U.S. patent application number 10/509555 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for cleaning apparatus and method for using the same.
Invention is credited to Alden, Tor, Ashley, Charles, Belansky, Carol Ann, Corkhill, Ian James, Dibnah, Carl, Ferri, Lino, Love, Michael David, Neiman, Diane, Nguyen, Lamson, Spitzer, Leonard, Studer, John Eugene, Thomas, Alan James, Weller, Jeanne Marie.
Application Number | 20050158116 10/509555 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28676502 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050158116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Belansky, Carol Ann ; et
al. |
July 21, 2005 |
Cleaning apparatus and method for using the same
Abstract
A combination cleaning device useful in the cleaning of hard
surfaces, or soft surfaces which combination cleaning device
includes a cleaning means particularly an abrasive cleaning means
such as a brush, abrasive pad or other physical means which is used
to contact a surface requiring cleaning and/or disinfecting
treatment, and which combination cleaning device further includes a
chemical cleaning composition which may optionally also provide a
sanitizing benefit, which combination cleaning device is manually
graspable by a consumer. In preferred embodiments the chemical
cleaning composition is provided in a pressurized or pressurizable
vessel which is at least partially enclosed within the said
combination cleaning device whererin the user of the device
dispenses the cleaning composition which is expelled from the
vessel and then to the cleaning means. Methods relating to the use
of the device as well as methods or manufacturing the device are
also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Belansky, Carol Ann;
(Montvale, NJ) ; Corkhill, Ian James; (Wayne,
NJ) ; Dibnah, Carl; (Hull, GB) ; Love, Michael
David; (Montvale, NJ) ; Nguyen, Lamson;
(Wayne, NJ) ; Neiman, Diane; (Colonia, NJ)
; Spitzer, Leonard; (Montvale, NJ) ; Studer, John
Eugene; (Morris Plains, NJ) ; Thomas, Alan James;
(Wayne, NJ) ; Weller, Jeanne Marie; (Montvale,
NJ) ; Ferri, Lino; (Middletown, NJ) ; Ashley,
Charles; (Clinton, NJ) ; Alden, Tor;
(Gadstone, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NORRIS, MCLAUGHLIN & MARCUS
875 THIRD AVE
18TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
28676502 |
Appl. No.: |
10/509555 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
April 3, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB03/01449 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/270 ;
401/190 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20130101;
A46B 11/001 20130101; A46B 2200/304 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/270 ;
401/190 |
International
Class: |
A46B 005/02; A46B
011/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 3, 2002 |
GB |
0207710.5 |
Oct 10, 2002 |
GB |
0223509.1 |
Claims
1. A combination cleaning device comprising: a body graspable by a
user of the device, and which body contains a vessel containing a
cleaning composition, means for impelling chemical cleaning
composition along a conduit from the body to a cleaning head,
wherein the cleaning head includes at least one outlet for the
cleaning composition.
2. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the
cleaning head is permanently affixed to the body of the combination
cleaning device.
3. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the
cleaning head is removably affixed to the body of the combination
cleaning device.
4. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 which
further includes an interlocking device mounted on said vessel or
within the body of the combination cleaning devicewhich must be
properly engaged in order to permit dispensation of the cleaning
composition from the vessel when the combination cleaning device is
used.
5. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the
vessel is removable from within the body and is replaceable within
the body.
6. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 claim
wherein the means for impelling the cleaning composition includes
an electrical motor or electrical solenoid.
7. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the
means for impelling the cleaning composition includes a pressurized
aerosol canister which comprises a pressurizable canister, and a
manually actuated valve which, when actuated, releases its contents
under pressure.
8. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the
means for impelling the cleaning composition includes one or more
mechanical elements which are used to deform a non-pressurized
vessel.
9. A combination cleaning device according to claim 4 wherein the
interlocking device mounted on the vessel comprises a plate having
a generally circular downwardly depending skirt, one or more spring
legs depending upwardly from the plate, and a central orifice which
is positioned above a valve stem of the vessel.
10. (canceled)
11. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein
the means for impelling the cleaning composition includes a
pressurized aerosol canister which comprises a pressurizable
canister, and a manually actuated valve which, when actuated,
releases its contents under pressure, and wherein the device
further comprises an interlocking device, said interlocking device
comprising a plate having a generally circular downwardly depending
skirt, one or more spring legs depending upwardly from the plate,
and a central orifice which is positioned above a valve stem of the
manually actuated valve of the pressurized aerosol canister.
12. The combination cleaning device according to claim 11 wherein
the pressurized aerosol canister is removable from within the body
and is replaceable within the body.
13. The combination cleaning device according to claim 11 wherein
the the pressurized aerosol canister is removable from within the
body and is replaceable within the body, and wherein the
interlocking device is mounted upon the pressurized aerosol
canister.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to cleaning apparatus, and
methods. In particular, the present invention relates to cleaning
apparatus and methods which are in certain preferred embodiments
particularly suitable for cleaning lavatories, sanitary appliances
as well as plumbing fixtures and other hard surfaces.
[0002] Brushes are notoriously old articles which are known to
facilitate the cleaning of surfaces, and lavatories, sanitary
appliances as well as plumbing fixtures may be effectively cleaned
brushes. Alternatively, chemical cleaning compositions which
typically include one or more active agents such as cleaning agent,
disinfecting agent, fragrance agent, and/or an anti-lime scale
agent or a mixture of two or more of such agents are also known to
be useful. It is also known to use a combination of physical and
chemical cleaning. Good results are expected when a chemical
cleaning composition in used in conjunction with a brush, as the
brush provides good abrasive contact with a soiled lavatory,
sanitary appliance, plumbing fixture or for that matter any other
surface particuarly hard surfaces, which abrasive contact typically
loosens stains and soils on the surface(s) which can be more
readily treated by the chemical cleaning composition. The art has
suggested various articles of manufacture which suggest such a
combination. For example, EP 123152A describes a system comprising
a cartridge having a cleaning brush attached thereto, and wherein a
cleaning fluid is discharged from a flexible bag through the
cleaning brush. Further devices known to the art include those
described in the following documents: GB 2342403; WO 01/45533; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,984,555; U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,669; DE 2331694; DE
2040496; DE 1912606; GB 2342403; EP 1190644; DE 20101259; DE
29918902; DE 2331694; as well as DE 3104734.
[0003] Such combination cleaning device s however are typically
poorly received by consumers as they typically suffer from a number
of disadvantages which results in low consumer satisfaction which
in turn limits their actual use. Such combination cleaning devices
are often perceived to be ineffective in providing a desired
cleaning and/or sanitizing effect. One particular shortcoming is in
the messiness of using such devices, or the difficulty in dipsening
a chemical cleaning compositions associated with such combination
devcies. Such devices are typcially often unwieldy in use.
[0004] Broadly recited, it is amongst the objects of the present
invention to provide a combination cleaning device useful in the
cleaning of hard surfaces such as non-porous surfaces including
glass, metals, ceramic surfaces, and the like as well as soft
surfaces such as textiles, carpets, upholstery, garments and the
like which combination cleaning device includes a body, and a
cleaning head particularly an abrasive cleaning head such as a
brush, abrasive pad or other physical abrasive means which is used
to contact a surface requiring cleaning and/or disinfecting
treatment, and which combination cleaning device further includes a
chemical cleaning composition which may optinally also provide a
sanitizing benefit, which combination cleaning device is manually
graspable usually at the body thereof, by a user of the device. In
paricularly preferred environments the chemical cleaning
composition is provided in a vessel, which may be a
non-pressurized, or alternately may be a pressurized or
pressurizable vessel which is at least partially enclosed within
the body of the combination cleaning device whererin the user of
the device dispenses the cleaning composition which is expelled
from the vessel and then to the cleaning means. Desirably the
vessel includes an interlocking device mounted on said vessel or
within the body of the combination cleaning device, or may be
present on both the vessel and body, which must be properly engaged
in order to permit dispensation of the cleaning composition from
the vessel when the combination cleaning device is used.
[0005] Further objects of the invention include methods for
treating a hard or soft surface in need of a cleaning and/or
disinfecting treatment which method contemplates providing a
combination cleaning device including a cleaning head and a
chemical cleaning composition provided in a vessel, particularly a
pressurized or pressurizable vessel, dispensing a quantity of the
chemical cleaning composition to the cleaning means, and
subsequently contacting the cleaning head with the surface in need
of treatement.
[0006] Still further objects of the invention relate to methods for
manufacturing a combination cleaning device as described
herein.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided a combination cleaning device in the form of a lavatory
brush comprising a body which also functions as a handle graspable
by a user of the device, and as a cleaning head, a brush head
having a proximal end depending from the body and a distal end, the
body having a cavity for accommodating a chemical cleaning
composition and means for impelling chemical cleaning composition
along a conduit from the body to the brush head, the brush head
having bristles and having an outlet for chemical cleaning
composition, proximate to the distal end thereof. By "proximate"
when referring to the outlet(s), is to be understod that mean that
the outlet is at the distal end of the brush, or in the region of
the brush head near to the distal end of the brush. Preferably the
brush head has only one outlet at the distal end outlet(s).
