AU2021105962A4

AU2021105962A4 - A reusable cleaning device

Info

Publication number: AU2021105962A4
Application number: AU2021105962A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mikolaj Nicer; Laura PERRY; Jan van Ackeren
Original assignee: Seed & Sprout Co Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Seed & Sprout Co Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-19
Filing date: 2021-08-19
Publication date: 2021-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-19

Abstract

(Figure 2B) A reusable cleaning device comprising: a head portion comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, and an opening extending therethrough between the upper and lower surfaces; a sponge member configured to be removably received within the opening of the head portion; a handle contiguous with the head portion; and a reservoir located in the handle, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with an outlet located in the head portion and an inlet located in the handle 1/4 DRAWINGS 100 10 20 24 12 16 22 Figure 1A 18 26 Figure 1B 20 100 10 12 14 18 Figure 2A 26 22 24 28 30 32 Figure 2B

Description

1/4

DRAWINGS

100 10 20 24 12

16 22

Figure 1A

18 26

Figure 1B

20

100 10

12

18 Figure 2A 14

26 22 24

28 30 32 Figure 2B

A REUSABLE CLEANING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a reusable cleaning device. In particular, the present invention relates to a reusable cleaning device having a reusable handle connectable to a compostable sponge member.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many people use cleaning devices to scrub or clean dishes and pans as well as other dirty surfaces, such as floors, benches, toilets, and the like. However, such cleaning devices are typically non-reusable and discarded after a few uses.

[0003] Attempts have been made to reduce the number of cleaning devices being discarded by making some of the components reusable. For example, dish (and toilet) wands with replaceable cleaning heads are known. However, while the handles of such devices are reusable, the cleaning heads are still discarded after only a few uses. Similarly, while the handles of floor mops are reusable, the cleaning heads are also discarded after a few uses. Although, some components of the cleaning heads are fabricated from recyclable materials, most mixed materials cannot be recycled, or are difficult to recycle, and as a result of the replaceable cleaning heads are often discarded to landfill.

[0004] On a related issue, the complementary connection portions which enable cleaning heads to be removably attached to handles and prevent the cleaning heads from detaching during use are often difficult to connect. This is particularly an issue with people having a weakened grip who may find it difficult to apply suitable force to attach the cleaning head to the handle.

[0005] Additionally, removing replaceable cleaning heads from the handles of prior art cleaning devices may require a person to grip the cleaning head in order to apply sufficient force to detach the cleaning head from the handle. This is particularly an issue when the cleaning device has been used to scrub or clean surfaces which may have a high microbial load.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a reusable cleaning device, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a reusable cleaning device comprising: a head portion comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening extending therethrough between the upper and lower surfaces; a handle contiguous with the head portion; and a reservoir located in the handle and in fluid communication with an outlet located in the head portion and an inlet located in the handle, wherein the opening in the head portion is configured to removably receive at least a portion of a sponge member therein.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in a second aspect of the invention, resides broadly in a reusable cleaning device comprising: a head portion comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening extending therethrough between the upper and lower surfaces; a sponge member configured to be removably received within the opening in the head portion; a handle contiguous with the head portion, and a reservoir located in the handle and in fluid communication with an outlet located in the head portion and an inlet located in the handle.

[0010] Advantageously, the reusable cleaning device of the present invention enables a user to attach and detach a replaceable sponge member to the reusable cleaning device with relative ease. Moreover, the method of attaching and detaching the replaceable sponge member to the reusable cleaning device enables use of a compostable materials which reduces the amount of waste being sent to landfill. In addition, the reusable cleaning device of the present invention enables a user to hygienically detach the replaceable sponge member from the reusable cleaning device.

[0011] As indicated, the reusable cleaning device includes a head portion comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening extending therethrough.

[0012] The head portion may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. Generally, the head portion may be of sufficient size, shape and configuration to efficiently clean a surface of an object to be cleaned. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the size, shape and configuration of the head portion may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type and size of the objects to be cleaned, the ergonomics of the cleaning device and aesthetic considerations.

