U.S. patent application number 10/466492 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-11 for manual cleaning device.
Invention is credited to Naumann, Falk.
Application Number | 20040045112 10/466492 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7951915 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040045112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Naumann, Falk |
March 11, 2004 |
Manual cleaning device
Abstract
Manual cleaning device (10), comprising a cleaning member (12,
120), delimited at least over a portion of its circumference by an
edge (13) formed in a plane (14) and configured on one side of this
plane (14) to have a dome shape, characterized in that the cleaning
member (12, 120) has a flat dome shape on both sides of the edge
(13) and in that the circumference of the cleaning member (12,
120), dome-shaped on both sides, is oval at least in the area of
its edge (13).
Inventors: |
Naumann, Falk; (Halle/Saale,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GUDRUN E. HUCKETT
LONSSTR. 53
WUPPERTAL
42289
DE
|
Family ID: |
7951915 |
Appl. No.: |
10/466492 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
January 21, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP02/00560 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/105 ;
15/210.1; 15/244.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/105 ;
015/210.1; 015/244.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 013/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 20, 2001 |
DE |
201 01 077.1 |
Claims
1. Manual cleaning device (10), comprising a cleaning member (12,
120), delimited at least over a portion of its circumference by an
edge (13) formed in a plane (14) and configured on one side of this
plane (14) to have a dome shape, characterized in that the cleaning
member (12, 120) has a flat dome shape on both sides of the edge
(13) and in that the circumference of the cleaning member (12,
120), dome-shaped on both sides, is oval at least in the area of
its edge (13).
2. Manual cleaning device according to claim 1, in particular,
toilet bowl cleaner, characterized in that on the cleaning member
(12) a handle (11) is arranged and in that the cleaning member (12)
has a cleaning projection (15) asymmetrically projecting relative
to the handle (11) in the plane (14) defined by the edge (13).
3. Manual cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in
that the cleaning projection (15) of the cleaning member (12) and
the handle (11) are positioned at an acute angle (.alpha.) relative
to one another.
4. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
3, in particular, body cleaner, characterized in that on the
cleaning member (120) a handle (110) is mounted so as to be
practically aligned with the plane (14) defined by the edge
(13).
5. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
4, characterized in that the cleaning member (12) has a flat drop
shape and in that a drop point forms the cleaning projection
(15).
6. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
5, characterized in that the edge (13) extends continuously
circumferentially and has a completely oval cleaning member (12,
120) in the area of the plane (14) defined by the edge (13).
7. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
6, characterized in that the edge (13) is formed by pointedly
converging curved surfaces (16,17) of the cleaning member
(12,120).
8. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
7, characterized in that the cleaning member (12) has a coupling
member (18) for receiving the handle (11) which extends in the
direction of the handle and is bead-shaped or bottleneck
shaped.
9. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
8, characterized in that the coupling member (18) at least in the
vicinity of the circumferential edge (13) of the cleaning member
(12) is dome-shaped and/or in that the cleaning member (12) and the
coupling member (18) are of a unitary configuration.
10. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
9, characterized in that the coupling member (18) encloses an
adapter bolt (19) projecting into the cleaning member (12) with the
exception of a coupling end (19') for the handle or has a recess
(30) in which the handle (11) is directly fastened.
11. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
10, characterized in that the handle (11, 110) is fastened in a
recess (30) arranged longitudinally in the cleaning member (12,
120) and comprising a locking means (31) to be actuated from the
exterior.
12. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
11, characterized in that the cleaning member (12) and/or the
coupling member (18) is comprised of dirt-repellent polyurethane
foam with a self-lubricating surface and/or that the cleaning
member (12) and/or the coupling member (18) is provided with a
dirt-repellent coating.
13. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
12, characterized in that the curved surfaces (16, 17) of the
cleaning member (12) and/or a domed surface (20) of the coupling
member (18) is provided with flat pointed ribs (21) that are
parallel to one another and uninterrupted.
14. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
13, characterized in that the pointed ribs (21) on the coupling
member (18) extend past the domed surface (20) up to its end (18')
at the handle.
15. Manual cleaning device according to claim 13 or 14,
characterized in that the flat pointed ribs (21) have a circular
section profile and/or alternate with flat ribs (400).
16. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
15, characterized in that the pointed ribs (21) of the cleaning
member (12) end at a spacing from the circumferential edge
(13).
17. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 13
through 16, characterized in that the pointed ribs (21) are
arranged at a slant to a longitudinal axis (12') of the cleaning
member (12).
18. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
17, characterized in that the ribs edges (21', 21") of the pointed
ribs (21) are wave-shaped and in that neighboring wave-shaped rib
edges (21', 21") are phase-displaced in the longitudinal
direction.
19. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
18, characterized in that between two ribs (21) brush stripes (32)
and/or foam strips (33) are arranged.
20. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
19, characterized in that one domed curved surface (17) is provided
with pointed ribs (21) and the other domed curved surface (16), in
the vicinity of the edge (13), is provided all around with gripping
knobs (34).
21. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
20, characterized in that a cleaning member (120) is provided with
an adjustable timer (35) and/or with a thermometer (36).
22. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claim 1 through
21, characterized in that the cleaning member (12, 120) on at least
one curved surface (17) and/or on a domed surface has small-surface
area projections (37 to 37.sup.V) which are distributed across this
surface or these surfaces uniformly and/or in rows and have outer
sharp-edged contours.
23. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
22, characterized in that on an end (38) of the handle facing away
from the cleaning member (12, 120) a grip (39) with a structure is
provided which structure corresponds to that of the curved surface
(17) of the cleaning member (12, 120).
24. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through
23, characterized in that it is stored, supported with its cleaning
member (12, 120), in a support vessel (50).
25. Manual cleaning device according to claim 24, characterized in
that the support vessel (50) is provided with a support rim (51)
which is arranged slantedly relative to a vertical line at an angle
which corresponds to the acute angle (.alpha.) between the handle
(11) and the cleaning projection (15) of the cleaning member
(12).
26. Manual cleaning device according to claim 24 or 25,
characterized in that the support vessel (25) has a cylindrical
outer wall (52) and in that from the upper edge (53) of this outer
wall (52) to the support rim (51) located within the outer wall
(52) a tapering inner wall (54) is at least partially formed.
27. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 24 to 26,
characterized in that the support rim (51) is formed
circumferentially all around as a continuous support surface which
is interrupted by at least one recess (55) for venting the bottom
of the cleaning member (12,120) resting thereon.
28. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 24 to 27,
characterized in that the support vessel (50) has a drip pan (56)
which tightly adjoins the inner circumference (51') of the support
from (51) and/or in that the drip pan (56) and/or the inner wall
(54) in the area of the recess (55) are recessed without a
penetration.
29. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 24 to 28,
characterized in that the support vessel (50) is manufactured of
plastic material or of glass or of metal with an identical wall
thickness throughout.
30. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 24 to 29,
characterized in that the support rim (51) is slanted and/or formed
so as to match portions of the lower curved surface (17)
neighboring the edge (13).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a manual cleaning device,
comprising a cleaning member delimited at least over a portion of
its periphery by an edge which is formed in a plane and which is
dome-shaped on one side of this plane.
[0002] A manual cleaning device with the aforementioned features is
disclosed in DE-A-199 41 718. The known cleaning member is
essentially a truncated cone having a small top surface which is
semi-spherical and having a base surface that has a greatly rounded
edge. A coupling member for a handle adjoins this edge/rounded
portion. This coupling member is rotationally symmetrical and
concave. As a result of this, the known manual cleaning device is
rather large in the area of the cleaning member. For narrow areas
and for undercuts, as they are known, in particular, in toilet
bowls, the known manual cleaning device is therefore not
optimal.
[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
improve a manual cleaning device having the aforementioned features
such that it is suitable for cleaning, aside from large-volume
areas of objects to be cleaned, also small-volume areas and
undercuts as they are present frequently in the sanitary field, in
particular, in toilet bowls in bathrooms. Moreover, the manual
cleaning device should also be particularly easy to handle in order
to use it also, for example, as a cleaning device for the body.
[0004] This object is solved in that the cleaning member is formed
on both sides of the edge with a flat domed configuration and that
the periphery of the cleaning member, having a flat domed
configuration on both sides, has an oval shape at least in the area
of its edge.
[0005] It is important for the invention that the cleaning member
is of a flat domed configuration on both sides of the plane defined
by its edge. As a result of this, the cleaning member has two
differently sized cross-sections with respect to planes that are
perpendicular to one another. The dimensions in that plane that is
determined by the edge of the cleaning member can be made large in
accordance with the cleaning tasks, for example, with respect to
the large cross-section of a siphon trap of a toilet bowl or with
respect to large surfaces of the body to be cleaned when the
cleaning member is to be used essentially as a massage brush or
bath brush. The oval edge corresponds excellently to the containers
employed usually in the sanitary field which also a have oval
cross-sections or radii and therefore can be cleaned in a simple
and reliable way. Perpendicularly to the plane which is defined by
the edge, the cross-section is small as a result of the flat-domed
configuration of the cleaning member.
[0006] In a further embodiment of the manual cleaning device
particularly as a toilet bowl cleaner, it is preferred that a
handle is connected to the cleaning member and that the cleaning
member has a cleaning projection projecting asymmetrically,
relative to the handle, in the plane defined by the edge. In
connection with the configuration of the cleaning member as an
asymmetrically projecting cleaning projection, a cleaning tongue
results with which undercuts can be cleaned. At the same time, the
flat-domed configuration contributes to the fact that flat curved
surfaces can be cleaned very well because the flat domed
configuration of the cleaning member corresponds approximately to
the flat concave configuration of, for example, a toilet bowl and,
in this way, a cleaning action for large surface areas is
enabled.
