U.S. patent application number 13/476514 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-29 for cleaning system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rubbermaid Incorporated. Invention is credited to Scott Hughes, Clayton Kirschner, Joseph Sexton.
Application Number | 20120301208 13/476514 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47219327 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120301208 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hughes; Scott ; et
al. |
November 29, 2012 |
CLEANING SYSTEM
Abstract
A cleaning system comprises a first type of scrubber head having
a first type of attachment mechanism and a second type of
attachment mechanism and a second type of scrubber head having the
first type of attachment mechanism and the second type of
attachment mechanism. A first type of cleaning pad may be
releasably mounted to either the first scrubber head or the second
scrubber head using the first attachment mechanism. A second type
of cleaning pad may be releasably mounted to either the first
scrubber head or the second scrubber head using the second
attachment mechanism. One scrubber head comprises a base comprising
a first section and a flexible section. An assembly is movably
mounted on the base such that the assembly may be moved to make the
flexible section active.
Inventors: |
Hughes; Scott; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Kirschner; Clayton; (Charlotte, NC) ;
Sexton; Joseph; (Huntersville, NC) |
Assignee: |
Rubbermaid Incorporated
Huntersville
NC
|
Family ID: |
47219327 |
Appl. No.: |
13/476514 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61490749 |
May 27, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/137 ; 15/114;
15/118; 15/159.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25G 1/04 20130101; B25G
3/18 20130101; A46B 11/002 20130101; A47L 13/12 20130101; A46B
17/02 20130101; A47L 13/16 20130101; A47L 13/44 20130101; A46B
2200/30 20130101; A46B 7/04 20130101; A47L 13/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/137 ; 15/118;
15/114; 15/159.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/12 20060101
A47L013/12; A46B 15/00 20060101 A46B015/00; A46B 5/00 20060101
A46B005/00; A47L 13/16 20060101 A47L013/16 |
Claims
1. A cleaning system comprising: at least a first type of scrubber
head having a first type of attachment mechanism and a second type
of attachment mechanism; a first type of cleaning pad adapted to be
releasably mounted to the first type of scrubber head using the
first attachment mechanism; and a second type of cleaning pad
adapted to be releasably mounted to the first type of scrubber head
using the second attachment mechanism.
2. The cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the first type of
cleaning pad comprises a movable lock member that selectively
engages the first type of scrubber head.
3. The cleaning system of claim 2 wherein the first type of
attachment mechanism comprises a first flange that extends from a
first end of the base and a second flange that extends from a
second end of the base.
4. The cleaning system of claim 3 wherein the lock member is
movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the
lock member being biased to the locked position.
5. The cleaning system of claim 4 wherein the lock member and
mounting block are formed as one-piece of a plastic material where
the lock member pivots relative to the mounting block.
6. The cleaning system of claim 4 wherein the lock member comprises
a surface that is engageable by the first type of scrubber head
during attachment of the first type of scrubber head to the first
type of cleaning pad such that the lock member is moved from the
locked position to the unlocked position.
7. The cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the first type of
cleaning pad and the second type of cleaning pad comprise one of a
bristle brush, a scour pad, a sponge and microfiber.
8. The cleaning system of claim 1 wherein the second attachment
mechanism comprises a plurality of hooks on the base.
9. The cleaning system of claim 8 wherein the second type of
cleaning pad comprises a cleaning surface and a plurality of hook
receiving surfaces engageable with the plurality of hooks.
10. The cleaning system of claim 1 further comprising a second type
of scrubber head having the first type of attachment mechanism and
the second type of attachment mechanism wherein the first type of
cleaning pad and the second type of cleaning pad are adapted to be
releasably mounted to the second type of scrubber head using the
first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism.
11. The cleaning system of claim 10 wherein one of the first type
of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head comprises a
handle and a detail brush removably mounted on the first type of
scrubber head.
12. The cleaning system of claim 10 wherein one of the first type
of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head comprises a
handle and a tank for holding a cleaning solution and a nozzle for
spraying the cleaning solution.
13. The cleaning system of claim 10 wherein one of the first type
of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head comprises a
handle and a yoke comprising a first connector adapted to be
connected to a pole, the yoke being attached to the first type of
scrubber head at a pivot such that the yoke may pivot relative to
the first type of scrubber head.
14. The cleaning system of claim 13 wherein the yoke may pivot
between a first position where the yoke is disposed remote from the
handle and a second position.
15. The cleaning system of claim 14 further comprising a locking
structure to lock the yoke relative to the one of the first type of
scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head in the first
position.
16. The cleaning system of claim 13 further comprising a pole
comprising a second connector that releasably engages the first
connector.
17. The cleaning system of claim 16 wherein the pole comprises a
first section that is repositionable relative to a second section
to adjust the length of the pole.
18. The cleaning system of claim 10 wherein one of the first type
of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head comprises a
first section and a second section connected to the first section
made of a flexible material and an assembly movable between a first
position where the assembly engages the first section and the
second section and a second position where the second section is
able to flex when a force is applied to the front section.
19. The cleaning system of claim 18 comprising a lock mechanism
that locks the assembly in both the first position and the second
position.
20. A brush comprising: a base comprising a first section and a
flexible second section that is connected to and extends from the
first section and a cleaning surface attached to the base; an
assembly slidably mounted on the base such that the assembly is
movable relative to the base between a first position where the
assembly engages both the first section and the second section and
a second position where the assembly engages the first section and
allows the second section to flex; and a lock member for locking
the assembly in the first position and the second position.
Description
[0001] This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to the filing date of to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/490,749, as filed on May 27, 2011 which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention relates to cleaning implements for cleaning
surfaces such as are found in a bathroom or similar environment
including brushes, sponges, scouring pads, mops and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one embodiment, a cleaning system comprises at least a
first type of scrubber head having a first type of attachment
mechanism and a second type of attachment mechanism. A first type
of cleaning pad is adapted to be releasably mounted to the first
type of scrubber head using the first attachment mechanism. A
second type of cleaning pad is adapted to be releasably mounted to
the first type of scrubber head using the second attachment
mechanism.
[0004] Other embodiments are also possible. The first type of
cleaning pad may comprise a movable lock member that selectively
engages the first type of scrubber head. The first type of
attachment mechanism may comprise a first flange that extends from
a first end of the base and a second flange that extends from a
second end of the base. The first attachment mechanism may comprise
a first flange that extends from a first end of the base and a
second flange that extends from a second end of the base. The first
type of cleaning pad may comprise a mounting block comprising a
third flange that is dimensioned and positioned such that it
engages the first flange and a movable lock member that is
dimensioned and positioned to engage the second flange. The lock
member may be movable between a locked position and an unlocked
position where the lock member may be biased to the locked
position. The lock member and mounting block may be formed as
one-piece of a plastic material where the lock member pivots
relative to the mounting block at a hinge. The lock member may
comprise a lead-in surface that is engageable by the first type of
scrubber head during attachment of the first type of scrubber head
to the cleaning pad such that the lock member is moved from the
locked position to the unlocked position. The first type of
cleaning pad and the second type of cleaning pad may comprise a
bristle brush, a scour pad, a sponge and a microfiber cloth. The
second attachment mechanism may comprise a plurality of hooks on
the base. One of the first type of cleaning pad and the second type
of cleaning pad may comprise a cleaning surface and a plurality of
hook receiving surfaces engageable with the plurality of hooks. The
cleaning system may further comprise a second type of scrubber head
having the first type of attachment mechanism and the second type
of attachment mechanism wherein the first type of cleaning pad and
the second type of cleaning pad are adapted to be releasably
mounted to the second type of scrubber head using the first
attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism. One of
the first type of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber
head may comprise a handle and a detail brush removably mounted on
the scrubber head. One of the first type of scrubber head and the
second type of scrubber head may comprise a handle and a tank for
holding a cleaning solution and a nozzle for spraying the cleaning
solution. One of the first type of scrubber head and the second
type of scrubber head may comprise a handle and a yoke comprising a
first connector adapted to be connected to a pole where the yoke is
attached to the scrubber head at pivot such that the yoke may pivot
relative to the scrubber head. The yoke may pivot between a first
position where the yoke is disposed remote from the handle and a
second position. A lock may be provided to lock the yoke relative
to the scrubber head in the first position. A pole may comprise a
second connector that releasably engages the first connector. The
pole may comprise a first section that is repositionable relative
to a second section to adjust the length of the pole. One of the
first type of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head
may comprise a first section made of a rigid material and a second
section connected to the first section made of a flexible material
and a handle assembly movable between a first position where the
handle assembly engages the first section and the second section
and a second position where the second section is able to flex when
a force is applied to the second section. A lock mechanism may be
provided that locks the handle assembly in both the first position
and the second position.
[0005] In one embodiment, a brush comprises a base comprising a
first section and a flexible second section that is connected to
and extends from the first section. A cleaning surface is attached
to the base. An assembly is mounted on the base such that the
assembly is movable relative to the base between a first position
where the assembly engages both the first section and the second
section and a second position where the assembly engages the first
section and allows the second section to flex. A lock member locks
the assembly in the first position and the second position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a head
usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad
usable in the cleaning tool of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the cleaning
pad usable in the cleaning tool of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the
cleaning pad usable in the cleaning tool of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of still another embodiment of the
cleaning pad usable in the cleaning tool of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a side view of the head of FIG. 1 and the cleaning
pad of FIG. 2 used in an embodiment of a cleaning tool.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a partial section view of the cleaning tool of
FIG. 6.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a head usable in the cleaning
tool and system of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a head
usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a back view of the head of FIG. 9.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a section view taken along line 11-11 of FIG.
10.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a detailed top view of the head of FIG. 9.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a of a
head usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a section view of the head of FIG. 13.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
a head and extender pole usable in the cleaning tool and system of
the invention.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a detailed section view taken along line 18-18 of
FIG. 17.
[0024] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
head usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 20 is a side view of the head of FIG. 19.
[0026] FIG. 21 is a back view of the head of FIG. 19.
[0027] FIG. 22 is a section view taken along line 22-22 of FIG.
21.
[0028] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the head of FIG. 19.
[0029] FIG. 24 is a detailed perspective view of the head of FIG.
19.
[0030] FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 24 showing the flexible
portion of the head in a flexed condition.
[0031] FIG. 26 is a more detailed view of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described more
fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like
references numbers are used to refer to like elements
throughout.
[0033] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these
elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only
used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first
element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second
element could be termed a first element, without departing from the
scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term "and/or"
includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated
listed items.
[0034] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or
"lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" or "top" or "bottom" or
"front" or "rear" may be used herein to describe a relationship of
one element, area or region to another element, area or region as
illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms
are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in
addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
[0035] Environments such as bathrooms are a difficult to clean
because of the variety of surfaces, hard to reach areas, tight
spaces, surface contours, and difficult and unpleasant substances
to be cleaned. The cleaning tools and system described herein may
be used on a variety of different types of surfaces and provide
distinct cleaning processes and functionalities. The cleaning tools
and system are able to clean different surfaces and different
substances using interchangeable cleaning pads. The cleaning tools
and system are easy to use and efficiently clean tub/shower floors,
walls, fixtures and hard to reach areas such as corners. The
cleaning tools and system provide the user with the ability to
clean with an extended reach product that may be quickly and easily
changed to a handheld scrubber providing more leverage. The
cleaning tools and system allow the cleaning pads to be easily
removed and replaced. The cleaning tools are ergonomically designed
for leverage while scrubbing. The cleaning tools and system provide
a platform from which a variety of cleaning tools may be created by
the end user using interchangeable components.
[0036] The cleaning system comprises a plurality of different types
of scrubber heads 2 that may be releasably connected to a plurality
of different types of cleaning pads 4 such that a scrubber head and
cleaning pad combination may be selected to perform a specific
cleaning function. Each type of scrubber head 2 may be provided
with different functionalities and structures and each type of
cleaning pad 4 may be provided with different functionalities and
cleaning surfaces. The scrubber heads 2 and cleaning pads 4 may
comprise attachment mechanisms that allow the cleaning pads to be
removably connected to the scrubber heads such that different
combinations of different types of cleaning pads and different
types of scrubber heads may be provided.
[0037] One embodiment of a scrubber head 2 and cleaning pad 4 is
shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The scrubber head 2 comprises a base 6 that
supports and is releasably connected to the cleaning pad 4 and a
handle 8 that extends from the base 6. The handle 8 and base 6 may
be formed as a one-piece component. The scrubber head 2 may be
injection molded of a thermoplastic such as polypropylene or
otherwise made of a relatively rigid, strong material. The base 6
comprises an upper surface 10 to which the handle 8 is connected
and a lower surface 12 (FIGS. 7 and 8). A lateral side wall 16
joins the upper surface 10 and the lower surface 12. The base 6 may
have any shape suitable for cleaning and in the illustrated
embodiment comprises a tapered shape that extends from a narrow tip
14 at the front end of the tool to a relatively broader rear end
18. Providing a tapered tool allows the front tip 14 of the tool to
reach narrow areas and corners while providing suitable surface
area for larger scale cleaning. The handle 8 may extend from
adjacent the front end of the base 6 to a free standing back end
17. The handle 8 is positioned so as to be centered along the
longitudinal axis of the base 6 and extends such that in use a
force applied to the handle 8 by the user will be approximately
centered on the base 6. The handle 8 may be provided with a soft
elastomer insert to create a relatively soft hand grip 20. For
example the insert may be overmolded on a polypropylene handle 8
with a material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The base 6
includes a first attachment mechanism for releasably connecting the
scrubber head 2 to certain types of cleaning pads and a second
attachment mechanism for releasably connecting the scrubber head 2
to other types of cleaning pads as will hereinafter be
described
[0038] The cleaning pads 4 may comprise a wide variety of cleaning
surfaces and materials designed to meet specific cleaning needs
and/or be used on specific types of surfaces. For example the
cleaning surface of the cleaning pads 4 may comprise bristles 30
(FIG. 2), a scour pad 32 (FIG. 3), a sponge 34 (FIG. 4), a
microfiber cloth 36 (FIG. 5) and/or other suitable cleaning
surfaces, materials and structures. The cleaning pads may also
comprise combinations of surfaces and/or materials such as a
microfiber cloth having scouring strips that is backed by a sponge,
a scour pad backed by a sponge or the like. The cleaning pads and
cleaning surfaces may comprise any suitable material or combination
of materials. The cleaning pads 4 may be disposable or reusable.
The cleaning pads 4 are removably mounted on the scrubber head 2
using one of two attachment mechanisms as will be described. The
removable and replaceable cleaning pads 4 also extend the life of
the tool because the cleaning pad 4 is the system component most
likely to wear, making the tool economical and sustainable.
[0039] In one embodiment of the cleaning pad 4, the attachment
mechanism comprises a rigid mounting block 40 on which a cleaning
surface is provided as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7. The rigid
mounting block 40 may be made of a rigid thermoplastic such as
polypropylene or other suitable strong, rigid material. In one
illustrated embodiment the cleaning surface comprises a plurality
of bristles 30 secured to one side of the mounting block 40 (FIG.
2), although the cleaning surface may comprise any suitable
cleaning surface and/or materials or combinations of cleaning
surfaces and materials. To make a bristle brush the mounting block
40 may be injection molded of a rigid material such as
polypropylene. A bristling machine may then insert the bristles 30
into the molded mounting block where the bristles are cut and
trimmed. The mounting block 40 may have an overall shape that
conforms to the shape of the base 6 of the scrubber head 2 and that
is dimensioned to conform to and fit against the bottom surface 12
of the scrubber head 2. In one embodiment, a rim 44 extends from
the opposite side of the block 40 from bristles 30 to define a
receptacle that receives the base 6. However, in other embodiments,
the block 40 may not include a rim or may include a partial rim
that only partially circumscribes the outer periphery of block 40.
The base 6 may be inserted into the receptacle with the mounting
block 40 abutting the lower surface 12 of the base 6 and the rim 44
extending over an closely receiving the side wall 16. To attach the
mounting block 40 to the scrubber head 2 a cantilever snap-in
attachment mechanism may be used. The attachment mechanism can
include one or more engagement members at one or more positions of
the block 40 and one or more positions of the scrubber head 2. For
example, according to one embodiment, an attachment mechanism may
comprises a first pair of engagement members on the front ends of
the mounting block 40 and the scrubber head 2 and a second pair of
engagement members on the rear ends of the scrubber head 2 and
mounting block 40. It is appreciated that while the engagement
members are shown and described as being proximate to the front and
rear portions of the mounting block 40 and the scrubber head 2, in
other embodiments one or more engagement members may be located at
any location along the outer edge of the block 40 and the scrubber
head 2 and operate in a like manner as explicitly described herein.
Moreover, in other embodiments, engagement members need not be
oriented proximate to the edge or perimeter of the block 40 or
scrubber head 2, but instead may be located anywhere on the upper
surface of the block 40 and a corresponding location(s) on the
lower surface of the scrubber head 2.
[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the engagement
member on the front of the scrubber head 2 comprises a first lip or
flange 52 that extends outwardly from the base 6. The engagement
member on the front of the mounting block 40 comprises an inwardly
extending lip or flange 58 that is dimensioned and positioned such
that it engages the first lip or flange 52 formed on the front end
of the base 6. Flanges 52 and 58 are arranged such that flange 52
is disposed behind flange 58 and between flange 58 and mounting
block 40. According to this embodiment, the engagement member 54 on
the rear of the scrubber head 2 comprises a second lip or flange 56
that extends outwardly from the base portion 6. The engagement
member on the rear of the mounting block 40 comprises a movable
lock member 60 that is dimensioned and positioned to engage the
second lip or flange 56. The lock member 60 is movable between a
locked position (shown in FIG. 7) and an unlocked position. The
lock member 60 is biased to the locked position. In one embodiment
the lock member 60 and mounting block 40 are formed as one-piece of
molded plastic where the lock member 60 pivots relative to the
mounting block 40. In one embodiment the lock member 60 extends
from the mounting block 40 in a cantilevered manner and creates a
snap lock with the lip or flange 56. The plastic material that
forms the lock member 60 provides the biasing force that biases the
lock member 60 to the locked position. The lock member 60 may also
be formed as a separate mechanical element from the mounting block
40 where the lock member 60 is connected to the mounting block 40
at a mechanical hinge. The lock member 60 may also be biased to the
locked position by a separate biasing mechanism such as a spring
rather than using the plastic material as the biasing mechanism. In
yet another embodiment, a lock member may simply be formed of a
material that has at least partial deflection or elastic
characteristics such that the lock member may be deformed during
attachment and removal of the cleaning pad 4, such as under the
force of the lock member against the scrubber head 2 or by manual
deflection by the user. In yet another embodiment, a lock member
may be a sliding or pivoting member that has a tab releasably
engageable with a corresponding detent, tang, or other snap fit or
friction fit connection. The use of the plastic material as the
biasing mechanism, however, may provide one economical arrangement
of making the movable lock member. The lock member 60 may also be
provided with a lead-in surface 64 that is engaged by the back edge
6a of body 6 during attachment of the scrubber head 2 to the
cleaning pad 4. The surface 64 is arranged such that the lock
member 60 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked
position against the bias of the biasing mechanism when it is
engaged by the back edge 6a of body 6.
[0041] To attach the scrubber head 2 to the cleaning pad 4 the
front end of the base 6 is positioned against the front end of the
mounting block 40 such that the flange or lip 52 of the base 6 is
positioned behind the flange or lip 58 of the mounting block 40.
The rear end of the scrubber head 2 is then rotated toward the rear
end of the mounting block 40 such that the back edge 6a of the base
6 engages the surface 64 on the lock member 60. As the rear end of
the scrubber head 2 is pushed toward the mounting block 40 the
engagement of the base 6 with the lead-in surface 64 moves the lock
member 60 to the unlocked position such that the lip or flange 56
may move passed the lock member 60 and the base 6 may be seated in
the receptacle formed by rim 44 and mounting block 40. When the
rear end of the base 6 moves past the lock member 60, the biasing
member moves the lock member 60 to the locked position. In the
locked position the lock member 60 engages and is positioned over
the lip or flange 56 of the base 6. In this position the base 6 of
the scrubber head 2 is secured to the cleaning pad 4 by the
engagement of the locking member 60 with flange 56 at the back end
of the tool and the engagement of the flange 52 with the flange 58
at the front end of the tool.
[0042] To release the scrubber head 2 from the cleaning pad 4, the
lock member 60 is moved to the unlocked position. To facilitate the
movement of the lock member 60 to the unlocked position a lever 68
is provided on the lock member 60 that may be easily pushed by the
user to release the lock member 60 from flange 56. Once the lock
member 60 is released, the rear end of the scrubber head 2 may be
rotated away from the mounting block 40. After the rear end of the
scrubber head 2 is rotated way from the mounting block 40 the
flange 52 may be removed from engagement with the flange 58. It is
appreciated that, in other embodiments, the lock member 60 (or
other lock members described herein) may likewise be provided in
opposite arrangement such that the lock member is coupled to the
scrubber head and releasably engages a corresponding structure on
the cleaning pad 4.
[0043] The lock member 60 may be used on both ends of the scrubber
head 2 and cleaning pad 4 rather than using the engaging flanges 52
and 58. Moreover, the pivoting lock member 60 may be replaced by a
rotating cam lock on one of the scrubber head and cleaning pad that
engages a mating structure or cam surface on the other of the
scrubber head and cleaning pad. The lock member may also comprise a
linear lock such as a bolt or rod on one of the scrubber head and
cleaning pad that engages a mating structure or receptacle on the
other of the scrubber head and cleaning pad. The lock member may
also comprise a threaded member such as a set screw threadably
attached to one of the scrubber head and cleaning pad that may be
tightened into engagement with the other of the scrubber head and
cleaning pad. The cleaning pad 4 may also be attached to the
scrubber head 2 using a keyed coupler where the bottom center of
the scrubber head and the top center of the cleaning pad have
mating keys. The scrubber head and cleaning pad 4 may be aligned
such that the mating keys engage one another. After the keys are
aligned the scrubber head and cleaning pad are rotated relative to
one another (e.g. 90.degree.) to lock the keyed couplers to one
another. To unlock the keyed coupler the scrubber head and cleaning
pad are rotated relative to one another in the opposite
direction.
[0044] A cleaning pad 4 also may be mounted to the scrubber head 2
without using a rigid mounting block by a second attachment
mechanism. To mount a cleaning pad 4 without using the mounting
block 40, the bottom surface 12 of the scrubber head 2 is also
provided with a series of hooks 70 (FIGS. 8 and 25). As used herein
the term "hooks" is intended to mean, without limitation, members
having one or more geometries permitting securement (or at least
partial interference) with another hook-receiving surface, such as,
but not limited to, rod-like members having one or more arced
surfaces, rod-like members having a mushroom or umbrella shaped
head, rod-like members having a t-shaped head or a flat head,
rod-like members having a palm tree shaped or anchor shaped head,
rod-like members having bent free ends, and the like. According to
various embodiments, hook receiving surfaces may include, but are
not limited to, loops, corresponding hooks, cut loops, free-ended
fibers or plastic members, and the like. In one embodiment the
hooks 70 are molded into the bottom surface during molding of the
scrubber head 2. To facilitate the molding of the hooks 70 onto the
surface 12, the surface 12 may be manufactured as a separate
component from the remainder of the scrubber head 2. The surface 12
having the hooks 70 may be connected to the scrubber head 2 by
fasteners such as screws 74, a snap fit connection, adhesive,
welding or the like. The hooks 70 may also be formed separate from
the bottom surface such as on fabric strips that are attached to
the bottom surface by adhesive, welding, stitching, fasteners or
the like. The hooks 70 may cover the entire surface 12 or may cover
portions 76a, 76b and 76c of the surface 12 provided the cleaning
pad 4 is securely held on the scrubber head 2. The cleaning pad 4
may comprise a cleaning surface such as a sponge, microfiber cloth,
scouring pad or other suitable surface, material or structure or
combinations of such surfaces, materials or structures. The
cleaning surface may be attached to a backing material 72 having a
plurality of loops 74 or other hook-receiving surfaces formed
thereon as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. It is appreciated that in some
embodiments, the cleaning pad 4 may not include a separate backing
material 72, such that the hooks 70 secure directly to the back
surface of the cleaning surface. In embodiments utilizing a backing
material 72, the backing material 72 may be secured to the cleaning
surface by any suitable attachment mechanism such as adhesive,
stitching, welding, or the like. To attach the cleaning pad 4 to
the scrubber head 2 the loops 74 or other hook-receiving surfaces
of the cleaning pad are pressed against the hooks 70. To remove the
cleaning pad 4 the loops 74 or other hook-receiving surfaces are
simply pulled away from the hooks 70.
[0045] It is appreciated that while only two attachment mechanisms
are shown and described, in some embodiments, a scrubber head 2 may
include more than two different types of attachment mechanisms. In
other embodiments, however, a first scrubber head 2 may only
include a single attachment mechanism, whereas a second scrubber
head 2 may include a different attachment mechanism than is
included on the first scrubber head, such that different scrubber
heads may support different functionality and/or cleaning pad types
utilizing different attachment mechanisms.
[0046] A variety of different types of scrubber heads 2 may be
provided with different structures and functionality such that
different types of scrubber heads may be used with different types
of cleaning pads 4. One such type of scrubber head is shown in
FIGS. 9 through 12 and includes a detail brush 80 removably mounted
on the scrubber head 2. The scrubber head 2 integrates an
ergonomically correct detail brush 80 having a cleaning surface 82
to clean tight and difficult to reach surfaces. The cleaning
surface 82 may comprise any suitable material such as bristles,
sponge, microfiber, scouring pad or other suitable surface,
material or structure or combinations of such surfaces, materials
or structures. The detail brush 80 snaps into a matching shaped
pocket 86 on the scrubber head 2 such that it is always within easy
reach of the user during the cleaning process. The detail brush 80
snaps into and out of the scrubber head 2 separate from the
cleaning pad 4 such that if the detail brush 80 is misplaced the
user can continue using the scrubber head 2 and cleaning pad 4 as a
unit. The provision of a separate detail brush allows a single tool
to clean a variety of surface types that call for distinct cleaning
processes and allows a user to clean different surfaces without
using the same cleaning surface. The detail brush 80 also can clean
very tight or difficult to reach surfaces that may not be reached
by the scrubber head 2.
[0047] In one embodiment the pocket 86 extends along the
longitudinal axis of the scrubber head 2 and is located on the
upper surface 10 such that the detail brush 80 is easy to access.
The pocket 86 conforms to the shape of the brush handle 84 such
that a relatively snug fit is created between the brush handle 84
and the pocket 86. The pocket and/or detail brush may be provided
with a locking structure to secure the detail brush 80 in pocket
86. The locking structure may comprise detents 88 on one of the
handle 84 and pocket 86 that cooperate with projecting tangs 90
formed on the other one of the handle 84 and pocket 86 to create a
mechanical lock between the detail brush 80 and the scrubbing head
2 (FIG. 12). The pocket 86 may be formed such that in the area of
the cleaning surface 82 the pocket 86 extends through the scrubber
head 2 (FIG. 11) such that the detail brush cleaning surface 82 is
exposed on the underside of the scrubber head 2. Providing an open
area allows the detail brush cleaning surface 82 to drain moisture
and air to circulate around the cleaning surface to dry out the
cleaning surface to prevent the formation of mold and mildew.
Moreover, providing an open area below the cleaning surface 82
allows a user to push on the end 80a of the detail brush adjacent
the cleaning surface 82 causing the opposite end 80b of brush
handle 84 to pivot away from upper surface 10 and disengage from
the locking structure 88, 90. The handle 84 of the detail brush 80
is rotated away from the scrubber head 2 where it may be easily
grasped by a user.
[0048] An embodiment of another type of scrubber head is
illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The cleaning tool comprises a
manual spray brush having a scrubber head 2 and a removable
cleaning pad 4 as described above. The scrubber head 2 comprises a
tank or reservoir 100 that may be filled with a cleaning solution.
The term "cleaning solution" is used herein in to mean any liquid
usable for cleaning including water, other cleaning solutions or
detergents, a mixture of water and/or other cleaning solutions or
detergents, or the like. In one embodiment the tank 100 may hold
4-6 ounces of cleaning solution and includes a fill port 102 at the
rear end of the tool that may be easily filled with a cleaning
solution. The center of gravity of the tank 100 and the handle 108
is directly above the cleaning pad 4 and the center of gravity of
the tool is centered on the handle 108. A trigger 110 is provided
on the handle 108 that is operatively connected to a pump assembly
113 via a lever 115. Pump assembly 113 operatively connects nozzle
112 on the front end of the scrubber head 2 to the tank 100 via
conduit 117. The user may depress the trigger 110 while gripping
the handle 108 to actuate the pump 113 and spray cleaning fluid
from the nozzle 112 in front of the tool. The trigger 110 and
internal spray components may be injection molded. The arrangement
of the trigger 110 and nozzle 112 allows fluid to be dispensed on a
surface while the user maintains his or her grip on the handle 108
to provide one-hand operation.
[0049] The scrubber head 2 may be made by injection molding the
housing sections 2a and 2b and then assembling those housing
sections together with screws, a snap-fit connection, welding,
adhesive or the like. The tank 100 may be blow molded and may be
positioned between the housing sections 2a and 2b before assembly
of the scrubber head 2 such that the tank 100 is retained in the
scrubber head 2 with the fill port 102 projecting from the scrubber
head. An injection molded cap 114 may removably cover the fill port
102
[0050] An embodiment of another type of scrubber head is
illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 18. The cleaning tool comprises a
scrubber head 2 that supports a removable cleaning pad 4 as
previously described above. A yoke 140 and connector 143 are
mounted to the scrubber head 2 in addition to handle 8 such that
the scrubber head 2 may be used either as a hand held scrub brush
or with an extender pole that extends the reach of the tool.
[0051] The yoke 140 is attached to the scrubber head 2 at pivot 144
such that the yoke 140 may pivot relative to the scrubber head 2.
The pivot 144 is arranged such that the axis of rotation of the
yoke 140 is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the scrubber
head 2. While the yoke 140 in the illustrated embodiment rotates
about a single axis, the yoke may be provided with a second axis of
rotation arranged transversely to pivot 144 such that the scrubber
head 2 may pivot relative to the yoke 140 about two orthogonal
axes. The yoke 140 may pivot approximately 120 degrees between a
first storage position where it is disposed substantially parallel
to and flush with the top surface 10 of scrubber head 2 and second
position where the yoke 140 is pivoted away from surface 10. The
yoke 140 may comprise a U-shaped member where the handle 8 may be
received between the legs 146 of the yoke. In the storage position,
the yoke 140 is secured to the base 6 such that it does not
interfere with the user's ability to grasp the handle 8. The yoke
140 may be releasably held in the storage position with a locking
structure. The locking structure may comprise detents 148 on one of
the yoke 140 and base that cooperate with projecting tangs 149
formed on the other one of the yoke 140 and body to create a
mechanical lock between the yoke 140 and the scrubbing head 2. In
one embodiment, the yoke 140 may be removably coupled to the
scrubber head 2, such as at or near pivot 144, to permit removing
the yoke 140 and handle 8 and allow free use of the scrubber head 2
in a second use without the handle 8.
[0052] Similarly, in one embodiment, the yoke 140 may be releasably
connected to an extender pole 160. In one embodiment the pole 160
is connected to the yoke 140 by a quick-connect coupling 141 that
may be easily and quickly attached to and detached from the
extender pole. The quick-connect coupling 141 may comprise a male
connector 143 on the yoke that is dimensioned to be inserted into a
female connector 168 on extender pole 160.
[0053] The pole 160 may comprise a first section 162 that is
telescopically received inside of a second section 164. Hand grips
180 and 182 may be provided on each end of the second section 164
to provide comfortable hand grips for the user. The connector 168
is formed on the free end of the first section 162. Referring to
FIG. 18 the connector 168 comprises a receptacle 169 that receives
the connector 143 on yoke 140. The receptacle 169 supports bearings
171 that engage an annular recess 150 on connector 143 to fix the
extender pole 160 to the yoke 140. The bearings 171 are held in a
locked position by a lock sleeve 174 that is biased to the locked
position by spring 175. The lock sleeve 174 may be retracted to
release the bearings 171 such that the bearings may be retracted
from annular recess 150. Once the bearings 171 are released from
recess 150, connector 143 may be removed from receptacle 169 of
connector 168. The receptacle 169 of connector 168 and connector
143 may be provided with non-round profiles to prevent the yoke 140
from rotating relative to the extender pole 160 during use. While a
quick connect coupling such as described may be used, other
releasable coupling mechanisms may be used such as mating screw
threads, a push button arrangement or the like.
[0054] The first section 162 is repositionable relative to the
second section 164 to adjust the length of the pole 160. The
sections 162 and 164 may be fixed in position relative to one
another at the desired length using a lock 182 as shown in FIGS. 15
through 18. The lock 182 may comprise a cam lever 184 that
comprises a lock member 188 that is mounted on a pivot 186. When
the lock 182 is in the locked position (FIG. 18) the lock member
188 is rotated into engagement with the first section 162 such that
the first section 162 is fixed in position relative to the second
section 164. The lock member may frictionally engage the first
section to fix the first and second sections in position relative
to one another. The cam lever 184 may be rotated to an unlocked
position to release the first section 162 such that the first
section 162 may be repositioned relative to the second section 164
to adjust the length of the pole 160. The lock 182 provides an
intuitive, reliable adjustment mechanism for an extendable
pole.
[0055] The combination of the scrubber head 2, detachable extender
pole 160 and removable/replaceable cleaning pads 4 creates a
versatile cleaning tool. The quick-connect coupling 141 provides an
intuitive, quick and easy mechanism allowing the tool to switch
between a handheld cleaning tool and an extended reach cleaning
tool. The removable/replaceable cleaning pads 4 may be shared among
the various types of scrubber heads. The cleaning tool may be used
to quickly clean tub/shower floors, walls, fixtures and corners and
provides the user with the ability to clean with an extended reach.
In one example of using the extender pole, the user may clean a
bath/shower stall without entering the stall.
[0056] Another embodiment of a scrubber head is shown in FIGS. 19
through 24. The scrubber head can efficiently clean contoured
surfaces having a variety of angled, intersecting, curved and
radiused surfaces. The scrubber head has an at least partly
flexible base that flexes to contour to a variety of surface shapes
and is ergonomically designed for leverage during scrubbing. The
scrubber head provides a full handled brush that may be converted
from a rigid brush to a flexible brush by shifting the base and the
scrubber head relative to one another. The scrubber head and base
may be shifted between a first position where at least a portion of
the base is able to flex and a second position where the portion of
the base is prevented from flexing. In the first position the
scrubber head may comprise a reinforcing assembly that reinforces
or supports the flexible portion of the base to prevent the base
from flexing. The scrubber head or a portion of the scrubber head
may be moved linearly, rotationally or the like relative to the
base to move the reinforcing assembly from the flexible portion of
the base to activate the flexing of the base.
[0057] For example, according to one embodiment, the permanently
attached handle assembly 208 comprises the reinforcing assembly.
Handle assembly 208 may be shifted forward and backward relative to
the base 210 to allow a front section 212 of base 210 to flex. The
brush may be provided with any type of cleaning pad 4 that can at
least partially flex such as a bristles, a scour pad, a sponge, a
microfiber cloth or other suitable surface, material or structure
or combinations of such surfaces, materials or structures.
According to one embodiment a push button lock may be used to
secure and release the handle assembly 208 from the base 210 such
that the handle is selectably free to slide along a guide toward
the rear of base 210 which allows the front flexible section 212 to
become active and flex. The handle assembly 208 of this embodiment
locks to the base 210 in either the front position to provide an
all rigid brush or the rear position to provide a flexible front
tip. The handle may be moved rotationally between a first position
where it reinforces the flexible section 212 and a second position
where it is positioned remotely from the flexible section 212 such
that the flexible section is free to rotate. Moreover, rather than
moving the entire handle assembly, the handle may be fixed to the
base and the reinforcing assembly may comprise a separate plate or
other structure that is shifted independently of the handle between
a first position where it reinforces the flexible section 212 and a
second position where it is positioned remotely from the flexible
section 212 such that the flexible section is free to rotate.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment the base 210 may comprise a
rigid rear section 214 having a first plurality of bristles or
other cleaning surface attached to the bottom surface thereof. The
base 210 also comprises a flexible front section 212 that is
connected to and extends from the rear section 214 to form the
front end of the tool. The front section 212 is made of a flexible
material and is configured such that the front section 212 can bend
or flex when a force is applied to the front section. The base 210
may be molded where the front section 212 is made of a flexible
material such as linear low density polyethylene and the rigid back
section 214 is overmolded on the front section with a rigid
material such as polypropylene. According to one embodiment, the
front section 212 comprises a plurality of relatively thick
sections 212a alternating with a plurality of relatively thinner
sections 212b. The thick sections 212a may support the bristles
228. The thin sections 212b allow the front section 212 to more
easily flex. While the front section 212 is shown with alternating
thick and thin sections, the need for these sections may depend on
the flexibility of the material used and the amount of flex desired
in the front section 212. For example, according to another
embodiment, the front section 212 may be sufficiently rigid to
support the pad material while still retaining enough flexibility
or elasticity to deform under user's pressure when in use. Such an
embodiment may be utilized with soft pad materials, such as a scour
pad, sponge or microfiber, for example. In yet other embodiments,
the entire base 210 may be constructed from the same flexible
material, such that any portion that extends beyond or is not
otherwise supported by the reinforcing assembly can flex.
[0059] The first set of bristles 228 or other cleaning surface are
attached to the bottom surface of the first section 212 and a
second plurality of bristles 230 or other cleaning surface are
attached to the bottom surface of the second section 214. The
bristles or other cleaning surface 228 on the first section 212 may
be the same as or different than the bristles or other cleaning
surface 230 on the second section 214. The bristles may be of a
different size, stiffness or the like and the cleaning surfaces may
be made of materials other than bristles.
[0060] In one embodiment, the top surfaces of the first section 212
and second section 214 comprise a guide or track 220 that slidably
supports the handle assembly 208 such that the handle assembly 208
may slide relative to the base 210 along the longitudinal axis of
the tool. In one embodiment, on the rear section 214 the guide 220
comprises a raised support 222 that extends along the direction of
travel of handle assembly 208. The support 222 defines a first
outwardly facing recess 224 extending along one side of the guide
220 and defined in part by a flange 226. A second outwardly facing
recess extends along the opposite side of the guide 220 and is
defined in part by a second flange. On the front section 212 the
guide 220 is formed of a plurality of segments 220a that are
located on the thick sections 212a such that the guide does not
inhibit the flexing of the front section. Each section 212a defines
an outwardly facing recess 224a extending along each side of the
guide 220 that is defined in part by flange 226a. The recesses 224
and 224a are coextensive such that the handle assembly 208 may
slide along the guide 220 between the extended and retracted
positions. A slot 240 extends through a portion of the second
section 214 and a portion of the first section 212 with its long
axis extending along the direction of travel of the handle assembly
208. Slot 240 receives a lock member as will be described.
[0061] The handle assembly 208 comprises a slide 250 that rides on
guide 220 and a handle 252 that extends over the slide 250 that may
be gripped by a user. The handle assembly 208 is made of a rigid
material such as molded polypropylene. The slide 250 comprises
inwardly facing flanges that engage recesses 224 and 224a formed on
base 210 such that the slide 250 may reciprocate relative to the
base but is otherwise secured thereto. The handle assembly 208 may
ride on the guide 220 between an extended position (FIG. 19) where
the slide 250 engages the guide 220 on both the front section 212
and the rear section 214 and a retracted position (FIG. 25) where
the slide 250 engages only the guide on the rear section 214. In
the extended position, the slide 250 prevents the front section 212
from flexing. In the retracted position, the front section 212 is
free to flex because the slide 250 does not reinforce or support
the flexible front section 212. It is appreciated that in other
embodiments the slide and guide may be provided in opposite
orientation, such that the handle comprises a guide and
corresponding features otherwise described herein and the bottom
portion comprises a slide and corresponding features otherwise
described herein.
[0062] The handle assembly 208 includes a lock mechanism that locks
the handle assembly in both the retracted position and the extended
position. The lock mechanism comprises a plunger 260 that is
mounted for reciprocating movement in the handle assembly
perpendicular to the base 210. The plunger 260 terminates in an
actuator 262, such as push button, on the handle 252 that may be
depressed by a user to unlock the lock mechanism. The actuator 262
is positioned such that it may be depressed while the user holds
handle 252. The opposite end of the plunger 260 terminates in an
enlarged head 264. The plunger 260 extends through the slot 240
such that the enlarged head 264 is disposed on the side of the base
210 opposite to the handle 252. The plunger 260 is biased by a
spring 261 to the locked position where the head 264 is biased
toward the bottom of the base 210. A first recess 266 is formed at
the front end of the slot 240 and a second recess 268 is formed at
the rear end of the slot 240. The recesses 266 and 268 are
dimensioned to receive the enlarged head 264. When the handle
assembly 208 is positioned in the extended position the enlarged
head 264 is biased into recess 266 and when the handle assembly 208
is positioned in the retracted position the enlarged head 264 is
biased into recess 268. When the head 264 is in either the first
recess 266 or second recess 268 the handle assembly 208 is
prevented from moving relative to the base 210. To move the handle
assembly 208 relative to the base 210, the actuator 262 is
depressed which causes the plunger to extend such that the enlarged
head 264 is removed from the first or second recess. The handle
assembly 208 may then be slid to either end of the slot 240 to the
retracted position or the extended position and the push button
released. When the push button 260 is released, the spring 261
moves the head into engagement with either the first recess 266 or
the second recess 268 to lock the handle assembly 208 in either the
extended or retracted position. While a two position arrangement is
illustrated, additional recesses may be provided along the length
of the slot 240 to provide locked positions intermediate of the
extended position and the retracted position.
[0063] It is appreciated that a number of other mechanisms may be
utilized to achieve the sliding relationship between the cleaning
surface and the handle surface along a parallel plane. For example,
the cleaning pad or bristles may be secured to an at least
partially flexible base, similar to that described with reference
to FIGS. 2-7, wherein the partially flexible base includes a
flexible portion (e.g., at the front tip) and can be secured to a
scrubber handle, such as a scrubber handle described herein that
incorporates attachment mechanisms. To provide flexibility to the
cleaning pad or bristles, the base can be secured to the handle in
at least two different positions: (1) a first position in which the
base including the flexible portion is substantially reinforced or
supported by the scrubber handle, providing rigid cleaning use
(similar to that illustrated in FIG. 7); and (2) a second position
in which at least a portion of the flexible portion of the base is
extended from the scrubber head, providing flexible cleaning use.
One way this can be achieved is utilizing attachment mechanisms
along the side edges of the cleaning pad base and/or scrubber base
or utilizing attachment mechanisms formed on the mating surfaces of
the cleaning pad base and scrubber handle, whereby the attachment
mechanisms are located to permit at least two distinct positions of
attachment and the scrubber head is free to slide beyond the
cleaning pad base (e.g., rearwardly). Example attachment mechanisms
include, but are not limited, those described herein, such as
fastening hooks, latches, locks, tabs, detents, or other friction
fit, snap fit, or mechanical securement. In this manner, the
scrubber handle may be utilized with other cleaning pads that do
not include flexible portions as well.
[0064] Accordingly, the brush may be configured for use as either a
flexible brush or a rigid brush thereby eliminating the need for
two separate tools. The brush allows the user to have a solid
handled scrub brush in both the flexible and rigid modes. The base
210 may be provided with a removable cleaning pad rather than fixed
bristles. For example, the bristles 228 and 230 may be omitted and
the bottom surfaces of the first section 212 and the second section
214 may be provided with hook fasteners as described with reference
to FIGS. 3-5 and 7 for attaching the base 210 to different types of
cleaning pads.
[0065] The components described above may be used in a cleaning
system that provides flexibility in the functionality of the
scrubber head and cleaning pads. Because the cleaning pads are
removable and replaceable a variety of different types of cleaning
surfaces may be used with a variety of different types of scrubber
heads. The user may select the desired type of scrubber head and
the desired type of cleaning pad to make a unit providing the
desired scrubber head functionality and the desired cleaning pad
functionality. Moreover, different scrubber head functionalities
may be combined in a single scrubber head in combinations other
than specifically shown in the example embodiments.
[0066] Specific embodiments of an invention are disclosed herein.
One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention
has other applications in other environments. Many embodiments are
possible. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the
scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described
above.
* * * * *