According to one particularly preferred embodiment of the first
aspect of the invention the outlet, or each outlet present in the
brush head is arranged to issue cleaning composition without
contacting the bristles of the brush head.
[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a combination cleaning device comprising a body which
also functions as a handle graspable by a user of the device, and
which contains a vessel containing a cleaning composition, means
for impelling chemical cleaning composition along a conduit from
the body to a cleaning head, wherein the cleaning head includes at
least one outlet for the cleaning composition, and wherein the
cleaning head may be permanently affixed to the body, or which may
be removably affixed to the body or which may be interchanged by
the user of the combination cleaning device. Said aspect of the
invention contemplates for the subsitution of a variety of
different cleaning heads which may be affixed to the body and each
of which may be used to form a combination cleaning device. Each of
the different cleaning heads desirably include a proximate end
which may be removably attached to the body of the combination
cleaning device either directly or by means of an intermediate
linking member, as well as a conduit and at least one outlet for
the chemical cleaning composition at the distal end of the cleaning
head. Specific examples of cleaning head include: a brush head
comprising one or more tufts of bristles, wherein said brush head
and bristles may be formed according to any of a number of
configurations; a cleaning head which includes a pad of an
non-abrasive or abrasive material such as an abrasive pad; a
cleaning head which includes a surface onto which may be removably
affixed a woven or non-woven wipe or other generally planar sheet
material which may provide an abrasive effect, which wipe or
generally planar sheet material may be a single-use wipe or which
may be used a number of times before being removed and discarded.
The cleaning head may include any combination of such materials as
recited above. The various forms of cleaning heads may have one or
more outlets at a distal end thereof which permits for the egress
of the cleaning composition from the cleaning head. In certain
preferred embodiments the cleaning head has a plurality of outlets.
According to other preferred embodiments the cleaning head
comprises a single outlet at the distal end thereof.
[0009] A third aspect of the present invention provides a
combination cleaning device comprising a body adapted for
containing a vessel containing a quantity of a cleaning
composition, said body which also functions as a handle graspable
by a user of the device, and a cleaning head wherein the cleaning
head may be permanently affixed, or which may be removably affixed
to the body and which may be interchanged by the user of the
combination cleaning device, said combination cleaning device which
further comprises mounted on said vessel or within said body, or
parts of which may be present on both the vessel and body, which
interlocking device must be properly engaged in order to permit
egress of the cleaning composition from the vessel when the
combination cleaning device is used.
[0010] In any of the aspects of the invention, preferably the
cleaning composition is contained in vessel, e.g., a canister
within the body of the combination cleaning device, and most
preferably the vessel is removable from within the body and is
replaceable within the body.
[0011] In any of the aspects of the invention, the vessel need not
be totally obscured from view when inserted within the body, rather
it may be partially visible when installed within the body of the
combination device taught herein. For example, a portion of the
body may be omitted, so to form a viewing window which would permit
the user to view at least a part of the vessel when the vessel is
installed in the body. Such would be particuarly convenient wherein
it would be advatageous for the consumer to view a label or other
identifying marking(s) on the vessel when the combination device is
assembled and ready for use as described hereinafter.
[0012] The vessel according to the invention includes a closure or
other form of valve which may be used to limit the egress of
cleaning composition from the vessel. According to certain
embodiments the vessel is vented by a one-way valve. Preferably the
one-way valve is located within the body of the combination
cleaning device. Preferably, this one-way valve is located such
that it does not become submerged during use of the combination
cleaning device. In certain embodiments, the vessel is preferably
vented to allow for the ingress of air as cleaning composition is
impelled from the combination cleaning device. Alternately and
preferably the vessel may be pressurized, such that fluid exiting
the vessel cannot be retracted into the vessel once it it
dispensed.
[0013] The cleaning composition necessarily is impelled from the
vessel in order to dispense the cleaning composition through the
cleaning head in the device according to the invention. A variety
of means, and techniques may be used to effectively dispense the
cleaning composition from the vessel.
[0014] Desirably, the means for impelling are operable by one hand.
Preferably, the means for impelling are operable by a hand which is
grasping and supporting the body of the combination cleaning
device. Preferably, the means for impelling are operable by the
(human) hand and/or is actuated by the (human) hand which is
grasping and supporting the body of the combination cleaning device
without adjustment of the position of said hand on the combination
cleaning device.
[0015] One means for impelling the cleaning composition
contemplates the use of an electrical motor which is contained in
the body of the combination cleaning device, which motor is
actuated by an electrical contact or electrical switch which, when
engaged closes a circuit which transmits electrical current from a
battery/battery which operates the motor. The motor engages one or
more suitable mechanical elements which, when driven by the motor,
cause the cleaning composition to be impelled from the inventive
device. Any suitable mechanical elements may be used to achieve
this effect and such mechanical elements. By way of non-limiting
example suitable mechanical elements include one or more of the
following combinations of mechanical elements:
[0016] (a) a gear mounted on the shaft of the electrical motor
engages a piston connected to a piston rod, said piston rod having
a rack of mating gear teeth which engage the gear mounted on the
motor shaft, such that when the motor is engaged the piston is
urged against the vessel contained in the body which impels the
release of the cleaning composition;
[0017] (b) a threaded gear on the shaft of, or a threaded shaft of
the electrical motor engages a piston connected to a piston rod,
wherein the piston rod including a threaded portion which engages
the threaded gear/threaded shaft of the motor, such that when the
motor is engaged the piston is urged against the vessel contained
in the body which impels the release of the cleaning
composition;
[0018] (c) a rotatable lobed cam or rotatable wheel eccentrically
mounted on the shaft of the electrical motor, such that when the
motor is actuated, the rotating lobed cam or wheel is urged against
the vessel contained in the body which impels the release of the
cleaning composition;
[0019] (d) a rotatable lobed cam or rotatable eccentric wheel is
mounted on the shaft of the electrical motor, which is used in
conjuncation with a mechanically opearable pump having a pump-arm
(trigger) such that when the motor is actuated, the rotating lobed
cam or wheel is urged against the pump-arm of the mechanically
operable pump which operation impels the release of the cleaning
composition;
[0020] Of the aforesaid combinations of mechanical elements with
electrical motors, those described in (a) and (b) in certain
embodiments (c) are particularly useful when the vessel is an
aerosol canister or other pressurized vessel, while those described
in (d) and in certain embodiments of (c) are particulary useful
with non-pressurized vessels.
[0021] The electrical motor may be any which is suitable to provide
sufficient force, however low voltage electrical motors which may
be operated from a battery source are conveniently and
advantageously used. The battery source may be single-use
non-rechargeable batteries, or may be rechargeable batteries,
including appropriately sized lithium ion, and nickel cadium based
batteries. While the use of batteries are preferred as such pemits
for the convenient and mobile use of the combination cleaning
device, it is contemplated that the motor may also be powered by
connection to a non-portable power source, e.g., a suitable
transformer attached to the electrical mains of a building.
[0022] A further means for impelling the cleaning composition
contemplates the use of an electrical solenoid which is contained
in the body of the combination cleaning device, which solenoid is
actuated by an electrical contact or electrical switch which, when
engaged closes a circuit which transmits electrical current from a
battery/battery which operates the solenoid. The plunger of the
solenid may conveniently engage one or more suitable mechanical
elements which, when driven by the solenoid, cause the cleaning
composition to be impelled from the inventive device. Alternately
the plunger of the solenid may engage a portion of a vessel,
particularly a aerosol canister or other pressurized vessel and
urge it towards the distal end of the body of the combination
cleaning device, and impel the cleaning composition from the
vessel. Such a solenoid may be any which is found to be effective,
but is desirably one which may be operated using a low voltage
source, such as may be provided by batteries or a transformer such
as described above with reference to the use of an electrical
motor.
[0023] A still further means for impelling the cleaning composition
contemplates the use of an electrically operated pump which is
contained in the body of the combination cleaning device, which
pump is actuated by an electrical contact or electrical switch
which, when engaged closes a circuit which transmits electrical
current from a battery/battery which operates the pump. Such means
is particularly adapted for use in dispensing cleaning composition
from a non-pressurized vessel.
[0024] A further means for impelling the cleaning composition which
does not require a motor or electrical current contemplates the use
of an engageable shaft connected at one end thereof to a piston,
and a manually operable trigger which, when operated interacts with
the engageable shaft to advance it in linear direction. An
embodiment of such means may be, e.g., a flexible shaft having a
rack of teeth, and an engagement gear or engagement pawl associated
with the trigger of the combination cleaning device. In operation,
depressing the trigger enages the engaement gear, or pawl with one
or more of the teeth of the shaft, causing the rack attached at one
end to a piston forward. This motive force may be used to expel a
cleaning composition from any of a variety of vessels which may be
used with the present invention, particulary with non-pressurized
vessels such as bellows bottles, or other collapsible or manually
deformable vessels.
