U.S. patent application number 10/547160 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for cleaning device.
Invention is credited to Daniel Gartland.
Application Number | 20060225237 10/547160 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9953736 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060225237 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gartland; Daniel |
October 12, 2006 |
Cleaning device
Abstract
A cleaning device for cleaning surfaces comprising a first end
adapted to be held by a user, and a second end adapted to have an
instantly flushable cleaning member attached thereto, and cleaning
member ejection means operable to detach the cleaning member from
the second end of the device.
Inventors: |
Gartland; Daniel; (North
Yorkshire, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEAD, JOHNSON & KACHIGIAN
228 W 17TH PLACE
TULSA
OK
74119
US
|
Family ID: |
9953736 |
Appl. No.: |
10/547160 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 25, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB04/00740 |
371 Date: |
April 20, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/210.1 ;
15/209.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/210.1 ;
015/209.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20060101
A47K011/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2003 |
GB |
0304446.8 |
Claims
1. A cleaning device including a handle adapted to be held by a
user, a flushable cleaning member selectively attached thereto via
attachment means on the handle, said handle incorporating a
cleaning member ejection means operable by the user to detach the
cleaning member from the handle to allow disposal of the cleaning
member after use and wherein the cleaning member has a cleaning
surface and an opposing attachment surface and said attachment
means attaches to the attachment surface of the cleaning
member.
2. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member is disposable by removing the same from the handle and
flushing down a toilet.
3. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member is elongate in form.
4. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member handle includes an elongate member located along the handle,
said elongate member connected to the attachment means via first
and second spaced arms provided as part of a resilient member, said
resilient member selectively movable with respect to the attachment
means to apply an ejection force to the cleaning member to remove
the same from the attachment means and, to apply the ejection
force, the arms act in conjunction with a further portion of the
resilient member to apply the ejection force in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the attachment
means lie.
5. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein a longitudinal
axis of the cleaning member is greater in length than the longest
axis perpendicular thereto.
6. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member is substantially flat.
7. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein at least the
cleaning surface of the cleaning member is curved.
8. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member includes at least one line of weakening to facilitate the
folding of the cleaning member about said at least one line during
disposal of the member.
9. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member has fracture lines provided to allow the cleaning member to
be separated into a number of parts when ejected from the
attachment means or under the influence of water flow and/or
degradation.
10. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member includes cleaning materials impregnated or positioned
therein.
11. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member has a multi-layer construction including any or any
combination of an attachment layer, soil barrier layer and cleaning
layer.
12. A cleaning device according to claim 11 wherein the attachment
layer includes a woven loop scrim or an open structured non-woven
fibre fiber web.
13. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member includes a plurality of smaller cleaning member parts which
are held in position by the attachment means of the handle.
14. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning
member can be ejected from the attachment means and instantly
flushable for disposal down a toilet bowl.
15. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the device
includes a storage device for supporting the handle of the cleaning
device when not in use and for storing a plurality of cleaning
members in a stack for selective attachment in sequence to the
handle.
16. A cleaning device according to claim 15 wherein the storage
means includes a guide to allow the guided introduction of the
handle into contact with the top cleaning member in the stack so as
to allow the attachment of the handle with the cleaning member to
form the cleaning device for use when removed from the storage
means.
17. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment
means lies substantially in line with the attachment surface of the
cleaning member.
18. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning
member is substantially planar.
19. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning
member is resiliently deformable.
20. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment
means are conformable to the shape of the surface to be
cleaned.
21. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment
means is adapted to engage with matching attachment means on the
attachment surface of the cleaning member.
22. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the attachment
means is adapted to automatically engage with the cleaning member
on contact therewith.
23. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the
attachment means on the handle and the attachment surface of the
cleaning member include hook and loop fastening means.
24. A cleaning device according to claim 22 wherein upon contact,
hooking means are moved into the cleaning member to engage the
same.
25. A cleaning device according to claim 23 wherein the attachment
means automatically engage with the attachment surface of the
cleaning member on contact therewith without the need for relative
movement between the attachment means and the surface of the
cleaning member.
26. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the attachment
means engages the cleaning member without significant deformation
of the cleaning member.
27. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle of
the device has first and second arms each with first and second
ends, said first ends provided to be gripped by the user.
28. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the arms are
adapted to be pivoted between a first configuration in which the
first ends of the arms are substantially apart and in which the
second ends of the arms are substantially together, and a second
configuration in which the first ends of the arms are substantially
together and in which the second ends of the arms are substantially
apart.
29. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 26 wherein the attachment
means are connected to the handle to allow articulation with
movement of the attachment means with respect to the handle about
at least one axis of rotation.
30. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 29 wherein the attachment
means is movable with respect to the handle freely within a defined
area of movement and further movement is possible against a
resilient force.
31. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the attachment
means is provided with a plate or plates with engagement formations
on the cleaning member located thereon.
32. A cleaning device according to claim 31 wherein the plate or
plates are movable about at least one axis or rotation with respect
to the remainder of the attachment means to allow conformability
with changes in the attachment surface of the cleaning member in
use.
33. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment
means includes an ejection means movable between a retracted
position in which an end of the same is flush with or retracted
from the attachment means, and an extended position in which the
free end of the ejection means extends beyond the attachment means
to push the cleaning member from engagement with the attachment
means.
34. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 33, wherein a part of the
handle is selectively movable by the user to cause movement of the
ejection means.
35. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 34 wherein the ejection
means is connectable with but spaced from the movement means on the
handle.
36. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the ejection
means is a resilient member.
37. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the resilient
member is adapted to move between a first position in which the
member is not in contact with the cleaning member, and a second
position in which the member contacts the cleaning member.
38. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the attachment
means contacts with a range of 40-80% of the area of the attachment
surface of the cleaning member and provides support therefore.
39. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle
includes sliding means adapted to slide along the handle between a
first position in which the sliding means is not in contact with
the cleaning member, and a second position in which the sliding
means contacts the cleaning member to eject the cleaning
member.
40. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the handle
includes or has attached thereto a reservoir of cleaning material,
said cleaning material provided in a controlled manner to flow onto
the cleaning member when attached to the handle to allow the
application of the cleaning material onto the surface being
cleaned.
41. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein said cleaning
member being disposable by flushing down a toilet.
42. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 42, wherein the cleaning
member has a cleaning surface and opposing attachment surface and
is elongate in form.
43. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the cleaning
member is a cleaning member which unless flexed by a force applied
thereto, retains a substantially flat configuration.
44. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 41 wherein the cleaning
member is fibrous.
45. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 41 wherein a longitudinal
axis of the cleaning member is greater in length than the longest
axis perpendicular thereto.
46. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein the cleaning
member is substantially flat.
47. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein at least the
cleaning surface of the cleaning member is curved.
48. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the cleaning
member includes at least one line of weakening to facilitate the
folding of the cleaning member about said line during flushing.
49. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein fracture lines
are provided so as to allow the cleaning member to be separated
into a number of parts when ejected from the attachment means or
under the influence of water flow and/or degradation.
50. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein the width of
the cleaning member is less than 60 nm, the length of the cleaning
member is less than 120 mm.
51. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein the length of
the cleaning member is a minimum of 130% of the cleaning member
width and of a width of no more than 15 mm.
52. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein the cleaning
member is of a single layer construction.
53. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein the cleaning
member includes cleaning materials impregnated or positioned
therein.
54. A cleaning device according to claim 53 wherein the cleaning
materials added are semi-dry, or more definitively remain in a
liquid state however concentrated when all water has been driven
away by heat.
55. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein the cleaning
member has a multi-layer construction including any combination of
attachment layer, soil barrier layer and cleaning layer.
56. A cleaning device according to claim 55 wherein the attachment
layer includes a woven loop scrim or an open structured non-woven
fiber web.
57. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein the cleaning
member includes a plurality of smaller cleaning members which are
preferably held in position by the attachment means of the
handle.
58. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein upon ejection
from the handle the cleaning member can be instantly flushed for
disposal down a toilet bowl.
59. A cleaning device according to claim 58 wherein the cleaning
member is instantly flushable without any prior treatment of the
cleaning member
60. A method of cleaning by wiping a cleaning member held on a
handle along a surface, the method comprising: using a cleaning
device having a handle adapted to be held by a user, a flushable
cleaning member selectively attached thereto via attachment means
on the handle said handle incorporating a cleaning member ejection
means operable by the user to detach the cleaning member from the
handle to allow disposal of the cleaning member after use and
wherein the cleaning member has a cleaning surface and an opposing
attachment surface and said attachment means attaches to the
attachment surface of the cleaning member.
61. Storage means for supporting at least one handle for a cleaning
device when not in use and for storing a plurality of cleaning
members for selective attachment in sequence and wherein the
storage means includes a guide to allow the guided introduction of
the handle into contact with the cleaning member so as to allow the
attachment of the handle and a cleaning member to form the cleaning
device for use.
62. A cleaning device having a handle with a first part adapted to
be held by a user, and a second part adapted for attachment of a
cleaning member said device including cleaning member ejection
means adapted for selective operation by the user of the device via
the handle to act against the engagement of the attachment means
and the handle and force the cleaning member from the attachment
means to allow the cleaning member to be removed for disposal.
63. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 62 wherein a fluid is
contained within the handle to actuate the ejection means.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to cleaning devices and
particularly, although not exclusively, to toilet cleaning
devices.
[0002] More specifically, the invention attempts to provide a
practical solution to problems associated with the use of a
conventional bristle-based toilet brush. A disadvantage of a
conventional toilet brush is that the brush bristles are arranged
in groups of individual filaments in dose proximity, which
encourages the collection and retention of soil particles removed
from the toilet bowl surface during cleaning. The task of cleaning
the soiled brush, for the user, can be both difficult and
unpleasant. Another disadvantage is that the brush is intended to
be re-usable and, over time, the difficulty in cleaning the bristle
head, can result in the build up of particles that is both
unsightly and a hygiene risk. This effect also reduces the device's
ongoing cleaning efficacy, and deters potential user(s) from
undertaking required cleaning tasks with the tool.
[0003] In many cases the brush bristles are attached to the brush
head by metal staples which is problematic because of the corrosive
environment of the toilet Bleach and cleaning chemicals are
typically present in the toilet and any of these can cause
corrosion of these staples leading to unsightly brown discoloration
of the bristles. Furthermore, the standard arrangement of bristles
within the brush head has a tendency to retain water between the
individual bristle filaments, when submerged during use. As a
result, it is not unusual for water which may be soiled, to visibly
collect within the brush holding receptacle in which the brush head
at least is located when not in use.
[0004] In an attempt to overcome the problems identified above,
several proposed designs have been documented. Many of these
incorporate a handle having a disposable cleaning "head" which is
intended to be flushed away after use. However, problems
encountered with such designs include the fact that the
configuration of the head and the handle are such that the user
requires a significant amount of dexterity to attach the two
elements together before use as the user has to accurately align
the head or cleaning member with the end of the handle before
attachment can be made, and this can be difficult, especially for
the elderly or infirm.
[0005] Furthermore in the prior art documents the cleaning head
typically has a design which is unsatisfactory when needing to dean
regions of the toilet which are difficult to reach, for example,
underneath a rim of a toilet In addition, following use of such
devices, it is necessary for the user to manually remove the soiled
cleaning head from the end of the handle, which is both unpleasant
and very unhygienic. Furthermore, due to the shape of prior art
cleaning heads, the head when disposed of can be difficult to flush
and can even result in blockage of the toilet.
[0006] In order to be flushable, the head must pass through the
toilet waste pipe, through the sewage pipe system, and arrive at
the entrance of the treatment works without, at any point, causing
damage or mechanical blockage.
[0007] Some of the prior art documents rely upon either total, or
partial, disintegration/solubility of the cleaning head in water,
to allow the head, and in some cases, an attached handle, to flush
away. The breakdown rate of water sensitive materials (e.g. short
paper fibre) and water soluble materials (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol)
are significantly affected by two key factors, i.e. water
temperature, and the level and duration of agitation
(pressure/stress/time). Additionally, the presence of certain
chemicals in the toilet water, for example bleach and cleaning
acids, can also affect the breakdown rate of certain water
sensitive materials. These variables, and particularly the
inevitable variation in time involved in each cleaning task which
is estimated at between approximately ten seconds to about two
minutes, make it virtually impossible to devise one material that
will break up precisely at the end of each toilet cleaning session.
Hence, it is clearly important that the material does not breakdown
before the task is completed, as this premature breakdown is likely
to leave residual material in contact with the reusable handle, as
well as failing to adequately complete the cleaning task.
[0008] Previous designs exist which feature a flushable head that
has a pocket-like configuration. Such a shape would, material
thickness allowing, fit under the toilet rim. However, this pocket
design is based upon a friction fit arrangement where a straight
reusable handle is loaded into one end of the disposable cleaning
component This fixing arrangement is common to most prior art
designs referred to above. It has been noted, however, that such a
design has a key limitation. Given the restrictions in component
size to achieve flushability, the aperture to accept the tip of the
reusable handle must also be small, or in the case of the pocket
design, naturally dosed.
[0009] In the interest of personal hygiene it is highly desirable
that the user does not need to make direct contact, or contact in
close proximity to, any part of the reusable handle that has made
previous contact with a soiled head, or toilet water. It is
therefore given that the user will hold only the end of the
reusable handle that is intended for grip. This necessitates a
level of accuracy and dexterity in component loading that is
believed to be at best awkward, if not unacceptably difficult,
without the additional complexity and cost of an automatic
loading/guiding mechanism.
[0010] The aim of the present invention is therefore to address the
above problems and to provide a re-usable cleaning device which is
simple to use and hygienic.
[0011] It is a further aim of the invention that the cleaning head
be instantly flushable on completion of the cleaning task. Hence,
the incorporation of a disposable cleaning head, which offers the
maximum amount of cleaning surface area within the geometric
constraints of what is easily flushable is an aim of the
invention.
[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a cleaning device including a handle adapted to be held
by a user, a flushable cleaning member selectively attached thereto
via attachment means on the handle, said handle incorporating a
cleaning member ejection means operable by the user to detach the
cleaning member from the handle to allow disposal of the cleaning
member after use and wherein the cleaning member has a cleaning
surface and an opposing attachment surface and said attachment
means attaches to the attachment surface of the cleaning
member.
