GB2400542A

GB2400542A - Cleaning device

Info

Publication number: GB2400542A
Application number: GB0304405A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Akerman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-27
Filing date: 2003-02-27
Publication date: 2004-10-20
Also published as: GB0304405D0

Abstract

A device for cleaning vehicles which also allows a person to urinate in a car should this prove necessary is disclosed. The device comprises a first conduit connected to vacuum means for generating a suction acting in a first direction, a second conduit extending along the length of the first conduit and connected to a pump for pumping liquid along the second conduit in a second direction, and coupling means for coupling the first conduit and/or second conduit to a number of attachments such as a fabric cleaning device, a shoe cleaning device or male/female urination devices.

Description

1 2400542 Cleaning Device The present invention relates to a cleaning

device and in particular to a cleaning device for use in vehicles.

There are many situations in which it is useful to be able to clean clothing, footwear and upholstery in cars.

For example, mud or general soiling can be brought into 1() cars on shoes and on clothing and this dirt can then be transferred onto the upholstery or carpets within the vehicle. This type of soiling is more apparent where the vehicle user has been engaged in physical labour or has had cause to walk across a muddy field or the like.

In addition, situations can arise where it is necessary for an individual, particularly a disabled person or an individual with a medical condition necessitating frequent urination, to urinate whilst taking a journey 2() but where it is very difficult to gain access to a toilet or otherwise find a convenient place for this. In particular, such situations can arise on motorways and/or in traffic jams.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle cleaning device which allows the removal and collection for disposal of dirt from clothes, upholstery, carpets or other surfaces on a person or in the car and further provides a means to allow a person to urinate in 3() a car should this prove necessary.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle cleaning device comprising a first conduit connected to suction generating means for generating a suction acting in a first direction, a second conduit connected to liquid pumping means for pumping liquid along the second conduit in a second direction, the second conduit extending along the length of the first conduit and coupling means located on an end of the first conduit remote from the suction generating means, the coupling means being capable of coupling the first conduit and/or second conduit to an attachment.

1() The liquid pumping means provides a flow of liquid to a point at or near the coupling means and can be used to assist in the cleaning of a soiled item, the suction is used to suck the liquid and any dirt back into the first conduit.

Preferably, the first conduit is a flexible pipe.

Preferably, the first conduit is extendible.

Optionally, the first conduit has a telescopic construction.

Optionally, the first conduit is housed on a reel.

Preferably, the second conduit is a flexible pipe.

Preferably, the second conduit is extendible.

Optionally, the second conduit has a telescopic 3() construction.

Optionally, the second conduit is housed on a reel.

Preferably, the second conduit is located inside the first conduit.

Preferably, the coupling means is a 3 pin bayonet coupling.

Preferably, the attachment provides a receptacle adapted to allow a person to urinate into the cleaning device.

1() Optionally, the attachment is shaped to allow a male person to urinate into the cleaning device.

Preferably, the attachment shaped to allow a male person to urinate into the cleaning device is provided with a liquid permeable sheath.

Optionally, the sheath is made from plastic.

Optionally, the sheath is made from felt. 2()

Preferably the attachment shaped to allow a male person to urinate into the cleaning device is provided with a valve means for varying the strength of the suction at the opening of the attachment.

Optionally, the valve means is a ball valve.

Optionally, the attachment is shaped to allow a female person to urinate into the cleaning device. 3()

Optionally, the attachment is adapted to contain a brush attachment for cleaning shoes at the end remote from the first and second conduits.

Optionally, the attachment is provided with a squeegee and sponge for cleaning windows at the end remote from the first and second conduits.

Optionally, the attachment means is provided with a fabric cleaner at the end remote from the first and second conduits for cleaning fabric including clothes and upholstery.

1() Preferably, the vacuum means is constructed from corrosion inhibiting material.

More preferably, the vacuum means is constructed from a non-ferrous material.

Preferably, the liquid pumping means is connected to a liquid reservoir contained in the vehicle.

More preferably, the liquid reservoir is the screen 2() washer reservoir of the vehicle.

Preferably, the cleaning device further comprises a waste receptacle in which waste liquid and solids can be collected.

Preferably, the waste receptacle is provided with at least one deflector arranged in the pathway of a waste stream exiting the first conduit wherein the deflector acts to remove water and particulate material from the 3() waste stream.

Preferably, the waste receptacle is provided with at least one baffle arranged on the floor of the waste receptacle for impeding the movement of liquid and solid waste.

Optionally, the cleaning device further comprises a waste hatch connected to the first conduit through which waste liquid and/or solids can be removed from the car.

Optionally, the waste receptacle is sealable.

1() Preferably, the cleaning device of the present invention is provided with an electrical switch mechanism which allows the vacuum means and/or the liquid pumping means to be switched on and off.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle fitted with a cleaning device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. 2()

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure l is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2a is an illustration of the second conduit within first conduit, figure 2b shows the coupling means of 3() figure l in an uncoupled arrangement and Figure 2c is a sectional view of the rigid connection section of the first conduit; Figure 3a is a sectional view of a male attachment having a permeable sheath, Figure 3b is a sectional view of a male attachment having a control for operating an internal valve, figure 3c is an end view of the male attachment; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first type female attachment; 1() Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second type female attachment cap; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a male attachment cap; Figure 7a is a sectional view of a shoe cleaning device, figure 7b is an end view of the shoe cleaning device, Figure 7c is a side view of a brush attachment and Figure 7d is an end view of a brush attachment; Figure 8a is a sectional view of a fabric cleaning device and figure 8b is an end view of the fabric cleaning device; Figure 9 is a sectional view of a general attachment; Figure 10 perspective view of a squeegee attachment; Figure lla is a plan view of the cleaning device situated underneath a car seat, figure llb is a plan view of the 3() waste receptacle, figure Tic and lid are elevation views of the waste receptacle,; and Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of yet a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a vehicle cleaning device 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The cleaning device 1 is housed in a device container 37 and comprises a vacuum pump 3 which is connected to a first conduit 13, the first conduit 13 also containing a control wire 4 and I() a second conduit 15 along part of its length, conduit 15 is in turn connected to a liquid pump 5 which is attached to a liquid reservoir 7. The part of first conduit 13 which contains second conduit 15 is stored on a reel 8.

In addition, a waste receptacle 9 is included, remote from the device container 37, for example, underneath a vehicle, which is used to collect solid and liquid waste products which have been sucked down the first conduit 13 by the vacuum pump 3. The waste receptacle 9 is equipped with a waste hatch 11 which is coupled with first conduit 2() 13 and used as a means of evacuating waste. Vacuum pump 3 and liquid pump 5 can equally be housed outside the car.

The figure also shows a general attachment 19. In this example, the general attachment 19 is a nozzle which is used to allow general removal of dirt from within the car. The general attachment 19 is coupled to the first conduit 13 via coupling means 17. Figures 3 to 5 provide examples of attachments which may be used for different purposes. 3()

A hand held control 21 is also shown being in close proximity with coupling means 17 and which can be operated manually. The control wire 4 running inside first conduit 13 to vacuum pump 3 and alongside second conduit 15 to liquid pump 5 allows the cleaning device 1 to operate in 3 modes. Firstly, it can operate using the vacuum pump 3 only, secondly it can operate using the liquid pump 5 only and thirdly it can operate using both S the vacuum pump 3 and the liquid pump 5. Alternatively control 21 may be incorporated into any of the attachments.

Figure 2a shows the first conduit 13 containing second I() conduit 15 and having a rigid connection section 26 at its end to provide a sealing connection between first conduit 13 and an attachment, douche delivery holes 43 are shown arranged to correspond with douche delivery holes on an attachment and figure 2b shows the coupling Is means 17 of figure 1 in an uncoupled arrangement.

Figure 2c shows a sectional view of rigid connection section 26 having a receptacle 20 on an internal wall 14 to receive second conduit 15 which supplies douche to 9() douche delivery holes 43.

Figure 3a shows a male attachment 27 having douche delivery holes 43 and a permeable sheath 62 and which allows a male to urinate in a vehicle.

Figure 3b shows a male attachment 27 having douche delivery holes 43 along with an internal valve and control means 60 and which allows a male to urinate in a vehicle, the internal valve could be a ball valve 3() suitably made from plastic and which can be opened and closed and can be cleaned by the douche, making this valve self cleaning. The male attachment consists of a cylindrical tube which can be coupled to the first conduit 13 by the coupling means 17.

In use, the permeable sheath 62 reduces the suction caused by the vacuum and operation of the internal valve and control means 60 would also vary the suction caused by the vacuum.

Figure 4 shows a female attachment 29 which consists of a bowl shaped receptacle provided with douche delivery 1() holes 43 and can be coupled to the first conduit 13 by the coupling means 17.

In use the attachment is held close to the urethra and the liquid pump 5 and vacuum pump 3 are switched on as the urine starts to flow. When finished, the vacuum pump 3 may be left on to dry underwear if appropriate.

The vacuum pump 3 will evacuate all the urine thus preventing smell and soreness after use of the equipment. 9()

Figure 5 shows a female attachment cap 50 which is used to clean the female attachment and having a first sponge 52 which can contain a cleaning fluid, the female attachment cap 50 is shaped to fit over the female attachment 29. In use as the female attachment cap 50 is pressed over female attachment 29 the first sponge 52 gets squeezed releasing cleaning fluid into female attachment 29. Douche can also be used to flush the first sponge 52 and clean the female attachment 29. 3()

Figure 6 shows a male attachment cap 28 which is used to clean the male attachment, and is used in a similar fashion to the female attachment cap 50 Figure 7a shows a shoe cleaning attachment 31 which is provided with an internal coupling means 16 and douche delivery holes 43 at the end of the attachment remote from the end that is attachable to the coupling means 17 of the cleaning device 1.

Figure 7c shows a side view of a brush attachment 33 having bristles 36 and an external attachment means 18 which is attachable to the internal coupling means 16 of the shoe cleaner 31.

Figure 7d shows a plan view of brush attachment 33.

Figure 8a shows a fabric cleaning attachment 32 which is IS provided with douche delivery holes 43 at the end of the attachment remote from the end that is attachable to the coupling means 17 of the cleaning device 1.

Figure 9 shows a general attachment 19 which is 2() attachable to the coupling means 17 of the cleaning device 1.

Figure 10 shows a squeegee attachment 30 having a second sponge 54 through which douche is pumped and a rubber portion 49 which is use to scrape dirt or condensate of a window.

Figure lla is a plan view of a car seat 35 having a container 37 containing the cleaning device 1 positioned 3() below the seat 35.

Figure llb is a plan view of the waste receptacle 9 having internal baffles 39, an air exit 10, and waste impeding deflectors or baffles 38 for disrupting the air flow so as to separate waste and water from the air.

Figure tic shows an elevation view of the waste receptacle 9 with vacuum pump 3 inside and a receptacle door motor 41 for operating louver panelled doors 45.

Figure lid shows an elevation view of the waste receptacle 9 with louver panelled doors 45 in an open I() position which facilitates self cleaning.

In use, as waste and air enters waste receptacle 9 from first conduit 13, they strike the waste impeding deflectors or baffles 38 which impede the passage of the waste, the air then proceeds around the labyrinth of baffles 39, in passing the baffles 39 the air slows allowing the particulates to drop onto the louver panelled doors 45, after the air has passed all of the baffles 39 it is expelled from waste receptacle 9 via air 2() exit 10. Self cleaning of the waste receptacle 9 can be achieved by opening louver panelled doors 45 and allowing rainwater to wash the interior of the waste receptacle.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention having a non-return valve 56 which prevents the flow of dirty water into the liquid reservoir 7 and switches 58 situated on an attachment.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a yet further 3() embodiment of the present invention showing vacuum pump 3 and air exit 10 in waste receptacle 9.

It will be appreciated that the cleaning device may be situated in any convenient location within a vehicle and the waste receptacle may be situated in any convenient location outside a vehicle, furthermore an extension of sufficient length, could be fitted to first conduit 13 which would allow cleaning of the upholstery in any area of the vehicle.

The use of these attachments will now be described.

In the case of the shoe cleaner 31 the liquid pump 5 I() provides water or another liquid to the head of the attachment via douche delivery holes 43. The brush attachment 33 being coupled to the shoe cleaner 31 is used to loosen or remove dirt from the shoes. The vacuum pump 3 has sufficient suction to allow any loose dirt and water or other liquid to be sucked up through the first conduit 13 into the waste receptacle 9 or, in an alternative embodiment, simply evacuated through an exit hatch 11. Similarly, the fabric cleaner attachment 32 can be used to remove dirt or hair or other materials from clothing or fabric in the car.

