U.S. patent application number 10/987080 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-30 for cleaning device.
Invention is credited to Cisneros, Richard R..
Application Number | 20050138748 10/987080 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34704335 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050138748 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cisneros, Richard R. |
June 30, 2005 |
Cleaning device
Abstract
The cleaning device is a device for cleaning restroom
facilities, such as a toilet and parts thereof. The cleaning device
has a handle attached to a releasable cartridge that has a cleaning
member. The cleaning device also has a cartridge release mechanism
for reversibly securing and releasing the cartridge. The cleaning
device may have a splash and ooze protector.
Inventors: |
Cisneros, Richard R.; (New
York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD
PO BOX 15035
CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
34704335 |
Appl. No.: |
10/987080 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60532885 |
Dec 29, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/210.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/210.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 011/10 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A cleaning device, comprising: a handle having first and second
opposite ends; a cartridge release mechanism having opposing first
and second ends and a middle section; a cartridge attached to the
second end of the handle, the cartridge having opposing first and
second ends, the second end of the cartridge being configured to
accommodate the first end of the release mechanism; and, a cleaning
member attached to the first end of the cartridge.
2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a
splash and ooze protector fitted to the cartridge, the protector
being located between the cleaning member and the second end of the
cartridge in order to prevent ooze and splashes transferring to the
handle.
3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the splash and
ooze protector is made of foil.
4. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the splash and
ooze protector is made of plastic.
5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the first end
of the cartridge release mechanism is hook-shaped in order to
engage the cartridge.
6. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the second end
of the cartridge release mechanism further comprises a push down
member.
7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a
spring wrapped around the middle section of the cartridge release
mechanism in order to assist in ejecting the cartridge.
8. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning
member is an elongated tubular pad.
9. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a
chemical agent selected from the group consisting of a cleaning
agent, a disinfectant agent, and a fragrant agent, the cleaning
member absorbing and releasing the chemical agent.
10. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the handle
further comprises an internal lever spring biasing the cartridge
release mechanism in a position locking the cartridge to the
handle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/532,885, filed Dec. 29, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to cleaning implements, and
particularly to a cleaning device that has a grip handle attached
to a disposable cartridge attached to a cleaning member in order to
clean a restroom's facilities, such as a toilet.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Toilet cleaning brushes are typically one-piece items
comprising a handle permanently attached to a brush. Such cleaning
devices are easily fouled, rendered smelly, and serve as a breeding
ground for bacteria including pathogenic bacteria.
[0006] Thus, there is a need for a cleaning device that avoids such
problems. A review of the related art follows.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,620, issued on Oct. 15, 2002 to Busha,
describes a brush assembly for cleaning toilet bowls.
[0008] The Busha brush assembly has a removable and disposable
applicator head. The brush assembly comprises an elongated handle
with a broadening diverging end and an applicator head for
removable attachment thereto. Dual locking means for the applicator
head are provided. The locking means may be manually released
without having to physically handle a soiled applicator head.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,452, issued Nov. 26, 2002 to Yen,
describes a self-opening/closing umbrella that comprises a handle,
an outer tube, a middle tube partially mounted in the outer tube
and including a lower end securely attached to the handle and an
upper end in the outer tube. A rib-mounting base is securely
mounted to the upper end of the inner tube to move therewith. A
stretcher-mounting runner is mounted to the upper end of the outer
tube to move therewith, the runner being slidably mounted around
the inner tube. A compression spring is attached between the runner
and the upper end of the middle tube. When an opening button is
pushed, the runner and the outer tube are moved upward under a
first stage of extension of the compression spring, thereby opening
the umbrella. When the closing button is pushed while the umbrella
is in the open state, the base and the inner tube are moved upward
under a second stage of extension of the compression spring,
thereby closing the umbrella.
[0010] U.S. patent Publication No. 2003/0024074, published Feb. 6,
2003, describes a handle with a biconcave-shaped cross section that
is suitable for a hand tool, a hand tool extension, a tool
connector, a wheelbarrow handle, or any of a variety of devices
that are to be gripped by the human hand. The biconcave-shaped
handle conforms to the contours of a human hand.
[0011] U.S. patent Publication No. 2003/0024126, published Feb. 6,
2003, describes a snap-assembling structure as a grip for grill
tools. The Liu grip comprises a connection handle and casing. The
handle has two side plates, each of which defines a catch cut. A
casing is furnished with a plug slot and a push button channel for
receiving a push button mounted with a spring.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,979, issued Mar. 10, 1981 to Bau,
describes a scoop device having a plurality of spring fingers. A
string is threaded through the ends of the fingers to form a
polygon shape. Pulling the string causes the finger ends to move
together.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,161, issued Feb. 22, 1994 to Graves et
al., describes a quick release lock mechanism for releasably
connecting an extension pole to a tool handle. The Graves '161
device comprises an adaptor attached to the extension pole. A
non-rotatable connection is provided between the adaptor and tool
handle.
