U.S. patent application number 11/603579 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for combined cleaning sponge and sponge holder.
Invention is credited to John W. JR. Armaly.
Application Number | 20070186365 11/603579 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38366798 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070186365 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armaly; John W. JR. |
August 16, 2007 |
Combined cleaning sponge and sponge holder
Abstract
A disposable cleaning head and adapter therefor are positioned
in a receptacle of predetermined cross-section at the forward end
of a handle, the adapter converting the receptacle for use with
cleaning heads having a different mounting cross-section. The
cleaning head includes a base member of predetermined cross-section
and configured for removable fitment in the converted receptacle, a
cleaning member, and a holder for connecting the cleaning member to
the base. Various cleaning heads are disclosed, one wherein a
plurality of sponge-like cleaning strips radiate outwardly from the
holder and form a ball, much like a sunburst, with the holder being
fixed or mounted in a ball-joint socket relation to permit the
"sunburst" to rotate relative to the base, another wherein a sponge
like element is mounted to or removably interengaged with the
holder, such as via piercing or complementary retention structure
operating between the sponge element and the holder.
Inventors: |
Armaly; John W. JR.; (Grosse
Pointe, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
The Weintraub Group, P.L.C.
Suite 240
32000 Northwestern Highway
Farmington Hills
MI
48334
US
|
Family ID: |
38366798 |
Appl. No.: |
11/603579 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60739559 |
Nov 23, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/244.1 ;
15/209.1; 15/210.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/0095 20130101;
A46B 2200/3046 20130101; A47L 13/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/244.1 ;
015/209.1; 015/210.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/10 20060101
A47L013/10 |
Claims
1. In an apparatus for cleaning vehicle surfaces, the apparatus
including a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, said
distal end providing an outwardly open sleeve of predetermined
cross-section for receiving a first cleaning head of having a
cross-section complementary to said sleeve, and a hand operated
actuator operably coupled to the handle for ejecting the cleaning
head from the receiving sleeve, the improvement comprising: a
second cleaning head, said second cleaning head including a base
member having forward and rearward end portions and a stop member
extending radially outwardly, a cleaning member, and means for
mounting said cleaning member to said base member, said base member
having a cross-section that is greater than the predetermined
cross-section of said first cleaning head, and a hollow tubular
adapter ring to convert the receiving sleeve into a stepped
receptacle configured to receive the base member of said second
cleaning head, said adapter ring having a rearward end portion
fixedly mountable to the distal end of said receiving sleeve and a
forward end portion extending forwardly of the distal end, the
forward end portion of said ring having an interior wall configured
to receive and frictionally engage said stop member, and said
mounting forming an interior shoulder to engage said stop member
and limit inward insertion of the second cleaning head into the
receptacle.
2. The improvement of claim 1, further wherein: said means for
mounting comprises an elongated holder, and said cleaning member
comprises a plurality of sponge-like cleaning elements, and means
for attaching said cleaning elements to said holder.
3. The improvement of claim 2, wherein each said sponge-like
cleaning element is axially elongated and has a medial portion and
opposite ends, said elongated holder includes forward and rearward
end portions, said rearward end portion being connected to said
base member and said forward end portion being spaced from said
base member, and said means for attaching comprises the forward end
portion of said holder being provided with an opening of
predetermined shape, the cleaning elements being bundled together
with their respective midpoints compressed tightly together within
the opening and ends radiating outwardly therefrom.
4. The improvement of claim 3, wherein the rearward end portion of
elongated holder is substantially immovably secured to said base
member.
5. The improvement of claim 3, wherein the rearward end portion of
said elongated holder is connected via a ball and socket
arrangement wherein the holder may both rotate and swivel relative
to the connection.
6. The improvement of claim 2, wherein the adapter ring and the
receiving sleeve each include a generally coaxially disposed
cylindrical inner walls, and the stop member is generally annular
and has an outer surface dimensioned to engage the inner wall of
the adapter ring in a releasable snap-fit closure.
7. The improvement of claim 6, wherein the releasable snap-fit
closure is such that the cleaning head may rotate relative to a
central axis of the stepped receptacle.
8. The improvement of claim 6, further comprising means for
preventing rotation of the cleaning head relative to the stepped
receptacle.
9. The improvement of claim 8, wherein the means for preventing
rotation comprises a rib from one said cleaning head and receptacle
interengaging with a detent in the other of said cleaning head and
receptacle.