[0007] The manual cleaning device can be configured such that the
cleaning projection of the cleaning member is positioned at an
acute angle relative to the handle. The cleaning projection is
therefore hook-shaped so that undercuts can be cleaned well which
have practically vertically arranged surfaces. The ease of
manipulation of the manual cleaning device is therefore
significantly improved even for cleaning areas that are otherwise
considered to be problematic.
[0008] In a configuration of the manual cleaning device
particularly as a body cleaning device, it is preferred that the
handle is mounted on the cleaning member so as to be practically
aligned with the plane defined by the edge. The cleaning member
which is of a flat domed configuration on both sides of such a body
cleaning device is an excellent massage brush and bath brush
member. The flat domed shape of the cleaning member is excellently
adapted in order to massage or brush the human body.
[0009] A further significant embodiment of the manual cleaning
device is to be seen in that the cleaning member is of a flat
drop-shaped configuration and in that the drop point forms the
cleaning projection. The drop shape of the manual cleaning member
means that the cleaning member is pointed like a drop. The drop
point, on the one hand, is so narrow that it can penetrate into
areas of a very small volume in order to clean them. On the other
hand, it is of such a large size that the cleaning member retains
the required stiffness. On the other side of the flat drop shape, a
large radius is provided, and with this side areas of the toilet
bowl can be cleaned, for example, which have concavely curved
surfaces to be cleaned with correspondingly large or greater radii.
The drop-shaped configuration of the cleaning member effects
accordingly excellent cleaning possibilities for surfaces to be
cleaned which have large radii as well as for surfaces to be
cleaned which have small radii or are located in undercut areas
that are difficult to access.
[0010] The cleaning device can be designed preferably such that the
edge extends continuously circumferentially and that it has a
cleaning member that in the area of the plane defined by the edge
is completely oval. The complete oval configuration of the cleaning
member has the result that the latter can be employed more easily.
It is not required to rotate it for using its edge, this being the
case when the edge is present only over a portion of the
circumference of the cleaning member. The cleaning member is thus
particularly easy to handle.
[0011] A further advantageous configuration of the manual cleaning
device is to be seen in that the edge is formed by pointed
converging curved surfaces of the cleaning member. The pointed
converging curved surfaces of the cleaning member cause a
correspondingly sharp edge. With this edge it is possible to scrape
off even encrusted materials from surfaces to be cleaned.
[0012] The manual cleaning device can be embodied such that the
cleaning member has a coupling member for the handle that is
bead-shaped or bottleneck-shaped and extends in the direction
toward the handle. The bottleneck shape of the coupling member is
slim and therefore does not impair the use of the cleaning member
in narrow objects to be cleaned.
[0013] It is preferred to configure the manual cleaning device such
that the coupling member at least in the vicinity of the
circumferential edge of the cleaning member is dome-shaped and/or
that the cleaning member and the coupling member are of a unitary
configuration. The area of the domed configuration of the coupling
member can be used for cleaning tasks, for example, on surfaces to
be cleaned which are substantially positioned parallel to the
handle. In the case of a monolithic configuration of the cleaning
member and of the coupling member, both members can be comprised of
the same material and can be produced together in a single
manufacturing step.
[0014] The stability of the manual cleaning device is enhanced when
it is configured such that the coupling member encloses, with the
exception of the coupling end for the handle, an adapter bolt
projecting into the cleaning member or has a recess in which the
handle is directly fastened. The enclosed adapter bolt is
completely protected with regard to soiling, in particular, when it
is assumed that the coupling end is usually completely enclosed by
the handle. When omitting such an adapter bolt, a less expensive
configuration results by providing the coupling member with a
recess in which the handle is directly fastened. The handle can be
pressed into the recess, glued therein, or can be embedded in the
material of the coupling member by injection molding. This is
particularly advantageous when the coupling member is produced of
integral skin foam.
[0015] It is preferred that the cleaning member and/or the coupling
member is comprised of dirt-repellent polyurethane foam with a
self-lubricating surface and/or that the cleaning member and/or the
coupling member is provided with a dirt-repellent coating. The
cleaning device therefore will not soil easily. Dirt does not find
any surfaces to adhere to and water or liquid will drain off. A
dirt-protecting coating can have a Teflon-like anti-adhesion
action, in particular, for grease. It can be baked in at a suitable
temperature in order to provide a permanent activity.
[0016] An advantageous configuration of the manual cleaning device
is characterized in that the curved surfaces of the cleaning member
and/or a domed surface of the coupling member are provided with
parallel uninterrupted flat pointed ribs. By means of the pointed
ribs the cleaning effect is enhanced when the cleaning member is
moved under pressure on the surfaces to be cleaned. The pointed
ribs then scrape off the dirt.
[0017] In the afore described context, the manual cleaning device
can be configured such that the pointed ribs on the coupling member
extend past the domed surface to its end at the handle. In such a
configuration, surfaces of the coupling member which are not
dome-shaped can also be used for cleaning purposes; this can
facilitate, for example, cleaning of surfaces to be cleaned which
are not domed.
