Including Mechanical-movement Actuator Patents (Class 401/279)
  • Patent number: 11352654
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition and its use for treating a sputum sample suspected to contain mycobacteria. The composition comprises thymol, a linear or branched alcohol, a chaotropic agent, a reducing agent, a detergent, and a buffer, and has a pH value between 8.5 and 10. Also disclosed is a method for treating a sputum sample suspected to contain mycobacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Carolin Bier, Stefan Lange, Pirmin Hans Loetscher
  • Patent number: 11241073
    Abstract: Provided is a cosmetic container including a refillable inner container. The cosmetic container includes an inner container in which contents are stored, a container body in which the inner container is accommodated, a discharger configured to discharge the contents accommodated in the inner container, a distributor configured to distribute the contents discharged by the discharger, and an upper cap configured to seal the container body. Here, an open portion is formed on one side of the container body, the inner container is insertable into the container body through the open portion, and the inner container is separable from the container body through the open portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: YONWOO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seo Hui Jung, Yu Seob Kim
  • Patent number: 11234508
    Abstract: Bush applicators including hair brush applicators and containers for dispensing dry shampoo are provided. In one embodiment, a brush applicator includes a body having one or more channels to distribute material to a bristle assembly. The bristle assembly can include a plurality of bristle and brush elements. The brush elements may be interspersed with the bristle elements and can each include a shaft and end (e.g., tip). Another embodiment is directed to a brush applicator including a container coupled to a body. The container retains at least one material including powder, liquids and solutions. Another embodiment is directed to a brush applicator configured for application of dry shampoo to hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Michelle Kim
  • Patent number: 10835014
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser for discharging liquids, in particular in rod shape. The liquid dispenser has a liquid store for receiving liquid prior to discharge, and a discharge opening for discharging the liquid. The liquid dispenser has a pumping device having an actuating surface for manual actuation, by which liquid is conveyed from the liquid store to the discharge opening. The liquid store is provided within an exchangeable container unit, couplable to a main unit including the pumping device (62) and the discharge opening, and is uncouplable therefrom. For the exchangeable coupling of the container unit to the main unit is provided a coupling device, by which the container unit, by pressing against the main unit, is alternately couplable thereto and releasable therefrom. The coupling device possesses two coupling members, wherein one coupling member is provided on the container unit and one coupling member on the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: APTAR RADOLFZELL GMBH
    Inventor: Tobias Baumann
  • Patent number: 8888395
    Abstract: A scrub brush includes a channel at least partially through the body, a first end and a second end, including a brush head receiving portion adjacent the first end. A brush head is positioned adjacent the first end, the brush body including a handle portion adjacent the second end. The handle portion may include an actuator, a reservoir adapted to receive a liquid cleaner, a pump, the pump actuated by the actuator. Actuation of the actuator delivers liquid cleaner from the reservoir to the brush head for scrubbing/cleaning. At least a portion of the handle portion preferably contains a transparent window adapted to show the contents of the reservoir. A hanging flange is provided having an opening formed along the spine of the body of the brush adjacent the brush head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne M. Hinnant
  • Patent number: 8360674
    Abstract: An applicator device, particularly suited for mascara, may deliver high or low viscosity liquids or semi-liquids, and contains a valve controlling flow between a product reservoir, an intermediate pooling area, and a product dispensing chamber. The arrangement prevents backflow to the product reservoir, precluding contamination of the product supply. Product delivery from the product dispensing chamber is from one of several methods. In one method, a plurality of prongs each comprise a conduit to the product dispensing chamber and thereby allow for dispersed product delivery from the prong tips. Alternatively, there may be one or more openings on the applicator head being interconnected to the dispensing chamber, which permits product to extrude between the rows of prongs and thereby be applied to a receiving surface. A third embodiment combines the two methods along with alternating height prongs to more effectively apply mascara onto all sides of a user's lashes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Dwyer
  • Patent number: 8360673
    Abstract: An applicator device, particularly suited for mascara, may deliver high or low viscosity liquids or semi-liquids, and contains a valve controlling flow between a product reservoir, an intermediate pooling area, and a product dispensing chamber. The arrangement prevents backflow to the product reservoir, precluding contamination of the product supply. Product delivery from the product dispensing chamber is from one of several methods. In one method, a plurality of prongs each comprise a conduit to the product dispensing chamber and thereby allow for dispersed product delivery from the prong tips. Alternatively, there may be one or more openings on the applicator head being interconnected to the dispensing chamber, which permits product to extrude between the rows of prongs and thereby be applied to a receiving surface. A third embodiment combines the two methods along with alternating height prongs to more effectively apply mascara onto all sides of a user's lashes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Dwyer
  • Patent number: 8308386
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pencil type cosmetic container, in particular to a pencil type cosmetic container which is directed to discharging cosmetic stuff to the outside by pressing upwards a button installed at a side surface of a cosmetic container, resulting in an easier use along with a simple construction for thereby decreasing a manufacture cost. In addition, it is easier to use since cosmetic stuff can be discharged by pressing upwards a button installed at a lateral side surface of a cosmetic container using one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Yonwoo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joong-Hyun Ki
  • Patent number: 8226317
    Abstract: Personal gel soap dispensers include a container, for example, having a size similar to a bar of hand soap or body soap, a quantity of gel soap in the container in an interior hollow space of the container, and at least one through opening, for example, a plurality of through openings extending from an interior hollow space of the container through the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Frank J. Uxa, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8197152
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a hollow shank, a dispensing head longitudinally mounted to a first end of the hollow shank, a control device longitudinally mounted to a second end of the hollow shank and a sheath detachably mounted to the first end of the hollow shank for protecting the dispensing head after use. A passage is defined in one end of the hollow shank for communicating with an inner periphery of the hollow shank and the dispensing head such that the liquid contained in the hollow shank can flow into the dispensing head. The control device is provided to selectively close/open the passage for controlling the output quantity of the liquid dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Shang Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 8177452
    Abstract: A nail polish container includes an outer barrel having a dispense nozzle and a detachable refill container. The dispense nozzle includes a brush and a dispense tube seat mounted therein. The refill container contains therein a liquid content and has a top mouth receiving therein a volume-regulating valve seat and a tubular sleeve. When the refill container is fit into the outer barrel, a dispense tube of the dispense tube seat is inserted into the valve seat, whereby depression of the refill container may cause the valve to open to allow the nail polish contained in the refill container to flow, in a volume-regulated manner, to the brush for performing application of the nail polish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Yi Li Tsai
  • Patent number: 7775736
    Abstract: A portable conversion washing device includes a pole, a brush support having a soap container, a brush, and a soap dispensing device that has a soap plug that plugs a dispensing opening, an actuator that moves the soap plug away from the dispensing opening whereby soap is dispensed out of the soap container, and a return device that moves the soap plug back to the dispensing opening. The washing device also includes a running water supply device having a first pipe connected to a running water supply hose, a second pipe that is in fluid communication with the first pipe, an angle adjusting device that adjust the angle between the first pipe and the second pipe. The second pipe has a tapered water conduit, a water flow plug that is moved along the conduit, and a water flow shaft that moves the water flow plug within the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: James In Song
  • Patent number: 7594775
    Abstract: A case for cosmetics, wherein, upon fastening up/down through rotation, an outer cap automatically opens/closes a dispensing hole of a cosmetic liquid dispenser to regulate a supply of cosmetic liquid to an applicator, thereby preventing unnecessary leakage of the cosmetic liquid and, even upon long-term use, preventing malfunction of the cosmetic liquid dispenser while simplifying the opening/closing structure of the dispensing hole thereof, and maximizing the reliability of use by ensuring the smooth supply of the cosmetic liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hwasung Cosemetics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung Hun Yoo
  • Patent number: 7484260
    Abstract: A manually operated liquid dispensing cleaning implement uses batteries to drive a motor, through gearing to rotate a flexible cleaning head with cleaning elements. A cleaning fluid reservoir container is supported within the implement for dispensing cleaning fluid through the head. Application of compressive pressure on the head acts against the bias force of a leaf spring within the container to allow cleaning fluid to pass out the cleaning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Jonathan A. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 7478960
    Abstract: A dispensing toothbrush includes a toothpaste filled reservoir handle which is attached to a hollow neck which is integral with a hollow brush head. A piston is movable within the reservoir handle for pushing toothpaste toward the hollow neck by way of a suction plunger. A plunger actuating button is connected to the suction plunger which forms first and second chambers in communication with the reservoir handle and the hollow neck. Depressing the plunger button depresses the suction plunger and pushes toothpaste through the hollow neck and a hole in the brush head onto the brush bristles. A vented cover is disposed over the brush head and a floss dispenser is attached to the reservoir handle opposite the end which is attached to the hollow neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: J. Scott Glover
  • Publication number: 20090016805
    Abstract: Provided is a dischargeable cosmetics case. In the cosmetics case, upon forward rotation of a lower case body, an on/off valve is pushed up and a through hole is opened to discharge the liquid cosmetics to a brush. Inversely, upon reverse rotation of the lower case body, the on/off valve goes down and the through hole is closed to stop discharging the liquid cosmetics, thus freely controlling a discharge/non-discharge of the liquid cosmetics and preventing its outflow or leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Young-Kwang BYUN
  • Publication number: 20080286031
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing doses of fluid substances with different viscosities or densities, comprising a container (11), a piston (25) housed and sliding in a chamber (24) formed by a portion of the container, a load tank (33) formed by a remaining portion of said container and designed to contain the substance to be delivered, a metering mechanism (12) associated and moving with the piston (25), a preloaded thrusting device (27) associated with the piston with the metering mechanism to push it normally towards the substance in the load tank, and blocking means (12) between the metering mechanism and the container to alternately stop and release the piston to have it move forward under the thrust of said preloaded flexible device in lengths corresponding to a dose of the substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Gianfranco de Paoli Ambrosi
  • Publication number: 20080019762
    Abstract: This invention is related to a structure of cosmetics liquid discharge guider of the cosmetics case 1. The cosmetics case is object of during pressing a conical elastic part 33 composed of intermediate member 28 and moving an opening valve 29 due to the air pressure generated while the inner moving body 10 ascends and descends so that the inner hole 30 is opened and cosmetics liquid is discharged to the brush 56 by passing vertical and horizontal discharge guider 29a, 29b and liquid transporting passage 36 formed in upper and lower part of an opening valve 29 through a discharger 54, that the inner moving body 10 descends due to the expansion force of a conical elastic part 33 and the elastic force of a spring 34 and returns, and that the inner hole 30 is closed by an inclined plane 29c formed in a upper part of an opening valve 29 to prevent cosmetics liquid from being discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Young-kwang Byun
  • Patent number: 7314329
    Abstract: This invention is related to a structure of cosmetics liquid discharge guider of the cosmetics case 1. The cosmetics case is object of during pressing a conical elastic part 33 composed of intermediate member 28 and moving an opening valve 29 due to the air pressure generated while the inner moving body 10 ascends and descends so that the inner hole 30 is opened and cosmetics liquid is discharged to the brush 56 by passing vertical and horizontal discharge guider 29a, 29b and liquid transporting passage 36 formed in upper and lower part of an opening valve 29 through a discharger 54, that the inner moving body 10 descends due to the expansion force of a conical elastic part 33 and the elastic force of a spring 34 and returns, and that the inner hole 30 is closed by an inclined plane 29c formed in a upper part of an opening valve 29 to prevent cosmetics liquid from being discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Young-Kwang Byun
  • Patent number: 7223038
    Abstract: An apparatus spreads flowable materials such as adhesives and/or sealants on a surface such as a floor and/or a wall. The apparatus has a pad retainer for a removable spreader pad and a reservoir chamber for flowable material pivotally attached to the pad retainer to permit pivoting of the reservoir chamber frontwards and backwards. The reservoir chamber has an adjustable gate through which the flowable material may exit. The gate is proximal the bottom of the reservoir chamber and complementary to the width of the pad retaining means to permit more uniform spreading of the flowable material. A handle is attached to and extends from the reservoir chamber. The handle may pivot from side to side on the reservoir chamber and may be hollow to house a cable associated with the means for opening the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Billy Star Holding Ltd
    Inventors: David E. Livingstone, Robin G. Pitman, Ronald W. Matechuk
  • Patent number: 7223039
    Abstract: An automatic toothbrushing assembly has a handle casing and a reservoir casing connected to each other by mating grooves and ribs. The reservoir casing has a reservoir space containing toothpaste, and which has an inner stepped series of lateral feet and an opening at an upper end thereof, and a cover. The handle casing has an outer stepped series of feet and contains a brush having a handle and a brush head, with a spring extending between the handle casing and the brush handle. A latching assembly permits latching of the cover to the handle casing. A piston is located in the reservoir space and has elastic lateral wings which incrementally advance upwardly along the stepped series of feet of the reservoir casing, and an elastic piston tail which incrementally advances upwardly along the stepped series of feet of the handle casing upon application of downward sliding force ion the reservoir casing relative to the handle casing, thereby extruding toothpaste to a position where the brush head is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Pjer-Mise Velickovic
  • Patent number: 7070353
    Abstract: A toothbrush has an axially displaceable trigger at the upper end of a handle to force toothpaste into an extension provided with the brush and which is retractable in the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Alberto Raul Bostal
  • Patent number: 7040830
    Abstract: A fluid-dispensing kitchen apparatus has a body including a fluid reservoir and a handle, the reservoir being closed by an end plate which is welded to the body and is, in turn, latched to a cleaning medium block. An embodiment has a resilient tab on the block engaging an edge of the housing plate. Aligned holes through the plate and the block which provide communication between the reservoir and the plate is openable and closeable by a valve actuated by an increase in pressure provided by depressing a resilient button. In an embodiment, the resilient button includes a bias member to return the button to its rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Adriana Kliegman, Alec Holly Drummond, Steven Dibdin, Wilfrido Loor, Goeran Jerstroem, John Thomas Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 7007338
    Abstract: An advanced cleaning system comprising cleaning compositions, pads, and implements provide effective cleaning of soft and hard surfaces. The system includes (a) a handle portion, the handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end, (b) a cleaning head portion that is attached to the distal end of the handle portion and that is adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad; (c) a cradle that is secured to the handle portion, and (d) a detachable cleaning aerosol reservoir for delivering cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion, wherein the reservoir is positioned within the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Aram Garabedian, Jr., Michael J. Hall, Maria G. Ochomogo, Marcus Wang, Andrew Kilkenny, Kaj A. Johnson, Thomas Silk, Michael H. Robbins, Aaron R. London, Dennis Rich, Doug Walker
  • Patent number: 7004663
    Abstract: A cleaning device, which has a swivel mounted removable sponge, a rigid arm, a pair of hollow tubes, and a hollow handle capable of containing cleaning fluid. Buttons located on the handle allow the user to release the cleaning fluid into the tubes and down into the sponge during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Carolyn Cupidon-Ebanks
  • Patent number: 6953299
    Abstract: A system for treating a work surface including a handle portion, a first tool head adapted for use with a removable pad and a second tool head, both connectable to the handle portion, and a first fluid reservoir is disclosed. In some arrangements, the second tool head can be used with a removable pad or can include an electric motor. A controller can be provided for releasing and stopping fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir. An optional second fluid reservoir can also be used. The first tool head and the first fluid reservoir can include a first indicium that can be characterized by a feature such as color, shape, picture, text, or sound. The indicium can signify a work surface, a purpose for surface treatment, a mode of operation or instructions. Surface treatments include applying, cleaning, scrubbing, waxing, polishing, disinfecting, killing mites, killing fleas, detoxifying, neutralizing allergens, painting, removing liquids, and fertilizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Marcus Wang, Thomas Silk, Michael J. Hall, Aaron R. London, Kaj Johnson
  • Patent number: 6948875
    Abstract: A toothbrush device is provided, which includes a brush, a toothpaste storing case, and a push-button pump disposed between the brush and the toothpaste storing case; a first check valve disposed between the toothpaste storing case and the pump, a second check valve disposed between the first check valve and the toothpaste storing case, and a first spring disposed between the first and second check valves; wherein the first check valve includes a second spring and a piston in sequence in a direction away from the pump, and has a working element which includes a rod with movement grooves at a first end thereof and a securing part at a second end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Hyo Sol Jang
  • Publication number: 20040247370
    Abstract: A mop assembly including a mop head and handle, and a supply of liquid connected to a valve assembly on the handle adjacent the mop head. The valve assembly includes a length of resiliently flexible tubing that has a portion extending transversely through the handle and first and second members on opposite sides of the length of tubing that are relatively movable between a closed position at which the first and second members pinch together opposite sides of the length of tubing to stop the flow of liquid through it, and an open position at which the first and second members are spaced apart to afford flow of liquid through it. Should the tubing become plugged, it can easily be replaced by disconnecting one end from a liquid supply length of tubing, withdrawing the tubing from between the first and second members, and then installing a new length of tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: John J. Dyer, Gary L. Olson, David A. Maurer, Raymond N. Maurer, Joseph J. Fodrocy
  • Publication number: 20040184867
    Abstract: A system for treating a work surface including a handle portion, a first tool head adapted for use with a removable pad and a second tool head, both connectable to the handle portion, and a first fluid reservoir is disclosed. In some arrangements, the second tool head can be used with a removable pad or can include an electric motor. A controller can be provided for releasing and stopping fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir. An optional second fluid reservoir can also be used. The first tool head and the first fluid reservoir can include a first indicium that can be characterized by a feature such as color, shape, picture, text, or sound. The indicium can signify a work surface, a purpose for surface treatment, a mode of operation or instructions. Surface treatments include applying, cleaning, scrubbing, waxing, polishing, disinfecting, killing mites, killing fleas, detoxifying, neutralizing allergens, painting, removing liquids, and fertilizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Marcus Wang, Thomas Silk, Michael J. Hall, Aaron R. London, Kaj Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040141798
    Abstract: An advanced cleaning system comprising cleaning compositions, pads, and implements provide effective cleaning of soft and hard surfaces. The system includes (a) a handle portion, the handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end, (b) a cleaning head portion that is attached to the distal end of the handle portion and that is adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad; (c) a cradle that is secured to the handle portion, and (d) a detachable cleaning aerosol reservoir for delivering cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion, wherein the reservoir is positioned within the cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Aram Garabedian, Michael J. Hall, Maria G. Ochomogo, Marcus Wang, Andrew Kilkenny, Kaj A. Johnson, Thomas Silk, Michael H. Robbins, Aaron R. London, Dennis Rich, Doug Walker
  • Publication number: 20040141797
    Abstract: An advanced cleaning system comprising cleaning compositions, pads, and implements provide effective cleaning of soft and hard surfaces. The implement comprises a handle portion (14) with a proximal end and a distal end, a cleaning head portion (12), the cleaning head portion (12) adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad (40), and an aerosol cleaner (24) coupled to the cleaning head portion (12) such that cleaning fluid is applied adjacent the cleaning head portion (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Aram Garabedian, Michael J. Hall, Carl Kling, Robert W. Flagler, Gordon Kapp, Aaron London, Douglas Walker, Dennis Rich
  • Patent number: 6746166
    Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently cleaning stains and extracting cleaning fluid from surfaces such as carpets and upholstery without requiring electrical power is presented. The invention eliminates the inconvenience of retrieving, filling with cleaning fluid, and plugging a deep cleaner into an electrical outlet in order to remove a small spot from a carpet. In addition to the scrubbing and fluid extracting capabilities, embodiments of the invention include a sprayer for applying cleaning fluid to stains. The sprayer may receive fluid from an attached refillable reservoir of cleaning solution, for example. During scrubbing, the top of a pump actuator provides resting place for the heel of a user's palm. The pump actuator may be locked down when scrubbing and unlocked for pumping to suck up fluid. A piston in a chamber provides the suction force for pulling fluid up through tubules, which may be interspersed between bristle tufts, past check valves and into a waste reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Art Center College of Design
    Inventors: Kee-Sook Jeon, Steven M. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6739782
    Abstract: A handheld portable oral cleaning device that includes a refillable internal bladder, which a user is able to fill with a liquid. The bladder is preferably an expandable but resilient latex rubber. One end of the bladder is accessible to the user, such that the user may fill the bladder with a liquid, such as water from a faucet. As the bladder fills with water it expands and exerts a pressure on the water as the bladder has a tendency to return to its original unfilled form. The pressurized water may then be sprayed out of the oral cleaning device to assist in cleaning the user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Rehco, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Peter Greenley
  • Patent number: 6692172
    Abstract: A mop assembly with liquid detergent supply has a detergent storage bottle connected between the mop and the handle of a mop, a pump installed inside the storage bottle, a sucking tube disposed at one end of the pump, and an outlet nozzle connected with the storage bottle disposed on the other end of the pump, so that the handle pushes the pump and compresses a spring to resume the pump into its original position. Such back and forth movement squeezes the liquid detergent out from the pump and sucks liquid detergent into the pump when the pump resumes its position, and thus spraying the detergent out from the outlet nozzle. By means of the handle directly driving the pump in the storage bottle for the back and forth squeezing, it gives the convenience of supplying detergent before mopping. Furthermore, an n-shape contractible support rod is disposed each on both sides of the mop to fit mops of different specifications, and thus having the effect of expanding the applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Hsing-Yuan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20040028456
    Abstract: There is disclosed a travel toothbrush through which dental cream may be dispensed one-handed. The toothbrush comprises a hollow, elongated handle; a cartridge in which dental cream is stored, this cartridge being sized to fit within the hollow handle; and a brush head portion having an aperture through which dental cream from the cartridge is dispensed within and beneath its brush head portion, when a pivotable valve in that brush head portion is moved to an open position by the operator's thumb or finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Juan David Giraldo
  • Patent number: 6688796
    Abstract: A press-type make-up brush is disclosed and the brush comprises a brush shaft having a cavity to contain cosmetic fluid; a brush tip positioned at one end of the shaft and containing a brushing section protruded beyond the end portion thereof; a cap body covered the outside of the brush tip; a squeezing device mounted at one end of the shaft; including a screw shaft having one end being a piston extended to the cavity, a driving device having one end provided with a screw hole for mounting the other end of the screw shaft, and one end of the driving device being a press button with restoration force, and each pressing of the press button caused the screw shaft to turn with an angle, thereby the screw shaft moves to a position by means of the screw hole and the make-up fluid within the cavity is squeezed out for utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ming Hsiung Liu
  • Patent number: 6669390
    Abstract: A breath freshening apparatus includes a toothbrush and an atomizer. The toothbrush has bristles and a reservoir containing mouthwash. The atomizer is coupled to the reservoir and the bristles, where actuation of the atomizer results in a mist of the mouthwash being applied to the bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: John J. Porter, Reginald Jarvis, Michael Peters
  • Patent number: 6659670
    Abstract: A mop is comprised of a handle, a stem extending from the handle, and a mop head connected to the lower end of the stem by a hinged joint. The stem is comprised of plural collapsible sections. A trigger is hinged to the handle. A spray bottle is positioned in the mop head. A cable is connected between the trigger and a spray mechanism on the spray bottle, and is positioned through the stem and hinged joint. A spring is connected between the trigger and the inner end of the handle to enable the cable to be pulled away slightly from the handle for collapsing the stem. A nozzle on the spray bottle is positioned towards one side of the mop head, and angled to spray the fluid at an acute angle across the front of the mop head. A replaceable pad is detachably secured to the mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: AMS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Blousé
  • Patent number: 6644877
    Abstract: A cleaning tool includes a hollow rod extending through a tank for receiving detergent and connected to a cleaning member at a lower open end of the rod. A detergent feeding mechanism is received in the rod and includes a valve body which has a lower open end sealed by a guide member extending therethrough. The rod has an aperture located in the tank so that the detergent flows into the rod. The guide member is connected to a head which is fixed to a movable member received in the rod. A collar is rotatably connected to the movable member so that when rotating the collar, the movable member together with the head is moved longitudinally in the rod to open the lower open end of the valve body so that detergent is supplied to the cleaning member. The collar is located close to the handle of the rod and is convenient to be accessed by the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: He-Jin Chen
  • Patent number: 6623201
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning toilets, bathroom fixtures, and other surfaces. The device encloses a reservoir contained in a hollow handle for storing a cleaning solution, with a cap connected to one end of the handle and a base connected to the other end of the handle. A brush, sponge or other scrubber or cleaning surface is preferably attached to the base. A manually operated flow control mechanism opens a valve which seals at least one exit or dispensing orifice at or near the base of the reservoir, and thereby allows volume of cleaning solution to be dispensed at a reasonably fast, controlled rate of flow. In one embodiment, manually operated vacuum pressure release orifices are located at the opposite end of the reservoir from the exit orifice and are normally closed, but may be opened to minimize or eliminate any vacuum (subatmospheric pressure) in the reservoir, thereby aiding the flow of liquid from the reservoir through the exit orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: John Francois Brumlik
  • Patent number: 6554520
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiji Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 6533482
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cosmetic article having an improved dispensing structure, which compactly combines liquid cosmetic product with an applicator used for applying the liquid cosmetic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Young Kwang Byun
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6439790
    Abstract: A brush is provided for allowing a user to dispense liquid soap on the head of a brush member to aid in the cleaning of a surface. The soap brush includes a housing that has a head portion and a handle portion extending from the head portion. The housing is for holding a supply of the liquid soap. The head portion is structured to include a soap dispensing hole. The brush member is coupled to the head portion of the housing. A soap release assembly disposed in the head portion is movable between an open position and a closed position. The open position permits release of the liquid soap through the soap dispensing hole of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Sam Kay
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20010006589
    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: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Applicant: Geerpres, Inc. of Muskegon, Michigan
    Inventors: Joseph John Fodrocy, Robert Bell Abrahamson, Michael David Gluhanich
  • Patent number: 6224283
    Abstract: A fluid-containing brush (10) has a housing (11) with a generally cylindrical side wall (12) closed at one end by a base (20) carrying brush bristles (25) and at the other by a removable cap (50). The housing (11) defines a fluid reservoir and the base (20) has a central bore (21) therein closed by a valve member (32) for dispensing liquid to the brush bristles (25). A valve stem (31) extends up to an actuator button (58) formed on the cap (50). The button (58) is made of elastomeric material and is used to actuate the valve to dispense cleaning fluid. A sealing ring (64) is provided between the cap (50) and housing (11) to ensure a fluid tight connection between the cap (50) and the side wall (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Hayco Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald Hay
  • Patent number: 6210064
    Abstract: A fluid-containing brush has a housing with a generally cylindrical wall open at one end and closed at the other end by a base carrying the brush bristles. The housing defines a fluid reservoir and the base has a central opening therein closed by a valve member for dispensing liquid to the brush bristles. The valve is normally spring-biased closed and has a valve stem extending upwardly through the reservoir and having its upper end connected to an actuator button which is received in an opening in a cap removably attached to the housing. An elastomeric seal covers the cap and actuator button and seals the opening therebetween while permitting manual actuation of the button from above the cap to open the valve, the seal having a gasket lip portion engageable with the housing to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: General Housewares Corp.
    Inventors: Carly R. White, Dean Chapman
  • Patent number: 6176632
    Abstract: A liquid container such that the liquid received in it will not easily spring out from its tip even if it is wrongly operated, comprises a tank portion for receiving a liquid, a knock bar stretching axially movably within the tank portion which is designed to have on its axial tip portion a pump shelf portion whose diameter have been enlarged, an induction bar fixed into the tip of the knock bar, a brush provided on the tip side of the induction bar, and a spring for always energizing the above knock bar and induction bar rearward. On the internal periphery surface of the above tank portion, a plurality of ribs are formed which stretch axially and on top of which the above pump shelf portion can slide, the internal periphery surface ahead of the ribs is at the same level as and continuous with the top face of the ribs and designed as a diameter-reducing portion where the pump shelf portion can slide. The pump shelf portion slidably touches the ribs when it is not biased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Kotobuki Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehei Kageyama, Yoshio Noguchi, Tomohiro Fueki