US4601081A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Disposable utensil for cleaning and disinfecting toilet seats and other articles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-10-03
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Granted: 1986-07-22
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Expires: 2004-10-03
Abstract
Abstract A disposable utensil particularly designed for cleaning and disinfecting toilet seats in public restrooms prior to their use. The utensil comprises a pad means impregnated with a cleaning and disinfecting liquid mounted to one end of a handle means. At least the pad means portion of the utensil is encased in an air-tight covering means so that the utensil may be stored until ready for use. The utensil is approximately six inches in total length, so that it may easily be kept in a purse, automobile glove compartment, or other convenient location until needed. When needed, the covering means is removed; the utensil is used and then discarded. According to an alternative embodiment, the utensil includes two pad means: one impregnated with a liquid for cleaning and disinfecting toilet seats or other articles, the other left dry for drying the toilet seat or other article after it has been cleaned. If desired, the pad means may be formed with a curved surface configured to the surface of a toilet seat. The utensil is low in cost, and, therefore disposable after one use; compact in size, and, thus, easily stored; and highly effective in cleaning and disinfecting toilet seats and other articles.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond K. Sutton
- 👤 Reba A. Kelly
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 01:25
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47L; A47L13/00; A47L13/10; A47L13/16; A47L13/17; A47L13/42; A47L13/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A disposable utensil for cleaning toilet seats and other articles, said utensil comprising: a handle; first and second pad means, said first pad means being impregnated with a cleaning liquid for cleaning a toilet seat or other article, and said second pad means being substantially dry for drying said toilet seat or other article after being cleaned by said first pad means; securing means for attaching said first and second pad means to said handle in a substantially permanent manner; and removable covering means for encasing at least said first pad means in an air-tight manner for maintaining said first pad means moist and ready for substantially immediate use when needed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A disposable utensil for cleaning toilet seats and other articles, said utensil comprising: a handle; first and second pad means, said first pad means being impregnated with a cleaning liquid for cleaning a toilet seat or other article, and said second pad means being substantially dry for drying said toilet seat or other article after being cleaned by said first pad means; securing means for attaching said first and second pad means to said handle in a substantially permanent manner; and removable covering means for encasing at least said first pad means in an air-tight manner for maintaining said first pad means moist and ready for substantially immediate use when needed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The utensil of claim 1 wherein said covering means comprises a plastic shrink wrap enclosing at least said first pad means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The utensil of claim 1 wherein said cleaning liquid comprises a cleaning and disinfecting liquid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The utensil of claim 1 wherein said first and second pad means each include a concave curved outer surface substantially configured to the surface of a toilet seat.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
The utensil of claim 4 wherein said handle includes a handle portion extending between said first and second pad means, said first and second pad means being mounted to said handle portion in back-to-back relationship on opposite sides of said handle portion, and wherein said securing means includes means for securing said first and second pad means to said handle portion in a substantially permanent manner.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The utensil of claim 1 wherein the total length of said utensil is approximately six inches.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
80 words
A fully disposable utensil for cleaning and disinfecting toilet seats and other articles, said utensil comprising: a handle; first and second pads, said first pad being impregnated with a cleaning and disinfecting liquid and said second pad being substantially dry; securing means for attaching said first and second pads to opposite sides of said handle adjacent an end thereof in a substantially permanent manner; and covering means for encasing at least said first and second pads in an air-tight manner.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
80 words
A fully disposable utensil for cleaning and disinfecting toilet seats and other articles, said utensil comprising: a handle; first and second pads, said first pad being impregnated with a cleaning and disinfecting liquid and said second pad being substantially dry; securing means for attaching said first and second pads to opposite sides of said handle adjacent an end thereof in a substantially permanent manner; and covering means for encasing at least said first and second pads in an air-tight manner.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The utensil of claim 7 wherein said first and second pads each include a concave curved, outer surface substantially configured to the surface of a toilet seat.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
90 words
A disposable utensil for cleaning toilet seats and other articles, said utensil comprising: a handle; absorbent pad means attached to said handle, said absorbent pad means having a concave curved surface configured to the surface of a toilet seat and being impregnated with a cleaning liquid; securing means for attaching said pad means to said handle in a substantially permanent manner; and removable covering means for encasing at least said pad means in an air-tight manner for maintaining said pad means moist and ready for substantially immediate use when needed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
90 words
A disposable utensil for cleaning toilet seats and other articles, said utensil comprising: a handle; absorbent pad means attached to said handle, said absorbent pad means having a concave curved surface configured to the surface of a toilet seat and being impregnated with a cleaning liquid; securing means for attaching said pad means to said handle in a substantially permanent manner; and removable covering means for encasing at least said pad means in an air-tight manner for maintaining said pad means moist and ready for substantially immediate use when needed.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The utensil of claim 9 wherein said securing means comprises an adhesive.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The utensil of claim 9 wherein said securing means comprising staple means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The utensil of claim 9 wherein said pad means includes a cavity for receiving an end of said handle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-07-21 | 1990-01-20 | 1990-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-07-21 | 1994-01-20 | 1994-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-07-21 | 1998-01-20 | 1998-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |