Abstract: A packaging cover for bristles of a cleaning apparatus having a base with a neck portion, wherein the bristles are attached to the base. The packaging cover has two webs of flexible sheet material. The packaging cover has a base end and an opposite top end. Both webs are joined at the top end and/or the base end. At least one of the webs has at least one opening near the base end wherein each opening is large enough to accommodate the neck portion of the cleaning apparatus. Both webs have opposing sides which extend between the base end and top end. Both webs are separated from each other along at least a portion of each of the opposing sides.

Abstract: A disposable teeth cleaning kit includes a finger mounted toothbrush having a substantially cylindrical elastic sheath with a closed end and an open end. The sheath can be provided with internal longitudinal torque ridges to prevent rolling of the sheath during use. Brush means is disposed on the sheath adjacent its closed end and the sheath is adapted to be furled into a compact configuration wherein the furled portion forms a substantially annular rim bounding an area spanned by the closed end portion of the sheath and the brush means. The brush means is sized and configured to be surrounded and protected by the rim during storage and can be sealed in a protective sterile pod if desired. In use, the toothbrush is unfurled onto a user's finger whereupon the finger is manipulated in the user's mouth to clean the teeth. When the teeth are cleaned, the brush is unfurled from the user's finger and discarded in an appropriate refuse receptacle.

Abstract: A sealed envelope contains a moistened pad that functions as a swab. The pad is secured to the envelope by an intermediate seal line. When the top of the envelope is removed, the pad is exposed. Since the pad is still captively held to the remainder of the envelope, the liquid on the pad may be dispensed by holding the clean, dry bottom of the envelope. The pad functions as a swab and the remainder of the envelope functions as the applicator handle and reservoir.

Abstract: A paint roller tray and lid having a seal for resealable air-tight mating of the tray with the lid. The lid has a paint roller handle holder so that when the lid is mated onto the tray the paint roller handle is detachably securable to the lid. The holder for holding a paint roller handle has a pair of resilient protrusions depending from the interior of the paint roller handle housing of the lid, the protrusions being in spaced apart relation so as to snugly receive therebetween a paint roller handle. The housing has contiguous sides extending upward from the upper surface of the lid and a roof extending between the contiguous sides.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for breaking an ampoule. In particular, the device is preferably for use in an apparatus for collecting and transporting biological specimens. The device comprises a guard arrangement that surrounds a frangible ampoule. With appropriate force applied to the guard arrangement, the frangible ampoule is ruptured.

Abstract: A sheath and comb assembly is capable of protecting a paint brush and maintaining bristles of the paint brush in good condition. The comb can be stored within the sheath along with the paint brush. To use the comb, it is secured to the sheath so that the sheath acts as a handle. The useful condition of the bristles are maintained by combing the bristles with the comb.

Abstract: A package for an elongate medical article including a lower plastic sheet and a upper plastic casing with the upper casing forming a convex packaging space for containing an elongate medical article therein, where the upper casing is sealed and bonded with the lower sheet along a periphery of the convex space. The feature of the package lies in the convex space which is separated into front and rear parts by a strongly bonded portion at such a position that a head portion of the contained article is contained in the front part, and a tail portion of the contained article is contained in the rear part of the convex space, allowing a user to manipulate the article without contacting any part of this body.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding and transporting paint includes a front, a bottom, side walls and a back wall. A top element is connected to the side walls and the back wall and is in registry with a portion of the bottom and spaced therefrom to define a receptacle for paint when the apparatus is positioned with the front disposed upwardly relative to the rear wall.

Abstract: A holder-container for paint roller may be utilized in various functions, particularly as a paint roller holder, as a protective enclosure and as a container, having a flat bottom and walls forming a reservoir to receive paint roller, wet paint, water or thinner, which is open at its upper end, opposite to the flat bottom and is provided with a flat snap-on lid (6) which has sufficient height around the perimeter of the lid to extend over the top open end of container (1) which is retained in operative position by suitable means, a groove (5) in container and a raised bead (8) in snap-on lid (6) by applying finger pressure downward on the top surface of snap-on lid (6) causing the raised bead (8) in snap-on lid (6) to pop securely into groove (5) in container (1), like a coffee can lid.

