U.S. patent application number 11/053447 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for cleaning tool and method of use thereof.
Invention is credited to H. Stetser JR. Murphy.
Application Number | 20060174914 11/053447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36778693 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060174914 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murphy; H. Stetser JR. |
August 10, 2006 |
Cleaning tool and method of use thereof
Abstract
A tool advantageous for cleaning and sanitizing toilet bowls,
urinals, and other surfaces. The cleaning tool comprises an
arcuate-shaped handle and a cleaning head, wherein the cleaning
head is permanently affixed to the handle, and wherein the handle
and the cleaning head is formed from biodegradable material. Said
tool is intended for one-time use and subsequent trash
disposal.
Inventors: |
Murphy; H. Stetser JR.;
(Marietta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
1899 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 310
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
36778693 |
Appl. No.: |
11/053447 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/6 ;
15/104.94; 15/210.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/006 ;
015/104.94; 015/210.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20060101
A47K011/10 |
Claims
1. A cleaning tool, comprising: an arcuate-shaped handle, said
handle formed from biodegradable material; and at least one
cleaning head, said at least one cleaning head formed from textured
or bristled biodegradable material.
2. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein said at least one cleaning
head comprises a cavity for receiving and retaining said handle
therewithin.
3. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein said arcuate-shaped handle
is bendable.
4. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein said arcuate-shaped handle
is extendable.
5. A method of cleaning, said method comprising the steps of: a.
using a biodegradable cleaning tool comprising an arcuate-shaped
handle and at least one cleaning head; b. directing said handle; c.
maneuvering said at least one cleaning head proximate a subject
surface; and d. scrubbing the subject surface with said at least
one cleaning head utilizing a back and forth, side to side, and/or
circular scrubbing motion.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of: e.
applying a disinfectant or detergent to said at least one cleaning
head or surface to be cleaned.
7. Alternatively, at least one cleaning head may be impregnated
with disinfectant or detergent.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to cleaning tools,
and more specifically to a cleaning tool and method of use thereof
for cleaning and sanitizing toilet bowls and urinals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In order to prevent the spread of germs and disease,
restrooms and bathrooms must be cleaned and sanitized on a regular
basis. Health and sanitation concerns require that toilets and
urinals be cleaned frequently. This is easily accomplished using a
disinfectant, detergent, or cleanser and manual scrubbing. A brush
or textured pad, with handle, is the cleaning tool of choice.
[0003] Unfortunately, a reused scrubbing tool becomes unsanitary
after first use because it repeatedly contacts unsanitary surfaces.
Likewise, a reused scrubbing tool can contaminate the next surface
it contacts. Furthermore, a reused scrubbing tool is stored wet and
dries slowly. This condition of storage fosters the growth of more
bacteria and germs.
[0004] Existing scrubbing tools with a one-time use ejectable
cleaning head are an acknowledged improvement in the art. However,
it is necessary to retain and store the handle. This handle becomes
contaminated and germ-laden unless it is meticulously sanitized
after each use. The cleaning head refills add to the cost.
[0005] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a
one-time use cleaning tool that is formed from inexpensive
disposable materials. Said cleaning tool eliminates having to
retain any part that is unsanitary. Furthermore, there is a need
for such a trash disposable tool that is formed from biodegradable
and environmentally-friendly components.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present
invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the
recognized need for such a tool by providing a one-time use
disposable cleaning tool for scrubbing toilet bowls and
urinals.
[0007] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention in its preferred form is a biodegradable cleaning
tool comprising a handle and a cleaning head.
[0008] More specifically, the cleaning tool of the present
invention comprises a curved handle, thereby permitting a user to
easily maneuver the cleaning head inside a urinal or toilet bowl
and under the rim. The cleaning head is permanently affixed to the
handle for one-time use and total trash disposal with the potential
to biodegrade.
[0009] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present
invention is its ability to effectively scrub a toilet bowl or
urinal without requiring the user to touch these surfaces.
[0010] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its curved handle to permit a user to easily maneuver the cleaning
head within a urinal or toilet bowl and under the rim.
[0011] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its environmentally-friendly biodegradable components.
[0012] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its inexpensive materials thereby providing a cleaning tool that is
advantageously suitable for trash disposal and replacement after
one-time use. It is not necessary to retain an unsanitary
handle.
[0013] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its small, lightweight and slender design, thus facilitating ease
of use and packaging of multiple units for retail sale.
[0014] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the option to use it with any common household sanitizing solution,
detergent, or cleanser, or to offer it with a disinfectant
impregnated within the cleaning head.
[0015] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from
the following description and claims when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will be better understood by reading
the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate
Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like
elements throughout, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning head according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the
cleaning tool in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS
[0021] In describing the preferred embodiments of the present
invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, specific terminology is
employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not
intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and
it is to be understood that each specific element includes all
technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to
accomplish similar functions.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention in a
preferred embodiment comprises cleaning tool 10, wherein cleaning
tool 10 may be advantageously utilized for cleaning and sanitizing
toilet bowls and urinals, and wherein cleaning tool 10 comprises
handle 20 and head 30. Preferably, handle 20 comprises first end
22, middle portion 23 and second end 24. Handle 20 is preferably
formed from wood, however, it is contemplated that handle 20 could
be formed from other biodegradable materials, such as, for
exemplary purposes only, cardboard or particle board. Preferably,
handle 20 is arcuate-shaped, such that middle portion 23 is
advantageously curved for maneuvering head 30 inside a urinal or
toilet bowl and under the rim.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, head 30 is preferably disc-shaped and
comprises means for scrubbing and scouring. It is recognized that
head 30 could alternatively embody other suitable shapes, such as,
for exemplary purposes only, a semi-circle, oval, sphere, cube,
triangle or diamond. Head 30 is preferably a textured pad formed
from a porous, biodegradable, cellulose material, wherein head 30
preferably comprises first surface 32, second surface 34,
peripheral surface 36, and slot 38. Slot 38 is preferably
rectangular-shaped and preferably adapted to receive second end 24
of handle 20 there within. It is contemplated, in alternative
embodiment, that head 30 could be formed from other suitable
biodegradable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only,
paper, sponge, loofah, or the like.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, head 30 is preferably permanently
secured to handle 20 utilizing an adhesive. However, it is
contemplated that other suitable means to secure head 30 could be
utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, frictional fit,
rivets, clamps, hooks, clips, or staples. In an alternative
embodiment, second end 24 of handle 20 could possess a slot and
surface 36 of head 30 could possess a rigid tab for insertion into
the slot of handle 20, wherein the tab could be secured within the
slot, thereby attaching head 30 to handle 20.
[0025] To operate cleaning tool 10, as seen in FIG. 4, first end 22
of handle 20 is preferably gripped by the user whereby the user
directs handle 20 to maneuver head 30 in a scrubbing action.
Preferably, utilizing a side-to-side, back and forth, and/or
circular scrubbing motion, head 30 removes dirt, grime and stains
from a subject surface. Preferably, the user may apply
disinfectant, detergent or other like cleanser to the subject
surface and/or to head 30. Alternatively, head 30 may be
impregnated with a cleanser that dissolves in conjunction with the
scrubbing action. After use, the cleaning tool 10 can be disposed
of in the trash with the potential to biodegrade.
[0026] It is recognized in an alternate embodiment that handle 20
could be bendable and, for exemplary purposes only, made with one
or more hinged joints and/or corrugated, formable sections to
further facilitate maneuvering cleaning tool 10 in confined
spaces.
[0027] In another alternative embodiment, handle 20 could be
extendable or telescopic.
[0028] In still another alternative embodiment, handle 20 could
possess bumps, dimples, ridges, grooves and/or indentations for a
non-slip gripping surface.
[0029] In still yet another alternate embodiment, head 30 could be
scented for emitting a pleasant fragrance.
[0030] In another alternate embodiment, head 30 could possess
cleaning bristles.
[0031] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the
within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other
alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention
is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but
is limited only by the following claims.
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