[0014] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed. Thus a cleaning device solving the aforementioned
problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention is a cleaning device to clean a
restroom's facilities, such as a toilet and parts thereof including
a toilet seat and lid. More specifically, the cleaning device has a
handle attached to a releasable cartridge attached to a cleaning
member. The cleaning device further includes a snap-on, spring-off
cartridge mechanism for easily securing and releasing the
cartridge. The cleaning device may further include a splash and
ooze protector.
[0016] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a cleaning device adapted to clean offensive or potentially
offensive surfaces.
[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide a cleaning
device with a changeable cartridge, and having a snap-on,
spring-off cartridge release mechanism for easily changing the
cartridge after use.
[0018] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
cleaning device that has a grip handle attached to a disposable
cartridge attached to a cleaning member.
[0019] Still another object of the invention is to provide an
appropriately sized cleaning device made up of a grip handle and
easily changed cartridge cleaning member, so that a number of the
devices may be carried about by cleaning personnel.
[0020] It is another object of the invention to provide a cleaning
device with a cleaning member that can be changed and substituted
after use for a fresh cleaning member without exposing the operator
to risk of contact or contamination that might emanate from a used
cleaning member.
[0021] It is another object of the invention to provide a cleaning
device that actively prevents a splash or ooze contaminating a user
gripping the device.
[0022] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
cleaning device having a cleaning member that is able to absorb and
release a cleaning, disinfecting, and/or fragrant agent and release
such agent.
[0023] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
[0024] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a cleaning
device according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view showing a cartridge
member released from a handle member of a cleaning device according
to the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2C is a section view of a cartridge member releasably
docked to a handle member of a cleaning device according to the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3A is a side view of a cartridge release mechanism of a
cleaning device according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3B is a longitudinal section view of one end of a
handle member of a cleaning device according to the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a
cartridge member having a cleaning member attached to one end and a
recess member at the other end for accepting one end of a cartridge
release mechanism of a cleaning device according to the present
invention.
[0032] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The present invention is directed to cleaning implements.
Specifically, the invention is a cleaning device 100 to clean a
restroom's facilities, such as a toilet 120 and parts thereof
including a toilet lid 125 and seat 130. More specifically, the
device 100 has a handle 140 attached to a releasable cartridge 160,
which, in turn, is attached to a cleaning member 180. The
releasable cartridge 160 may further comprise a splash and ooze
protector 200. The optional splash and ooze protector 200 may be
made of any suitable material, such as foil and plastic.
[0034] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of the cleaning
device 100. The cleaning device 100 is shown in use by an operator
or person 220 to clean a toilet 120 and parts thereof. The cleaning
member 180 is brought into contact with the toilet 120, and more
particularly, toilet surface 135. A perspective view of the
cleaning device 100 is shown in FIG. 2A.
[0035] It should be understood that while the cleaning device 100
is particularly suited to cleaning a toilet 120, the device 100 may
be used to clean any suitable object or surface 135 that can
benefit with a clean up using the cleaning device 100.
[0036] Thus, the terms "restroom cleaning device" and "cleaning
device 100" are hereinafter regarded as equivalent terms.
[0037] In more detail, the cleaning device 100 has a handle 140, a
cartridge release mechanism 280 (shown in FIGS. 2C, 3A, and 3B), a
cartridge 160, a cleaning member 180, and an optional a splash and
ooze protector 200. The handle 140 has first 240 and second 260
opposite ends. The first end 240 is adapted to be gripped by a
human operator 220.
[0038] The cartridge 160 is attached to the opposite end of the
handle 260 by means of a cartridge release mechanism 280, described
further below. The cartridge 160 defines first 360 and second 380
opposite ends. The cleaning member 180 is attached to the first end
360 as shown in FIG. 4. The first end 360 is configured to provide
sufficient surface area for firmly attaching the cleaning member
180. Glue or any suitable attachment means may be used to attach
the cleaning member 180 to the first end 360. The second end 380 is
adapted to accommodate the first end 300 of the cartridge release
mechanism 280.
[0039] The cartridge release mechanism 280, shown in FIG. 3A, has
first 300 and second 320 opposite ends, and a middle section 340. A
spring 440 is wrapped around the middle section 340.
