FR2834190A1 - DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF SURFACES BY THE COMBINED ACTION OF MECHANICAL FRICTIONS AND LIQUIDS - Google Patents

Abstract

The device is intended for cleaning and sanitizing, and comprises a central rigid support for external friction elements such as radial bristles, fibers or filaments, spongy substance and the like. It is characterized in that the support (4 ) is placed at the end of a tubular member (2) connected to a sealed capacity (1) which is intended to contain a cleaning and / or sanitizing liquid (7) and which is associated with pressurizing means liquid (7), in order to expel it out of the capacity (1) by the tubular member (2).

Description

on which it is held by various fixing means.

  The present invention relates to the field of hygiene and cleanliness, especially when the places to be cleaned are difficult to access or particularly sensitive to soiling , that is to say that they require particularly careful care. This is the case with the inter dental intervals, but also, in a completely different field, the edges of toilet bowls, parts of premises located behind radiators, places partly masked by household appliances or ovens, etc., as well as for the little ones

  mechanical work: cleaning, lubrication, pickling or de-grappling, of organs and engines.

  lO There are currently many products and devices that greatly facilitate cleaning and maintenance operations, but we observe that they are generally offered in competition with each other, and we multiply the advertising messages to praise the superiority of such product

  by reference to such utensil and vice versa.

For example:

  l 5 To a toothpaste is sold for any toothbrush and a toothbrush is sold for any toothpaste; a sponge is sold for any washing powder and a washing powder is sold regardless of the object with which it will be applied; To a specific sanitation product for toilets is sold independently of any reference to a brush, the fact that it is packaged in a bottle with a curved neck being presented as a sufficient means of application in itself; more generally, a brush or a broom is sold as a stand-alone instrument, universally applicable to any operation The present invention provides a new solution making it possible to create new sets

  combining the mechanical, chemical and biological effects of different products and instruments.

  To this end, the object of the invention is a cleaning and sanitation device comprising a central rigid support for external friction elements such as bristles, fibers or radial filaments, a spongy substance and the like, characterized in that the support is placed at the end of a tubular member connected to a sealed capacity which is intended to contain a cleaning and / or sanitation liquid and which is associated with means for placing under

  pressure of the liquid, in order to expel it out of the capacity by the tubular member.

  Other characteristics of the invention will emerge from the detailed description below given in

  reference to the accompanying drawing. Of course, the description and the drawing are only given as

  indicative and non-limiting example.

  FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic sectional views of a device according to the invention,

  in two different situations of a first embodiment.

  Figure 3 is a schematic elevational view of a device according to the invention, according to a

another embodiment.

  Figures 4 and 5 are two schematic sectional views, illustrating the filling of the capacity

  waterproof, by the tubular member and the support which is here a brush.

  Figure 6 is a schematic view of a variant of the invention according to which the tank is

  very small compared to the elements of the device.

  FIG. 7 schematically shows a user exerting pressure on the sealed capacity for

  bring out the contents by the tubular member and the brush.

  Figures 8, 9 and 10 are schematic views showing the three parts of a device

  according to the invention, according to another embodiment.

  Figure 11 is a schematic view with partial section showing the complete device

  consisting of the three parts of Figures 8, 9 and 10.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic view with partial section of a device according to the invention,

  according to another embodiment.

  FIG. 13 schematically shows a user exerting pressure on the sealed capacity

  to bring out the contents by the tabular member and the support which is here a brush.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic view with partial section of a device according to the invention,

  according to another embodiment.

  FIG. 15 schematically shows a user acting on the control of a sprayer,

  allowing the extraction of the contents of the capacity, pressurized by a compressed gas.

  Referring to the drawing, it can be seen that a device in accordance with the invention comprises several parts which contribute to a new effect, namely the positioning in places of difficult access of means of cleaning and / or disinfection associating the effects of a liquid and

  mechanical effects of a friction element.

  In addition, the friction element can be kept in the same cleaning and / or disinfection liquid as that which is intended to be dispensed by the device, so that this element

  is constantly protected from the effects of bacteria.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, the device according to the invention comprises a sealed capacity 1, which communicates with a tubular member, or "tube" 2, associated with a brush 3 formed of a support

  rigid central 4 and radial bristles 5.

  The rigid support 4 is discontinuous so as not to block the tubular member 2 in which it is engaged. Here, we have chosen a brush 3 of a type known per se and sometimes called a "swab", the rigid support of which is formed by a metallic "pin" folded into two initially parallel branches and between which the bristles are placed, these two branches then being subjected to a strong twist on themselves along a common axis to form a single spiral rod 4 energetically trapping between its turns the hairs 5 which spread radially and twist over only part of the length of this rod 4, in order to leave an end segment free of bristles 5 and having to be engaged in the tube 2 with a certain friction in order to be kept there permanently while being able to be removed therefrom with a certain tensile force by the user who wish, for example, to exchange a used brush 3 with a brush 3

  new or clean a soiled brush 3 and replace it after cleaning.

  The sealed capacity 1 is made of flexible material, in particular rubber or other elastomer, and

  constitutes what is called a "pear" in common parlance.

  As we know, by compressing the pear 1 by hand, we expel the air through the tube 2, and releasing this pressure when the tobe 2 and the brush 3 are immersed in a liquid, the latter

  enters the pear 1 taking the place of the initial air.

  To this end, this embodiment of the invention provides a tank 6 separate from the assembly l-

  2-3-4-5 which we have just described, and containing a liquid 7 of a nature suitable for the use intended for the device: hygiene product, medical care, disinfection, maintenance, cleaning5 lubrication, de-seeding, etc. Immediately below the bulb 1 is a cover 8 having a peripheral rim 8_, the internal diameter of which is equal to the external diameter of the tank 6 with sufficient play so that the cover 8 is placed freely on the top of the tank 6 in styling its opening

  and can be removed just as freely.

  lO Thus, the mobile assembly 1-2-3-4-5 is permanently placed in the situation represented by the

figure 2.

  The brush 3 constantly soaks in the liquid 7 and is isolated from the ambient air, which

  protects from oxygen, bacteria and impurities.

  Soaking in an antiseptic liquid, for example, is a means of cleaning and, even, a

l S form of sterilization.

  When the user wants to use the device, he takes hold of the bulb 1 and ensures that it contains liquid 7, either because it has been introduced beforehand, or by exercising one or more

  pressures on the bulb l before extracting the assembly from the tank 6.

  Then, the user exerts or not a pressure on the pear l to make out of the liquid 7 and

  introduce it in the place to be treated or cleaned.

  It should be noted that with the device of the invention, it is possible to extract liquid 7 while exerting a brushing action, either continuously by continuously exerting a low pressure on the bulb 1, or intermittently by exerting more or less numerous and energetic pressures. Because the user pressurizes the liquid 7, it is expelled from the bulb 1, borrows the tube 2 and travels through the rigid support 4 by passing the double helical passage which remains between the turns of this support, then reaches the hairs 5 which it traverses to their free ends, by

the effect of capillarity.

  The liquid 7 is deposited on the brushed objects and impregnates them while they are subjected to the friction of the bristles S. When the operation is finished, the user puts the device back in place (FIG. 2) the table 2 and

  brush 3 constantly soaking in liquid 7, protected from any pollution.

  This embodiment is well suited to the cleaning and maintenance of toilet seats, in order to be able to intervene in a place as inaccessible as are the usual lower edges of the bowl because the device allows not only to deposit a product there. liquid but also to brush them to get rid of any deposit, the liquid product 7 therefore being active not only everywhere where the hairs pass but also stays in direct contact with the cleaned surfaces as long as the user rubs these surfaces, which are associated with brushing, lO whereas until now we only know the products sprayed blind, and to which we give a thick consistency to delay their pouring on the edges of the bowl, because they cannot not stay under the ledges and they have no mechanical action. The simple fact of moving the brush in numerous alternative movements, gives the certainty that the product has really been applied everywhere and that the underside and the inner faces of the edges have

  l 5 actually been cleaned as they should be for a hygiene guarantee.