[0013] In one embodiment the attachment means lies substantially
parallel with the attachment surface of the cleaning member.
[0014] Thus there is provided a cleaning device including a handle
adapted to be held by a user, and a flushable cleaning member
selectively attached thereto and wherein said handle incorporates a
cleaning member ejection means operable by the user to detach the
cleaning member from the handle to allow disposal of the cleaning
member.
[0015] Typically the cleaning device is used to dean a toilet.
[0016] Preferably, the cleaning member is substantially planar. By
the term "planar", we mean the cleaning member has a thin wall
thickness between opposing first and second surfaces, the first
surface provided for the cleaning action and the second surface
provided to allow attachment to the cleaning means handle.
Preferably, the cleaning member is substantially planar at the time
of attachment to the handle. The cleaning member may be flat or
curved prior to attachment and in one embodiment, by attachment,
may be moved to a flat or curved condition.
[0017] Preferably, the cleaning member is flexible and conformable
to the surface shape which is being cleaned thereby allowing the
member to clean all areas of the toilet. Preferably this is
possible when the cleaning member is dry and water is not required
to soften the same.
[0018] Advantageously, this improves the versatility of the device
for cleaning regions or areas, which are otherwise hard to reach if
the cleaning member is three-dimensional. Also, many people clean
the dry areas of the toilet such as around the rim before they
clean the lower wet areas in the bowl. Advantageously, and
preferably, the maximum surface of the cleaning member is useable
for cleaning whilst still being flushable whole.
[0019] Although varying in precise shape and dimensions, the
majority of toilets comprise three common elements that require
regular cleaning, i.e. a rim, a bowl section, and a waste pipe/trap
section. The present invention provides a disposable cleaning
member which has a cleaning surface and an opposing attachment
surface. The cleaning surface at least, is sufficiently conformable
and therefore versatile to effectively clean each of the three
toilet elements identified above. Most previous designs of cleaning
member rely upon a three-dimensional cylindrical, conical, or
hemispherical-shaped disposable head. These shapes are only
beneficial if they are sufficiently flexible to make contact with
the bowl of the toilet and providing sufficient force is applied
thereto. Disadvantageously, such excessive force results in the
material of these heads ripping.
[0020] Preferably, the part of the handle to which the cleaning
member is attached is resilient and may comprise a flexible
material, for example, rubber or the like. Alternatively and
preferably the second end may be articulated so as to allow
movement of the attachment means about at least one axis of
rotation, but preferably in more than one axis which allows the
cleaning end of the device to reach awkward regions of the toilet,
such as under the rim or in the base of the bowl of the toilet.
[0021] Typically the attachment means of the handle, in addition to
allowing the effective attachment of the cleaning member with the
same, is provided with articulation means to allow articulation of
the cleaning member and attachment means as a unit with respect to
the handle. This, in conjunction with the fact that the attachment
means can be provided to be conformable, along with the cleaning
member, to the contours of the surface which is being cleaned and
that the attachment means is located with a sufficient portion of a
surface of the cleaning member to allow the load or force applied
via the handle to be spread across the cleaning member, ensures
that the cleaning effect of the cleaning member is uniform across
the cleaning surface of the same and hence provides an effective
cleaning action.
[0022] Preferably, the handle includes attachment means which are
adapted to engage with the cleaning member, preferably upon contact
therewith and alignment means can be provided to allow the
attachment of the handle with the cleaning member to be aligned,
typically substantially centrally with the cleaning member.
Advantageously, central alignment enables a greater surface area of
the cleaning member to be utilised and in a balanced manner.
[0023] Preferably, the attachment means is adapted to automatically
engage with the cleaning member, preferably on contact therewith.
In one embodiment the attachment means include at least one hook or
loop means, which hook or loop means is adapted to engage with at
least one hook or loop means provided on the cleaning member.
Typically a plurality of spaced apart hooks or loop are provided on
each of the cleaning member and handle. Preferably, the attachment
means extend substantially perpendicular away from the handle
attachment means to provide the required amount of vertical grip on
the cleaning member, and a required amount of, typically greater,
shear grip on the cleaning member. Hence, the attachment is able to
withstand a substantial amount of sideways force and yet it is
relatively easy to disengage the cleaning member from the
attachment means.
[0024] An advantage of the cleaning device as herein described is
that it is very simple to attach to the second end of the device,
i.e. by bringing the handle attachment means into contact with the
cleaning member as opposed to prior art systems, which require
greater dexterity and typically deformation of the cleaning member
to grip the same which can result in the cleaning member being less
efficient.
[0025] In one embodiment, the cleaning device may comprise first
and second arms, which arms are preferably attached together by a
pivot. Preferably, each arm has a first end and a second end.
Preferably, the arms are adapted to be pivoted between a first
configuration in which the first ends of the arms are substantially
apart and in which the second ends of the arms are substantially
together, and a second configuration in which the first ends of the
arms are substantially together and in which the second end of the
arms are substantially apart, preferably in a tongs arrangement.
Biasing means adapted to bias the arms in the first configuration
can be provided. The biasing means can be in the form of a spring.
In this embodiment the first end of each arm is adapted to be held
by a user, preferably in a hand thereof. The second end of the
first arm includes the attachment means, which is adapted to engage
with the cleaning member typically when the arms are in the first
configuration. Hence, a user may hold the first ends of the arms
when in the first configuration and bring the second end of the
first arm into contact with the cleaning member. In one embodiment
the second end of the second arm is adapted to fit substantially
inside the second end of the first arm, such that when the arms are
in the second configuration, the attachment means is exposed for
contact with the cleaning member.
[0026] In this embodiment, the second end of the second arm is
adapted to eject the cleaning member when the arms are moved from
the first configuration to the second configuration. In use the
user can urge the first ends of the arms together thereby causing
them to pivot, thereby causing the second ends of the arms apart.
The second end of the second arm is urged against the cleaning
member thereby detaching the cleaning member away from the second
end of the first arm.
[0027] In a further and preferred embodiment, the part of the
handle to be gripped by the user includes a movable part or is
compressible and is adapted to be compressed or moved selectively
by a user.
[0028] Typically, the part of the handle for attachment with the
cleaning member includes the ejection means, which is located
adjacent the attachment means. In one embodiment the ejection means
is in the form of a resilient member. Preferably, the resilient
member is located substantially in the centre of the attachment
means with the attachment means surrounding the ejection means. In
one embodiment the ejection means is a resilient diaphragm.
[0029] Preferably, the ejection means is adapted to move between a
first position in which the same is not in contact with the
cleaning member, and a second position in which the ejection means
contacts the cleaning member and moves away from the attachment
means to push the cleaning member away from the attachment means.
Preferably, when in the first position, the ejection means is
disposed substantially inside the second end of the handle.
Preferably, the ejection means is adapted to eject the cleaning
member when it is moved from the first to second position by the
user manipulation of the movement or compressible means on the
handle which is mechanically connected to the ejection means along
the handle. In one embodiment the ejection means is a resilient
member in a chamber within the handle.
[0030] Typically the device includes a handle having a first end
adapted to be held by a user and a second end with attachment means
adapted to engage with the cleaning member. Preferably, the
attachment means is located around the circumference of the second
end of the handle. Preferably, the handle includes sliding means
adapted to slide within the handle under manual influence with the
ejection means for the cleaning member connected to part of the
sliding means.