10. The improvement of claim 2, wherein each sponge-like cleaning
element comprises a shaped strip of soft water absorbent
polyurethane foam cut to a predetermined size and shape, the strips
being flexible, having a square, or other suitable geometrical
cross-section, and arranged to radiate outwardly from their
connection to the holder and form into a ball-like or "sunburst"
shape.
11. The improvement of claim 10, wherein the shaped strips are
generally of the same length, and connected to the holder at their
respective midpoints.
12. The improvement of claim 11, wherein the strips are comprised
of expanded polymeric foam, glass mop, nylon, sponge, soft rubber,
or other appropriate cleaning or brush material capable of cleaning
without harming or damaging the surface being cleaned.
13. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said means for mounting
comprises an elongated holder, and said cleaning member comprises
at least one sponge-like cleaning element, and means for attaching
said cleaning element to said holder.
14. The improvement of claim 13, wherein said holder comprises an
elongated spike, and said means for attaching comprises said spike
being adapted to be removably impaled into the body of the
sponge-like cleaning element, wherein the spike is frictionally
engaged by said sponge material and said cleaning element is
removably retained on said spike.
15. The improvement of claim 13, wherein said holder includes a
pair of retention fingers each formed at a forward free end thereof
with an enlarged bead, and said means for attaching comprises the
body of said sponge-like cleaning element including a pair of
complementary recesses adapted to receive the retention fingers,
the enlarged beads cooperating to form a releasable frictional
engagement with the material of the sponge material when the
fingers are inserted therein.
16. The improvement of claim 13, wherein said holder comprises a
tubular sleeve element, said tubular element extending generally
coaxially forwardly from the forward end of said base member, and
said means for attaching comprises the body of said sponge-like
cleaning element including an annular ring-shaped recess extending
inwardly of the sponge material, the sleeve element being
insertable into the ring-shaped recess and gripped by the material
of the sponge.
17. The improvement of claim 16, wherein an annular rib is formed
on said tubular sleeve proximate to the distal end thereof, the rib
engaging the material of the sponge when the sleeve element is
inserted into the ring shaped recess wherein to inhibit unwanted
withdrawal of the cleaning element
18. The improvement of claim 2, wherein said means for mounting
comprises a mounting plate, said plate being disposed in a plane
generally transverse to the geometrical axis through said base
member and at the forward end thereof, said cleaning member
comprises a generally rectangular shaped sponge-like cleaning
element, and further comprising means for attaching said cleaning
element to said mounting plate.
19. An apparatus for cleaning plated and painted surfaces of a
vehicle without damaging the surfaces being cleaned, comprises: a
disposable cleaning head, the cleaning head including a cylindrical
base member having a cylindrical flange proximate one end thereof,
a mounting plate extending from the one end of said base member,
and a plurality of separate foam cleaning strips, the strips being
bundled together at their midpoints and the midpoints connected to
said plate in a manner that the opposite ends of the strips radiate
outwardly and form into a ball shaped element, an elongated handle
having proximate and distal ends and a cleaning head holder at the
distal end to releasably frictionally engage and secure the base
member in working relation with the handle, said cleaning head
holder forming a cup-shaped receptacle having a stepped interior
wall wherein a cylindrical forward portion is greater in diameter
than that of a cylindrical rearward portion and a stop is formed
between the receptacle portions for engaging the flange and
limiting inward insertion of the cleaning head into the receptacle,
the inner wall of said forward portion being dimensioned to
frictionally engage said flange in a snap-fit closure, and an
ejection mechanism for ejecting the cleaning head from the cleaning
head holder, the ejection mechanism comprising a movable ejection
member within the stepped receptacle of said cleaning head holder,
an actuator element movably arranged on the handle, and a motion
transfer element operating between the actuator element and the
ejection member, wherein the motion transfer element extends
through the interior of the handle, is hand operated by the user,
and user initiated movement causes the ejection member to move and
eject the cleaning head from the cleaning head holder.
