flexing resiliently as the applicator tip element is stroked across a surface. The application element is conveniently formed as a pad or a molded member of porous material e.g. foam, which can be attached in various ways, e.g. by of adhesive, heat welding or mechanical fixing, to the resiliently flexible connection part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mop wherein a cylindrical member is fixed in a groove of a sponge. The cylindrical member has a smaller length than the sponge and a flat surface located midway between a first end and second ends thereof. The flat surface is located in a same horizontal plane as first and seconds lands defined by the groove in the sponge. A single screw is turned into the cylindrical member at the center of the flat surface and a handle is turned onto the screw until an end of the handle engages the flat surface. A roller with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical member has a first axial projection, which is located in a first opening in a strap, and a second axial projection which is in a second opening in the strap. The strap is flexed and the first and second axial projections on the cylindrical member are located in third and fourth openings in the strap such that the roller and cylindrical member are parallel to each other.

Abstract: A tooth and gum cleaning tool for cleaning teeth and gums. The tooth and gum cleaning tool includes an elongate handle portion having first and second ends. A sponge portion is coupled to said first end of said handle portion. The sponge portion has an engaging face and a back face opposite the engaging face. The engaging face has a plurality of uniformly spaced ridges extending from it. Also disclosed is a sterilization device for sterilizing the tooth cleaning tool. The sterilization device comprises a housing that has an open top, a closed bottom, and an interior. A sterilizing pad is disposed in the interior of the housing and is porous and has a sterilizing fluid absorbed therein. A lid portion closes the open top of the housing. The sponge portion of the tooth cleaning tool is positionable on the sterilizing pad to permit absorption of the sterilizing fluid by the sponge portion from the sterilizing pad.

Abstract: A brush structure is provided which allows for even distribution of paint to a surface and further provides for variable stiffness of the bristles. The brush has a handle (10) which engages a ferrule (12) through a dovetail slot (11). The ferrule (12) receives a knob (15) which engages a blade (16) within a bristle member (18). The blade (16) may be variably positioned within the bristle member (18).