U.S. patent application number 10/554775 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-12 for toilet cleaning device.
Invention is credited to Anthony Monks, Christopher Paul Nicholson, Peter Lawrence Tapp.
Application Number | 20070079460 10/554775 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33420884 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070079460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tapp; Peter Lawrence ; et
al. |
April 12, 2007 |
Toilet cleaning device
Abstract
A toilet cleaner (1012) is mounted on a cleaning device and
cleaning is effected by bristles (1034) and scrapers (1052, 1053).
The toilet cleaner (1012) is discharged from a cleaning device by a
pusher on that device sliding down and knocking the toilet cleaner
off. The toilet cleaner (1012) is flushed down the toilet with
water flowing through the hollow toilet cleaner and out of an
opening (1082) at the leading end of said toilet cleaner. The
toilet cleaner (1012) then degrades or dissolves and is
biodegradable.
Inventors: |
Tapp; Peter Lawrence;
(Middlesex, GB) ; Monks; Anthony; (West Sussex,
GB) ; Nicholson; Christopher Paul; (Herts,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Scott A McCollister;Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee
1100 Superior Avenue
7th Floor
Cleveland
OH
44114-2579
US
|
Family ID: |
33420884 |
Appl. No.: |
10/554775 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
April 27, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB04/01782 |
371 Date: |
November 9, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/210.1 ;
15/160; 15/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/210.1 ;
015/187; 015/160 |
International
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20060101
A47K011/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 29, 2003 |
GB |
0309684.9 |
Jul 4, 2003 |
GB |
0315678.3 |
Claims
1. A toilet cleaner including water degradable plastics.
2. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1 in which the plastics include
polyolefin.
3. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1 which is integrally formed.
4. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1 which is injection moulded.
5. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1 in which the cleaner includes a
plurality of projections arranged, in use, to effect cleaning.
6. A cleaner as claimed in claim 5 in which the remote ends of at
least some of the projections define a plane.
7. A cleaner as claimed in claim 5 in which the projections extend
from at least one side of the cleaner.
8. A cleaner as claimed in claim 7 in which at least a first set of
projections define a plane along a common edge.
9. A cleaner as claimed in claim 8 in which that plane includes a
first side edge of the cleaner.
10. A cleaner as claimed in claim 5 in which at least some of the
projections have a length to the remote end when compared to the
average surface area along the extend of the projection of more
than 2:1.
11. A device as claimed in claim 5 in which the projections
comprise bristles.
12. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1 in which the cleaner includes a
first and a second end being arranged such that, under water flow,
the first end is arranged to lead with the second end trailing.
13. A cleaner as claimed in claim 12 in which the cleaner includes
a channel extending therethrough.
14. A cleaner as claimed in claim 13 in which the cleaner includes
a channel extending therethrough.
15. A cleaner as claimed in claim 13 in which the channel is
substantially enclosed with an opening at either end.
16. A cleaner as claimed in claim 15 in which the opening at the
first end is of less cross-sectional area than the opening at the
second end.
17. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1 in which the cleaner includes
at least one scraper.
18. A cleaner as claimed in claim 17 in which the cleaner includes
two scrapers.
19. A cleaner as claimed in claim 17 in which one scraper is
arranged to project from the front region, in front of the
cleaner.
20. A cleaner as claimed in claim 17 in which at least one scraper
extends from the front region to the side of the cleaner.
21. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1 in which the cleaner has been
treated to soften the cleaner prior to use.
22. A cleaner as claimed in claim 21 in which the cleaner has been
treated to soften one portion of the cleaner more than another
portion.
23. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1 arranged, in use, to be
detachably mounted on a cleaning device including a handle.
24. A cleaning device including a handle and means to engage a
cleaner as claimed in claim 1 and a pusher mounted on the device
arranged, in use, to push the cleaner engaged by the device off the
device.
25. A device as claimed in claim 23 in which the guide constrains
the pusher to move relative thereto in generally one direction
only.
26. A device as claimed in claim 24 in which the guide includes a
stop arranged to restrict the extent of movement of the pusher in
the direction towards where a cleaner is arranged to be
engaged.
27. A device as claimed in claim 26 in which the pusher includes a
portion arranged to extend beyond the stop when the pusher engages
the stop.
28. A device as claimed in claim 24 in which the pusher is normally
retained on the device and spaced from where a cleaner is arranged
to be engaged by the device.
29. A device as claimed in claim 28 in which the pusher is in
contact with the handle.
30. A method of cleaning a toilet comprising cleaning the toilet
with a plastics cleaner and causing the cleaner to degrade in
water.
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. A method as claimed in claim 30 comprising cleaning the toilet
with a scraper.
34. A method as claimed in claim 33 comprising cleaning the toilet
by pushing the scraper down.
