Couplable To External Source Patents (Class 401/203)
  • Patent number: 11952756
    Abstract: A hollow body fluidly coupling a water-dispensing pullout wand of a pulldown faucet to an applicator, the hollow body including openings therethrough between the pullout wand and the applicator, the openings enabling water applied to the hollow body from the pullout wand to flow outwardly therethrough and over the applicator from the hollow body between the pullout wand and the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventors: Francisco Escobar, III, Jenny M. Escobar
  • Patent number: 9428889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a household faucet spray (1) comprising a handle (2), the first end (3) of which is fixed mechanically to a water hose for supplying water inside the handle. The second end (6) is equipped with a sprayer head through which the water is arranged to discharge from the handle (2). The second end (6) is equipped with a water guiding piece (10, 110) which is provided with a plurality of apertures (13, 103). Around the guiding piece (10, 103) can be fitted a water-permeable washing piece (20, 20?, 120) for the object to be washed, the water discharging through the plurality of apertures (13, 103) and the washing piece (20, 20?, 120) being arranged to discharge in a controlled manner on the surface of the object to be washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Grana Oy
    Inventor: Hannu Reiman
  • Publication number: 20150003890
    Abstract: A back scrubber for a shower enclosure comprising: a base, where the base includes a means to adhere a back side of the base to a shower wall; a soap dispenser, where the soap dispenser is integrated into a top edge of the base; and a sponge, where the sponge attaches to a front of the base just below the soap dispenser. The means to adhere may include an adhesive across the back side of the base or alternatively a plurality of suction cups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: George Protopapas
  • Patent number: 8821058
    Abstract: A paint applicator including an applicator head for carrying an applicator attachment, a substantially rigid elongate support having a hollow interior for supplying paint to the applicator head, a pivot mechanism interconnecting the elongate support and the applicator head, and a flexible conduit interconnecting the hollow interior of the elongate support and the applicator head. The pivot mechanism includes a detent arranged such that it releasably secures the applicator head in any of a plurality of discrete preset orientations with respect to the elongate support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Walker, Daniel Bone, Jonathan Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8444340
    Abstract: The dental treatment instrument includes a toothbrush having common brush head dimensions and a nozzle on the backside of the bristle pad thereof. The tip of the nozzle points backward relative to the bristle pad and is inclined away from the handle end of the toothbrush. The bristle pad is used as a rest pad laid against the cheek wall of the user for steadying the movement of the nozzle. In another aspect of the present invention, the toothbrush has a push-button-operated valve mounted in the handle end of the toothbrush for selectively letting water flow through to the nozzle. The push button is partly enclosed in a shroud. The push button is mounted in the shroud with a sliding fit. The shroud prevents water and toothpaste from seeping below the push-button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Alphonsus Best
  • Patent number: 8424483
    Abstract: A paint edging apparatus includes a body having front and rear ends defining a longitudinal axis therebetween, the body receiving a paint reservoir for supplying paint to an applicator portion of the apparatus, the body including a handle extending rearwardly at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. An urging mechanism selectively engages the paint reservoir to discharge paint therefrom. A vibrator mounted to the body and operatively connected to the paint applicator portion of the apparatus imparts an oscillatory motion to the paint applicator. A trigger is pivotally mounted to the handle for activating the vibrator, wherein a user can move the apparatus over a work surface to apply paint to the work surface and also pivot the trigger at the same time by grasping the handle with a single hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Depingo, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Ling, Britt K. Norton, Jason Gerold
  • Publication number: 20130028652
    Abstract: A paint edging apparatus includes a body having front and rear ends defining a longitudinal axis therebetween, the body receiving a paint reservoir for supplying paint to an applicator portion of the apparatus, the body including a handle extending rearwardly at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. An urging mechanism selectively engages the paint reservoir to discharge paint therefrom. A vibrator mounted to the body and operatively connected to the paint applicator portion of the apparatus imparts an oscillatory motion to the paint applicator. A trigger is pivotally mounted to the handle for activating the vibrator, wherein a user can move the apparatus over a work surface to apply paint to the work surface and also pivot the trigger at the same time by grasping the handle with a single hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Depingo, LLC
    Inventor: Depingo, LLC
  • Publication number: 20110103878
