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.

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.

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.