[0040] The first 300 and second 320 ends -define a hook 400 and a
push down member 420, respectively. The hook 400 is configured to
slide into an elongated recess 460 in the second end 380 of the
cartridge member 160, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 4. The elongated
recess 460 comprises a second recess 480. The second recess 480 is
configured to accommodate the hook 400 and thereby reversibly lock
the cartridge 160 to the handle 140. More specifically, the hook
400 attaches the cartridge end 380 to the handle end 260, as shown
in FIGS. 2B and 2C.
[0041] When the cleaning device 100 has been used to clean, for
example, a toilet lid 125 and seat 135, the cartridge 160 (and by
default the attached cleaning member 180) can be replaced by
operating the cartridge release mechanism 280.
[0042] Specifically, an operator 220 presses the push down member
420 to release the cartridge 160 and attached cleaning member
180.
[0043] The operator 220 typically releases the cartridge 160 and
attached cleaning member 180 into a suitable container, such as a
foot operated disposal bin. A fresh cartridge 160 and attached
cleaning member 180 are attached to the handle 140 by directing the
now exposed hook 400 into the elongated recess 460, as shown in
FIG. 2B.
[0044] It should be noted that the physical cleaning
characteristics of the cleaning member 180 may vary to the extent
that it might be desired to swap one cleaning member 180 for
another cleaning member 180 that is more suitable for a particular
cleaning task. The cartridge release mechanism 280 makes replacing
and swapping cartridges 160 with attached cleaning members 180 both
easy and hygienic.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the cleaning member 180 can be an
elongated tubular cleaning pad. However, the cleaning member 180
may have a different shape with, for example, a square or
rectangular cross section. The cleaning member 180 is made of any
suitable cleaning material, such as natural or artificial sponge,
cloth (e.g., absorbent cotton cloth), and chemically impregnated
material, such as a cloth impregnated with any suitable cleaning
and/or fragrant agent conventional in the art of cleaning and/or
fragrance agents.
[0046] The handle end 260 has a generally tubular shaped elongated
recess 500. The recess 500 is sized to accommodate at least part of
the cartridge release mechanism 280, as shown in FIG. 3B. A radial
protrusion 520 enables the spring 440 to compress upon ingress of
the cartridge end 380 into the recess 500. The protrusion 520
defines an internal aperture 540 sized to accommodate the width of
the central section 340 of the cartridge release mechanism 280.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 2C, a lever spring 560 ensures that the
release mechanism 280 is biased to remain in a locked position with
respect to the recess 480. The hook 400 is biased to remain locked
in recess 480 until the push member 420 is pressed down, causing
the end 300 of the release mechanism 280 to pivot upwards, thereby
releasing the hook 400 from recess 480, whereupon the spring 440
drives the second end 380 to move out of the recess 500 and hence
out of the second opposite end 260 of the handle 140.
[0048] The radial protrusion 520 acts as a pivot with respect to
the middle 340 of the release member 280. Any suitable structure
can be used to keep the spring 440 wrapped around the middle
section 340 of the cartridge release mechanism 280. For example, in
FIG. 3B one end of the spring 440 is shown attached to the radial
protrusion 520.
[0049] The optional splash and ooze protector 200 is located
between the cleaning member 180 and the second end 380 of the
cartridge 160 to prevent ooze and splashes transferring to the
handle. The cleaning member 180 is preferably made of a sponge-like
material that is capable of absorbing a cleaning, disinfecting,
and/or fragrant agent, and releases the agent when the member 180
is pressed against a surface 135 to be cleaned.
[0050] For example, a user 220 can apply pressure to the handle 140
to cause the member 180 to compress against the surface 135 and
release a disinfecting agent onto the surface 135 to facilitate
hygienic cleaning thereof.
[0051] Size of the invention is dictated by cost and ease of use
considerations. By way of example only, the device could have an
overall length of about twelve inches, with a cartridge length of
about five inches, a diameter of about one inch, and the collar
about the device that extends out only about 1/4 inch.
[0052] It should be appreciated that there are occasions when it is
desirable to release, for example, a fragrant or fruity smelling
agent onto a surface 135 that requires cleaning. Bio-fouling of
surfaces, for example the toilet seat, the lid, or the outer bowl
surface that could come into contact with a user's legs, etc., can
present a particular challenge, and a cleaning device such as that
described and claimed herein is both desired and needed to meet
such a challenge. In addition, a cleaning device that is designed
to avoid ooze and/or splashes contaminating a handle 140 held, by
an operator 220 is a desirable and needed feature. Still further,
the invention provides a cleaning device capable of releasing a
contaminated cleaning member 180 and replacing it with a fresh
cleaning member without the operator 220 having to physically
handle a soiled cleaning member 180 (and hence soiled cartridge
160). It will be understood that the cleaning device 100 is
designed to combine such features in a single device.
[0053] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *