Fountain Patents (Class 15/29)
  • Publication number: 20040237228
    Abstract: A scrubbing device has a scrubbing head with a cleaning member rotatably coupled to an electrical motor within the scrubbing head. A support member is coupled with the scrubbing head and a handle. The handle includes a switch for activating the electric motor. A first fluid source is coupled with the scrubbing head for spraying a first fluid on a surface to be cleaned. A second fluid source is coupled with the scrubbing head to spray a second fluid on the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Wade King, Wallis Alsruhe, Kevin W. Covell
  • Patent number: 6795994
    Abstract: A portable cleaning system a power pack assembly, a combination hose/electrical wiring assembly, and a motorized power transfer assembly brush assembly. The power pack assembly includes a rechargeable battery power supply and is connected to the motorized power transfer assembly brush assembly using the combination hose/electrical wiring assembly. The user may attach a variety of items for cleaning, polishing and the like to the electrical motor driven rotary, tool attachment plate of the motorized power transfer assembly brush assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Michael M. Nahoom
  • Publication number: 20040181886
    Abstract: A water-operated wash brush which includes a casing that supports a rotary brush and an impellor which drives the rotary brush through a gear train as an incident to direction of wash liquid into the casing from a tangential nozzle. The casing has a clear plastic cover for observing rotary operation of the impellor with the gear train being ascetically disposed on an underside of the impellor. A circular splash plate is interposed between the gear train and the rotary brush for preventing the splash back of wash liquid that might impede operation of the gear train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: FAIP North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Gus Alexander
  • Patent number: 6792639
    Abstract: A portable tool has a long handle with a fitting for connection to an external pressurized water supply, a hand receiver on the worker end of the handle with a trigger-operated water flow control valve, a rotatable wheel at a distal end of the handle remote from the control and having surface scrubbing elements thereon, a distribution nozzle pivotable in the handle adjacent the wheel to direct high velocity water discharge onto the scrubbing elements, a discharge direction control button adjacent the proximal end, and a control wire coupled to the nozzle and button and operable to direct discharge from the nozzle onto the wheel at selectable radii relative to the wheel rotational axis to change wheel speed, direction and torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20040172779
    Abstract: A rotatable washing device has a holder provided with connecting means; and an attachment provided with counter connecting means which are connectable to the connecting means of the holder to rotate together with the latter, the attachment being formed as an element which allows passage of liquid through the element or around the element, the holding element and the attachment being rotatable by the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Sam Zhadanov, Ell Zhadanov
  • Patent number: 6766549
    Abstract: A toothbrush system using a combination of mechanical force and fluid dynamics to increase the efficiency of plaque removal from the teeth and gums. The toothbrush includes a head unit with an irrigator nozzle and a hydraulically actuated and continuously variable bristle platform which negotiates the complex surface geometry found in the mouth of a user. The irrigation nozzle is powered by the pulsing of an anti-microbial irrigant which gives the toothbrush head unit the distinguishing ability of being able to “feel” the contour of the teeth and to “find” the spaces between them. Once the sensing irrigator nozzle finds the spaces between the teeth, it extends into the area, and releases the anti-microbial liquid directly into the space. The configured bristle tufts of the head unit automatically adjust their position for cleaning under the gum line, between the teeth, as well as flat surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Michael F. Klupt
  • Publication number: 20040117931
    Abstract: A scrubbing brush that includes a body, at least one hand grip, a brush head, a water supply apparatus, and a motor. The water supplying apparatus fluidly communicates with the body, the brush head, and a water source, and dispenses water from the brush head. The brush head includes a housing that is pivotally attached to the body, by a ball joint, and a brush that are rotatably attached to the housing thereof. The water supplying apparatus includes a coupling that extends from and is in fluid communication with the body and the brush head, and a flexible hose that is fluidly attached to the coupling and the water source. In one embodiment, the motor is an electric motor that is disposed in the body and is operatively connected to and rotates the brush of the brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Darren Washington, John King
  • Patent number: 6748619
    Abstract: A hand-held, electric-powered cleaning device used to wash elevated or difficult-to-reach surfaces. The device includes a length adjustable elongated pole with a rotating brush assembly attached at its distal end. Attached to the proximal end of the elongated pole is a handle assembly that includes a battery housing and a hand grip assembly with a brush control switch and a hose connector fitting. Disposed inside the elongated pole is a coiled water conduit that connects to a standard hose fitting located in the end of the handle assembly and terminates in the brush assembly to deliver water to the brush assembly. Also disposed inside the handle assembly is a soap delivery system to deliver soap to the water conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Trung Thieu Quach
  • Patent number: 6735803
    Abstract: An electrical dentifrice dispensing toothbrush using a replaceable bristle unit with a permanent drive head and handle is described. The replaceable bristle unit consists of a rotary bristle element and a stationary bristle element that has an opening for the flow of dentifrice material through the drive head. The bristle unit is snap-on latched to the side walls of the drive head. Opposing tabs which also function as pressure sensors on the bristle unit are pressed toward each other to release the bristle unit. A linkage is used to convert the rotation of the drive shaft to a planar oscillation that enables a compact drive head configuration. The dentifrice dispensing is accomplished by using a rotary solenoid for actuating an internal button that applies pumping pressure to the dentifrice material. As a benefit to arthritis suffers, no external squeezing action is involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Youti Kuo
  • Patent number: 6730051
    Abstract: A rotating and vibrating massage shower nozzle comprised of a first transmission shaft and a flexible transmission cable. The first transmission shaft rotates a drive gear, a driven gear, and a second transmission shaft. The second transmission shaft has a drive ring gear installed on it that impels a bevel gear train or an eccentric cylinder, with the bevel gear train controlling the revolution of a rotary output coupling such that a bathing accessory mounted on it is spun and the imbalanced action of the eccentric cylinder effectively generates vibrations for massage applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Chun-Kuang Lin
  • Publication number: 20040073997
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shower and bath appliance that provides improved cleansing as well as massaging properties. The appliance for cleansing and massaging has a housing with an impeller rotatably mounter within the housing. The housing is adapted to receive water from a shower pipe or other water source. The impeller is rotated by the flow of water from the water source. The motion of impeller rotates one or more brushes mounted on the impeller. In addition, the water flows from the impeller through the brushes as they rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Don Cannetti
  • Publication number: 20040045107
    Abstract: This oral cleansing device assembly is an oral hygiene tool, which connects to the water faucet, uses normal water pressure in the system. All electric toothbrushes use a small motor, rechargeable or alkaline battery operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Zoltan Egeresi
  • Patent number: 6689078
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an oral cleaning device is provided with a nozzle to jet a pressurized liquid. The oral cleaning device has a body, a neck extending from the body and a head attached to the neck. The oral cleaning device further includes a refillable reservoir defined by the body for holding a liquid. An on-board pump is used to pressurize the liquid contained in the reservoir. The oral cleaning device further includes a channel from the reservoir to the nozzle in the head such that when pressurized fluid in the reservoir is released, the fluid jets from the oral cleaning device. The head and neck assembly is also interchangeable with other head and neck assemblies to provide different cleaning features. First, the nozzle by itself to remove plaque and to simulate flossing between teeth. Second, the nozzle with bristles and the head shaped to brush teeth. Third, the nozzle with bristles and the head shaped to brush a tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Jeffrey Rehkemper, Peter Greenley
  • Publication number: 20030221270
    Abstract: An electrical dentifrice dispensing toothbrush using a replaceable bristle unit with a permanent drive head and handle is described. The replaceable bristle unit consists of a rotary bristle element and a stationary bristle element that has an opening for the flow of dentifrice material through the drive head. The bristle unit is snap-on latched to the side walls of the drive head. Opposing tabs which also function as pressure sensors on the bristle unit are pressed toward each other to release the bristle unit. A linkage is used to convert the rotation of the drive shaft to a planar oscillation that enables a compact drive head configuration. The dentifrice dispensing is accomplished by using a rotary solenoid for actuating an internal button that applies pumping pressure to the dentifrice material. As a benefit to arthritis suffers, no external squeezing action is involved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Youti Kuo
  • Publication number: 20030200616
    Abstract: Water flow-driven rotary and vibrational cleaning brush including a base seat, a water wheel, a brush seat and a transmission unit. The base seat is a receptacle having an opening facing downward. An outer and an inner faces of the base seat are respectively formed with a fluid inlet and a nozzle. The water wheel is disposed in the base seat and rotatable about a shaft rod. The water wheel is impacted and rotated by the fluid injected by the nozzle. The brush seat is positioned under the base seat. A brush section is disposed under the brush seat. The transmission unit is disposed between the brush seat and the water wheel and includes a transmissions section connected with the brush seat for transmitting the rotational power of the water wheel to drive the brush seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Gordon Chih
  • Publication number: 20030200615
    Abstract: A portable tool has a long handle with a fitting for connection to an external pressurized water supply, a hand receiver on the worker end of the handle with a trigger-operated water flow control valve, a rotatable wheel at a distal end of the handle remote from the control and having surface scrubbing elements thereon, a distribution nozzle pivotable in the handle adjacent the wheel to direct high velocity water discharge onto the scrubbing elements, a discharge direction control button adjacent the proximal end, and a control wire coupled to the nozzle and button and operable to direct discharge from the nozzle onto the wheel at selectable radii relative to the wheel rotational axis to change wheel speed, direction and torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6634050
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning with a rotary brush while delivery water to the area to be cleaned. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing. The housing has a distal side and a proximal side. The housing has a top wall and a peripheral wall attached to and extending away from a peripheral edge of the top wall. The top wall and the peripheral wall bound an interior portion of the housing. The peripheral wall has a free edge. A washing means for washing a surface comprises a first scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface. The first scrubbing means is mounted in the housing. The first scrubbing means is generally adjacent to the free edge of the peripheral wall. A delivery means delivers liquid to the washing means and is fluidly coupled to the distal end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Luis A. Barboza
  • Publication number: 20030177595
    Abstract: A hand-held, electric-powered cleaning device used to wash elevated or difficult-to-reach surfaces. The device includes a length adjustable elongated pole with a rotating brush assembly attached at its distal end. Attached to the proximal end of the elongated pole is a handle assembly that includes a battery housing and a hand grip assembly with a brush control switch and a hose connector fitting. Disposed inside the elongated pole is a coiled water conduit that connects to a standard hose fitting located in the end of the handle assembly and terminates in the brush assembly to deliver water to the brush assembly. Also disposed inside the handle assembly is a soap delivery system to deliver soap to the water conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Trung Thieu Quach
  • Patent number: 6622333
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a pneumatic-operated toothbrush incorporates a pump that a user may utilize to pump are into and pressurize air in a reservoir. The reservoir is attached to a pneumatic motor, which utilizes the pressurized air inside the reservoir to rotate a drive shaft. Attached to the end of the drive shaft is a plurality of bristles that rotate when the drive shaft is rotating. The motor will continue to rotate the bristles as long as the pressure inside the reservoir is sufficient enough to force the air into the pneumatic motor. When the motor stops rotating the bristles, the user can pump air back inside the reservoir for continued use. It is important to note that the pneumatic toothbrush for the present invention is a self-contained device, meaning that the reservoir, motor and pump are incorporated into a single toothbrush. In addition the present invention does not use batteries or other electrical elements to power the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Jeffrey Rehkemper, Charles Hartlaub, Todd Hannon
  • Patent number: 6594843
    Abstract: A portable tool has a long handle with a fitting for connection to an external pressurized water supply, a hand receiver on the worker end of the handle with a trigger-operated water flow control valve, a rotatable wheel at a distal end of the handle remote from the control and having surface scrubbing elements thereon, a distribution nozzle pivotable in the handle adjacent the wheel to direct high velocity water discharge onto the scrubbing elements, a discharge direction control button adjacent the proximal end, and a control wire coupled to the nozzle and button and operable to direct discharge from the nozzle onto the wheel at selectable radii relative to the wheel rotational axis to change wheel speed, direction and torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Electromechanical Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20030056307
    Abstract: An oral solution dispenser apparatus for attachment to a powered toothbrush handle having a drive coupling mounted thereon, includes a housing adapted for attachment to the handle, the housing having a recess therein for receiving a cartridge containing the oral solution, a pump disposed in the housing for moving the oral solution from the cartridge, and an outlet nozzle extending from the housing and adapted to permit movement of the oral solution from the pump and from the housing. A head having bristles thereon is adapted to interconnect with the handle drive coupling and the housing outlet nozzle, to facilitate powered movement of the bristles and movement of the oral solution from the outlet nozzle to proximate the bristles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Federico Castellucci, L. Paul Lustig
  • Patent number: 6523209
    Abstract: A wall cleaning apparatus for making it easier for the user to clean the walls. The wall cleaning apparatus includes a container assembly including a container mounted upon wheels and also including a lid assembly being removably disposed upon the container with the container being adapted to hold cleaning solutions; and also includes a pump assembly being attached to the container and including a flexible hose; and further including a tubular head support attachment being removably connected to the flexible hose; and also including a head assembly being rotatably mounted to the tubular head support attachment; and further includes a rotating assembly for rotating the head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Shari Lynn Dickerson
  • Patent number: 6481040
    Abstract: A modular surgical prep sponge holder is provided for improving the cleaning of hands and arms prior to medical procedures. The device includes a tubular member containing a flexible cable and a flexible water line that extend through the tube. A rotating head is attached to the end of the tube, which moves 180 degrees in any direction. The disposable part of the device, being encased in a plastic housing, is connected to the rotating head. The housing includes a main gear, and a movement-plate with end clasps. Once the housing is inserted onto the end of the flexible cable, and a motor is turned on, the flexible cable will rotate. The rotational motion of the flexible cable will be transferred to the main gear and will be converted to lateral motion, causing the movement-plate to move in a lateral direction. Depending upon the setting of the motor, the system may deliver several hundred more strokes per minute than could manually be performed by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jonathan L. McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20020152565
    Abstract: A toothbrush system using a combination of mechanical force and fluid dynamics to increase the efficiency of plaque removal from the teeth and gums. The toothbrush includes a head unit with an irrigator nozzle and a hydraulically actuated and continuously variable bristle platform which negotiates the complex surface geometry found in the mouth of a user. The irrigation nozzle is powered by the pulsing of an anti-microbial irrigant which gives the toothbrush head unit the distinguishing ability of being able to “feel” the contour of the teeth and to “find” the spaces between them. Once the sensing irrigator nozzle finds the spaces between the teeth, it extends into the area, and releases the anti-microbial liquid directly into the space. The configured bristle tufts of the head unit automatically adjust their position for cleaning under the gum line, between the teeth, as well as flat surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Michael F. Klupt
  • Publication number: 20020129835
    Abstract: A hand-held scrubbing device for cleaning a surface has a waterproof casing having an interior area and an exterior area. The interior area has an electromechanical motor and a battery joined to the electromechanical motor. The exterior area has a scrubbing surface removably joined to the electromechanical motor which provides a mechanical action to the scrubbing surface. The scrubbing surface is impregnated with a cleaning composition. A kit has a hand-held scrubbing device, while a method of use employs such a hand-held scrubbing device. A disposable scrubbing surface impregnated with a cleaning composition is designed for use with a hand-held scrubbing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: The Procter & Gambie Company
    Inventors: Lucio Pieroni, Peter Robert Foley
  • Publication number: 20020112741
    Abstract: A hand-held scrubbing device for cleaning a surface includes a waterproof casing having an interior area and an exterior area. The interior area has an electromechanical motor, a battery joined to the electromechanical motor, and a dispensing chamber joined to a dispensing mechanism. The exterior area has an orifice joined to the dispensing mechanism, a dispensing activator joined to the dispensing mechanism, and a scrubbing surface joined to the electromechanical motor. When the dispensing chamber is filled with a cleaning composition and when the dispensing activator is activated, the dispensing mechanism expels a portion of the cleaning composition from the waterproof casing, via the orifice. Furthermore, the electromechanical motor provides a mechanical action to the scrubbing surface. A method for cleaning an item employs such a hand-held scrubbing device. A cleaning kit includes such a hand-held scrubbing device and a cleaning composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Lucio Pieroni, Peter Robert Foley
  • Patent number: 6434773
    Abstract: A dentifrice dispensing electrical toothbrush having two replaceable oscillating brush elements. A motor, batteries and a cartridge that contains dentifrice material are housed in the toothbrush handle. A neck connects the brush head and the handle. A pair of brush elements is mounted on a pair of posts attached to the brush head in a manner that allows their free oscillation. The neck includes a flow channel for dentifrice material that is pumped from the cartridge to the spout opening at the base of one of the brush elements. The brush elements are detachably positioned on the brush head by a snap-on retention cradle and are replaceable by detachment of the retention cradle from the brush head. An oscillating motion is imparted to both brush elements by an oscillating means and a drive shaft that is positioned in the neck and connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Youti Kuo
  • Patent number: 6434774
    Abstract: A motorized brush apparatus including a supply of a fluid, such as water, that is selectively actuated upon a targeted surface. A switch allows a user to selectively interrupt the rotational movement applied to a rotating brush assembly at one end of a shaft. A motor assembly is mounted preferably at the other end of the shaft. A source of a fluid is connected to a conduit member that extends along the shaft and ends with an outlet that directs the fluid axially and in parallel with the rotating bristles. The bristles are perpendicularly mounted to a rotating base plate provided with arched openings that allow the fluid to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Reidel Castellon
  • Publication number: 20020066148
    Abstract: A motorized brush apparatus including a supply of a fluid, such as water, that is selectively actuated upon a targeted surface. A switch allows a user to selectively interrupt the rotational movement applied to a rotating brush assembly at one end of a shaft. A motor assembly is mounted preferably at the other end of the shaft. A source of a fluid is connected to a conduit member that extends along the shaft and ends with an outlet that directs the fluid axially and in parallel with the rotating bristles. The bristles are perpendicularly mounted to a rotating base plate provided with arched openings that allow the fluid to pass through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Reidel Castellon
  • Patent number: 6331088
    Abstract: A toothbrush with multiple pumping systems including a head portion having three rows of a plurality of outlet ports formed therein. The head portion has a plurality of bristles secured thereto. An elongated handle portion removably couples with the head portion. The handle portion has a hollow interior in communication with the hollow interior of the head portion. Three manual pumps are slidably disposed within the handle portion. Three tubes are removably disposed within the head portion and the handle portion disposed between the outlet ports of the head portion and the three pumps. The three tubes hold quantities of liquid toothpaste, mouthwash, and antibacterial rinse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Zena Elizabeth Owens
  • Patent number: 6314603
    Abstract: A rotor for home car washing use having a radially oriented inlet at the distal end of a rotor in rotation and in movement against the car vertical sides, i.e., the larger surfaces requiring cleaning, in which washing fluid supplied through the tube flows into the lower half of the rotor, aided by gravity, to effectively power the rotor in rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Sobo
  • Patent number: 6292971
    Abstract: A powered cleaning brush for cleaning toilet bowl which has at handle with a source of electricity connect thereto. In addition the handle has a container for holding a cleaning solution and a trigger for supplying cleaning solution to the brush. The handle has an angled portion for enabling a user to clean under the rim of the toilet bowl and for cleaning the angled drain on the toilet. The trigger is positioned on the opposite side of the handle from the angled portion to make positioning the brush convenient for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Muhammad I. Chaudray
  • Patent number: 6264119
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a small, maneuverable stream of filtered fluid without benefit of a pump or electrical power are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a spray nozzle apparatus for dispensing a maneuverable stream of fluid, that originates from a fluid source at a first pressure includes an adapter assembly, a nozzle subassembly, and a flexible tubing. The adapter assembly is mechanically coupled to the fluid source, and is arranged to allow the fluid to flow from the fluid source through the adapter assembly. The nozzle subassembly dispenses the fluid at a second pressure, and includes a fluid intake end and a fluid dispensing end. The fluid dispensing end allows the fluid to flow therethrough in a small, stream-like configuration at the second pressure, and is in fluid communication with the adapter assembly. The flexible tubing allows the fluid to flow through, and is coupled to the fluid intake end of the nozzle subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David Truong
  • Patent number: 6253404
    Abstract: An electrically operated tooth-cleaning device being provided with a handle part having an electric drive motor. A hanle part can be connected with an attachment provided with a cleansing tool, with the cleaning tool being capable of being caused to rotate by the drive motor. A first cleaning tool of a first attachment is capable of being connected directly with the drive motor, and cleaning tool of a second attachment can be couple trough a transmission with the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Boland, Michael Stolper
  • Patent number: 6233773
    Abstract: A combination motorized toothbrush and gum cleaning device which uniquely incorporates the best features of a motorized toothbrush and a pressurized fluid stream cleaning gum-cleaning system. A pump assembly and power source are housed in a plastic housing and a flexible hose leads from the pump to a hollow brush handle which contains a D.C. motor, a gear train terminating in an oscillating shaft and a pair of switches. A removable and replacable brush head assembly plugs onto the top of the brush head and the oscillating shaft causes the bristles of the brush head to oscillate. A hollow tube portion also is incorporated into the brush head assembly which delivers a high power stream of water or other fluid out the center of the brush head and can be directed towards the users gum line and between the users teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: Hans J. Karge, Robert C. Wood
  • Patent number: 6205607
    Abstract: A water driven cleaning device which comprises a housing with a water inlet, a nozzle, a turbine wheel which drives two concentric brushes in co-axial rotation simultaneously but in opposite directions via a gear transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert W. Tse