[0013] For example, the head portion may be substantially circular, oval, triangular, polygonal, oblong, or rectangular-shaped in cross-section, or any combination thereof. Typically, the head portion may be substantially oblong or oval-shaped cross-section.

[0014] In some embodiments, the head portion may comprise an upper surface and a lower surface and at least one sidewall extending therebetween.

[0015] The at least one sidewall may be defined by a pair of opposed side surfaces. The opposed side surfaces may include an inner surface and an opposed outer surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the opposed side surfaces may extend substantially parallel to one another. In other embodiments, each surface may have a concave or convex contour, typically convex.

[0017] As indicated above, the head portion comprises an opening extending therethrough between the upper and lower surfaces. In this instance, it will be understood that the inner side surface defines a periphery of the opening in the head portion.

[0018] The opening of the head portion may be of any suitable size, shape, and configuration to removably receive at least a portion of a sponge member therein.

[0019] For example, the opening may be substantially circular, oval, triangular, polygonal, oblong, or rectangular-shaped in cross-section, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the opening may be substantially oblong or oval-shaped cross-section. In some embodiments, the opening may be substantially similar in cross-sectional shape to the head portion.

[0020] The opening of the head portion may be located in any suitable portion of the head portion. For instance, the opening may be centrally located, may be off-centre, may be located proximal to the handle, may be located distal to the handle, or the like.

[0021] In some embodiments, the opening may be centrally located in the head portion.

[0022] As indicated above, the reusable cleaning device may comprise a sponge member.

[0023] The sponge member may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration.

[0024] Generally, the sponge member may be of sufficient size, shape and configuration such that the sponge member may at least partially encase the head portion. In this instance, it will be understood that the sponge member prevents the head portion from directly contacting and potentially damaging a surface to be cleaned.

[0025] The sponge member may be formed from any material or combination of materials suitable for cleaning. For example, the sponge member may be formed from soft and porous absorbent material or materials for absorbing water and water-based solutions (e.g., cleaning solutions).

[0026] Generally, the sponge member may be fabricated from one or more compostable or biodegradable materials.

[0027] For example, the sponge member may be formed from vegetable fibres (such as cotton, hemp, sisal), cellulose wood fibres, animal fibres (such as wool), natural plant fibre sponges (such as Luffa or loofah, Konjac root, Vetiver or other bunchgrass roots), natural animal fibre sponges, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In some embodiments, the sponge member may include one or more layers.

[0029] For example, in some such embodiments, the sponge member may include two or more layers. The layers may or may not be of like size and shape. The layers may be fabricated from the same material or differing materials.

[0030] In some such embodiments, the layers may be of different thicknesses, densities and/or coarseness.

[0031] For example, in some such embodiments, the sponge member may be provided with at least one layer of a relatively soft material and at least one other layer of a relatively coarse or firmer material.

[0032] In yet other embodiments, the sponge member may comprise three layers, wherein the first and second layers comprise a relatively soft material and wherein the third layer comprises a relatively coarse or firmer material.

[0033] The two or more layers of the sponge member may be fastened to an adjacent layer. In such embodiments, the layers may be fixedly, or releasably joined together.

[0034] Any suitable region of each of the layers may be attached to any suitable region of an adjacent layer. For example, the layers may be attached around the perimeter of each of the layers, in a substantially central region of each of the layers, in two or more regions of each of the layers separated by a region which is not attached to an adjacent layer, or any suitable combination thereof. Generally, the layers may be attached together at any suitable region providing the attached region may be of sufficient size, shape and configuration to prevent separation of the layers of the sponge member when the reusable cleaning device is in use.

[0035] For example, in one such embodiment, the layers may be joined together by one or more mechanical fasteners and/or thermal or chemical treatments.

[0036] The one or more thermal or chemical treatments may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive, a double-sided adhesive tape, a melt-bonding treatment or the like, or any suitable combination thereof, applied to at least a portion of the surface of the layers to be joined together.

[0037] The one or more mechanical fasteners may include a plurality of stitches, complementary hook and loop attachments, or the like.

[0038] As indicated above, at least a portion of the sponge member may be configured to be removably received within the opening of the head portion. Generally, the portion of the sponge member removably received within the opening of the head portion may be of sufficient size, shape and configuration to retain the sponge member in connection with the head portion when the reusable cleaning device is in use. Preferably, the sponge member may be frictionally fitted in the opening of the head portion.

[0039] In some embodiments, at least a first layer of the sponge member may be passed through the opening of the head portion so that the first layer may be located substantially adjacent the upper surface of the head portion and the at least a second layer may be located adjacent the lower surface of the head portion.

[0040] The sponge member comprises at least one tab located along a perimeter of the sponge member. In use, the at least one tab may be pulled to remove the sponge member from the reusable cleaning device. Advantageously, the at least one tab prevents a user having to physically grip and handle the sponge member, which at this stage, when being removed, may be dirty and have a high microbial load.

[0041] As indicated above, the reusable cleaning device comprises a handle contiguous with the head portion.

[0042] In some embodiments, the handle and head portion may be formed as a unitary structure.

[0043] In other embodiments, the handle and head portion may be formed from two or more portions that join, fasten or connect together. The portions maybe joined, fastened or connected together in any suitable way. For example, the portions may be adhered together using an adhesive, a heat or chemical treatment, welded using any suitable technique or fastened together using one or more mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the two or more portions may be fastened together by frictional engagement, or by providing complementary screw threaded portions, snap-fit features, male-female connectors, or the like.

[0044] The handle may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration.

[0045] For instance, the handle may have an elongated body, an arcuate shape, or any other shape suitable for gripping by a hand of a user.

[0046] Generally, the handle may be of sufficient size, shape and configuration to be gripped and manipulated in one hand of a user, and a reservoir defined within the handle for storing a fluid. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the size, shape and configuration of the handle may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type and size of the objects to be cleaned, the ergonomics of the cleaning device and aesthetic considerations.

[0047] The handle portion may be fabricated from any suitable material. For example, the handle may be fabricated from a metal or metal alloy, a polymeric material, or any suitable combination thereof. Generally, the handle portion may be fabricated from a relatively durable and recyclable material such that the cleaning device may be reusable.

[0048] In some embodiments, the handle portion may be fabricated from aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

[0049] In some embodiments, the handle portion may be fabricated from stainless steel.

[0050] As indicated above, a reservoir may be located in the handle, the reservoir may be in fluid communication with an outlet located in the head portion and an inlet located in the handle.

[0051] The reservoir may of any sufficient size, shape and configuration. Generally, the reservoir may be of sufficient size, shape and configuration to retain a volume of a fluid therein. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the size, shape and configuration of the reservoir may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size, shape and configuration of the handle, the volume of fluid to be contained therein and the connections required to fill and dispense the fluid.

[0052] In some embodiments, the reservoir may be sized and shaped to substantially conform with at least one internal dimension of the handle.

[0053] In some embodiments, the reservoir may include a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending longitudinally therebetween. The elongate body may be of tubular construction. The elongate body may be defined by at least one sidewall. The at least one sidewall may be curved such that the elongate body has a substantially circular profile shape, although non-circular reservoirs are also envisaged.

[0054] In some embodiments, the reservoir may have a substantially frustoconical shape, wherein the elongate body tapers from the inlet of the reservoir towards the outlet of the reservoir. Generally, the elongate body may not be truncated precisely at the outlet of the reservoir and may instead be truncated at any suitable distance along the elongate body relative to the outlet.

[0055] In some embodiments, the outlet of the reservoir may correspond with the outlet of the reusable cleaning device and/or the inlet of the reservoir may correspond with the inlet of the reusable cleaning device.

[0056] In other embodiments, the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the outlet and the inlet by way of an internal fluid line.

[0057] The reusable cleaning device may be provided with a closure for releasably sealing the inlet.

[0058] In some embodiments, the closure may comprise a cap or lid which can be clipped on, screwed on or frictionally fitted to the inlet located in the handle.

[0059] In some embodiments, the closure may be provided with a sealing member, such as, e.g., an O-ring, a gasket, a washer, or the like.

[0060] In some embodiments, the head portion may be provided with an outlet. Generally, the outlet may be of sufficient size, shape and configuration to dispense a required amount of a fluid, such as, e.g., a cleaning solution, into a region of the head portion. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the size, shape and configuration of the outlet may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of fluid to be dispensed, the type of surfaces to be cleaned and the type and absorbency of the sponge material.

[0061] For example, the outlet may be relatively small when configured to dispense a fluid of relatively high viscosity or when the contact time between the cleaning device and the surface to be cleaned may be relatively short and a relatively small amount of fluid is required.

[0062] The outlet may be configured to dispense the fluid into any suitable region of the head portion. Generally, the outlet may be configured to dispense the fluid into a region of the head portion in contact with the sponge material.

[0063] For example, the outlet may be located on the upper surface of the head portion, the lower surface of the head portion, the inner side surface of the head portion, the outer side surface of the head portion, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the outlet may be located on an inner side surface of the head portion.

[0064] The outlet may be configured to dispense the fluid in any suitable manner. For instance, the fluid may be dispensed under gravity, may be dispensed when the handle is compressed, i.e., squeezed, may be dispensed when downward pressure is applied to the sponge member and/or head portion against the surface to be cleaned, may be manually or electronically actuated (such as by push button), or any suitable combination thereof.

[0065] Any suitable number of outlets may be provided. Generally, the number of outlets may be sufficient to dispense a required amount of a fluid, such as a cleaning solution, into contact with the sponge material. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of outlets may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of fluid to be dispensed, the type of surfaces to be cleaned and the type and absorbency of the sponge material.

[0066] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0067] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0068] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0069] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a top view of the reusable cleaning device without a sponge member and with a sponge member respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a side view of the reusable cleaning device as shown in Figures 1A and 1B without a sponge member and with a sponge member respectively;

[0071] Figures 3A to 3C illustrate perspective views of the reusable cleaning device as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B illustrating removal of a sponge member;

[0072] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a sectional side view and top view of the reusable cleaning device respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 5 illustrates an end view of the inlet of the reservoir located in the handle of the reusable cleaning device as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3A to 3C;

[0074] Figure 6 illustrates an end view of the outlet of the reservoir located in the head portion of the reusable cleaning device as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 3A to 3C; and

[0075] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a sectional top view and a sectional side view of the sponge member of the reusable cleaning device respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] A reusable cleaning device 100 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the reusable device comprising a head portion 10 comprising an upper surface 12, a lower surface 14, and an opening 16 therethrough, wherein the opening 16 is configured to removably receive at least a portion of a sponge member 18 therein. The reusable cleaning device comprises a handle 20 contiguous with the head portion 10, a reservoir (not shown) located in the handle 20, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with an outlet 34 located in the head portion 10 and an inlet 24 located in the handle 20. The sponge member 18 comprises two or more layers 26,28.

[0077] When the at least a portion of the sponge member 18 is received in the opening 10 of the head portion at least a first layer 26 of the sponge member is located adjacent the upper surface 12 of the head portion and at least a second layer 28 of the sponge member is located adjacent the lower surface 14 of the head portion 10. Sponge member 18 comprises a third layer 30 adjacent second layer 28. Preferably, the sponge member comprises a compostable or biodegradable material, for instance, the first layer 26 and second layer 28 of sponge member 18 are fabricated from a relatively soft compostable cellulose material and third layer 30 is fabricated from a relatively coarse or rough compostable loofah material.

[0078] In Figures 3A to 3C, perspective views of the reusable cleaning device 100 showing a means of removing a sponge member 18 are illustrated. In Figure 3A, a sponge member 18 is located in the opening 16 of the head portion such that at least a first layer 26 of the sponge member 18 is located substantially adjacent the upper surface of the head portion and at least a second layer 28 of the sponge member is located adjacent the lower surface of the head portion. In use, it is envisaged that a shaped region 40 may assist in retaining the sponge member 18 in frictional engagement with the opening 16 of the head portion 10. The sponge member 18 comprises at least one tab 32 located along a perimeter of the sponge member 18, wherein pulling on the at least one tab 32 enables a user to pull the sponge member 18 through and out of the opening 16 of the head portion 10 (Figure 3B) so as to remove the sponge member 18 from the reusable cleaning device 100 (Figure 3C)

.

[0079] In Figures 4A and 4B, a sectional view of the reusable cleaning device 100 is illustrated. The reusable cleaning device comprises a head portion 10 and a handle 20 contiguous with the head portion 10 and a reservoir 36 located in the handle 20, wherein the reservoir 36 is in fluid communication with an outlet 34 located in the head portion 10 and an inlet 24 located in the handle 20.

[0080] In Figure 5, the inlet 24 of the reservoir located in handle 20 of the reusable cleaning device is illustrated. In use, a cover member 22 in the form of a cap is configured for removable connection with the inlet 24. Preferably, the cover member 22 may comprise a sealing member 38 such as an O-ring, gasket, or the like which assists in providing a leak proof seal such that the fluid material does not leak from the reservoir.

[0081] In Figure 6, an outlet 34 of the reservoir located in head portion 10 of the reusable cleaning device is illustrated. In use, outlet 34 is configured to dispense a fluid, such as a cleaning solution, into a region of the head portion 10 such that the fluid suds the sponge member received within the opening 16 of the head portion.

[0082] In Figures 7A and 7B, a sectional view of the sponge member 18 of the reusable cleaning device is illustrated. The sponge member comprises a first layer 26, a second layer 28 and a third layer 30, wherein the second layer 28 is located between the first and third layers 26,30. At least a portion of the first layer 26 and at least a portion of the second layer 28 of the sponge member 18 may be fastened to each other. Preferably, the at least a portion of the first layer 26 and the at least a portion of the second layer 28 may be fastened to one another using a plurality of stitches to form region 40. In use, it is envisaged that region 40 of the sponge member 18 is configured to be at least partially received in the opening of the head portion, thereby assisting in retaining the sponge member in frictional engagement with the opening.

[0083] At least a portion of the second layer 28 of the sponge member 18 may be fastened to at least a portion of the third layer 30 of the sponge member 18. Preferably, the at least a portion of the second layer 28 and the at least a portion of the third layer 30 may be fastened using a plurality of stitches in one or more regions 42 of the sponge member 18.

[0084] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises'and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0085] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0086] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A reusable cleaning device comprising: a head portion comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening extending therethrough between the upper and lower surfaces; a handle contiguous with the head portion; and a reservoir located in the handle and in fluid communication with an outlet located in the head portion and an inlet located in the handle, wherein the opening in the head portion is configured to removably receive at least a portion of a sponge member therein.

2. A reusable cleaning device comprising: a head portion comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, and an opening extending therethrough between the upper and lower surfaces; a sponge member configured to be removably received within the opening in the head portion; a handle contiguous with the head portion; and a reservoir located in the handle and in fluid communication with an outlet located in the head portion and an inlet located in the handle.

3. A reusable cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sponge member comprises at least one tab located along a perimeter of the sponge, wherein the at least one tab assists in the removal of the sponge member.

4. A reusable cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sponge member comprises a biodegradable and/or compostable material.

5. A reusable cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening of the head portion is configured to frictionally receive the sponge member therethrough.