U.S. patent application number 13/114186 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-29 for compact cleaning device.
Invention is credited to Flavia Miriane Loreto Bhojwani.
Application Number | 20120297562 13/114186 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47218201 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120297562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bhojwani; Flavia Miriane
Loreto |
November 29, 2012 |
Compact Cleaning Device
Abstract
A compact cleaning device includes a housing having opposed
front and rear portions. A first pair of first and second opposed
flaps is connected to the front and rear portions, respectively,
each of the first and second opposed flaps having inner and outer
surfaces. The inner surface of the first pair of first and second
flaps is a moist wipe material. Each of the first and second flaps
is movable between a closed configuration in which respective inner
surfaces bear against one another and an open configuration in
which the respective inner surfaces are displaced from one another.
The first pair of first and second flaps is biased toward the
closed configuration by spring members. The cleaning device further
includes a scent dispenser and a light member.
Inventors: |
Bhojwani; Flavia Miriane
Loreto; (Tulsa, OK) |
Family ID: |
47218201 |
Appl. No.: |
13/114186 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/209.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/209.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 25/00 20060101
A47L025/00 |
Claims
1. A compact cleaning device, comprising: a housing having opposed
front and rear portions; a first pair of first and second opposed
flaps connected to said front and rear portions, respectively, each
of said first and second opposed flaps having inner and outer
surfaces; wherein: said inner surface of said first pair of first
and second flaps is a moist wipe material; each of said first and
second flaps is movable between a closed configuration in which
respective inner surfaces bear against one another and an open
configuration in which said respective inner surfaces are displaced
from one another; and said first pair of first and second flaps are
biased toward said closed configuration.
2. The cleaning device as in claim 1, further comprising a first
pair of spring members operatively coupled to said first and second
housing portions and to said first pair of first and second flaps
for biasing said first pair of first and second flaps toward said
closed configuration.
3. The cleaning device as in claim 2, wherein: each of said first
pair of spring members includes a first portion attached to said
first and second housing portions, respectively, adjacent said
first pair of first and second flaps, and a second portion attached
to each of said first pair of first and second flaps, respectively;
and each second portion of said first pair of spring members biases
said first pair of first and second flaps toward said closed
configuration.
4. The cleaning device as in claim 3, wherein said front portion of
said housing includes a generally planar surface and said rear
portion of said housing includes a generally planar surface that is
parallel to said planar surface of said front portion.
5. The cleaning device as in claim 4, wherein said first pair of
first and second opposed flaps are pivotally connected to said
front and rear portions of said housing, respectively, and
pivotally movable about a pivot axis defined by said pivotal
connection between said open and closed configurations.
6. The cleaning device as in claim 5, wherein each first and second
flap includes an interior edge at said pivot axis and at least one
free edge displaced from said interior edge.
7. The cleaning device as in claim 1, wherein each said first and
second flap includes a triangular configuration.
8. The cleaning device as in claim 1, further comprising a wrapper
surrounding said housing that is constructed of a water impermeable
material.
9. The cleaning device as in claim 1, further comprising a scent
dispensing member situated on at least one of said front and rear
portions of said housing.
10. The cleaning device as in claim 1, further comprising a
reservoir situated in said housing configured to receive a liquid
scent, said reservoir defining an outlet through which an odor from
said liquid scent is released from said reservoir.
11. The cleaning device as in claim 8, further comprising a
reservoir situated in said housing configured to receive a liquid
scent, said reservoir defining an outlet through which an odor from
said liquid scent is released from said reservoir when at least a
portion of said wrapper is removed from said housing.
12. The cleaning device as in claim 1, further comprising: a light
member positioned between front and rear portions of said housing;
a battery positioned in said housing and electrically connected to
said light member; and means for energizing said light member.
13. The cleaning device as in claim 1, further comprising: a second
pair of first and second opposed flaps connected to said front and
rear portions of said housing, respectively, each of said first and
second opposed flaps having inner and outer surfaces; wherein: each
said inner surfaces of said second pair of first and second flaps
includes a dry wipe material; each of said second pair of first and
second flaps is movable between a closed configuration in which
respective inner surfaces bear against one another and an open
configuration in which said respective inner surfaces are displaced
from one another; and said second pair of first and second flaps
are biased toward said closed configuration.
