With Flow-regulator Patents (Class 401/270)
  • Publication number: 20030152416
    Abstract: “Magic Brush” would consist of a brush featuring a somewhat rectangular plastic base having rounded ends. Base would provide a handle as well as a reservoir for storing liquid shoe polish inside the plastic handle and or have a additional reservoir on one end of the handle. In addition, a plunger mechanism would rest upon one end of the brush on the face of the handle. Extending from the base would be a plurality of bristle positioned within the bristles located within the front of the brush directly beneath the plunger, would be a groved sponge applicator through which the polish would travel when the plunger was pressed. Between the plunger and the applicator there is a valve mecanism is to control the polish flow located inside of the polish reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Moe. A. Farooqui
  • Patent number: 6604881
    Abstract: An applicator head apparatus disposable on the end of a handle, including an applicator valve and a wiper head. The applicator valve further including a socket mounted on the wiper head and a coupling assembly with one end connected to the handle and the other end having a cylinder member rotatably mounted in the socket, the applicator valve having a first position preventing flow and a second position permitting flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Warner Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: David J. Ruha, Steven Thompson
  • Patent number: 6595712
    Abstract: A wash brush (10) having a handle (11) securely coupleable with a cleaning head (13) by a ratchet-like coupling mechanism (12), and including a flowpath control mechanism (22) operable to direct and control a stream of liquid to the brush head area. A continuous liquid flow path is provided from a handle source connection end (62) to the head-mounted flowpath control mechanism (22) which is operable to selectively control flow characteristics, including pattern and direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Sickler
  • Publication number: 20030133740
    Abstract: Cleaning compositions, pads, wipes, and implements provide effective cleaning of hard surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, Preston James Rhamy, Michael William Dusing, Kenneth William Willman, Rhonda Jean Jackson
  • Patent number: 6588964
    Abstract: A fluid applicator having a body with a fluid inlet in communication with a reservoir of fluid to be dispensed. The applicator further includes a plurality of applicator tines extending outwardly from an application area of the body, and the tines are at least partially flexible. Moreover, at least some of the tines include a fluid pathway. Additionally, the applicator further includes a handle portion generally above the application area. An actuator is located on the body adjacent the front end and generally above and off-center from the application area. The actuator is operably configured to selectively dispense a predetermined amount of fluid to the fluid pathways of the tines for accurate and consistent dispensing and application of the fluid to a target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bob Wayne Au, Anne Marie Candido, Philip Davies, Mark Thomas Lund, Charles William Sears, Marc Walter Tanner
  • Publication number: 20030123921
    Abstract: This invention relates to an instrument, preferably a marking instrument, for applying a fluid to a surface and particularly, though not exclusively, to a writing pen, including a marker pen, or a brush, especially an artist's brush. Other types of brushes are contemplated, such as those for applying cleaner, mouthwash or perfume to teeth. The instrument (2) comprises a tip (6), a holder for the tip (4), a cartridge (14) containing the fluid mounted within or connectable to the holder (4), and a manually-operable spray pump arrangement (10) for repeatedly dispensing a predetermined amount of the fluid under pressure from the cartridge (14) to the tip (4) of the instrument (2). A disposable or re-fillable cartridge for the instrument is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ashraf Mahfouz Abbas
  • Publication number: 20030108378
    Abstract: A wash brush (10) having a handle (11) securely coupleable with a cleaning head (13) by a ratchet-like coupling mechanism (12), and including a flowpath control mechanism (22) operable to direct and control a stream of liquid to the brush head area. A continuous liquid flow path is provided from a handle source connection end (62) to the head-mounted flowpath control mechanism (22) which is operable to selectively control flow characteristics, including pattern and direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Sickler
  • Patent number: 6575651
    Abstract: Described is a device that is useful for basting food products in the cooking process. More specifically, the device is useful by providing variable fluid flow capabilities to food product basting appliances. The food basting device comprises two separate pieces, a cap piece and a brush piece that work in rotating relationship with each other to prove variable fluid flow through the device. The food basting device preferably works with fluid containers that do not have screw threads for a cap or lid, such as a beer or soda can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Beerman BBQ Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lori R. Bertothy
  • Publication number: 20030095828
