Tool Or Tool Unit Separable From Reservoir Patents (Class 401/207)
  • Patent number: 6883994
    Abstract: A cleansing device comprising a mesh body, a cavity attached to the mesh body, the cavity comprising a pouch for holding a personal care product in the cavity such that the personal care product is transferred to at least a portion of the mesh body when the cleansing device is used. The personal care product is one or more beads filled with soap or lotion. The cleansing device may comprise a second cavity attached to the mesh body, the second cavity comprising a second pouch for holding a personal care product in the cavity such that the personal care product is transferred to at least a portion of the mesh body when the cleansing device is used. The pouch preferably has an elastic opening such that the person care product may be replaced when it has been used up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Sheryl Grogg
  • Patent number: 6851881
    Abstract: A scrub brush with a handle by which the user grips the brush, a two-part scrubber portion which provides the scrubbing action, and a connecting staff between the handle and the scrubber. The scrubber may be of bristles, springy plastic mesh, rag-like or sponge material. The scrubber is designed so that a portion of the scrubber furthest from the handle can be compressed into a small diameter cylindrical shape of such dimension that a suitably sized ring of solid cleaning agent can pass over the compressed scrubber portion. When the compressed scrubber portion is released from its restraint, it expands to the original shape and size, thereby confining the ring of solid cleaning agent between the two scrubber portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Slaboden
  • Patent number: 6851880
    Abstract: A coating tool and a coating set including such a coating tool can uniformly and reliably apply protection liquid onto the recording surface of a recording medium so as to avoid problems of uneven application and uncoated areas. The coating tool comprises a protection liquid absorbing member for absorbing and holding protection liquid. The protection liquid absorbing member is formed to show a density not less than 30 kg/m3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6848852
    Abstract: A device is provided for supplying one or several active substances to a cleaning device and makes use of a retaining device against which the active substance lies upon or is connected thereto such that the active substance is held by the retaining device. The retaining device is affixable to a conventional cleaning device, preferably one as used in sanitary and/or hygienic fields. The inventive retaining device comprises a receiving area preferably configured as a single-piece ring and connected by means of a coupling section to a fixing area which is affixed to the cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Winfried Engert
  • Publication number: 20040261207
    Abstract: A device with a squeegee configuration and an absorbent material positioned between protruding squeegee walls for treating a working surface with wiping edges of the squeegee configuration and the absorbent material is disclosed. A device, in accordance with the invention, comprises a curved squeegee and means for coupling the curved squeegee to a spray nozzle for wiping the working surface with edges of the curved squeegee and spray the working surface with the spray nozzle. A system, in accordance with the invention, comprises a vacuum source, a liquid source and an applicator head with squeegees and apertures wherein a portion the apertures are configured to couple the vacuum source and draw a vacuum on a working surface and a second portion of the apertures are configured to couple to the liquid source and deliver a liquid to the working surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Patent number: 6773194
    Abstract: A soap-dispensing scrubber has a base with a sponge on one side and a reservoir on the other side. The reservoir has an open-ended wall that rotates between a dispensing position, a closed position, and a removable position. In the closed position, a sealing surface closes a soap aperture in the base. Ridges are used to hold the base and the reservoir together. A projection and a recess on the ridges prevent inadvertent rotation of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: The Libman Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Libman, Marco Bizzotto
  • Patent number: 6746165
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Vincent de Laforcade
  • Patent number: 6688795
    Abstract: A product package includes a disposable applicator pad assembly. The applicator pad assembly has a porous foam pad with an elastomer strip bonded to the perimeter of the pad. The elastomer strip is compressed between a retaining ring and the package to impermeably secure the pad assembly to the package. A cap is provided to cover the applicator pad. A sealing skirt depending from the cap is dimensioned to contact an inner annular portion of the strip in sealing engagement to prevent evaporation and to protect the applicator pad and package contents from contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: E-L Management Corp.