14. The cleaning device as in claim 1, further comprising a second
pair of spring members operatively coupled to said first and second
housing portions and to said second pair of first and second flaps
for biasing said second pair of first and second flaps toward said
closed configuration.
15. The cleaning device as in claim 14, wherein: each of said
second pair of spring members includes a first portion attached to
said first and second housing portions, respectively, adjacent said
second pair of first and second flaps, and a second portion
attached to each of said second pair of first and second flaps,
respectively; and each second portion of said second pair of spring
members biases a respective second pair of first and second flaps
toward said closed configuration.
16. The cleaning device as in claim 13, wherein said first and
second pair of first and second flaps are situated diagonally
relative to one another.
17. The cleaning device as in claim 6, wherein said at least one
free edge of said each first and second flap includes a chamfered
configuration so that said first and second flap are moved toward
said open configuration when said at least one free edge is pressed
against a surface.
18. The cleaning device as in claim 13, further comprising a
reservoir situated in said housing configured to receive a liquid
scent, said reservoir defining an outlet through which an odor from
said liquid scent is released from said reservoir.
19. The cleaning device as in claim 13 further comprising a scent
dispensing member situated on at least one of said front and rear
portions of said housing.
20. The cleaning device as in claim 13, further comprising: a light
member coupled to said housing; a battery positioned in said
housing and electrically connected to said light member; and means
for energizing said light member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to cleaning devices and,
more particularly, to a sanitary cleaning device that is easily
manipulated between a closed configuration in which sanitary
cleaning pads are protected from exposure and an open configuration
in which sanitary cleaning pads are exposed for cleaning a
surface.
[0002] Maintaining clean surfaces such as on toilets, countertops,
furniture, personal items, or consumer items, is very important to
personal hygiene. Not only do unclean surfaces have an undesirable
appearance, they may contain an abundance of germs, bacteria, or
even viruses that may cause physical harm to a person or pet.
Consumers spend a relatively large amount of money for sanitizing
products and chemicals.
[0003] Various products are currently available or have been
proposed for cleaning unsanitary surfaces, such as single use
cloths, wipes, or sponges. Although assumably effective for their
intended purposes, the existing purposes must be physically touched
by a consumer's hands or the consumer must wear gloves to avoid
such contact. Further, the exiting products are typically exposed
to contact with the user's hands or the surfaces to be cleaned the
entire time of use until discarded in a trash receptacle. In other
words, once used to clean a dirty surface, the cleaning product
carries the dirt, grime, or other unsanitary material in a way that
may be inadvertently and undesirably contacted by the user's hands
or an otherwise clean surface.
[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a compact cleaning
device that protects its cleaning pads from exposure to a user's
hands or a surface to be cleaned until specifically desired by a
user. Further, it would be desirable to have a compact cleaning
device that may be opened quickly and closed by pressing it against
a surface to be cleaned yet without exposing a user's hands to
contact with a cleaning pad.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A compact cleaning device according to the present invention
includes a housing having opposed front and rear portions. A first
pair of first and second opposed flaps is connected to the front
and rear portions, respectively, each of the first and second
opposed flaps having inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of
the first pair of first and second flaps is a moist wipe material.
Each of the first and second flaps is movable between a closed
configuration in which respective inner surfaces bear against one
another and an open configuration in which the respective inner
surfaces are displaced from one another. The first pair of first
and second flaps is biased toward the closed configuration by
spring members. The cleaning device further includes a scent
dispenser and a light member.
[0006] Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide
a cleaning device that is compact for one-handed use and protects a
user's hands from ever contacting the cleaning material or the
surface to be cleaned.
[0007] Another object of this invention is to provide a cleaning
device, as aforesaid, that includes a first pair of opposed flaps
that is easy to open to a cleaning configuration without touching
the cleaning material.
[0008] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
cleaning device, as aforesaid, having a moist wipe cleaning
material separate and apart from a dry wipe cleaning material.
[0009] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a
cleaning device, as aforesaid, having a reservoir for dispensing a
fragrance.
[0010] A further object of this invention is to provide a cleaning
device, as aforesaid, having a light member adjacent the cleaning
material so as to enhance viewing of a surface to be cleaned.
[0011] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of
illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a cleaning device
illustrated in an open configuration;
[0013] FIG. 1b is another perspective view of the cleaning device
illustrated in a closed configuration;
[0014] FIG. 2 is perspective view of the cleaning device as in FIG.
1a from another angle;
[0015] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the cleaning device as in
FIG. 1b enclosed in a wrapper;
[0016] FIG. 3b is another perspective view of the cleaning device
as in FIG. 3a partially removed from the wrapper;
[0017] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a cleaning device according
to an embodiment of the present invention having a light
assembly;
[0018] FIG. 4b is a side view of a light assembly circuit removed
from the housing;
[0019] FIG. 5a is another perspective view of the cleaning device
as in FIG. 1b according to another embodiment having a scent
dispensing device illustrated with a plug in an inserted
configuration;
[0020] FIG. 5b is another perspective view of the cleaning device
as in FIG. 5a illustrated with the plug in a removed
configuration;
[0021] FIG. 6a is side view of the cleaning device as in FIG. 5a;
and
[0022] FIG. 6b is a sectional view taken along line 6b-6b of FIG.
6a.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] A compact cleaning device according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 6b of the accompanying drawings. More
particularly, the cleaning device 10 includes a housing 20 and at
least a first pair 40 of first 42 and second 44 opposed flaps
connected to the housing 20 and movable between open and closed
configurations.
[0024] The housing 20 includes a front portion 22 attached to an
opposed rear portion 24 (FIG. 1b). The opposed housing portions 22,
24 may be attached with adhesive or have a unitary construction,
the housing portions each having a generally planar surface and
being parallel to one another. The housing 20 preferably includes a
generally rectangular configuration although other shapes would
also work. The housing 20 may be constructed of a generally rigid
material such as a generally stiff cardboard material although a
plastic construction would also be suitable. A peripheral edge 26
extends about the housing 20 and connects the front portion 22 to
the rear portion 24. The housing 20 has a generally solid
construction except as specifically described later.
[0025] The cleaning device 10 includes at least a first pair 40 of
first 42 and second 44 opposed flaps connected to the peripheral
edge 26 of the housing 20. Each of the first pair 40 of first 42
and second 44 flaps includes an inner surface 46 and an opposed
outer surface 48, respectively. The inner surface 46 of the first
pair 40 of first 42 and second 44 flaps is preferably a moist wipe
material, such as a cleaning cloth with a cleaning chemical applied
thereto. The flaps are attached to the housing peripheral edge 26
so as to be pivotally movable between a closed configuration in
which respective inner surfaces 46 are adjacent or bearing against
one another (FIG. 1b) and an open configuration in which respective
inner surfaces are displaced from one another (FIG. 1a). The
housing 20 may also be understood to include the first 42 and
second 44 flaps so that the housing 20 presents the aforementioned
generally rectangular configuration when the flaps are at the
closed configuration (FIG. 1b).
[0026] The point of attachment of each flap to the housing 20
defines a pivot axis 50 about which a respective flap is movable
between open and closed configurations. Each first 44 and second 46
flap includes at least one free edge 52 displaced from the pivot
axis 50, the at least one free edge 52 being co-linear with a
respective portion of the housing peripheral edge 26 at the flap
closed configuration (FIG. 1b). Preferably, each flap includes a
generally triangular configuration with a corner 49 of intersecting
free edges having a chamfered or beveled edge to enhance movement
of respective flaps toward an open configuration when pressed
against a surface.
[0027] Preferably, a first pair of spring members 60 are
operatively positioned on and adjacent to the first pair 40 of
first 42 and second 44 flaps to bias the flaps toward the closed
configuration. Each spring member 60 may be a spring steel pad
although other biasing means may also be utilized. More
particularly, each spring member 60 includes a spring member first
portion 62 attached to a respective portion of the housing 20 and a
spring member second portion 64 attached to a corresponding flap
outer surface itself. The spring member second portion 64 is
configured to bias the respective flap toward the closed
configuration (FIG. 1a).
[0028] As the inner surface 46 of each respective first pair 40 of
first 42 and second 44 flaps may include a moist cleaning material,
it is important to enclose the entire housing 20 in a sealed
package prior to use. As shown particularly in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the
cleaning device 10 includes a wrapper 70 completely surrounding the
housing 20 that is constructed of a substantially moisture and air
impermeable material, such as a flexible plastic or cellulosic
material. The wrapper 70 may include a perforation 72 by which a
segment of the wrapper 70 may be removed by tearing when use of the
product is desired.
[0029] The cleaning device 10 may also include a scent dispensing
element. The scent dispensing feature may be implemented in several
ways. In some embodiments, the housing 20 defines a reservoir 30
configured to receive and store a liquid chemical fragrance. The
housing 20 may define an outlet 32 in operative communication
between the reservoir 30 and the ambient air outside the housing
20, such as a hole defined by the housing peripheral edge 26. It is
understood that a filter may be positioned at the outlet 32 to
prevent spillage while enabling the odor or fragrance of the scent
to be released from the reservoir 30.
[0030] In another embodiment, the material of the front 22 and rear
24 portions of the housing 20 may include an area 34 impregnated
with a fragrance and configured to slowly dispense the fragrance
once the wrapper 70 is removed, when scratched, or the like (FIGS.
5a and 5b). In still other embodiments (FIGS. 5a to 6b), the
reservoir 30 may hold its fragrant contents under pressure and with
a plug 36 inserted into the outlet 32 until release is desired.
Upon removal of the plug 36, the fragrance is fully released. The
plug 36 may be automatically removed with the wrapper 70 or at a
later time.
[0031] The cleaning device 10 may also include a light assembly 80.
The light assembly 80 may include a light member 82 such as an LED
that is inexpensive, durable, and uses very little battery power in
operation. The light assembly 80 may include a circuit sandwiched
between the front 22 and rear 24 portions of the housing 20.
Alternatively, a unitarily constructed housing 20 may define a
recess or other internal space for receiving the light member 82
and related components. For instance, a battery 86 may also be
positioned in the housing 20 and electrically connected to the
light member 82 and associated circuitry 84. Means for energizing
the light member 82 is also included, said energizing means being
an insulating strip 88 positioned between the battery 86 and light
member 82 which may be torn/pulled away when the perforated portion
of the wrapper 70 is removed.
[0032] The cleaning device 10 according to the present invention
may also include a second pair 40' of first 42' and second 44'
opposed flaps and an associated second pair of spring members 60'.
Primed numerals are used in the drawings for elements that are
constructed and function substantially similar to the first pair 40
of first 42 and second 44 opposed flaps and first pair of spring
members 60 described in detail above. Preferably, however, the
inner surfaces of the second pair 40' of flaps include a dry
cleaning material, such as cotton or the like. The second pair 40'
of first 42' and second 44' opposed flaps may be positioned
diagonally relative to the first pair 40 of first 42 and second 44
opposed flaps (FIGS. 1a and 1b).
[0033] In use, a cleaning device 10 is packaged inside a moisture
impermeable wrapper 70 that may be removed when a user desires to
use the device 10 for cleaning as described above. To actuate the
first pair 40 of first 42 and second 44 opposed flaps, the housing
20 may be grasped between a thumb and forefinger of a user's hand
and gentle pressure may be applied against respective spring member
first portions 22, 24 to cause respective spring member second
portions 22, 24 to urge respective flaps to the open configuration.
The flaps are also urged open by pressing the flaps against the
surface to be cleaned. Once the flaps are at the open
configuration, the respective flap inner surfaces 46 may be
manipulated in a scrubbing motion to clean the desired surface. By
lifting the flaps away from the surface being cleaned and by
releasing pressure on the spring member first portions 22, 24, the
flaps are automatically biased to the closed configuration. A user
may then reposition his fingers to grasp about the second pair 40'
of first 42' and second 44' opposed flaps. In a similar manner
described above, the second pair 60' of opposed flaps may be opened
and the dry material of respective inner flaps may be manipulated
to dry a previously cleaned surface. The fragrance and light
features may also be used as described above.
[0034] It is understood that while certain forms of this invention
have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto
except insofar as such limitations are included in the following
claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.
* * * * *