Abstract: A paint brush storage bag assembly for storing a paint brush in a storage liquid between uses and holding the brush while in use. The assembly comprises a foil bag for receiving the bristles and the adjacent portion of the ferrule therein. The bag has a relatively flat bottom for supporting itself in an upright position and also has a pair of vertical pleats therein for permitting an upper edge of the bag to be closed around the ferrule of the brush. A paint brush is provided and includes a relatively wide elastic band positioned in a stretched condition around the ferrule of the brush. The elastic band is rollable onto itself to form a band of increased thickness to serve as a drip guard. The brush can also be suspended on the edge of the foil bag by the rolled-up elastic band. The elastic band is unrollable downwardly over the upper edge of the foil bag to secure the bristles of the brush in the bag and seal the contents of the bag therein.

Abstract: A protective cover for the bristle portion (10) of a toothbrush (12) is adapted for disposability and reduced bulkiness. The cover is composed of two pieces of flexible, waterproof material (14, 14') which have been bonded along the top edge (16) and lateral edges (18, 20) to form a pouch-like container. The remaining lateral edges (26, 26') are supplied with rib-and-groove closure profiles (32, 34) to provide for ease of insertion and resealability. The bottom edges (22, 22') are unbonded to allow the toothbrush handle (24) to project externally. Alternately, an adhesive strip closure (72) may be used in place of rib-and-groove closure profiles (32, 34). The toothbrush cover may be produced rapidly and inexpensively to allow for disposal after a usage period of up to ten days, thereby reducing the probability of microbial colonization.

Abstract: A portable cleansing kit comprising a flat, flexible packet having two separate, stacked, air-tight, openable, flat compartments each comprising tow quadrangular walls sealed together around the entire periphery of the walls. The four walls define a pair of outer walls and a pair of inner walls, the latter walls adjacent to each other and sealed to each other along three sides of their periphery, an opening being formed between the fourth sides of the inner walls to gain access to a gap defined between the inner walls. A sponge moistened with a cleansing liquid solution is located with one compartment and adhered to the associated inner wall by glue.

Abstract: An applicator and package combination preferably for single shoe polish applications, has at least one sealed chamber and an applicator in the chamber. The chamber remains sealed until a user requires a polish application. The package opens initially to provide access to the applicator without exposing the user to the polish, thereby reducing waste and drying out of the polish applicator. The packages can be provided in separable strips of any reasonable and easily stored number for both use and carrying about the user.

Abstract: A toothbrush of the type worn on a human finger. The toothbrush includes an inner part that is wholly received within an outer part when the toothbrush is in a stored condition prior to use. The outer part includes an upper flap and a lower flap that are releasably secured to one another about their respective peripheral borders so that when the top flap is peeled back, the bottom flap separates from the top flap and the inner part of the toothbrush, upon which are mounted the bristles of the brush, is exposed. The user of the device grasps the lower flap after it has separated from the upper flap, and this grasping maintains the toothbrush on the user's finger throughout the time the toothbrush is in use.

Abstract: A transport system for shipping microbiological specimen samples which maintains the life of the bacteria contained in the sample and protects the environment from escape of samples comprises:(a) a first container provided with removable closure and containing a medium for storing the sample, and(b) a second container provided with a removable closure cap having an elongate chamber into which one end of a rod disposed therein can be pushed, said rod bearing a swab at its other end,the dimensions of the first and second containers, of the chamber in the closure cap and of the rod carrying the swab being so selected that the first container and a rod inserted therein in the medium and carrying the swab can be contained in the second container closed by the closure cap.

Abstract: The disposable toilet seat wipe apparatus of this invention includes a pre-moistened, cleansing pad within a carrying container in coupling relationship with a plunger construction extending outwardly from one of the container ends. The opposite end of the container is configured to "blossom" the cleansing pad out of the container as the plunger is actuated inwardly, with the plunger and container then serving as a handle for the apparatus in wiping the seat with the pre-moistened pad as so deployed. A series of protrusions are also provided within the container to prevent the cleansing pad from coming loose from the handle during manipulation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A virucidal wipe for manually removing human organic material contaminated with HIV (AIDS), herpes or hepatitis viruses from and disinfecting surfaces such as countertops, floors, walls, instruments and plastic bed liners. The virucidal wipe includes a gauze pad impregnated with a 10% sodium hypochlorite solution and a hand-held flexible non-porous plastic barrier firmly attached thereto to protect the user from viral contamination and the sodium hypochlorite. The product includes a protective package to store the wipe prior to use.