    Inventors: Christophe Jacob, Herve F. Bouix
  • Patent number: 6682246
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Fulvio Reggiani
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030210947
    Abstract: A replaceable cleaning head for a cleaning utensil includes a rigid core having a handle end and a working end, coupling structure on the handle end of the core adapted to be coupled to an associated handle, and a flexible, resilient, porous, absorbent cleaning medium mounted on the core and covering the core except for the coupling structure. The head may be hollow, and threadedly connectable to an end of a hollow handle for defining a fluid reservoir, the head having an orifice for providing communication between the reservoir and the cleaning medium. The cleaning medium has axially alternating circumferential recesses and projections facilitating axial compression and expansion of the medium to draw fluid from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: John l. calendrille, noah a zamansky
  • Patent number: 6637967
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for dispensing an adhesive material, such as a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerizable or cross-linkable monomer material, includes a container body, and a porous applicator tip having a proximal end that is attached to the container body, and a distal end located away from the container body, wherein the adhesive material is located in the container body in a non-contacting relationship with the applicator tip prior to dispensing the material. A flow pattern of the adhesive material within or on the applicator tip is controlled by providing one or more cuts in the applicator tip to alter flow properties of the adhesive material through the applicator tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventors: John Bobo, Michael F. Brady, Jeffrey G. Clark, William M. Cotter, Daniel L. Hedgpeth, Timothy P. Hickey, Jerry Jonn, Jon Moseley, Julian Quintero
  • Patent number: 6626599
    Abstract: An application device for applying a hair product, especially a dye product, to sections of hair. The device comprises a component made of at least one elastically deformable material and a reservoir for containing a product. The component at least partly defines a slot which communicates with the reservoir and is accessible from the outside of the device. The slot is bounded by edges which, at rest, are positioned substantially contiguous to each other so as to create a seal. A section of hair is able to pass through the slot so as to allow the section of hair to be coated with the product in response to movement of the device in a longitudinal direction with respect to the section of hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Publication number: 20030129011
    Abstract: A portable apparatus adapted for applying an adhesive and mastic roofing material is provided which allows one operator to use smaller, more maneuverable containers of roofing mastic for use in applying roofing materials and adhesives to roofing surfaces. In one embodiment of the present invention a movable platform is provided wherein the internal pressure of the container is increased wherein less pump energy is required to achieve sufficient adhesive coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: William E. Kugler, Stephen J. Knight
  • Patent number: 6547880
    Abstract: An applicator tip (10) for applying fluid to the surface of an object is disclosed. The applicator tip (10) has a base (13) formed of thermoplastic material having a first surface and a second surface. At least one aperture (25) extends through the base. A fluid supply port (29) is operatively connected to the second surface of the base and is in communication with at least one aperture in the base. A fluid application material (35) is positioned on the first surface of the base. The fluid application material is positioned to receive fluid that passes through the aperture from the fluid supply port. The fluid application material is secured to the first surface of the base by a portion of the base that is caused to be molten and fuses to the fluid application material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Designetics
    Inventors: Wallace F. Krueger, Craig A. Williams
  • Patent number: 6543950
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Yung-Kuang Huang
  • Publication number: 20030049069
    Abstract: The present invention is a solution applicator comprising a solution container having a frangible twist-off member that enables solution in the solution container to flow out of the solution container when the twist-off member is twisted. The solution applicator also comprises an applicator head having a proximal end and a distal end and a solution pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the applicator head being engaged with said solution container at the proximal end, the applicator head having an aperture and applicating material at the distal end, and the applicator end having a receiving member that the twist-off member engages when the applicator is rotated relative to the solution container to thereby open the solution container at the twist-off member to enable fluid to flow from the solution container to the applicating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Johnson Osei, Jerry Newbrough
  • Patent number: 6503017
    Abstract: An ink regulating apparatus in a pen, injection molded from high-density plastic grains, comprised of three or more than three gradations retreating downward by control of density in the molding process with the lowest one tapered to slowly and gradually deliver the ink when inserted into a pen-holder to prevent ink leakage, warrant fluent writing and leaves no residual ink when the pen is discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Chen-Chou Liu
  • Patent number: 6491463
    Abstract: A fluid applicator system includes a container member that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that extend upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the perimeter wall define an interior space. The container member has top portion coupled to the perimeter wall. The top portion has an aperture that extends therethrough. The container member is for storing a fluid to be applied. An extension member is substantially hollow and elongate. The extension member has an interior in environmental communication with the interior space of the container member. An applicator assembly is operationally coupled to the extension member such that fluid stored in the container member is flowable through the extension member to an exterior surface of the applicator assembly, the applicator assembly is for applying the fluid to skin of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Patricia A. Richard