    Abstract: A toothbrush which may be coupled to a toothpaste dispensing container has a body member. The body member has a channeling running a length of the body member. The channeling allows toothpaste to flow through the body member. A connector device is formed on a first end of the body member to allow the body member to be coupled to the toothpaste dispenser. A head member is coupled to a second end of the body member. The head member has at least one opening to allow the toothpaste to flow out through the head member. A plurality of bristles are coupled to the head member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Theodore R. Hofstedt
  • Publication number: 20030086745
    Abstract: A toothbrush apparatus for dispensing toothpaste to the bristles having a generally hollow head portion attached to a generally hollow receiving portion, capable of receiving and supporting a paste cartridge. The toothbrush also contains a handle portion, which is attached to the receiving portion at the opposite side of the head portion. The handle portion contains a plunger and a sliding button configured such that the plunger is located inside the head portion and is capable of sliding in and out of said head portion and receiving portion. A paste cartridge containing paste and having a hole and a stopper located at opposite ends is placed in the receiving portion such that the hole of the paste cartridge is connected to the head portion of the device. When the sliding button slides towards the head portion, the plunger moves inside the paste cartridge forcing the stopper to move towards the head portion and forcing paste from the cartridge toward the head portion and to the bristles of the toothbrush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: John Micaletti, B. Bruce Abdullah
  • Patent number: 6558061
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a brush fixed to a powder reservoir having a tuft of hair and a tuft holder provided with a first powder supply orifice. The reservoir is closed by a shutter in which a second powder supply orifice is formed, and that can be turned manually with respect to the tuft holder to align the first and second orifices. The shutter of the reservoir includes a central duct with a bottom in which the second orifice is formed. The tuft holder has a lower tubular part with a bottom wherein the said first orifice cooperates with the central duct to provide axial securement and free rotation, an upper tubular part fitting tightly around the said tuft and a said first skirt. The dispenser includes a guide that has an axial displacement tab, the lower end of which supports a radial pin, and the central duct carries a helical ramp on its outer surface that cooperates with the pin such that rotation of the guide causes an axial movement of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Lir France
    Inventor: Robert Petit
  • Publication number: 20030077107
    Abstract: This invention relates to a toothbrush that utilizes a replaceable brush head having rubber gum guard on its top surface and a triangular shaped rubber pad on its bottom surface. The rubber gum guard is shorter than the height of the bristles and is positioned on the peripheral edge of a brush head for functioning as a sensor for providing feedback to prevent brushing at excessive pressures and improper angles as well as for massaging the gumlines without the risk of gum damages. The triangular shaped rubber pad is for conforming to and massaging gumlines at the back of teeth. The replaceable brush head having the rubber gum guard and massaging pad features is economically used in conjunction with a permanent handle that dispenses dentifrice material to the top of bristles. The handle has a resilient contractible connector for secure mounting of the replaceable brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Youti Kuo
  • Patent number: 6551000
    Abstract: An improved container contains a housing containing at least one aperture and a treatment composition located within the housing. The combination of the treatment composition and the housing has a mess factor of from about 3.6*10−4 to about 1.1*10−11. When the housing is in a prepared state and squeezed, the treatment composition exits the housing from the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Manivannan Kandasamy, Aya Nakao, Masaki Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 6550998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying flowing media to a surface. Said device comprises a container (1) for the media with at least one opening (2, 3) which is located above the surface and can be deaerated and a mopping or applicator device (5) which is attached to a handle (4). In addition, the device has a flow-regulating hose (6) which can be shut off, for conveying the media from the container (1) by force of gravity to an outlet on the mopping or applicator device (5). In addition, the device has a portable unit which is worn on the back, comprising supporting and fixing straps (8) and a mounting plate (9) which is fitted to said unit and which has a rapid-action coupling device. The container has (1) a resealable exit opening at one end (2) with a connecting sleeve and a resealable fill opening (3) at the opposite end, in addition to a hose adapter (11) which can be connected to the connecting sleeve of the exit opening (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Hans-Leo Fernschild, Heiko Faubel, Karl-Heinz Rogmann, Ulrike Scheuvens