35. A method as claimed in claim 33 comprising cleaning the toilet
with two scrapers.
36. A method as claimed in claim 35 comprising cleaning the toilet
with two scrapers simultaneously.
37. A method as claimed in claim 30 comprising effecting cleaning
of a toilet and then ejecting the cleaner into the toilet bowl.
38. A method as claimed in claim 37 comprising pushing the cleaner
off the device to cause a leading end of the cleaner to enter the
water first and then flushing the toilet to cause the leading end
to be carried with the water out of the toilet.
39. A method as claimed in claim 38 comprising causing water to
flow past a trailing end and through an opening in the region of
the leading end.
40. A method as claimed in claim 39 comprising causing water to
flow through a hollow portion of the cleaner.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device, a method
of using a cleaning device and a toilet cleaner and a method of
using a toilet cleaner.
[0002] Numerous mechanical devices have been proposed in the past
which comprise a handle having, at the remote end thereof, a
cleaning device. One such device is shown in GB 738,299 where a
head of a device is slipped into a swab and a toilet is then
cleaned by wiping the swab around the surface of the bowl of the
toilet. Removal of the swab is achieved by shouldering the swab
against the rim of a toilet bowl and pulling the holder away to
cause the swab to slip off, into the bowl, and dissolve prior to
being flushed away. Shouldering the swab against the rim though has
disadvantages as a user may have to use two hands on the device,
thereby causing one hand to be located quite far down the device,
near the toilet bowl, in order to get the leverage on the swab to
cause its removal. That hand may be contaminated with germs from
the toilet and the swab may come off in the jerk causing the device
to flick toilet water at the person or around the room.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,697 discloses a toilet cleaning device
that has a cleaning head in the shape of a foot. This head is able
to clean underneath the rim of the toilet. However, a user has to
continually rotate the device as they clean underneath the rim
which involves two hands. This is inconvenient and it also causes
one of the hands to be closer to the bowl which may have germs. In
addition, as only one surface of the cleaning device is contacting
the underside of the rim of the bowl, the cleaning device has to be
made extremely strong in order that that the one upwardly facing
surface of the foot can cope with all of the cleaning action
required around the complete rim. Thus the disposable feet are
expensive and may take considerable time to dissolve. This Patent
also discloses a head that can be made from enzyme-coated
biodegradable polymer particles, acrylic polymers, vinyl polymers
or copolymers containing acid groups, sodium propionate or
polyethylene glycol. However, the head is smooth and thus only a
wiping action is able to be effected. Furthermore, in order to
remove the head from the shaft, the shaft has to be left in the
toilet bowl while the head dissolves. This renders the toilet
unusable during that period.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to attempt to
overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention a
cleaning device includes a handle and means to engage a cleaner and
a pusher mounted on the device arranged, in use, to push a cleaner,
engaged by the device off the device.
[0006] The pusher may be mounted on a guide of the device. The
guide may be arranged to dictate the direction of movement of the
pusher. The pusher may be able to be retained on the device, such
as by being releasably retained, at a location away from where a
cleaner is arranged to be engaged, for instance by a portion on the
pusher or device flexing or compressing to retain the pusher at
that location. Such flexure or compression may be caused to
subsequently flex back or expand again to retain the pusher in
position. The pusher may be arranged to be retained adjacent to the
handle.
[0007] The pusher may surround the guide.
[0008] The pusher, during normal use, may be constrained to be
retained on the device.
[0009] The pusher may comprise part of the handle.
[0010] The guide may comprise an I-section along at least part of
its extent.
[0011] The pusher may include at least a part that includes a shape
complimentary to that of the guide.
[0012] The guide may constrain the pusher to be able to move
relative to the guide in generally one direction only at any
location of the guide. That direction may comprise a linear
direction over at least part and preferably the complete extent of
movement of the pusher.
[0013] The guide may include a stop arranged to restrict the extent
of movement of the pusher in the direction towards where a cleaner
is arranged to be engaged. The stop may be spaced from where, in
use, a cleaner is arranged to be located on the device. The pusher
may include a portion arranged to extend beyond the stop when the
pusher engages the stop and that portion that extends beyond the
stop may extend beyond the end of the device when the pusher
engages the stop. The pusher may be able to be retained adjacent to
or in contact with the handle when not effecting removal and the
pusher may be spaced from a cleaner when so retained. Retention may
be by friction or any convenient means.
[0014] The device may include a portion arranged to move relative
to a cleaner, when engaging the device with a cleaner, and that
relative movement may comprise a projection on the device being
caused to move into a recess on the cleaner such as by pushing the
device towards the cleaner. One of the cleaner or device may
include a projection or projections arranged to move relative to
the other such that there is only partial contact between the
cleaner and the device over their co-extent and the or each
projection may comprise flanges that may extend in the direction of
relative movement of the device and cleaner during attachment.
[0015] The portion may include at least one formation extending at
an angle to the direction of relative movement when attaching a
cleaner to the device which formation may assist in retaining the
cleaner on the device.
[0016] The present invention also includes a toilet bowl cleaning
device and a cleaner arranged to be detachably mounted on the
device, the device including a handle and the cleaner, when mounted
on the device, including at least two surfaces opposed from each
other that diverge outwardly in a direction extending away from the
handle.
[0017] More than two surfaces of the cleaner may so diverge. The
cross-sectional area of the cleaner may increase in a direction
extending away from the handle. At least part of the
cross-sectional area of the cleaner may be curved and may be
circular or oval for instance.
[0018] According to a further aspect of the present invention a
method of cleaning comprises engaging a cleaner on a device whilst
holding a handle of the device, effecting the required cleaning,
and then moving a pusher mounted on the device towards the cleaner
to push the cleaner off the device.
[0019] The method may comprise pushing the cleaner into a toilet
bowl.
[0020] The present invention also includes a method of cleaning
when using a cleaning device as herein referred to.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention a
method of cleaning a toilet bowl with a cleaning device comprises
attaching a cleaner to a cleaning device and moving the cleaner
around the toilet bowl to clean the underside of the toilet bowl
with at least two opposed surfaces of the cleaner which diverge
outwardly from each other in a direction away from the handle of
the cleaner engaging the underside of the rim of the toilet bowl
during the cleaning operation.
[0022] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a
cleaning device includes a handle and a cleaner, the cleaner
including a plurality of elongate projections.
[0023] The cleaner may be detachable from the handle.
[0024] The cleaner may be at least partially dissolvable in
water.
[0025] At least some of the projections may have a circular
cross-section along at least some of or all of their length.
Alternatively or additionally at least some of the projections may
have a non-circular cross-section along at least part or all of
their length. The non-circular cross-section may comprise a greater
dimension in one direction than another direction. At least two
opposed surfaces may be generally equidistant from each other and
may comprise planar surfaces and there may be two pairs of such
opposed surfaces and the surfaces from one pair may be at right
angles to the other pair.
[0026] The length or effective length of at least some of the
projections may be constant or increase in a direction away from
the handle and may so increase at a linear rate or at a decreasing
rate or may increase, then decrease and then increase in that
direction. The length or effective length of at least some of the
projections may be constant in a direction transverse to the
direction away from the handle or may extend to a plane in that
direction or may extend to different extents in that direction such
that, looking in the direction away from the handle, there is an
increase in the extent of the end of one projection to the next
projection or a decrease in such height or a combination of both
such as, for instance, the ends defining a reduced height at either
side with at least one end defining an increased height between
those ends.
[0027] At least some of the projections may have their elongate
extent generally parallel to each other. Alternatively or
additionally at least some of the projections may have their
elongate extent at any angle to each other.
[0028] The elongate extent of at least some of the projections may
be arranged to be altered when the cleaner is attached to the
cleaning device such as from being parallel to being at an angle to
each other.
[0029] The elongate extent of at least some of the projections may
be at an angle of more than than 10.degree. to each other or more
than 45.degree. or more than 90.degree. or more than 120.degree. or
150.degree., for instance.
[0030] The cleaner may be flexible in at least one direction and
flexure may be arranged to occur when mounting the cleaner on the
device.
[0031] The cleaner may be arranged to be attached to the device by
manually holding the cleaner and another part of the device such as
the handle and causing relative movement of those parts such as by
pushing the parts towards each other.
[0032] The cleaner may be arranged to be mounted on the device such
as by part of the device extending at least partially into the
cleaner or by part of the cleaner extending in to part of the
device.
[0033] The cleaner may be flexible in at least one direction and
may be arranged to flex in use such as by at least some of the
projections flexing about their elongate extent or by a part of the
cleaner from which at least some of the projections extend
flexing.
[0034] At least some of the projections may extend parallel to each
other with at least three projections extending in the same
plane.
[0035] The cleaner may include a cleaning flange extending
outwardly in a direction transverse to the direction away from the
handle which flange may extend around the device.
[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a
method of mounting a cleaner on a cleaning, device comprises
flexing the cleaner when mounting the cleaner.
[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method of mounting a cleaner on a device comprises connecting the
cleaner at two spaced locations on the device with there being a
space between the cleaner and the device between those locations
into which the cleaner can flex during cleaning.
[0038] According to a still further aspect of the present invention
a method of cleaning comprises manoeuvring a cleaning device by
holding and moving a handle of the device to cause a plurality of,
projections from the cleaner to effect the cleaning.
[0039] The method may comprise detaching the cleaner from the
device after cleaning.
[0040] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a
cleaning device includes a handle and a cleaner, at least a part of
the cleaner being dissolvable in water and at least a part of the
cleaner having disinfectant therein which, in use, when a part of
the cleaner dissolves, the disinfectant is released.
[0041] The present invention also includes a method of cleaning by
holding a handle and causing a cleaner attached to the handle to
move over a surface to be cleaned, the method comprising causing at
least part of the cleaner to dissolve upon contact of the cleaner
with water whereby disinfectant contained within the material of
the cleaner is caused to be released.
[0042] The method may comprise causing the disinfectant to be
released as the handle is being held and an active cleaning action
is being performed by moving the handle or after such active
cleaning has finished, such as by the cleaner lying in water in a
toilet bowl or both.
[0043] The cleaner may be detachable from the handle.
[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention a
toilet cleaner is arranged, in use, to be detachably mounted on a
cleaning device including a handle.
[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention a
toilet cleaner includes water degradable plastics.
[0046] The plastics may include one or more polyolefins. The
plastics may include a copolymer or a monomer or, both. The
plastics may include polyvinylalcohol and or polypropylene. The
polyolefin may comprise a polymer derived from polymerising one or
more monomeric units having at least one olefinic bond. The
polyolefin may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. Preferably the
copolymer is derived by polymerising two or more monomeric units as
defined herein.
[0047] The head comprises a water soluble plastic, preferably a
water soluble synthetic polymer. The water soluble synthetic
polymer may be a copolymer or homopolymer, especially a
homopolymer. Preferably, the water soluble synthetic polymer is
derived by polymerising one or more mono-olefinic monomeric units
(ie an alkene having a single olefinic bond) substituted with one
or more hydroxyl groups. Preferably the mono-olefinic monomeric
units comprise a C.sub.2-C.sub.8 mono-alkene which may be linear or
branched, substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups, even more
preferably, the mono-olefinic monomeric unit is substituted with a
single hydroxyl group. Suitable C.sub.2-C.sub.8 mono-alkenes
include ethene, propene, but-1-ene, 2-methyl-propene, pent-1-ene,
pent-2-ene, 3 methyl pent-1-ene, 4-methyl pent-1-ene, hex-1-ene,
each of which as stated above include one or more, preferably only
a single, hydroxyl group. Highly preferred mono-olefinic monomeric
units are vinyl alcohol, 2-propen-1-ol 3-buten-1-ol and
3-buten-2-ol. An especially preferred mono-olefinic monomeric unit
is vinyl alcohol such that the water soluble plastic comprises
polyvinyl alcohol.
[0048] Preferably, the water soluble plastic includes a plasticiser
and/or a filler. Typical plasticisers include glycerin and typical
fillers include calcium carbonate. Suitably, the plasticiser is
present in an amount of 5 to 15% by wt g the water soluble plastic.
Suitably, the filler is present in an amount of 20 to 40% by wt g
the water soluble plastic.
[0049] A highly preferred polyvinyl alcohol polymer is W63B which
may be obtained from PVAXX Research and Development of Unit 4,
Dovecote Workshops, Barnsley Park Estate, Cirencester, United
Kingdom. GL7 5EG.
[0050] The cleaner may comprise solely plastics.
[0051] The cleaner may be integrally formed.
[0052] The cleaner may be injection moulded.
[0053] The cleaner may include a plurality of projections arranged,
in use, to effect cleaning. The remote ends of at least some and
preferably all of the projections may define a plane. The
projections may extend from at least one side and preferably two
sides of the cleaner which may, in use, be opposed sides of the
cleaner. At least a first set of projections may define a plane
along a common edge. That plane may include a first side edge of
the cleaner. The cleaner may include a second set of projections
which define a plane along a common edge which may comprise a
second side edge. The first and second side edges may be opposed
side edges. The first and second planes may face each other and may
be substantially parallel.
[0054] At least some of the projections may be arranged in rows
which may be parallel rows. There may be more rows in one direction
than another.
[0055] At least some and preferably all of the projections may be
parallel to each other. At least some and preferably all of the
projections may have a length to their remote end, when compared to
the average surface area along the extent of the projections of
more than 2:1 or more than 3:1 or more than 4:1 or in the region of
5:1. At least some and preferably all of the projections comprise
bristles.
[0056] The cleaner may include a first and second end being
arranged such that, under water flow, the first end is arranged to
lead with the second end trailing. The cleaner may have a greater
length between the first and second ends than an extent transverse
thereto. The cleaner may include a channel extending therethrough.
The channel may be arranged to assist in the detachable mounting of
the cleaner on the device. The channel may be substantially
enclosed with an opening at either end. The opening at one end may
be of less cross-sectional area than the opening at the other end.
