U.S. patent application number 11/030383 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-26 for cleaning device for cleaning pipes and receptacles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Michael Grobbel. Invention is credited to Grobbel, Michael, Helermann, Oliver.
Application Number | 20050108844 11/030383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34593304 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050108844 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grobbel, Michael ; et
al. |
May 26, 2005 |
Cleaning device for cleaning pipes and receptacles
Abstract
A cleaning device is provided for cleaning pipes and
receptacles. A handle is disposed on one end of the post, and a
cleaning head is disposed on the other end. The cleaning head has
at least one cleaning element. The cleaning head has a longitudinal
section with an outer contour that is rotationally symmetrical to
the longitudinal axis of the cleaning head. At least a portion of
the outer contour has a circumferential projection and/or a reduced
diameter section.
Inventors: |
Grobbel, Michael;
(Dusseldorf, DE) ; Helermann, Oliver; (Wuppertal,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT W. BECKER & ASSOCIATES
Suite B
707 Highway 66 East
Tijeras
NM
87059
US
|
Assignee: |
Michael Grobbel
Dusseldorf
DE
|
Family ID: |
34593304 |
Appl. No.: |
11/030383 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11030383 |
Dec 29, 2004 |
|
|
|
PCT/EP03/03808 |
Apr 12, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/210.1 ;
15/104.16; 15/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20130101;
A46B 2200/3006 20130101; A46B 9/02 20130101; A46B 2200/3013
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/210.1 ;
015/160; 015/104.16 |
International
Class: |
A47K 011/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 19, 2002 |
DE |
102 16 445.2 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cleaning device for cleaning pipes and receptacles,
comprising: a post 1; a cleaning head 2 disposed on one end of the
post, wherein the cleaning head is provided with at least one
cleaning element 2a, wherein the cleaning head 2 has a longitudinal
section with an outer contour that is rotationally symmetrical to a
longitudinal axis 13 of the cleaning head, and wherein at least a
portion of said outer contour has at least one of a circumferential
projection and a reduced diameter section; and a handle 3 disposed
on an opposite end of said post 1.
2. A cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said post 1 or
said cleaning head 2 is provided with at least one joint 5, 5a; 12,
12a; especially in the form of a film articulation, that enables a
relative movement between said handle 3 and said cleaning head
2.
3. A cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein at least one
cross-sectional reduction 5, 5a; 12, 12a is provided on said
cleaning head 2 or said post 1, and wherein said at least one
cross-sectional reduction enables an angling of longitudinal axes
6,7 of respectively adjacent portions 8, 9 relative to one another
in only a single plane or direction.
4. A cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein said at least
one cross-sectional reduction 5, 5a; 12, 12a is formed by two
recesses 10, 11 in the material of said cleaning head 2 or post 1
that transverse to the longitudinal axis are disposed opposite one
another.
5. A cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein in the region of
said at last one cross-sectional reduction 5, 5a; 12, 12a, a
cross-sectional contour has an essentially right-angled, oval or
similar shape.
6. A cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein at least two
cross-sectional reductions 5;5a, 12;12a are disposed one after the
other in the direction of said longitudinal axis 13 of said
cleaning head 2 or of said post 1, and wherein said cross-sectional
reductions are offset or rotated relative to one another on said
longitudinal axis.
7. A cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein said angle of
rotation between said cross-sectional reductions that are offset
relative to one another along said longitudinal axis 13 is
90.degree..
8. A cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein a hollow
profiled member 14, especially in the form of a tubular part, is
provided, and wherein said hollow profiled member is adapted to be
slid over said at least one joint to block the latter.
9. A cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein said hollow
profiled member or tubular part 14 is displaceably mounted on at
least one of the shaft of said cleaning head and said post 1.
10. A cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein an inner
cross-sectional contour of said hollow profiled member 14
corresponds to a cross-sectional contour 16 of portions 8, 9
adjoining said at least one joint, which is in the form of a
cross-sectional reduction.
11. A cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein said hollow
profiled member 14 or tubular part is laterally open along at least
a portion of its length, thereby being provided with a C-shaped
cross-section or a window-like opening.
12. A cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein said post 1 is
provided with a first portion having a smaller diameter and a
second portion having a greater diameter, wherein said cleaning
head 2 is secured to said first portion of said post 1, wherein
said hollow profiled member 14 is displaceably mounted on said
first portion, and wherein said hollow profiled member 14 is at
least partially insertable into said second portion of said post
1.
13. A cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein said hollow
profiled member 14 is formed on one of said post 1 and said
cleaning head 2, or wherein said hollow profiled member 14 forms at
least one of said post 1 and said handle 3.
14. A cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning
elements 2a, which may be formed on said cleaning head 2, are a
plurality of bristles, tubular or strip-shaped textiles, or
formed-on or spongy materials.
15. A cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning
head 2, with a formed-on cross-sectional reduction 5, 5a or a
formed-on universal joint, is securable and replaceable, in
particular on said post 1, via a detachable connection.
16. A cleaning device according to claim 15, wherein said
detachable connection is a closure in the form of a bayonet
closure, snap closure, catch closure or clip closure.
17. A cleaning device according to claim 15, wherein said
detachable connection is provided between said cleaning head 2 and
said post 1 via a positive securement against rotation.
18. A cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said handle 3,
said post 1, and said cleaning head 2 form a recessed area for a
container or is provided with a container, wherein said container
serves for receiving liquid, pasty or pulverous material,
especially at least one of cleaning, fragrance and maintenance or
repair material.
19. A cleaning device according to claim 18, wherein said container
is refillable or replaceable, or is pressurized, or the material or
medium disposed therein is under pressure.
20. A cleaning device according to claim 18, wherein said container
is provided with a pump device.
21. A cleaning device according to claim 18, wherein after
actuation of an opening valve or actuation of a pump device,
material contained in said container is discharged.
22. A cleaning device according to claim 18, wherein an actuation
element is disposed in said handle 3 or said post 1, and wherein
operation of said actuation element opens said container.
23. A cleaning device according to claim 18, wherein material for
freshening surrounding air is given off, for example via at least
one of a spray head and means provided at said cleaning head Or at
least one of cleaning the same and soaking or disinfecting.
24. A cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein an additional
joint part is disposed between said cleaning head 2 and said post
1, and wherein said joint part can be detachably secured to at
least one of said post and said cleaning head.
25. A cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein a holding
device is provided for receiving said cleaning device, which is
held therein by at least one magnetic connection or via a Velcro
connection.
26. A cleaning device according to claim 25, wherein both of said
cleaning device and said holding device, in a frictional or
positive manner, carry at least one magnetic element that is
respectively mutually withdrawable and/or ejectable.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for
cleaning pipes and receptacles, especially toilet bowls.
[0002] To illustrate the features of the present invention, the
function thereof will be explained in connection with the cleaning
of toilet bowls.
[0003] Manual devices are known for cleaning pipes, containers, for
example even bottles, but also sanitary mechanisms, especially
toilet bowls. In their simplest form, these known devices comprise
a cleaning head, which is preferably provided with bristles, and
has a handle.
[0004] The upper edge of a toilet bowl generally has undercuts, as
well as bends and curves in the region of the drain.
[0005] Based thereon, cleaning devices have been developed, for
example, that in portions of the cleaning head follow the contour
of undercuts (DE 43 45 101 A1). Furthermore, cleaning devices were
developed that by means of movable zones between cleaning head and
handle can follow a curvature (G 92 03 566.3 and EP 0847 713 B1).
Further devices offer the possibility of blocking, upon demand, the
movable zones disposed between cleaning head and handle via a
special device (U.S. Pat. No. 1,154,369) and to use this device for
removing a replaceable cleaning head (DE 199 38 787 C2).
[0006] The aforementioned cleaning devices are not in a position to
adequately clean the various problematic zones of the toilet bowl
in a single combined cleaning device. The complete cleaning of
these problematic zones requires cleaning devices, the cleaning
heads of which are adapted not only to the undercut but can also
follow the curvatures.
