Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation

Vicki Ingram

A flow control device ( ) for selectively controlling a flow of a fluid, including a high-viscosity fluid, such as, for example, engine oil, from a relatively large capacity container, such as, for example, a five quart container, wherein the device ( ) has a lower port configuration operable to substantially reduce glugging effects, thereby allowing for a maximized rate of fluid transfer through a relatively narrow exit opening ( ). The device ( ) broadly comprises an adapter ( ); a body ( ); and a cover ( ). The body ( ) and cover ( ) cooperate to provide fully selectable control over the flow. The fluid flows through ports ( ) in either the body ( ) or the cover ( ), which are movable relative to one another so as to selectively control exposure of the ports ( ) to the fluid. Thus, for example, in a first extreme position, the ports ( ) are completely blocked and no fluid flows; while in a second extreme position, the ports ( ) are completely unblocked and the fluid flows at a maximum rate.

Flow control device for large capacity container

A wash brush ( ) having a handle ( ) securely coupleable with a cleaning head ( ) by a ratchet-like coupling mechanism ( ), and including a flowpath control mechanism ( ) 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 ( ) to the head-mounted flowpath control mechanism ( ) which is operable to selectively control flow characteristics, including pattern and direction.

Wash brush system with removable head

A tool ( ) for removing ice, snow, and general debris from vehicles. The tool ( ) broadly comprises an elongated handle ( ) having opposed first and second ends, a brush head ( ) pivotally coupled to the first end of the handle ( ) by a pivot mechanism ( ), and a scraper ( ) attached to the second end of the handle ( ). The pivot mechanism ( ) comprises a spring-loaded knob ( ) which may be easily actuated with one hand and whose large proportions make operation by gloved hands convenient. To pivot the brush ( ), an operator merely depresses and turns the knob ( ) of the pivoting mechanism ( ). Two pair of detents ( ), arranged 90&deg; to one another, lock the brush ( ) into a first position, in which the brush is aligned with the handle ( ) and may be used with a sweeping motion, or a second position, in which the brush ( ) is perpendicular to the handle ( ) and may be used with a pushing or pulling motion.

Tool having a scraper and a pivotally-mounted brush for cleaning and sweeping

A versatile pouring system ( ) reducible to constituent components having independent and combinatorial functionality. The pouring system ( ) comprises a funnel ( ), including a removable filter ( ); a first spout ( ); a second spout ( ); and a cap ( ). The funnel ( ) is semi-rectangular with an offset neck ( ) to securely receive and support common one quart fluid containers. The removable filter ( ) is operatively positioned within the funnel neck ( ) to trap and retain residue or debris. The spouts ( ) are of different lengths and are coupleable with the funnel ( ), with one another, or with common wide or small-mouthed fluid containers. The cap ( ) fits both spouts ( ). All four constituent components can be assembled into a single coherent unit for convenient storage.

Versatile pouring system including a funnel and spouts

A ratchet-like coupling mechanism ( ) for releaseably coupling a cleaning head ( ) to a handle ( ). The mechanism ( ) comprises a handle adaptor ( ); a sleeve ( ); an engagement arm ( ); and an engagement wheel ( ). Where a liquid delivering handle ( ) is used, the handle adaptor ( ) operates to adapt the mechanism ( ) to avoid interfering with the liquid flowpath. The handle adaptor ( ) may be eliminated where a solid handle is used. The sleeve ( ) secures to the handle adaptor ( ) or directly to the handle, and supports the engagement arm ( ). The engagement wheel ( ) is secured to the head ( ). The arm ( ) and wheel ( ) present oppositely biased teeth ( ) allowing the adaptor ( ) or handle to be threadably coupled with the head ( ), but which must be disengaged, by actuating the arm ( ), to uncouple the head ( ) from the handle ( ).

Growing community of inventors

Emporia, KS, United States of America

Vicki Ingram