Manually Engageable Resilient Wall Or Wall Portion Patents (Class 401/183)
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Publication number: 20040114988Abstract: Systems and methods for applying or dispensing surgical prep solution are disclosed. The applicator system includes a spreader element and a container of surgical prep solution. The spreader element includes a body with an orifice covered by a pad. The orifice is in fluid communication with a passage through an elongated stem connected to the body. The container may be collapsible with only limited recovery. The spreader element may include a receptacle for receiving the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel, Kent E. Lageson, Claude E. Cybulski
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Patent number: 6746165Abstract: An applicator device for applying product to at least one section of hair includes an elastically deformable component, a reservoir for the product, and a slot at least partially defined by the elastically deformable component. The slot is bounded by edges and is configured to receive a section of hair between the edges. The slot comprises a first slot portion lying in a first plane and at least one second slot portion lying in a second plane different from the first plane.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: L'OrealInventor: Vincent de Laforcade
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Patent number: 6742950Abstract: An applicator assembly comprises a flexible reservoir, to which are joined a pair of applicators. The latter includes a first and second applicators. The first applicator has its longitudinal axis of symmetry perpendicularly disposed relative to the flexible reservoir, respectively to its longitudinal axis, while the second applicator is coaxial with the flexible reservoir. The first and second applicators are located at opposite ends of the flexible reservoir. An arm connects the first applicator to the flexible reservoir. A pair of protective covers including a first and second protective covers is intended to slip over the pair of applicators, respectively the first and second applicators. A valve is incorporated into the flexible reservoir, so as to resist passage of a fluid contained in the latter, while letting the atmospheric air to infiltrate therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Inventor: Gregory A. Coombs
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Publication number: 20040101346Abstract: The applicator assembly comprises a flexible reservoir, to which are joined a pair of applicators. The latter includes a first and second applicators. The first applicator has its longitudinal axis of symmetry perpendicularly disposed relative to the flexible reservoir, respectively to its longitudinal axis, while the second applicator is coaxial with the flexible reservoir. The first and second applicators are located at opposite ends of the flexible reservoir. An arm connects the first applicator to the flexible reservoir so, as stated before, the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the first applicator is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexible reservoir. A pair of protective covers including a first and second protective covers is intended to slip over the pair of applicators, respectively the first and second applicators. A valve is incorporated into the flexible reservoir, so as to resist passage of a fluid contained in the latter, while letting the atmospheric air to infiltrate therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Gregory A. Coombs
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Patent number: 6739781Abstract: A dispensing closure that has a cover which is provided with a scrubbing structure that includes protuberances. In a preferred embodiment, the scrubbing structure is a resilient flexible material which has been molded on a generally rigid base. The base is injection molded in an initial injection molding step from a first material, and the scrubbing structure is injection molded in situ in a subsequent molding step from a second material onto said first material to become bonded thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Maloney, Kelly A. Smith
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Patent number: 6722805Abstract: A dentifrice apparatus (10) for cleansing the teeth and gum tissues of a user wherein, the apparatus (10) includes an enlarged head member (20) having a top surface (24) provided with a plurality of projections (25) and a bottom surface (23) adapted to be connected to the stem portion (31) of a suction cup member (30) the cup portion (32) of which releasably connects the apparatus (10) to a user's tongue (101) and a rupturable membrane (40) forming a reservoir for a supply of dentifrice material (50) that may be dispensed from a selected portion of the apparatus (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventor: Rodney C. Skinner
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Patent number: 6715952Abstract: A self-contained portable toothbrush comprises a plastic head having a plurality of bristles extending outwardly therefrom on one side and a hemispherical water pocket on the other side connected to the bristles by a plurality of channels extending through the head. The water pocket is composed of compressible plastic that ruptures a seal when pressed forcing water onto the bristles that contain dehydrated dentifrice. The head is joined to an intermediate coupling portion at one end which is joined at the other end to a detachable hollow handle portion contained water or mouthwash. After use, the toothbrush is discarded.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventors: Ricardo Aiken, Reisha Roopchand
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Patent number: 6709180Abstract: An ergonomic wax pen has an ergonomic case (1) with optionally finger-squeeze control of pressure to force out molten wax (7) from a wax chamber (6) through an extrusion nozzle at an extrusion end (3) to which predetermined application tips (21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) can be attached for predetermined wax applications. The ergonomic case includes a contoured taper from a major periphery (2) proximate the extrusion end to an oppositely disposed minor periphery (4) that is proximate a base end (5). A wax heater (10, 18, 19) is positioned externally from the wax chamber which is pressurized selectively with a pressurizer. The base end can include an orthogonal base plate (11) on which the ergonomic case can be positioned uprightly when not in use and with which the ergonomic case can be prevented from rolling when laid down.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Katherine J. Cochran
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Publication number: 20040042840Abstract: The present invention relates to a product applicator attachment (10) intended to be mounted on a container (20) containing the product that is to be applied, said attachment comprising:Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Applicant: L'OREALInventor: Laure Thiebaut
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Patent number: 6698961Abstract: A grout sealer applicator brush that carries with it a reservoir of grout sealer. The brush includes a handle with a broad concave upper surface used to support and cradle the reservoir. The grout sealer within the reservoir is conducted through a tube that dispenses the fluid directly on the bristles of the brush, ready for application to the grout. The reservoir is placed in proximity to the bristle to reduce the torque of the reservoir on the operator. Holding the reservoir in place is a handle, cradling arrangement that can accommodate different sized reservoirs. To reduce manufacturing costs, the brush and the tube are all formed simultaneously, typically of plastic, in a pressure molding process.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Richard Pollock
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Publication number: 20040037613Abstract: A fluid dispenser and method for applying a selected fluid to a desired location includes a reservoir containing the fluid, the reservoir includes a resilient body having a first end and a second end, a first end sealing cap, and a second end sealing cap assembly with a penetrable elastomeric member to define a reservoir interior. The body includes bellows oriented to retract or extend the body between the first end and the second end creating a variable reservoir interior volume. Also included is an applicator having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end includes a non coring cannula with a lumen having an insertion end adapted to penetrate through the elastomeric member and protrude into the reservoir interior. This enables fluid communication between the reservoir interior and the lumen; the distal end also includes an application element that is in fluid communication with the lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Patricia Anne King
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Patent number: 6682246Abstract: A container-applicator for fluid products, particularly for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use, comprising, at the mouth of a container body, an applicator provided with a spongy matrix body that can be extracted for washing and is arranged proximate to a passage for connection to the inside of the container body. The passage for connection to the inside of the container body is controlled by a valve element that can be operated from the outside of the container body.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Inventor: Fulvio Reggiani
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Publication number: 20040009029Abstract: A toothbrush having a water reservoir in the handle and squeezable to force water therefrom through a plurality of spaced apart orifices located at the base of bristles that project from the head of the brush.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: John B. Dillingham, Brenda W. Dillingham
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Patent number: 6672784Abstract: Systems and methods for applying or dispensing surgical prep solution. The applicator system includes a spreader element and a container of surgical prep solution. The spreader element includes a body with an orifice covered by a pad. The orifice is in fluid communication with a passage through an elongated stem connected to the body. The container may be collapsible with only limited recovery. The spreader element may include a receptacle for receiving the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel, Kent E. Lageson, Claude E. Cybulski
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Publication number: 20030194261Abstract: A toothbrush including a head portion having a plurality of bristles, an internal chamber, and one or more openings to couple therethrough tooth paste from within the internal chamber to proximate the bristles. The toothbrush further includes a neck portion having an internal conduit fluidly coupled to the internal chamber of the head portion. The toothbrush additionally includes a connector portion to mate with a corresponding connector of a separate tooth paste dispenser. Another embodiment includes a housing portion for enclosing at least a portion of the separate tooth paste dispenser. Yet another embodiment includes an integral container portion for storing tooth paste with a pushing pad for dispensing of tooth paste.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Sam Sanchez
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Publication number: 20030170066Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying lotions to areas of the individual's body, the applicator assembly comprising a handle member squeezably deformable and telescopic in nature, said handle member serving as the container member for the lotion to be dispensed, said handle member having a removable cap at a first terminus for filling, the opposing terminus of the handle member having a plurality of apertures circumferentially disposed about the handle member, an applicator member slidably receivable on said handle member on the terminus having the plurality of apertures, the applicator member being an absorbent, deformable, resilient sponge-like member formed to contact both large and small areas of the body and a sleeve member slidably retainable over the applicator member for protection of the applicator member when not in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventor: Tracy G. White
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Publication number: 20030165351Abstract: Brushes specifically hair brushes have been around for several years. However, a brush with the flexibility of moving the bristles inward to help in cleaning is a new invention. Additionally a hair brush capable of delivering hair care products including styling gel into the bristle area so as to allow combing while applying hair care products is a new invention. The manufacture of hair brushes with recyclable and or disposable materials is also an added benefit of the current invention. The said invention describes the make up of such a brush that will be easy to clean, may be made out of recyclable and or disposable material and can be used to deliver hair care products to the scalp (hair) while combing. Such an invention will eliminate the mess encountered while applying hair care products and will also reduce the amount of time needed for the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2002Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventor: Sonali Tatapudy
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Patent number: 6612769Abstract: A package for a multiple-component composition includes a first sheet and a second sheet connected to the first sheet, and at least one of the sheets is made of a flexible material. At least two storage chambers and a mixing chamber are located between the sheets and interconnected by passageways. In certain embodiments, the mixing chamber is located between the passageways. In some embodiments, the passageways are spaced from each other. Compressing the storage chamber directs components in the respective chambers into the mixing chamber for subsequent dispensing as needed. Optionally, an actuator is provided and has a channel for receiving the package. As the package moves through the channel, the storage chambers are compressed and the components in the storage chamber are directed to the mixing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert Lee, Dale D. Peterson, Brian A. Shukla
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Publication number: 20030152411Abstract: A nail care accessory which is in a form of a housing with a tight fitting lid which can be pulled off to reveal an applicator to which a nail varnish, nail varnish remover or other substance for treatment of the nails, is conveyed by internal channels from a reservoir inside the housing. The applicator is protruded and retracted by applying pressure to elastic parts of the housing. The reservoir may be replaceable or refillable or the reservoir and applicator as a unit may be exchanged to allow use of different colours. A nail varnish applicator and a nail varnish remover can be incorporated in a single accessory, located end to end so that one is at one end and the other at the other end, of the accessory. A flow control valve may be provided, actuated by pressure on the applicator when substance is being applied to a nail. The walls of eth reservoir can be made compressible to allow pressure to be applied, to place the substance under pressure, to assist in it coming out of the accessory at the applicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventor: Nicci Prokopos
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Publication number: 20030152414Abstract: An apparatus for spreading liquid materials comprises: a provision unit for providing the liquid material; a guiding unit, coupled to the provision unit, for providing a flow path of the liquid materials; and an absorption unit, covering one portion of the guiding unit, for absorbing the liquid materials supplied from the guiding unit and applying the liquid materials to a designated region of a body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventor: Kyung-Jin Yu
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Publication number: 20030147684Abstract: A multi-functional dispenser includes a container body, a pencil head holder, a brush rod and a top cover combined together. The brush rod has a hollow head with its outer circumferential edge formed with a projecting rim, and the pencil head holder has a hollow cavity with its bottom formed with an engage groove for receiving the projecting rim of the brush rod head, thus, the brush rod and the pencil head holder can engage with each other directly. Besides, the pencil head holder and its upper solvent outlet tube are formed integral, not only preventing the solvent outlet tube from moving biasly to ensure safety in using, but also greatly lowering producing time and cost due to its comparatively few components and simple producing and assembling processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventor: Chih-Min Hung
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Publication number: 20030138286Abstract: A chewable toothbrush includes a pliable bristle anchor, bristles attached to the bristle anchor, and a handle attached to the bristle anchor. In one embodiment, the bristle anchor includes a cavity that holds a material such as toothpaste or mouthwash. When the toothbrush is chewed, the material is released from the cavity and onto the bristles. The toothbrush may be realized as a single-use disposable unit or as a multiple-use unit. The cavity in a multiple-use unit can be reloaded with material prior to each use.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Frank Clark
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Publication number: 20030123920Abstract: The invention relates to a reservoir and applicator system suitable for containing a composition of the cosmetic composition type. The system comprises a single element (10) of compressible material in which a reservoir-forming cavity (12) is formed suitable for receiving said composition. Said single element (10) presents both a first end (14) and a second end (18) forming said applicator, the application surface (20) thereof being constituted by the outside wall of said second end (18). The cavity (12) is extended by a channel (16) opening out into said second end (18) whereby said composition can be transferred from said reservoir to said application surface (20) in order to be applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventor: Bernard Pauchet
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Patent number: 6572297Abstract: A liquid marker system utilizes three primary components to permit marking of lines of various widths from a single nib. The three components are a porous nib, a transfer wick and a squeezable container. Operation relies on different squeeze pressures applied to the housing to produce different line widths from the single nib as the nib is moved across a marked surface. The porous wick provides a resistance to flow until the bottle is squeezed and then supplies a minimum of capillary flow to the nib. The user squeezes the container to overcome the resistance of the wick. No venting of the container interior is required because the wick and nib system allows the passage of air into the container when the container is returned to its unstressed (i.e., un-squeezed) condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: George W. Korper
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Publication number: 20030095828Abstract: A toothbrush which may be coupled to a toothpaste dispensing container has a body member. The body member has a channeling running a length of the body member. The channeling allows toothpaste to flow through the body member. A connector device is formed on a first end of the body member to allow the body member to be coupled to the toothpaste dispenser. A head member is coupled to a second end of the body member. The head member has at least one opening to allow the toothpaste to flow out through the head member. A plurality of bristles are coupled to the head member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: Theodore R. Hofstedt
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Publication number: 20030086742Abstract: A device for applying a product may include a first element configured to apply a product. The first element may at least partially include porous material. The device may include a second element, and a fixing element configured to removably affix the first element to the second element such that when the first element is separated from the second element, at least a substantial portion of the fixing element remains on the second element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
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Publication number: 20030086746Abstract: A paint striper has a main body having a head portion, an interior cavity, and a slot in fluid communication between the head portion and the interior cavity. The slot is configured for receiving a wheel, and the interior cavity is configured for receiving paint. A wheel is rotatably mounted in the slot with a portion of the wheel extending into the interior cavity. A shoulder extends from the main body, and a guide extends from the shoulder for following a guide track formed in a strip positioned on a surface of the vehicle, wherein the track is substantially parallel to the desired position of the pinstripe. The strip is secured in position on the surface of the vehicle using adhesive which permits removal of the strip from the surface of the vehicle without leaving a residue, and re-use of the strip on a surface of another vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: Philip Lee Atkinson, Kenneth C. Dingle
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Patent number: 6551000Abstract: An improved container contains a housing containing at least one aperture and a treatment composition located within the housing. The combination of the treatment composition and the housing has a mess factor of from about 3.6*10−4 to about 1.1*10−11. When the housing is in a prepared state and squeezed, the treatment composition exits the housing from the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Manivannan Kandasamy, Aya Nakao, Masaki Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 6547471Abstract: An applicator for local application of a liquid to a person's skin. The applicator includes a porous dome, a chamber under the dome, a squeeze bottle providing a reservoir containing the liquid, and a tube from the squeeze bottle to the chamber. The porous dome has pores sized to provide liquid transport therein by capillary action. The chamber provides a location for liquid in position to be transported into dome. Increased pressure in the reservoir from squeezing the bottle causes liquid to flow from the reservoir through the tube to the chamber, and decreased pressure in the reservoir from releasing the bottle causes excess liquid in the chamber to flow from the chamber through the tube to the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: William E. Tucker, William T. O'Connor, Timothy G. Kerrissey, Steven M. Bourque
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Patent number: 6547467Abstract: A microapplicator for dispensing and applying an adhesive or sealant material comprises a handle portion, an applicator tip connected to the handle portion, and a microreservoir at the applicator tip arranged to hold a small amount, about 20 microliters or less, of an adhesive/sealant material until dispensing. In embodiments, the applicator tip has a width of about 1 mm. The microapplicator may include a second reservoir, containing the adhesive/sealant material, that is arranged to supply the adhesive/sealant material to the microreservoir at the applicator tip. The second reservoir may comprise a frangible ampoule disposed in the handle portion, a container, such as a syringe, connected to the handle portion, or the handle portion itself. The applicator tip may comprise one of a polymer loop, a spatula, a rolling ball, a grate, a porous material, such as a swab, a foam pad or a mesh, and a brush.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Closure Medical CorporationInventor: Julian A. Quintero
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Patent number: 6543950Abstract: A hand-controlled back brush includes a handle and an arm portion that are rotatably connected to each other at their respective bevel front end and bevel rear end, so that the handle could be rotated relative to the arm portion within the range from zero to 180 degrees to shift from a position in alignment with the arm portion to a desired angular position relative to the arm portion for easy brushing of a user's back. The hand-controlled back brush is also provided with a bath cream container that is conveniently compressible with a thumb to supply a controlled amount of bath cream to a sponge fixed to a front end of the back brush.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: Yung-Kuang Huang
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Patent number: 6543951Abstract: A hand-supported wiper for cleaning automobile windshields comprising a carrier member, a finger grip on one surface of the support member and a cleaning pad on the other surface of the support member which is fabricated of an absorbent fibrous material and has an adhesive on one surface releasably adhering the pad to the carrier member. The carrier member provides a shallow recess in which the cleaning pad is disposed with marginal portions of the pad extending at least to the peripheral edge of the carrier member. The grip has a passage in which the user's fingers extend and which is generally parallel to the carrier member, and has arcuate recesses in which the user's fingers seat.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: Robert C. Bauman
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Publication number: 20030059247Abstract: An improved container contains a housing containing at least one aperture and a treatment composition located within the housing. The combination of the treatment composition and the housing has a mess factor of from about 3.6*10−4 to about 1.1*10−11. When the housing is in a prepared state and squeezed, the treatment composition exits the housing from the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Manivannan Kandasamy, Aya Nakao, Masaki Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 6536978Abstract: A method for restoring or touching-up blemishes, such as scratches and chips in an automotive paint finish, includes the steps of applying a measured bead of relatively thick matching touch-up paint to a flexible blade and drawing the flexible blade across the blemish to deposit the touch-up paint in the blemish to restore the blemish. A tool for restoring or touching-up blemishes such as scratches and chips in an automotive paint finish, includes a squeezable paint bottle that forms the handle of the tool, a coupler threaded at one end onto the bottle, a blade holder extending from the other end of the coupler to a forward edge, a flexible blade projecting from the forward edge of the blade holder to a free edge, and a nozzle projecting from the forward edge of the blade holder toward the free edge of the flexible blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: Robert Lowery
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Patent number: 6536979Abstract: A safe water toothbrush assembly for brushing teeth includes a toothbrush connected to a bottle. The toothbrush has an elongated body with a head at one end and an opposite end that is open, such that the interior of the body forms a passageway for transporting a fluid through the body, the head includes at least one aperture and the open end of the body is threaded. The toothbrush also includes a plurality of bristles extending radially from the head. The bottle is filled with a fluid, and an open end of the bottle includes threads complementary to the threads on the open end of the toothbrush, for securing the bottle to the toothbrush.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventors: Thomas A. Kenny, Robert Gillings
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Patent number: 6536977Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing shaving liquids/gels. The dispenser has a tubular member and a closure member. The closure member is fitted above the tubular member with the help of threaded grooves. The tubular member of the dispenser has indentations to provide a firm grip of the dispenser especially when used in bath or shower. In order to dispense the liquid, openings are formed on the tubular member and the closure member. The closure member can be rotated from a use position, where the openings are aligned with each other, to a non-use position where the openings are opposite each other. A nylon mesh sponge is attached to the closure member to aerate and foam the liquid and to avoid wetting of hands while the shaving liquid/gel is being applied to the affected area of skin.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: Marsha Hammel
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Publication number: 20030044219Abstract: A microapplicator for dispensing and applying an adhesive or sealant material comprises a handle portion, an applicator tip connected to the handle portion, and a microreservoir at the applicator tip arranged to hold a small amount, about 20 microliters or less, of an adhesive/sealant material until dispensing. In embodiments, the applicator tip has a width of about 1 mm. The microapplicator may include a second reservoir, containing the adhesive/sealant material, that is arranged to supply the adhesive/sealant material to the microreservoir at the applicator tip. The second reservoir may comprise a frangible ampoule disposed in the handle portion, a container, such as a syringe, connected to the handle portion, or the handle portion itself. The applicator tip may comprise one of a polymer loop, a spatula, a rolling ball, a grate, a porous material, such as a swab, a foam or a mesh, and a brush.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: Closure Medical CorporationInventor: Julian A. Quintero
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Patent number: 6505986Abstract: An applicator system, for use in delivering a flowable composition, comprising; (a) container including an inner collapsible layer distinct from an outer deformable layer, the inner collapsible layer defining a reservoir, and the outer deformable layer being separated from the inner collapsible layer by a buffer zone; (b) a dispenser including a first passageway distinct from a second passageway, the first passageway being in communication with the buffer zone and the second passageway being in communication with the reservoir; and (c) valve means operable to control entry of air into the buffer zone through the first passageway and exit of flowable composition from the reservoir through the second passageway; wherein the valve means is of unitary construction.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Reuben Earl Oder
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Publication number: 20020192010Abstract: A liquid marker system utilizes three primary components to permit marking of lines of various widths from a single nib. The three components are a porous nib, a transfer wick and a squeezable container. Operation relies on different squeeze pressures applied to the housing to produce different line widths from the single nib as the nib is moved across a marked surface. The porous wick provides a resistance to flow until the bottle is squeezed and then supplies a minimum of capillary flow to the nib. The user squeezes the container to overcome the resistance of the wick. No venting of the container interior is required because the wick and nib system allows the passage of air into the container when the container is returned to its unstressed (i.e., un-squeezed) condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: George W. Korper
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Patent number: 6488429Abstract: A liquid marker system utilizes three primary components to permit marking of lines of various widths from a single nib. The three components are a porous nib, a transfer wick and a squeezable container. Operation relies on different squeeze pressures applied to the housing to produce different line widths from the single nib as the nib is moved across a marked surface. The porous wick provides a resistance to flow until the bottle is squeezed and then supplies a minimum of capillary flow to the nib. The user squeezes the container to overcome the resistance of the wick. No venting of the container interior is required because the wick and nib system allows the passage of air into the container when the container is returned to its unstressed (i.e., un-squeezed) condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Inventor: George W. Korper
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Publication number: 20020172540Abstract: A lotion applicator having a flexible container holding a quantity of lotion which terminates at one end in a threaded neck for threadably receiving a discharge nozzle conducting lotion or the like through the neck. The discharge member includes an aperture projection adapted to insertably pass through an opening in a closure cap, so as to permit the discharged lotion to exit the container and the cap. The discharge projection has a closed position when inserted through the opening in the cap and a discharge position within the cap, so as to permit the lotion to exit the discharge member and pass through the unoccupied aperture in the cap for flow into an elongated applicator arm. The arm includes a threaded coupling for engaging with the discharge cap and extends outwardly from the container in a cantilevered manner to terminate in an application member having a plurality of openings in communication with an elongated passageway extending from the discharge cap through the arm to the applicator member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Lloyd A. Hauser, Lance A. Hauser
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Publication number: 20020150418Abstract: A hand-held washing device comprises a scrubber and a fluid dispenser to contain a cleaning fluid such as liquid soap. The device is constructed of an mesh material bound together in a plurality of pleats. The fluid dispenser includes a fill opening and an outlet. A plug is sized to be removable mounted within the fill opening. When mounted, the plug prevents liquid within the fluid dispenser from escaping through the fill opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Roger Lynn Sorrell
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Patent number: 6450724Abstract: A liquid applicator device for selectively applying liquids such as paint used by children. The liquid applicator device includes an elongate tubular housing that has a conical-shaped nose portion being disposed at a front end thereof, and a conical-shaped cap support portion that is disposed at a back end thereof. The housing is designed for storing a liquid. A valve member is disposed in the housing to regulate dispensing of the liquid from the housing. A brush cap member and an end-cap member are both removably attachable to either end of the housing, depending on which configuration the device is in, those being either a stored configuration, or an in-use configuration. A pair of elongate, cord-like securing members secures each of the cap members to the tubular member to prevent the child from inadvertently swallowing either of the caps.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Inventor: Tina R. Cambio
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Publication number: 20020127045Abstract: A hand held bingo card marker comprises:Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: John L. Cookfair, Thomas O'Shei
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Publication number: 20020122685Abstract: A package for a multiple-component composition includes a first sheet and a second sheet connected to the first sheet, and at least one of the sheets is made of a flexible material. At least two storage chambers and a mixing chamber are located between the sheets and interconnected by passageways. In certain embodiments, the mixing chamber is located between the passageways. In some embodiments, the passageways are spaced from each other. Compressing the storage chamber directs components in the respective chambers into the mixing chamber for subsequent dispensing as needed. Optionally, an actuator is provided and has a channel for receiving the package. As the package moves through the channel, the storage chambers are compressed and the components in the storage chamber are directed to the mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2000Publication date: September 5, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert Lee, Dale D. Peterson, Brian A. Shukla
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Patent number: 6439792Abstract: A device for dispensing a liquid, pasty or powdered seasoning, comprising at least one perforation provided in a surface of one end of the device. The perforation being closed off by a removable strip and the surface being extended by a free part cut into juxtaposed tabs forming a fringe.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Rémy Beguin, Franz Liebenspacher
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Patent number: 6435750Abstract: A cleaning brush having a handle assembly and biodegradable cleaning member. The handle assembly is substantially a hollow cylinder housing a flexible container for a cleaning liquid and further including a cannula for dispensing liquid. The handle assembly includes an opening at one end, through which the container is refilled, and a cover to prevent the liquid from coming out. An engagement mechanism at the other end of the handle assembly includes two parallel stems with arrow heads at their distal ends that are cammingly inserted inside a cooperative opening in the cleaning member end releasably engaged therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Josefina Angela Escajadillo Serna
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Patent number: 6422778Abstract: Systems and methods for applying or dispensing surgical prep solution. The applicator system includes a spreader element and a container of surgical prep solution. The spreader element includes a body with an orifice covered by a pad. The orifice is in fluid communication with a passage through an elongated stem connected to the body. The container may be collapsible with only limited recovery. The spreader element may include a receptacle for receiving the container.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel, Kent E. Lageson, Claude E. Cybulski
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Publication number: 20020094225Abstract: The invention relates to a product application device comprising a receptacle having a variable inside volume configured to contain product, an applicator element, and a dip tube configured to extend to the bottom of the receptacle. The device further comprises a first portion and a second portion configured to cooperate together to define a substantially leak-proof enclosure for the applicator element. The dip tube is configured to enable the enclosure to be in flow communication with product flowing from the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
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Patent number: 6418574Abstract: A back cleaning device having two shells, one inner and one outer with a soap solution bladder affixed between the respective shells. The bladder holds a liquefied soap solution that may be dispersed from an upper dispersal nozzle. The inner shell contains mounting brackets that allow it to be engaged to separate height locations on at least one separate rail that may be affixed to a wall in a shower or bath. The outer shell will include at least one scrub pad engaged to an outer surface. The person needing a back cleaning will lean her back against the scrub pad pushing the outer shell towards the inner shell compressing the bladder. The person will move their back up and down against the scrub pad. This bladder compression forces soap solution out of the upper dispersal nozzle. The soap solution runs over the scrub pad, soaping the scrub pad. The person needing the cleaning has their back cleaned due to the up and down movement against the soaped scrub pad.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Inventor: Larry R. McDowell