[0031] Preferably, the device comprises biasing means adapted to
bias the sliding means in the first configuration. Preferably, the
biasing means comprises a spring.
[0032] In one embodiment the device includes a magazine in which a
plurality of said cleaning members are provided for selective
removal from the magazine when attached to the handle of the
device. Typically the handle with the attachment means portion
exposed is placed into the magazine to allow the attachment means
to contact and attach the exposed cleaning member in the magazine
to remove the same therefrom.
[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is
provided a cleaning member for use with a cleaning device for a
toilet bowl said cleaning member being substantially planar and
flushable for disposal in the toilet bowl.
[0034] Preferably, the cleaning member is substantially planar at
least at the time of attachment to the cleaning device but
preferably retains the substantially planar shape during use due to
an inherent resilience of the cleaning member and/or support from
the attachment means on the surface of the cleaning member to which
the attachment means is applied.
[0035] The cleaning member is typically in the form of a cleaning
member. The cleaning member may be fibrous, preferably at points of
contact with the attachment means of the cleaning device. In one
embodiment the cleaning member may comprise a foam-like material
including at least one void therein.
[0036] The cleaning member can be substantially oblong or
rectangular and typically a rectangular cleaning member is more
flushable than, for example, a square or circular cleaning member
of similar dimensions, as these latter shapes have a tendency to
block the toilet outflow pipe. This is due to the fact that with
the two opposing sides significantly longer than the other two
opposing sides, then in the rectangular format, the natural
orientation of the cleaning member in the flow is for one of the
shorter edges to lead in the direction of movement.
[0037] Preferably, the width of the cleaning member is less than 60
mm, more preferably, less than 55 mm and, most preferably less than
50 mm. The length of the cleaning member is less than 120 mm,
preferably less than 100 mm, more preferably, less than 90 mm and,
most preferably less than 80 mm. The length of the cleaning member
is preferably a minimum of 130% of the cleaning member width, and
more preferably a minimum of 150%. Typically the cleaning member is
no more than 30 mm thick and preferably up to 15 mm in
thickness.
[0038] Preferably the cleaning member is of a single layer
construction.
[0039] Preferably any cleaning chemicals added to the cleaning
member are semi-dry, or more definitively remain in a liquid state
however concentrated when all water has been driven away by heat.
This ensures that any water that makes contact with the stack of
cleaning members and subsequently evaporates, does not allow the
cleaning members to `fuse` together in use, as they could if the
cleaning chemical was inherently dry or solid when all water has
been driven away.
[0040] Preferably the majority and more preferably 100% of the
cleaning member's dry weight constituents are either natural
mineral or biodegradable in conditions found within sewage
treatment works and the sewer system.
[0041] Preferably the cleaning member is substantially formed of
materials that are not readily water soluble or water degradable
(i.e. within 5 minutes in water at less than 25 degrees C.).
[0042] Preferably the cleaning member is manufactured by
spray-applying an aqueous dispersion of polymer binder onto a
non-woven fibre substrate.
Preferably the fibre is cellulosic
[0043] Preferably the fibre has a minimum titre of substantially 15
dtex.
[0044] Preferably the resin binder is inadsorbent, and more
preferably inadsorbent and biodegradable, and more preferably is a
starch polymer, an aliphatic polyester, or combination of both.
[0045] Preferably the abrasive is considered `non-scratch` on a
porcelain surface and is non-reactive with acidic cleaning
chemicals.
[0046] Preferably the single web of fibre should be coated with
0-300 gsm spray solids (dry resin & mineral/filler) on the
engagement side, and 100-500 gsm dry solids on the cleaning
surface.
[0047] Preferably the fibre element of the cleaning member
structure comprises a substantial percentage by weight of
substantially adsorbent fibres, and more preferably a minimum of
30% adsorbent cellulosic fibre.
[0048] Alternatively, the cleaning member may be of a multi-layer
construction including any combination of engagement layer, soil
barrier layer and cleaning layer. The engagement layer attaches to
the handle and comprises a woven loop scrim or an open structured
nonwoven fibre web. The soil barrier layer reduces risk of
contamination of the handle and comprises a fine titre (less than 3
dtex) closely formed non-woven web, or continuous flexible film.
The cleaning layer provides abrasion and absorbency and comprises
coarse fibre (at least 15 dtex) or a blend with fine fibre (less
than 3 dtex), with or without additional spray-applied resin-bound
abrasive.
[0049] The cleaning member can in one embodiment include at least
one aperture, slot, channel or cut-out to facilitate the
deformation during cleaning and thereafter improve the flushability
thereof following cleaning.
[0050] The cleaning member may comprise a plurality of smaller
cleaning members which are, preferably held in position by the
attachment means of the handle. In this embodiment the smaller
cleaning members are detached separately for disposal and flush
easier than a single larger cleaning member.
[0051] According to a further aspect, there are provided storage
means for supporting at least one cleaning device defined herein
when not in use and for storing a plurality of cleaning members as
defined herein and wherein the storage means includes a guide to
allow the guided introduction of the handle into contact with the
cleaning members so as to allow the attachment of the handle and a
cleaning member to form the cleaning device for use.
[0052] Preferably the storage means includes a separation means to
facilitate the attachment of individual cleaning members to the
handle in use.
[0053] According to a yet further aspect, there is provided a
cleaning device having a handle with a first part adapted to be
held by a user, and a second part adapted for attachment of a
cleaning member said device including cleaning member ejection
means adapted for selective operation by the user of the device to
act against the engagement of the attachment means and the handle
and force the cleaning member from the attachment means to allow
the cleaning member to be removed for disposal.
[0054] In one embodiment the actuation means for the ejection means
is located at the portion of the handle gripped by the user and
mechanical actuation is used. In an alternative embodiment a fluid
is displaced from the handle gripping part to the attachment means
on the handle such that the cleaning member is ejected from the
attachment means of the device. In one embodiment the fluid is
contained within the device, preferably the body thereof and in one
embodiment the fluid is air or is a liquid. In one embodiment the
fluid is displaced by a piston-cylinder arrangement wherein the
handle includes a cylinder having a piston slideably mounted
therein. The ejection means can include a resilient member, which
preferably comprises a resilient diaphragm.
[0055] In which ever embodiment of the invention, the ejection
means in the first position is disposed substantially inside the
handle of the device.
[0056] According to a further aspect, there is provided a cleaning
device comprising a handle having a first end adapted to be held by
a user and a second end adapted to have a cleaning member attached
thereto, and sliding means adapted to move between a first
configuration in which the sliding means is not in contact with the
cleaning member, and a second configuration in which the sliding
means contacts the cleaning member.
[0057] Preferably, the sliding means is adapted to eject the
cleaning member when it is moved from the first to second
configuration. The body may comprise a first cylinder. The sliding
means may comprise a second cylinder mounted on to the body.
Preferably, the second cylinder is adapted to slide along the body.
Alternatively, the sliding means may comprise a member slideably
mounted inside the body, one end adapted to slide over the
attachment means but not the cleaning member to eject the cleaning
member, the other end including a button projecting through the
body to allow the user to operate the same.