[0025] One preferred means for impelling the cleaning composition
comprises the use of a manually-operable pump, wherein the pump is
operable by the user. Desriably such a manually operable pump only
permits for the egress of chemical cleaning composition from the
vessel when it is operated or otherwise actuated.
[0026] An alternate preferred means for impelling the cleaning
composition comprises the use of a vessel which is manually
deformable. The user utilizing the combinantion device, via
pressure such as squeezing pressure exerted by the user, cases the
deformation of the vessel which impels the egress of the cleaning
composition containined within the vessel.
[0027] A still further alternate preferred means for impelling the
cleaning composition comprises the use of a deformable vessel which
however is deformed by means other than that directly exerted by a
user, for example, a pressurized or pressurizable vessel which has
a non-deformable exterior such as a metal canister, said vessel
which contains a first plenum or a deformable bag containing the
cleaning composition, and a second plenum which may be the
intermediate volume between the first plenum and remaining interior
volume of the vessel. In such a preferred embodiment it is
contemplated that pressurization of, or an increase in the volume
of the second plenum causes a reduction in the volume of the first
plenum which causes the egress of the cleaning composition from the
vessel.
[0028] An alternate preferred means for impelling the cleaning
composition comprises the use of a vessel which contains two or
more separate chemical cleaning compositions which are contained in
a vessel (or plurality of vessels) which contain the two or more
chemical cleaning compositions separate from one another until the
said chemical cleaning compositions are expelled from the vessel
wherein they may intermix. Such may be particularly advantageous
wherein the cleaning composition is stably stored and contained in
two or more separate plenums within a vessel, or in two or more
separate vessels but when mixed form an active cleaning and/or
disinfecting composition. One example of such a cleaning
composition having such properties are two-part compositions
containing a bleach constitutent in one of said two parts, and a
bleach activiator constituent in the other of said two parts which,
when intermixed, form a highly effective bleach composition which
may have both cleaning efficacy and/or sanitizing efficacy.
[0029] A particularly preferred and effective example of a vessel
which may be used in the combination cleaning device according to
the invention is a pressurized aerosol canister which comprises a
pressurizable canister, and a manually actuated valve which, when
actuated, releases its contents under pressure.
[0030] A further effective example of a vessel which may be used in
the combination cleaning device is a known as an "Atmos" vessel,
which may be generally described as comprising a flexible inner
bladder adapted to contain a quantity of a material, such as the
cleaning composition according to the invention, which inner
bladder is contained within an elastomeric sleeve. The inner
bladder may be filled and used to contain the cleaning composition
wherein it is maintained in a pressurized state due to the
mechanical compressive force of the inner bladder, but primarily
due to the mechanical compressive force of the elastomeric sleeve.
The Atmos vessel further comprises a valve or other outlet or valve
which can be acutated in order to permit the egress of its contents
under pressure.
[0031] A still further effective form of a vessel which may be used
in the combination cleaning device is a bellows bottle. Such
bellows bottles may be generally described as a collapsible vessel
which may be compressed, typically substantially only in one
direction, usually in the vertical direction. Typically a series of
preformed pleats or ribs are formed in the bellows bottle such that
when it is compressed, the wall(s) of the bellows bottle folds in
the direction of the pleats or ribs, and simultaneously the
interior volume of the bellows bottle is diminished. Typically,
when used in the combination cleaning device taught herein the
cleaning composition may be maintained in an unpressurized state,
as pressurization of the contents of the bellows bottle occurs when
the bellows bottle is compressed and its interior volume
diminished. Of course, a a valve or other outlet or valve which can
be acutated is typically present with the bellows bottle in order
to permit the egress of its contents under pressure.
[0032] Other forms of vessels which may be used with the
combination cleaning device are described with reference to the
Figures. It is to be understood varous forms of vessels may be used
with different configurations of the combination cleaning device
and thus satisfy the objectives of the present invention.
[0033] Most preferably, the means for impelling are manually
operated. Preferably, the means for impelling are actuated by a
user's own force.
[0034] According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is
provided a method for cleaning surface such as hard surface or a
soft surface, which method comprises the steps of:
[0035] (a) providing a combination cleaning as described herein
wherein said device includes a vessel contining a cleaning
composition; (b) impelling the cleaning composition to exit from
the vessel, and pass through the body to one or more outlets at the
brush head, through the outlet proximate to the distal end of the
brush head and directing chemical cleaning composition passing
through the outlet onto a surface to be cleaned; and (c) using the
bristle brush, head in combination with the chemical cleaning
composition to clean the surface, to be cleaned.
[0036] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how
embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic
drawings in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the
invention;
[0038] FIG. 2 shows a back view of the embodiment of Figure
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment
of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a side view of components for use in. the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
in use;
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
in combination with a stand;
[0044] FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a further
embodiment of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a canister being fitted
to the embodiment of FIG. 8 in use;
[0046] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8
in use;
[0047] FIG. 11 shows an exploded perspective view of still further
embodiment of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a canister being fitted
to the embodiment of FIG. 11 in use;
[0049] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
11 in use;
[0050] FIG. 14 shows an exploded perspective view of a yet further
embodiment of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a canister being fitted
to the embodiment of FIG. 14; and
[0052] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
14 in use.
[0053] FIG. 17 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the
invention; and
[0054] FIG. 18 shows a cross-section view along line A-A of FIG.
17.
[0055] FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of the device shown in FIGS.
17 and 18.
[0056] FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of a combination cleaning
device according to the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of an interlocking device
adapted to be mounted upon a vessel according to the present
invention.
[0058] FIG. 22 illustrates in a cross-sectional view the arrangment
of the interlocking device according to FIG. 21 mounted on an
aerosol canister, and engaged within the body of a combination
cleaning device according to the invention.
[0059] FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an
interlocking device adapted to be mounted upon a vessel according
to the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 24 illustrates in a cross-sectional view the arrangment
of the alternative interlocking device according to FIG. 23 mounted
on an aerosol canister, and engaged within the body of a
combination cleaning device according to the invention.
[0061] FIGS. 25 depicts an embodiment of a cleaning head according
to the invention which may be used to form a combination cleaning
device
[0062] FIGS. 26A through 26E depict alternative embodiments of a
cleaning head according to the invention. which may be used to form
a combination cleaning device.
[0063] FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning
device according to the invention which includes a rotatable wheel
eccentrically mounted on the shaft of the electrical motor, such
that when the motor is actuated, the rotating lobed cam or wheel is
urged against the vessel contained in the body which impels the
release of the cleaning composition.
[0064] FIG. 28 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning
device according to the invention which includes an electrical
solenoid which is contained in the body of the combination cleaning
device, which, when actuated engages a portion of a vessel,
particularly a aerosol and urges it towards the distal end of the
body of the combination cleaning device, and impel the cleaning
composition from the vessel.
[0065] FIG. 29 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning
device according to the invention which includes a a gear mounted
on the shaft of the electrical motor engages a piston connected to
a piston rod, said piston rod having a rack of mating gear teeth
which engage the gear mounted on the motor shaft, such that when
the motor is engaged the piston is urged against the vessel
contained in the body which impels the release of the cleaning
composition.
[0066] FIG. 30 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning
device according to the invention which includes an engageable
shaft connected at one end thereof to a piston, and a manually
operable trigger which, when operated interacts with the engageable
shaft to advance it in linear direction, and which urges the
cleaning composition from the vessel.
[0067] FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate alternate mounting devices for
remoably mounting cleaning heads upon the body of a combination
cleaning device.
[0068] FIG. 32 illustrates an alternate mounting device for
remoably mounting cleaning heads upon the body of a combination
cleaning device.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 7 therein is shown an embodiment
of the combination cleaning device according to the invention in
the form of a lavatory brush 100 comprising a bristle brush head 10
and a handle 20. The bristle brush head 10 exemplifies one form of
a cleaning head according to the invention, while the handle 20
exemplfies one form of a body according to the invention. The
bristle brush head 10 comprises a proximal end 12, a distal end 14,
bristles 16 and an outlet 18. The handle 20 comprises a neck 22, a
body 24, a lid 26 and a trigger 28. The neck 22 and body 24 of the
handle 20 are formed from two conjoined sections; a front section
30 and a rear section 32. The proximal end 12 of the bristle brush
head 10 is attached to a distal end' of the neck 22. The lid 26 is
movable between a first position in 20 which it closes an aperture
defined by a proximal end of the body 24 of the handle 20 and a
second position in which the aperture is unobstructed. The lid 26
is hinged to move from the first position to the second position by
hinge means (not shown). The lid 26 is secured in the first
position by an interference fit joint. A recess 23 is provided in
the body 24 of the handle 20 to assist the user in moving the lid
26 from the first position to the second position.
[0070] The body 24 of the handle 20 is shaped to allow it to be
easily grasped by a user. The body 24 of the handle 20 is also
shaped to allow it to contain a canister 34 of chemical cleaning
composition. The canister 34 exemplifies a vessel according to the
invention. The canister 34 is manufactured from a transparent
plastics material, although it may also be produced from an opaque
material such as a metal.
[0071] A proximal end of the canister 34 comprises a vent 36. The
vent 36 comprises a one way valve allowing air to pass from the
atmosphere into the canister 34 when the air space within the
canister 34 is increased, during operation. Neither air nor
chemical cleaning composition from within the canister 34 can pass
through the vent 36 to exit the canister 34.
[0072] A distal end of the canister 34 comprises a pump 38. The
pump 38 can be actuated to draw chemical cleaning composition from
within the canister 34. Actuation of the pump 38 reduces the
pressure within the canister 34 drawing air from the atmosphere
through the vent 36 into the canister 34. When the pump 38 is not
being actuated no chemical cleaning composition can exit the
canister 34. The pump 38 may be formed of an assemble of discrete
components which cooperate to provide a pumping effect when
operated.
[0073] Within the lavatory brush 100 is contained a trigger
mechanism 36 and a conduit 42, which in this embodiment is a
passage generally concentric with the neck 22 and with the bristle
brush head 10 and which passes therethrough where it terminates at
an orifice, or opening at the distal end of the bristle brush head
10. The trigger mechanism 40 cooperates with the trigger 28 to
allow a user to impel chemical cleaning composition contained
within the canister 34 along a conduit 42 to exit the bristle brush
head 10 through the opening 18 at the distal end 14. Preferably the
chemical cleaning composition exiting the opening 18 does so
without contacting the bristles. Desirably, the cleaning
composition exits the combination cleaning device as a jet able to
impinge upon a lavatory surface, particularly a toilet bowl
surface.
[0074] In use, a vessel, or canister 34 containing a cleaning
composition is inserted into the handle 20 through the aperture
defined by a proximal end of the body 24 of the handle 20 when the
aperture is unobstructed by the lid 26. The lid 26, is then
replaced to, improve the aesthetic appeal of the lavatory brush
100, to prevent dirt from entering the handle 20 and to retain the
canister 34 in place. The pump 38 located within the handle 30,
communicating with the conduit 42 and the trigger mechanism 40. A
user grasps the body 24 of the handle 20 and can conveniently use
an index finger to actuate the trigger 28. Symmetry of the
illustrated device facilitates use by left and right-handed users.
Actuation of the trigger 28 transmits force through the trigger
mechanism 14 to the pump 38. Upon actuation, the pump, 38 impels
chemical cleaning composition from within the canister 34 into the
conduit 42. Further actuation of the pump 38 impels chemical
cleaning composition along the conduit 42 and through the opening
18 and the distal end of the bristle brush head 10.
[0075] A transparent portion 33 of the rear section 32 allows the
level of chemical cleaning composition within the canister 34 to be
easily observed by the user, although not all embodiments of the
combinaton cleaning device include a transparent portion in the
body of the combination cleaning device.
[0076] The user may operate the combination cleaning device
according to any of a number of cleaning methods made possible by
the use of the lavatory brush 100. The user can spread a layer of
chemical cleaning composition from the lavatory brush 100 over
surfaces to be cleaned by first actuating the trigger 28 before
contacing the treated surface with the bristles 16 of the bristle
brush head 10. Alternatively, the user can simultaneously brush and
apply chemical cleaning composition to a surface being treated. Of
course, the combination cleaning device can be used without
chemical cleaning composition if desired. The location of the
outlet 18 proximate the distal end 14 of the bristle brush head 10
allows the user to accurately judge the amount of chemical cleaning
composition dispensed. Also, the user can accurately direct the
chemical cleaning composition to 5 where it is required. The
positioning of the outlet 18 also usuallly helps to maintain the
bristles 16 free from a build-up of unused chemical cleaning
composition.
[0077] The pump 38 is preferably designed to avoid sucking any
chemical cleaning composition, air or other fluid back into the
canister 34. However, to further reduce this possibility a one-way
valve (not shown) may be located in the conduit 42 immediately
within the outlet 18. As the vent 36 is situated within the body 24
of the handle, it is unlikely to become submerged or exposed to
other fluids. The vent 36 will therefore in use allow only air to
pass through it and enter the canister 34.
[0078] As the pump 36 only dispenses chemical cleaning composition
when it is being actuated by a user, the canister 34 can be swapped
for one containing an alternative chemical cleaning composition
without dripping or making other undesirable mess. Similarly, a
canister 34 that is all but empty will not drip or leak when
removed for replacement.
[0079] FIG. 7 shows the lavatory brush 100 in combination with a
stand 200. The stand 200 engages the lavatory brush 100 at an
interface region between the neck 22 and the body 24 of the handle
20. The stand 200 allows the lavatory brush 100 to be conveniently
and hygienically stored.
[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 10 there is shown a further
combination cleaning device according to the present invention,
again in the form of a lavatory brush 101. Lavatory brush 101
comprises a different canister 35 than the canister 34 of FIGS. 1
to 7, and includes a number of other differences in order to
accommodate 5 the canister 35. Where meaningful, like reference
numerals have been used for corresponding features between FIGS. 1
to 7 and FIGS. 8 to 10.
[0081] The handle 20, exemplifying a "body" according to the
invention comprises an elongate section of a 10 plastics material
attached to the proximal end 12 of the bristle brush head 10
through a collar 21. The bristle brush head 10 exemplifies a
further embodiment of a "cleaning head" according to the present
invention. A proximal end 23 of the handle 20 comprises a pair of
resilient projections 25 separated by a recess 27.
[0082] The canister 35 comprises a resilient envelope having a pair
of diametrically opposed projections 37 extending from an upper
region of its exterior surface. The canister 35 comprises a blow
moulded thermoplastics envelope. The canister 35 locates within the
handle 20 and is held in place by a snap fit joint formed by
engagement of the projections 37 with the recess 27. The canister
35 exemplifies an alternate form of a "vessel" according to the
present invention.
[0083] To impel chemical cleaning composition from the canister 35
the user exerts manual pressure and squeezes the upper region of
the canister 35. The user 25 may further manually squeeze the
resilient projections 25 to compress the canister 35 therebetween.
The canister 35 is a manually deformable vessel.
[0084] With attention now to FIG. 8 may be seen a an embodiment of
a simple one-way valve which comprises a check-ball 18A located in
the path of the conduit and adjacent to the outlet 18. As the
vessel 35 is resilient, and dispenses chemical cleaning composition
only when it is deformed by manual squeezing, the check-ball 18A
permits only for the egress of chemcial cleaning composition from
the combination cleaning device, and not for the ingress of
chemical cleaning composition into the canister 35 of he device.
Indeed such a check-ball 18A or a similar check ball may be
incorporated into any embodiment of the invention, and provide a
useful anti-retraction feature in ensuring that fluid is not sucked
back into the combination cleaning device described herein.
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 11 to 13 there is shown still further
embodiment of the combination cleaning device of the invention,
again in the form of a lavatory brush 102. The lavatory brush 102
is adapted to receive a canister 35A in the form of a deformable
tube. The canister 35A is at least partially located within the
handle 20 and is held in place by engagement with the lid 26. The
lid 26 comprises a distal projection having an aperture 27A defined
therein. The aperture 27A engages with a projection 37A extending
from an upper region of the interior surface of the handle 20. The
lid 26 is held in place by a snap-fit joint formed by engagement of
the projection 37A with the aperture 27A. In this embodiment the
handle 20 exemplfies a body, the bristle brush head 10 exemplifies
a cleaning head and the canister 35A exemplifies a vessel,
particularly a manually deformable vessel according to the present
invention.
[0086] To impel chemical cleaning composition from the canister 35A
the user manually squeezes and deforms the upper region of the
canister 35A through an open section of the handle 20 as can be
seen in FIG. 13.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 14 to 16 there is shown a still
further embodiment of a combination cleaning device according to
the invention, again in the form of a lavatory brush 103. The
handle 20 of the lavatory brush 103 is similar to that of the
lavatory brush 101 of FIGS. 8 to 10, and handle 20 again
exemplifies a body of the combination cleaning device according to
the invention. The handle 20 of the lavatory brush 103 comprises a
pair of resilient projections 25B separated by a recess 27B. The
recess 27B is occupied by resiliently flexible membrane. The
membrane prevents dirt from accumulating in the recess 27B and also
prevents a user's hand from becoming trapped between the
projections 25B. The lavatory brush 103 also comprises a canister
35B which exemplifies a vessel according to the invention, as well
as a cleaing head, exemplfied by the bristle brush head 10
illlustrated in FIGS. 14-16.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown one preferred
combination cleaning device according to the invention, again in
the form of a lavatory brush 300 comprising a brush head 320 and a
body 310, adapted to contain a vessel which contains a chemcial
cleaning composition. The brush head 320 exemplfies a further
example of a cleaning head according to the invention, and the body
30 exemplifies a body of a combination cleaning device according to
the invention. Brush head 320 comprises a proximal end 322, a
distal end 324, bristles 326 and an outlet 328, and includes within
a conduit 372 for conducting the cleaning composition which exits
from the vessel when the lavatory brush 300 is used. The body 310
comprises a handle portion 302, having a proximal end 302A and a
distal end 302B, as well as a body portion 312, having a proximal
end 312A and a distal end 312B, a handle portion 302 and a body
portion 312 being held together with ring 316. Ring 316 is
connected to handle portion 302 at distal end 302B. Body 310 is
formed by connecting distal end 302B of handle portion 302 to
proximal end 312A of body portion 312 by interconnecting these
parts and by use of engaging button 318. There are two engaging
buttons (one opposite button 318 and not shown) but only one button
318 is sufficient To open brush 300, engaging button(s) 318 is
(are)pushed and handle portion 302 can be removed, allowing access
to the inner cavity of body portion 312. Then, an appropriate can
351 (as per FIG. 18) containing a chemical cleaning composition can
be removed, when empty, and replaced with an appropriate
replacement can. Can 351 exemplifies one form of a vessel according
to the present invention.