[0018] In order to minimize soiling of the cleaning member and/or
of the coupling member in the area of the pointed ribs, the manual
cleaning device is configured such that the flat pointed ribs are
profiled according to a circular section and/or alternate with flat
ribs. Circular section surfaces all have the same minimal curvature
which is optimized in regard to minimal soiling. On the tips of the
flat pointed ribs, water and dirt can adhere only minimally. When
the pointed ribs and flat ribs alternate, in the area of the
pointed ribs an excellent scraping effect will result while the
flat ribs enable a strong surface pressure which can be used in the
sense of an effective removal of dirt particles.
[0019] A further optimization in the sense of minimal soiling of
the manual cleaning device results when the pointed ribs of the
cleaning member end at a spacing from its circumferential edge.
Automatic dirt and water drainage in the area of the
circumferential edge is thus improved.
[0020] The manual cleaning device can be characterized in that the
pointed ribs extend at a slant to a longitudinal axis of the
cleaning member. For a conventional use of the manual cleaning
device as a result of the slanted arrangement of the pointed ribs
for conventional use in the direction of the longitudinal axis of
the cleaning member, a plow-like effect of the pointed ribs on the
dirt to be removed is effected.
[0021] Moreover, the manual cleaning device can be configured such
that the rib edges of the pointed ribs are wave-shaped and that
neighboring wave-shaped rib edges are arranged in the longitudinal
direction with phase displacement. In this configuration, the
valleys and peaks of the waves are arranged alternatingly adjacent
to one another, in the longitudinal direction of the ribs as well
as transversely thereto; the latter realized as a result of the
phase displacement of a rib edge to a neighboring rib edge. This
can be advantageous, in particular, when a uniform pressure loading
on a large surface area is not required as, for example, in the
case of a massage and bath member.
[0022] It may be expedient that between two ribs brush strips
and/or foam strips are arranged. With these strips, special
cleaning and entraining effects result which are desirable, in
particular, when using the cleaning member as a massage or bath
member. The strips can distribute cosmetic and medical preparations
and, in connection with the cleaning member, can also massage them
in.
[0023] In order for the manual cleaning device to be reliably
gripped directly on the cleaning member in order to be able to
perform, without using a handle, cleaning or massage tasks, the
manual cleaning device is advantageously configured such that one
domed curved surface is provided with pointed ribs and the other
domed curved surface in the vicinity of the edge is provided with
gripping knobs. The gripping knobs effect that the gripped manual
cleaning member will slip less likely our of the hand. They also
represents a design element.
[0024] In particular when using the manual cleaning device as a
massage or bath member, it is advantageous when the cleaning member
is provided with an adjustable timer and/or with a thermometer. The
cleaning member can be used without handle for massage and bath
purposes but can be used also in connection with a handle.
[0025] In order to be adjustable to different cleaning and massage
purposes, the manual cleaning device can be configured such that
the cleaning member has on at least one curved surface and/or on
one dome-shaped surface area projections of a small surface area
which are distributed across this surface or surfaces uniformly
and/or in rows and have an outer contour with sharp edges.
Depending on the configuration of the small surface area
projections, this particularly provides a possibility for designing
the cleaning device in a visually especially pleasing way.
[0026] It is also possible to configure the manual cleaning device
such that on the end of the handle facing away from the cleaning
member a grip with a structure is provided which corresponds to
that of a curved surface of the cleaning member. Such a
configuration of the manual cleaning device enhances not only its
pleasing appearance and facilitates not only a slip-save gripping
of the cleaning device but also, to a limited extent, the use of
the grip in the sense of a cleaning member of the manual
device.
[0027] The applicability of the manual cleaning device is improved
in particular in that it is stored by being supported via the
cleaning member in a support vessel. The manual cleaning device
therefore has a predetermined place from which it can be gripped.
In this connection, the manual cleaning device can be configured
with a handle or without a handle. In a configuration with a
handle, the support vessel can support the cleaning member such
that the end of the handle is freely accessible and gripping of the
manual cleaning device is facilitated in this way.
[0028] It is advantageous to configure the manual cleaning device
such that the support vessel is provided with a support rim which
is arranged at a slant relative to a vertical line at an angle
which corresponds to the acute angle between the handle and the
cleaning projection of the cleaning member. As result of this, the
manual cleaning device can be arranged with a vertical handle. It
can therefore be reached without having to bend over too much, even
when the support vessel is of a flat configuration. The unit
comprised of the manual cleaning device and of its support vessel
can be configured to be space-saving in the horizontal
direction.
[0029] A configuration of the manual cleaning device is
characterized in that the support vessel has a cylindrical outer
wall and in that an inner wall tapering from an upper edge of the
outer wall to the support rim provided within the outer wall is at
least partially provided. The tapering inner wall facilitates an
exact placement of the manual cleaning device with its handle
because the cleaning member by means of the tapering inner wall is
guided to its seat on the support rim. Placing the cleaning member
by means of a handle is thus facilitated.
