Bissell Inc.

Bissell Health Care Corporation

Susan G Bledsoe

Gordon W Goodrich

Michael H Voelz

Kim R Townsend

Michael Heidenreich

A carpet sweeper, vacuum cleaner or other upright floor cleaning device includes a base unit (2) and a handle (6) freely pivoted on the base unit for translation over a floor (3). The handle pivots in a vertical plane (9) extending transverse to the base unit support wheel axles (5). A handle grip (10) includes a first grip portion (12) which is coaxial with the handle and forms an extension thereof. The outer end of the first grip portion connects with a second grip portion (14) which comprises an arm (15) graspable by the operator, with the arm extending forwardly (upwardly when in use) of the handle. The arm is disposed in the vertical plane (9) and is bowed or curved from its point of anchorage with the first grip portion (12) to its opposite end, which is disposed in a plane (19) transverse to the first grip portion and passing between the latter's ends. The curvature of the outer arm surface is adapted to nest in a cup formed by the operator's closed hand. The said opposite end of the arm merges into a third grip portion which forms a brace (20) extending diagonally rearwardly (downwardly when in use) back to and connecting with the first grip portion. Instead of the operator's fingers being arrayed along the handle at an acute angle to a horizontal plane containing the wheel axles (5), as in prior upright cleaning devices, the fingers are arrayed normal to the pivotable handle and at an obtuse angle to the axles, thus creating a stronger wrist position. Also, since the handle is effectively below the grip during use, the handle itself is pivotally positioned at a smaller angle to the floor than previously.

Floor cleaning device with improved handle grip

A wrist and forearm range-of-motion exercising device includes a first member adapted to be secured to a portion of the hand, a second member adapted to be secured to a portion of the upper arm and interconnecting means, including a one-way clutch, for interconnecting the members and providing unidirectional rotation along the axis of interconnection. The device retains the forearm in the position to which it is rotated under the control of the patient or as assisted by a therapist. A tension release device may be actuated to allow the forearm to return to the relaxed position.

Growing community of inventors

New Lenox, IL, United States of America

Susan G Bledsoe