Confronting Tool Faces Patents (Class 401/10)
  • Patent number: 5707163
    Abstract: A stain removal device and process sets forth a device and method which facilitates the removal of stains by employing a number of mutually beneficial structures and processes. A limited area of material is exposed to both the soap or other removal solution by encasing the limited area of material onto a washboard top surrounded by an "o" ring forming the lower portion of a sealing cap. The upper portion of the sealing cap has downward projections which both accommodate and grasp the surrounding material, but which also engage the lower portion of the sealing cap. The upper portion accommodates a downwardly directed and rotatable brush which is brought to bear on the stained area of material when the upper portion is engaged onto the lower portion of the sealing cap. The brush is rotatable to scrub the stained area of material, and has a central bore in fluid communication with the brush bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Jack Gregory
  • Patent number: 5706839
    Abstract: An applicator of liquid products, such as dyes, to hair in exact quantities and locations. The applicator is composed of a traditional alligator-style hair clip with two mutually opposed members connected by a spring mechanism. Mounted on one end of the upper member of the alligator-style clip is a membrane designed to hold the liquids for hair treatment. When filled with the liquids, the membrane is pressured, thereby forcing the liquid out of the membrane through holes located in the membrane, which then transports the liquid to the surrounding hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Josie Ann Patti
  • Patent number: 5704088
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inexpensive apparatus and a method of use thereof which provides for more safe cleaning of soiled, sharp health care instruments. The instrument to be cleaned is inserted into a flexible, sealed chamber containing a means for controllably brushing and cleaning the instrument. The user compresses the apparatus with one hand while manipulating the instrument with the other hand to clean the instrument. The user is provided more protection than conventional methods and devices against being injured by the instrument and both the user and the environment are provided more protection against being contaminated by debris carried on the instrument during cleaning of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Peter M. Cerroni
  • Patent number: 5697719
    Abstract: A section of sponge-like cleaning material partially enclosed within a rigid casing to form a cleaning surface that is contoured to simultaneously contact the edge and sides of a windshield wiper blade; being movable back and forth along the length of a wiper blade by a hollow handle that can be used to store cleansing fluid directly or in a squeeze-type dropper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Stephen S. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 5676480
    Abstract: A hair dye applicating apparatus including a handle portion having a hollow interior adapted to hold hair dye therein. The device includes an applicating portion having a pair of applicator members. The applicator members have a coextensive main body portion extending inwardly of the handle portion. The device includes a cap member having an open end portion adapted for engagement to the handle portion disposed over the applicating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Nada Tosto
  • Patent number: 5499474
    Abstract: An applicator assembly for the controlled application of fluid to a surface is disclosed. The applicator assembly includes a bottle, a pump trigger mechanism, a hand-held applicator and a solution conduit extending between the hand-held applicator and the trigger mechanism. The applicator includes a pair of opposed pads which receive fluid from the bottle through the conduit and a clamping projection for controlling the flow of fluid through the conduit into the applicator pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Louis D. Knooihuizen
  • Patent number: 5492425
    Abstract: The invention described herein pertains generally to an applicator for use in translating a grip-enhancing substance onto a piece of equipment. The applicator is essentially tubular in nature and has a longitudinal slit along the length of the applicator thereby permitting a piece of equipment to be inserted thereto. The applicator has an absorbent inner component which is adhesively secured to the foamed exterior component, the inner layer having the grip-enhancing substance applied thereto. Through the application of a force, typically a squeezing action, onto the exterior of the applicator, a controllable amount of the grip-enhancing substance is transtarred from the inner component to the inserted piece of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Joe Carter Enterprises
    Inventors: Joe Carter, Bill Hildenbrand, Thomas W. McQuaide
  • Patent number: 5461747
    Abstract: A hand-held device for cleaning data-bearing cards includes a housing, a fluid applicator pad, a scrubber pad, a drying pad, and a removable panel. The housing includes a first surface to oppose the portion of the card to be cleaned. A first recess is disposed within the first surface. The first recess has an aperture extending through the housing. A second recess is also disposed adjacent the first recess within the first surface. A third recess is disposed adjacent the second recess within the first surface of the housing. The first, second, and third recesses are generally linearly aligned. The fluid applicator pad is disposed within the first recess. The scrubber pad is disposed within the second recess. The drying pad is disposed within the third recess. Each of the pads is thicker than the depth of its corresponding recess such that the pads project partially above the first surface of the housing. The panel is removably coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Allsop, Inc.