[0030] The manual cleaning device can be configured such that the
support rim is a continuous support surface in the peripheral
direction which is interrupted by at least one recess allowing
bottom ventilation of the cleaning member. The continuous contact
surface of the support rim provides a safe supporting action of the
cleaning member. By means of the recess for bottom venting
purposes, it is achieved that no air is closed off underneath the
cleaning member in the closed support vessel which could result in
rotting processes.
[0031] With regard to general hygiene considerations in the field
of use of the manual cleaning device, it is configured in
particular such that the support vessel has a drip pan which
tightly adjoins the inner circumference of the support rim and/or
such that the drip pan and/or the inner wall in the area of the
recess is recessed without a penetration. By means of the tight
connection of the drip pan on the inner circumference of the
support rim, a complete catching of liquid draining or dripping off
the cleaning member is ensured. A corresponding safe catching is
also ensured when the drip pan in the area of the recess is
recessed without a penetration. Both measures together act in the
same way.
[0032] In the sense of a weight-reducing configuration, the manual
cleaning device can be configured such that the support vessel is
manufactured of plastic material or glass or metal so as to have
the same wall thickness throughout.
[0033] A particularly safe support of the cleaning member on the
support vessel results when the support rim is slanted and/or
formed so as to match the portions of the lower curved surface
adjoining the edge. This provides a corresponding positive-locking
and/or frictional connection. The slanted surfaces of the support
rim enable a complete areal support of portions of the lower curved
surface of the cleaning member. When the cleaning member in the
support area is provided, for example, with pointed ribs, the
support rim can be formed correspondingly.
[0034] The invention will be explained by means of embodiments
illustrated in the drawing. It is shown in:
[0035] FIG. 1 a side view of the manual cleaning device,
[0036] FIG. 1a a cleaning profile of the cleaning member of the
manual cleaning device of FIG. 1,
[0037] FIG. 2 a schematic view of the manual cleaning device of
FIG. 1 in the direction of the handle,
[0038] FIG. 3 a bottom view of the manual cleaning device of FIG. 1
in a direction opposite to the handle;
[0039] FIG. 4 a cross-section of the toilet bowl on which the
manual device of FIG. 1 is illustrated in different cleaning
positions,
[0040] FIG. 5 a schematic illustration of a manual cleaning device
provided with a handle in a complete view,
[0041] FIG. 6 a configuration of a manual cleaning device embodied
as a body cleaning device as a massage or bath brush,
[0042] FIG. 6a an enlarged illustration of the handle of the device
of FIG. 6,
[0043] FIG. 6b a view of the end of the handle of FIG. 6a,
[0044] FIG. 7 an enlarged side view of the cleaning member of FIG.
6,
[0045] FIG. 8 an enlarged view onto a cleaning member according to
FIG. 6,
[0046] FIG. 9 an enlarged bottom view of the cleaning member
according to FIG. 7,
[0047] FIG. 10 a schematic sectional view in the direction A of
FIG. 9 with variation of the edge configuration of pointed
ribs,
[0048] FIGS. 11, 12 illustrations similar to FIG. 1 for
illustrating the profiling of a curved surface of a cleaning
member,
[0049] FIGS. 13-17 schematic illustrations of curved surfaces with
differently configured projections having a small surface area,
and
[0050] FIG. 18 a perspective schematic illustration of a support
vessel for supporting the manual cleaning device by means of its
cleaning member.
[0051] The manual cleaning device 10 has a cleaning member 12 on
which is provided as a unitary part a coupling member 18 which
encloses an adapter bolt 19. The adapter bolt 19 projects from the
coupling member 18 with a coupling end 19 for the handle onto which
a handle 11 is pushed. The entire length of the handle 11 is not
illustrated. This entire length however can be seen in the
illustrations of the manual cleaning device 10 in FIGS. 4 through
6.
[0052] The cleaning member 12 of FIGS. 1 through 4 has a contour of
its main plane 14 that is drop-shaped, as illustrated in FIGS. 2,
3. The drop shape is delimited by an edge 13 which surrounds
continuously the plane 14 and has no steps. Starting at the edge 13
or at the plane 14 defined by it, the cleaning member 12 is
configured on both sides with a dome shape. Accordingly, a
dome-shaped curved surface 16 is provided which faces the handle as
well as a domed curved surface 17 which faces away from the handle.
As a result of this, the cleaning member 12 has a flat drop-shape
or cushion shape.
[0053] The cleaning member 12 and the coupling member 18 are
attached to one another in the plane of the illustration at an
angle .alpha.. The angle .alpha. is illustrated in FIG. 1 between
the plane 14 and an axis 22 which coincides with the axis of the
handle 11, the axis of the adapter bolt 19, and the axis of the
coupling member 18.
[0054] Moreover, assembly of the cleaning member 12 and the
coupling member 18 is realized such that an eccentricity is
provided. The cleaning member 12 forms a cleaning projection 15.
This cleaning projection 15 projects asymmetrically relative to the
axis 22. This asymmetric arrangement and the prescribed angular
arrangement of the cleaning member 12 results in a hook-shaped
configuration of the manual cleaning device 10.
[0055] The asymmetric configuration of the cleaning member 12 is
also beneficial in regard to the possibility of configuring the
coupling member 18 to be dome-shaped starting at the edge 13 so
that a domed surface 20 results. This domed surface 20 ends at the
edge of the cleaning member, in particular, at a location
diametrically opposite the tip of the cleaning projection 15. The
domed surface 20 of the coupling member 18 ends at a spacing from
the end 18' of the coupling member 18 facing the handle. In the
area between the domed surface 20 and the end 18', the coupling
member 18 is essentially cylindrical with increasing wall thickness
in the direction toward the domed surface 20. The transition areas
of the coupling member 18 to the cleaning member 12, by the way,
are configured to have large radii so that in the connecting area
between the coupling member 18 and cleaning member 12 a solid
stable connecting area results in which the adapter bolt 19 can
have anchoring projections 19" in order to increase the pulling
resistance of the adapter bolt relative to the coupling member 18.
Otherwise, the strength of the connection between the handle 11 and
the coupling end 19' of the handle is determined by a snap
connection 110 provided thereat.
[0056] The described connection of the cleaning member 12 with the
handle 11 is very stable but also constructively complex. Reference
is thus being had to FIG. 5 in which a solid cleaning member 12 is
provided with a recess 30 in which the handle is directly fastened.
The corresponding end of the handle 11 is pressed into the recess
30 and/or glued therein and/or embedded in the material of the
cleaning and coupling member by injection molding.
[0057] The coupling member 180 illustrated in FIG. 5 is not at all
bottleneck-shaped as the coupling member 18 illustrated in FIG. 1.
Instead, the coupling member 180 is bead-shaped and is so short
that the unit of coupling member and cleaning member is very
compact. This saves material and the cleaning device can be made
more lightweight. Its manufacture is simplified.
[0058] The curved surfaces 16, 17 of the cleaning member 12 and the
domed surface 20 as well as the end 18' of the coupling member 18
facing the handle are provided with flat pointed ribs 21. The
cross-section of the aforementioned surfaces in the area of the
pointed ribs 21 is illustrated in FIG. 1a. It is shown that the
pointed ribs 21 are profiled with a circular section profile. The
generated circles are identified at 23. The pointed ribs 21 serve
for providing an improved removal of dirt which is present on the
surfaces to be cleaned. They can scrape these surfaces.
[0059] The arrangement of the pointed ribs 21 is illustrated to be
diagonally in the Figures, i.e., diagonally to the longitudinal
axis 12' determined by the cleaning projection 12. The pointed ribs
21 end at a spacing from the edge 13. This enables a step-free
configuration of the edge 13 so that it is suitable especially well
for scraping and shaving. Also, the tapering of the pointed ribs 21
at a spacing from the edge 13 prevents that in the area of the edge
13 dirt could collect on the cleaning member 12 or on the coupling
member 18.
[0060] The cleaning member 12 and the coupling member 18 are
advantageously manufactured as a unitary part, for example, by
injection molding. The material of the cleaning member 12 and of
the coupling member 18 is dirt-repellent. For example, polyurethane
foam can be used which can be made to have sufficiently small pores
or to be homogenous and provided with a self-lubricating surface.
During injection molding, the adapter bolt 19 is embedded in the
injection-molded plastic material, and a fixed connection is
produced in this way.
[0061] The cleaning member 12 and the coupling member 18 are
comprised of a material that is elastic to a limited extent so that
a deformation in narrow areas of the object to be cleaned is
possible and damage by scratching is prevented.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a toilet bowl 24 with siphon trap 24' in which
water is present. In particular in this area cleaning is to be
carried out frequently, because in this area deposits will form
easily. As a result of this, the manual cleaning device 10 is used
primarily with its curved surface 17 in this area but also with the
domed surface 20 or the end 18' of the coupling member 18. The
grease film zones which form here can be reliably cleaned.
[0063] Moreover, the curved surface 17 of the manual cleaning
device 10 can advantageously be used for cleaning the toilet bowl
26, as also illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0064] The inner bowl rim 27 of the bowl 24 can advantageously be
cleaned by the domed surface 20 of the coupling member 18 but also
with its end 18'.
[0065] Cleaning of the inner rim 28 of the toilet bowl 24 is
realized with the manual cleaning device 10 advantageously by means
of the cleaning projection 15 whose tip can be inserted into the
undercut. The curved surface 17 in the area of the tip 15 as well
as the curved surface 16 in the area of the tip 15 can be used
advantageously for cleaning the undercut surfaces. The pointed ribs
21 effect deep cleaning of dirt particles also in this
connection.