Abstract: A unitary blank for erection into a package for display and also the erected package which holds, for example, a disassembled mop including a mop head and a mop handle. One embodiment of the blank, and by extension the package, comprises a rear panel, a first side panel, a front panel, a second side panel, and a side flap bondable to the inner surface of the second side panel, with the panels and the flap being foldable about lateral fold lines, so as to define a compartment having opposed openings. The rear panel defines an aperture for receiving and holding the flanges of the mop head. The blank includes folds and cuts for a pocket integral with the front panel and one of the side panels in which will be positioned the mop handle within the erected package. A top flap integral with the rear panel extends above the front panel and has a hole for receiving a hook of a display rack. The blank includes folds and cuts for a stop for preventing lateral movement of the sponge head relative to the erected package.

Abstract: A disposable toothbrush for travelers, guests of business establishments, and others who need an inexpensive throwaway toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a handle which is folded in the shape of a small angular hollow book. A neck is integrally attached to the handle and folded thereon. A head with bristles is integrally attached to the top of the neck. When the head with bristles and neck are folded inside the hollow handle a compact inexpensive toothbrush is provided.

Abstract: A paintbrush caddy (50 or 150) embodying the concepts of the present invention utilizes a shelf plate (54,154) having a longitudinal length sufficient for supporting a paintbrush (80) thereon. The forward end portion of the shelf plate (54,154) may be affixed to a vertically depending apron (52,152) positioned at an obtuse angle (.alpha..sub.1) relative to the shelf plate (54,154) such that a paintbrush (80) supported on the upper surface of the shelf plate (54,154) is positioned at an acute angle (.alpha..sub.2) with respect to a horizontal reference when the caddy (50,150) is used. An upwardly extending stop plate (60,160) is also affixed to the shelf plate (54,154) at its forward end portion, and the stop plate (60,160) is penetrated by at least one drain aperture (66,166) that opens through the stop plate (60,160) at the level of the upper surface (54a,154a) on the shelf plate (54,154).

Abstract: A paint brush cleaning or storage device is provided in the form of a sealed sachet (1) containing a predetermined quantity of a brush preserving cleaning liquid (3), which sachet can be opened, for example by cutting along one edge to permit the brush head (5,6) to be inserted therein immediately after use either to prevent the brush drying out and keeping it ready for reuse. Preferably the sachet is of deformable foil which can be wrapped around the brush handle (4) to reseal the sachet.

Abstract: The disposable toilet seat wipe apparatus of this invention includes a pre-moistened, cleansing pad within a carrying container having a pair of component sections separable one from another, and by a pull-apart action, for example. The cleansing pad is initially stored in one of the two sections, and is coupled with a rod extending from within the other section. As the two sections are separated, an inner lip of the first section contacts with the pad to "blossom" it outwardly, as the sections continue to part. The pre-moistened cleansing pad so deployed can then be used in wiping the seat.

Abstract: A dispensing package for dispensing discrete portions of a vaporizable material in the form of prewetted absorbent pads, wherein the dispensing package broadly comprises a container and a plurality of such absorbent pads. The absorbent pads are closely stacked within the container, and generally comprise an absorbent pad portion with a flexible film backing which is resistant to permeation of the vaporizable material therethrough, and a collapsible tab- or ring-like structure joined to the backing opposite the absorbent pad portion. In other embodiments, the absorbent pad portion is preferably sub-divided into sub-portions having different fluid absorbing characteristics, which sub-portions are separated by the same flexible film as used in the backing, and less than all of the sub-portions are initially prewetted with the vaporizable material or are prewetted with different materials.

