Including Means For Dispensing Material Directly To Work Surface Patents (Class 401/137)
  • Patent number: 6692174
    Abstract: A device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface is provided which includes a broom having a handle and a head, a valve disposed on the device, and a spray bar movably disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar. The valve can be spring-loaded and/or hand-controlled. The device may include tubing between the valve and the spray bar, which tubing may be positioned internal to the handle or external to the handle. The handle may be used to convey liquid, such as that from a garden hose, from the valve to the spray bar. In an embodiment, the head may include water channels and the spray bar may be made integral to the head. The spray bar may oscillate and may take a variety of shapes, including elliptical, u-shaped and straight shapes. The device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Phillip M. DeLaine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6669391
    Abstract: The cleaning implement has a handle a mop head attached to the handle and the mop head comprises a plurality of attachment structures formed from a flexible material. The cleaning implement also comprises a liquid delivery system having a container filled with a cleaning solution, fitment which has a fluid transfer check valve communicating with a nozzle and a vent valve. The vent valve has a cracking pressure such that venting occurs in the container when the pressure differential defined by P1−P2 is superior to the cracking pressure, where P1 is the atmospheric pressure and P2 is the pressure inside said container. The cleaning implement also includes a disposable cleaning pad which has an absorbent layer and an attachment layer. The attachment layer has at least one notch located on the leading edge of the attachment layer such that the cleaning solution is dispensed from the nozzle without being obstructed by the attachment layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, Preston James Rhamy, Michael William Dusing, Kenneth William Willman, Rhonda Jean Jackson
  • Patent number: 6663306
    Abstract: The cleaning implement has a handle a mop head attached to the handle and the mop head comprises a plurality of attachment structures formed from a flexible material. The cleaning implement also comprises a liquid delivery system which has a container filled with a cleaning solution and removably attached to a fitment. The fitment has a fluid transfer check valve which communicates with a nozzle which is adjacent the leading edge of the mop head. A disposable cleaning pad having an absorbent layer and an attachment layer adjacent the absorbent layer can be attached to the mop head. When the cleaning solution is dispensed, it has an average exit velocity of at least 0.009 cm/sec with 95% of the delivered cleaning solution being located within an area defined by an isosceles triangle defined by an apex adjacent the nozzle, a base and a first and second side which intersect at the apex and are equal in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, Preston James Rhamy, Michael William Dusing, Kenneth William Willman, Rhonda Jean Jackson
  • Patent number: 6659670
    Abstract: A mop is comprised of a handle, a stem extending from the handle, and a mop head connected to the lower end of the stem by a hinged joint. The stem is comprised of plural collapsible sections. A trigger is hinged to the handle. A spray bottle is positioned in the mop head. A cable is connected between the trigger and a spray mechanism on the spray bottle, and is positioned through the stem and hinged joint. A spring is connected between the trigger and the inner end of the handle to enable the cable to be pulled away slightly from the handle for collapsing the stem. A nozzle on the spray bottle is positioned towards one side of the mop head, and angled to spray the fluid at an acute angle across the front of the mop head. A replaceable pad is detachably secured to the mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: AMS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Blousé
  • Patent number: 6655866
    Abstract: A mop having a container housing cleaning liquid attached to the mop handle and a new and improved actuation mechanism which employs the use of atmosphere and pneumatics to cause power transmission from the grip area of the mop handle to the fluid actuation area. A mechanism for transmitting discharge power generated by a pump action motion of the handle, similar to loading a shotgun, through the interior of the handle to an actuation diaphragm which causes a valve closing mechanism to open by a vacuum generated from the pump action mechanism, to permit the fluid to be discharged from its container through a nozzle located at the lower portion of the diaphragm while at the same time causing an equal amount of air to fill the fluid container to thereby assure a smooth and even spray of liquid through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignees: Worldwide Integrated Resources, Inc., Metro Bay Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred I. Morad, James G. Horian
  • Patent number: 6634822
    Abstract: A cleaning brush comprises a brush embodiment, a telescopic tube, a valve assembly, a rotary connector, and a retaining sleeve wherein the brush embodiment having a threaded coupling hole disposed at the center thereof to be engaged with a threaded sleeve of the telescopic tube is provided with a through groove for a scraper strip to be adapted thereto. The valve assembly made up of a valve body, a valve sleeve and a switch sleeve is sleeve joined to an outer tube of the telescopic tube. A pivot rod of the retaining sleeve is led through a pivot hole of the rotary connector and fixedly located at a water inlet hole of the valve body thereof via ultrasonic wave or fastening agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Yuan Mei Corp.
    Inventor: King Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 6613183
    Abstract: The invention is a method for application of a special low viscosity cyanoacrylate adhesive which is used for the manufacture and repair of wooden furniture. The cyanoacrylate adhesive quickly penetrates and bonds wood to wood. The wooden furniture that results from the process of this invention are cohesive in structure and are ready for immediate use. This special wood grade cyanoacrylate adhesive provided by this invention permits those in the furniture repair or furniture manufacture industries with a method of repairing or assembling wooden furniture in an easy and quick manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Wonderlokking Corp.
    Inventor: David Dewitt
  • Patent number: 6609847
    Abstract: A water inlet control mechanism for cleaning brushes has a brush embodiment, a telescopic tube, a valve assembly, and a rotary connector wherein the brush embodiment having a through groove for a scraper strip to be adapted thereto is attached to one end of the telescopic tube. The valve assembly sleeve joined to an outer tube of the telescopic tube is mainly made up of a valve body, a valve sleeve and a switch sleeve. The valve sleeve adapted to a transverse retaining hole of the valve body has a sealing ring abutting against a projecting flange of the valve body to seal up the discharge of water, and two arc ends located onto an eccentric arc facet of the switch sleeve via a guide slope for regulating the water discharge. The switch sleeve is rotated to one side to dislocate the sealing ring thereof from the projecting flange thereof via the eccentric arc facet pushing both arc ends thereof to reveal a gap there-between for the discharge of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Yuan Mei Corp.
    Inventor: King-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 6595712
    Abstract: A wash brush (10) having a handle (11) securely coupleable with a cleaning head (13) by a ratchet-like coupling mechanism (12), and including a flowpath control mechanism (22) operable to direct and control a stream of liquid to the brush head area. A continuous liquid flow path is provided from a handle source connection end (62) to the head-mounted flowpath control mechanism (22) which is operable to selectively control flow characteristics, including pattern and direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Sickler
  • Patent number: 6588956
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for effectively and efficiently cleaning a broad surface includes a handle member, a pivot structure attached to a distal end of the handle member, a plurality of arms extending from the pivot structure, a center pad attached to the pivot structure, a plurality of outer pads attached to a distal end of the arms, and a plurality of cover members attached to the pads. The center pad is rotatably attached to the pivot structure for allowing rotation during cleaning of a surface. The outer pads are pivotally attached to the arms for conforming to the shape of the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Frankie J. Gennuso, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030108378
    Abstract: A wash brush (10) having a handle (11) securely coupleable with a cleaning head (13) by a ratchet-like coupling mechanism (12), and including a flowpath control mechanism (22) operable to direct and control a stream of liquid to the brush head area. A continuous liquid flow path is provided from a handle source connection end (62) to the head-mounted flowpath control mechanism (22) which is operable to selectively control flow characteristics, including pattern and direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Sickler
  • Publication number: 20030103795
    Abstract: The present invention uses a pressurized fluid reservoir mounted on a mop to deliver cleaning solution on a floor. The liquid in the reservoir is dispensed at the user's discretion from a biased-closed spray nozzle downstream from the reservoir. Three different methods of creating a pressurized reservoir are: using a compressed gas cartridge either regulated or not, using a hand-actuated pump, and utilizing an aerosol can with a standard propellant of known vapor pressure. The aerosol can either is used strictly as a propellant creating pressure on a reservoir or the aerosol can contains a cleaning solution or the like as well as propellant all in one replaceable can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Innovative Products and Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Scott Hollars, Randall Scott Maddox
  • Publication number: 20030091379
    Abstract: A system for the formation of a thick robust transparent floor finish layer from a high solids formulation with an applicator device utilizing micro fiber technology. A micro fiber applicator device can be configured to apply a sufficient amount of an aqueous high solids floor finish to obtain a thick robust finish layer in a single application. One system for applying the floor finish can comprise a source of aqueous floor finish and an applicator wand comprising an application nozzle and application surface. Application surface can comprise micro fiber technology in a pad structure comprising a reservoir foam and a micro fiber applicator surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott DeFields, Scott Olson
  • Publication number: 20030072603
    Abstract: A device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface is provided which includes a broom having a handle and a head, a valve disposed on the device, and a spray bar movably disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar. The valve can be spring-loaded and/or hand-controlled. The device may include tubing between the valve and the spray bar, which tubing may be positioned internal to the handle or external to the handle. The handle may be used to convey liquid, such as that from a garden hose, from the valve to the spray bar. In an embodiment, the head may include water channels and the spray bar may be made integral to the head. The spray bar may oscillate and may take a variety of shapes, including elliptical, u-shaped and straight shapes. The device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip M. DeLaine
  • Publication number: 20030053845
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cleaning head, a housing connected to the cleaning head and configured to retain a spray canister, an actuator rod configured to contact an overcap attached to the canister, and a pivot link pivotally attached to the housing about a pivot point. The pivot point is positioned to allow contact between the actuator rod and the pivot link. In addition, a shaft assembly including a core is slidably disposed within the shaft assembly, with the slidable core being adapted to rotate the pivot link about the pivot point, and a handle is attached to the shaft assembly including a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is adapted to move the slidable core toward the housing, which then pivots the pivot link, ultimately bringing the actuator rod into contact with the cap and causing a dispensing of contents of the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Dale Aberegg, Cathal Fahy, Tracey A. Frosch, Steven A. Zach, Brian Linstedt
  • Publication number: 20030035679
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a broom provided with a regulator for controlling the flow of floor cleaning and treatment products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Bruno Zorzo
  • Patent number: 6497525
    Abstract: A mop with a liquid spraying device includes a tubular shaft, a mop head mounted on a lower end of the tubular shaft, a driving device reciprocally received in the tubular shaft, and the liquid spraying device mounted on the tubular shaft and driven by the driving device. The liquid spraying device includes a container attached to the tubular shaft for containing the liquid, such as water or cleaner. The driving device drives the liquid spraying device to compress the liquid in the container and the compressed liquid sprays out from a nozzle that is mounted on the mop head for promoting the cleaning effect of the mop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Chiu-Yun Huang
  • Patent number: 6494767
    Abstract: A disposable polish applying and buffing mitt comprising a multilayered mitt with a polish impervious layer removably attached to an impervious buffing mitt. A disposable polish applying and buffing mitt comprising a multilayered mitt with a sponge-like layer having an impervious backing removably attached to a buffing mitt. A disposable polish applying and buffing kit comprising a multilayered mitt with a first layer of polish impervious material removably secured to a second layer of polish impervious material forming a compartment therebetween which can hold a polish. The first layer of polish impervious material is removed from the second layer of polish impervious material to expose the polish for application. After the polish is applied to the object, the second layer of polish impervious material is removed to expose the buffing mitt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt W. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6488432
    Abstract: A wash brush (10) having a handle (11) securely coupleable with a cleaning head (13) by a ratchet-like coupling mechanism (12), and including a flowpath control mechanism (22) operable to direct and control a stream of liquid to the brush head area. A continuous liquid flow path is provided from a handle source connection end (62) to the head-mounted flowpath control mechanism (22) which is operable to selectively control flow characteristics, including pattern and direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Ingram
  • Patent number: 6474896
    Abstract: A device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface is provided which includes a broom having a handle and a head, a valve disposed on the device, and a spray bar movably disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar. The valve can be spring-loaded and/or hand-controlled. The device may include tubing between the valve and the spray bar, which tubing may be positioned internal to the handle or external to the handle. The handle may be used to convey liquid, such as that from a garden hose, from the valve to the spray bar. In an embodiment, the head may include water channels and the spray bar may be made integral to the head. The spray bar may oscillate and may take a variety of shapes, including elliptical, u-shaped and straight shapes. The device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip M. DeLaine, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020102124
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for cleaning flat objects, in particular sterile areas in hospitals, laboratories and doctors' practices, the cleaning device comprising a hollow body which is provided with at least one flat cleaning surface and at least one outlet and filling opening, is filled with a cleaning agent or disinfectant and on which an absorbent cleaning material is detachably secured. According to the invention, in order to ensure that dirt and germs are reliably removed from the flat objects to be cleaned and germs are prevented from spreading to sterile regions in hospitals, laboratories and doctors' practices, the absorbent cleaning material consists of a cleaning pad (3) which can be separated in one piece from the hollow body. In advantageous developments of the invention, the cleaning pad consists of a stable resistant woven cloth made of natural or synthetic fibers and comprises surfaces made of rough scouring cloth or a soft wiping cloth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: GREGOR KOHLRUSS, HUBERT WIESNER, ULRICH LERSCH, OLIVER GRIEBE
  • Patent number: 6419415
    Abstract: A fluid distribution appliance comprises a manifold unit integrally formed with top, side, front and back walls, and a bottom surface, and a handle receiving section. The walls and bottom surface of the manifold form an enclosed space, through which fluid flows and is delivered through nozzles located at one of the front walls of the manifold. The manifold also supports a squeegee made of a layer of semi-rigid material, which is secured to the manifold by a holddown plate and screws. A triangular brace support is secured at one end to a handle attached to a handle receiving section of the manifold and, at its other two ends, to the manifold. The manifold, with its brace and handle, can be used independently or in combination with a bristle push broom head which is configured to receive the manifold in fitted, surface to surface contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Peter S. Vosbikian, Robert E. Petner
  • Patent number: 6419190
    Abstract: A Cleaning and Painting Robot having the capability to fly, and a cleaning or painting mechanism that can be located at various positions on the robot body. The robot comprises of a flying unit connected with a feeding tube to a ground-moving base that holds the pressurized cleaning solution or paint. A steering mechanism in contact with the surface being cleaned or painted for changing the direction of advance of the flying unit while the back propeller or main rotors pushes the flying body against the working surface. An array of sensors is mounted of the flying unit body to get the physical size of the working surface, avoid obstacles, maintain stability and control others critical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Gino Francis Nguegang
  • Patent number: 6394683
    Abstract: The present mop is comprised of a head attached to the lower end of a long handle. The head is narrow enough to be moved in a figure “8” pattern. Flexible rayon cords are attached to the head for proper absorbency and texture to avoid streaking. A backpack tank holding a solution is connected by a tube to a sprayer nozzle outside the head for evenly applying the solution on a floor. The tank is pressurized by a pressurizing pump which is operated by a pivoting lever projecting in front of the tank. The lever is positioned at waist level so that it is operable by the worker while the tank is worn. A sprayer control valve is attached along the tube on the handle to control spraying. The valve is offset about 90 degrees relative to the nozzle about the axis of the handle for easy reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Pao
  • Patent number: 6371674
    Abstract: A plaque disclosing agent dispensing toothbrush is disclosed. The plaque disclosing agent disposing toothbrush includes: (a) a handle, the handle including a head portion and a grasping portion, an upper surface and a lower surface, and a hollow interior defining a reservoir, the reservoir being designed and constructed to contain dental plaque disclosing agent; (b) a plurality of bristles positioned on and attached to the upper surface of the head portion of the handle; (c) a conduit in communication with the reservoir and extending into the head portion, the conduit being connected to and terminating at an outlet aperture in the head portion; and (d) a dispensing mechanism operationally connected to the conduit and adapted to control flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Sharon Lerner
  • Patent number: 6302608
    Abstract: A brush and bottle combination is disclosed in which the bottle has a blind recessed area formed in its peripheral surface and a shoulder projecting outwardly into the blind recessed area. This shoulder is formed integrally with the body of the bottle and has notches provided in its supporting legs. The brush has a main body portion and depending opposed legs which are integral with and depend from side edges of the body. These legs terminate in inwardly directed ribs which are engageable with the recesses in the legs of the shoulder member so that the brush can be snapped into place on the body within the recess, or substantially within the recess, so that the outer surface of the brush body and the peripheral surface of the container are substantially flush when the brush is connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Richard A. Holmes, William H. Houghton, Paul G. Ouillette, John P. Cichello, II
  • Patent number: 6260743
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing grout into joints formed between laterally adjacent floor tiles comprises a hopper for holding a quantity of grout mounted on a mobile frame assembly. The apparatus includes a plurality of nozzle assemblies coupled to the hopper through tubular channels. The nozzle assemblies are slidably coupled to a mounting bracket which extends parallel to the front of the frame assembly such that the lateral distance between the nozzle assemblies is adjustable to correspond to the lateral distance between the joints formed by various sizes of floor tiles. A rack and pinion assembly is connected to the mounting bracket such that the vertical distance between the nozzle assemblies and the floor tiles is also adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Gino A. Mazzenga
  • Publication number: 20010006589
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing mechanism contained in a handle of a cleaning implement. The handle includes internal upper and lower valve assemblies sealably mounted within the handle to provide an air tight chamber therebetween for holding liquid. The upper valve assembly includes a push button actuator for introducing air into the chamber. The lower valve assembly includes a dispensing outlet for discharging the liquid from the chamber. When air is introduced into the air tight chamber through the upper valve assembly, a corresponding amount of liquid is dispensed from the chamber and out from the handle through the dispensing outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Applicant: Geerpres, Inc. of Muskegon, Michigan
    Inventors: Joseph John Fodrocy, Robert Bell Abrahamson, Michael David Gluhanich
  • Publication number: 20010006588
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a broom provided with a regulator for controlling the flow of floor cleaning and treatment products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Applicant: A.Z. INTERNATIONAL S.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Zorzo
  • Patent number: 6250831
    Abstract: The apparatus has an elongate, rigid, tubular body with a universal-type swivel coupling to a water hose at its proximal end, and a transverse head bar disposed at the distal end, the head bar having a scrubbing sponge and wiping blade projecting therefrom in opposite directions. A flexible, distally-projecting, selectively-directable, fluid-emitting nozzle is in fluid communication with the water hose and can be used for wetting a dirty window or for filling a radiator. The distal, fluid-emitting nozzle is constructed of multiple segments which can be swiveled and set in a stable position with respect to one another; a flexible, resilient sheath covers the segments. The scrubbing sponge is covered with a layer of slightly abrasive, foraminous material, and is impregnated with a concentrated, water-soluble, cleaning-enhancing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Curtis L. Craven
  • Patent number: 6241580
    Abstract: A disposable polish applying and buffing mitt comprising a multilayered mitt with a polish impervious layer removably attached to a material pervious to polish such that the material pervious to polish would stain the hand of the user if used to apply the polish but is suitable for buffing the object to which the polish has been applied. A disposable polish applying and buffing kit comprising a multilayered mitt with a first layer of polish impervious material removably secured to a second layer of polish impervious material forming a compartment therebetween which can hold a polish. The first layer of polish impervious material is removed from the second layer of polish impervious material to expose the polish for application. After the polish is applied to the object, the second layer of polish impervious material is removed to expose the buffing mitt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Kurt W. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6231258
    Abstract: A small, compact jewelry cleaning apparatus is provided that easily fits into a pocket, purse, or travel bag, to allow a user to clean jewelry conveniently and thoroughly either at or away from home. The preferred apparatus includes a small container containing a reservoir of cleaning fluid, a cleaning instrument, which preferably is attached to the container, and a magnifying lens, also preferably attached to the container. The preferred method for cleaning jewelry using the apparatus involves applying cleaning fluid contained in the container to a piece of jewelry, removing foreign matter from the jewelry using the cleaning instrument, drying the jewelry, and inspecting the jewelry using the magnifying lens. Any of these steps may be repeated as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Kingsley & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Kingsley
  • Patent number: 6227744
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing mechanism contained in a handle of a cleaning implement. The handle includes internal upper and lower valve assemblies sealably mounted within the handle to provide an air tight chamber therebetween for holding liquid. The upper valve assembly includes a push button actuator for introducing air into the chamber. The lower valve assembly includes a dispensing outlet for discharging the liquid from the chamber. When air is introduced into the air tight chamber through the upper valve assembly, a corresponding amount of liquid is dispensed from the chamber and out from the handle through the dispensing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Geerpres, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph John Fodrocy, Robert Bell Abrahamson, Michael David Gluhanich
  • Patent number: 6196742
    Abstract: A mud applicator for applying mud to wall board includes a housing having a front open surface through which mud can pass, a plate movably connected within the housing such that the plate moves toward and away from the front open surface and a pneumatic drive mechanism operably connected to the plate to cause the plate to move toward the open surface in a manner such that when mud is disposed in the housing, the plate forces the mud out of the front open surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: John Tarver, III
  • Patent number: 6151746
    Abstract: A method for fusing brushware on a thin walled, molded hollow plastic synthetic container is described. Tufts of synthetic materials arc picked and non-working ends thereof fused. The hollow bottle is molded with protrusions extending from a surface thereof with one protrusion intended to received each fused tuft end. The protrusions then are heat softened to form a melted section of synthetic surface wherein the fused tuft end can be mounted. The result is a hollow container having tufts extending from the outer surface thereof, integral with the container without distorting the thin wall thereof by the fusing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Tucel Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6146040
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an article such as a baby bottle includes a handle that is sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and a reservoir defined within the handle for storing a detergent. A push-pull cap is provided on the handle for dispensing detergent from the reservoir when the handle is squeezed. A brush is connected to the handle, and is sized and configured so as to be able to fit into an open end of a baby bottle to scrub the baby bottle during cleaning. The push-pull cap is advantageously located on a portion of the handle member that is remote from the brush member, so that a user will be able to dispense detergent and scrub without putting down the apparatus, and also have the flexibility to scrub without fear of unwanted detergent leaking into the brush, such as during a final rinse. A novel brush configuration is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, William B. Farnham, Tor H. Petterson
  • Patent number: 6138387
    Abstract: A portable and ice resurfacing device including an integrally constructed body having a first upper reservoir capable of storing a volume of water. A water dispensing bar extends in a generally horizontal and lengthwise fashion and is mounted within an open and lower-most location of the body proximate an ice-covered surface. A handle extends from the body and is capable of being grasped by a user to translate the body across the ice-covered surface in a drag-along fashion. The water dispensing bar is in fluid communication with the stored volume of water and is separated by a flow valve. The flow valve is actuated by a lever secured to the handle and a cable extending from the lever to the flow valve to dispense the volume of water at a specified flow rate upon the ice-covered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Paul G. Fox, Louis H. Fox
  • Patent number: 6059475
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning grout joints formed between adjacent ceramic and clay floor and wall tiles. The apparatus includes a liquid container mounted on a handle and containing liquid grout cleaner, a manual flow control valve, and a liquid dispensing head, all in fluid communication. The liquid dispensing head is connected to an end of the handle and includes a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid grout cleaning solution therefrom. A scrubbing brush is removably connected to the liquid dispensing head for allowing the user to scrub the grout joint thereby removing dirt, mold, mildew, and other unwanted debris therefrom. In a first embodiment, the container, control valve and liquid dispensing head are mounted on an elongated handle thereby providing a compact apparatus for cleaning grout joints on floors, counter tops, walls and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Hossein H. Jafarmadar
  • Patent number: 6036390
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing ice, frost or bugs from a glass surface includes a bottle having an outer surface and an end. The apparatus also includes a base attached to the end of the bottle and washer interposed between the bottle and the base. The apparatus further includes a guard extending from the washer so as to define a space interposed between the bottle and the guard. In addition, the apparatus includes a plurality of gripping members extending outwardly from the outer surface of the bottle. The gripping members increase the ergonomic efficiency of the apparatus. The base of the apparatus has flutes extending therefrom for the removal of ice or frost from a glass surface. Alternatively, the base can have a fabric attached thereto for the removal of bugs from a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: LeGrand Tour Group, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6036389
    Abstract: A combination fluid container cap and basting brush assembly includes a cap member having a circular top wall with a continuous side wall perpendicularly depending therefrom. The cap member may be threadedly coupled with a conventional fluid container. On the top wall of the cap member is a depression having an aperture therein through which a fluid may be dispensed from the container. A lid hingedly engages the top wall of the cap member and is dimensioned to seat within the depression for covering the dispensing aperture. A brush member is removably attached to the top wall immediately adjacent the lid which may be used as a basting brush. When the lid is in an open position, it functions as a splash guard for preventing fluid from contacting the brush while being dispensed through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory N. Zima
  • Patent number: 6030137
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing ice, frost or bugs from a glass surface includes a bottle having an outer surface and an end. The apparatus also includes a base attached to the end of the bottle and washer interposed between the bottle and the base. The apparatus further includes a guard extending from the washer so as to define a space interposed between the bottle and the guard. In addition, the apparatus includes a plurality of gripping members extending outwardly from the outer surface of the bottle. The gripping members increase the ergonomic efficiency of the apparatus. The base of the apparatus has flutes extending therefrom for the removal of ice or frost from a glass surface. Alternatively, the base can have a fabric attached thereto for the removal of bugs from a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Legrand Tour Group, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6000088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Laurie M. Shumaker, Craig M. Saunders, Joseph Lazarra, Mark Cipolla, Glenn E. Specht, Richard C. Farone, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Terry L. Zahuranec
  • Patent number: 5988924
    Abstract: A car washing device includes an assembly of brushes such as sponge brushes or other equivalents composed of bristles or cloth attached to the front side of a brush body. A hose joint is provided near the hand grip of the brush body for introducing clean water into the device and to supply the water to the brush assembly via at least one water outlet hole in the brush body. A car washer can wash the car with one hand using the device. A valve may be provided to control the flow rate of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Yun-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 5988912
    Abstract: A cleaning equipment includes a brush head having a body portion formed with a dovetail groove at an opposite side thereof and a plurality of holes close to one side of the dovetail groove, an adapter having a tubular member formed with an axial outlet which is connected with a sectorial member, and a tubular handle provided with a valve assembly and a container engaged with the valve assembly, whereby the cleaning equipment can automatically dispense a mixture of water and liquid detergent as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Chih-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 5957606
    Abstract: An applicator apparatus for dispensing liquid grout sealant within a grout filled groove formed between adjacent ceramic and clay floor and wall tiles. The apparatus includes a liquid container mounted on a handle and containing liquid grout sealant, a manual flow control valve, and a liquid dispensing head, all in fluid communication. The liquid dispensing head is flexibly connected to the handle and includes a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid grout sealant therefrom. A brush or roller is removably connected to the liquid dispensing head for uniformly spreading liquid grout sealant over grout within the groove. In a first embodiment, the container, control valve and liquid dispensing head are mounted on an elongated handle thereby providing a compact apparatus for dispensing liquid grout sealant to floors, counter tops, and walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Hossein H. Jafarmadar
  • Patent number: 5935535
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a predetermined quantity of a multi-component composition in which the composition includes a first component and a second component in a predetermined weight to weight ratio, and in which the first component and said second component undergo an undesirable chemical reaction with each other when brought into contact with each other. The apparatus includes a receptacle for storing one of the first component or the second component that is adapted to receive the other of the first component or the second component from a separate source to form the predetermined quantity of multi-component composition having the first component and the second component in a predetermined weight to weight ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Sumita B. Mitra
  • Patent number: 5908255
    Abstract: A surface cleaning device including a body having a bottom, an upper end extending in parallel with the bottom, and a boss extending perpendicular to a bottom and the upper end. A handle is threadingly engaged at one end with the boss. A hollow chamber extends the length of the body. A single edge surface engaging part is provided on the upper end of the body. A surface clearing part is provided on the bottom of the body. A pump spray device is engaged with the other end of the handle and extending into the hollow chamber for pumping and spraying fluid contained in the hollow chamber. In one embodiment, single edge surface engaging part on the upper end of the body is a scraper blade; and the surface clearing part on the bottom of the body is a brush. In another embodiment, the single edge surface engaging part on the upper end of the body is a squeegee blade; and the surface clearing part on the bottom of the body is a sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Derico S. Branch
  • Patent number: 5888006
    Abstract: A cleaning implement having a liquid delivery system, includes a handle with first and second ends, a cleaning head member attached to the handle at the first end, and a sprayer nozzle preferably attached to the cleaning head member, independent of the handle, for providing increased directional control of the sprayer nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Vernon S. Ping, Steven M. Schennum, Noelle M. Dye, John D. Gundlach
  • Patent number: 5885019
    Abstract: A scrubber attachment is provided for a spray bottle which includes a spray nozzle. The scrubber attachment includes a base member which includes a top side, a bottom side, and a communication channel extending through the base member from the top side to the bottom side. Scrubber members are connected to the top side of the base member astride the communication channel. A bottle connector is attached to the bottom side of the base member for connecting the scrubber attachment to the spray bottle. The scrubber attachment of the invention permits a surface to be treated with a liquid spray and scrubbed with scrubber members by using a one-handed operation. The bottle connector includes a flexible, tubular, connector sleeve placed in registration with the communication channel. The connector sleeve may be connected to the base member by a rotatable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Roger K. Stear
  • Patent number: 5879094
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pressure-deformable wiper cushion for wiping misted and/or dirty in particular flat surfaces such as the insides of vehicle windows. The cushion has a bag-shaped cleaning cover the outside of which during wiping comes into contact with the surface being cleaned; and a cushion filling enclosed by and filling out the cleaning cover on the inside. As a way of significantly improving the wiping effect even on dry surfaces, while maintaining ease of use, it is proposed that a container should take the place of part of the cushion filling in the cushion interior and should comprise a reservoir section and a closable neck, and that a mechanically operated spray head should be incorporated in the neck and fitted with a spray nozzle outside the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Ulrich Lersch, Gregor Kohlruss, Hubert Wiesner, Oliver Griebe