    Inventors: Eivind Clausen, Ketil Fridheim
  • Patent number: 5360482
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for impregnating fibers and/or dispensing impregnated fibers including a dispenser body with a resin containing cavity, a fiber supply for supplying fiber to be passed through the resin in the cavity and an impregnated fiber outlet for removing impregnated fiber from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Paul C. Belvedere
  • Patent number: 5329727
    Abstract: An applicator for the topical application of liquid treatment fluids to plants provides for remote actuation of opposed grasping or pressure plates, thereby allowing even and symmetrical pressure to be applied to the plant as the treatment liquid is administered. The result precludes uneven pressure to the plant and possible subsequent bending of the plant and contact with another adjacent plant, thereby precluding secondary application of any treatment liquid to the adjacent plant and possible injury to that adjacent plant. The application operation is easily conducted remotely, by actuating a trigger to clamp the plant in the opposed members. One of the members includes a porous sponge or pad, which pad communicates with a treatment liquid container via a tube or conduit in order to provide a positive coating of plant treatment liquid to the plant interposed between the two plates adjacent the pad. The treatment pad is shielded from inadvertent contact with adjacent plants by the two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Madison F. Dixon
  • Patent number: 5269615
    Abstract: A grip cleaning device is disclosed for removing debris, sweat and/or other foreign matter from the grip material on athletic equipment such as golf clubs, rackets of all kinds and handle grips on bikes and the like. The device includes tufts with working ends defining a cleaning surface for the grip and an integral cleaning liquid dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Sulew, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5222268
    Abstract: A "U" shaped framework includes spaced parallel frame plates, with the frames formed of a memory retentent material to maintain the frame plates in a parallel relationship to receive an eyeglass lens member therebetween. Each frame plate includes a cooperating fibrous or brush member to effect cleaning of opposed surfaces of the eyeglass lens. A modification of the invention includes a fluid reservoir to direct a cleaning solution through a brush head onto an associated lens surface for enhancing cleaning of an eyeglass structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: George F. Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 5222821
    Abstract: A pipe dope applicator apparatus (10) for coating the threaded ends (201) of pipes (200) having different diameters; wherein, the apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of nesting apertured cup members (20) retained within the cap member (50) of the apparatus (10); and, at least one apertured cup member (20) captively engaged between a collar member (40) and a dope filled tube member (30); wherein, the collar member (40) is releasably attached to the tube member (30), and the cap member (50) is releasably attached to the collar member (40); and, wherein the apertured cup members have different sized openings to accommodate pipes (200) of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventors: Michael E. Osborne, John R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5123764
    Abstract: A flexible bottle which serves as a fluid cleaning reservoir includes a cap that has a crosshead supporting a cleaning fluid absorbing material. A flow passageway is provided in the cap and feeds cleaning fluid to the absorbing material when the bottle is squeezed and the cap is distorted to open the flow passageway. The absorbent material has a longitudinal slit in its end surface through which a windshield wiper blade can be moved for cleaning the blade. A cover is mounted on the crosshead when the tool is stored. The device can also be used to clean the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventors: Marvin G. Duncan, Don Duncan
  • Patent number: 5123763
    Abstract: A cleaning tool for the removal of debris and subsequent cleaning of lug nuts for a wheel includes an elongate handle removably mounted to a socket, wherein the socket includes a cylindrical or alternatively, a conical configuration to receive an associated lug nut therewithin. Rotation of the socket effects a cleaning of an associated lug nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Billy C. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5116151
    Abstract: A plate member mounting an "L" shaped flange to a forward terminal end thereof defines a channel for receiving a ceiling fan blade therewithin, wherein the organization includes a handle mounted thereto. A modification of the invention includes a handle extension, wherein the handle includes a reservoir to effect projection of fluid into the plate structure of the apparatus and direct such cleaning fluid into a covering fabric to enhance cleaning of associated fan blade structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventors: Linda E. Lytton, Richard D. Perron
  • Patent number: 5114573
    Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a viscous valve opener material within an engine oil filter is disclosed herein. The engine oil filter includes an anti-drain back valve that is normally closed on a seat, the seat having inlet passages therethrough for oil passage into the filter. The apparatus includes a base and a plurality of injectors extending from the base arranged so as to be insertable into the inlet passages of the oil filter. The injectors are sized to lift the valve off the seat thereby forming a space between the valve and seat. The injectors include openings facing the space between the valve and seat for depositing the temporary viscous valve opener material into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventor: Lewis A. Frostick
  • Patent number: 5052839
    Abstract: A mascara applicator is described which comprises a reservoir for mascara containing dual side-by-side openings for the mascara and a handle integrally connected to two substantially straight application brushes which are adapted to be placed in the openings to receive mascara on the brushes, the handle having means to sealingly engage the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Edwin R. Pettengill
  • Patent number: 5048547
    Abstract: A manicuring device adapted for removing fingernail polish comprising a cylindrical receptacle defining an interior chamber with a plurality of integral bristle members spaced in rows and projecting inward to define a finger insertion area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Walker Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Alvin M. Walker
  • Patent number: 5039403
    Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a viscous valve opener material within an engine oil filter is disclosed herein. The engine oil filter includes an anti-drain back valve that is normally closed on a seat, the seat having inlets therethrough for oil passage into the filter. The apparatus for depositing the temporary viscous valve opener material includes a base and a plurality of injectors extending from the base arranged so as to be insertable into the inlets of the oil filter, the injectors being dimensioned to lift the valve of its seat thereby forming a space between the valve and seat. The injectors include openings facing opposite the space between the valve and seat for depositing the temporary viscous valve opener material into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventor: Lewis A. Frostick
  • Patent number: 5020637
    Abstract: A lubricating and cleaning device adapted to be mounted to a pressurized can of lubricating oil and used to lubricate and clean a drive chain of a bicycle or motorcycle. The device has a generally cylindrical housing with an open slot to receive the chain. A plurality of brushes are positioned within the housing to engage the chain. A tube extends from the pressurized container to the housing to transmit the lubricating oil to one of the brushes so that the chain can be lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Allsop, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Hoenselaar, Eivind Clausen
  • Patent number: 5015110
    Abstract: An applicator assembly for supplying lipstick or like substance to the lips of the user by first coating opposite surfaces of an applicator sheet with the substance to be applied and then applying the coated applicator sheet to the mouth of the user. The assembly comprises a housing having substance supply containers movable into and out of opposite surfaces of individual applicator sheets entering the housing in an operative position and further wherein a supply of such applicator sheets may be considered a part of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: Daniel D. DeLarocha
  • Patent number: 4995749
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a paint roller pad includes a hollow annular member and a plurality of semi-rigid or flexible nozzle elements projecting inwardly from an inner surface of the annular member with the free ends of the nozzle elements positioned to have an interference fit with the nap of the roller pad when the pad is passed between the nozzle elements. A connection is provided for introducing liquid into the interior of the hollow annular member, and an annular sleeve is attached to and in substantially coaxial relationship with the annular member. The sleeve provides an interference fit with the roller pad whereby paint and liquid are wiped and wrung from the roller pad as the pad is passed through the sleeve after passing in contact with the nozzle elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Robert J. Gornik
  • Patent number: 4953999
    Abstract: A portable hand-held golf club grip cleaner includes an elongate housing having open ends and a longitudinal slot. The housing contains a removable cleaning pad insert and also carries a reservoir and spring device to wet the pads. The golf club grip is insertable transversely into the pads through the longitudinal slot and can be drawn longitudinally through the pad. The device is conveniently attached to a golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Randr, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Rivers
  • Patent number: 4947580
    Abstract: Hand-held chemical applicators are provided for applying chemicals such as herbicide to selected plants while surrounding plants are shielded from accidental contact. The chemical is forcefully applied by gripping or pressing a selected portion of the plant against an applicator pad containing the chemical. The amount of applied chemical is controlled by variation of the pressure or area of contact between the plant and the pad. Preferably a porous applicator pad is mounted between the distal portions of a pair of elongated tongs so as to define a shielded application zone. A supply of liquid is stored in a small bottle attached to the tongs. One of the tongs is hollow and contains the applicator pad and a channel for the liquid to flow from the bottle to the pad. The second tong is in the form of a resilient strip which the operator can press toward the hollow tong when maneuvering among plants and when grasping a portion of an undesired plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: James E. Moore
  • Patent number: 4940349
    Abstract: A manually grippable cleaner (10) is described which is suitable for cleaning golf clubs (17). The cleaner consists of a rectangular ring (12) which has internal bristles (22 and 24) and into which the head (66) of a club may be inserted. A cranked handle (30) carries the ring. Thus with the club head in the ring, relative reciprocation between the ring and the club head will cause the club head to be cleaned by the bristles. A outside set of bristles (28) is provided for cleaning "woods". The handle is hollow and comprises a chamber (33) for cleaning fluid. A pump (34) pumps the fluid to a nozzle (39) to be sprayed on to the club face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: Johannes C. Jansen van Rensburg
  • Patent number: 4867210
    Abstract: A sealant applicator comprising an enclosure body which is openable to receive structure defining a junction locus into its interior space. Means are provided for introducing a flowable sealant into the interior space of the enclosure, e.g., a fill tube open at one end and joined at its opposite end in closed-flow communication with the enclosure body, to deposit sealant material at the junction locus. A sealant application apparatus is also disclosed, comprising a sealant applicator of the aforementioned type, secured to the nozzle of a pressurized container containing the sealant material. The sealant applicator of the invention is particularly useful for applying electromagnetic interference- and RF leakage-blockingly effective sealant materials to cable junctions, e.g., a junction formed by a coaxial cable and a cable television junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Loctite Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Montenieri Sr.
  • Patent number: 4836702
    Abstract: A cleaning device for paint brushes and rollers which employs a scrubbing action for lifting and separating bristles or mat for optimal cleaning and which allows the progress of the cleaning process to be continuously and conveniently monitored. The device comprises an annular spray ring having an exterior radially directed flange and a plurality of spray ports on the inside surface of the ring. The ports are aimed so that the individual water streams converge at a point exterior to the plane of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Torus Corporation
    Inventor: Donavan J. Allen
  • Patent number: 4830030
    Abstract: An applicator for hair treating liquids comprising a hair clip in which one or more such liquids are expressed through mutually opposed linings in the jaw face; the combination of the applicator with such hair treating liquids; and a method for using the combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Peter Busch, Klaus Thiele
  • Patent number: 4821748
    Abstract: A hand-held cigarette-coloring device that transfers a liquid pigment onto the external paper of cigarettes as the cigarettes are passed through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: John H. Reas
  • Patent number: 4783186
    Abstract: An aerosol dispenser and applicator assembly for cleaning and lubricating the sprocket chain of a chain drive. The dispenser comprises a sealed can filed with a liquid lubricant and a gas propellant. Projecting above the upper end of the can is the hollow stem of a spring-biased valve, such that when the stem is depressed, emitted therefrom is a lubricant mist. The applicator is formed by a headpiece having a pair of parallel jaws cantilevered therefrom and supporting respective brushes in opposed relation to define a twin brush whose bristles are flexible. Formed in the twin brush is an internal channel which snugly accommodates the sprocket chain to be treated when the twin brush is pushed against the chain to cause the opposing bristles to yield and admit the chain into the channel. The headpiece includes a depressible actuator key on whose underside is a hollow socket which receives the stem when the headpiece is seated on the upper end of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventors: Terry Manning, Pierre Chares
  • Patent number: 4716677
    Abstract: Hand-held chemical applicators are provided for applying chemicals such as herbicide to selected plants while surrounding plants are shielded from accidental contact. The chemical is forcefully applied by gripping or pressing a selected portion of the plant against an applicator pad containing the chemical. The amount of applied chemical is controlled by variation of the pressure or area of contact between the plant and the pad. Preferably a pair of pads are mounted to the opposing surfaces of the distal portions of pincers or tongs to define an application zone between the pads. Absorbent pads are used for applying liquid chemicals, and chemicals from a pad in the form of a solid bar or cake are applied with the aid of an absorbent pad carrying a solvent and cooperating with the bar or cake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventor: James E. Moore
  • Patent number: 4644604
    Abstract: A paint applicator is disclosed that employs a pair of elongated prongs, each prong having a roller end on which a paint roller is rotatably mounted, and a handle end that is movably connected to the handle end of the other prong. The prongs are spring biased in side-by-side relation with the rollers slightly spaced apart so that manually squeezing the prongs together enables one-handed flexing of the rollers against a section of railing to be painted. Sponge rubber rollers may be employed that conform to the shape of the railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Jack W. Kierce
  • Patent number: 4559662
    Abstract: A contact lens is trapped on an axis of revolution while one side of it and then the other is rotated against the opposing surface of a mating scrubber element normally treated with cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: Robert Kunold, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4347010
    Abstract: A cleaning device for eyeglasses comprises an elongated casing having a circumferentially closed wall, open ends and removable upper and lower lids for closing said ends. A guide member conformed to the inner shape of the casing is longitudinally slidable in the casing and has a rearwardly extending projection. A conduit extends through the guide member and the projection. Two oppositely arranged resilient limbs extend forwardly from the guide member and have free ends carrying retainers for sponge-like wipers. Each of said limbs is adapted to grip in the extended position of the limbs around the edge of a spectacle lens. The sponge-like wipers are replaceably connected to the retainers. Conduits extend longitudinally through the limbs and communicate with the conduit in the guide member and in the rearwardly extending projection. A film bag is detachably attached to the rearwardly extending projection and filled with a liquid cleaning agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Inventor: Alex Petkoff
  • Patent number: 4063827
    Abstract: A hand held liquid lubricant applicator device for applying liquid lubricant to the surface of the end portion of a tube. The applicator essentially comprises an open container for holding a liquid lubricant, an inverted closed end tubular insert member positioned within the container, a tubular applicator positioned between the container and the insert member, and means to prevent excess wetting of the applicator and spillage of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1977
    Assignee: B A Installationsutveckling AB
    Inventor: Bengt Arne Persson
  • Patent number: 3966335
    Abstract: A surgical scrub brush featuring four bristle-lined troughs or furrows or tubular apertures for rapid, efficient and simultaneous scrubbing of the four fingers, and also providing for the scrubbing of the hands, arms and web spaces, including both the outer and relatively inaccessible interdigital areas of the fingers and providing additionally an outer bristle surface and on the opposite surface a layer of foam rubber or plastic for general overall scrubbing of the hands, arms and thumbs, having additionally, rows of relatively short stiffer bristles and/or raised plastic edges on the other two sides for cleaning the finger tips, nails and under the nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1976
    Inventor: Daniel J. Abramson