  The support 4 can carry not only bristles 5 as described, but all other friction elements: fibers, filaments, wicks, sponge, synthetic foam, etc. In order to facilitate and / or increase the flow of liquid 7 towards the inside of the tube 2 during the admission into the pear l, o towards the outside of this same tube 2 during the pressurization

  liquid 7, this tube 2 can be crossed with holes 9.

  When a low pressure is exerted on the bulb 1, the liquid 7 flows both inside

  and outside the tube 2, to reach the bristles 5.

  When, on the contrary, successive and more energetic pressures are exerted, the liquid 7 tends to squirt in order to directly reach the surfaces in the vicinity of which the device is located, this

  which may be preferred when these surfaces require a large quantity of liquid 7.

  With the same aim of facilitating and / or increasing the flow of liquid 7, the rigid support 4 may be hollow and traversed by radial holes. Of course, in this case, the support 4 cannot be produced by twisting a wire with contiguous turns. It can be a simple tube or a spiral element but with

  non-contiguous turns, leaving a longitudinal passage with a relatively large section.

  AT. The user therefore constantly has the choice of the best possible action by operating the device by the bulb 1 which constitutes a grip handle, while exerting on it a

  pressure that he modulates according to his circumstances.

  Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 5, we see another embodiment according to which the tubular member 2 is bent and therefore has an end segment 2_ which receives the rigid support 4 of the brush 3. In this way, the rigid support 4 is coaxial with the segment 2a but

  substantially perpendicular to the tubular member 2 proper.

  This arrangement allows better accessibility of the brush 3 to narrow locations or

inconveniently arranged.

  The embodiment shown in these figures is suitable for a device of small dimensions,

  in particular to constitute an instrument suitable for dental care.

  The waterproof capacity consists, as before, of a small elastic pear 1 and the brush 3 is of similar constitution to that of a small mascara brush: a central support 4

  spiral and bristles 5 which diverge substantially radially.

  In Figure 4, we see the device in section, above the tank 6 containing a liquid 7 and we have shown by two arrows in opposition F1 and F2 the compression of the small pear 1 to

at least partially empty the air.

  In FIG. 5, the tube 2 and its end segment 2_, as well as the brush 3 are immersed in the liquid 7 and having released the pressure on the small pear 1, the latter resumed its natural shape elastically by sucking the liquid 7 which has penetrated to it by the helical passage

  existing between segment 2_ and support 4, and by tube 2.

  In Figure 6, there is shown a variant of the above embodiment, according to which the reservoir 6 is very small and forms a whole with the other elements of the device because after having used the brush 3 with a little liquid, it is returned in the tank 6 whose neck 6a is calibrated so that the end segment 2a closes it and is retained there by friction. This device is intended for applications requiring little liquid 7, for example for personal dental care, in which case the device is small in order to be easily carried

on you, in a pocket or bag.

  In FIG. 7, it can be seen that the user, by pressing on the small pear 1, compresses the liquid 7 which comes out through the tube 2, the helical passage existing between the segment 2 and the support 4, and

impregnates the brush 3.

  Depending on the intensity of the pressure exerted on the small pear 1, the liquid 7 comes out more or less strong, so that the user can at will gently impregnate the brush 3 or on the contrary make

  squirt the liquid 7 as evoked by the arrows F3.

  The user can thus easily introduce the brush 3 into the inter-dental spaces and rid them of food waste which they may contain thanks to the brushing action, while depositing therein the liquid 7 which may be a medical product. , hygiene or simple comfort: antiseptic, deodorant, refreshing, etc. With this application, one can benefit from a particular advantage of the device of the invention, because if the user makes the liquid 7 squirt vigorously, the latter participates in the elimination of the waste by exerting on a thrust favorable to their takeoff , from which a very effective cleaning results

  by the combined actions of the brush 3 (mechanical effect) and the liquid 7 (physico-

  chemical + additional mechanical effect).

  When the user has finished, place the set 1-2-3-4-5 in the tank 6 so that it remains

  submerged in liquid 7, as explained above.

  Naturally, a cover could also be provided above the brush 3 to cover the upper opening of the reservoir 6, the latter being able to have all kinds of different shapes depending on the dimensions and arrangements of the assembly 1-2-3- 4-5, in particular the shape of a bottle because the curvature of the tube 2 can be more or less marked without necessarily reaching an angle of

    as shown by way of example.

  It is also possible to bend the tube 2 on demand when it is made of a deformable material, which makes it possible to use it in a curve and to place it in the tank after having straightened it. Figures 8 to l show another embodiment in which the reservoir forms a body

  with the set 1-2-3-4-5 described above.

  FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 represent the three essential parts of the device, namely: a rigid reservoir 10 containing a liquid 11 placed under permanent pressure by a compressed gas, a removable nozzle 12 secured to a tubular member 13, a brush 14 formed of a rigid spiral support 15 and of radial bristles 16. These three elements can be assembled and disassembled on demand, in particular for cleaning purposes. Figure 11 shows all the assembled elements, ready for use: the 1S support is

  engaged in the tubular member 13 and the end piece 12 is placed on the top of the reservoir 10.

  This consists of a rigid non-deformable container of known type, sometimes called "bomb" in colloquial terms, provided with a valve (not visible in the drawing) connected to a control collar 17 and which is constantly maintained in closed position in order to close a narrow axial outlet duct formed in a small cylindrical spout 18, and which is temporarily opened

  by acting on an external lever 19 with automatic return.

  This reservoir 10 is sold as a refill as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8,

  with or without protective cap 10_, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8.

  Of course, the device can also be sold complete, that is to say having the reservoir 10 provided with the nozzle 12, the tubular member 13 and the brush 14, just as these elements can

8tre sold separately.

  With the embodiment shown, the tubular member 13 is bent and has a main segment 13_ located axially and an end segment 13_ which makes an acute angle with the

main segment 13_.

  After removing the possible cap 10_, the user sets up the tip 12 of FIG. 9 (if it is not already mounted) on the top of the reservoir 10, so that the main segment 13a is placed immediately opposite of the spout 13 in the extension of the outlet conduit, and engages the free segment of the support 15 in the end segment 13b, to obtain the complete set of

Figure 11.

  To use the device, the user takes hold of the reservoir 10, positions the brush 14 and

  operates the lever 19, which causes the liquid 11 to exit.

  All that has been explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 can be transposed here, the pressurization of the liquid 11 being carried out permanently by the very presence of the compressed gas, as is well known per se. It therefore suffices for the user to act on the lever 19 to cause the more or less abundant arrival of liquid l 1, the pressure on the other hand being constant and no longer modular.

  as described above.

  Naturally, the dimensions of the brush 14 and the volume of the reservoir 10 are proportional depending on the application envisaged. In the case of a device intended for household cleaning, the brush may be of the type used for cleaning or for the maintenance of the toilet bowls, while in the case of personal care or delicate small jobs, we choose a small volume tank, as there are for example for breath freshening products, and

  a brush of the kind of mascara brushes for eyelash care.

  Figures 12 and 13 show a variant of the previous embodiments.

  The capacity consists of a container 20 made of flexible and elastically deformable material, in particular thick synthetic material, having a neck 21 provided with an external thread 22 by

  which a threaded end 23 can be secured.

  The end piece 23 is traversed by an axial duct 24 in which is placed the tubular member 13 already

  described with reference to Figures 9 and 11.