[0066] While in FIGS. 1 through 5 a manual cleaning device 10 has
been described which is suitable in particular as a toilet bowl
cleaner, the one illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 17 can be advantageous
used as a body cleaner, i.e., for massaging the body of living
beings. FIG. 6 shows such a manual cleaning device 10 with a
cleaning member 120 which is mounted on a slightly curved handle
110. For using the manual cleaning device 10, it is held at the
grip 39 which is provided on the handle end 38. The grip is, for
example, manufactured of two plastic half shells attached by
injection molding to the handle 110. The handle is, for example,
comprised of a bent aluminum pipe in the same way as the handle 11.
The grip 39 is profiled so that it is resting in a slip-proof way
in the hand. The structure of the grip 39 corresponds to that which
is formed on the curved surface 17 of the cleaning member 120. This
curved surface 17, as in the case of the cleaning member 12, is
positioned on one side of the plane 14 defined by the edge 13.
[0067] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged side view illustrating assembly of
the handle 110 and the cleaning member 120. The cleaning member 120
has a recess 30 which is oriented in the direction of the
longitudinal axis 12' of the member 120. The recess 30 is
positioned slightly above the plane 14 so that the handle 110 is
practically aligned with this plane. The handle 110 is detachable
because it has at its end a hook 110' which engages of bore 40
extending through the upper curved surface of the cleaning member
120, having on both sides domed surfaces, into the recess 30. The
hook 110' is accessible from above so that the locking means 31 can
be released by pressing from above onto the hook 110' and by
simultaneously pulling on the handle 110.
[0068] On the upper curved surface 16 a plurality of gripping knobs
35 are provided in the vicinity of the edge 13. They are provided
all around and also in direct vicinity and on the edge 13 itself so
that the cleaning member 120 does not slip when it is enclosed by a
hand.
[0069] On the other hand, the cleaning member 120 is provided only
in the vicinity of the edge 13 with gripping knobs 34 so that a
large inner area of the upper curved surface 16 remains free. This
area, according to the illustration in FIG. 8, is used to mount
therein a timer 35 which can be adjusted by means of an actuator
35'. Also, a thermometer 36 is arranged in the cleaning member 120
which allows indication of the temperature over a large surface
area. In the illustrated case, the temperature indicating means is
distributed at 40 degrees C. such that an increasing color
variations from a light blue in the vicinity of the handle up to
the dark red in the vicinity of the timer results. The illustrated
example of a thermometer shows a temperature of approximately 40
degrees C. In this case, it is expedient to provide a fixedly
mounted handle 110 on the cleaning member 120 so that the required
space for mounting the afore described timer and the thermometer is
available.
[0070] The oval configuration of the manual cleaning member 120
illustrated in FIG. 8 is also shown in FIG. 9 which illustrates
primarily a bottom view of FIG. 7. The oval shape of the cleaning
member 120 is elliptical because the configuration of the cleaning
member with a cleaning projection 17 is not primarily important as
in the case of the cleaning member 12 and its drop point. However,
it is also possible to configure the cleaning member to have a drop
shape. Its curved surface 17 is provided with pointed ribs 12,
illustrated in FIG. 1a, arranged at a slant to the longitudinal
direction 12'. Between the pointed ribs, brush strips 32 and foam
strips 33 are however present which are illustrated in detail in
FIG. 11. The brush strips 32 and foam strips 33 project past the
pointed ribs 21 but can be compressed when the cleaning member 120
rests against the surface to be cleaned or treated such that the
pointed ribs 31 will contact the surface and can act by
scraping.
[0071] In FIG. 10 it is illustrated that the rib edges 21', 21" of
pointed ribs 31 can be wave-shaped. In the longitudinal direction
of the pointed ribs 21 there are alternatingly valleys and peaks of
the waves, each with identical amplitude. Neighboring wave-shaped
rib edges 21', 21" are however displaced in the longitudinal
direction relative to one another, i.e., they are phase-displaced.
In this way, corresponding pressure points displaced relative to
one another are produced upon placing the cleaning member 120 onto
the surface to be treated. Such a configuration particularly acts
as point massager.
[0072] FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a curved surface 17 with
pointed ribs 31 which alternate with flat ribs 40. In this way, a
limitation of the deformation of the pointed ribs 21 is
achieved.
[0073] The cleaning member 12, 120 is completely oval,
respectively. In this way, and in combination with a flat domed
configuration on both sides, it is suitable in particular for
cleaning purposes in the sanitary field. However, it is also
possible to configure the manual cleaning member with an edge only
over a portion of its circumference from which edge the flat-domed
curved surfaces 16, 17 extend.
[0074] FIGS. 13 through 17 show configurations of a curved surface
17 with respect to patterns in schematic illustrations. The latter
is no longer of an oval shape. The double arrows indicate four
exemplary movement directions in which the cleaning member 12, 120
can be moved. The curved surface 17 is provided with small-surface
area projections 37 through 37.sup.V. These projections 37 through
37.sup.V of each FIG. 13 through FIG. 17 are differently configured
and are also selected with respect to their esthetic pattern
appearance. Primarily however, they have outer sharp edges. This is
apparent from the details a of each Figure.