  • Publication number: 20030072603
    Abstract: A device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface is provided which includes a broom having a handle and a head, a valve disposed on the device, and a spray bar movably disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar. The valve can be spring-loaded and/or hand-controlled. The device may include tubing between the valve and the spray bar, which tubing may be positioned internal to the handle or external to the handle. The handle may be used to convey liquid, such as that from a garden hose, from the valve to the spray bar. In an embodiment, the head may include water channels and the spray bar may be made integral to the head. The spray bar may oscillate and may take a variety of shapes, including elliptical, u-shaped and straight shapes. The device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip M. DeLaine
  • Patent number: 6547467
    Abstract: A microapplicator for dispensing and applying an adhesive or sealant material comprises a handle portion, an applicator tip connected to the handle portion, and a microreservoir at the applicator tip arranged to hold a small amount, about 20 microliters or less, of an adhesive/sealant material until dispensing. In embodiments, the applicator tip has a width of about 1 mm. The microapplicator may include a second reservoir, containing the adhesive/sealant material, that is arranged to supply the adhesive/sealant material to the microreservoir at the applicator tip. The second reservoir may comprise a frangible ampoule disposed in the handle portion, a container, such as a syringe, connected to the handle portion, or the handle portion itself. The applicator tip may comprise one of a polymer loop, a spatula, a rolling ball, a grate, a porous material, such as a swab, a foam pad or a mesh, and a brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Julian A. Quintero
  • Patent number: 6536979
    Abstract: A safe water toothbrush assembly for brushing teeth includes a toothbrush connected to a bottle. The toothbrush has an elongated body with a head at one end and an opposite end that is open, such that the interior of the body forms a passageway for transporting a fluid through the body, the head includes at least one aperture and the open end of the body is threaded. The toothbrush also includes a plurality of bristles extending radially from the head. The bottle is filled with a fluid, and an open end of the bottle includes threads complementary to the threads on the open end of the toothbrush, for securing the bottle to the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas A. Kenny, Robert Gillings
  • Patent number: 6533485
    Abstract: A combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser with incorporated remaining use counter including a toothbrush portion comprised of an elongated hollow handle having an incorporated head portion. The elongated hollow handle includes an internal channel. The head portion has a plurality of openings in communication with the internal channel. The head portion has a plurality of bristles extending outwardly thereof. The handle holds a quantity of toothpaste within the internal channel. An internal plunger is disposed within the internal channel of the elongated hollow handle. The internal plunger will force the toothpaste out of the plurality of openings of the head portion and onto the bristles. A counter is disposed within the elongated hollow handle of the toothbrush portion. The counter is in communication with the plunger for determining a remaining amount of toothpaste disposed therein, and displaying the same on a rotary dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Bland
  • Patent number: 6530709
    Abstract: An elongated, all-in-one applicator for dispensing and applying liquid nail polish includes: (a) an elongated, hollow, generally pen-shaped main housing having an aperture at one axial extremity; (b) an elongated cartridge housing disposed within an upper portion of the main housing; (c) at least one nail polish cartridge comprising a central chamber for holding a supply of liquid nail polish, the nail polish cartridge having a first, upper end and an opposite, second, lower end, the cartridge being disposable within the cartridge housing; (d) a brush having a plurality of bristles for applying nail polish, each bristle having a first end mounted in the main housing and an opposite, second end which is a free end; (e) a mechanism for dispensing nail polish from the nail polish cartridge in increments, the nail polish dispensing mechanism having a first position in which nail polish is contained within the cartridge and is not dispensed, and a second position in which nail polish is dispensed from the car
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Pamela D. Washington
  • Publication number: 20030031501
    Abstract: An applicator (1) for applying a liquid stored in a container (10) to a work surface, said applicator comprising: an applicator portion (2); a catchment cup (3) connected to and fluidly communicating with the applicator portion (2); and a connector portion (4) connectable to and fluidly communicating with the container (10) and the catchment cup (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Ray Eadie
  • Publication number: 20030002913
    Abstract: A brush for automatic application of a personal care product. The brush is ergonomically shaped and has bristles of length, texture and arrangement appropriate for the particular application purpose. The product is contained in a reservoir within the casing of the brush and dispensed onto the bristles by a dispensing system positioned within the reservoir. The dispensing system may be a pump and ejection device, or a spring-operated stopper device. The reservoir may be supplied pre-filled or may be fillable from an external ampoule or standard commercial container in conjunction with a special adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Noah Amit
  • Publication number: 20020186997
    Abstract: There is provided a painting brush with a tube containing a water color, in which an inner cover with a discharge hole is inserted into a port of a tube, a brush is inserted into a brush tube integrally formed on the center of a lid screw-jointed with the circumference of the port, and the bottom of the brush tube is connected to the discharge hole, thereby opening and closing the discharge hole. In painting, when the tube is pressed in an open state of the lid, the water color contained within the tube runs down the brush via the discharge hole, thereby being easily painted. After using, when the lid is closed, the discharge hole is sealed by the bottom of the brush tube, thereby safely keeping the water color within the tube without any leakage. Therefore, users can conveniently carry and keep the painting brush with the tube containing the water color of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Young-Nam Kim
  • Publication number: 20020186996
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a fluid which includes a hollow handle member, a pinch valve member, a tank mounted on the handle for controlling the flow of fluid to a surface, and a conduit for selectively communicating the fluid to the surface, the pinch valve being engageable with the conduit for controlling flow of the fluid therethrough utilizing a lever. A method of operation of the dispenser is also utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: ARAMARK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Miller
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020181998
    Abstract: The dispenser (1) comprises a brush (9) fixed to a powder reservoir (4) composed of a tuft of hair (2) and a tuft holder (3) provided with a first powder supply orifice (3000), the said reservoir (4) being closed by a shutter (5) in which a second powder supply orifice (5000) is formed, and that can be turned manually with respect to the said tuft holder (3) to align the said first (3000) and second (50) orifices, and it is characterized in that:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Petit
  • Patent number: 6488432
    Abstract: A wash brush (10) having a handle (11) securely coupleable with a cleaning head (13) by a ratchet-like coupling mechanism (12), and including a flowpath control mechanism (22) operable to direct and control a stream of liquid to the brush head area. A continuous liquid flow path is provided from a handle source connection end (62) to the head-mounted flowpath control mechanism (22) which is operable to selectively control flow characteristics, including pattern and direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Ingram
  • Publication number: 20020176734
    Abstract: To form an applicator, at least one container having an open bottom and a closed tubular portion is molded and the at least one tubular portion has a corresponding one of a tubular mandril containing an applicator component inserted into it for permitting the application of fluidic material from its tip. The mandril is removed while leaving the applicator component in position within the tubular portion of the applicator container. To utilize the applicator after filling it with its ingredients, the end of the tube is broken free. A plurality of containers are connected one to the other on a base having an open end with elongated tubular members extending from each of the plurality of containers sealed at its end. A dense bristle is used having Nylon bristles with a diameter of 2 mils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Nagl Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Richard J. Keating, Harley H. Mattheis, Jerald R. Melcher, Helen Marie Melcher
  • Publication number: 20020176735
    Abstract: A device for wiping and cleaning dirty surfaces, with a carrier body (1) for a wiping element (3), where the carrier body (1) is structured as a latent heat storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Uwe Dingert, Hans-Jurgen Wendelken
  • Publication number: 20020168216
    Abstract: Cleaning compositions, pads, wipes, and implements provide effective cleaning of hard surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, Preston James Rhamy, Michael William Dusing, Kenneth William Willman, Rhonda Jean Jackson
  • Publication number: 20020164193
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and applying beauty and skin care products to the face in the form of a cosmetic brush dispensing assembly with an integral product dispensing mechanism. The assembly includes a barrel for holding a cosmetic compound and a dispensing mechanism for forcing the compound up to a cometic applicator brush for application to a user's face. In one embodiment, the dispensing mechanism is formed of a ratchet displacement device which is activated by pushing a button. In another embodiment, the dispensing mechanism is formed of a screw displacement device which is activated by turning a wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Tanya E. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020154939
    Abstract: A liquid applicator includes: an applicator body in which a storage tank for storing a paint is incorporated; brush elements, made up of multiple fiber bundles embedded on a base, parallel to each other in the axial direction so that the fiber bundles are directed forwards; and a valve element provided in the storage tank for allowing supply of the paint to the brush elements in the applying portion. This liquid applicator further has inside its front barrel, a blocking element formed with a liquid flow passage so as to block the paint supplied from the storage tank whilst partly allowing the paint to be supplied to the tip side of the front barrel by way of the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Eiji Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 6467983
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing mechanism contained in a handle of a cleaning implement. The handle includes internal upper and lower valve assemblies sealably mounted within the handle to provide an air tight chamber therebetween for holding liquid. The upper valve assembly includes a push button actuator for introducing air into the chamber. The lower valve assembly includes a dispensing outlet for discharging the liquid from the chamber. When air is introduced into the air tight chamber through the upper valve assembly, a corresponding amount of liquid is dispensed from the chamber and out from the handle through the dispensing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Geerpres, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph John Fodrocy, Robert Bell Abrahamson, Michael David Gluhanich
  • Publication number: 20020131806
    Abstract: A convertible surface contacting implement having a head member and a long handle. The head member has a base, and a surface contacting member carried by the base. The head member forms a short-handled implement with the base acting as a short handle. A first connector is provided on the base and a second connector is provided on one end of the long handle. The second connector cooperates with the first connector to detachably connect the long handle to the base to form a long-handled implement. The implement may be a brush or an applicator. Preferably, the base of the head member is hollow to carry a liquid dispersed to the surface contacting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne
  • Patent number: 6450724
    Abstract: A liquid applicator device for selectively applying liquids such as paint used by children. The liquid applicator device includes an elongate tubular housing that has a conical-shaped nose portion being disposed at a front end thereof, and a conical-shaped cap support portion that is disposed at a back end thereof. The housing is designed for storing a liquid. A valve member is disposed in the housing to regulate dispensing of the liquid from the housing. A brush cap member and an end-cap member are both removably attachable to either end of the housing, depending on which configuration the device is in, those being either a stored configuration, or an in-use configuration. A pair of elongate, cord-like securing members secures each of the cap members to the tubular member to prevent the child from inadvertently swallowing either of the caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Tina R. Cambio
  • Patent number: 6438797
    Abstract: A handle for a mop or other such cleaning instrument is hollow for flow of water from a hose attached to one end of the handle to the work-engaging portion at the other end. A manually operable control moves a stopper between three positions wherein flow through an opening in an internal partition in the handle is fully blocked, partially blocked or fully unblocked. The stopper has a total of three detent members in the form of rounded protrusions and a total of three recess for receiving the detents are formed in the partition. As the operating member is manipulated to move the stopper between its three positions, one detent engages a recess in the fully blocked position, two detents engage respective recesses in the partially blocked position and all three detents engage the three recesses in the fully unblocking position. The provision of three detents and three recesses adds to the stability and reliability of operation of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Carrand Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Bruce Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020114658
    Abstract: A combination toothbrush/dentifrice dispenser including a handle, the handle including an internal cavity forming a dentifrice reservoir for containing a dentifrice. The handle includes an elongated slot formed through a sidewall of the handle. A neck attaches to and extends from the handle and a brush head including bristles is formed at the distal end of the neck. The neck segment is contiguous to the handle and a conduit extends through the brush head and the neck segment. One end of the conduit forms an output orifice. A plunger is slideably disposed within the reservoir and a slide actuator is connected to the plunger and extends through the slot formed through the sidewall of the handle. When pressure is applied to the slide actuator, dentifrice is advanced through the conduit to dispense at the brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Michael R. Allen, Steven P. Helleck, Patrick Harvey Johnson, Edgar T. Randol
  • Publication number: 20020090252
    Abstract: The fluid delivery/refilling system includes a unit-of-use fluid reservoir for dentifrice or medication within a head portion of a power toothbrush, which is removable from the remainder thereof. A pump element is located in the brushhead and is configured so that the back and forth movement of the brushhead in operation results in fluid moving from the reservoir to a dispensing valve located in the brushhead. The dispensing valve has an end portion which is normally closed, opening under pressure of fluid from the pump. The refilling assembly is separate from the toothbrush and is configured to fit over the top of the toothbrush. Upward pressure exerted on the toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the refilling assembly results in movement of a core element in the refilling assembly, which in turn results in a hollow needle in the refilling assembly extending into a refiller valve in the head portion of the toothbrush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Scott E. Hall, James N. Larimer, Kevin Miller, Richard Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020081138
    Abstract: The fluid delivery/refilling system includes a unit-of-use fluid reservoir for dentifrice or medication within a head portion of a power toothbrush, which is removable from the remainder thereof. A pump element is located in the brushhead and is configured so that the back and forth movement of the brushhead in operation results in fluid moving from the reservoir to a dispensing valve located in the brushhead. The dispensing valve has an end portion which is normally closed, opening under pressure of fluid from the pump. The refilling assembly is separate from the toothbrush and is configured to fit over the top of the toothbrush. Upward pressure exerted on the toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the refilling assembly results in movement of a core element in the refilling assembly, which in turn results in a hollow needle in the refilling assembly extending into a refiller valve in the head portion of the toothbrush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Scott E. Hall, James N. Larimer, Kevin Miller, Richard Taylor
  • Patent number: 6406207
    Abstract: A pump for discharging doses of liquid, gel-like or viscous substances from a container, having a pump body made of a flexible and elastic material which can be squeezed together to form a suction vacuum and delivers the liquid via an outlet valve, which opens under overpressure. In order to provide a pump of the type mentioned, which is of simple construction and is at the same time self-priming, provision is made for the outlet valve to be configured as a valve plate which closes the pump body at the top, is molded integrally onto the latter, is convex in the delivery direction, and has an incision which forms the valve outlet in the form of a lip seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Georg Wiegner, Hyeong Sook (Morin) Kim
  • Patent number: 6390103
    Abstract: A dental hygiene assembly for combining a tooth brush, a toothpaste container and a dental floss dispenser. The dental hygiene assembly includes a main member, a head portion, a refill port and a base portion. The main member has a main chamber for containing a quantity of toothpaste. The head portion has a head chamber that is in fluid communication with the main chamber. The head portion has a plurality of bristles for brushing the teeth of a user. A plurality of bristle apertures are positioned between the plurality of bristles. The bristle apertures are selectively in fluid communication with the head chamber. The refill port is designed to couple to a standard toothpaste container to refill the main chamber. In addition, the base member contains a quantity of dental floss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Shannen Manso
  • Patent number: 6386783
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush including a handle defining a reservoir, and a neck extending from the handle and terminating in a brush head. The reservoir has an outlet, and contains a plurality of portions of toothpaste. The brush head has a plurality of bristles with an effective lifetime. A passage extends from the outlet of the reservoir through the neck to a dispensing opening located proximate the brush head. Also included is a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the plurality of portion of the toothpaste from the reservoir to the brush head. The plurality of portions of toothpaste matches the lifetime of the bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Derrik J. Spoelman
  • Patent number: 6386779
    Abstract: Brush-n-go is the first all in one toothbrush, that can be used away from home as well as at home. This disposable toothbrush is designed to be used many times before replacement is needed. The handle size of the toothbrush will determine the longevity of each toothbrush. My invention is a toothbrush and toothpaste all in one. The toothpaste for this toothbrush will be concealed in the handle. A one way valve will release the toothpaste into the brushes of this toothbrush. Opposite the brush end of the brush-n-go their will be a twist knob to regulate the need of toothpaste, per each use. Simply twist the knob and the toothpaste will be forced out the one way valve into the brushes of the brush-n-go. After use just clean brushes with water and the brush-n-go will be ready to go.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Davis
