Accessories Patents (Class 15/257.01)
  • Patent number: 11530545
    Abstract: A pool cleaner including a housing, a driving assembly, a brush assembly, and a removable debris container. The removable debris container is coupled to the housing through a locking member in the brush assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Intex Marketing Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhi Xiong Huang, Wen Xiao Zhang, Yaw Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 10899497
    Abstract: A process for safeguarding a product during transportation includes forming a package by surrounding a product with packaging material and accommodating the package in an external packaging that includes a carrier element and a bag element. The carrier element includes an upper side including a border and a lower side opposite the upper side, wherein the lower side includes a base. Further, the bag element includes a base and a bag opening with a border opposite the base of the bag element. The package is accommodated in the external packaging by loading the package onto the carrier element such that the package is carried by the carrier element and loading the carrier element via the bag opening into the bag element such that the bag element surrounds the carrier element and the bag element extends on the upper side of the carrier element beyond the border of the carrier element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Holger Burkardt, Norbert Frisch
  • Patent number: 10743737
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include an extendable ergonomic handle having a fixed handle member and a telescoping handle member. The fixed handle member may be secured at its lower distal end to a mounting plate. The mounting plate may include two plate members connected by a hinge. A sponge may be removably connected to the mounting plate. The cleaning device may include a close and release mechanism housed within the handle members operatively connected to the hinged plate members. The close and release mechanism may be actuated to squeeze and wring out the sponge and thereafter return it to a cleaning configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Katrina Parrott
  • Patent number: 10239496
    Abstract: A protector for a windshield wiper assembly includes an elongated body defining a cavity receiving at least the blade of the wiper assembly. The cover is used to protect the assembly from snow, ice, mud, etc. Preferably, the assembly is pivoted away from the windshield before the blade is inserted into the body. Caps with decorative covers are provided at the ends of the body. The body may be made of a translucent material and may be covered with logos, insignia and other advertising materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Sergio K. DeGennaro
  • Patent number: 9469436
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a parts container with storage compartments, and in particular to a parts container having storage compartments located at areas that would be easily accessible to persons working with automobiles. The container has a body with several top compartments or cavities. There are preferably four front compartments, four middle components and four rear compartments. A bottom compartment can be provided. A handle is further provided. The handle has writing areas for a user to place messages on the handle (such as names, due dates, etc.). The handle of one container can nest in the bottom compartment of another container when stacked. A cover having a perimeter shaped to match the container perimeter is provided. The cover has an opening to allow the handle to pass there through. The handle is preferably located interior of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Jerald Keup
  • Patent number: 9265306
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for securing a detachable cover for trimming or decorating at least one part of a button, which has a front side, a back side and, on its periphery, an edge side, said button being arranged on a base, e.g. a shirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Nils Lindfors
  • Patent number: 9068731
    Abstract: An automobile vehicle lighting and/or signaling device comprising an assembly of parts comprising a first part having a closed contour or an open contour, and a joining member with a first adhesive side that receives the first part so that after sticking the first part to the joining member the adhesive side has a free region adjacent the contour of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Michel Hermitte, Nicolas Come, Jérôme Chiron
  • Patent number: 9032981
    Abstract: A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The apparatus facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus includes a base 18 and a bracket 32 coupled to the base. The roller 12 is supported on the bracket 32 in an upwardly extending diagonal position between shields 45 and 54 for containing paint spreads from the roller. The brush 14 is supported on bracket 32 in a upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to shield 45 and supported thereon in a descending position. Once the painting implements 12, 14 and 16 are supported on the apparatus 10, cleaning can be accomplished by the application of a stream of water thereto after which the implements can be left until they are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Rhines
  • Publication number: 20150101136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush (1), in particular an electric toothbrush, comprising:—a support member (2),—a first tooth brushing member (3) mounted on said support member so as to be able to rotate about a rotation axis (XX?), said first brushing member having a lateral surface (3L) which extends along its rotation axis (XX?) between a proximal end (3P) and an opposite distal end (3D), said lateral surface being intended to be brought into contact with the teeth (4) in order to clean them, said toothbrush being characterized in that it has a flexible trim (20), separate from the first brushing member (3), which is arranged facing the distal end (3D) approximately transversely to the rotation axis (XXI) so as to at least partially overlap the transverse section (3S) of said first brushing member (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Thierry André Christian Vallet