[0075] FIG. 13 shows projections having outer substantially
cross-shaped, sharp-edged projections with rounded recesses toward
the curved surface 17 in order to avoid dirt-collecting
corners.
[0076] In FIG. 14 narrow boat-shaped projections 37' are present
which are grouped in a star shape so that the longitudinal,
transverse, and diagonal rows of the projections 37' result.
[0077] FIG. 15 shows four-point star-shaped projections 37" whose
spatial configuration is illustrated in FIG. 15a.
[0078] FIG. 16 shows projections 37.sup.IV which are grouped in
fours. Each projection 37.sup.IV is formed like a conical
peripheral surface whose conical outer circumference projects such
from the curved surface that all flat sections of the conical outer
circumference neighbor one another and their widest projecting
edges are spaced as much as possible from one another. This results
in a kind of lug effect which is illustrated in particular in the
section A-A.
[0079] The projections 37' of FIG. 14 are advantageously sized
differently while the projections 37 and 37" through 37.sup.V are
identical in size or have the same shape. This holds true also for
the projections 37.sup.V which according to the illustration of
FIG. 17a are comprised of projecting isosceles triangles with a
comparatively narrow base. The projections 37.sup.V are arranged in
rows with their tips pointing in opposite direction relative to a
neighboring projection. This arrangement results, on the one hand,
in a comparatively dense packing of the projections 37.sup.V but,
on the other hand, is the cause for a preferred direction of this
configuration in which the cleaning members 12,120 can be moved in
the direction of the triangular projections 37.sup.V with minimal
friction as compared to the direction transverse thereto.
[0080] The support vessel 50 illustrated in FIG. 18 serves for
supporting a cleaning member 12 or 120. The support vessel 50 is
particularly advantageous when a cleaning member 12 with handle 11
according to FIG. 1 is used. In this case, the handle 11, as
needed, projects vertically upwardly while the cleaning member 12
is supported and stored within the support vessel 50.
[0081] The support vessel 50 has a cylindrical outer wall 52 and is
supported with its lower edge 50' on the floor. The upper rim or
the upper edge 53 forms a corresponding insertion opening for
inserting the cleaning members 12 or 120 when the latter is
configured according to FIG. 7 but is to be stored without the
handle 110. The support rim 51 is matched to the shape of the
cleaning member 12, 120. It is matched to the drop shape of the
cleaning member 12 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3. Such a drop-shaped
cleaning member 12 rests on the rim with edge portions provided on
the lower curved surface 17 in the vicinity of the edge 13. In the
illustration of FIG. 18 it was assumed that these edge portions are
smooth, i.e., there are no pointed ribs 21 supported on the support
rim. If this were the case, the support rim 51 could be provided
with corresponding cutouts or depressions. A complete surface area
support of the manual cleaning device 12,120 is ensured in the area
of the mutual contact surfaces so that, in particular, in a
configuration with handle it can be held securely, in particular,
without wobbling.
[0082] With respect to a vertical arrangement of the handle 11, the
support rim 51 is arranged at an angle relative to the vertical;
this angle corresponds to the acute angle .alpha. between the
handle 11 and the cleaning projection 15 of the cleaning member 12
according to FIG. 1. Accordingly, the support rim 51 in the area of
the tip 57 of its drop shape is arranged closer to the upper edge
53 than the base 58. The upper edge 53 is connected with the
support rim 51 by means of an inner wall 54 which guides the
cleaning member 12,120 upon insertion into the support vessel 50
toward the support from 51. The tapering of the inner wall 54
facilitates thus the insertion of the cleaning member 12,120. For
this purpose, the inner wall 54 must not be configured continuously
about the entire circumference of the support rim 51. However, this
is desirable with respect to stability of the support vessel and
also with respect to hygienic aspects. This advantageous
configuration can be achieved in particular in that the support
vessel is manufactured with a uniform identical wall thickness.
Manufacture is realized, for example, by injection molding of
plastic material, by pressing glass, or by deep-drawing metal. In
this way, preferably a downwardly closed configuration of the
support vessel 50 results. In particular, a drip pan 56 adjoins the
inner circumference of the support rim 51 and receives the draining
or dripping liquid so that soiling of the floor is prevented. The
downwardly closed configuration of the support vessel 50 also
contributes to simplified cleaning.
[0083] As a special configuration, the support vessel 50 has two
oppositely positioned recesses 55 which vent the bottom of the
cleaning member 12, 120 resting on the rim. The recesses 55 are
boat-shaped and extend transversely to the support rim 51 from the
area of the inner wall 54 to the area of the drip pan 56 and are
themselves provided free of penetrations. Venting of the bottom of
the cleaning member 12,120 resting on the rim results in a
reduction of enclosed air and possibly occurring rotting processes
of soil particles.
* * * * *