A smaller opening may be defined by a wall including an internal
surface facing the other end. The opening which is of less
cross-sectional area may be arranged to be the first or leading
end.
[0057] The cleaner may include at least one and preferably two
scrapers such as blades or fins. The or each scraper may be defined
at the free edge of a flange. At least one side of at least one
flange may also be arranged to effect a scraping action. At least
one and preferably two scrapers may project from one end region of
the scraper such as, in use, the distal end of the cleaner. At
least one scraper may project from a front region of the cleaner
and may extend in front of the cleaner. Alternatively or
additionally at least one scraper may extend from a front region of
the cleaner to the side of the cleaner.
[0058] The cleaner may be biodegradable.
[0059] At least some and preferably all of the projections may be
flexible. The projections may be arranged to start off as rigid
projections and may be arranged to become flexible projections
during cleaning.
[0060] The cleaner may have been treated, for instance to soften
the cleaner, prior to use such as heat treated or alternatively or
additionally water treated such as by warm or hot water. The
treatment may comprise softening one portion of the cleaner more
than another portion such as softening at least one elongate
projection or bristle more than at least one scraper.
[0061] The cleaner may comprise an integrally formed item such as a
plastics item.
[0062] At least some projections may be self supporting, at least
prior to use.
[0063] The cleaner may include or comprise injection moulded
plastics which may include polypropylene or polyvinylalcohol or any
combination including or comprising those materials.
[0064] The cleaner may be arranged to be mounted on a cleaning
device and to be removed from the device by a pusher mounted on the
device engaging an abutment on the device. The abutment may be of
thicker plastics than other portions of the device such as
projections such as elongate projections on the device. The
abutment may comprise an end flange of the cleaner.
[0065] The present invention also includes a cleaner as herein
referred to when mounted on a cleaning device as herein referred
to.
[0066] The present invention also includes a method of cleaning
when using a cleaner as herein referred to when mounted on a
cleaning device as herein referred to.
[0067] The method may comprise causing projections to soften during
cleaning whereby an initial harder cleaning effect precedes a
softer cleaning effect. The method may comprise projections
softening to a greater extent than at least one scraper during
cleaning.
[0068] According to a further aspect of the present invention a
method of discharging an elongate cleaner into a toilet comprises
causing a leading end of the cleaner to enter the water first and
then flushing the toilet to cause the leading end to be carried
with the water out of the toilet.
[0069] The method may comprise causing a surface of the cleaner to
be engaged by the water flow caused by the flushing to maintain the
leading end at the front of the cleaner.
[0070] The method may comprise causing water to flow past a
trailing end and through an opening which may comprise a closed
opening in the region of the leading end. The method may comprise
causing water to flow through a hollow portion of the cleaner.
[0071] The method may comprise discharging the cleaner from a
cleaning device with a pusher mounted on the cleaning device
pushing the cleaner off the device.
[0072] According to a further aspect of the present invention a
method of cleaning a toilet comprises holding and moving a cleaning
device with a scraper at an end region of the device effecting
scraping of the toilet.
[0073] The method may comprise effecting scraping by pushing the
device downwardly. The method may comprise cleaning a toilet with
two scrapers, each of which are at the same end region of the
device. The method may comprise effecting cleaning by scraping
simultaneously with the two scrapers. The method may comprise
effecting cleaning by scraping at two locations at an end region
which are at an angle to each other such as generally perpendicular
to each other.
[0074] The method may comprise cleaning with elongate projections
such as bristles and such cleaning with the bristles may occur
simultaneously with either a single scraping action taking place or
with two scraping actions taking place at the same time.
[0075] The method may comprise detaching the cleaner as herein
referred to.
[0076] The method may, comprise using a cleaning device as herein
described.
[0077] The present invention includes any combination of the herein
referred to features or limitations.
[0078] The present invention may be carried into practice in
various ways but two embodiments will now be described by way of
example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0079] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sanitary cleaning
device;
[0080] FIG. 2 is a close up sectional view of the end of a holder
10;
[0081] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternatively shaped
cleaning pad 12;
[0082] FIG. 4 is a view of the holder in a position in which a pad
has been ejected;
[0083] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower end region of the
holder 10;
[0084] FIGS. 6 to 10 are views of alternative cleaning heads 212,
312, 412, 512 and 612 respectively;
[0085] FIGS. 11 and 12 are end views of modifications that can be
made to the heads shown in FIGS. 6 to 10;
[0086] FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing, respectively,
the head 212 mounted on and being detached from the holder 210;
[0087] FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views showing a modified
cleaner 712 mounted on and being detached from the holder 310;
[0088] FIG. 17 is a side view of the cleaner 712;
[0089] FIGS. 18 and 19 are an end view of a modified cleaner 812
and an end view of the cleaner 812 mounted on a holder 410;
[0090] FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views of a cleaner 912 prior
to mounting and the cleaner 912 about to be mounted on a holder
510;
[0091] FIG. 22 and 23 are side views showing modifications that can
be made to the cleaner 912;
[0092] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative head
1012;
[0093] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a holder 1010 for the head
1012, and
[0094] FIG. 26 is a sectional view along the line 26-26 of FIG.
25.
[0095] In order to load the cleaning device up with a pad 12 or 14
a user grips a handle 16 of the holder and pushes the end region 18
of the holder 10 into an opening 20 formed in the pad. To assist in
maintaining the pad 14 on the holder, the end region includes
projecting pimples 22 comprising semi-spheres. These projections
push apart the opening 20 on insertion into the pad and the pad
deforms around them to retain the pad firmly on the handle.
[0096] The device is now ready to clean. Any surface requiring
sanitising can be cleaned. For instance, a urinal or a sanitary
bowl can be cleaned. The head can be impregnated with disinfectant,
for instance by being immersed in disinfectant or by the pad having
disinfectant dispersed within it.
[0097] A vigorous cleaning action can be performed with the pad 14,
by virtue of its bulbous head, being able to reach up around the
lip of a toilet bowl and moved around the bowl, for instance.
Furthermore, the action can be firm as the pad 14 is firmly
retained on the device.
[0098] FIG. 3 shows an alternative shaped pad 12 which is oval in
cross-section rather than circular as is the case with the other
pad 14.
[0099] After cleaning the soiled pad 12 or 14 has to be removed
from the handle. Usually this is effected with the pad being caused
to drop into the water of the toilet. The pad then can be flushed
away either straight away or after a short time when the water has
broken the pad up. In this,respect, the pad is soluble and may
comprise a wad of paper or any suitable material, including
plastics. The pad may be solid. The pad may be integrally
formed.
[0100] The holder 10 includes a hollow ejector 24 that is normally
retained adjacent to the handle 16. As seen in FIG. 5, the holder
10 is generally of an I-shape with rounded outer U sides 26 being
connected by concave sections 28. The majority of the cross-section
of the hollow ejector 24 corresponds to the section of the holder
such that the ejector can slide up and down the holder 10 without
rotating. The ejector may be mounted on the holder by sliding the
ejector onto the holder from the handle end and subsequently
pushing and securing the handle in place. In order to eject the pad
14, the handle is gripped by one hand and the other slides the
ejector down to the position shown in FIG. 4. This knocks or pushes
the pad off.
[0101] The end of the ejector that faces the pad has a hollow
recess (not shown) extending a short way up into the ejector to
allow the end of the ejector to move past a stop 30 on the handle
and to achieve satisfactory removal of the pad. That recess may
allow the ejector to extend over the end of the holder, prior to,
or when the stop is engaged, when ejecting a pad. The stop 30
(which is present on both sides of the handle) is abutted by a face
of the hollow ejector that is at right angles to the direction of
movement of the ejector on the handle to limit the movement of the
ejector.
[0102] Once a pad has been ejected, the ejector can be slid back up
towards the handle 16. The upper end of the hollow of the ejector
has two projections (not shown) on each side. These projections do
not fill the concave portions 26 but they do extend slightly
towards the concave portions. However, when they meet a cross wall
32 that provides a break in the I-section on both sides, the
projections deform or flex slightly such that they pass that wall
32 and rest in concave recesses 36 on either side of the holder,
adjacent to the handle. Thus the ejector is retained in the
position shown in FIG. 1. Activation of the ejector is achieved by
pulling the ejector away from the handle to bend or deform the
projection past the wall 32.
[0103] The handle, holder and ejector may be formed from plastics
such as injection moulded plastics and each of these components may
be relatively strong. The handle and holder may be integral.
[0104] If desired, the holder could be stored with its lower
portion in disinfectant. Alternatively or additionally, the handle
could be arranged to take pads from a stack or store of such pads.
The pads could contain disinfectant. Alternatively or additionally,
the pads, when mounted on the device, could be dipped in
disinfectant prior to use.
[0105] In an alternative embodiment, the pad or any pad or cleaner
disclosed could include some plastics or comprise completely or
mostly plastics. The pad may be partly or completely injection
moulded. The pad may be biodegradable. The pad or any pad or
cleaner herein may be integrally formed. This pad, or indeed any
other pad; may include disinfectant in the material of the pad.
This may assist in disinfecting the toilet either during cleaning,
as the pad dissolves slightly, or after ejection of the pad into
the bowl or both.
[0106] When the pad includes plastics material, the pad may be
attached and detached from the wand as described previously. The
pad may include bristles projecting therefrom with the body of the
pad being 3'' long and 1'' in thickness or diameter. The bristles
may project from the pad with there being 5 or 6 rows each having
15 bristles, for instance. The plastics may comprise polypropylene
or a water based soluble plastics. The bristles may be integral
with the body. At least some of the bristles may be circular or non
circular in cross-section along at least part of their length. For
instance the cross-section may be thicker in one direction than a
transverse direction with the shape being generally rectangular or
in the shape of a tape, for instance. This may assist in the
cleaning action on the speed that the pad dissolves or both.
[0107] The cleaners shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 each have rows of
projections 34 extending parallel to each other. The projections 34
are integral with and extend from a tubular housing 36 that may
have the oval shape shown in FIG. 12 or the lozenge shape shown in
FIG. 11. The tubular housings may be closed at one end to restrict
the extent that they can be mounted on the holder or open. The
projections and housings are integrally formed by injection
moulding water soluble plastic, as may any of the other cleaners
herein described.
[0108] In each of FIGS. 6 to 10 the projections are arranged in
rows of five across and columns of eight along. In each embodiment,
the height of each row may be the same, as shown by the line 38 or
may increase from each side towards the middle, as shown by the
line 40.
[0109] In FIG. 6 the height of the column increases linearly from
the proximal point to the distal point as shown by the line 42. In
FIG. 7 that height rises in decreasing increments as shown by the
line 44. In FIG. 8 the initial rise is greater initially and
finally than in the middle portion as shown by line 46. In FIG. 9
there is no increase as shown by the line 48 and in FIG. 10 the
height rises and falls as shown by the sinusoidal line 50.
[0110] Each of the cleaners is arranged to be hand held in order to
apply the cleaner to the holder 210. An integrally formed flange
52.may assist when cleaning. Ejection, as shown in FIG. 14, is as
previously described.
[0111] In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, the cleaner
712 includes a flange 752 that projects in the opposite direction
to the projections 734 which flange 752 limits the extent that the
cleaner can be pushed into the holder and serves as a wipe of the
surface to be cleaned. The projections 734 have rows of equal
height with the columns increasing linearly in height towards the
proximal end. The holder 310 includes a C-shaped channel 728 into
which the complementary shaped cleaner slides. Ejection is as
previously described.
[0112] In FIGS. 18 and 19, the cleaner 812 (as may the other
cleaners be) is flexible and starts off with the rows and columns
parallel to each other. The sides of the cleaner 812 include beaded
edges 54 which can be bent round and slid along correspondingly
shaped channels 56 formed along the end of the round cross-section
holder 410. The result is that the projections in each column
remain parallel with the rows being angled relative to each other
such as radially with respect to the axis of this holder.
[0113] The same effect of the projections going from being parallel
to angled occurs when connecting the cleaner 912 to the holder 512
shown in FIGS. 20 to 23. In this embodiment the cleaner includes a
C-shaped recess 928 and the cleaner includes upwardly and outwardly
extending side rims 60 that, when the cleaner is flexed and slid
into the holder, are retained by the ends of the C-shape. Retention
of the cleaner is assisted by the bias exerted due to the resilient
stress induced in the cleaner when flexing. Cleaning is assisted as
the projections can not only flex about their length during
cleaning (as may any of the other projections referred to herein)
but may also have their base from which they extend flex towards
the middle of the C or at an angle thereto.
[0114] FIG. 22 shows the projections all being at the same height.
FIG. 23 shows each row being of the same height but the column
having varying height.
[0115] In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 the cleaner 1012
is made from injection moulded biodegradable plastics. When the
holder is discharged from the holder after cleaning, as previously
described, the cleaner 1012 may dissolve or degrade in the bowl or
may be flushed away to fully biodegrade perhaps some hours later in
the sewage system. Either way, as with all embodiments, the toilet
bowl may be free from residue.
[0116] The cleaner 1012 is hollow having an open end and interior
of generally the cross-section shown in FIG. 26. The cleaner, can
be hand mounted or the end region 1018 can be pushed into a cleaner
held, for instance in a cassette. The region 1018 includes elongate
parallel fins 1022 extending from the outer surface. The interior
of the cleaner 1012 slides over these fins to retain the cleaner on
the holder. As there is only a limited surface area contact between
the holder and the cleaner less force is required to push the
cleaner off the holder.
[0117] During a cleaning operation, the handle is manoeuvred as
previously described with the bristles effecting a large part of
the cleaning. In addition, the cleaner includes two scrapers 1052
and 1053. These primarily scrape at their remote free edge.
However, it is possible that their side edges may also achieve some
cleaning effect by scraping. The bristles (or any bristles as
herein referred to) may be flexible to start with or may change
from being rigid to being flexible during cleaning.
[0118] The laterally extending scraper 1053 will primarily scrape
the sides of the bowl, including the sides beneath the water level.
