U.S. patent application number 09/876622 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-24 for cleansing assembly comprising a grip and one or more cleansing elements.
Invention is credited to Hart, Gerald Leslie.
Application Number | 20020007527 09/876622 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19768276 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020007527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hart, Gerald Leslie |
January 24, 2002 |
Cleansing assembly comprising a grip and one or more cleansing
elements
Abstract
Cleansing assembly comprising one or more cleansing elements and
a grip with one or more attachment openings for attachment of a
cleansing element, in which assembly the cleansing element consists
of sheet material which, in the dry state, is substantially rigid
and dimensionally stable, and comprises prefabricated, coupling
components which, after the cleansing element has been attached to
the grip, project into one or more attachment openings.
Inventors: |
Hart, Gerald Leslie;
(Surbiton, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
|
Family ID: |
19768276 |
Appl. No.: |
09/876622 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09876622 |
Jun 7, 2001 |
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PCT/IB99/01956 |
Dec 8, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/104.94 ;
15/210.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/104.94 ;
15/210.1 |
International
Class: |
B24D 015/04; A46B
017/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 8, 1998 |
NL |
NL 1010754 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Cleansing assembly at least comprising one or more cleansing
elements and a grip, which grip comprises one or more attachment
openings for attachment of a cleansing element through frictional
interaction of the cleansing element with the one or more
attachment openings, the cleansing element comprising coupling
components which, after the cleansing element has been attached to
the grip, project into the one or more attachment openings, wherein
the cleansing element consists of sheet material which, in the dry
state, is substantially rigid and dimensionally stable, and the
coupling components comprise one or more areas in the cleansing
element which are at least partially delimited by incisions and/or
lines of weakening, which areas can be bent out of the plane of the
cleansing element when the cleansing element is attached to the
grip.
2. Cleansing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the areas which
are delimited by the incisions or lines of weakening are
substantially U-shaped, V-shaped or T-shaped.
3. Cleansing assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of
the areas comprises a section whose width is greater than the
internal dimension of the attachment opening which it is intended
to be coupled to.
4. Holder comprising a cleansing assembly according to claim 1,
which holder comprises at least two compartments, a first
compartment for cleansing elements and a second compartment for a
grip.
5. Holder according to claim 4, wherein one or more press-on
components, which are intended to interact with the one or more
coupling components of a cleansing element, are located on the base
of the second compartment of the holder.
6. Holder according to claim 4, wherein there are means for moving
a cleansing element from the first compartment into the second
compartment.
7. Holder according to claim 4, wherein the compartments are
substantially tubular and are arranged vertically next to one
another, and are also in communication with one another, via an
opening, in the vicinity of the base, and the first compartment
comprises ejector means for ejecting a cleansing element from the
first compartment into the second compartment.
8. Cleansing element for a cleansing assembly, said cleansing
assembly at least comprising a grip, which grip comprises one or
more attachment openings for attachment of a cleansing element
through frictional interaction of the cleansing element with the
one or more attachment openings, the cleansing element comprising
coupling components which after the cleansing element has been
attached to the grip project into the one or more attachment
openings, wherein the cleansing element consists of sheet material
which, in the dry state is substantially rigid and dimensionally
stable, and the coupling components comprise one or more areas in
the cleansing element which are at least partially delimited by
incisions and/or lines of weakening which areas can be bent out of
the plane of the cleansing element when the cleansing element is
attached to the grip.
9. Cleansing element according to claim 8, wherein the cleansing
element comprises water-dispersible sheet material.
10. Cleansing element according to claim 8, wherein the cleansing
element has a cleansing surface which is slightly convex.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of PCT/IB99/01956 filed
on Aug. 12, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates firstly to a cleansing
assembly at least comprising one or more cleansing elements and a
grip, which grip comprises one or more attachment openings for
attachment of a cleansing element through frictional interaction of
the cleansing element with the one or more attachment openings, the
cleansing element compromising coupling components which, after the
cleansing element has been attached to the grip, project into the
one or more attachment openings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A cleansing assembly of this nature is known in the prior
art and is described, for example, in EP-A-0 568 150. The
abovementioned European Patent Application discloses a cleansing
device which comprises a grip to which a support plate with an
opening is attached. A sheet of water-dispersible cleansing
material can be attached to the support plate as a result of the
support plate, with the sheet of cleansing material on it, being
pressed against a press-on projection, with the result that a
section of the cleansing material is pressed into the opening.
After use, the pad of cleansing material can be removed by
actuation of an ejector member which is present in the grip.
[0004] In this device, loose sheets of cleansing material have to
be manually applied to a surface which comprises the press-on
projection. Obviously, this is undesirable from a hygiene
viewpoint. Furthermore, the sheet of cleansing material is
considerably deformed when it is attached to the support plate,
making it impossible to produce a well-defined, planar cleansing
surface. Furthermore, it is impossible to use a rigid material as
cleansing material, and consequently good attachment to the support
plate, particularly at the edge of the support plate, is not
guaranteed. There is a risk that the sheet will "hang down" after
it has been attached to the support plate.
[0005] In the case of other cleansing elements which are known in
the prior art, the same problems arise or, as is the case in U.S.
Pat. No. 2,648,085, the cleansing element is excessively thick,
making it difficult to attach to and release from the grip.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution
to the abovementioned problems, and to this end it is characterized
in that the cleansing element consists of sheet material which, in
the dry state, is substantially rigid and dimensionally stable, and
that the coupling components comprise one or more areas in the
cleansing element which are at least partially delimited by
incisions and/or lines of weakening, which areas can be bent out of
the plane of the cleansing element when the cleansing element is
attached to the grip.
[0007] This defines areas in the cleansing element which can
interact frictionally, as a result of being bent, with attachment
openings in the grip, and are thus able to ensure that a cleansing
element is attached to the grip.
[0008] The cleansing assembly is particularly suitable for use when
cleaning lavatory bowls, although it is not limited to this
application. It is also suitable for cleaning urinals, shower
trays, washbasins, etc.
[0009] A cleansing element can be attached to the grip by placing
the cleansing element against the grip and pressing the one or more
coupling components of the cleansing element into the attachment
openings in the grip.
[0010] Preferably, the cleansing assembly according to the
invention comprises release means for releasing the cleansing
element from the grip. Release means of this nature may, for
example, be designed in the form of a push rod in the grip,
optionally provided with suitably designed ejector components.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, these areas which are delimited
by incisions or lines of weakening are substantially U-shaped,
V-shaped or T-shaped. These areas thus comprise one or more lips in
the cleansing element which can easily be bent over.
[0012] Advantageously, at least one area comprises a section whose
width is greater than the internal dimension of the attachment
opening which it is intended to be coupled to. After the cleansing
element has been fitted, that section of the area which is wider
than the attachment opening with which it interacts projects out of
the opening and over the material of the grip, thus completely
eliminating the possibility of the cleansing element falling out of
the grip. These embodiments will be explained in more detail below
in the description of the figures.
[0013] In principle, one coupling means is sufficient for attaching
a cleansing element to the grip. Preferably, however, there are two
or more coupling means. This provides more secure attachment, in
particular between the edge of the cleansing element and the edge
of the grip in the vicinity of the attachment openings.
Advantageously, the coupling means are present in the vicinity of
the edge of the cleansing element.
[0014] The invention furthermore provides a holder comprising a
cleansing assembly according to the invention, which holder
comprises at least two compartments, a first compartment for
cleansing elements and a second compartment for a grip. Since the
cleansing elements are rigid and dimensionally stable, it is easy
for a stack of cleansing elements to be introduced into the first
compartment, and when used, one of these cleansing elements can be
removed from this compartment in order to be attached to the
grip.
