Manually Engageable Resilient Wall Or Wall Portion Patents (Class 401/183)
  • Patent number: 6418939
    Abstract: A cosmetic brush is provided to carry a cosmetic powder therein to, protect the brush from the contamination or the wear-down, and prevent the discharge of the powder while the brush is not in use. The cosmetic brush comprises a cylinder containing the cosmetic powder and having discharge holes on one end; a connect cap being coupled with the cylinder and guiding the discharge of the cosmetic powder through the discharge holes; a pressure pump being screw-coupled with the cylinder to make the cosmetic powder move into the brush by its pumping; a guide tube being coupled with the cylinder, the brush moving therein; a sliding tube having the brush inserted therein and being free to rotate with fitting into the guide tube; a discharge pipe being placed into the brush to uniformly supply the cosmetic powder; and a covering cap for detachably covering the sliding tube to protect the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Young Kwang Byun
  • Patent number: 6412997
    Abstract: A liquid applicator apparatus for physically disadvantaged persons, but beneficial to all persons in showers, bathtubs and at the beach. The apparatus allows elderly and handicapped persons to apply health and beauty products to difficult and heretofore inaccessible body areas. It has a flexible reservoir for storing and dispersing liquid health or beauty products through an applicator. The applicator is attached to an end portion of a slender elongated tubular member with a single or plurality of ball and socket joints. In a first aspect of the invention, when the reservoir is squeezed, a portion of a stored liquid is dispersed through an open cell pad. In a second aspect, when the reservoir is squeezed, a portion of a stored liquid is dispersed through a plurality of small apertures. The elongated tubular member and ball and socket joints allow a user to apply the health and beauty products to difficult and heretofore inaccessible body areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6409406
    Abstract: An applicator is provided with a flexible container, a discharge passage, a valve seat, and internal springs having first ends attached to one end of a rod that has a valve on its other end. The second ends of the leaf spring are secured to the container. The springs are in an arcuate configuration so as to press the valve into a closed position. Pressure on the flexible container presses on the arcuate shaped springs, straightening them to some degree. Due to the longitudinal increase in the length of the springs, the valve is lifted off of its seat, opening a passage for fluid flow from the container interior through the discharge passage of the applicator nib or pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Gilbert Schwartzman
  • Publication number: 20020071707
    Abstract: A dual cosmetic container is disclosed. The container has a sleeve that has a first end and a second end, each of the ends are adapted to receive a receptacle for containing a cosmetic product. The cosmetic product in the first receptacle is different from the cosmetic product in the second receptacle. At least one of the products in one of the receptacles is a lip product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Diane C. Breidenbach, Laurence W. Mille
  • Publication number: 20020051673
    Abstract: A method and associated tool for restoring or touching-up blemishes such as scratches and chips in an automotive paint finish is provided. The method 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. The tool comprises 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, and a flexible blade projecting from the forward edge of the blade holder to a free edge. A passageway communicates between the squeezable bottle and the vicinity of the blade to deposit a measured amount of touch-up paint onto the blade when the bottle is squeezed, the blade subsequently being drawn over a blemish to deposit the touch-up paint in the blemish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Lowery
  • Patent number: 6375377
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Lowery
  • Patent number: 6368003
    Abstract: A hand-held washing device that contains soap within the interior. The device is constructed of an elongated material bound together in a plurality of pleats. The soap may be in a variety of forms including a bar and a fluid dispenser comprising a nozzle and a reservoir. A cinch extends around and holds the pleats together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Roger Lynn Sorrell
  • Patent number: 6364557
    Abstract: A liquid applicator arrangement (10) comprising an applicator unit (11) having an applicator head member (20) provided with apertures (21) and bristles, and further including an elongated neck element (23) provided with a stepped shoulder portion (24) which defines a valve seat (25) dimensioned to receive a ball valve member (40), and an elongated handle member (30) having flexible walls which define a liquid reservoir (32) in the handle member (30). The lower end (33) of the handle member (30) is fixedly secured to the exterior of the stepped shoulder portion (24) of the applicator head member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Barbara Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20020025213
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Josefina Angela Escajadillo Serna
  • Publication number: 20020021933