The scraper 1052 will scrape the bottom of the toilet, beneath the
water level. This is a region that requires a vigorous cleaning
action and a user is able to push down in a mechanically
advantageous way with the force being transmitted primarily or
solely along the axis of the holder. Consequently as there are
minimum bending forces on the holder a greater force can be applied
without risk of damage to the holder. At the same time that the
scraper 1052 is acting on the, base region of the bowl the lateral
scraper 1053 may effect a scraping action and, alternatively or
additionally the bristles 1034 may effect a cleaning action. The
sides of the scrapers may also effect a cleaning action.
[0119] Opposed sides of the outer rows of bristles define planes
which are parallel and coincident with the opposed sides. This
allows cleaning to be effected in right angled corners of a toilet.
The bristles are 15 mm long and 2 mm in diameter.
[0120] Removal of the cleaner from the holder is as previously
described. However, the region of the holder that the ejector will
hit includes a rim 1080 projecting around the periphery.
Consequently, should the cleaning continue for some time and should
there be some softening of the cleaner, the rim will maintain
sufficient integrity to enable ejection to occur. Indeed it may be
advantageous for some softening of the bristles to occur during
cleaning to enable different cleaning effects to take place with a
vigorous brush and scrape initially taking place and with a
subsequent soft sweep or wipe of the bristles.
[0121] Upon ejection of the cleaner 1012 it can be seen that the
scraper 1052 will lead the cleaner in its fall into the water. The
cleaner, as already mentioned is hollow. The end of the cleaner
adjacent to the fins includes a small opening 1082. Initially this
opening 1052 assists in the cleaner sinking or being semi
submerged. However, if the cleaner has not completely dissolved in
the bowl (which in this instance it is not intended to) upon
flushing the toilet the water will flow through the hollow cleaner
and out through the narrow opening 1082. As the water bears against
the internal end face of the cleaner that defines the opening and
pushes through the opening 1082 the cleaner will be aligned to
flow, with the fin 1052 leading, around the U-bend and into the
sewer.
[0122] The cleaner 1012 or any of the pads or cleaners herein
referred to may have any of the following features such as
subsequently being fully biodegraded, perhaps over a period of a
few hours. Any of the pads or cleaners may comprise a monomer or a
copolymer or both. The cleaner may for instance comprise
polypropylene or polyvinylalcohol or a mixture thereof. An additive
which may comprise polyvinylalcohol may be included to assist in
the degradation of such material and the additive may be in any
proportion such as less than 50 or 30 or 20 or 10 or 5 or in the
region of 3% by weight of the cleaner. The additive may also
prevent the cleaner from being too rigid or brittle. A highly
preferred polyvinyl alcohol polymer is W63B which may be obtained
from PVAXX Research and Development of Unit 4, Dovecote Workshops,
Barnsley Park Estate, Cirencester, United Kingdom. GL7 5EG. The
cleaner may be treated before use or sale. For instance the cleaner
may be hot treated such as by being in contact such as by immersion
in water. Alternatively the cleaner may be liquid or cold treated
or both such as by being in contact for example by immersion in
water. These treatments may be to soften the cleaner or to make the
cleaner more pliable. The cleaner, possibly as a result of these
treatments, may retain the scrapers relatively rigid and may make
the bristles relatively soft.
[0123] Aroma such as air freshener may be included in the plastics
such that this aroma is given off during cleaning, possibly as
degradation of the cleaner commences. Alternatively or additionally
detergent may be provided with or in the material of the cleaner
with that detergent being arranged to be given out during cleaning.
Cleaners having detergent or different properties from other
cleaners may be coded such as colour coded.
[0124] The holder and or the head may be of any material such as of
polypropylene. Alternatively or additionally the handle may be of
the same or a different material from the holder or the
ejector.
[0125] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the holder is
curved such as about an arc. Where an ejector is included in such
an arrangement, the, ejector may have an arcuate opening enabling
sliding of the ejector along the holder. In a further embodiment
(not shown) the holder may be flexible along at least part of its
length. In a further arrangement (not shown) the distal end of the
holder in the region where the cleaner is located, may be able to
have its orientation relative to the handle altered such by moving
between, at least two positions such as by pivotal movement. That
movement may be effected by actuation of a device in the region of
the handle or by pressure exerted on the cleaner. The orientation
may be able to return or move to a position in which ejection may
take place. This arrangement may assist in reaching the most
inaccessible parts of a toilet.
[0126] The device may be adjustable in length. This may allow the
device to be used in different applications or, alternatively or
additionally, to be stored in a short configuration and then to be
extended when in use, such as to one or more than one effective
length. The device may be able to be retained in an effective
length or lengths such as by being releasably retained. The device
may include a telescopic arrangement.
[0127] 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] 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.
* * * * *