[0007] The aforementioned cleaning devices, where portions of the
bristle head follow the contour of the undercuts, have a number of
drawbacks. For example, due to their shape they are not in a
position, during cleaning, to permit an assisting application of
force by rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, which
will subsequently be called a rotational movement. Due to its
shape, these devices can be guided only linearly or in a curved
manner along the contour of the undercut.
[0008] A further shortcoming is that during the production of these
cleaning devices, a considerable increased expenditure is required
compared to a simple cleaning device, since the contour that
follows the contour of the undercut is generally formed by
disposing a wire netting having cleaning bristles on the cleaning
head. In each case, however, different production processes are
coupled with one another in order, independently of the process of
providing bristles or similarly acting cleaning material on the
cleaning head, to be able to additionally provide the cleaning
elements that follow the undercut.
[0009] Even cleaning devices that can follow a curvature by means
of movable zones between bristle head and bristle holder or holding
handle have drawbacks.
[0010] By using a movable unit, in addition to the production of
the cleaning head and handle, the production of such a joint or
deformation element, and for the mounting thereof between cleaning
head and handle, it becomes necessary to have at least one further
manufacturing and also assembly step in order to be able to connect
the joint or deformation element with the cleaning head and the
handle. Furthermore, these joints, which are generally provided
with complex surfaces, can have their operation adversely affected
by dirt or contamination.
[0011] With the known devices having exchangeable cleaning heads
(EP 0847 713 B1 and DE 199 38 787 C2), there results during
replacement or repair of these cleaning heads the drawback that the
joints or deformation elements that are subjected to wear either
cannot be replaced, or the joints or deformation elements that are
replaced with the cleaning head require a separate production and
assembly.
[0012] Embodiments not having blockable joints or deformation
elements (EP 0847 713 B1) are furthermore not in a position to
transfer to the cleaning head lateral transverse forces, such as
are required during the application of pressure to and cleaning of
the upper undercuts of toilet edges. In particular, interposed
helical springs or rubber elements shift or offset the cleaning
movements and become twisted. In so doing, stored energy is again
given off in an uncontrolled manner. The jerky release of the
cleaning head connected therewith can give off into the
environment, in an uncontrolled manner, contamination that is found
on the cleaning head and was previously removed from the object
that is to be cleaned.
[0013] Also unsuitable are configurations having cleaning heads
that are replaceable via threaded connections (EP 0847 713 B1 and
DE 92 01 932 U1), since during the cleaning such heads become loose
due to rotational movements and can fall into the interior of the
object that is to be cleaned.
[0014] The present invention proceeds from the basic concept of
being able to provide, at minimal production expenditure and
minimal use of resources, a cleaning device, the cleaning head of
which has a contour for undercuts, and with which the cleaning head
or handle itself forms a formed-on joint, so that the cleaning head
can follow curvatures.
[0015] In this connection, the cleaning device should be able to
carry out an assisting cleaning movement in the form of a
rotational movement during the cleaning of undercuts and/or in
curvatures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The objects and advantages of the present invention will
appear more clearly from the following specification in conjunction
with the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of an
inventive cleaning device;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of an inventive cleaning
device during the cleaning of a toilet bowl;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of an inventive cleaning
device during the cleaning of a toilet bowl;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a detailed illustration of a joint that is formed
by recesses in the material;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an enlarged detailed illustration of a universal
joint formed by two reductions in cross-section that are disposed
next to one another and are offset from one another;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inventive cleaning device
having a sleeve for arresting or fixing the position of the
universal joint;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1 with
the handle shifted downwardly to block the joint portions;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of a further embodiment
of a cleaning device having a cleaning head with a circumferential
projection;
[0025] FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective illustrations of the cleaning
process;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section through a further
embodiment of an inventive cleaning device;
[0027] FIGS. 12a & 12b are side views of a further embodiment
of an inventive cleaning device with secured and ejected cleaning
head with blocked and non-blocked position of the sleeve-like part;
and
[0028] FIGS. 13a & 13b are sectioned illustrations of the views
pursuant to FIGS. 12a and 12b.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The cleaning device of the present application comprises a
post; a cleaning head disposed on one end of the post, wherein the
cleaning head is provided with at least one cleaning element,
wherein the cleaning head has a longitudinal section with an outer
contour that is rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis
of the cleaning head, and wherein at least a portion of the outer
contour has a circumferential projection and/or a reduced diameter
section; and a handle disposed on the other end of the post.