[0015] As has already been stated above, a cleansing element with
coupling components which comprise areas which are at least
partially delimited by incisions and/or lines of weakening can be
arranged on a grip as a result of the cleansing element being
placed against the grip and the coupling components of the
cleansing element being bent into the attachment openings in the
grip. This bending may take place in a variety of ways, for example
by hand or using a separate press-on component.
[0016] Preferably, one or more press-on components, which are
intended to interact with the one or more coupling components of a
cleansing element, are located on the base of the second
compartment of the holder. In this way, it is possible to arrange a
cleansing element on the grip as a result of the cleansing element
being moved into the second compartment of the holder, after which
it falls to the base. As a result of the grip with the cleansing
element then being pressed against the one or more press-on
projections, the areas in question will bend into the attachment
openings in the grip, thus bringing about the attachment.
[0017] Although the cleansing elements may be attached manually one
by one, it is preferable for the holder to comprise means for
moving a cleansing element out of the first compartment into the
second compartment. This further improves hygiene. Advantageously,
the invention provides a holder in which the compartments are
substantially tubular and are arranged vertically next to one
another, while they are also in communication with one another, via
an opening, in the vicinity of the base, and the first compartment
comprises ejector means for ejecting a cleansing element out of the
first compartment into the second compartment. This ensures that a
compact design is combined with actuation which is as hygienic as
possible.
[0018] The ejector means for ejecting a cleansing element from the
first compartment into the second compartment may be designed in
many ways. They may be means which can be actuated by hand or by
foot, such as for example a slide or a revolving disc.
[0019] The grip preferably compromises additional attachment means
which are able to interact with one or more coupling components of
a cleansing element, which have been moved into the attachments
openings of the grip. This allows the cleansing element to be even
more reliably attached to the grip. This embodiment will be
explained in more detail below in the description of the
figures.
[0020] The grip preferably comprises a pivotable head which
comprises the attachment openings. The presence of a pivotable head
makes the grip easier to handle while it is being used to clean a
lavatory bowl, for example. The pivotable head ensures a better
cleaning action.
[0021] The invention furthermore provides a cleansing element for a
cleansing assembly, said cleansing assembly at least comprising a
grip, which grip comprises one or more attachment openings for
attachment of a cleansing element through frictional interaction of
the cleansing element with the one or more attachment openings, the
cleansing element comprising coupling components which after the
cleansing element has been attached to the grip project into the
one or more attachment openings, characterized in that the
cleansing element consists of sheet material which, in the dry
state is substantially rigid and dimensionally stable, and that the
coupling components comprise one or more areas in the cleansing
element which are at least partially delimited by incisions and/or
lines of weakening which areas can be bent out of the plane of the
cleansing element when the cleansing element is attached to the
grip.
[0022] The said cleansing element preferably consists of a
water-dispersible sheet material. In this case, after use the
cleansing element can be flushed or rinsed away in the lavatory,
the shower tray, etc. Materials of this nature are known in the
prior art and may be appropriately selected by the person skilled
in the art. In particular, the water-dispersible material is a
biodegradable material. Preferably, the material can be dissolved
completely. Examples of such material are paper, papier-mch,
nonwoven material, or some other, for example cellulose-based,
material.
[0023] Advantageously, the cleansing element locally comprises
areas of increased stiffness. This makes the cleansing element
easier to handle. Areas of increased stiffness may, for example, be
created by applying a stronger material or a material which is more
difficult to dissolve in water. Preferably, however, increased
stiffness is provided by local compression of the material of the
cleansing element.
[0024] Particularly preferably, there are areas of increased
stiffness in the vicinity of the coupling means. This ensures that
the coupling means operate more reliably.
[0025] Furthermore, a fold line for the coupling means may be
provided by reducing the thickness of the cleansing element at the
location of the intended bending direction, for example as a result
of material being compressed or omitted. This makes the coupling
means function even more reliably.
[0026] It is also possible for the surface of the cleansing element
to be provided with a certain surface structure in order to
increase its roughness. This is achieved, for example, by stamping
in a structure or pattern, for example ribs, indentations, teeth or
zigzag lines. This structure intensifies the cleaning action.