[0058] All of the features described herein may be combined with
any of the above aspects, in any combination.
[0059] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how
embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will
be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic
drawings, in which:--
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of
a cleaning device in a first configuration;
[0061] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of the first embodiment
of the cleaning device in a second configuration;
[0062] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of
the cleaning device in a first configuration;
[0063] FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of the second embodiment
of the cleaning device in a second configuration;
[0064] FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of
the cleaning device in a first configuration;
[0065] FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of the third embodiment
of the cleaning device in a second configuration;
[0066] FIGS. 7a-7e show schematic perspective views of various
embodiments of an attachment plate in accordance with the present
invention;
[0067] FIGS. 8a-8c show schematic plan views of various embodiments
of a cleaning member;
[0068] FIG. 9 shows a enlarged perspective view of the cleaning
device shown in FIG. 1; and
[0069] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a storage unit for the
cleaning device.
[0070] FIG. 11 shows a three-dimensional view of a fourth
embodiment of a cleaning device.
[0071] FIG. 12 shows a three-dimensional view of a second
embodiment of a storage unit.
[0072] FIG. 13 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the
fourth embodiment of the cleaning device and the second embodiment
of the storage unit.
[0073] FIG. 14 shows a three-dimensional view of the fourth
embodiment of the cleaning device placed in a third embodiment of
the storage unit.
[0074] FIG. 15 shows a three-dimensional cut-away view of the
fourth embodiment of the cleaning device placed in the third
embodiment of the storage unit.
[0075] FIG. 16 shows an enlarged three-dimensional exploded view of
the fourth embodiment of the cleaning device.
[0076] FIG. 17 shows a front view of the fourth embodiment of the
cleaning device being placed in the third embodiment of the storage
unit.
[0077] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the fourth embodiment of the
cleaning device being removed from the third embodiment of the
storage unit.
[0078] FIG. 19 shows a top view of a lower section of a third
embodiment of a storage unit.
[0079] FIG. 20 shows a cross sectional side view of a further
embodiment of the cleaning device in a first configuration;
[0080] FIG. 21 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the
cleaning device of FIG. 20 in a further position; and
[0081] FIG. 22 illustrates in schematic manner the embodiment of
FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first
embodiment of a domestic cleaning device 2 which can be used for
cleaning household furniture, in particular the interior of a
toilet bowl (not shown). Second and third embodiments of the
cleaning device 2 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and FIGS. 5 and 6,
respectively. In each embodiment, the device 2 consists of a handle
4 and a fibrous non-woven cleaning member 6, examples of which are
illustrated in various embodiments in FIG. 8.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 1, the handle 4 of the device 2 consists
of an upper member 8 and a lower member 10 connected together by a
hinge 12 which allows respective movement of the upper and lower
members 8,10. In the first embodiment of the device 2, the bringing
together by a user of the upper and lower members 8,10 on one side
of the hinge 12, results in the upper and lower members 8,10 being
urged apart on the other side of the hinge 12.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 2, an underside of the upper member 8 forms
an attachment plate 28, which consists of a series of small
downwardly facing hooks illustrated as arrows 28a. The hooks 28a of
the attachment plate 28 engage with fibres and/or voids 38 which
make up the cleaning member 6 so that the cleaning member 6 is
attached thereto. Embodiments of the cleaning member 6 are
illustrated in FIG. 8 and are described hereinafter.
[0085] The cleaning member is either woven or non-woven material,
or a foam material.
[0086] In use, a user first arranges the upper and lower members
8,10 of the handle 4 at the positions where they are gripped such
that they are urged apart. This is facilitated by a spring
mechanism (not shown) or a natural bias by design which ensures
that the device 2 is always ready for use by a user for
convenience. This ensures that the upper and lower members 8,10 on
the opposite side of the hinge 12 are forced together. The user
then very simply touches an upper region of a cleaning member 6
with the attachment plate 28 of the handle 4 so that the cleaning
member 6 is attached thereto as illustrated in FIG. 9. The cleaning
member 6 shown in FIG. 9 is just one of the embodiments of the
cleaning member 6 possible. Other embodiments of the cleaning
member 6 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0087] The hooks 28a hook onto and around the fibres 38 or voids of
the cleaning member 6. Because the cleaning member 6 forms a
relatively large fibrous area, it is very easy for the user to
attach the cleaning member 6 to the handle 4 requiring very little
dexterity. Hence, the elderly or infirm are able to use the device
2 with ease. An advantage of this mechanism is that there is no
need for the user to touch the cleaning member 6 as it is being
attached to the handle 4. When attached together, the cleaning
member 6 and handle 4 form the complete cleaning device 2 which can
be used to clean a toilet The cleaning member 6 is flat and
substantially two-dimensional and is therefore suitable for
cleaning regions of a toilet which are difficult to reach, for
example, around the underside of the rim.
[0088] Following use of the cleaning member 6, the user then simply
ejects the cleaning member 6 from the attachment plate 28 of the
handle 4. This is achieved by squeezing together the upper and
lower members 8,10 of the handle 4 at the point where they are held
by the user, as illustrated by arrow `A` in FIG. 2. This results in
the sections of the upper and lower members 8,10 of the handle 4 on
the opposite side of the hinge 12 being forced apart The result of
this is that the lower handle member 10 is urged against the
cleaning member 6 in a direction as shown by arrow B in FIG. 2,
with sufficient force to unhook the hooks 28a of the attachment
plate 28 from the fibres/voids 38 of the cleaning member 6. The
cleaning member 6 is physically urged away from the underside of
the handle 4 in a desired direction, for example, into the bowl of
the toilet. An advantage of this mechanism is that there is no need
for the user to touch the cleaning member 6 at all once it has been
used to clean the toilet. Therefore, use of the device 2 is
hygienic and safe.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a second
embodiment of the cleaning device 2. The handle 4 consists of a
bulbous head section 14, which tapers into a central rigid neck
section 16, and a head section 18. The underside of the head
section 18 consists of a centrally mounted flexible diaphragm 20
which is surrounded by the attachment plate 28. The diaphragm can
flex in and out of the head section 18. The attachment plate of the
second embodiment of the device 2 consists of a series of
downwardly projecting hooks 28a arranged around the diaphragm
20.
[0090] In use, a user attaches a cleaning member 6 to the
attachment plate 28 of the handle 4 in the same way as described
above in respect of the first embodiment, i.e. by simply touching
the underside of the head section 18 and, hence, attachment plate
onto a cleaning member 6. The hooks 28a engage with the
fibres/voids 38 on the surface of the cleaning member 6 thereby
maintaining it in position. As with the first embodiment, there is
no need for the user to touch the cleaning member 6 or head section
18 by hand during attachment.
[0091] The three sections of the handle 14,16,18 are hollow and
filled with air. In addition, the body section 14 of the handle 4
is made of a flexible compressible material, for example, rubber.
In order to dislodge the cleaning member 6 from the attachment
plate 28, the user simply squeezes the compressible body 14 as
illustrated by arrow `C` shown in FIG. 4. This results in the air
inside the body 14 being forced down through the neck 16 of the
device 2 towards the head section 18. The shift in air pressure
within the head section 18 causes the diaphragm 20 to move
outwardly in the direction of arrow `D` shown in FIG. 4. The result
of this is that the soiled cleaning member 6 is unhooked from the
hooks 28a and urged away from the attachment plate 28. As with the
first embodiment, the cleaning member 6 can be directed into the
toilet or a refuse bin (not shown). In addition, there is no need
for the user to handle the soiled cleaning member 6 once it has
been used.