    Abstract: An applicator comprises a flexible container having an upper end portion with a dispensing orifice therein. A dimpled applicator head of foam material is secured to an outside surface of the upper end portion. Substances within the flexible container flow through the foam material of the dimpled applicator head to the exterior surface thereof when such substances are dispensed through the orifice. The applicator also has a removable closure cap, and releasable locking structure is provided on an inside surface of the closure cap and an outside surface of the upper end portion of the flexible container so that the closure cap is releasably secured to the flexible container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Knieriemen
  • Publication number: 20020012563
    Abstract: A dispenser (10) for use in dispensing liquid or solid material. The dispenser (10) includes wall portions forming a sealed first chamber (18) containing the material and wall portions forming a second chamber (20) and a molded, rupturable membrane (34) disposed between the first chamber (18) and the second chamber (20). The rupturable membrane (34) is preferably a circular disk with a series of molded radial depressions (40) or weld seams (40) extending from a center point of the disk. When pressure is applied directly to the membrane (34), the membrane (34) is fractured along the depressions (40) or weld seams (40). A method is provided for forming the dispenser (10) by injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Richard James May
  • Publication number: 20010055511
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel
  • Patent number: 6332726
    Abstract: A container with an applicator has a container main body, which is composed of a flexible outer layer and an inner layer laminated on the outer layer so as to be freely peeled therefrom. The container futher is provided with an air introducing hole on the outer layer and a discharge opening connected with the inner layer, and an applicator provided at the discharge opening of the container main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Yamamoto, Mitsugu Iwatsubo, Kazunori Nobumoto
  • Patent number: 6322266
    Abstract: A windshield wiper blade cleaning device that includes a body for holding in the hand of a user and bristles extending from the body for cleaning the windshield wiper blade. The body is substantially channel-shaped, slender, elongated, and has a web with an inner face and a pair of terminal ends, and a pair of flanges that extend from the web, each of which has an inner face, an outer face, and a pair of terminal ends. The inner face of the web has a length that axially tapers inwardly and upwardly at the pair of terminal ends of the web for facilitating insertion of the windshield wiper blade. The inner face of each flange axially diverges outwardly at the pair of terminal end thereof and convexly upwardly along the length thereof for further facilitating insertion of the windshield wiper blade. The outer face of each flange axially diverges outwardly at the pair of terminal ends thereof and convexly upwardly along the length thereof for maximizing resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Traynor
  • Publication number: 20010040173
    Abstract: A container (10) with an applicator has a container main body (11), which is composed of a flexible outer layer (21) and an inner layer (22) laminated on the outer layer (21) so as to be freely peeled therefrom and is provided with an air introducing hole (27) on the outer layer (21) and a discharge opening (44) connected with the inner layer (22), and an applicator (61) provided at the discharge opening (44) of the container main body (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: YOSHINORI YAMAMOTO, MITSUGU IWATSUBO, KAZUNORI NOBUMOTO
  • Patent number: 6315478
    Abstract: A glass cleaning device including a resilient hollow bottle having a hollow interior reservoir for containing and dispensing window cleaning fluid, the resilient hollow bottle having a squeegee wiper edge extending therefrom parallel to the longitudinal axis of the resilient hollow bottle, the bottle having a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end being closed and the top end being open to enable glass cleaning fluid to be dispensed therefrom, the top end of the bottle having a cap with an aperture therein for dispensing cleaning fluid therethrough and an array of bristles thereon for scrubbing the glass being cleaned, the cap being movable between a first position and a second position to selectively dispense cleaning fluid from the reservoir through the cap and into the bristles for cleaning the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: William B. Atkins
  • Patent number: 6315483
    Abstract: A one-piece fluid flow control valve for use in a fluid applicator tip which is connectable onto an open end of a resiliently squeezable bottle. The valve includes a cup-shaped body formed of resilient plastic material having a generally U-shaped longitudinal cross section which defines a hollow interior with an open end and a closed end. The body configured for coaxial alignment and seated retention within a mating interior surface of the applicator tip with the closed end oriented downstream of fluid flow through the applicator tip with respect to the open end. A normally closed slit formed into the body in close proximity to the closed end defines a flap, the slit automatically opening to permit fluid entering into the hollow interior to flow through the opened the slit when the bottle is held in an inverted orientation and squeezed to increase fluid pressure against the closed end to deflect the flap and open the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen P. Velliquette
  • Patent number: 6302607
    Abstract: An applicator system for use in delivering a flowable composition comprising: (a) a container in which the flowable composition is to be contained; and (b) at least three applicators of different type, including a line applicator in which the flowable composition is delivered through a single outlet, a surface applicator in which the flowable composition is delivered through a plurality of outlets onto a surface, and a brush/comb-like applicator in which the flowable composition is delivered through a plurality of outlets and dispersed by a plurality of elongate parting members; characterized in that (c) at least two of the plurality of outlets in the brush/comb-like applicator are formed in respective ones of the elongate parting members. Also, an applicator system, for the same use, comprising (a) and (b); characterized in that (d) the surface applicator is of foam or sponge material having a resiliently compressible porous structure from which the flowable composition is to be delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lee Burrowes, Lesley Allen
  • Publication number: 20010021335
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a product. The dispenser comprises a container for containing a product. The container comprising a body having at least one deformable wall and an opening. The dispenser also comprises a dispensing adapter on the container. The dispensing adapter has a flow passage to be placed in flow communication with the opening of the container, and an outlet orifice forming a seat. A closure is configured to be received in a sealed position on the seat. A mount connects the closure to the dispensing adapter. At least a portion of the mount is elastically deformable and is configured such that force applied to the closure moves the closure away from the seat so as to allow the product to flow through the outlet orifice, and the closure elastically returns to the sealed position on the seat when the force is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventor: Philippe Bonningue
  • Patent number: 6276857
    Abstract: A product dispenser including a product cylinder having a cylinder wall defining a cavity for holding a product, and a housing having a flexible wall defining an inner space for releaseably holding the product cylinder wherein the flexible wall is configurable between a dispensing configuration, wherein the product cylinder is held within the housing, and a refillable configuration, wherein the product cylinder can be removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: The Plastek Group
    Inventor: Alex S. Szekely
  • Patent number: 6257791
    Abstract: A toothbrush with integrated toothpaste dispenser includes a brush section, a handle section and an intermediate neck section. Positioned among the bristles of the brush section is a soft, flexible tube—the external end of which is just below the level of the ends of the bristles. This flexible tube allows for the delivery of the toothpaste to the ends of the bristles in an efficient and practical manner. Within the handle section resides a reservoir of toothpaste. The intermediate neck section is hollow, which forms a communicating channel for the toothpaste to travel from the toothpaste reservoir in the handle to the toothbrush head. Dispensing of the toothpaste can be accomplished by any manner of delivery system. The types of delivery systems possible include, but are not limited to: pump systems, lever systems, screwdiven systems and roller systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: David Franklin Scamard
  • Patent number: 6244776
    Abstract: The applicators for health and beauty fluid materials (or products) have an elongated reservoir with a dispenser head at one end and a telescoping extender thereon. When extended, the telescoping extender increases the length between the manual grasp and the dispenser head for application of the fluid material onto hard to reach body surface areas. The dispensing head lies at an acute angle to the handle length axis. The dispenser head has a rolling member and a cap which presses the rolling member down to close the dispensing opening through the dispenser head. The rolling member may be a roller, a cone or one or more spheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Lien J. Wiley
  • Patent number: 6241412
    Abstract: An improved toothbrush is disclosed having a supply of liquid dentifrice located within the handle of the toothbrush, and a dispenser mechanism for dispensing the stored dentrifice to the bristles of the toothbrush when the need arises. The dentrifice-dispensing toothbrush is adapted to utilize replaceable, dentrifice-storing cartridges. In another preferred embodiment a dentrifice-dispensing toothbrush is provided which is effective in operation, durable, attractive in appearance, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Norbert Spies, L. Paul Lustig, Andrew P. Tybinkowski
  • Patent number: 6238120
    Abstract: A fluid applicator system having a proximal end portion that has a male portion that can be connected to a female inner threaded hub that in turn is attached to a source of a fluid supply. The distal end terminates in a ball that is flocked with bristles that are adhered perpendicularly to the ball. The proximal end and the distal end is fluidly connected by a series of cylindrical tubes that are of decreasing outer diameter from the proximal end in the direction of the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Phillip E. Mark
  • Patent number: 6129469
    Abstract: Disclosed is a handled device that aids one in applying tanning oil, lotion, soap or sun screen to their back region and other hard-to-reach areas. The long handle portion allows the user to reach the desired area with enhanced ease. It consists of an elongated handle that supports a head with a flat applicator pad constructed of a sponge-like material. The head includes a reservoir that the user fills with the preferred tanning lotion, soap or oil. Connected to a squeeze pump located on the handle opposite the head, the valve allows the user to pressurize the reservoir, causing the lotion, soap or oil to be forced through exit apertures to the applicator pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventors: Mathue Messer, Robert Loftus
  • Patent number: 6123477
    Abstract: In a method for disinfecting the brush head of a toothbrush, disinfecting bristles (20, 200) are mounted on a substrate and are wetted with a disinfectant (15). The wetted disinfecting bristles are inserted between toothbrush bristles (17) of a toothbrush head (11) and maintained between the toothbrush bristles for a time selected to disinfect the toothbrush bristles. The bristles can be inserted between the toothbrush bristles dry and subsequently wetted with the disinfectant. An apparatus for performing the method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Frithjof Hecker
  • Patent number: 6086278
    Abstract: An improved bottle brush includes a brush, a squeeze bottle having an internal cavity and a feed tube of predetermined configuration extending from the brush into the internal cavity of the bottle. A liquid cleaning agent partially fills the internal cavity and partitions it into a region of liquid and a superadjacent region of foam. The foam is produced initially by shaking the bottle and is maintained automatically by the shaking action of scrubbing. The bottle brush is usable in a foam-feed and a liquid-feed mode, and the predetermined configuration of the feed tube is determined such that it opens into the region of foam when used in the foam-feed mode and opens into a region of liquid when used in the liquid-feed mode. In either mode, foam or liquid respectively is controllably dispensed without wastage of the liquid cleaning agent by gently squeezing the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: James McNeel Keller
  • Patent number: 6082915
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a squeegee 20 having an enlarged receptacle 12 for storing cleaning fluid 22 therein. The receptacle 12 is equipped with filling means 16 whereby fluid 22 can be placed inside the receptacle 12. The present invention 10 is equipped with a head member 14 having a blade 18 for wiping a proximate object along with a sponge-like member 20 for scrubbing the proximate object. Alternative embodiments are provided wherein a nozzle 35 is placed on the head 14 whereby the receptacle 12 can be squeezed thereby forcing a stream of fluid 22 through nozzle 35 onto the proximate object to be cleaned. In another alternative embodiment the receptacle 38 is equipped with a syringe-like plunger 40 whereby the plunger can be used to force cleaning fluid 22 out of the nozzle 35 under pressure thereby creating a pressurized stream for cleaning a proximate object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Harry L Kimmel
  • Patent number: 6065891
    Abstract: A squeezable liquid dispensing brush is provided including an inboard extent and an outboard extent. The outboard extent is coupled to the inboard extent with a plurality of bores formed therein. Also included is a plurality of bristles each having an inboard end mounted on a lower surface of the outboard extent and extending therefrom for combing a coloring solution into hair of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventors: Amer B. Rehman, Nouha Rehman
  • Patent number: 6059570
    Abstract: A dental container type applicator in the form of a capsule, dental tip or squeeze bottle having a body portion terminating in a discharge nozzle having a discharge orifice upon which minute fibers or flocking is adhered about the external surface of the discharge nozzle in the vicinity of the discharge orifice to permit the user to spread, burnish or distribute the dental material onto a tooth as it is being expressed from the dental capsule, tip or squeeze bottle without obstructing the flow of dental material therefrom as the dental material is being expressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Centrix, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Dragan, John J. Discko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6039491
    Abstract: A soap applicator for use by both adults and children which can be actuated with only one hand while allowing the free hand to retain balance by adults in a shower, or to maintain equilibrium by children in a bathtub. The applicator comprises a deformable soap reservoir and a normally closed, removable, perforated connection means attached to a soap wash cloth. In the soap storage mode, soap will be retained in the reservoir without leakage onto the wash cloth, but when pressurized by a user, which requires the use of only one hand, soap will be forced from the reservoir into the perforated connection means and through the perforations onto the wash cloth. The connection means can function as a filling connection for the soap reservoir by disengaging from the reservoir, reversing the connection end into the reservoir and injecting soap into the filling end of the connection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Connie M. Badillo
  • 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: 6022162
    Abstract: An oral hygiene apparatus; in particular disposable tooth brush, comprising a tank section, which has a hollow cavity provided to receive a treatment fluid, and at least one fluid outlet, preferably formed on an outlet stub, a treatment section, which includes a treatment head, in particular provided with bristles, and a cover cap which, when not in use, can be placed onto the tank section, preferably with latching, wherein, by coupling the tank section and the treatment section, a flow connection can be produced between the hollow cavity and at least one fluid outlet opening provided in the treatment head and a fluid flow can be produced by the action of pressure onto the tank section, which is of elastic design, at least regionally, from the hollow cavity via the fluid outlet in the direction of the fluid outlet opening, and wherein the cover cap, in the mounted state, closes the fluid outlet at the tank section and at least partly covers the treatment head of the treatment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Hanns Aumuller
  • Patent number: 5971645
    Abstract: A hand-held container for predissolving a predetermined amount of detergent with a predetermined amount of solvent comprises a housing, a resilient side wall, and a dispensing passage. The dispensing passage has a flow restriction portion and an applicator at the distal end. The container is intended for use with fluids with a viscosity of less than about 500 cP. When so used, and aligned to a dispensing orientation, fluid flows out of the dispensing passage at a rate from about 0 ml/min to about 300 ml/min, unless manual pressure is exerted on the resilient side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kimiko Fukushima, Yukio Nanno, Akiko Taneko
  • Patent number: 5944032
    Abstract: A bladder is attached to a puff to allow even and accurate dispensing of soap or other wash products. When squeezed, liquid soap within the bladder is dispensed through a nozzle. In a second embodiment, liquid soap dispensing is accomplished by having a handle which at the end has a bladder portion. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may also incorporate a novel means of shaving one's legs by having a receptacle at one end of the handle wherein a razor can be inserted. When a razor is inserted in the receptacle, the user can grasp the "puff end" of the handle and quickly, easily reach the extremities of the legs and shave them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Kelly Ann Masterson
  • Patent number: 5937873
    Abstract: Described is a device for applying a powdery, pasty, gel-like or liquid cosmetic product to skin or hair. The application device comprises at least one application element which is used to hold the cosmetic product and release it onto the skin or hair upon touching the skin or hair. According to the invention, the application element is elongated and extends along an at least partially convex circumferential line of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignees: Michael Schlosser, Joseph Segal
    Inventors: Michael Schlosser, Joseph Segal, Georg Roeder
  • Patent number: 5915869
    Abstract: A substantially tetrahedral squeezable resilient core cleaning utensil provided on its various faces with permanent or removable scrubbing surfaces, including porous surfaces containing detergent and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Academy of Applied Science
    Inventors: Melina A. Agosto, Teodoro Arvizo, III, Sean Bradshaw, Scott K. Hiroshige, Nicole Thomas, Eric Wade
  • Patent number: 5909978
    Abstract: In a marking pen, the body of the marking pen containing the cartridge is made air tight except for the opening on the distal end to receive the marker nib and a vent hole. The walls of the pen body are made flexible and the vent hole is provided through the flexible walls near the distal end so that the cavity containing the cartridge can be pressurized by squeezing the body between the thumb and index finger, with the index finger covering the vent hole. The pressuring of the cartridge cavity applies hydraulic pressure to the nib to flush the nib with ink or unclog it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Porex Surgical Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Giordano, Howard A. Mercer, John R. Miller
  • Patent number: 5846010
    Abstract: An automatic toothpaste dispensing toothbrush is provided including a toothpaste containment portion. Such toothpaste containment portion is constructed from a resilient collapsible elastomeric material and has a compartment for housing a tube of toothpaste. A toothbrush portion has an outboard extent with a plurality of bristles mounted thereon and extending downwardly therefrom. The toothbrush portion further has an inboard extent and a toothpaste conduit. Associated with the conduit is a first opening formed a bottom face of the outboard extent and a second opening formed in a rear face of the inboard extent. An interior surface of the second opening has a plurality of threaded grooves formed therein for releasably coupling with a toothpaste tube. As such, the tube of toothpaste may be screwably coupled to the toothbrush portion and further situated within the compartment of the toothpaste containment portion and the toothpaste containment portion and toothbrush portion coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel B. Barbalich
  • 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: 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: 5577851
    Abstract: A tube dispenser, sponge applicator and cover assembly including a tube dispenser having a main body portion, an upper neck portion extending from the main body at an upper end and an upper circumferential portion at the upper end of the main body portion adjacent to the-neck portion. A sponge applicator for attachment around the neck portion of the tube dispenser for applying any substance contained in the tube dispenser. A cover member having an upper portion for covering the sponge applicator and the neck portion of the tube dispenser and a lower circumferential portion to mate with and seal to the upper circumferential portion of the main body of the tube dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Painter's Products Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Koptis
  • Patent number: 5570966
    Abstract: A flow-through brush fluid dispensing container comprising a squeeze bottle for holding a liquid therein, having a combine manual and automatic mechanism for venting air into the container. A removable elongated stem extends from the bottle for transferring the contents therein therethrough. A plurality of bristles are provided at a distal free end of the stem, for receiving the liquid squeezed from the bottle through the stem, so that the bristles can apply the liquid onto various articles and surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: John J. Phelan
  • Patent number: 5547303
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing fluid from a container. The apparatus includes a conduit, a brush head and a coupling. The conduit is operable to be placed in fluid communication with the container. The brush head has bristles, a fluid receiving opening for receiving the fluid and a fluid dispersing opening in communication with the fluid receiving opening for dispersing the fluid amongst the bristles. The coupling is operable to be placed in fluid communication with the conduit and cooperates with the brush head such that the brush head is movably secured to the coupling and moveable between first and second positions relative to the coupling. The coupling has a plug operable to plug the fluid receiving opening to prevent fluid from flowing from the conduit into the fluid receiving opening when the brush head is in the first position and to permit fluid to flow from the conduit into the fluid receiving opening when the brush head is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Okanagan House Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. Pyrozyk
  • Patent number: 5403107
    Abstract: The cleaning device includes a squeeze-bottle with a spout and a brush extending from the spout. A flow restrictor prevents cleaning fluid from being dispersed from the spout to the brush until the bottle is squeezed. The flow restrictor is formed simply by inserting the twisted wire handle of the brush into a tube forming the outlet of the spout. The length of the tube and the twisted wire can be selected to give the desired amount of flow restriction. The device is particularly well adapted for use in cleaning solder flux and other undesirable substances from printed circuit boards after they have been assembled. The cleaning device is relatively compact, inexpensive to make, and simple to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Preleg Inc.
    Inventors: Louis E. Griffith, Sandra D. Griffith
  • Patent number: 5397194
    Abstract: A fountain cleaning device for washing articles as, for example, vehicles, bathtubs or shop fronts the device comprises a reservoir, compressible in the direction perpendicular to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a one-way flow control mechanism, which allows a cleaning solution contained therein to be dispensed under an external compression and seals the liquid upon the release of the pressure. A scrubbing medium is attached to the undersurface of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventors: Henry S. Yuan, Wen R. Yuan
  • Patent number: 5353819
    Abstract: A lotion wand is provided for dispensing suntan lotion from a suntan lotion squeeze bottle having a neck. The wand consists of a cap sized to fit over and engage with the neck of the suntan lotion squeeze bottle. A hollow tube extends upwardly form the cap. A holder is slightly angularly positioned on an upper end of the hollow tube. A sponge having a central aperture is carried in the holder. When the squeeze bottle is compressed the suntan lotion will travel through the hollow tube into the sponge from the central aperture to allow a user to reach their entire body to apply the suntan lotion thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventors: Michael N. Kahn, George Spector
  • Patent number: 5307954
    Abstract: Two different colored fabric paints are placed in separate sections of a single container so that a two color stripe may be dispensed and applied to the fabric. One bottle has no partition between the paints. In three other elliptically-shaped bottles, a partition extends generally across the shorter dimensions of the container cross section. The partition is directly on the minor axis in one bottle, is angled with respect to the minor axis in a second, and has a Z-shape in a third.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignees: Duncan Enterprises, Gick Publishing Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Gick, Edward J. Kalfayan, James T. Nakahara, Bradley C. Shelton
  • Patent number: 5251752
    Abstract: The disclosed invention uses an open-top vessel for supporting a water rinsed razor and its blade, the vessel being filled with mineral oil to a level above the blade. Different mechanisms are used for holding the razor and for moving the submerged razor and mineral oil relative to one another. One mechanism comprises mechanically gripping the razor and moving it through the mineral oil contained within the vessel. Another mechanism comprises moving the mineral oil, by pumping it or vibrating it, relative the razor. The disclosed invention also uses a portable storage vessel having a brush bristle outlet for the mineral oil, and brushing the mineral oil onto the blade manually. In using all such mechanisms, the razor blade is effectively coated with the mineral oil to isolate it from the atmospheric air and thereby protect it from dulling caused by corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Anshal, Inc.
    Inventor: Ahnal A. Purohit
  • Patent number: 5197815
    Abstract: A contact lens cleaning system has a soft tip applicator affixed to a container of lens cleaning solution and is used to apply the solution to the lenses. A supply of sterile replacement soft tip applicators are provided as a part of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Murray J. Sibley