  • Patent number: 6457890
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a hollow body provided with at least one flat cleaning surface and at least one outlet and filling opening. The hollow body is filled with a cleaning agent or disinfectant. An absorbent cleaning material is detachably secured to the hollow body. The absorbent material includes a cleaning pad which can be separated in one piece from the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventors: Gregor Kohlruss, Hubert Wiesner, Ulrich Lersch, Oliver Griebe
  • Patent number: 6457893
    Abstract: A personal hygiene device for moistening tissue (in particular toilet tissue) utilizes a fluid container having a fluid dispensing attachment to apply fluid onto tissue. The hygiene device is held in an inverted position by a bracket, with the bracket typically mounted on a wall or fixture adjacent to a tissue holder. The hygiene device consists of a fluid container, a cap, a sponge pad, and a dispensing cover. The fluid container acts as a refillable reservoir for the fluid and the cap has holes in the end to allow fluid discharge to the sponge pad from the fluid container. The dispensing cover encloses the cap and sponge, securing them to the fluid container. The dispensing cover has multiple orifices in the end and when activated by depressing with tissue, the dispensing cover slides on the cap thereby compressing the sponge pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: George Wesley Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6428234
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for dispensing an adhesive material, such as a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerizable or cross-linkable monomer material, includes a container body, and a porous applicator tip having a proximal end that is attached to the container body, and a distal end located away from the container body, wherein the adhesive material is located in the container body in a non-contacting relationship with the applicator tip prior to dispensing the material. A flow pattern of the adhesive material within or on the applicator tip is controlled by providing one or more cuts in the applicator tip to alter flow properties of the adhesive material through the applicator tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventors: John Bobo, Michael F. Brady, Jeffrey G. Clark, William M. Cotter, Daniel L. Hedgpeth, Timothy P. Hickey, Jerry Jonn, Jon Moseley, Julian Quintero
  • Patent number: 6425701
    Abstract: A dispensing handle applicator (10) is disclosed comprising a handle housing (16) having an internal fluid reservoir (68) and a through- passageway (94) through which fluid may be dispensed; and a base plate member (14) having an applicator surface (12) on one side and attachable at an opposite side to the handle housing. Integrally formed with the base plate member (14) is a valve comprising a lever (42) and a plurality of torsion spring members (58, 60) which pressure a sealing end (48) of the lever (42) against the handle housing (16), whereby sealing the fluid passageway (94). A scraping element (62) is further provided, integrally formed with the base plate (14) and replaceable therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: Neal Kenneth Jacobs
  • 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: 6390705
    Abstract: A carrying assembly comprises a base, a shaft with a handle securely attached to the base, a first funnel and a second funnel (if required) connected to the shaft by an attaching member, a first dauber assembly, and a second dauber assembly. The combination of these parts creates a liquid carrying assembly that allows a user to transfer the liquid in its container from place to place and also allows the user to be able to quickly apply the liquid where ever desired without run-offs of the liquid and, after the user has finished with the use of the liquid, allows for an air-tight seal of the liquid in its container by a frictional force between the dauber assemblies and their funnels to prevent evaporation of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Stuff Sorter by Versapak, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Dailey
  • Patent number: 6379066
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning apparatus that is adapted to be worn on the belt of a user. The apparatus permits its wearer to clean a golf ball at any point during a round of golf. The apparatus includes a water tight container with a hinged lid which houses a volume of cleaning fluid. A cleaning implement, such as a sponge, is removably positioned within the container such that it comes into contact with, and absorbs, the cleaning fluid. Thereafter, the implement can be removed from the container and used to clean the surface of a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: David P. Gomez
  • Patent number: 6357947
    Abstract: An applicator that has an elongated tubular handle with a proximate and a distal end. The distal end has a dauber of a foamed material which is coextensive with said handle and has a diameter the same as said tubular handle, the formed material is cylindrical thereby providing a recess which is preloaded with a to-be-dispensed liquid. The handle is provided with an annular ring. A cup with a mouth portion is mounted about the foamed material. The mouth portion is affixed to said outer circumference of said ring. The cup has an annular weakened score line whereby said cup may be broken away to expose said foamed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip Mark
  • Patent number: 6296410
    Abstract: A device for administering a quantity of liquid cooling agent, contained in an aerosol container provided with a normally closed valve has an operating device for temporarily opening the valve. The positioning device positions at least a part of an administering element so that the cooling agent leaving the valve can reach the administering element. The cooling agent leaving the valve reaches that part of the administering element which comes into contact with a wart to be frozen, so that it is used effectively. According to a first preferred embodiment the positioning device has a chamber which is connects to the valve and into which the cooling agent is carried when the valve is operated. The chamber is adapted to receive of at least a part of the administering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Wartner B.V.