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown a third
embodiment of the cleaning device 2. The device 2 consists of an
elongate inner tube 22 at one end of which there is attached a
flexible end 22a. The attachment plate 28 is formed around the end
of the flexible end 22a and consists of a number of attachment
hooks 28a. The device 2 further consists of an outer tube 24, which
is slideable around the outside of the inner tube 22. The inner and
outer tubes 22, 24 are approximately the same length. A stopper 26
is provided at the end of the inner tube 22 distal from the
attachment plate 28. The stopper 26 is connected via an internal
screw thread (not shown) to the attachment plate 28 and is provided
as a means to remotely detach the attachment plate 28 from the end
of the flexible end 22a.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 5, a cleaning member 6 can be attached very
simply onto the end of the attachment plate 28 on the end of the
inner tube 22 by movement of the outer tube 24 back so that the
attachment plate 28 on the end of the inner tube 22 is exposed. The
attachment plate 28 is then brought into contact with the cleaning
member 6. The hooks 28a engage with the fibres/voids 38 in the
cleaning member 6 resulting in attachment thereof. The end 22a is
flexible which allows a user to manipulate the end 22a and hence,
cleaning member 6 into awkward regions of a toilet.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 6, a user can simply eject the cleaning
member 6 from the end of the inner tube 22 by sliding the outer
tube 24 in a direction towards the attachment plate 28 as
illustrated by arrow `E`. The result is that outer tube 24 is urged
against the top of the cleaning member 6 which is then forced away
from the tubes 22,24 in a direction of arrow `F` as shown in FIG.
6. Hence, as with the other two embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4, the
cleaning member 6 may very simply be attached to the attachment
plate 28 of the device, and ejected therefrom after use without any
need for the user to touch the cleaning member 6 either before or
after use. This embodiment of the device 2 also has a resilient
spring (not shown) which pulls the outer tube 24 back over the
inner tube 22 so that the device is always ready for use by a
user.
[0095] The hooks 28a on the attachment plate 28 effectively hook
underneath the fibres/voids 38 of the cleaning member 6 such that
the cleaning member 6 is maintained in position when used to dean
the toilet. Constant pressure is normally applied to the handle 4,
and hence, the cleaning member 6, during the cleaning operation.
After use, each of the three ejection mechanisms ensure that there
is no need for the user to ever touch the soiled cleaning member
6.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 7, there are shown enlarged views of
various embodiments of the attachment plate 28. The attachment
plate 28 can form either a continuous cleaning surface as shown in
FIG. 7d, or include various shaped holes 30.
[0097] In FIG. 8, there are shown various embodiments of the
cleaning member 6. In each embodiment, the cleaning member 6
consists of a fibrous network of woven or non-woven material, or
foam or the like. The cleaning member 6 can be manufactured out of
a material which is sufficiently tough to allow it to be used to
clean a toilet or other surface. Normally, it is preferred that the
material is biodegradable and non-hazardous so that it can be
flushed down the toilet following use. The cleaning member 6 is
normally rectangular in shape and relatively planar such that it
can be manoeuvred into small areas not otherwise reachable by more
three-dimensional cleaning members 6. The cleaning member 6 may be
made entirely of a network of fibres 38, or alternatively, a
fibrous layer having voids to which the hooks 28a of the attachment
plate 28 may engage.
[0098] The cleaning member 6 can have a series of slots 32 which
extend there across. The slots 32 are provided to facilitate the
disposal of the cleaning member 6 by flushing down the toilet. The
design of the cleaning member 6 is such that it has sufficient
strength to endure substantial pressure during the cleaning
process, but also can break up and disperse as it is flushed. The
position and length of the slots 32 are such that the attachment
plate 28 keeps the cleaning member 6 together as one piece while it
is used for cleaning. However, following use, the cleaning member 6
is ejected from the attachment plate 6 so that the slots 32 are not
held together any longer. This facilitates the breaking up of the
cleaning member 6. It is envisaged that the cleaning member 6 could
consist of more than 1 cleaning member, for example, four smaller
cleaning members. In this case, the attachment plate 28 keeps the
four smaller cleaning members together in position as a single
cleaning member 6. Following use, the four smaller cleaning members
disperse as they are flushed down the toilet.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown the action of engagement
of the hooks 28a of the attachment plate 28 with a cleaning member
6. The handle 8 shown in FIG. 9 is that of the first embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, the cleaning member 6 shown in
FIG. 9 is just one of the many possible embodiments of cleaning
member 6. However, it should be appreciated that mechanism of
attachment is essentially the same for all of the three embodiments
of handle 4 and cleaning member 6.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a storage unit 34 in
which a number of cleaning members 6 and the handle 4 can be stored
when not in use. The unit holds a number of unused cleaning members
6.
[0101] Referring to FIGS. 11-13 & 16, there is shown a fourth
embodiment of a cleaning device 2 and corresponding second
embodiment of a storage unit 34. The device 2 consists of an
elongate tube 40 which substantially encloses an elongate member
42. Elongate tube 40 comprises two halves 40a, 40b which are
snap-fitted, screwed, glued, or otherwise held together. Elongate
tube 40 includes ribs 58 to aid guidance into storage unit 34.
Elongate member 42 has a projection 44 which projects through an
opening 46 in the elongate tube 40 and which can be actuated to
move the elongate member 42 along the elongate tube 40, and biasing
means to bias the elongate member 42 in a particular direction. An
attachment member 56 including substantially parallel connected
plates 28, 48 is pivotally mounted on the end of elongate tube 40.
Elongate member 42 is connected to ejection means 52 via an opening
in plate 48. Ejection means 52 includes an elongate member 54 and
an ejection plate 50 which is adapted to slide over plates 28 but
not plates 48. Attachment plates 28 include hooks for engagement
with a cleaning member 6 as heretobefore described. In use, a
cleaning member 6 is attached to the attachment plates 28 for
cleaning, the pivotally mounted member 56 assisting this function,
and when finished the user ejects the cleaning member 6 by sliding
button 44 forward, in the opposite direction to which it is biased
by a spring basing means, which in turn slides ejection plate 50
over attachment plates 28, from a position where it is proximal to
plate 48 and flush or less than flush to attachment plates 28 to a
position where it is more than flush to attachment plates 28,
thereby forcing the cleaning member 6 off attachment plates 28.
[0102] The storage unit 34 may hold a number of unused cleaning
members 6 at an angle to the base e.g. 30 degrees, and parallel to
the attachment plate 28 when the same is placed in the storage unit
34. This allows the cleaning member 6 to engage the attachment
plate 28 on contact without further action by the user. The storage
unit 34 includes a door 60 to allow refilling of cleaning members
6. The door can be attached in a number of standard ways, such as
snap-fit, slideable mounting, hinges, etc. Openings 62 in the door
or other parts of the storage unit 34 allow the user to see how
many cleaning members 6 are contained in the storage unit 34. The
storage unit includes a rim 64 to prevent cleaning members 6 from
falling out accidentally if for example the storage unit 34 was
inverted, and slots 66 to guide the ribs 58 of the cleaning device
2 into the storage unit 34.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 14-15 & 17-19, there is shown a
fourth embodiment of a cleaning device 2 and corresponding
alternative third embodiment of a storage unit 34. Storage unit is
comprised of two sections 34a, 34b which are held together by
snap-fit, clips, and/or hinges and the opening of which
facilitating the replacement of a cartridge 68 of cleaning members
6 held therein.