20. A method of converting cleaning apparatus designed to be used
with a first cleaning head provided, at least in part, with
mounting portion having a first cross-section, and for use with a
second cleaning head provided, at least in part, with a mounting
portion having a second cross-section that is larger and possibly
different than said first cross-section, the cleaning apparatus of
the type which includes a handle, a hollow cylindrical sleeve at
one handle end, said sleeve open thereat for receiving the first
cleaning head, terminating in a forward facing endwall, and having
interior and exterior walls, and a hand operated ejector at the
other handle end for ejecting the cleaning head from the sleeve,
comprising providing a hollow cylindrical adapter ring having an
interior wall; the interior wall of said adapter having a forward
portion that conforms and is slightly larger than the second
cross-section and a rearward portion that conforms to and is
slightly larger than the cross-section formed by the exterior wall
of the sleeve, and fixedly attaching a rearward end portion of the
adapter ring to the exterior wall of the sleeve wherein the forward
portion of the ring extends forwardly from the sleeve, the ring and
sleeve cooperating to form a receptacle wherein the forward facing
endwall of the sleeve forms a shoulder, the forward end portion of
said receptacle receives said second cleaning head, at least in
part, and endwall of said sleeve forms a limit on inward insertion
of said second cleaning head.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/739,559, filed on Nov. 23, 2005, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention pertains to a disposable cleaning head
and adapter therefor that are positioned in a receptacle at the
forward end of a handle, the cleaning head adapted for cleaning
without scratching plated and painted surfaces of a vehicle, such
as the wheel cover and the front grille. More particularly, this
invention pertains to a cleaning head comprised of sponge-like
cleaning elements affixed to a holder that is mountable in
detachable fashion in the receptacle, wherein the cleaning head is
held in frictional closure with and rotates relative to the adapter
or is locked in place.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] A cleaning head for use with a handle is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. US-D496,138, issued Sep. 14, 2004, and a handle for use
with a disposable cleaning head is disclosed in US-D496,512, issued
Sep. 21, 2004, and Patent Publication 2004/0129296, published Jul.
8, 2004, the disclosures of each of these patent documents being
specifically incorporated herein by reference.
[0006] In general, the cleaning apparatus of the above patent
documents comprises a cleaning head and a handle apparatus. The
cleaning head comprises a cylindrical bundle of axial bristles
arranged within a receiving sleeve detachably mountable to an end
portion of the handle apparatus under friction closure. The handle
apparatus includes an elongated handle including the cylindrical
end portion for detachably mounting the cleaning head, and
actuation means operably coupled to the handle and including a
plunger, wherein actuation of the plunger ejects the cleaning head
from the end portion.
[0007] The cleaning head is particularly used for cleaning a toilet
bowl and is discharged into the toilet bowl when the useful life is
exhausted. The cleaning head, while believed suitable for the use
in cleaning toilet bowls, has a bristle construction which may not
be appropriate in cleaning other surfaces.
[0008] Present day automobile wheels are often constructed with
attractive designs to generate customer appeal. Customer demand is
such that many different styles and configurations of wheels are
necessary to meet the diverse taste of customers.
[0009] There has developed a very lucrative market for both OEM and
aftermarket wheels constructed with numerous different styles of
spoke and aperture configurations combined to present an eye
pleasing design. Many of these wheels incorporate attractive
finishes, which may be constructed of expensive metal platings and
the like. Such finishes often require a great degree of care in
order to maintain a clean attractive appearance. This demand leads
to a challenge for the automobile owner in keeping the wheels
clean. During operation of the car, both the wheel and various
component parts thereof and the vehicle trim may become covered
with grease and other dirt, which detracts from the appearance of
the automobile.
[0010] What adds to the challenge of effective wheel cleaning is
the fact that popular wheel designs often incorporate recesses,
holes, crevices and spaces which have endless numbers of shapes,
sizes and angles thus exhibiting a challenge to effective access by
presently known cleaning brushes and pads.
[0011] Commonly used tools, such as oversized sponges, long bristle
brushes and sets of brushes with specific sizes and shapes have not
provided a satisfactory solution to cleaning the dirt and grime
without somehow degrading a surface finish.
[0012] As an example, in many wheel designs, the depressions and
openings therein are formed with radially inwardly turned
peripheral lips which often collect dust and grime which is
difficult to access with a typical sponge or brush. Those
depressions and crevices often incorporate a triangular
configuration such that a brush sized for ready access to the
enlarged end of the triangle cannot be slid into the narrow end of
the triangular crevice thus preventing access to the inturned
peripheral lips for adequate cleaning thereof.
[0013] Also, any effort to utilize a set of multiple brushes of
different sizes and shapes is generally impractical. The expense of
acquiring such sets of brushes and the challenge of having the
properly sized brush readily available at the time it is needed
renders the overall proposition quite unsatisfactory.
[0014] Inability of the cleaning implement to reach awkward places
often results in dirt, grime and dust being left on the vehicle
part after the cleaning task is completed, thus leaving an
unsightly appearance.
[0015] Various different proposals have been made for solving these
various problems. As an example, Sellers U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,857
discloses a polishing tool having an elongated stem mounting on one
side a series of tufts of brush bristles and on the other side a
layer of sponge-like material configured in a V-shape for accessing
specifically shaped crevices and depressions.
[0016] In recognition of the need for a device for cleaning lug nut
wells, Gronkiewicz U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,686 discloses a generally
tubular shaped sponge configured to be received telescopically
within the lug nut well. Large U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,526 discloses a
resilient pad fixedly attached to a handle with the pad formed by
cylindrical segments stepped down in transverse cross-section
toward the forward end of the handle.
[0017] Such devices, while satisfactory for certain applications,
have limited utility and have not been broadly accepted in the
marketplace.
[0018] Consequently, there exists a need for a wheel cleaning tool
for accessing wheel indentations and apertures having different
shapes, sizes and configurations and which accommodates wide ranges
of such configurations. It is preferable if the cleaning task could
be undertaken without subjecting the finish of the wheel to harsh
rigid surfaces which might result in dragging grit over the finish
resulting in scratching thereof.
[0019] It is to be appreciated that there is a need for a cleaning
head and holder which may be detachably connected to a handle, and
configured to enable the user to clean recesses and surface
indentations such as defined by wheel covers, trim, and other
surfaces of an area.
[0020] An object of this invention is the provision of improved
cleaning apparatus having a shaped handle with ejection plunger and
swiveling cleaning head that will enable the user to gain access to
hard to reach locations and yet apply cleaning force as needed
without damaging the vehicle surface being cleaned.
[0021] Another object of this invention is the provision of a
disposable cleaning head and adapter therefore which enables the
cleaning head to be easily mounted to a handle and ejected from the
handle and disposed of when the useful life of the cleaning head is
reached.
[0022] Another object is the provision of a cleaning head, having
different construction and different cleaning elements, and an
adapter, enabling different types of cleaning heads to be
demountably attached to a receptacle at the end of an elongated
handle, thereby enabling the cleaning tool available and the work
to be performed to be customized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In an apparatus for cleaning vehicle surfaces, the vehicle
surfaces including plated and painted wheel covers, grilles,
vehicle trim and other surfaces to be protected from scratching
during cleaning, the apparatus including a handle having a proximal
end and a distal end, said distal end providing an outwardly open
cylindrical receiving sleeve for receiving a first cleaning head,
and actuation means operably coupled to the handle and including a
plunger wherein actuation of the plunger ejects the cleaning head
from the receiving sleeve, the improvement comprising:
[0024] an adapter ring to convert the receiving sleeve to receive a
second cleaning head, said adapter ring having opposite ends and a
cylindrical inner wall extending between the opposite ends, the
inner wall forming rearward and forward wall portions with the
rearward wall portion being fixedly mounted to the distal end
portion of said receiving sleeve and the forward wall portion
extending forwardly of the distal end, the inner wall of said
receiving sleeve and the forward wall portion of said adapter ring
combining to form a receptacle to receive said second cleaning
head, and
[0025] a second cleaning head, comprising a holder adapted to be
received in said receptacle, said holder including a cylindrical
shoulder proximate to the forward end thereof, a plurality of
sponge-like cleaning elements, and means for attaching said
cleaning elements to said holder,
[0026] the outer surface of said shoulder being complementary to
the forward wall portion of said adapter wherein to permit the
holder to be detachably mounted in said receptacle in a frictional
snap-fit engaging closure.
[0027] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the outer surface
of the cylindrical shoulder is frusto-conical and the engagement
thereof with the inner wall of the adapter ring is such as to
provide a snap-fit frictional closure between the adapter ring and
the cleaning head wherein the cleaning head is free to rotate
relative to the receptacle.
[0028] However, in another preferred aspect of this embodiment, if
desired in some application, the snap-fit engagement may be such
that the cleaning head holder is fixed relative to the receptacle
and does not rotate relative thereto. The means for preventing
relative rotation may comprise a rib from one member interengaging
with a detent in the other member.
[0029] Preferably, the sponge-like cleaning elements comprise a
plurality of shaped strips of soft water absorbent polyurethane
foam cut to a predetermined size and shape and connected to the
forward end portion of the cleaning head holder, the strips being
flexible, having a square, or other suitable geometrical
cross-section, and arranged to radiate outwardly from their
connection and form into a ball-like or "sunburst" shape.
[0030] Preferably, the strips are generally of the same length, and
connected to the holder at their respective midpoints
[0031] According to this embodiment, the strips may be comprised of
expanded polymeric foam, glass mop, nylon, sponge, soft rubber, or
other appropriate cleaning or brush material configured to clean
the vehicle surface without damaging the surface of same.
[0032] Such a combination of soft, absorbent foam strips radiating
outwardly at different angles from the cleaning head holder
provides a multi-action cleansing ability for cleaning the desired
surfaces of the vehicle.
[0033] In a second embodiment according to this invention there is
provided a cleaning head assembly connectible to a receptacle
provided at the forward end of a handle, comprising
[0034] a cleaning device, said cleaning device including an
elongated plate having forward and rearward end portions and an
opening in the forward end portion, a cleaning brush comprised of a
plurality of separate strips of fluid absorbing material fixedly
attached to said opening, said strips radiating outwardly from said
opening to form a sunburst and ball-like shape, and a cylindrical
mounting member fixedly attached to the rearward end of said plate,
and
[0035] an adapter ring configured for fixed attachment to the
forward end of said receptacle, the adapter ring adapted to receive
and frictionally captivate the mounting member in a snap-fit
engagement.
[0036] Preferably, the strips of the cleaning head are as described
herein above.
[0037] According to another embodiment of this invention a cleaning
brush for cleaning vehicle surfaces, comprising
[0038] a brush head, said head comprising a mounting body and a
plurality of cleaning strips of a sponge-like material, the strips
radiating outwardly and forming a generally ball-shaped cleaning
element forwardly of said mounting body, and
[0039] a handle with a brush head holder for detachably mounting
the brush head in a releasable frictional snap-fit engagement, the
handle being composed of several parts cemented together and
comprising an ejection mechanism for ejecting the brush head from
the brush head holder.
[0040] Preferably and according to this embodiment of the invention
the mounting body is generally cylindrical and includes rearward
and forward ends, and a cylindrical rib proximate to the forward
end, and the brush head holder includes a stepped cylindrical bore
for receiving the mounting body and a shoulder inwardly from the
open end thereof for engaging the rib, the rearward end being
engageable by the ejection mechanism, and the rib limiting
insertion of the mounting body and forming a frictional engagement
with the stepped bore.
[0041] According to another embodiment, an apparatus for
non-destructively cleaning plated and painted surfaces of a vehicle
comprises:
[0042] a disposable one-way brush head, the brush head including a
cylindrical mounting member having a cylindrical shoulder formed
proximate one end of said mounting member, a plate extending from
the one end of said mounting member, and a plurality of separated
foam cleaning strips, the strips radiating outwardly from a common
location on said plate and formed into a ball,
[0043] an elongated handle having proximate and distal ends and a
brush head holder at the distal end to releasably frictionally
engage and secure the mounting member in working relation with the
handle, said holder including an annular ring that extends
forwardly from said distal end to form a stepped bore wherein the
distal end forms a stop for said shoulder and the wall of said ring
frictionally engages said shoulder in a snap-fit friction closure,
and
[0044] an ejection mechanism for the brush head, the ejection
mechanism comprising:
[0045] a cup-shaped ejection member movable within the stepped bore
of said brush head holder,
[0046] an actuator element movably arranged on the handle, and
[0047] a motion transfer element between the actuator element and
the cup-shaped ejection member, wherein the motion transfer element
extends in the interior of the handle, movement of the ejection
member causing the brush head to be ejected from the brush head
holder.
[0048] In another embodiment according to this invention, there is
provided a disposable cleaning head for a handle, comprising:
[0049] a cylindrical body having forward end rearward ends and a
cylindrical rib extending outwardly from the body proximate to the
forward end,
[0050] a mounting plate having a rearward end portion fixedly
attached to the forward end of said body and a forward end portion,
said forward end portion including a generally circular opening,
and
[0051] a plurality of separate sponge elements, each element having
opposite ends and a medial portion, the cross-sections of the
medial portions being squeezed into gripped retaining relation
within the circular opening, and the opposite ends of the strips
extending away from the opening by substantially the same amount
wherein to form a sunburst or ball-like shape.
[0052] According to this embodiment of the invention, the mounting
plate is attached to the forward end of said body in a ball and
socket arrangement. In particular, the rearward end portion of the
mounting plate is formed with a ball, and a socket is formed in the
forward end of said body and sized to receive the ball, whereby the
mounting plate, with the sunburst of separate sponge elements may
swivel and rotate relative to the forward end of the mounting
body.
[0053] In yet another embodiment of this invention there is
provided a disposable cleaning head for a handle, comprising:
[0054] a separate sponge element, and
[0055] a cylindrical body having forward end rearward ends, and a
mounting plate at the forward end of the body, the mounting plate
forming the forward end face of the body and adapted to be adhered
to the sponge element to fixedly secure the sponge element
thereto.
[0056] In yet another embodiment of this invention there is
provided a disposable cleaning head for a handle, comprising:
[0057] a separate sponge element, and
[0058] a cylindrical body having forward end rearward ends, a front
end face, and a retention structure projecting forwardly from the
end face, the retention structure being adapted to engaged with the
sponge element to removably secure the sponge element thereto.
[0059] According to this latter aspect, the retention structure may
comprise a an elongated spear projecting away from the front face,
the spear being adapted to be driven into the material of the
sponge element to removably retain the sponge element to the body.
The retention structure may also comprise one or more retention
fingers, or a tubular sleeve element, sized to be received in a
complementary slot in the sponge element, the fingers or sleeve
element being retained by squeezing frictional engagement by the
sponge material. In this regard, an enlarged bead or rib may be
formed at the forward end of the retention finger or sleeve.
[0060] The present invention will be more clearly understood with
reference to the accompanying drawings and to the following
Detailed Description, in which like reference numerals refer to
like parts and where:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art handle and a
disposable cleaning head mounted in the handle.
[0062] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the handle and the
cleaning head illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0063] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a handle, adapter
ring positioned for attachment to the handle, and a disposable
cleaning head positioned for mounting to the handle according to
this invention.
[0064] FIG. 4 is an end view of the handle with the adapter ring
fixedly attached thereto according to this invention.
[0065] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the disposable cleaning head
according to this invention.
[0066] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the handle with the
adapter ring fixed thereto and the disposable cleaning head mounted
in the handle for use and ejection therefrom.
[0067] FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate another preferred embodiment of a
disposable cleaning head according to this invention, wherein a
cleaning element is mounted in a ball and socket arrangement for
swiveling motion relative to the cleaning head.
[0068] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of a
disposable cleaning head according to this invention, wherein a
spherical cleaning element is mounted to a spear-like element that
extends from the cleaning head.
[0069] FIGS. 9 and 10 are yet other preferred embodiments of a
disposable cleaning head according to this invention, wherein a
slab-like cleaning element is affixed to a mounting plate provided
at the end of the cleaning head.
[0070] FIG. 11 illustrates a preferred arrangement according to
this invention for inhibiting rotation the cleaning head relative
to the handle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0071] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate
cleaning apparatus 10 including a handle 12 and a disposable
cleaning head 14 mounted thereto as is generally shown and
described in detail in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos.
US-D496,138 and US-D496,512 and Patent Publication 2004/0129296.
Each of these patent documents are specifically incorporated herein
by reference and complete details are found in these references as
to the specific structure and operation.
[0072] In general, the handle 12 includes a substantially hollow
tubular body 16 having proximal and distal ends and formed with a
receiving sleeve 18 at the distal end thereof for receiving the
cleaning head 14. An actuating plunger 20 is provided in the handle
and coupled to a slidable plunger head 22 concentrically disposed
within the sleeve. Actuation of the plunger ejects the cleaning
head 14 from the receiving sleeve 18.
[0073] The cleaning head 14 includes a cylindrical sleeve 24
provided with a cleaning element 26, such as bristles fibers,
cotton, paper masses, unitary cloth and various other materials or
arrangements. The receiving sleeve 18 is dimensioned to receive the
sleeve 24.
[0074] According to this invention, and referring to FIG. 3, there
is provided an adapter sleeve or ring 28, and a disposable cleaning
head 30, each adapted to be used in connection with the handle
10.
[0075] The adapter sleeve 28 is generally cylindrical and includes
forward and rearward end faces 32 and 34 and a cylindrical inner
wall 36 having forward and rearward wall portions 36a and 36b, the
rearward wall portion 36b being fixedly mounted to the outer
surface 38 of the receiving sleeve 18. The method of attachment is
not described as comprising conventional means for attachment,
depending on the materials. For example, if the sleeves 18 and 28
are of polymeric material, the attachment may be by adhesives,
epoxies, and heat fusion.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, when the adapter sleeve 28 is
affixed to the receiving sleeve 18, the sleeves 18 and 28 cooperate
to form a receptacle (or socket) 40 for receiving the cleaning head
30. Further, the sleeves 18 and 28 are generally coaxial with one
another and the plunger head 22. The inner wall portions 18a and
36a of the sleeves 18 and 28 cooperate to form a stepped wall, and
the distal end 18b of the receiving sleeve 18 forms a stop for
limiting inward insertion of the cleaning head 30 into the
receptacle 40 and positioning the cleaning head relative to the
plunger head 22.
[0077] Preferably and according to this invention, and turning to
FIGS. 3 and 5, the cleaning head 30 comprises a base member 42, a
mounting plate 44, and an array of cleaning elements 46.
[0078] The base member 42 is generally cylindrical, cup shaped and
includes rearward and forward ends 48 and 50 and a cylindrical
outer wall 52 dimensioned to permit sliding coaxial fitment of the
cleaning head 30 within the receptacle 40 and interiorly of the
receiving sleeve 18. When the base member 42 is in position within
the receptacle 40, the rearward end 48 is in juxtaposed relation
with the forward end face 23 of the plunger head 22 and the forward
end 50 is generally coplanar relation with the forward end face 32
of the adapter sleeve 28.
[0079] Importantly, a cylindrical shoulder or rib 54 extends
outwardly from the base member 42 adjacent to the forward end 50
thereof, the rib being adapted to seat against the distal end 18b
of the receiving sleeve 18. The rib 54 includes a cylindrical outer
surface 56 that is generally frusto-conical and angles outwardly
from the base member in a direction proceeding rearwardly from the
forward end 50. Importantly, the rib 54 is adapted to form a
frictional closure with the inner wall portion 36a of the
receptacle 40 of an amount sufficient to provide a snap-fit
retention as well as permit the cleaning head 30 to rotate relative
to the adapter sleeve portion of the receptacle.
[0080] The mounting plate 44 is generally flat, planar,
rectangular, and has forward and rearward end portions 58 and 60,
the rearward end portion 60 being fixedly attached to the center of
the forward end 50 and the plate projecting perpendicularly away
from the base member 42. The forward end portion 58 includes a
circular opening 62, formed by a wall 64, to receive the cleaning
elements 46.
[0081] The cleaning elements 46 comprise of a plurality of shaped
individual flexible strips 46a of soft water absorbent polyurethane
foam cut to a predetermined size and shape and fixedly connected
into the circular opening 62 of the mounting plate 44. Preferably,
the strips 46a have a square cross-section, are axially elongated,
and generally of substantially the same length, each strip 46a
having opposite ends and a medial portion.
[0082] According to this invention, the strips 46a of the cleaning
head may be comprised of expanded polymeric foam, glass mop, nylon,
sponge, soft rubber, or other appropriate cleaning or brush
material configured to clean a plated or painted vehicle surface
without damaging the surface of same.
[0083] The strips 46a mount into the opening 62 of the plate 44
with the medial portions of the strips being encircled by, with
some engaged in part by, the wall 64 forming the opening 62 and the
opposite end portions of the strips being arranged to radiate
outwardly from their connection. So bundled and arranged, the
strips 46a radiate outwardly from the opening 62 to form a ball or
"sunburst" shape "S".
[0084] In FIG. 5, the medial portions of the strips 46a are shown
in the circular opening 62 with the cross-sections of the strip
medial portions being squeezed or scrunched radially together by
the wall 64. Although the two end portions of the strips radiate
outwardly from both sides of the plate 44, only the end portions of
the strips 46a that extend to the left (as viewed in the Figure)
are shown. The dotted circular line about the opening 62 indicates
the generally spherical ball or "sunburst" "S" that is formed by
all of the end portions radiating away from the opening 62 and from
both sides of the plate 44.
[0085] Turning to FIG. 6, the cleaning head 30 is shown mounted in
the receptacle 40. The end portions of the strips 46a are indicated
by the dotted line formed about the opening 62.
[0086] So mounted, the cylindrical shoulder 54 is positioned in
frictional snap fit rotating closure engagement with the inner wall
36a of the receptacle 40 and the rearward end 48 of the base member
42 is positioned against the forward end face 23 of the plunger
head 22. Movement of the plunger head 22 in the direction of the
arrow will operate to eject the cleaning head 30 from the
receptacle 40.
[0087] Alternate preferred embodiments of this invention are
illustrated in FIGS. 7-11. In general, in each, the cleaning head
comprises a cylindrical base or mounting body, such as base 42,
with a cylindrical collar, such as 54, and mountable in the
receptacle formed in part by the sleeve 28.
[0088] In FIGS. 7 and 7A, a disposable cleaning head 130 comprises
the cylindrical base 42, a mounting stem or plate 144, and a
plurality of cleaning elements 46. The mounting stem 144 has
forward and rearward end portions 158 and 160, and an opening 164
formed in the forward end portion. A plurality of cleaning elements
46 are secured to the forward end portion 158 in the manner
described hereinabove.
[0089] Preferably, as shown in the enlargement FIG. 7A, the
rearward end portion 160 is connected to the base 42 in a manner
that enables the mounting stem 144 to rotate and swivel relative to
the connection. According to this embodiment, the connection
comprises a socket 142A formed in the forward end face 50 of the
base 42 and a ball 144a formed at the rearward end portion 160 of
the stem 144, the ball 144a being interfitted within the socket
142a. The arrangement could be reversed, wherein a ball protrudes
from the forward end face of the base 42 and a socket is formed in
the rearward end of the stem.
[0090] In FIG. 8, a disposable cleaning head 230 comprises the base
42, a mounting stem 244, and a cleaning element 246. As shown, the
cleaning element 246 is in the form of a sphere, which is comprised
of a suitable sponge-like material suitable for cleaning surfaces.
The mounting stem 244 is in the form of a spike, or spear, and
projects forwardly from the forward end face 50 of the base 42 to
terminate in a pointed end 244a, which end is driven into the
spherical shaped cleaning element 246.
[0091] In FIG. 9, a disposable cleaning head 330 comprises the base
42, a mounting plate 344, and a cleaning element 346. The mounting
plate 344 is generally flat, rectangular, and secured to the
forward end of the base 42. The mounting plate 344 may be
integrally formed with the base 42 or formed as a separate element
and secured to the base 42.
[0092] The cleaning element 346 is generally rectangular in shape
and secured to the mounting plate 344. The cleaning element 346 may
be fixedly attached to the plate 344 by a suitable adhesive or be
removably connected thereto.
[0093] Although not shown, the cleaning head may comprise other
arrangements and cleaning elements as described herein. For
example, a cleaning element may be secured to the base 42 by means
of one or more gripping fingers and receiving slots operating
between the cleaning element and the base.
[0094] In FIG. 10, according to this invention, a disposable
cleaning head 430 comprises the base 42, and a cleaning element
446. A pair of fingers 445 upstand from the front face 50 of the
base 42 and each terminates in a respective retention element 447,
such as an enlarged bead. The cleaning element 446 is comprised of
a suitable sponge-like material and includes a pair of retention
slots 449. In practice, the fingers 445 are received in a
respective slot 449. The slots 449 are dimensioned to receive and
form a frictional gripping engagement with the fingers 445 and the
retention elements 447.
[0095] The frictional retention could be other than shown. For
example, the retention fingers may comprise an annular or tubular
projection, which projects forwardly from the front face 50 of the
base 42, and the tubular projection terminate in an enlarged
retention rib or bead thereabout, and the receiving slot comprise a
complementary annular slot, sized to receive and frictionally
engage with the tubular projection and the retention rib.
[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 11, according to this invention, in
some applications a rib 66 and a detent 68 may operate between the
cleaning head 30, 130, 230, 330, and 430 and the inner wall 136 of
the receptacle 28 wherein to prevent rotation of the cleaning head
30 relative to the handle 10. Advantageously, in some applications,
this interlocking engagement will operate to ensure that the
cleaning head remains at a desired angular relation with the handle
during a cleaning activity.
[0097] Other combinations and structure, although not illustrated,
are intended to be covered.
[0098] That is, the foregoing description of preferred embodiments
of the invention has been presented for the purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. Such modifications and variations are deemed to be within
the scope if this invention.
[0099] Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:
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