[0030] Either the post or the cleaning head, especially the shaft
thereof, which carries the at least one cleaning element,
advantageously has one or more changes or reductions in
cross-section. The changes in cross-section enable the material of
the post or cleaning head to bend, and thus form a type of joint.
Two joints are advantageously respectively disposed next to one
another but offset by 90.degree. on the longitudinal axis of the
post or of the cleaning head, so that together they form in
particular a Cardan or universal joint, and in particular a defined
relative movement between handle and cleaning head is possible in a
multitude of directions. It is also possible to release the
cleaning head from the post, so that a new cleaning head can be
secured to the post. It is thus possible to replace a dirty and
used-up cleaning head with a fresh cleaning head. In this
situation, it is expedient for economical reasons to dispose the
joints on the cleaning head, so that they can also be replaced
along with the cleaning head since they are also subjected to
significant wear due to increased mechanical stresses.
[0031] The projection and/or reduced diameter section on the outer
contour of the longitudinal section of the cleaning head, which is
rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis, is
advantageously accomplished or prepared in a single operation along
with the basic forming of the cleaning head, and thus requires no
further production expenditure other than the basic forming. As a
result, a minimal expenditure is made possible along with a minimal
utilization of resources.
[0032] The projection and/or the reduced diameter section enables
the cleaning elements to reach into the undercut of the object that
is to be cleaned, whereby in this connection, due to the rotational
symmetry of the cleaning head, a rotational movement can be
transferred from the hand, via the handle, to the cleaning head.
This acts as an assisting cleaning movement during the cleaning of
undercuts. As a result, it is possible to undertake a more thorough
cleaning in hygienically problematic zones, for example of toilet
bowls.
[0033] By forming the cross-sectional reduction or reductions in a
monolithic form on the cleaning head, post or handle, there result
on the cleaning device movable regions up to the universal joint
without having to produce and mount an additional device, for
example in the form of a joint. This movable region, in the form of
a cross-sectional reduction, is carried out in a single operation
along with the production of the body of the cleaning head or the
handle, and thus requires no further production expenditure, no
further assembly, and no further material. As a result, minimal
production expenditure at minimal utilization of resources is made
possible.
[0034] Furthermore, due to two cross-sectional reductions, which
are rotated or offset relative to one another by 90.degree., it is
possible, in contrast to the heretofore known movable cleaning
devices, to have a loss-free transfer of force in the form of
rotational movement, even in an angled state, for example during
the cleaning of curvatures. The assisting cleaning movement that is
used in this connection enables a more thorough cleaning in
hygienically problematic zones, for example at the drains of toilet
bowls.
[0035] A further advantage of the invention is that the joint that
is formed on the cleaning head, post or handle can, if necessary,
be blocked by a tube or hollow profiled member that can be shifted
or slipped over the cleaning device, and prevents a deflection of
the cleaning head transverse to the longitudinal axis of the
cleaning device when a force is introduced transverse to the
longitudinal axis. Due to this now rigid transfer of force, a
linear or curved cleaning movement is possible along the undercut
of the object that is to be cleaned accompanied by a simultaneously
combinable and introducible rotational movement without an
undesired and uncontrollable deflection of the cleaning head.
[0036] Due to the respective position of the hollow profiled
member, the cleaning device can be adapted in a more precise manner
to the requirements of the respective shapes that are to be
cleaned, thus enabling a cleaning with little expenditure of
force.
[0037] The design of the handle can, depending upon the embodiment
of the cleaning device with a formed-on or insertable reservoir or
container, offer the possibility for storing solid, pulverous or
gaseous materials. It is possible, for example, to provide a gas
cartridge having a fragrance filling that is accommodated in the
handle and can be activated from the outside. The advantages of a
reservoir in the handle are varied, and can be adapted to the
respective application of the cleaning device.