  • Patent number: 8955191
    Abstract: An end cap having a longitudinal axis is provided. The end cap includes a stationary portion, a movable portion, and a clamping member. The movable portion has a cam surface and the clamping member has a free end. The movable and stationary portions are interconnected so that the movable portion moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam surface influences the clamping member when the movable portion is in the locked position such that the cam surface resiliently flexes the clamping member to move the free end at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph K. Patterson, Paul Adams, Bernard Bensussan, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Kai Hirsch, Daniel Ferrara
  • Patent number: 8951361
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding hydraulic hoses for use in cleaning sewer lines. The claimed hose guide locks the hydraulic hose, near the head of the hose, in a clamp, providing rigidity for an operator trying to locate the opening of a clogged pipeline. Once the hose has been placed at the pipeline opening, the operator releases the hose from the hose guide, pressurizes the hose so as to separate the hose from the hose guide, removes the hose guide from the sewer line, and cleans the pipeline with the hydraulic hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Sutton
  • Publication number: 20150013726
    Abstract: A brush cleaning system includes a container having a bottom portion and an opening. A plurality of projections are located proximate to the bottom portion of the container. Bristles of a brush engage the plurality of projections to splay the bristles of the brush. A cap seals the opening of the container. A liquid solution is added to the container to clean the brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Webster LLC
    Inventors: Sarah A. Webster, Justin Aiello
  • Publication number: 20150013096
    Abstract: An attachable cup includes a container and an attachable device for a toothbrush, and the attachable device includes at least one part of the container. An attachable device is for attaching a container to a toothbrush. The attachable device uses a fastening method, a gripping method, a clamping method, a locking method or the like to attach the attachable cup to a toothbrush. Once the attachable device attaches the attachable cup to a toothbrush, the operator can use the attachable cup for oral rinsing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Shin Feng
  • Patent number: 8914960
    Abstract: A device (10) for removing the tooth brush head from the body of an electrical tooth brush is described. Device (10) includes a tooth brush head engaging member (12), a seat member (14) for seating against a body of an electrical-tooth brush and a screw-threaded member (16) positioned operatively between the tooth brush head engaging member (12) and the seat member (14), so as to cause the tooth brush head engaging member (12) to displace relative to the seat member (14) in response to angular displacement of the screw-threaded member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nina Nichols, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Owen Renault
  • Patent number: 8893349
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus to hold one or more windshield wipers stationary against a vehicle window. The apparatus comprises a window placement module comprising a vacuum cup that has a vacuum zone and an attachment means that is located at a point on the cup other than within the vacuum zone. The attachment means is linked to a first point of each of one or more arms; a second point of each arm is linked to a clamping module optionally in a rotatable way. When in use the clamping module constrains movement of a windshield wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventors: Isaac M. Rabin, Steven Wang
  • Patent number: 8871029
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning device is disclosed, mainly comprising a scrubber member and an enclosure. The scrubber member is provided with a handle and retention members to which disinfecting sanitary wipes can be attached, so that a user holding the scrubber member by the handle can use the scrubber member and attached sanitary wipe to efficiently remove soil and contamination from a shoe without soaking the shoe. The enclosure that has an internal space for storing a plurality of sanitary wipes, and an upper separation platform on top of which there is a recess for storing the scrubber member. The enclosure further includes a lid that closes onto the scrubber member and conceals the scrubber member, except for, optionally, the scrubber member handle. The lid preferably closes in a sealed manner to guarantee that the plurality of wipes does not dry out over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Peter W. Leslie
  • Publication number: 20140289981
    Abstract: Disclosed is a paint roller device comprising an inner hub and an outer hub spaced by a cage of wires and adapted for supporting a paint roll sleeve. A cylindrical retainer extends axially outwardly from the outer hub and is adapted to retain a ball therein, the cylindrical retainer being spaced radially inwardly from the periphery of the outer hub to define a gap between an inside surface of the paint roll sleeve when on the roller. The end of the paint roll sleeve on the paint roller device and an end of the retainer define a plane perpendicular to an axis of the roller, and at least a portion of the ball extends a predetermined distance axially outwardly from the plane. The gap between the sleeve and the cylindrical extension prevents paint from interfering with the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Evgueni Denissov
  • Publication number: 20140263105
    Abstract: A filter bucket and a mop bucket movable relative to the filter bucket between a use position and a drain position. When the mop bucket is in the drain position, the water in the mop bucket drains into the filter bucket. A fluid flow path is provided between the filter bucket and the mop bucket and a filter is located in the fluid flow path such that water flows through the fluid flow path and the filter when the mop bucket is moved from the drain position to the use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC
    Inventors: Boris Kontorovich, Peter Capraro, Mario Quintana Serrahima, Eric Freitag
  • Publication number: 20140263104
    Abstract: A filter bucket and a mop bucket movable between an upstanding use position and a drain position where, when the mop bucket is in the drain position, water in the mop bucket drains into the filter bucket. A fluid flow path connecting the filter bucket to the mop bucket such that water in the filter bucket will flow through the fluid flow path from the filter bucket to the mop bucket. A filter located in the fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Scott Kepner, Frank Wang, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Kim Chow
  • Publication number: 20140250623
    Abstract: A device made of insulated foam rubber, with added vinyl pieces, that fits over windshield wipers and wiper arms of vehicles, equipment and boats, that protects wiper blades and arms from harsh elements. Using this boot acts as a barrier between harsh weather elements protecting against excessive heat, snow and ice from damaging wipers and arms. By sliding these single piece devices over each wiper blade and arm it provides 100% UV protection while shielding against harsh elements. Wiper blades and arms are protected against damage from sticking to the windshield while vehicle is in a parked position. Additional vinyl strips and/or vinyl lettering assist in easier removal of the device in wintery and excessive heat conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Mark Hochertz, Cheryl Ann Wasik
  • Patent number: 8726451
    Abstract: An end cap having a longitudinal axis is provided. The end cap includes a stationary portion, a movable portion, and a clamping member. The movable portion has a cam surface and the clamping member has a free end. The movable and stationary portions are interconnected so that the movable portion moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam surface influences the clamping member when the movable portion is in the locked position such that the cam surface resiliently flexes the clamping member to move the free end at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph K. Patterson, Paul Adams, Bernard Bensussan, Tony Sgroi, Kai Hirsch, Daniel Ferrara
  • Publication number: 20140130287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, in particular a wiping device for a motor vehicle pane, comprising a spoiler unit (22a-22p). According to the 88a invention, said spoiler unit (22a-22p) is produced in a co-extrusion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Koen Bex, Helmut Depondt, Dirk Herinckx
  • Patent number: 8715422
    Abstract: A shoe sole cleaning device includes a housing for storing a plurality of sanitation wipes therein. The cleaning apparatus includes a separation platform for supporting a scrubbing member thereon and a plurality of displacement pins coupled to the platform. The pins are positioned and configured to force a portion of a sanitation wipe into a corresponding retention member coupled with a scrubbing pad of a hand-held scrubbing member. There is also provided a lid that atmospherically seals the cleaning system to prevent evaporation and drying of the plurality of sanitation wipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Peter W. Leslie
  • Publication number: 20140068907
    Abstract: A pencil adapter for attaching a new eraser to a pencil. The pencil adapter may include a hollow body forming a first cavity on a first end and a second cavity on a second end, with a divider in between. The first end may be attached to the eraser end of a pencil and a new eraser may fit in the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Philip Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140047663
    Abstract: The invention relates to an end piece (11) of a windshield wiper comprising at least one spring strip (5) and a wiper blade (1). The end piece (11) has a first part (12) and a second part (13). The first part (12) includes a recess for accommodating the spring strip (5), a cavity for accommodating the wiper blade (1), and a hole (28) that is in communication with the recess and the cavity. The second part (13) includes a locking means for blocking the end piece (11) relative to the wiper, said locking means extending inside the hole (28). The first pan (12) and the second part (13) are connected to each other by a removable attachment means (14). The end piece is for use in motor vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: VALEO SYSTÈMES D'ESSUYAGE
    Inventor: Philippe Espinasse
  • Patent number: 8652263
    Abstract: A double bucket cleaning system for use with microfiber mat mops. One bucket contains clean water; the second holds dirty water. The second bucket has a slide press for extracting dirty water from the mop. The system can use a connector to connect the two buckets together, or a single bucket with two compartments can be used. Both designs use a footpad upon which the user stands during the pressing operation. This ensures that the device remains in place during the sliding. Finally, once the dirty water has been extracted from the mop, the user can pick up clean water from the first bucket for the next portion of the floor to be cleaned. In this way, the user is able to quickly clean a large floor with clean water, instead of repeatedly dipping the mop back into dirty water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Howard Goentzel
  • Publication number: 20140041144
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus to hold one or more windshield wipers stationary against a vehicle window. The apparatus comprises a window placement module comprising a vacuum cup that has a vacuum zone and an attachment means that is located at a point on the cup other than within the vacuum zone. The attachment means is linked to a first point of an arm that comprises a constraint feature to hold a windshield blade in place and further comprises a leverage feature to raise or lower the height of the constraint feature relative to the first point of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Isaac M. Rabin, Louis F. Polk, III
  • Publication number: 20140033457
    Abstract: An oral hygiene implement includes a cleaning element carrier and a body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The cleaning element carrier has a first area and a second area wherein the second area is disposed inboard of the first area. The first area is attached to the body while the second area is unattached to the body. A bending element is disposed between the first area and the second area, thereby allowing the second area to bend/flex while the first area stays fixed to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William Ralph BROWN, JR., Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Soeren Jan Wasow, Steffi Raehse, Tilmann Winkler
  • Patent number: 8640298
    Abstract: A wiper lifter assembly may include a wiper ramp that lifts a wiper away from a wiper surface on a vehicle, an isolation pad for attaching the assembly to the vehicle, and a wiper contact member that is attached to an upper surface of the wiper ramp. The wiper ramp may be formed of a first material while the wiper contact member and the isolation pad may be both formed of a second material that is softer than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael A. Schrader
  • Publication number: 20130333129
    Abstract: A cleaning system. The system has a floor cleaning device, disposable floor sheet removably attachable to the device and a rotatable beater bar. The device has a single wheel, and moves on the target surface by rolling action of the wheel and gliding of the floor sheet. This arrangement, not having multiple wheels, provides enhanced maneuverability, and improves cleaning performance. The cleaning system may be used to clean hard surfaces, such as a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Glenn Allen Bradbury, Brent Michael Willey
  • Publication number: 20130326837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) in a flat bar construction, having a rubber-elastic wiper strip (14), in the lateral longitudinal grooves (24) of which two band-shaped spring rails (28) which extend next to each other in a parallel manner and which are bent concavely toward a wiper lip (16) are inserted as support elements which protrude laterally out of the longitudinal grooves (24), and which are held together and attached to each other at the ends thereof by end caps (36) which, on the longitudinal sides thereof, have guide profiles (44) having a u-shaped cross section, the side jaws (46, 48, 60) of which are guided on the portions of the associated spring rail (28), which protrude out of the longitudinal grooves (24), wherein the end caps (36) comprise spring tongues having engagement lugs (50, 62) which engage in recesses (30) of the spring rails (28) and attach same in the assembly direction (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Peter De Block
  • Publication number: 20130232705
    Abstract: A container is disclosed that is configured to selectively allow attachment to the handle of a cleaning implement, where the container includes a an exterior surface configured to selectively allow attachment to the handle of a cleaning implement, an interior surface, an interior cavity defined by the shape of the interior surface, where the exterior surface defines an opening that allows access to the interior cavity and the container also includes a removable cover for the opening. In addition, a cleaning implement is disclosed that includes a removable container with the features described above, an elongated handle with a top end, a bottom end and an intermediate section along a longitudinal axis and a cleaning element secured to the bottom end of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: THE LIBMAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew D. Libman, Steven R. Kroplewski
  • Publication number: 20130205532
    Abstract: A cover for windshield wiper blades having an elongate body with a central collar and first and second elongate portions extending from the central collar. The first and second elongate portions having outer ends, and the central collar defining an interior passageway having a snap-fit tongue. A channel is disposed along each of the first and second elongate portions extending from the central collar towards the outer ends; and an end retainer or other securing mechanism is located at the outer ends. Also, windshield wiper blades incorporating such covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Pylon Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Vambi Raymundo Tolentino, Robert Peter Peers
  • Patent number: 8468643
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a warning indicator for use with wiper blades are provided. In one embodiment, the warning indicator has a housing, a counting unit disposed in the housing, an indicating unit exposed on the housing and an electrical source. The housing is coupled to an oscillating wiper blade of a windshield wiper device. The counting unit is configured to detect oscillating movements of the wiper blade one at a time. The counting unit is configured such that an oscillating number of the wiper blade is accumulatively increased. The indicating unit indicates a warning under control of the counting unit when the oscillating number comes to a predetermined value. The electrical source supplies an electrical power to the counting unit and the indicating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: ADM21 Co., Ltd., ADM Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-Kyu Kim, Hong-Nam Kim, Tae-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20130145571
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding hydraulic hoses for use in cleaning sewer lines. The claimed hose guide locks the hydraulic hose, near the head of the hose, in a clamp, providing rigidity for an operator trying to locate the opening of a clogged pipeline. Once the hose has been placed at the pipeline opening, the operator releases the hose from the hose guide, pressurizes the hose so as to separate the hose from the hose guide, removes the hose guide from the sewer line, and cleans the pipeline with the hydraulic hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel SUTTON
  • Patent number: 8453291
    Abstract: A wiper lifter assembly includes a wiper ramp that lifts a wiper away from a wiper surface on a vehicle and a wiper contact member that is attached to an upper surface of the wiper ramp. The wiper contact member may act as a sound damper to greatly reduce the undesirable noise otherwise caused when the wiper contacts the wiper lifter assembly. The assembly may also include an isolation pad for attaching the assembly to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schrader, Anthony J. Ferrito, Michael T. Binfet, Takuji Ohara, James A. Loftus, Jr., Kozo Kusumoto, Joshua L. Morrow
  • Patent number: 8439054
    Abstract: A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus of this invention facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus of this invention is provided with a base support member 18. The roller 12 is supported on the base support member 18 in an upwardly extending diagonal position adjacent a shield 70 for containing paint spreads from the roller in a predetermined confined area. The brush 14 is supported on the base support member in a predetermined upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to the base support member 18 and supported thereon in a diagonally descending position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rhines
  • Patent number: 8393046
    Abstract: A wiper protector fits over a rear window wiper to prevent damage to the wiper from a mechanized or automated car wash. The wiper protector is open on one end for slipping over the wiper blade, arm and wiper motor components if exposed. The sleeve includes a cutout at the open end to fit over the wiper motor components. A drawstring near the open end passes through the sleeve guided by non-marring grommets near the sleeve open end. A drawstring lock maintains tension on the drawstring during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: John F. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8381492
    Abstract: A hygienic cover for a hair brush is an elastic plastic netting of lycra polyester stitched into a tunnel shape with open and closed ends. This cover is rolled on a hollow insert with two open ends. A hairbrush is inserted into and through the insert. The closed end of the cover hits the end of the brush and the cover is stretched over the brush and slides off the insert and compresses around the brush head. The cover is porous and the holes grow when stretched, allowing the brush bristles to pass through the cover. When allowed to slide off the insert and collapse around the brush, the cover closes tightly around the bristles to prevent debris from reaching the brush head. The cover protects the brush in use. After each use, the hygienic cover can be taken off and replaced by a new cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Haddad
  • Patent number: 8365345
    Abstract: The present invention is a windshield wiper lifter that mounts to a standard vehicle windshield wiper arm. The windshield wiper lifter has an articulating arm affixed approximately perpendicular to the windshield wiper. A first block and a second block are affixed to the windshield in the arced path of the windshield wiper lifter. When the windshield wiper lifter strikes the first block it raises the wiper arm off of the windshield when the wiper arm strokes in a first direction. When the windshield wiper lifter strikes the second block it lowers the windshield wiper arm when stroking in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Nathan Bush
  • Publication number: 20120297569
    Abstract: A loading mechanism is disposed on a dust-collecting apparatus. The loading mechanism includes two positioning members disposed on a dust-collecting bucket of the dust-collecting apparatus, two support members disposed on the dust-collecting apparatus, two slide members respectively sliding on the support members, an operation member connected to the slide members, and two limit members connected with the operation member and the support members. The slide members can engage with the positioning members. The user just pulls up the operation member to link the slide members to slide along the support members, such that the dust-collecting bucket can be connected to the dust-collecting apparatus or detached from the dust-collecting apparatus quickly and conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Yuan-Tai CHENG
  • Publication number: 20120174332
    Abstract: An end cap having a longitudinal axis is provided. The end cap includes a stationary portion, a movable portion, and a clamping member. The movable portion has a cam surface and the clamping member has a free end. The movable and stationary portions are interconnected so that the movable portion moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam surface influences the clamping member when the movable portion is in the locked position such that the cam surface resiliently flexes the clamping member to move the free end at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph K. Patterson, Paul Adams, Bernard Bensussan, Tony Sgroi, Kai Hirsch, Daniel Ferrara
  • Publication number: 20120090109
    Abstract: A brush assembly using a spacer and the spacer permit multiple brushes to be combined on a driveshaft that is driven in rotation. The use of multiple brushes allows one to vary the characteristics of the brush assembly along the assembly's length. This also permits one to change fewer than all brushes when needed, thereby saving the cost of replacing an entire brush assembly's brushes when worn. The spacer is a body with a central opening that is preferably polygonal in section, opposing ends that form shoulders and a radially extending gasket located intermediate the opposing ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: VANMARK EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Mathues, Chris Hudson
  • Publication number: 20120054978
    Abstract: A closure for pipeline pig sender or receiver includes a primary closure body and a secondary closure body. The primary closure body has an outer face, an inner face and a port extending therethrough from the outer face to the inner face. The primary closure body is secured to the pipeline pig sender or receiver sealing a closure end when the primary closure body is in the closed position. The secondary closure body closes the port on the primary closure body. The secondary closure body is movable between a closed position and an open position to enable an operator to insert a tool through the port into the diversionary passage to manipulate the pipeline pig and release trapped pressure prior to opening the closure. The secondary closure body is secured to the primary closure body sealing the port when the secondary closure body is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: David Nelson, Allen Barker, Trent Nowicki
  • Publication number: 20110296645
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a backpack leaf blower with a sheppard's hook device mounted on the back pack for the purpose of holding the flexible air hose by rotational force against the hose. The device can be added to an existing backpack or designed into a new device as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Terry K. Webb
  • Publication number: 20110258805
    Abstract: A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus of this invention facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus of this invention is provided with a base support member 18. The roller 12 is supported on the base support member 18 in an upwardly extending diagonal position adjacent a shield 70 for containing paint spreads from the roller in a predetermined confined area. The brush 14 is supported on the base support member in a predetermined upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to the base support member 18 and supported thereon in a diagonally descending position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Rhines
  • Patent number: 8042215
    Abstract: A cleaning system for removing abrading material adapted to remove and keep separated the abrasive contaminants from a wash rag, mitt, or brush which is capable of being mounted within a standard 5 gallon bucket for the purposes of washing a car, boat, recreational vehicle or the like. The cleaning system is a lattice structure including a scrubber grate which is positioned within the bucket such that a wash rag, mitt, or long handled brush is capable of being vigorously rubbed against the scrubber grate such that any abrasive grit or contaminants within the wash rag, mitt, or long handled brush will become dislodged and settle to the bottom of the cleaning fluid within the bucket. The lattice structure also has a receiver base to support the scrubber grate and is located near the bottom of the bucket. The lattice structure receiver base allows abrasive contaminants and debris to settle to the bottom of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Richard R. Thibault
  • Publication number: 20110247168
    Abstract: A method of controlling the quality of inspection and cleaning of surgical, medical, and veterinary instruments includes gathering illustrations of the instruments to be cleaned and inspected. Portion of the instruments most subject to wear and retention of contamination are identified and marked on the illustrations. The illustrations are annotated with instructions on inspection and cleaning with reference to the marked portions. The annotated illustrations are positioned on an upper surface of a resilient, smoother, waterproof mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Richard John Schultz
  • Patent number: 7954199
    Abstract: A drain cleaner which is superior in portability and which makes it possible for a small number of people to perform drain cleaning operation on a broad floor. A drain cleaner (1) comprises a strip body (2), and a reel body (3) for winging or unwinding the strip body (2). The strip body (2) has a handle (4) at its front end (2a), the opposite edges (2b, 2b) thereof having attached thereto flexible members (20, 20) made of rubber having high adhesion to a floor or the like. Surrounding a puddle on a floor by the strip body (2) unwound from the reel body (3), one of two operators holds the handle (4) of the strip body (2) and the other holds the reel body (3). By pulling the strip body (2), the water in the puddle can be swept by the strip body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Hideki Kurata
  • Patent number: 7828001
    Abstract: A pad washing system is provided. This system includes a filter device that further includes: a filter component having a textured top surface and at least one baffle formed on the underside thereof; a filter support apparatus adapted to receive the filter device, wherein the filter support apparatus further includes: a base, a plurality of vertical support columns formed integrally with the base, a plurality of caps mounted on top of the vertical columns, and a plurality of biasing members disposed between the caps and the tops of the vertical columns; a bucket for receiving both the filter device and the filter support apparatus; a threaded rim attached to or formed integrally with the top edge the bucket; and a splash guard mountable within the threaded rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas R. Lamb