[0089] Proximal end 302A of handle portion 302 further comprises a
safety lock switch 330 and an actuating switch 332. Safety lock
switch 330 and actuating switch are interconnected 10 (as shown in
FIG. 18) so as to provide a child safety locking system to prevent
accidental discharge of the chemical cleaning composition. Such a
safety lock switch and cooperating actuating lock switch may be
included in any embodiment of the invention, and desirably are
present in any embodiment of the invention, especially where the
vessel containing the chemical cleaning composition is a
pressurized vessel such as an aerosol canister.
[0090] Proximal end 322 of brush head 320 is attached to distal end
312B of body portion 312. As shown in FIG. 18, there is fluid
communcation through the brush head 320 at outlet 328 via a conduit
(not shown.)
[0091] FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of brush 300 shown in FIG. 17
along section line A-A. Safety lock switch 330 is connected by
spring 334, which is placed within spring holder 350, to actuating
switch 332. When safety lock switch 330 is depressed, actuating
switch 332 will be able to move, causing spring 334 to move
together with spring holder 350. When spring holder 350 moves, face
354 (of spring holder 350) pushes against bottom rim 352 of can 351
(which can be, among others, either a traditional aerosol can where
propellant and liquid are intermixed or be a system where the
liquid is placed within a bag (plenum) which is then placed within
a can and the area between the outer wall of the bag and the inner
wall of the can (second plenum) is pressurized with a propellant
(the so-called "bag-in-can" or "barrier pack" aerosol package). The
bag is then pressurized but no propellant is expelled. Examples
such cans are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,022,923; 3,109,463;
3,756,476; 3,788,521; 3,896,970; 3,929,132; 4,067,499; and
6,439,430). At the end opposite bottom rim 352 is mounting cup 358,
which carries a valve assembly (whose construction is well known in
the art) having valve 356, and can overcap 360 and actuator 364.
Overcap 360 rests upon nib 375 which is molded into distal end
312B. Valve 356 is connected to opening 372 through opening 370
(which is mounted within adapter 362) such that it permits a liquid
or aerosol foam to be discharged out of outlet 328. Adapter 362 can
be molded into distal end 312B or can be a separate piece which
fits within an appropriate opening within distal end 312B. Those in
the art will recognize that valve 356 could be connected to one
long tube that could extend from the can 351 all the way through
the distal end of body portion 312B and through opening 372 until
just rearward of the opening of outlet 328. When switches 330 and
332 are engaged, moving spring 334 and spring holder 350 against
bottom rim 352 of can 351 as described above, can 351 will be urged
forward and towards the distal end 312B of body portion 312. Such
displacement of the can 351 causes actuator 364 to engage with
overcap 360, causing valve 356 to open, thereby allowing liquid or
aerosol to flow through the aforementioned openings and/or tubes
and ultimately out of opening 328. When switches 330 and 332 are
disengaged and returned to their original position, can 351 returns
to its original position and actuator 364 disengages with overcap
360, causing valve 356 to close, and the egress of cleaning
composition from the can 351 to cease.
[0092] In FIG. 19 the components numbered within, the circles as
shown correspond to the table set out below:
1 ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION 1 HANDLE HALF-LEFT 2 SAFETY 3 EXTENSION
SPRING 4 TRIGGER 5 HANDLE HALF-RIGHT 6 SLEEVE 7 52 mm STAINLESS
STEEL AEROSAL CAN WITH CHIME ASSEMBLY 8 ACTUATOR VALVE 9 ACTUATOR
GUIDE TUBE 10 BODY 11 BRUSH 12 CADDY CANISTER 13 CADDY BASE
[0093] FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of a combination cleaning
device 400 according to the present invention. The combination
cleaning device 400 comprises a brush head 405 and a body 410,
adapted to contain a vessel which contains a chemical cleaning
composition (not visible). The brush head 405 exemplfies a further
example of a cleaning head according to the invention, and the body
410 exemplifies a body of a combination cleaning device according
to the invention. Brush head 405 comprises a proximal end 422, a
distal end 424, bristles 426 and an outlet 428, and includes within
a conduit (not visible) for conducting the cleaning composition
which exits from the vessel when the lavatory brush 400 is used.
The conduit extends through the core 430 from which the bristles
426 extend outward radially from the surface of core 430. The body
410 comprises a handle portion 440, having a proximal end 442 and a
distal end 444, as well as a body portion 450, having a proximal
end 452 and a distal end 454, the handle portion 440 and a body
portion 450 being held together with ring 460. Ring 460 is
connected to handle portion 440 at distal end 442. Body 410 is
formed by connecting distal end 442 of handle portion 440 to
proximal end 452 of body portion 450 by interconnecting these parts
and by use of engaging button 454. In use, the distal end 444 forms
a graspable handle which may be manually gripped. To open the body
410, engaging button 454 is pushed and handle portion 440 can be
removed, allowing access to the inner cavity of body portion 410.
Then, an appropriate vessel, such as a pressurized can (not shown)
containing a chemical cleaning composition can be removed, when
empty, and replaced with an appropriate replacement can.
[0094] Desirably handle portion 440 further comprises a safety lock
switch 456 and an actuating switch 458. Safety lock switch 456 and
actuating switch 458 are interconnected (as shown in FIG. 18) so as
to provide a child safety locking system to prevent accidental
discharge of the chemical cleaning composition; such may be
included in any embodiment of the invention.
[0095] The proximal end 422 of the brush head 405 is attached to
distal end 454 of body portion 450. While not shown in FIG. 20, it
is to be understood that the emboidmnt shown includes a fluid
conduit providing fluid communication through the brush head 405
with an egress at outlet 428.
[0096] FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of an interlocking device
adapted to be mounted upon a vessel according to the present
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the interlocking
device 500 comprises a plate 502 having a generally circular
downwardly depending skirt 504, and one or more spring legs 506
upwardly depending from the plate 502. Here while 4 spring lets 506
are depicted only one, but preferably at least two are present.
Advantageously the plate 502 and the downwardly depending skirt 504
are advantageously generally circular and concentric, with the
inner diameter of the downwardly depending skirt 504 sized to
encompass a circumferential ring 507 which is commonly found
surrounding most conventional aerosol valves and valve stems. While
not visible in FIG. 21, but visible in FIG. 22 in interior of the
downwardly depending skirt 504 and near the lower margin 508
thereof are desirably present one or more frangible tab elements
510 which may be used to provide a "snap-fit" upon the
circumferential ring 507 but when the interlocking device 500 is
removed therefrom the one or more tab elements 510 break thus
dissuading or disabling the use of the interlocking device 500 on a
further vessel. The plate 502 necessarily includes at least a
central orifice 512 which is positioned to be above the valve stem
514 (not shown in FIG. 21) which may be circular, or which may
include flexible wings 516 extending towards the center of the
central orifice 512 and providing a barrier for inadvertant contact
by a consumer with the valve stem 514 and thereby ensuring the the
contents of the pressurized canister 518 is not inadvertandly
released. The plate optionally but in most instance desrably
further includes one or more keyway aperture(s) 520 each of which
extends through the plate 502 and which defines a passage
therethrough. As seen in FIG. 21, two keyway aperture(s) 520 are
depicted, each having an arcuate geometry. The operation of the
interlocking device 500 will be more clearly described with
reference to FIG. 22.
[0097] FIG. 22 illustrates in a cross-sectional view the arrangment
of the interlocking device 500 according to FIG. 21 mounted on an
aerosol canister 518, and installed and engaged within the body 530
of a combination cleaning device according to the invention. While
only a portion of the body 530 is illustrated, and similarly while
only a portion of the aerosol canister 518 contaning a pressurized
cleaning composition is shown, the principles of this inventive
embodiment will nonetheless be sufficiently described. The
embodiment of the combination cleaning device illustrated on FIG.
22 also depicts a bristled brush head 540 as the cleaning head
according to the invention.
[0098] When the vessel, viz., aerosol canister 518 having mounted
thereon the interlocking device 500 is inserted into the interior
cavity 550 of the body 530, it is moved towards the distal interior
end 552 thereof and may be rotated so that the one or more keyway
aperture(s) 520 present in the plate 502 are aligned to admit
corresponding keypins 532 which pass into, and prefeably through
the plate 502 via the keyway aperture(s) 520. The keypins 532
extend from the sloping inner distal wall 554 of the body 530
towads the proximal end of the body 530. The length of each of the
keypins 532 is desirably sufficently long to pass into, or through
its corresponding keyway aperture 520 yet not physicaly interfere
with the actuation of the valve 514. Similarly the cross-sectional
geometries of each of the keypins 532 should correspond to the
cross-sectional geometries of its corresponding keyway aperture
520. It is contemplated that unlike the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 21, that the keyway apertures 520 may have different
cross-sectional geometries which are dissimilar. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, it is to be understood that while the use of keyway
aperture(s) 520 and corresponding keypins 532 provide specific
advantages, they are not necessary to the successful practice of
the invention, although their presence represents a particularly
preferred embodiment thereof.
[0099] When the vessel, viz., aerosol canister 518 having mounted
thereon the interlocking device 500 is inserted into the interior
cavity 550 of the body 530, the spring legs 506 extend from the
plate 502 and towards the sloping inner distal wall 554 of the body
530. At the same time, nipple 556 extending inwardly from the
distal interior end 552 of the body 530 engages, or is in near
proximity to the valve 514 of the aerosol canister 518 via the
central orifice 520. When flexible wings 516 are present, such are
sufficiently flexible so as to not interfere with the egress of the
chemical cleaning composition from the pressurized aerosol canister
518 when the valve 512 is actuated. The flexible wings 516 may be
omitted in accordance with certain preferred embodiments, in which
case the only a central orifice 520 would be present.
[0100] In use, the operation of a user of the combination cleaning
device urges the aerosol canister 518 to move towards the distal
interior end 552 of the body 530, causing the spring legs 506 to
contact the sloping inner distal wall 554 of the body 530, and to
also cause the valve 512 to engage the nipple 556 which engagement
causes the egress of the chemical cleaning composition from the
interior of the aerosol canister 518 outwardly through the valve
512 and into the fluid conduit 558 where, due to its elevated
pressure, it passes into the fluid conduit 560 of the cleaning head
where it is expelled from the combination device via the orifice
562. When the user ceases to urge the aerosol canister 518 to move
towards the distal interior end 552 of the body 530, the spring
legs 506 relax and urge the aerosol caniser 518 to retract away
from the the sloping inner distal wall 554 of the body 530, and in
the direction of the proximal end of the body (not shown.)
[0101] It is to be understood that any action by the user to cause
displacement of the aerosol canister 518 with respect to the the
sloping inner distal wall 554 of the body 530 which is sufficient
to trigger the egress of the chemcial cleaning composition is
sufficient, and that such displacement may be caused directly by
the user or by intermediate mechanical means, or by electrically
opearated means such as motors or solenoids as described above. In
certain preferred embodiments the interlock device described with
reference to FIG. 21, 22 may be incorporated into the embodiments
of the combination cleaning devices according to the embodiments
illustrated on any of FIGS. 17-20.
[0102] It is also to be understood that while the interlock device
and its operation is described with reference to FIG. 21, 22 is
discussed using a pressurized canister, that it is clearly
contemplated that any form of vessel, pressurized or
non-pressurized, deformable or non-deformably as described in this
specification may advantageouly incorporate such an interlock
device.
[0103] FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an
interlock device 600 adapted to be mounted upon a vessel, here a
pressurized vessel in the form of a conventional aerosol canister
605 according to the present invention. The interlocking device
includes a generally cylindrical body 610 which is suitably
dimensoned so to encompass a circumferential ring 607 which is
commonly found surrounding most conventional aerosol valves and
valve stems. While not visible in FIG. 23, but visible in FIG. 24
within the interior of the cylindrical body 610 and near the lower
margin 608 thereof are desirably present one or more frangible tab
elements 610 which may be used to provide a "snap-fit" upon the
circumferential ring 607 but when the interlocking device 600 is
removed therefrom the one or more tab elements 610 break thus
dissuading or disabling the use of the interlocking device 600 on a
further vessel. The interlock device 600 also includes a plurality
of spring legs 612 extending upwardly from the cylindrical body 610
and each terminating at an end 614. A center nipple 616 having a
fluid conduit 618 passing therethrough, the center nipple 616
having a valve stem end 620 and at the opposite end thereof, a top
end 622. Each of the spring legs 612 includes a diagonal stay 624
which interconects each spring leg 612 with the center nipple 616
at or in the region of the valve stem end 620 such that when the
end(s) 614 of one or more of the spring legs 612 is displaced or
flexed in the direction of the center nipple 616, the diagonal stay
624 urges the valve stem end 620 downwardly in the direction of the
lower margin 608 of the cylindrical body 610. In use, the elements
of the interlock device 600 are desirably sized or dimensioned so
that there is close fit or a small distance between the valve stem
end 620 and the valve stem of the aerosol canister.
[0104] The operation of the interlock device 600 is described in
more detail in conjuntion with FIG. 24. FIG. 24 illustrates in a
cross-sectional view the arrangment of the alternative interlocking
device 600 according to FIG. 23 mounted on an aerosol canister 605,
and engaged within the body 630 of a combination cleaning device
according to the invention. As is seen from FIG. 24, the interlock
device 600 is engaged by a "snap-fit" upon the periphery of the
circumferential ring 607 found surrounding the aerosol valves and
valve stem 640. While only a portion of the body 630 is
illustrated, and similarly while only a portion of the aerosol
canister 605 contaning a pressurized chemical cleaning composition
is shown, the principles of this inventive embodiment will
nonetheless be sufficiently understood. The embodiment of the
combination cleaning device illustrated on FIG. 24 also depicts in
a pad head 690 as an cleaning head according to the invention. When
the vessel, viz., aerosol canister 605 having mounted thereon the
interlock device 600 is inserted into the interior cavity 632 of
the body 630, the spring legs 612 extend towards the sloping inner
distal wall 636 of the body 630. At the same time, conduit nipple
638 extending inwardly from the distal interior end 634 of the body
630 engages, or is in near proximity to the top end 622 of the
center nipple 616.
[0105] In operation, the user of the combination cleaning device
urges the aerosol canister 605 to move towards the distal interior
end 634 of the body 630, causing the spring legs 612 to contact the
sloping inner distal wall 636 of the body 630. Such flexes the
spring legs 612 inwardly in the direction of the center nipple 616
which is moved downwardly by the action of the diagonal stays 624
which causes the valve stem end 620 to contact the valve stem 640,
causing the release of the pressurized chemical cleaning
composition out from the interior of the pressurized vessel 605,
whereby it exits from the pressurized vessel via the fluid conduit
618, and thereafter through the cleaning head 690 via conduit 692.
When the user ceases to urge the aerosol canister 605 to move
towards the distal interior end 634 of the body 630, the spring
legs 612 relax and urge the aerosol canister 605 to retract away
from the the sloping inner distal wall 636 of the body 630, and in
the direction of the proximal end of the body (not shown.)
[0106] Similarly noted with regard to the embodiment illustrated on
FIG. 21, 22 that with reference to the embodiment shown on FIGS.
23, 24 that it is to be understood that any action by the user to
cause displacement of the aerosol canister 605 which is sufficient
to trigger the egress of the chemical cleaning composition is
sufficient, and that such displacement may be caused directly by
the user or by intermediate mechanical means. In certain preferred
embodiments the interlock device described with reference to FIG.
23, 24 may be incorporated into the embodiments of the combination
cleaning devices according to the embodiments illustrated on any of
FIGS. 17-20. It is also to be understood that while the interlock
device and its operation is described with reference to FIG. 23, 24
is discussed using a pressurized canister, that it is clearly
contemplated that any form of vessel, pressurized or
non-pressurized, deformable or non-deformably as described in this
specification may advantageouly incorporate such an interlock
device.
[0107] With respect now to FIG. 25, therein is depicted a cleaning
head 700 having a neck portion 702 and a pad portion 704. The neck
portion 702 includes a threaded recess 706 which includes mating
threads which are adapted to receive corresonding threads present
on body (not shown) used to form a combination cleaning device. A
fluid conduit 708, depicted in dotted lines extends from the
interior of the neck portion 702 where it terminates at a face 710
in an outlet 712 present on the underside of pad portion 704. A
similar cleaning head 700 is intended to be represented in FIG. 24
(as 690). The cleaning head 700 also includes a cleaning pad 714
which may be permanently affixed to, or which may be removably
affixed to the cleaning head 700. Conveniently the cleaning pad 714
is affixed to the face 710 by any suitable means. The pad may be of
a non-abrasive or abrasive material, or alternately may be a wipe,
such as a woven or non-woven wipe or may be generally any other
planar sheet material which may provide an abrasive effect and/or a
wiping effect. Alternately the pad may be an absorbent foam
material, such as a porous sponge, especially a porous flexible
sponge which may optionally include an abrasive material affixed to
the sponge or incorporated into the sponge itself. The cleaning pad
714 may also be a single-use wipe or which may be used a number of
times before being removed and discarded.
[0108] Turning now to FIG. 26A, therein is depicted a cleaning head
750 having a neck portion 702 and depending from the distal end
therof, a bar portion 720 having downwardly depending therefrom a
resilient flexible strip 722. The neck portion 702 includes a
threaded recess 706 which includes mating threads which are adapted
to receive corresonding threads present on body (not shown) used to
form a combination cleaning device. A fluid conduit 708, depicted
in dotted lines extends from the interior of the neck portion 702
where it extends into the interior of the bar portion 720 wherein
it divides into a plurality of fluid conduits 708A, 708B and 708C
each of which includes a corresponding outlet, 724A, 724B and 724C.
The cleaning head 750 is particularly useful in cleaning glass or
polished surfaces as a quantity of a chemical cleaning composition
may be dispensed from the combination cleaning device, wherein said
composition is distributed through the bar portion 720, whose
resilient flexible strip 722 can be used to thereafter squeegee the
treated glass or polished surfaces.
[0109] Turning now to FIG. 26B, therein is depicted a cleaning head
770 having a neck portion 702 and depending from the distal end
therof, a bar portion 720 having both an outwardly depending
resilient flexible strip 722, and a downwardly depending strip of
an absorbent material, 726 which in preferred embodiments may be a
sponge. While not shown in the figure, it is contemplated that an
abrasive wipe or other flexible abrasive web may be associated with
the absorbent material 726, such as the web disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,120,506, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference. The neck portion 702 includes a threaded recess 706
which includes mating threads which are adapted to receive
corresonding threads present on body (not shown) used to form a
combination cleaning device. A fluid conduit 708, depicted in
dotted lines extends from the interior of the neck portion 702
where it extends into the interior of the bar portion 720 wherein
it divides into a plurality of fluid conduits 708A, and 708B each
of which includes a corresponding outlet (not visible) from the bar
portion 720. The cleaning head 770 is particularly useful in
cleaning glass or polished surfaces as a quantity of a chemical
cleaning composition may be firsst dispensed from the combination
cleaning device, and the strip of absorbent material 726 may be
used to physically clean the window it being expected that the
absorbent material acts as a reservoir for the cleaning composition
and as an abrasive surface which may be used to loosen stains on a
glass (or other hard )surface. In the preferred embodiment as shown
in Figl 26B, the flexible strip 722, which is conveniently a rubber
strip or strip of other elastomeric material is positioned on a
surface or face of the bar portion 720 other than the surface, or
face of the bar portion 720 to which the strip of absorbent
material 726 is affixed; as such, after the window is treated using
the cleaning composition and the strip of absorbent material 726,
the combination cleaning device may be turned to then present and
apply the flexible strip 722 to squeegee the treated window
surface.
[0110] Turning now to FIG. 26C, therein is depicted a cleaning head
780 having a neck portion 702 a depending flexible elongated body
section 782, and at the distal end of said cleaning head 780 a
brush head 784 comprising a plurality of bristles 786. The neck
portion 702 also includes a threaded recess 706 which includes
mating threads which are adapted to receive corresonding threads
present on body (not shown) used to form a combination cleaning
device. A fluid conduit 708, depicted in dotted lines extends from
the interior of the neck portion 702 where it extends through the
interior of the flexible elongated body section 782 wherein it
terminates at an outlet 788 at the distal end of the cleaning head
780. Such an embodiment of the cleaning head according to the
invention is contemplated to provide a flexible cleaning head,
wherein the flexible elongated body section 782 may be bent or
otherwise deformed from a linear configuration as illustrated in
FIG. 26C. Such a cleaning head 780 is particularly adapted to be
used in cleaning surfaces which may be difficult to reach by a
consumer.
[0111] As flexibility is convenient in many instances, it is to be
understood that a depending elongated body section 782 may be
integrated into the construction of any other embodiment of a
cleaning head according to the invention and indeed forms certain
preferred embodiments thereof.
[0112] With respect to FIG. 26D, therein is depicted a cleaning
head 790 having a neck portion 702 a curved body section 792, and
at the distal end of said cleaning head 790 a brush head 794
comprising a plurality of bristles 796. The neck portion 702 also
includes a threaded recess 706 which includes mating threads which
are adapted to receive corresonding threads present on body (not
shown) used to form a combination cleaning device. A fluid conduit
708, depicted in dotted lines extends from the interior of the neck
portion 702 where it extends through the interior of the flexible
elongated body section 792 wherein it terminates at an outlet 798
at the distal end of the cleaning head 790. Such an embodiment of
the cleaning head according to the invention is contemplated to
provide a cleaning head which may be used to clean surfaces which
are normally obscured to the consumer, such as the underside or
objects or overhanging portions of an object, such as the underside
rim of a toilet bowl.
[0113] Turning now to FIG. 26E therein is depicted a cleaning head
800 having a neck portion 802 a body section 804, and at the distal
end of said cleaning head 800 a mop head 810 comprising a plurality
of fiber strands 812. The neck portion 802 also includes a threaded
recess 806 which includes mating threads which are adapted to
receive corresonding threads present on body (not shown) used to
form a combination cleaning device. A fluid conduit 808, depicted
in dotted lines extends from the interior of the neck portion 802
where it extends through the interior of the body section 804
wherein it terminates at an outlet at the distal end of the
cleaning head 800, although said outlet is not visible in the
Figure. The fiber strands 812 illustrated in the figure are looped
strands but it it to be understood that any other flexible
material, preferably flexible strands, flexible fibers or strips of
a woven or non-woven material or textile may be affixed to the mop
head 810. Such an embodiment of the cleaning head according to the
invention is contemplated to provide a cleaning head which may be
used to clean surface s wherein the benefit of a mop head in
absorbing stains and/or physically entraining or entagling soils or
particles is desired.
[0114] While the illustrated embodiments of the invention have
illustrated the union of the body with a cleaning head either by a
close tolerance fit such as a friction fit, or by a threaded
coupling between said body and cleaning head, it is clearly
contemplated that such are provided by way of illustration and not
by way of limitation. Indeed, according to certain particularly
preferred embodiments of the invention the cleaning head is
removably affixed to the body and may be interchanged by the user
of the combination cleaning device in order to address a particular
cleaning or surface treatement need. The subsitution of a variety
of different cleaning heads which may be affixed to the body and
each of which may be used to form a combination cleaning device is
clearly to be considered within the scope of the invention, and the
vending of a kit which includes one or more bodies which may be
used with one or more interchangeable cleaning heads is expressly
contemplated. In such a kit, it is required only that each of the
different cleaning heads include a proximate end which may be
removably attached to the body of the combination cleaning device
either directly or by means of an intermediate linking member such
as an extension and include a conduit and at least one outlet to
permit for the egres of the chemical cleaning composition at the
distal end of the cleaning head. As such it will be appreciated
that the utility of the combination cleaning device is greatly
improved due to the potential for interchangeability of the
cleaning heads which may be used to form the device, as well as the
utilty of the combination cleaning device with different chemical
cleaning compositions which may be selectively provided to the
combination cleaning device.
[0115] FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning
device according to the invention. Depicted in a cut-away view is a
portion of a combination cleaning device according to FIG. 20.
Depicted is the distal end 444 of the handle portion 440, a portion
of a vessel 820, here an aerosol canister is depicted, an
electrical motor 822, rotatable wheel 824 is eccentrically mounted
on the shaft 826 of the electrical motor, wherein electrial power
is supplied from a battery 828 when two switches 830, 832 are
closed to form a circuit supplied through suitable wires 834. In
use, the user grasps the distal end 444 of the handle portion, and
engages both switches 830, 832 which closes the electrical circuit
and causes the electrical motor 822 to rotate. The rotating motor
822 in turn causes the eccentrically mounted wheel 824 to rotate,
which in certain parts of its rotation causes the sheel 824 to
engage a part of the vessel 820 and urge it in a direction away
from the distal end 444, which action causes the cleaning
composition to be impelled from the combination cleaning device.
For example, the embodiment depicted on FIG. 27 may be
advantageously used in conjunction with other embodiments of the
invention, particularly as shown on FIGS. 21-24.
[0116] FIG. 28 depicts a further embodiment of the combination
cleaning device according to the invention. Depicted in a cut-away
view is a portion of a combination cleaning device according to
FIG. 20. Depicted is the distal end 444 of the handle portion 440,
a portion of a vessel 820, here an aerosol canister is depicted, a
solenoid 840 wherein electrial power is supplied from a battery 828
when two switches 830, 832 are closed to form a circuit supplied
through suitable wires 834. In use, the user grasps the distal end
444 of the handle portion, and engages both switches 830, 832 which
actuates the plunger 842 of the solenoid towards the vessel 820 and
urges it in a direction away from the distal end 444, which action
causes the cleaning composition to be impelled from the combination
cleaning device. For example, the embodiment depicted on FIG. 27
may be advantageously used in conjunction with other embodiments of
the invention, particularly as shown on FIGS. 21-24.