  • Patent number: 6170108
    Abstract: An electric back brush for providing an invigorating scrub comprising an elongated arm having one end attached to a handle and the other end attached to a head assembly. The length and shape of the elongated arm is selected to permit self-administration to normally hard to reach areas of the body, especially the back. The head assembly includes an electric motor and a brush head attached thereto via a flexible drive shaft for driving the brush head in rotary oscillation while permitting the brush head to pivot freely with respect to the head assembly. The brush head is detachably mounted to the motor so that it can be removed therefrom and fitted with another brush head with different textures whenever desired. A soap reservoir compartment is formed within the elongated arm for storing liquid soap so as to allow the user to selectively dispense soap while scrubbing one's back with the brush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Audrey M. Knight
  • Patent number: 6170107
    Abstract: A rotating brush cleaning apparatus is provided having grippable handle and a plurality of elongated brush attachments. The handle houses a rechargeable battery driven motor that drive an attached brush in a circular rotation. Each brush attachment is mounted on a central, elongated bendable plastic core. A first narrow brush attachment is relatively narrow and adapted to be used for cleaning baby bottles and tall glasses. A narrow brush scrubber attachment comprises and annular ring of rough scouring material that can be placed over the narrow brush attachment for cleaning any caked-on residue at the bottom of a baby bottle or tall glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Dewey T. George, Loretta A. George
  • Patent number: 6062229
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing nail polish which generally includes a curved, substantially cylindrical housing having dimensions and a shape which is conveniently and comfortably grasped by the user and which receives the various operating components of the apparatus including a rotatable brush which projects from an end of the housing, and a motor for rotating the brush responsive to an actuating switch located along the surface of the housing. The motor is preferably battery-operated so that the apparatus is made portable and maneuverable. A reservoir is further provided to contain a polish-removing solution, and a fluid dispenser is provided to deliver desired amounts of the solution from the reservoir to the brush. The solution is advantageously dispensed into center portions of the brush so that the solution need not be applied to the brush or to the nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: Melinda Kandratavich, Melissa Kandratavich
  • Patent number: 6058543
    Abstract: A new shower head cleaning attachment for attachment to a shower head to permit cleaning therewith of a bathtub or shower stall. The inventive device includes a scrubbing brush with an elongate portion and an agitating head with a plurality of outwardly extending bristles. The scrubbing brush has a passage therein extending between the elongate portion and the agitating head. The agitating head has a plurality of apertures into the passage of the scrubbing brush. One end of a flexible hose is detachably coupled to an end of the scrubbing brush to fluidly connect the hose to the passage of the scrubbing brush. The other end of the hose has a shower head connector to fluidly connect this end of the hose to a shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Cora Ann Thompson
  • Patent number: 6052854
    Abstract: A fluid distribution device for distributing cleaning fluid to the floor surface comprises a hollow tube extender attached to a hollow fixed shaft. A hub assembly having a plurality of hollow open-ended spokes is rotatably mounted to the tube extender. If used with a brush floor cleaning apparatus a portion of each spoke extends into and terminates within a radial passage in the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Arlen Dale Besel, James Kirk Hendrix
  • Patent number: 6047429
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a drive shaft that is reciprocated by a motor in a brush handle (not shown). The reciprocating movement is directly transferred to a piston that serves to pump water from a reservoir via a water passage to a water jet nozzle in the midst of brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Addway Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Ka Shing Wu
  • Patent number: 6048583
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying liquid protectorant to a targeted surface, such as a automobile tire sidewall, comprising a container for holding the liquid protectorant, a hand-held applicator, and a conduit between the container and the applicator. And one embodiment, the container is pressurized and a manually controllable valve is operable to deliver the liquid protectorant from the container to the applicator. The applicator includes a nozzle for delivering liquid protectorant. The nozzle, however, is surrounded by portions of the applicator, for example brush bristles, to prevent liquid protectorant from traveling to other than the targeted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Sunshine Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Rickie Lee Waddell
  • Patent number: 6035477
    Abstract: Scrubber attachments for a standard sink sprayer having a housing fitting over the sprayer. A rotary or stationary sponge or brush is exteriorly attached to the housing for scrubbing surfaces and items. A soap dispenser is incorporated in the housing for dispensing soap during scrubbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Jokari/US, Inc.
    Inventor: Brenda Robert
  • Patent number: 6021539
    Abstract: A hand-held washing device has a housing, a rotor rotatable in the housing, a washing tool attached to the rotator and rotatable therewith, a holder connected with the housing, and a handle telescopably connected with the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: Eli Zhadanov, Sam Zhadanov
  • Patent number: 5964003
    Abstract: A scrubber including a longitudinal support having opposed, upper and lower ends. A handgrip is secured to the upper end of the longitudinal support, and a motor is secured to the lower end of the longitudinal support. The motor has an articulating drive shaft extending therefrom. A cleaning pad is secured to the bottom of the drive shaft. A housing encloses the drive shaft. The housing includes relatively articulating, lower and upper portions spaced from the drive shaft. The lower portion is secured to the top of the cleaning pad so as to rotate therewith. The upper portion is secured to the lower end of the longitudinal support so as to remain stationary as the drive shaft, cleaning pad and lower portion of the housing are rotated by the motor. A liquid reservoir, in selective fluid communication with the cleaning pad, is secured to the longitudinal support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory K. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5960503
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an electric, hydraulic, kitchen utensil cleaning tool, being adapted for use with one hand to wash all types of kitchenware in homes, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, etc. It is operated with water from the kitchen pipe line via a hose. It has three systems: Water, Detergent, and Power Systems. To integrate these systems together it has a main connecting receiving element (MCRE) which has: valves and ducts for water and detergent, a sleeve plug and a seal to couple the hollow shaft of a drive motor to the MCRE. The MCRE is connected to a detergent reservoir having an integrated injector. The detergent is mixed with water in a T connection formed by the water and detergent ducts. The mixture passes through the hollow shaft. Cleaning is performed by a rotating cleaning head at the end of the hollow shaft. The cleaning head has a brush and an annular fiber scrub pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Gilberto R. Del Pozo Y Mattei
  • Patent number: 5926893
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning internal surfaces of water closets ("WCs") and similar fixtures includes a container to be placed near the fixture to be cleaned. A brush is stored in a lower section of the container, and it is removed from the container to clean the WC. A water supply system in an upper section of the container includes water conduits and a flexible tube which is retractably mounted on a rolling up device. Water flows from the flexible tube through the brush handle to an impeller which rotates the brush, and the water sprays the bristles to keep the brush clean and to prevent the formation of deposits on the bristles. When the brush is inside the container, a cleaning rod protrudes into the bristles, and the brush is rotated to clean its bristles further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: Pietro Cestari, Giuseppe De Bella
  • Patent number: 5913982
    Abstract: The invention includes a water driven brush mechanism which is pivotally attached to a rigid hose. The rigid hose acts as a handle to the user and a conduit to supply water to the brush mechanism. The pivotal attachment allows the user to change the angle of the brush mechanism to the rigid pipe to facilitate the cleaning process. The rigid hose is attached to a flexible hose on the opposite end of the brush mechanism. The flexible hose in turn attaches to the faucet or shower head for the necessary water supply. The flexible hose is necessary to provide easy movement of the brush mechanism to a variety of positions with respect to the faucet or shower head. The flexible hose is also of sufficient length as to easily reach the desired surface to be cleaned. The flexible hose has a male threaded end cap which can engage with the threaded male end of a shower head by use of a coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Patrick Stephen Phillips
  • Patent number: 5911256
    Abstract: A water-powered brush is composed of a handle, a bristled head, and a flexible tubular body located between the handle and the bristled head. The bristled head is provided with an impeller and a centrifugal member capable of actuating the bristled head to move back and forth on the surface of an object at such time when the impeller is driven by water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: James Tsai