Abstract: A polygonal protective carton for a rotary broom which has a central support tube and bristles extending radially therefrom to form a substantially cylindrical broom. The carton includes ends which have hubs that extend into the open ends of the tube to substantially suspend the broom in the carton to prevent shifting therein which would cause damage to the bristles.

Abstract: A container for a towel, cloth, or the like is designed to provide protection and yet enable the towel or cloth to be readily deployed when required for use.The invention, is characterized by an enclosure (4) with an access opening (6) therein, and a cord (7) or similar elongate flexible member which slidably extends through an aperture (9) in the wall of the enclosure, said cord having means (10) for attachment to the towel or cloth at its inner end and stop means (8) at its outer end, the arrangement being such the the towel or cloth is collapsed and stowed within the enclosure when not in use, but can be readily deployed for use by a distance limited by the stop means on the cord.Conveniently, the cord is attached to the towel or cloth near to its central area, and the towel or cloth has a circular periphery so that, when retracted into the enclosure (4) it collapses through the access opening (6) into a stowed condition somewhat like the material covering of an umbrella.

Abstract: A prepackaged single use disposable wiper pad or towelette that is saturated with a disinfecting liquid is prepared. The wiper pad is effective to disinfect inanimate surfaces such as telephone mouthpiece or toilet seat against a broad spectrum of infectious microorganisms including the HIV-1 or AIDS virus. The wiper pad is of a size which fits in a pocket or purse and makes it convenient to be carried safely by a person and poses no problem in disposing such as by flushing in a toilet.

Abstract: A disposable mascara tester for the hygienic testing of cosmetic materials includes a stem, an applicator attached to the stem, a stripper on the stem, and a plastic covering disposed about the stem, the stripper and the applicator. The plastic covering is sealed to thereby define a sealed capsule in which the stem, the stripper and the applicator are encapsulated. The applicator is operable to effect application of a sample of cosmetic material within the sealed capsule upon unsealing of the plastic covering.

Abstract: This invention concerns accessories for use with painting tools. Such an accessory may comprise an elongate member having means to suspend a paint brush vertically into an open topped vessel, means to scrape excess paint out of a paint roller, and a means for cleaning out grooves around the rim of a paint can.

Abstract: A holder for toothbrushes, the holder comprising a bottom member having a bottom portion and a continuous upstanding first wall, and a top member having a top portion and a continuous depending second wall, the first and second walls being connectable to form a chamber, the top portion having openings therein for receiving handles of toothbrushes with the top portion supporting bristle portions of the toothbrushes, the bottom member being adapted to receive and retain a disposable cup.

Abstract: A paint brush cleaning or storage device is provided in the form of a sealed sachet (1) containing a predetermined quantity of a brush preserving liquid (3), which sachet can be opened, for example by cutting along one edge to permit the brush head (5,6) to be inserted therein immediately after use to prevent the brush drying out and keeping it ready for reuse. Preferably the sachet is of deformable foil which can be wrapped around the brush handle (4) to reseal the sachet.

Abstract: A first housing has an opening for a toothbrush handle. A second housing within the first housing automatically rotates to an open position upon the removal of the toothbrush, exposing the pills or other medicine contained within the second housing to a potential pill taker. In a second embodiment, a toothbrush having a serrated handle cannot be removed from the housing until the pill drawer is first opened. In a third embodiment, the toothbrush cannot be reinserted in the first housing without first moving the second housing containing the pills towards the open position.

Abstract: A paint brush holder which allows a paint brush to be incremental lowered into a paint can as paint is removed from the brush from the can by means of the brush. The holder as characterized by a plate which rests in a pivotal fashion on the edge of the paint can, with one end of said plate lowered into the paint can by means of a tie attached to the paint can opposite said plate.

Abstract: A disposable, readily portable pouch containing a dauber moistened with a nail polish removing solvent sufficient to remove polish from a single fingernail or toenail is disclosed. The pouch has a generally flattened configuration which, when opened, can comfortably accommodate a single human digit to at least the first joint for the purpose of removing nail polish from the nail.

Abstract: A paint brush and paint roller holder adapted to be releasably connectable onto the upright end wall of a paint tray. In one embodiment, the invention includes cooperating first and second molded members which are cooperatively clampable together on either side of the flange and end wall of the paint tray. The preferred embodiment is integrally molded as a single member. A generally horizontally disposed platform is positioned above the paint tray structured to support both a paint brush and paint roller separately, allowing free access to the paint by either brush or roller, and facilitating paint drippings therefrom to freely fall back into the paint tray. The upright main portion is structured to include lines of weakness for breaking away the portions therebelow to accommodate various standard paint tray depths.

Abstract: An applicator and/or scrub saturated with a desired fluid is packaged in a sealed, liquid-impervious pouch. The liquid-carrying applicator or scrub is made from open-cell, polyurethane foam. A cylinder of the foam is mounted on a stick. The tip end of the foam applicator is fastened to the tip of the stick in a manner that creates a rounded smooth tip. The tip end of the foam applicator may be formed into a smaller brush-like shape.

Abstract: A single-use unitary package for carrying toilet seat disinfecting/covering materials on the person. The package is constructed of flexible sheet material such as aluminum foil, sealed along edges and across the middle to form two compartments. One compartment holds a folded toilet seat cover and the other compartment holds a supply of toilet seat disinfectant.

Abstract: A paint brush holder and display device embodying first and second pockets for receiving, respectively, in suspension a paint brush and a card bearing instructions for use in maintenance of the brush.

Abstract: A solid, aqueous paint is contained in a lidded container comprising a tray adapted to receive a roller applicator. The paint comprises as essential ingredients a latex polymer dispersion, a thickener and a structuring agent selected from natural or synthetic clays, zirconium or titanium chelates, or a mixture of these agents. The solid paint is characterised by its achieving, after manufacture, specified criteria such as gel strength and viscosity within specified times and which are appropriate to its circumstances of containment and to its application properties from a roller applicator.

Abstract: A multipurpose painting aid for use as a paint brush holder attachable to a paint tray as well as a portable, self-supporting, hand holdable receptacle for paint and paint brushes independent of the paint tray. The painting aid includes an open top receptacle, a scraper for removing excess paint from a paint brush disposed at the upper edge of the rear wall of the receptacle, and a pair of spaced apart brackets each including a pair of spaced apart legs projecting rearwardly from the rear wall to define a tray receiving slot therebetween for attaching the receptacle to a paint tray so that the scraper extends above and over the paint tray. The base of the receptacle and one of the legs of each bracket member are spaced apart suffiently to support the receptacle in an upright manner when detached from the paint tray.

Abstract: A sleeve device for protecting paintbrushes during soaking and storage comprises a resilient, generally rectangular body portion, having front and back faces, left and right sides, and a bottom opening, dimensioned to receive the brush stock and bristles; a neck portion having front and back faces continuous with the body portion's front and back faces, dimensioned to receive the brush handle; a shoulder region connecting the top of the body portion with the neck portion; and friction/elastic-retaining means for releasably engaging the brush stock, brush handle, or both. The friction/elastic-retaining means preferably comprise internally-projecting ridges positioned on the left and right sides of the body portion and oriented parallel to the left and right sides, where the ridges exhibit a maximal intrusion near the shoulder region of the left and right faces, and decline to a minimal intrusion near the bottom opening.

Abstract: The Accessory is a shell having an up-right for supporting a paint brush thereagainst, and a web, with a plurality of drain holes formed therein to permit excess paint, or the like to drain therethrough. Integral with the shell is a circular limb, extending therefrom in a normal attitude, and the shell and limb, together define a U-shaped channel for engagingly shrouding the rim of an open container of paint, stain, varnish, shellac, or the like. The web bridges across a lowermost portion of the shell. Too, the shell has an uppermost land, with a cut-out formed therein. A paint brush can be set upon the web, with the handle thereof engaged with the cut-out, and be supported thus to allow it to drain into the container with which the channel is engaged.

Abstract: A storage container for a paint roller including a paint applying roll and a handle, the paint roller storage container surrounding the roller on all sides and having a housing provided with a recess for the paint roller, wherein a further recess for a roll of foil is provided next to the paint-applying roll within or outside of the container, the foil recess extending parallel to the paint-applying roll. When the inventive container is closed, it hermetically seals the paint-applying roll.