[0104] When the cleaning device 2 is placed in the storage unit 34,
the attachment plates 28 of the cleaning device 2 are aligned with
the cleaning member 6 by the ribs 58 in the slots 66, the same also
securing the cleaning device 2 in an upright position.
[0105] As the cleaning device 2 is removed from the storage unit
34, the ribs 58 disengage from the slots 66 allowing the cleaning
device to move towards the user. If the user pulls the cleaning
device 2 too far up the storage unit 34, the attachment member 56
contacts deflection ribs 70, so as to guide the end of the cleaning
device 2 with the attachment member 56 out of the opening of the
storage unit 34 without fouling and/or disengaging the cleaning
member 6.
[0106] The storage unit 34 includes two or more interference ribs
72 in contact with the outer surface of the cartridge 68 of
cleaning members 6, deforming the cartridge wall such that the
cleaning members are gripped slightly by the inner surface of the
cartridge 68. The cartridge 68 is sufficiently flexible to allow
such deformation, being manufactured from card, film and/or the
like, and creating the effect that the cartridge is `nipped` in the
middle. As the cleaning members 6 have a natural tendency to stick
together, the interference ribs 72 allow the cleaning members 6 to
be removed one at a time in use. A further embodiment includes a
cartridge 68 provided with interference ribs to achieve a similar
result to that hereinbefore described.
[0107] Referring to FIGS. 20-22, there is shown a further
embodiment of the cleaning end of the cleaning device 2. In this
case the device handle comprises two halves 40a, 40b, substantially
enclosing an elongate member 42 which passes downward to the
attachment means 56. The attachment means 56 is also shown which
includes attachment plates 28. The elongate member 42, at the lower
end, adjacent the attachment means, is configured so as to have a
central section 54 which has a supporting rib 55, and two arms 57,
59 to either side of the central section. The free range of pivotal
movement of the attachment means 56 when used for cleaning and/or
the attachment of a cleaning member thereto is defined by the
ability of the arms 57,59 to pivot with the barrel 61. The central
section 54 is separate form the arms by the slots 63 and is housed
in the chamber 41 formed by first half 40a of the handle and the
extended wall of the second half 40b of the handle.
[0108] If desired, biasing means may also be included to bias the
resilient elongate member 42 in a particular direction.
[0109] To eject a cleaning member, the elongate member 42 is
actuated to move downwardly with respect to the handle and
attachment means and as it does so the member 42 moves as a unit in
that the arms 57, 59 and central section 54 all move in the same
direction and plane through the barrel 61 which acts to bring the
same together. The provision of the strengthening rib 55 acts to
further strengthen member 42 when used for ejection as illustrated
in FIG. 22. The downward movement passes through the attachment
means 56 and causes the ejection means to provide an ejection force
to remove the cleaning member from the attachment means 56. This
causes the ejection of the cleaning member from the attachment
means 56 as hereinbefore described.
[0110] FIGS. 20 and 21 show the configurations of the cleaning
device 2 in use for cleaning in cross section. In this arrangement
the resilient member 42 have the arms 57, 59 locating with the
attachment means 56 and allow pivotal movement of the same while
the central section 54 does not exert a restraining force on the
attachment means and lies in the chamber 41 defined by the parts
40a and 40b in the chamber. FIG. 20 shows the attachment means in a
position for use to dean and FIG. 21 shows the configuration of the
cleaning device 2 in position for the device to be placed into a
complementary storage unit (not shown) to allow the attachment of a
cleaning member in the storage unit onto the attachment means and
the lifting of the cleaning member from the storage unit for
use.
[0111] 1. While in cleaning use the attachment means is pivotally
moveable with respect to the resilient member 42 about the arms
57,59 and when in the ejection mode, when it is important that an
increased degree of rigidity is provided. This is achieved by the
combination of the downward force applied as described and the
barrel 61 such that the member 42 as it moves through the pivot
location comprises the arms 57,59 and central section 54 restricted
to move as a unitary member and in only one, downward direction and
therefore apply a single unitary force. This provides the required
strength and rigidity to allow the ejection means to operate
efficiently and with sufficient strength to cause the ejection of
the cleaning member from the attachment means to be achieved. Thus,
in applying the ejection force to the cleaning member to remove the
same from the attachment means the arms act in conjunction with the
further portion of the resilient member 42 to apply the ejection
force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in
which the attachment means lie and the attachment means lies
substantially parallel with the cleaning member so as to allow the
ejection force to be applied uniformly across the cleaning pad to
allow ejection and hence removal of the cleaning member to be
achieved.
[0112] One of the key features of this invention is to provide an
attachment mechanism between the reusable handle 4 and disposable
cleaning member 6 that is easy to engage with only the use of the
user's hand in the intended position on the handle. Therefore the
device 2 consists of the attachment means 28, located at the far
end of the reusable handle 4 which features a series of protruding
hooks 28a. These low profile hooks 28a engage with the
fibres/continuous filaments 38 featured on the upper surface layer
of the cleaning member 6. Whilst it is intended that the user
positions, and presses the attachment plate 28 onto the centre of
the cleaning member 6, it is not critical exactly where contact is
made, thereby requiring only a minimum level of dexterity.
[0113] The option exists for the attachment plate 28 to be
replaceable from the end of the handle 4, should it become soiled
or damaged. The attachment plate 28 can consist of either (i) a
supporting plate (not shown) onto which a cut section of hook tape
from a suitable existing Hook and Loop fastening system is mounted,
or (ii) a single injection moulded component as shown in the
Figures. The option of a bespoke moulded hook 28/fibre 38 system
would enable the following improvements to be engineered:-- [0114]
1) The hook 28a profile geometry and spacing may be engineered to
provide only a minimum degree of adhesion, i.e. sufficient to
safely engage the cleaning member 6 and lift it from within water
in the toilet in a fully saturated state. This could be achieved by
reducing the degree of engagement of each hook 28a and fibre 38,
and by the reduction in surface density of hooks 28a and fibres 38.
This may reduce the risk of any shed fibres 38 or cleaning member
residue remaining within the hooks 28a when the cleaning member 6
is disengaged, and potentially prolong the usefull life of the
hooks 28a. Additionally, disengagement of the cleaning member 6
will be easier, affording flexibility in the design of the ejector
mechanism. Even with a considerably reduced degree of engagement,
the fastening system will deliver more than adequate sheer
strength, whilst cleaning. [0115] 2) The attachment plate 28 can be
vented with a series of apertures 30 (see FIGS. 7a & 7e) to
allow water flow to help removal of any residual fibres 38 which
may be trapped within the hooks 28a.
[0116] Another key aspect of this invention has been the
development of a disposable cleaning member 6 which is not only
easy to mount onto the handle 4, i.e. by simply touching the top
surface of the cleaning member 6 with the handle's attachment plate
28, but is very simple and economic to produce. Alternative
designs, particularly those involving a 3D shaped head engaged by a
friction fit, involve a single or multi-stage moulding/fabrication
process. A moulding or fabrication process will almost certainly
result in significant greater costs in both unit and investment
capital terms. In contrast, a flat, single layer, roll of cleaning
material can be very simply converted into the small cleaning
members 6 of the preferred dimensions.
[0117] A key feature of this invention is to utilise a material
construction that will deal effectively with most toilet cleaning
tasks combined with the preferred geometry. The desired
characteristics can be summarised as follows:-- [0118] 1)
Absorbency--for wiping action to remove loose soil from surface
with minimum smearing; [0119] 2) Abrasion--to help remove hardened
stains and lime-scale build-up; [0120] 3) Instant
conformability--to easily conform under pressure to the contour of
the surface being cleaned. This is possible when the cleaning
member 6 is dry, i.e. water is not required; [0121] 4)
Rigidity--sufficiently rigid to be self-supporting when saturated,
and transfer applied pressure through the cleaning member to
unsupported areas; [0122] 5) Strength--to endure most demanding
tasks for a relatively prolonged period, for example, 2 minutes.
[0123] 6) A dehydrated chemical cleaning formula can be
incorporated in the cleaning member 6 to replace and/or supplement
the use of separate cleaning chemicals.
[0124] Many previously submitted designs appear to provide adequate
levels of absorbency. However, the levels of abrasion, strength
(for the maximum life in use) and balance of
conformability/rigidity have until now been inadequate to match or
even improve upon the cleaning efficacy of a bristle-based toilet
brush.
[0125] As water solubility and degradation has been considered
unreliable to provide instant flushability after use, the cleaning
member 6 must remain whole and intact for at least the maximum
demand likely to be required of the cleaning member 6. This has
been loosely defined as 2 minutes under constant agitation, under
500 grams plus of constant firm pressure whilst saturated in tepid
water against the porcelain bowl surface. The scope of this
invention allows the use of two material breakdown specifications,
i.e. (i) the disposable cleaning member 6 does not measurably
breakdown whilst within the sewage disposal system; or (ii) the
cleaning member 6 is designed to commence breakdown a short time
after the equivalent maximum demand is placed upon it.
[0126] The second option is the preferred material specification as
it provides an added degree of safety against any potential
blockage within the sewage system. Whilst the configuration of
geometry and cleaning member mass should ensure the complete
cleaning member 6 will always flush without causing obstruction
there is the possible risk in areas of low volume water flow that
cleaning members 6 could settle and build up within the sewer over
time. It is therefore preferable that the material begins to
degrade as soon after flushing as possible.
[0127] In addition to the material construction options identified
above, the rate of breakdown can be accelerated to varying degrees
by the inclusion of the slots or cut lines 32 during production. It
is important these cut lines 32 are configured in patterns that
work with the chosen hook 28a layout of the attachment plate 28 or
fastener plate, to ensure the cleaning member 6 does not breakdown
during use, or when disengaged.
[0128] The disposable cleaning member 6 can be made from
biodegradable materials although this is not essential. In
addition, the cleaning member 6 is made from a non-woven substrate.
However, it is possible that an alternative substrate could be used
such as foam or a woven fabric. If required the material provides
an open structure of randomly arranged cross members which allow
the hooks 28a to attach or engage. This can be fibrous or foam.
[0129] The material used for the cleaning member 6 depends on the
chosen breakdown characteristics required.
[0130] For example, the disposable cleaning member 6 is based on a
single layer construction of non-woven material. Biodegradable
fibres 38 are formed into a "high-loft" web, for example, carded
and lightly needle punch bonded. This web may be composed of a
cellulose fibre e.g. Viscose Rayon, or a Viscose/poly lactic acid
fibre blend. The high loft web is then spray bonded and heat cured
to create a strong matrix of resin bonded fibres 38. The resin is a
partially hydrolysed PVOH which is applied in solution. A natural
mineral, or biodegradable grit, for example, chalk/ground nut shell
may be added to the spray solution for added abrasion.
[0131] The result of such a process is that the high loft web
structure enables the engagement of the hooks 28a, by virtue of the
relatively wide, deep spacing between fibres 38, throughout the
thickness of the cleaning member 6. The resin binder ensures a
strong bond during cleaning, and minimizes fibre entrapment in the
hooks 28a after disengagement The resin binder and the inclusion of
soft grit particles provide the desired level of abrasion to lift
stubborn stains, but not scratch the porcelain surface. The resin
binder blend delivers a retarded level of solubility which is
engineered to commence breakdown only after flushing. As there is
only a low level of mechanical bond, the material structure will
breakdown into small particles, and eventually individual fibres
after the binder has dissolved. The fabric structure and density
delivers an optimal mass for flushing.
[0132] An alternative method of delivering each of the attributes
above is to use an insoluble binder, and use partially hydrolysed
PVOH fibre blended with Viscose/PLA. This would enable partial
breakdown of the cleaning member 6 in the sewer as part of the
fibre structure degrades/dissolves at time of ejection or in the
liquid after ejection from the attachment means.
[0133] The material can also include a two-layer construction in
which a top layer utilises a woven loop scrim made from continuous
yarn. This has the benefit of being least likely to shed after
disengagement from the fastening hooks 28a, as it is not
constructed from individual, relatively short fibres 38. The second
layer could be manufactured utilising a similar process described
above, but using an insoluble binder. This would deliver the
required abrasion, handle and feel characteristics. Alternatively,
the second layer could be produced using other non-woven methods,
with abrasion provided by means of a finishing process.
[0134] The hook 28 and fibre 38 fastening method enables a number
of ejection mechanisms to be considered as illustrated in FIGS. 1
to 6. It is most important that the ejector mechanism cleanly
removes the complete soiled cleaning member 6 after use. The
arrangement of the interface between the attachment plate 28 and
cleaning member 6 is important to ensure the minimum amount of
residual fibres 38 are held within the hooks 28a. In the event that
residual fibres 38 build up within the proximity of the hooks 28a
of the attachment plate 28, or if the plate 28 becomes either
damaged or soiled, an alternative design is to provide a mechanism
by which the plate 28 or plate can be remotely dismounted without
the need for the user to grip the plate directly.
[0135] In addition to the optional ejector mechanisms shown in the
Figures, there are two other handle 4 design considerations that
have a significant relevance to cleaning performance of the device
2. For example, a cleaning preparation dispensing arrangement (not
shown) within the handle, either (i) in the form of a detachable
container (disposable or refillable), or (ii) a cavity within the
handle 4 that can be filled as required by the user or a disposable
handle filled with liquid, gel or mousse. This mechanism can
dispense the preparation either through the disposable cleaning
member 6, or directly onto the toilet bowl surface. As a further
option the cleaning members cane be impregnated or coated with a
cleaning material which may be susceptible to environment
conditions and in which case the cleaning members can be sealed in
packaging from environmental conditions prior to use.
[0136] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this
specification in connection with this application and which are
open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents
of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0137] All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or
all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be
combined in any combination, except combinations where at least
some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0138] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0139] The invention is not restricted to the details of the
foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or
any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this
specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and
drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed.
* * * * *