    Inventor: Johanna C. Ruizendaal
  • Patent number: 6276860
    Abstract: A liquid applicator has a vaned collector. The collector's rear end is abutted on a partition having a concave portion, creating a gap B therebetween. A cylindrical projection is formed inside the rear sleeve concentrically on its axis so that a replaceable cartridge holding ink is removably attached with its front end fitted to the cylindrical projection. A trunk core's rear end is inserted into a communication passage that is formed in the cylindrical projection with a gap A formed between the trunk core surface and the wall surface of the communication passage. This gap A is put in communication with an ink slit of the collector via gap B. Grooves are formed in the convex portion while a number of ribs are formed apart with respect to a barrel's circumference on inner peripheral surface of the communication passage of the cylindrical projection. These ribs stably support the rear end of the trunk core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Nakajima, Kenzi Sato, Shigeki Ohba
  • Patent number: 6270275
    Abstract: A sponge storage and disinfecting device encloses a kitchen or bathroom sponge when not in use. The device has a housing with a hinged lid to cover the sponge container tray, and with a liquid reservoir behind the tray for dispensing a cleaning and disinfecting solution into the sponge when the sponge is pushed down in the tray. In a preferred embodiment the sponge rests on a platform supported resiliently in the tray, and pushing down of the sponge and tray opens a valve door to admit disinfecting liquid from the storage reservoir into the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Jasun Martz
  • 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: 6250833
    Abstract: A fluid-dispensing kitchen brush has a body including a fluid reservoir and a handle, the reservoir being closed by an end plate which is ultrasonically welded to the body and is, in turn, latched to a bristle block by means of resilient fingers on the block engaging in notches on the plate. A second embodiment also has a resilient tab on the plate engaging in a recess in the block. Aligned holes through the plate and the block which provide communication between the reservoir and the bristles is openable and closeable by a plug biased closed by a leaf spring and openable by means of a lever having a post receivable in a fluid-filling aperture in the body adjacent to the handle. The aperture is closed by a hollow cap hingedly movable between open and closed positions and having a flexible and resilient dome which, in the closed position, covers the post and is depressible for actuating the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: General Housewares Corp.
    Inventors: Marco C. Perry, Kevin R. Lozeau
  • Patent number: 6171004
    Abstract: A hand held cleaning apparatus for cleaning small jobs that includes a supply of cleaning fluid. The apparatus (10) includes a body (12) with a reservoir (13) for storing a supply of a cleaning fluid (15). The body includes an opening (17) that is sealed with a removable cap (16). The cap includes a loop portion (18) that can be used to hang the apparatus on a hook or other protrusion for storage. The body is in operative connection with a cleaning head (14). The cleaning head includes a scrubber (22) comprised of an absorbent material such as a sponge. The scrubber is secured to the cleaning head with a holder tube (26) that extends through a bore (24) in the interior of the scrubber. The cleaning head further includes a fluid pathway (28) between the reservoir and the holder tube that allows fluid to flow from the reservoir into the holder tube. The holder tube includes a plurality of apertures that allow fluid to flow out of the holder tube and into the scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Jennifer Derhammer
  • Patent number: 6116798
    Abstract: A cleaning device provided with a detergent control structure includes a tube, a connector, a control valve, and a handle. The tube is elongated and has a spray head and a cleaning element at a front end thereof. A rear end of the tube is connected to the handle provided with the control valve. The connector is internally divided into first and second channels and is coupled to a detergent box at a bottom end thereof. The control valve includes a securing block and a rotary block that are respectively provided with two round holes and a round hole. In use, the handle is connected to a water hose to allow input of water. By turning the handle to cause the round hole of the rotary block to align with the first round hole of the securing block and the first channel of the connector, clean water can be ejected from the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventors: Tsun-Fu Chen, Chin-Kuo Wu
  • Patent number: 6099184
    Abstract: A dispenser-applicator assembly mounted on an aerosol container dispenses and applies a stain to a work surface. The assembly has two integral parts: a dispenser and a porous applicator. The dispenser is molded as one piece of polypropylene and includes a cap-shaped body which is truncated by a support panel. An actuator panel is hinged to the rear side of the support panel, by means of a flexible dispensing tube which has a horizontal portion and a vertical end portion aligned with a vertical valve stem of the aerosol container. The dispensing tube has a passageway extending to a dispensing opening through the support panel. When the activator panel is depressed, the vertical end of the dispensing tube is lowered to engage the valve stem to open the valve and dispense stain through the passageway and the dispensing opening. The porous applicator is adhesively mounted on the support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Painter's Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Koptis
  • Patent number: 6092533
    Abstract: A portable and compact cigar humidifier has a pull-out member encasing a slab of spongy material. A pair of circular windows cut through opposite walls of the member have a diameter slightly larger than the maximum diameter of a conventional cigar. A circular aperture in the spongy material slab is co-axiallly aligned with the windows, and has a diameter slightly less than the minimum diameter of a conventional cigar. The spongy material is implemented with an aromatic liquid. A cigar can be passed through the windows and aperture to humidify its outer skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Moses
  • Patent number: 6062759
    Abstract: A writing instrument having an elongated barrel comprised of an outer portion and an inner portion, rotatable relative one to the other. The point or writing tip is fixed to the barrel inner portion, disposed at an angle to, and may be offset from, the centerline of the barrel outer portion. The barrel inner portion is caused to rotate and move axially relative to the barrel outer portion by pressure on the writing instrument, or weights attached to the barrel inner portion, to bring the point into desired alignment during the writing process. Further pressure on the point or writing tip causes the barrel inner portion to move to a rearwardmost position at which rotation of the point or writing tip is impeded by a gripping structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William P. Dowst, Edward J. Mangan, Roy Nicoll
  • Patent number: 6050271
    Abstract: A hair coloring applicator system is provided including a bottle. Next provided is a brush including a hollow tube having a first end situated within the bottle. The brush further has a plurality of bristles mounted thereon adjacent to a second end thereof with a plurality of bores formed therebetween for allowing the excretion of hair coloring from the bottle and through the bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Debra J. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6045279
    Abstract: A hand-held fluid substance applicator for dispensing and applying a lotion, or the like, to the hard-to-reach areas of the body, such as one's back. The applicator includes an elongated handle, and a uniquely designed applicator head assembly that employs a manually activated, floating pressure plate regulator to maintain a positive pressure on the dispensed fluid substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Jake Todd Follis
  • Patent number: 6036390
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing ice, frost or bugs from a glass surface includes a bottle having an outer surface and an end. The apparatus also includes a base attached to the end of the bottle and washer interposed between the bottle and the base. The apparatus further includes a guard extending from the washer so as to define a space interposed between the bottle and the guard. In addition, the apparatus includes a plurality of gripping members extending outwardly from the outer surface of the bottle. The gripping members increase the ergonomic efficiency of the apparatus. The base of the apparatus has flutes extending therefrom for the removal of ice or frost from a glass surface. Alternatively, the base can have a fabric attached thereto for the removal of bugs from a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: LeGrand Tour Group, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6036393
    Abstract: A multipurpose two piece soap dispenser is provided with an ornamental water impervious hollow reservoir body portion with a coin-type slot therethrough for inserting and retaining soap chips. The reservoir body portion has a lowermost opening covered by a water absorbent body, typically a synthetic sponge. Thus, the primary function is for lathering and scrubbing the body either at a sink, wash basin or in a bathtub or shower. A secondary function is the thrift and savings to be realized with the reservoir body constituting a piggy bank for retaining soap chips coming from almost spent soap bars fed into the slot. A third function is that the soap dispenser may be in the ornamental format of a toy, sports item or other novelty. The construction provides advantages as a readily manufactured item formed from two basic pieces secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: John S. Youtcheff, George V. Buonocore
  • Patent number: 6030137
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing ice, frost or bugs from a glass surface includes a bottle having an outer surface and an end. The apparatus also includes a base attached to the end of the bottle and washer interposed between the bottle and the base. The apparatus further includes a guard extending from the washer so as to define a space interposed between the bottle and the guard. In addition, the apparatus includes a plurality of gripping members extending outwardly from the outer surface of the bottle. The gripping members increase the ergonomic efficiency of the apparatus. The base of the apparatus has flutes extending therefrom for the removal of ice or frost from a glass surface. Alternatively, the base can have a fabric attached thereto for the removal of bugs from a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Legrand Tour Group, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 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: 6010268
    Abstract: An applicator device wherein a handle component has an easily removable sponge component. The sponge component includes a relatively stiff closed cell base layer and one or more relatively compliant, open cell layers laminated thereto. The sponge is retained on the handle by the cooperation of a retaining bead formed in raised section on the handle component with an aperture in the sponge component formed in the base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Prolong Super Lubricants, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sereg, Lloyd Askew
  • Patent number: 5927880
    Abstract: A combined marker and glue stick device allows a bingo player to dab or mark a called number using one end of the device and to use the other end of the device to glue the bingo number card to a playing surface. This device facilitates greater speed in card setup and play, and correspondingly increases the chances of winning. The combination marker and glue stick which includes: a tubular body defining an ink compartment within a first end portion and a glue compartment within a second end portion; an ink blotter covering an opening defined in the ink compartment; a glue blotter covering an opening defined in the glue compartment; a removable cap covering the ink blotter; and a removable bottom cap covering the glue blotter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: Sandra B Allison, Bernita B. A. MacLeod, Richard J MacLeod
  • 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: 5908256
    Abstract: A combined actuator and bottle for storing a fluid and applying the fluid, includes a container having an opening; an elongated tube having a longitudinal axis, the tube being located in the opening, and the tube being slidable along the longitudinal axis relative to the container and being sealed against the container so that an intake end of the tube is located within the container and an outlet end of the tube is located outside the container; the tube having a duct extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tube, the duct forming a fluid connection between the outlet end of the tube and the intake end that is situated within the container; an applicator head mounted at the outlet end of the tube and having an applicator member receiving the fluid from the outlet end of the tube and supplying the fluid to a dispensing opening thereof having an axis which is substantially transverse to a sliding direction of the tube; and a valve assembly mounted in the applicator head, the valve assembly in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Melvin Bernstein
  • Patent number: 5904430
    Abstract: A hand held marking device including a male marker and female marker for engagably fitting to one another. The hand held marking device provides for access to two daubers in fluid communication with different sources of ink in independent reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: May O'Shei
    Inventor: Darlene Alessi
  • Patent number: 5899619
    Abstract: A hand held marking device including two independent fluid reservoirs for holding liquids to be applied. The two independent refillable liquid reservoirs are in a back to back relationship with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: May O'Shei
    Inventor: Thomas O'Shei
  • Patent number: RE38440
    Abstract: A writing instrument having an elongated barrel comprised of an outer portion and an inner portion, rotatable relative one to the other. The point or writing tip is fixed to the barrel inner portion, disposed at an angle to, and may be offset from, the centerline of the barrel outer portion. The barrel inner portion is caused to rotate and move axially relative to the barrel outer portion by pressure on the writing instrument, or weights attached to the barrel inner portion, to bring the point into desired alignment during the writing process. Further pressure on the point or writing tip causes the barrel inner portion to move to a rearwardmost position at which rotation of the point or writing tip is impeded by a gripping structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Berol Corporation
    Inventors: William P. Dowst, Edward J. Mangan, Roy Nicoll