  In Figure 13, we see how the user uses this device to clean the rim of a toilet bowl: the pressurization of the liquid 11 contained in the tank 20 is obtained here

  by compressing the reservoir 20, as seen in FIG. 13.

  Here, the reservoir 20 is sold filled, and the liquid 11 only circulates in the direction of its exit, contrary to what is necessary with a pear (Figures 1 to 6) which must be filled by suction. The device can be sold complete, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 12,

  or by separate elements, as explained above.

  The reservoir 20 can also be sold alone, as a refill, provided with a closure cap.

  removable (not shown) and with or without the end piece 23.

  With this variant, there is the possibility of modulating the outlet pressure of the liquid 11

  since it depends on the compression action that the user applies to the flexible tank 20.

  The liquid 11 remains constantly in the tank 20 and is never exposed to ambient air, but if it is desired that the brush also be kept sheltered from air when the device is not in use, a separate tank must be provided, like the one shown in Figures 1 and

2, with or without cover 8.

  Here also, it is possible to use a rigid support 15 which can be deformed on demand, in which case the tubular member 13 is not bent. But it is also possible to provide a deformable tubular member, for example according to the principle known per se applied to certain "straws" by which

sucks a drink.

  In FIGS. 14 and 15, a particular embodiment is shown according to which the reservoir 10 is of the same type as that of FIG. 8. It comprises, as is known per se, a valve (not visible in the drawing) actuated by an upper push button 25 kaversed from a bent outlet duct, which opens laterally at the bottom of a small cell in which a tube 26 is engaged which thus extends perpendicularly to the axis of the reservoir 10 and to 1 'exkémité

  which is placed a brush 27 similar to the brush 3 of Figures 3 to 7.

  The operation of this device is identical to that which has been described with reference to FIGS. 8 to

  l l and it is therefore unnecessary to repeat it.

  Taking into account the dimensions suggested by FIG. 15 for the brush 27 and for the reservoir

  , this device is well suited to personal care and delicate small jobs.

***

1 1 2834190

Claims (11)

  1. Cleaning and sanitation device comprising a central rigid support for external friction elements such as bristles, fibers or radial filaments, a spongy substance and the like, characterized in that the support (4 - 15) is placed at the end of a tubular member (2 - 13 - 26) connected to a sealed capacity (1 - 10 - 20) which is intended to contain a cleaning and / or sanitation liquid (7 - 11) and which is associated with means for pressurizing the liquid (7 -11), in order to expel it out of the capacity   (1 -10 - 20) by the tubular member (2 - 13 -26).   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid support (4 - 15) and the member   tubular (2 - 13) also form a marked angle.   3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular member (2) is crossed by radial passages (9).   4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealed capacity (1 - 20) is flexible and elastic.   5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a liquid reservoir (6) in which the rigid support (4) and the tubular member (2) are intended to be immersed   when the device is not in use.   6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the reservoir (6) has an upper opening, and the tubular member (2) is integral with a cover or plug (8) whose section is coordinated with that of the reservoir (6) in order to close the upper opening and simultaneously to hold the tubular member in place when it is immersed in the liquid (7) contained in the tank (6).   7. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the capacity (10 - 20) has a volume large enough to contain an amount of liquid (11) equal to a multiple of the   amount of liquid (11) required for each use. 12 2834190   8. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the tutular member (2 - 13) and the capacity (1 - 10 - 20) are separable from each other. 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealed capacity (20) is flexible and elastic and constitutes an interchangeable refill capable of being compressed by action   manual operation of a user in order to pressurize the liquid (l 1) that the capacity (20) contains.   10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealed capacity (10) is rigid and contains a compressed gas intended to pressurize the liquid (11) that contains the   capacity (10), a shutter being disposed at the outlet of said capacity (10).   11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the tight and rigid capacity (10)   constitutes an interchangeable refill.