[0117] FIG. 29 depicts a further embodiment of the combination
cleaning device according to the invention. Depicted in a cut-away
view is a portion of a combination cleaning device according to
FIG. 20. Depicted is the distal end 444 of the handle portion 440,
a portion of a vessel 850, here a collapsible bellows bottle is
depicted, an electrical motor 852 wherein electrial power is
supplied from a battery 828 when two switches 830, 832 are closed
to form a circuit supplied through suitable wires 834. In use, the
user grasps the distal end 444 of the handle portion, and engages
both switches 830, 832 which engages the motor 852. The shaft of
the motor 852 includes a gear 854 which engages a piston rod 856
which has a rack of mating gear teeth 858 and a piston 860 attached
to one end of the piston rod 856. When the gear 854 rotates it
engages the mating gear teeth 858, which moves the piston rod 856
and urges the piston 860 in a direction away from the distal end
444, which action causes the compression of the bellows bottle 850
and causes the cleaning composition to be impelled from the
combination cleaning device.
[0118] While the embodiments of FIGS. 27 and 29 illustrate an
electrical motor without a train of reduction gears or gearbox, it
is contemplated that one or more further gears may be present to
redue the rotation speed of the wheel 824 or the rotatinal speed of
the gear 854. Alternately an appropriate electrical circuit may be
used to limit the rotational velocity of the motor directly by
varying its in put voltage or current or both in order to provide a
reduced rotational speed from the motor.
[0119] It is further to be understood that while the embodiments of
FIGS. 27, 28 and 29 illustrate two electrical switches 830, 832
which need be closed to permit engagement of the motor or acutation
of the solenoid, a single switch or a further number of switches
may be used instead without detracting from the present invention.
The use of two electrical switches 830, 832 enhances the likelihood
that the cleaning composition will be expelled inadvertantly.
[0120] FIG. 30 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning
device according to the invention. Depicted in a cut-away view is a
portion of a combination cleaning device according to FIG. 20.
Depicted is the distal end 444 of the handle portion 440, a portion
of a vessel 870, here a deformable bag (plenum) 872 in an open
ended canister is depicted. The embodiment includes an an
enagageable shaft 880 here a flexible shaft having a rack of teeth
882, and an engagement pawl 884 associated with the trigger 458 of
the combination cleaning device. In operation, depressing the user
grasping the distal end 444 manually depresses the trigger 485
which moves the engagement pawl 884 to engage one of the teech 882
which causes engageable shaft 880 having a piston 886 attached at
one end thereof to move linearly in a direction away from the
distal end 444. The piston 886 therby compresses the deformable bag
872 within the vessel 870, and causes the cleaning composition to
be expelled. This motive force may be used to expel a cleaning
composition from any of a variety of vessels which may be used with
the present invention, particulary with non-pressurized vessels
such as bellows bottles, or other collapsible or manually
deformable vessels, in addition to the deformable bag 872
illustrated in the Figure.
[0121] FIG. 31A and 31B illustrate alternate mounting devices for
removably mounting cleaning heads upon the body of a combination
cleaning device. In 31A is illustrated, in a partial cut-away view
a section of a body part 900 according to the invention and a
section of a cleaning head, here the core 910 of a brush head such
as is illustrated, inter alia, on FIG. 19 as 11, and alternately on
FIG. 20 as 405. It it to be understood that the bristles (not
shown) are anchored to and extend outwardly from the core 910. As
is seen, the body part 900 includes a dimensioned receiving cavity
912 at the distal end thereof which includes two lock pins 916,
which receiving cavity 912 is suitably configured to receive the
distal connecting end 914 of the core 910.
[0122] FIG. 31B illusrates in an alternate view the core 910 and
the connecting end 914, which connecting end includes two channels
918 therein, terminating in a lock lobe 920. It will be understood
that according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 31A, 31B the
that core 910 may be removably affixed to the body part 900 by
inserting the connecting end 914 into the receiving cavity 912 such
that the lock lobes 920 engage the channels 918. The core 910 is
fully inserted, and ultimately twisted to engage the lock lobes 920
upon the lock pins 916 to form a disengageable bayonet-type lock.
Greater or lesser lock pins and alternate configurations of such a
bayonet-type lock are also foreseen and may be used, it being only
required that less than 360 degrees of rotation, prefeably less
than 180 degrees of rotation and most preferably not more than 90
degrees of rotation be required to form such a bayonet lock. Such a
bayonet lock may be used in any embodiment of the invention and
forms a preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0123] FIG. 32 illustrate alternate mounting devices for removably
mounting cleaning heads upon the body of a combination cleaning
device. Thereon is illustrated a part of a body 950, which also
includes two exterior recesses 952 each of which in turn includes a
lock detent 854 (only one of each is visible in FIG. 32). The
cleaning head 960, here illustrated as a bristle brush head such as
is illustrated, inter alia, on FIG. 19 as 11, and alternately on
FIG. 20 as 405, includes a core 962 having two upwardly extending
locking arms 964, each each of which includes a locking tab 966
(only one visible in FIG. 32). In use, the cleaning head 960 is
simply inserted onto the body 950 such that the two upwardly
extending locking arms 964 are inserted into the corresponding
exterior recesses 952 which in turn engages the lock detent 954
with the locking tab 966. The cleaning head 960 is released by
withdrawing one or both upwardly extending locking arms 964 to
disengage the lock detents 954 from corresponding locking tabs 966,
after which the cleaning head 960 may be removed. Such a spring-arm
lock arrangement may be used in any embodiment of the invention and
forms certain preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0124] The combination cleaning device may be used to treat any of
a variety of hard or soft surfaces. Exemplary hard surfaces include
surfaces composed of refractory materials such as: glazed and
unglazed tile, brick, porcelain, ceramics as well as stone
including marble, granite, and other stone surfaces; concrete
surfaces, mortar surfaces, grout, finished and unfinished wood
surfaces, finished and unfinished flooring surfaces, painted
surfaces, glass; metals; plastics e.g. polyester, vinyl;
fiberglass, Formica.RTM., and other hard surfaces known to the
industry. Hard surfaces are typically classed as non-porous
surfaces. Hard surfaces which are to be particularly denoted are
lavatory fixtures such as shower stalls, bathtubs and bathing
appliances (racks, curtains, shower doors, shower bars) toilets,
bidets, furniture surfaces paricularly painted, lacquered,
polyurethane or other coated wood surfaces, flooring surfaces
including lineolum, tile, as well painted, lacquered, polyurethane
or other coated flooring surfaces, and the like. Further hard
surfaces include those associated with kitchen environments as well
as other environments associated with food preparation, including
cabinets and countertop surfaces as well as walls and floor
surfaces. Further hard surfaces include glass surfaces such as
windows, building trim surfaces and siding materials, e.g.,
aluminum, vinyl, brick and coated wood surfaces, as well as hard
surfaces which may be found on vehicles such as cars, trucks,
boats, and aircraft such as interior and exterior surfaces of such
vehicles, as well as hubcaps, moldings, fixtures, handles, grips,
mirrors, grilles, and the like. Exemplary soft surfaces include
yarns, fibers, fabrics and textiles in unfinished form or in
finished form, including carpets, upholstery, garments, drapery,
seating surfaces, panel surfaces such as found within the interior
of vehicles, and the like.
[0125] The combination cleaning device may be formed from any
material which may be formed to produce the body and/or cleaning
head. Advantageously all or parts of the cleaning device are
produced from moldable synthetic polymer materials, such as a
thermoplastic synthtiec polymer material as such materials are
widely and readily available and can be conveniently formed, such
as by injection molding, into one or more parts of the combination
cleaning device as described herein.
[0126] According to certain inventive embodiments, preferably,
100-400 ml, preferably 100-300 ml, of chemical cleaning composition
can be contained in the vessel.
[0127] The viscosity of the cleaning composition is usually not a
limiting factor as it is contemplated that various chemical
compositions which provide a cleaning and/or disinfecting effect
may be used in the combination cleaning device, and the viscosity
of such a cleaning composition may be influenced by its function.
For example, wherein the cleaning composition is a glass cleaning
compositions, the viscosity may be similar to that of water, or may
be slighly thickened, e.g, to about 25 centipoise (cps.)
Altenrately wherein the the cleaning composition is a toilet bowl
cleaning and/or disinfecting composition, said toilet bowl cleaning
and/or disinfecting composition may be more viscous, e.g, typically
may have a viscosity of about 100 cps or in excess thereof.
[0128] It is contemplated that according to any aspect of the
invention, the cleaning composition which has been described in
conjunction with the combination cleaning device may also
concurrently provide a sanitizing function, or disinfecting
function to treated hard and/or soft surfaces. It is also
contemplated that according to any aspect of the invention, the
cleaning composition may consist solely of a composition which
provides sanitizing or disinfecting function, and provide little or
no cleaning effect.
[0129] A combination cleaning device and method of cleaning a hard
or soft surface employing the combination cleaning device have been
provided showing improved user satisfaction and effectiveness. The
combination cleaning device and cleaning method offer a number of
different cleaning possibilities to the user, the user being free
to select which most suits their cleaning requirements.
Furthermore, the combination cleaning device provided is easy to
use, easy to assess in use, desirably does not leak or drip when
the vessel is replaced, allows for accurate direction of cleaning
composition into the target surface.
* * * * *