    Abstract: A cosmetic applicator formed from ceramic material designed to provide a product chilling effect when applying creams, lotions, treatment products, etc. The applicator is provided with a relatively substantial mass so that it has a greater thermal capacity than the dose of cosmetic and the application area combined. The applicator is in the form of a molded-ceramic applicator head or applicator tip designed to provide a relatively larger product-chilling effect to both the dose of cosmetic applied and to the user's skin in the application area when applying creams, lotions, treatment products, etc. The applicator provides an application device which will deliver the creams, lotions, treatment products, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Charles P. Neuner, George H. Kress, Liliana S. George
  • Publication number: 20110103879
    Abstract: A cosmetic applicator formed from ceramic material covered in a metal sheath. The tip is designed to provide a product chilling effect when applying creams, lotions, treatment products, etc. The applicator is provided with a relatively substantial mass of ceramic material so that it has a greater thermal capacity than the dose of cosmetic and the application area combined. The applicator is in the form of a molded-ceramic applicator head or applicator tip sheathed, coated or plated in metal. The tip provides a relatively larger product-chilling effect to both the dose of cosmetic applied and to the user's skin in the application area when applying creams, lotions, treatment products, etc. The applicator provides an application device which will deliver the creams, lotions, treatment products, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Charles P. Neuner
  • Publication number: 20090269122
    Abstract: The invention provides an ink replenishment cartridge and a writing instrument using the ink replenishment cartridge where new ink can be easily replenished in the writing instrument in which ink has been spent completely. The invention has a characteristic that the ink replenishment cartridge is provided with an ink tank having an ink discharge port, ink filled in the ink tank and a closing cap detachably mounted on the ink tank to close the ink discharge port and the ink tank is installed with the ink discharge port communicating with an opening at a rear end of a stem of the writing instrument from which a detachable tail cotter is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: ZEBRA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Morio Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20080083368
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tire protectant to a tire and engageable with a squeeze trigger type fluid dispenser. The apparatus comprises a backing member having an aperture formed therethrough disposed in substantially a center portion of the backing member for engagement on a first side thereof with a nozzle end of such squeeze trigger type fluid dispenser. The backing member having each of a first predetermined size and a predetermined shape and made of a first predetermined material. An applicator member is engageable on a first side with the second side of the backing member. The applicator member has each of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape and is formed of a second predetermined material. There is a means for securing the applicator member to the backing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Jimmie C. Ward
  • Patent number: 7338270
    Abstract: A guide device is adapted to be removably attached to a flat box device for use in applying mastic adjacent an outside corner or edge. The guide device includes a generally S-shaped guide bar, a bracket, and a spring. The bracket is adapted to attach to the flat box device. The guide bar is pivotably and slidably retained by the a first bracket portion. The spring is adapted to bias a first guide bar end of the guide bar away from the first bracket portion of the bracket. The guide bar extends across a width of the flat box device and the first guide bar end extends below the flat box device when the guide device is operably installed on the flat box device. The spring biases the guide bar in a lateral direction corresponding to the width of the flat box device when the guide device is operably installed on the flat box device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Steve Mathews
  • Patent number: 7318716
    Abstract: A tool for applying mastic to drywall, having a flexible trowelling bar for smoothing and shaping the applied mastic. The curvature of the trowelling bar is controlled by the rotation of a cam that is positioned on a rigid support and that is directly coupled to the trowelling bar through a link. Springs are positioned between the rigid support and the trowelling bar to maintain tension on the link during rotation of the cam. The springs exert pressure on the trowelling bar through plungers having rounded feet that maintain consistent contact with the trowelling bar as the curvature of the trowelling bar changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Axia, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joseph Castagnetta, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7314326
    Abstract: Device for treating pathological conditions of skin surfaces, which comprises a main component that includes a body and a contact layer superimposed to one another, wherein the body is porous to provide storage capacity for liquid medicament fed to it and permeable for transmitting the medicament to the contact layer by compression or capillarity or both. The contact layer is also porous for transmitting the medicament received from the body to the skin surface being treated and has a mildly or strongly abrasive outer surface for removing damaged surface skin tissue. The device also comprises a delivery apparatus for feeding liquid medicament to the body of the main component and, an optional storage container for the liquid medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: 4-Med
    Inventor: Lior Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7213998
    Abstract: A water-supplying cleaning head has a block (4) carrying a cleaning means such as bristles or an abrasive surface on the underside thereof, a threaded coupling (6) for connecting a water-supplying handle thereto and with an internal water-supplying bore defined from the coupling (6) to the underside of the block (4), a resilient connecting neck portion (10) provided between the block (4) and coupling (61) allowing limited relative movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Hayco Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: Christopher James Mccaughan Hay
  • Patent number: 7090422
    Abstract: The present invention describes 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel, Kent E. Lageson, Claude E. Cybulski
  • Publication number: 20040265040
    Abstract: Device for treating pathological conditions of skin surfaces, which comprises a main component that includes a body and a contact layer superimposed to one another, wherein the body is porous to provide storage capacity for liquid medicament fed to it and permeable for transmitting the medicament to the contact layer by compression or capillarity or both. The contact layer is also porous for transmitting the medicament received from the body to the skin surface being treated and has a mildly or strongly abrasive outer surface for removing damaged surface skin tissue. The device also comprises a delivery apparatus for feeding liquid medicament to the body of the main component and, an optional storage container for the liquid medicament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Lior Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 6736562
    Abstract: A device for storing and applying liquid to a cleaning implement, including an application module which may be slidably engaged to either a countertop reservoir module, or an installed reservoir module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Charles Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6672784
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel, Kent E. Lageson, Claude E. Cybulski
  • Patent number: 6604879
    Abstract: An applicator comprising a support which is configured to allow the applicator to be engaged with a container containing a first product, in the form of a gel, cream, or liquid, and an application member on the support. The application member is capable of conveying the first product from an opening defined by the support to an application face of the said application member. The applicator further includes a lid configured to removably cover the applicator member by engaging with the support. In a closed end of the lid there is a second product, in the form of a solid cake or powder. The application face is capable, when the lid is fitted, of being pressed elastically against the said second product so that the second product can be loaded onto the application face. Once the first and second products have been loaded onto the application face, the lid can be removed and the application face can be put in contact with a surface to apply the combined first and second products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
  • Patent number: 6602010
    Abstract: A low-cost, simple, and easy-to-use liquid soap spraying and sponge attachment for a water sprayer. The attachment includes a tubular body which forms a cavity having a first open end on the front side and a second open end on the rear side. The second open end is configured to receive the nozzle portion of the water sprayer while exposing the actuator and the handle portion of the water sprayer. The first open end is configured to allow water from the nozzle portion of the water sprayer to spray through the body in response to actuations of the actuator. A detachable circular sponge is positioned on the front side of the body, preferably using Velcro materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventors: Karin Marie Doyle, John Jeffery Oskorep
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 6422778
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel, Kent E. Lageson, Claude E. Cybulski
  • Patent number: 6382861
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning the dirt is disclosed. The cleaning device includes a container for receiving the cleaning material therein, a permeating element disposed in the container for introducing the cleaning material, and a cleaning head mounted on one end of the container and connecting with the permeating element for cleaning the dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ting-Kou Chen, Tu-Hao Yu, Chi-Yeh Huang, Yi-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 6273628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe-base cleaning apparatus with jack means for filling of cleaning apparatus, which includes an upper, and an unit bottom formed of a sock, a side wall, a wiper, and at least one jack for the filling of cleaning solution or water wax into the wiper. The sidewall extends along the peripheral area of the sock, defining with the sock a receiving chamber. The wiper is mounted in the receiving chamber. The at least one jack is respectively mounted in the side wall for the filling of cleaning solution into the wiper, each formed of a hollow shell and a hollow stud press-fitted into the hollow shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Chao-Yang Chen
  • Patent number: 6254294
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical kit includes a container; a packet of dispensing swabs; a bottle with a dispenser assembly with an upwardly extending tubular member with an open aperture at the top for the passage of fluid from the bottle through the dispenser assembly, the tubular member adapted to removably receive a short tube of a dispensing swab; a quantity of liquid iodine located within the bottle; and a tube containing a quantity of zinc oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Sigrid G. Muhar
  • Patent number: 6223380
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus including a spray bottle dispenser including a bottle portion and a spray head portion and a frame portion connecting said dispenser to a surface contacting portion and configured such that when said dispensing apparatus is in an upright position, said surface contacting portion is located above and in front of a nozzle portion of said spray head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sunex L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Klima, Benjamin A. Pezzlo, Walter F. Klima, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6146041
    Abstract: A sponge mop includes a handle having an assembly frame connected to a lower end thereof and a cleaning tank is connected to the assembly frame. The assembly frame has two separated parts and each part having a roller connected thereto so that a sponge is connected between the two rollers. A lever member is pivotally connected to the handle and two siderails are connected between the sponge and the lever member. A valve is connected between the cleaning tank and the sponge so that when operating the valve to an open position, the detergent in the tank flows to the sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: He-Jin Chen, Chia-Yi Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6092952
    Abstract: An applicator bottle which includes a hand grip neck, a trigger mounted for index finger operation of a pump, and the pump delivers liquid from the bottle. An important feature includes an upwardly canted backing plate having a sponge where in the angle of canting is about twenty to thirty degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jim J. Eberle
  • Patent number: 6019537
    Abstract: An improved hand-held hose spray for kitchen faucets includes interchangeable cleaning accessories for providing scouring, scrubbing, wiping and rinsing functions in the cleansing of kitchen articles and utensils concurrent with the operation and manipulation of the hose spray, eliminating the need for the user to release or replace the hose spray during the cleansing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Timothy Hunt
  • Patent number: 5702195
    Abstract: A brush curved having a brush head with a central portion from which extend two arm or wing portions. The wing portions extend away from the central portion at a separation angle of approximately 70.degree. to 90.degree., and preferably 75.degree. to 85.degree., and more preferably at an angle of 80.degree.. Extension of the wings away from a common side of the central portion forms a curved pocket or cup cleaning channel at one edge of the bristles or sponge-like material of the brush. This cleaning channel serves to funnel dirty water away from the contoured surface of an automobile being cleaned. Water is swept across the contoured surface, making drying of the contoured surface less of a chore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Max Rittenbaum, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Rittenbaum
  • Patent number: 5678940
    Abstract: A refilling container (34) for a writing, marking, painting or drawing implement (10) which has a capillary reservoir (36) in a housing (16). The implement (10) can be inserted with its rearward housing end portion (12) into the container (34) for refilling purposes. The opening of the container (34) is provided with a sleeve (50) which is provided for fixing a capillary conveyor element (64) against which the reservoir (36) closely bears when the implement (10) is inserted into the sleeve (50) or the container (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Schwan-Stabilo Schwanhausser
    Inventor: Gerhard Moeck
  • Patent number: 5487529
    Abstract: An improved flow-through washing and scrubbing brush handle for interconnection at one end to a source of pressurized water such as a garden hose and connectable at the other end to a flow-through type scrub brush or the like. The device includes structure for varying water flow therethrough for delivery into the scrub brush and further includes a telescoping structure which releasably secures a selected overall length between its sliding inner and outer tubes. Unique sealing arrangements also prevent water leakage anywhere along the device, including from between inner and outer tubes. A loosely fitting locking collar has a recess formed in it so that it includes a pair of circumferentially spaced apart opposed ends and a pair of stop members that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another by a greater distance than the spacing between the opposed ends. A longitudinally extending protrusion formed on an .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Duane H. Newville
  • Patent number: 5466080
    Abstract: A finger painting apparatus includes a housing secured to the backhand portion of a user's hand by a flexible attachment strap. The housing supports a plurality of inverted paint bottles coupled to a corresponding plurality of flexible tubes at one end thereof. The remaining ends of the flexible tubes are coupled to a plurality of pad housings secured to the user's finger tips and supporting a corresponding plurality of porous painting pads on the undersurfaces thereof. The liquid paint material or the like within the inverted paint bottles is caused to flow from the paint bottles through the tubes to the pad housings and thereafter to the porous pads to provide finger painting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean S. Lee
  • Patent number: 5425589
    Abstract: A two-piece tool inter-connected by a flexible soap water tube (12) which will perform a quick and clean car wash, void of soap film or streaks. The user simply rinses off the loose dirt and cools down the hot metal surface of a section of the car with one piece of the tool held in one hand (FIG. 18), and then washes with the other piece of the tool held in the other hand. The user again rinses with the other tool in the opposite hand to remove the soap before it dries leaving a soap film or streaks. This process is repeated until the last section of the car is completed. The user can expect about five car washes from one ounce of liquid soap before refilling and will find easy control of the rinse water flow rate and pattern whereby conserving soap and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventors: Glenn L. Griffin, Grace E. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5336012
    Abstract: An improved flow-through washing and scrubbing brush handle for interconnection at one end to a source of pressurized water such as a garden hose and connectable at the other end to a flow-through type scrub brush or the like. The device may include structure for varying water flow therethrough for delivery into the scrub brush and further includes a telescoping structure which releasably secures a selected overall length between its sliding inner and outer tubes. Unique sealing arrangements also prevent water leakage anywhere along the device, including from between inner and outer tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Duane H. Newville
  • Patent number: 5316401
    Abstract: A scrubber attachment for spray nozzles or sprayer heads provides for the offset attachment of the scrubber portion from the spray nozzle. The attachment may be easily and quickly installed on existing spray nozzles in order to provide for mechanical scrubbing of dishes and other utensils, in addition to the water spray provided by the spray nozzle. As the scrubber portion is radially offset from and does not completely surround the outflow of the nozzle, the scrubber can be made of relatively dense, firm and semi-porous material in order to achieve better scrubbing action than would be attained by the standard concentric brush or sponge with which such spray nozzles are generally equipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignees: Thomas H. Sears, Craig A. Mercier
    Inventor: Thomas H. Sears
  • Patent number: 5154524
    Abstract: A car-washing device includes a one-gallon reservoir and flexible tubing leading from the reservoir to a sponge. The sponge has a central passage formed therein to securely receive a portion of the tubing that has been provided with a plurality of small openings. A detergent formula thus flows in the tubing from the reservoir and through the small openings into the sponge. A removable and replaceable protective jacket, in the form of a nylon sleeve, protects the sponge. A valve member is provided between the reservoir and the sponge to selectively cut off the flow of detergent to the sponge. In use, the reservoir may be placed on top of a car and the sponge may be manipulated to clean the outer surfaces of the car. Because the detergent flows from a passage in the center of the sponge, the sponge is, for the most part, self-cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Ronald H. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4971471
    Abstract: A mop assembly is provided for the continuous application of wax and cleaning fluids which utilizes a detachable, disposable plenum incorporated into a disposable sponge mop. The disposable plenum has a plurality of substantially uniformly-spaced openings which provide for a substantially uniform distribution of fluid entering into the sponge. The disposable mop also has a substantially impermeable backing layer which shields the mop head and other non-disposable parts from wax, cleaning fluid, and residue present in the sponge. The disposable mop eliminates the problems associated with clogging of the openings in the non-disposable plenums currently in use, and substantially reduces the amount and frequency of required cleaning of the mop head and other non-disposable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: David B. Sloan
  • Patent number: 4896984
    Abstract: A lotion applicator particularly designed for use in applying body lotions and suntan lotions includes an elongated body formed from a resilient material and configured to simulate a human hand and forearm. An internal passage extends through the foreman portion of the body and terminates in a lateral opening in the central palm area of the hand portion of the body. A sponge applicator includes a perforated mounting plate having a peripheral edge portion and removably received in an undercut groove formed adjacent the lateral opening. A threaded coupling is provided in the internal passage for connection of the threaded neck of a conventional lotion bottle. The device serves as a massage and lotion applicator and also as a novelty item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: Laurie A. Evans
  • Patent number: 4869611
    Abstract: This is a unit particularly suited for marking bingo cards and the like. The unit has an ink bottle that is attached to the user's arm. It also has an ink nib that delivers ink to a substrate such as a bingo card. A flexible tube permits the ink to flow from the bottle to the ink nib dispenser. The nib also is connected to the user's finger to a VELCRO Fastener or other suitable means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Denise Noll
  • Patent number: 4824272
    Abstract: A paint valve for use with an automatic roller apparatus comprises a valve body connected at one end to the roller to provide paint thereto and at the other end to a paint reservoir in the handle. A valve stem is mounted within a cavity in a portion projecting outwardly at an angle from the body. The valve stem is designed to engage a fill tube mounted on a paint can. Pushing down on the fill tube forces the stem upwardly opening the valve cavity and paint reservoir tube and closing the cavity to the roller head. A pump shaft creates a suction drawing paint through the fill tube, valve stem and out two holes in the stem into a paint reservoir. When the valve body is removed from the end of the fill tube, the valve closes off the intake and opens the cavity leading to the roller head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Brenner Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott J. Collins, Timothy B. Strandell
  • Patent number: 4806037
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wax applicator having a mop, a container for wax and mechanism for siphoning the wax between the container and the mop. A valve controls siphoning rate. The mop includes an applicator portion having a reservoir for receiving the wax with a plurality of openings for periodically distributing the wax from the reservoir to an applicator pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: Joseph A. Berglund
  • Patent number: 4732503
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid to a surface comprising an applicator and a body member. The applicator is secured to an end of the body member, the body member defining a reservoir for housing a fluid. The body member includes a piston member for exerting a force on the fluid in the reservoir, and two channels, a first channel being in fluid communication with a channel in the applicator and a second channel being in fluid communication with an area outside the body member. The body member further including a valve for allowing fluid communication between the reservoir and either the first channel or second channel. An additional one-way valve which can be manually deactivated may be included in the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Bader, Dennis A. Gross, Robert M. Barrett, Wayne M. Bekius
  • Patent number: 4662768
    Abstract: A hand held kitchen sink spray is disclosed with various cleaning attachments. The attachments are attached by a quick-release connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Adolf Gottwald, Odo Klose, Wilfried Koster
  • Patent number: 4618279
    Abstract: A dishwashing apparatus has a grip with a water supply receptacle and a liquid detergent receptacle, and a working head with a plurality of portions circumferentially arranged about its axis and with a water outlet formed in one portion and a liquid detergent outlet formed in another portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Inventors: Joseph Gurevich, Alex Gurevich, Jan Gurevich
  • Patent number: 4552477
    Abstract: A container of paint or other liquid is seated within a pressurized vessel. Both the vessel and the paint container are designed with a special orientation. This assures that only the specially-designed paint container will be received within the pressurized vessel, and discourages the use of a standard commercially-available can of paint. The top of the paint container is closed by a diaphragm. The diaphragm has an annular recess normally closed by a removable plug. When the plug is removed, a delivery pipe sealingly carried by the vessel lid extends through the diaphragm and is received vertically within the paint container. A small opening in the diaphragm assures that the pressure internally and externally of the paint container will be substantially equalized. The delivery pipe is connected to a flexible feed tube, and the end of the feed tube is connected to a hand-held applicator. The applicator carries an on/off switch for interrupting the flow of paint to the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Braithwaite, Derrick O. King, Sidney J. Williams
  • Patent number: 4422788
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for feeding liquid under pressure to an applicator, comprises a vessel having a pressurizing assembly associated therewith, the assembly having a housing for receiving a capsule of pressurized gas and having pressure reducing means. A first fluid path extends from the high pressure side of the pressure reducing means and communicates with the outlet of the capsule inserted, in use, in the housing. The vessel has defined therein a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber containing, in use, the liquid to be fed to the applicator. A diaphragm is disposed between the first and second chambers. A second fluid path extends from the low pressure side of the pressure reducing means and communicates with the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Braithwaite, Derrick O. King, Sidney J. Williams
  • Patent number: 4383779
    Abstract: A cleansing device for use in a substantially erect attitude, the device having a housing with a grasping portion and a cleansing portion and a passage extending through the housing interconnecting the grasping and cleansing portions; a conduit mounted on the grasping portion of the housing having a distal end portion adapted to be connected to a source of liquid for transfer of liquid from the source through the conduit and into the passage of the housing; and a liquid absorbent element affixed on the cleansing portion of the housing in communication with the passage and facing in an upward direction when the housing is held in a substantially erect attitude with the cleansing portion higher than the grasping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1983
    Inventors: Sarkis Khanzadian, Ketty C. Chamlian
  • Patent number: 4357779
    Abstract: A hand-held liquid herbicide applicator for wipingly applying the liquid herbicide on undesired vegetation. The applicator includes an elongated tubular handle having a supply container on its upper end with a special differential pressure operated vent valve in the container. A flow control valve is mounted in the handle for controlling the flow of the liquid herbicide through the handle to an applicator head carried on the bottom of the handle. The applicator head includes an especially configured synthetic sponge which is formed with a porous relatively dense peripheral skin so that the liquid herbicide received from the handle will evenly saturate the entire sponge to prevent uncontrollable liquid flow in one or more localized parts of the sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Maddock