[0027] In order to further promote the cleaning action, the
cleansing element advantageously comprises a cleansing surface of
slightly convex shape. With a convex shape it is possible in
particular for concave surfaces to be cleaned very
successfully.
[0028] The cleansing elements may also comprise a cleansing agent,
for example impregnated therein in granular, powder, tablet form,
etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIGS. 1a-b show a diagrammatic side view and front view of a
grip according to the invention, provided with a cleansing
element;
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a
cleansing element according to the invention;
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a
cleansing element according to the invention;
[0032] FIG. 4 diagrammatically depicts a cleansing assembly
according to the invention, comprising a grip and cleansing
elements, in a first operating position in a holder;
[0033] FIG. 5 shows the cleansing assembly shown in FIG. 4 in a
second operating position;
[0034] FIGS. 6a-c diagrammatically depict the various steps
involved in attaching a cleansing element in accordance with FIG.
2;
[0035] FIG. 6d shows a partial perspective view from the inside, of
the underside of the head of the grip shown in FIGS. 6a-c;
[0036] FIGS. 7a-b diagrammatically depict the steps involved in
attaching a cleansing element shown in FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 7c shows a partial perspective view from the inside, of
the underside of the head of the grip from FIGS. 7a-b;
[0038] FIG. 8 diagrammatically depicts a grip with release means
for a cleansing element in accordance with FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 9 diagrammatically depicts a grip with release means
for a cleansing element in accordance with FIG. 3;
[0040] FIG. 10 diagrammatically depicts a grip in which there is
arranged a cleansing element with a set of T-shaped coupling areas;
and
[0041] FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a cleansing element with three
substantially H-shaped incisions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a grip 1 according to the invention, which
comprises a shank 2 and a head 3 which are connected to one another
by means of a pivot 4. A cleansing element according to the
invention is diagrammatically depicted by 5. The shape of the
cleansing element and the shape of the head 3 are not subject to
any particular limitations, but are preferably slightly egg-shaped,
as can be seen in FIG. 1b. Advantageously, the external dimensions
of the cleansing element 5 are slightly greater than those of the
head 3. This promotes hygienic use of the grip 1.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cleansing element 5 which comprises a U-shaped incision 6. The lip
7, i.e. the material inside the U-shaped incision, can be bent out,
as shown in FIG. 2.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a cleansing element 5
with an H-shaped incision 8. The U-shaped lips 9 which are formed
in this case can also be bent outwards.
[0045] The lips 7 and 9 of the cleansing elements 5 shown in FIGS.
2 and 3 are used to attach the said cleansing elements to the head
3 of a grip 1, the head 3 comprising suitable attachment openings
15 which will be discussed below.
[0046] FIGS. 4 and 5 show two successive operating steps of a
holder 10 for a cleansing assembly according to the invention. The
holder 10 for the cleansing assembly comprises two compartments 11
and 12. The first compartment 11 is used to hold stack of cleansing
elements 5, and the second compartment 12 is used to store the grip
1 and to attach a new cleansing element 5 to the said grip 1.
[0047] In the vicinity of the base, the compartments 11 and 12 are
in communication with one another by means of an opening 13. One of
the cleansing elements 5' can be pushed through the said opening 13
out of the compartment 11 into the compartment 12 by means which
are not shown. These may, for example, be a slide device which can
be actuated by foot. Other means are also suitable, such as
hand-actuable means or the like.
[0048] A press-on projection 14 according to the invention is
present on the base of the compartment 12. The way in which the
press-on projection 14 operates will be explained in more detail
below.
[0049] FIG. 6 shows, in three steps a, b and c, the way in which a
cleansing element 5 in accordance with FIG. 2 is attached to the
head 3 of a grip according to the invention, using a press-on
projection 14.
[0050] The head 3 of the grip 1 comprises, on its underside, an
attachment opening 15 which is to a large extent closed off by a
hinged resilient lip 16. Furthermore, the head 3 comprises a stop
17 on the inside in the vicinity of the attachment opening 15. When
a cleansing element 5 has been introduced into the compartment 12
via the opening 13 and the grip 1 is lowered onto it, the position
shown in FIG. 6a will be reached. When the grip 1 is pressed
further downwards into the compartment 12, the lip 7 will be forced
out of the cleansing element 5 into the attachment opening 15 by
means of the press-on component 14, with the resilient lip 16 being
opened up. The lip 7 will gradually be pressed further upwards as
the grip 1 is moved further into the compartment 12. Ultimately,
the position shown in FIG. 6c is reached.
[0051] When the grip 1 is taken out of the compartment 12, the
cleansing element 5 is unambiguously attached to the head 3,
because the lip 7 is clamped between the stop 17 and the resilient
lip 16. Resilient lip 16 is in this case an additional attachment
means.
[0052] FIG. 6d shows a perspective view of part of the inside of
the underside of the head 3 with the cleansing element 5 in
accordance with FIG. 2 attached to it. This figure clearly shows
the action of the stop 17 and the resilient lip 16 for securely
clamping the lip 7.
[0053] Reference is now made to FIG. 7 with regard to the way in
which a cleansing element 5 in accordance with FIG. 3 is attached.
In this case too, a cleansing element 5 is introduced into the
compartment 12 via the opening 13. As a result of the grip 1 being
moved downwards into the compartment 12, the lips 9 can be moved
into an attachment opening 15 in the underside of the head 3
through interaction with the press-on projection 14. In this case,
the attachment opening 15 does not comprise a stop or resilient
lip. In this embodiment, the material of the cleansing element 5 is
important, since it has to be sufficiently rigid to be able to
clamp the cleansing element 5 in the attachment opening 15 of the
head 3 of the grip 1 as a result of the lips 9 being bent over. The
cleansing element 5 is therefore attached as a result of frictional
engagement between the lips 9 and the attachment opening 15.
[0054] A diagrammatic plan view is shown in FIG. 7c of the
underside of the head 3, with the lips 9 attached inside the
attachment opening 15. In this case too, the grip 1 is ready for
use once it has been removed from the compartment 12.
[0055] of course, it is equally possible to use different shapes of
incisions, with correspondingly adapted attachment openings. For
example, two or more U-shaped or H-shaped incisions which are
spaced apart from one another in the cleansing element can be used
in combination with a corresponding number of attachment openings
in the head 3. Consideration may also be given to cross-shaped or
star-shaped incisions and the like.
[0056] The following FIGS. 8 and 9 show two ways in which a
cleansing element can be released from the attachment means after
it has been attached.
[0057] FIGS. 8a and b show the way in which the cleansing element
in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is released, and
FIGS. 9a and b show the way in which the cleansing element in
accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is released.
[0058] In FIG. 8, the resilient lip 16 is provided with a pull rod
19. When this pull rod 19 is moved in the direction of the arrow,
the cleansing element 5 can be released. By contrast, the
embodiment shown in FIG. 9 comprises a push rod 20 which can push
the cleansing element 5 out of the opening 15. To this end, this
push rod is provided with a spherical component 21 in the vicinity
of the head 3.
[0059] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a head 3 of a grip 1 with a
cleansing element 5 with two T-shaped coupling components 22
attached to it. The width of the coupling components is therefore
locally greater than the dimension of the attachment openings 15,
so that they can engage behind the material of the head 3. In this
way, the cleansing element is securely attached to the grip and the
possibility of the cleansing element falling out of the grip is
completely prevented.
[0060] Finally, FIG. 11 shows a cleansing element 5 with three
substantially H-shaped incisions 8 which are spaced apart from one
another. When a cleansing element 5 of this nature is attached to a
head 3 of a grip 1, three sets of U-shaped lips 9 as shown in FIG.
3 are formed. This ensures improved attachment of the cleansing
element 5 to the head 3 over the entire bottom surface of the head
3.
* * * * *