Abstract: A liquid recovery device includes a receptacle, a swab for transferring a sample to a liquid in the receptacle, and a wringing unit to remove the liquid from the swab after the sample is transferred. The wringing unit has a sleeve with a closure in one end. A shaft of the swab extends through a passageway in the closure. When the swab in the receptacle is raised by upward movement of the shaft, an absorbent pad on the lower end of the shaft enters the passageway and is compressed. The compression of the pad wrings liquid therefrom which drips back into the receptacle. The device may be used in a method to prepare solutions of the sample in a minimum amount of liquid.

Abstract: A paintbrush holder having a container and a closely fitting lid has a support for a brush parallel to an inclined wall of the container. The container is filled with solvent fluid to above the level of the brush support which is preferably a comb through which the bristles of the brush are drawn to remove the paint. Tines of the comb extend in a direction projecting from the plane of the inclined wall. The brush is supported for storage parallel to the inclined wall, with the bristles away from collected sediment.

Abstract: An elongated housing having its interior divided into a top and a bottom compartment by a perforate dividing wall can be used as a device to sterilize toothbrushes. When it is used for this purpose the top compartment is filled with water and the brush end of a toothbrush and a sterilizing composition are both introduced into the top compartment on the dividing wall as the water is allowed to drain into the bottom compartment past the brush end of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A mop bucket insert for maintaining a portion of a cleaning liquid contained in a bucket free of suspended solids. A platform spaced above the bottom of the bucket and side walls coupled with the platform substantially segregated solids which have settled in the compartment formed between the bucket bottom and platform, preventing suspension of these solids when a mop agitates the liquid. The platform provides a surface against which a cleaning instrument may be applied to remove solids entrained in the fibrous elements of the mop.

Abstract: An integral cover for a paint brush is provided which is formed from a rubber composition and includes a cover handle section, a cover ferrule section and a cover neck section which connects the cover handle section and the cover ferrule section. The cover is provided with a hook which is formed integrally with the remaining portion of the cover which permits a paint brush to be hung onto the edge of a container of paint or paint thinner.

Abstract: A paint roller cover container and extractor assembly which simplifies the cleanup procedures when painting with a conventional paint roller. The container enables the roller cover to be stored therein and a core member is provided to displace the inside cavity of the roller cover. Once the roller cover and core are in position within the container, a small amount of paint or other liquid can be poured therein to saturate the roller cover. A sealing cap is put on the container to enclose it, thereby retaining the roller cover in a condition for reuse. Preferably, the container defines a plurality of radially inwardly deformed annular ribs which enable the container to be squeezed against the roller cover such that it is frictionally engaged, thereby enabling the associated roller handle portion to be withdrawn from the roller cover. The ribs also serve to centrally position the roller cover within the container, allowing liquid to be evenly distributed around the outer surface of the cover.

Abstract: A duster holder includes a base board, an overlying board shorter than the base board fixed on the upper portion of the base board, a receptacle formed on the lowest edge of the base board, and a duster inserted in between the overlying board and the base board having feathers protruding from several openings or windows formed on the overlying board to mimic the hat, skirt and other decorative accessories of a human or animal figure printed on the overlying board and base board to thereby form a duster holder for holding the duster therein and also simultaneously enhancing a three-dimensional decorative function of the figures as effected by the duster feathers.

Abstract: A squeegee is disclosed having a housing which is capable of being unfolded for use. The housing, which may, preferably, be made of any durable material is preferably rectangular in shape with a top surface and a bottom surface. Each surface preferably has a planar shape. If rectangularly-shaped, the housing is to have a plurality of side panels, three of which are affixed to the bottom surface. The fourth side panel is flexibly connected to both the bottom surface and the top surface, preferably by two hingeable connections. When in the closed, or folded position, the top surface is to rest on the plurality of panels, parallel to the bottom surface. A sponge is, preferably, removably affixed to the inner side of the top surface; a wiper blade is, preferably, removably affixed to the inner side of the flexibly connected panel. When the squeegee is unfolded, the sponge and the wiper blade may be used to clean a surface, such as an automobile windshield.