The present invention provides for the instant removal of spillages and consequently will prevent staining in the car thus helping to keep the car in good condition. The evacuation of liquid human waste in emergency situations is a highly desirable feature and the use of an exit hatch in the vehicle allows the waste product to be emptied automatically from the vehicle. It is anticipated that the first conduit 13 will be of 3() approximately 2-3cm in diameter, whereas the second conduit 15 will be approximately /cm in diameter. The attachments and the coupling means 17 are sized in order to allow their efficient and correct use.

In addition, it is envisaged that the waste receptacle 9 will be opened and closed by means of a sealable motorised door made of louver panels so as to minimise the risk of contact with the surface which a vehicle may be travelling on and operable from a car dashboard. The louver panels when in the open position would allow easy access for rainwater or other liquid when the waste receptacle required cleaning.

1() It is anticipated that the cleaning device 1 will be of particular use in new cars designed for use by invalids.

Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAINS

1. A vehicle cleaning device comprising a first conduit connected to suction generating means for generating a suction acting in a first direction, a second conduit connected to liquid pumping means for pumping liquid along the second conduit in a second direction, the second conduit extending along the length of the first conduit and coupling means located on an end of the first conduit remote from the suction generating means, the coupling means being capable of coupling the first conduit and/or second conduit to an attachment.

2. The device as claimed in claim l wherein the liquid pumping means provides a flow of liquid to a point at or near the coupling means and can be used to assist in the cleaning of a soiled item, the suction is used to suck: the liquid and any dirt back into the first conduit.

3. The device as claimed in claim l or claim 2 wherein the first conduit is a flexible pipe.

4. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first conduit is extendible.

5. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first conduit has a telescopic construction.

6. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first conduit is housed on a reel.

7. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second conduit is a flexible pipe.

8. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second conduit is extendible.

9. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein S the second conduit has a telescopic construction.

10. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second conduit is housed on a reel.

11. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second conduit is located inside the first conduit.

12. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the coupling means is a 3 pin bayonet coupling.

13. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the attachment provides a receptacle adapted to allow a person to urinate into the cleaning device.

14. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the attachment is shaped to allow a male person to urinate into the cleaning device.

15. The device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the attachment shaped to allow annals person to urinate into l the cleaning device is provided with a liquid permeable sheath.

16. The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the sheath is made from plastic.

17. The device as claimed in claim 15 the sheath is made from felt.

18. The device as claimed in claims 14 to 17 wherein the attachment shaped to allow a male person to urinate into the cleaning device is provided with a valve means for varying the strength of the suction at the opening of the attachment.

19. The device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the valve means is a ball valve.

to

20. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the attachment is shaped to allow a female person to urinate into the cleaning device.

21. The device as claimed in claims 1 to 12 wherein the attachment is adapted to contain a brush attachment for cleaning shoes at the end remote from the first and second conduits.

22. The device as claimed in claims 1 to 12 wherein the attachment is provided with a squeegee and sponge for cleaning windows at the end remote from the first and second conduits.

23. The device as claimed in claims 1 to 12 wherein the attachment means is provided with a fabric cleaner at the end remote from the first and second conduits for cleaning fabric including clothes and upholstery.

24. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the vacuum means is constructed from corrosion inhibiting material.

25. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the vacuum means is constructed from a non-ferrous material.

Billie device AS ci&-_-neci ill..v p_-cedicJ- clcai- wherci the liquid pumping means is connected to a liquid reservoir contained in the vehicle.

27. The device as claimed in claim 26 wherein the liquid reservoir is the screen washer reservoir of the vehicle.

28. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a waste receptacle in which waste liquid and solids can be collected.

29. The device as claimed in claim 28 wherein the waste receptacle is provided with at least one deflector arranged in the pathway of a waste stream exiting the first conduit wherein the deflector acts to remove water and particulate material from the waste stream.

30. The device as claimed in claim 23 or 29 wherein the waste receptacle is provided with at least one baffle arranged on the floor of the waste receptacle for impeding the movement of liquid and solid waste.

31. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a waste hatch connected to the first conduit through which waste liquid and/or solids can be removed 3() from the car.

32. The device as claimed in claim 31 wherein the waste receptacle is sealable.

33. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an electrical switch mechanism which allows the vacuum means and/or the liquid pumping means to be switched on and off.

34. A vehicle fitted with a cleaning device in accordance with any of claims 1 to 33.

A vehicle cleaning device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

36 A vehicle as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.