  • Patent number: 6357950
    Abstract: A cleaning brush with a variable sprinkling pattern, includes a brush seat, a brush cover having brush hairs, a first slide channel disposed on the brush seat, a first base seat disposed in the first slide channel, outer, middle and inner cylindrical bodies and a second slide channel disposed on the first base seat, a slide block, a rotary switch, a second base seat and a press button disposed on the rotary switch, a resilient member disposed between the second base seat and the press button, a tube body and a sprinkling head. The brush seat is formed with several teeth annularly arranged at intervals. The slide block is engaged with the press button. The second base seat is connected with the sprinkling head disposed on the brush seat. The press button drives the slide block to engage with or disengage from the teeth. The second base seat is disposed on the rotary switch for driving the sprinkling head to change the angle contained by the brush seat and the tube body and vary the sprinkling pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Gordon Chih
  • Publication number: 20020025212
    Abstract: Brush-n-go is the first all in one toothbrush, that can be used away from home as well as at home. This disposable toothbrush is designed to be used many times before replacement is needed. The handle size of the toothbrush will determine the longevity of each toothbrush. My invention is a toothbrush and toothpaste all in one. The toothpaste for this toothbrush will be concealed in the handle. A one way valve will release the toothpaste into the brushes of this toothbrush. Opposite the brush end of the brush-n-go their will be a twist knob to regulate the need of toothpaste, per each use. Simply twist the knob and the toothpaste will be forced out the one way valve into the brushes of the brush-n-go. After use just clean brushes with water and the brush-n-go will be ready to go.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Davis
  • 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: 20010055512
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying liquid protectorant to a targeted surface, such as a automobile tire sidewall, comprising a container for holding the liquid protectorant, a hand-held applicator, and a conduit between the container and the applicator. And one embodiment, the container is pressurized and a manually controllable valve is operable to deliver the liquid protectorant from the container to the applicator. The applicator includes a nozzle for delivering liquid protectorant. The nozzle, however, is surrounded by portions of the applicator, for example brush bristles, to prevent liquid protectorant from traveling to other than the targeted area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Rickie L. Waddell
  • Patent number: 6332730
    Abstract: A container comprises a flexible body member (2) closed by a cap portion (26) having an outlet (28) therein, and a control assembly within the cap portion for controlling liquid flow from the body member (2) to the outlet (28), the control assembly comprising an integrally moulded seating (6) for location on the body member (2), including an outer annular sleeve (8) and an inner valve support chamber (12) and a control valve (16) of a one piece plastic moulding located on the seating (6) to define a closed volume therebelow and to seal the outlet, the closed volume being vented to atmosphere, the arrangement being such that, on pressurisation on the interior of the body member (2), the pressurised liquid flows between the sleeve (8) and the chamber (12) to distort the control valve (16) and enable flow through the outlet (28), and, on release of said pressure, the control valve (16) returns to a position sealing the outlet (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Veresk Biosystems Limited
    Inventor: Said Taghavi-Khanghah
  • 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: 6312182
    Abstract: In a brush for the application of a cosmetic liquid, in particular a nail varnish brush, comprising a stem with a handle section on the side of an end thereof, at least one bunch of bristles, which stands out in the axial direction, being disposed on the opposite end of the stem, it is provided that at least two bunches of bristles are provided, which, while forming a recess, are spaced from each other in a proximal portion of the stem, and which at least partially overlap in a distal portion thereof
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Georg Karl Geka-Brush GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Dumler
  • Patent number: 6287037
    Abstract: A fluid-containing brush has a housing (11) with a generally cylindrical wall closed at one end by a base carrying brush bristles (25) and at the other by a cap (50) formed of resilient material, the housing defining a fluid reservoir, the base having a central opening therein closed by a valve member for dispensing liquid to the brush bristles, and a valve stem (31) which extends up to an underside of the cap (50) the housing and cap being adapted to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween, and the cap having a deformable portion constituting a button (58) by which the user can actuate the valve to dispense cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Hayco Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald Hay