[0038] In order, with the previously described embodiments of the
cleaning devices, to prevent dirt particles and the like from
depositing on the joint, especially at the corners, edges and
material recesses, the outer contour and geometry of the joint
region can be filled with an elastic material and can thereby be
made smooth. This can be effected in a single operation, for
example via a two-component injection molding.
[0039] Further specific features of the present application will be
described in detail subsequently.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 shows a side
view of a first exemplary embodiment of an inventive cleaning
device, and includes a joint that is formed on the reduced diameter
E cleaning head 2, 2a; the joint is exposed by displacement of the
handle 3 in an upward direction, and is effective in two planes
that are disposed perpendicular to one another. The cleaning device
has a shank or post 1 that is provided with two joints which are
formed by notches or indentations, and which can be produced, for
example, by recesses in the material or cross-sectional reductions
5, 5a, 10, 11, 12, 12a. Due to their nature, the joints can also be
designated as film or strip articulations. The joints connect the
handle 3 with the cleaning head 2, on which are disposed the
cleaning elements 2a, for example in the form of bristles. To the
extent that bristles are used, they can be cut by conventional
cutting processes in such a way that the cleaning head, with its
bristles, is rotationally symmetrical. By means of suitable cutting
blades, at least two regions 2b and 2c can be cut, the diameters of
which can differ from one another. The two regions 2b and 2c are
optically separated from a region E that is a reduced diameter
section in which the bristles are cut shorter than in the regions
2b and 2c.
[0041] The joints can be blocked or secured via a non-illustrated
sleeve-like or tubular part by shifting the part over the joint
region. This part can, for example, be the handle region 3, which
in particular can be displaceably mounted on the post 1 in such a
way that it cannot become detached. It is also possible for the
handle region to be formed on the post, and for a further tubular
part to be displaceably mounted on the region of the post that
forms the joints, whereby the tubular part can, for example, be at
least partially insertable into the handle region, so that the
joint region is exposed.
[0042] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the lower
portion of a second embodiment of an inventive cleaning device,
having a circumferentially recessed outer cleaning contour K1,
during the cleaning of a toilet bowl having the contour K2.
[0043] FIG. 3, in a view similar to FIG. 2, shows a third
embodiment during the cleaning of a toilet bowl, whereby the
cleaning head 2 has a set of bristles 2a that has a circumferential
projection V. Not only a cleaning head having a circumferential
constriction E but also a circumferential projection V is
particularly suitable for extending into the contour K2 of the
toilet bowl in order to free surfaces there of dirt.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows a portion of the shaft of a cleaning head 2 or
a portion of the post 1 in which a joint is formed. The joint is
formed by a cut out or recess in the material. Due to the
mechanical weakening of the material, the shaft or post can be bent
at this location, as a result of which the handle region and the
cleaning head of the cleaning device can be moved relative to one
another.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a shaft or a post 1 having two joints that are
disposed next to one another and are staggered by 90.degree.
relative to one another, thereby providing a further degree of
freedom for the relative movement between handle and cleaning
handle.
[0046] It is advantageous if with the aforementioned joints the
narrowed regions have an approximately right-angled cross-sectional
contour.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows two perspective illustrations of an embodiment
of an inventive cleaning device or cleaning elements. The cleaning
device has a tubular element 14 that is displaceably mounted or
disposed on the post 1. With the device illustrated on the left, to
release the joint region the element 14 is shifted upwardly in the
Y direction, and is disposed partially in the handle region 3. With
the device illustrated on the right, the element 14 is shifted
downwardly and blocks the joints, which are not longer visible.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows a cleaning device according to FIG. 1 with the
handle region 3 shifted downwardly, thereby blocking the
non-visible joints, as a result of which no relative movement is
any longer possible between handle region 3 and cleaning head
2.
[0049] FIG. 8 shows a perspective illustration of a cleaning device
that from a mechanical standpoint corresponds to the device of FIG.
7, yet instead of a circumferential constriction E has a
circumferential projection V.
[0050] FIG. 9 shows a perspective illustration of the cleaning
process of an undercut profile with simultaneous rotation R and
linear or curved movement LB of the cleaning head 2, 2a along the
profile of the toilet bowl.
[0051] FIG. 10 shows an illustration of the cleaning process as in
FIG. 9, but with the cleaning device rotated by 180.degree. along
the longitudinal axis 13.
[0052] FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal section through a further
possible embodiment of a cleaning device, whereby post 1 and
cleaning head 2 are monolithically formed. The joint 5, 5a is
formed by recesses 5, 5a in the material. The joint region 5, 5a is
covered with an elastic material EM, so that a smooth outer surface
or contour results that has no edges or corners. In this
connection, it is possible for the material EM to extend beyond the
joint region 5, 5a over the post 1, whereby a smooth transition
results and possibly an advantageous optical effect is
achieved.
[0053] FIGS. 12a and 12b show side views of a further embodiment of
an inventive cleaning device with blocked and non-blocked position
of the sleeve-like part.
[0054] FIGS. 13a and 13b show sectioned illustrations of the
cleaning device of FIGS. 12 and 12b. The joints 5, 5a, 12a are
integrated in shaft S of the cleaning head 2. The bristles are cut
in a rotationally symmetrical manner, and form three regions 2b, 2c
and V. Formed at the free end 2d of the cleaning head 2 is a snap
closure 20 (see also FIG. 9) that cooperates with a holding part 21
that is disposed in the post 1. The holding part 21 presses the
arresting element or snap closure 20 of the cleaning head 2 into a
window-like recess 1f of the post 1 (FIG. 13a) if it is pulled
upwardly in the direction of the handle. In this position, the
cleaning head 2 cannot be detached from the post 1. If the holding
part 21 is shifted in the direction of the cleaning head 2, after
the snap closure 20 has been released the holding part encounters
the upper surface 2e of the cleaning head 2 or its shaft S, and
presses it out of its seat in the post 1. This makes it possible to
eject or throw away a dirty or used cleaning head 2 without having
to contact it with ones hands. Provided above the holding part 21
is a recess in the handle region of the post for a container BE.
This container is provided with a valve Ve on its upper side that
cooperates with a control element B disposed on the end face of the
handle portion. By pressing upon the control element B, the valve
Ve is opened and the medium disposed under pressure in the
container BE escapes outwardly through the nozzle 3a. Extending
around the lower portion 1b of the post 1 is a tubular part 14 that
is displaceably mounted on the portion 1b. If the part 14 is
shifted upwardly in the direction of the handle, it closes the
opening in the portion 1b via which the holding part 21 is
accessible from the outside (FIG. 12a). If, as illustrated in FIG.
12b, the part 14 is shifted downwardly in the direction of the
cleaning head 2, it blocks the no longer visible joints of the
cleaning device and the head can no longer be moved relative to the
handle.
[0055] In a further possible, non-illustrated, embodiment, the
joint is formed by a separate part which can, for example, be a
cylindrical rod, the joint of which is also formed by appropriate
recessing of the material, as indicated, for example, in various
figures by the reference numerals 5, 5a. This separate joint part
can, for example, have one side thereof fixedly connected with the
cleaning head, for example by being adhesively connected. On the
other side, which faces away from the cleaning head, the joint part
can be formed in such a way that together with the post or handle
part of the cleaning device it forms a releasable connection, for
example in the form of a snap connection. The additional joint part
can be produced from a high-grade and durable material, the
properties of which are optimum for the function of the joint. The
cleaning head and/or the post can, although this is of course not
absolutely necessary, be manufactured from an economical
material.
[0056] The specification incorporates by reference the disclosure
of International application number PCT/EP03/03808 filed 12 Apr.
2003 and German priority document number DE 102 16 445.2 filed Apr.
19, 2002.
[0057] The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to
the specific disclosure of the specification and drawings, but also
encompasses any modifications within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *