GB2418602A

GB2418602A - Toilet cleaning device and support

Info

Publication number: GB2418602A
Application number: GB0421564A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Monaghan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-29
Filing date: 2004-09-29
Publication date: 2006-04-05
Also published as: GB0421564D0

Abstract

A toilet cleaning device 101 configured to releasably engage a disposable cleaning head 200 is stored in a support stand 102 designed to conceal the unhygienic end of the device. Means operated by a slide switch 106 or push button to lock the device to the stand are provided. The stand may incorporate a toilet roll holder and a store for spare cleaning heads.

Description

241 8602

CLEANING DEVICE AND SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaning device and in particular although not exclusively, to a support and cleaning device assembly configured to store and conceal the unhygienic end of the cleaning device when not in use.

Backaround to the Invention

Unhygienic surfaces or items, for example toilet bowls, frequently require Jo cleaning so as to reduce the build of bacteria and germs. With regard to toilet bowls in particular, a number of cleaning devices has been proposed in the art.

First generation toilet bowl cleaning devices simply comprise a handle with a brush like element at one end whereby in operation, a user grasps one end of the handle so as to clean the bowl with the brush end. The device is then typically stored adjacent to the toilet using a support stand.

A problem with such first generation cleaning devices centers around the storage of the resulting, unhygienic brush which poses significant health risks to 2 o an infant or child.

Second generation cleaning devices have attempted to solve this problem by the use of disposable heads which may be attached to a handle, used to clean a toilet bowl and then simply discarded after use. Accordingly, as the disposable heads are not stored and accessible after use, the risk of a child contacting the unhygienic head is eliminated. Typical examples of such second generation cleaning devices include GB 2362565, WO 00/51483, WO 02/24045, WO 01/43618, DE 2712794 and DE 20117402.

o However, a number of problems exist with these second generation cleaning devices. Following the attachment of a disposable head, in the form of a pad, to the elongate handle, a user grasping one end of the handle, wipes the interior of the bowl with the disposable head. As will be appreciated, the portion of the handle in close proximity to the disposable head is exposed to the unhygienic bowl area and becomes contaminated. The handle, believed to be germ free, is then stored in a non-use position using a support-stand or the like whereby the disposable head engaging end of the handle is exposed and accessible to infants thereby posing a significant health risk.

A further problem exists with such cleaning devices due to their nonsecure storage. For example, in a hypothetical scenario where the unhygienic end of the To handle was concealed and not exposed during storage, an infant would not be prevented from removing the handle from its stored location, thereby exposing the unhygienic end.

What is required therefore is a cleaning device and in particular a cleaning s device and support-stand assembly configured for the safe and hygienic storage of the cleaning device when not in use.

Summary of the Invention

The inventors provide a support-stand and cleaning device assembly, in particular, a support for a cleaning device configured to releaseably engage disposable cleaning heads. The support stand is configured with means to receive and shroud one end of the cleaning device which may be contaminated with germs and bacteria through use. According to specific implementations of s the present invention at least one locking mechanism is provided at the support stand and cleaning device whereby the cleaning device may be locked in position at the support stand when not in use.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a so support for a cleaning device comprising: a handle to allow a user to grasp said device; a cleaning head engager configured to engage and releaseably hold a disposable cleaning head; and support lock means configured to releaseably lock said cleaning device at a support configured to support said cleaning device when not in use; wherein when said cleaning device is releaseably locked in position at said support and said cleaning head engager is concealed by a part of said support.

Preferably, the cleaning device and/or support comprises cleaning device or support lock means configured to be operated by a user to release the cleaning device from the support. Further locking means may be provided so as to secure the cleaning device to the support at a number of locations. The To locking mechanism may comprise known male and female type fasteners.

The portion of the support which is configured to totally and completely conceal the head engaging end of the cleaning device or cleaning device handle may be formed as an elongate sleeve or sheath into which the elongate handle s may be inserted and stored. According to specific implementations of the present invention the support is configured to conceal substantially half of the cleaning device along its length. A coating or membrane impregnated with a detergent and/or sanitising agent may be provided at an interior of the sheath so as to eliminate bacteria deposited within the sheath and present on the cleaning o device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a support and cleaning device assembly, said cleaning device comprising: a handle to allow a user to grasp said device; a cleaning head engager configured to z engage and releaseably hold a disposable cleaning head; support lock means configured to releaseably lock said cleaning device at said support configured to support said cleaning device when not in use; said support comprising: means to conceal said cleaning head engager when said cleaning device is mounted at said support, wherein said cleaning head engager is concealed by said means to 3 o conceal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a cleaning device comprising: a handle to allow a user to grasp said device; a cleaning head engager configured to engage and releaseably hold a disposable cleaning head; and support lock means configured to releaseably lock said cleaning device at a support configured to support said cleaning device when not in use; wherein said cleaning device may be releaseably locked in position at said support.

Brief Descrintion of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 herein is a perspective illustration of the cleaning device and stand assembly according to a specific implementation; Fig 2 is a perspective illustration of the cleaning device engaging a 2 o disposable cleaning head at one end of a handle according to a specific implementation; Fig 3 is a perspective illustration of the cleaning device being housed within a substantially elongate sleeve according to a specific implementation; Fig 4A is a perspective illustration of the cleaning head engager comprising a ball joint and claw-like projections according to a specific implementation; Fig 4B is a perspective illustration of the cleaning head engager comprising o a plurality of claw-like projections according to a specific implementation; Fig 4C is a perspective illustration of the cleaning head engager comprising a rod-like engager according to a specific implementation; Fig 5 is a side elevation view of a wall mounted support and cleaning device according to a specific implementation; Fig 6 is a rear perspective view of the support stand comprising a cleaning head storage unit and toilet roll holder, according to a specific implementation.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

A cleaning device and support stand assembly is provided configured for the safe and hygienic storage of a cleaning device when not is use. Accordingly, the support structure configured to store the cleaning device when not in use is configured with suitable means to shroud the portion of the cleaning device that comes into contact with the unhygienic item to be cleaned such as a toilet bowl.

Additionally, according to specific aspects of the present invention, at least one locking mechanism is provided configured to releaseably lock the cleaning device to the support stand when not in use whereby the shrouded unhygienic end of the cleaning device is not readily accessible to a child or infant other than 3 o by release of the locking mechanism.

Referring to figure 1 herein there is illustrated a perspective view of a cleaning device and support assembly 100 comprising a cleaning device 101 and support stand 102. The cleaning device comprises a substantially elongate handle 103 comprising a first end 104, configured to be grasped by a user and a second end 105 positioned in close proximity to a cleaning head engager (not shown) configured for releaseably engaging a disposable cleaning head (not shown). Positioned substantially at end 104 is cleaning head release means 106 being a push button or slide trigger housed within the elongate handle.

Support 102 comprises means to conceal the cleaning head engager 107, in form of a shroud or tubular extension extending from a base section 108 of the support 102. The means to conceal 107 is configured with an opening 109 configured to receive end 105 of the handle 103. The stand further comprises an elongate member 110 connecting base 108 and a second handle engaging s portion 112. The support further comprises lock release means 111 configured to be operated by a user to release support lock means (not shown) configured to releaseably lock the cleaning device at the support 102.

When not in use, the cleaning device 101 is releaseably locked at the So support 102 whereby the cleaning head engager and a large portion of the handle end 105 are concealed by a part of the support, in the form of shroud 107.

Cleaning head release means 106 may also be configured to function as a user operated release to control the locking mechanism between the cleaning device and support stand. Alternatively, support lock release means 111 may be operated by a user to release the locking mechanism between the cleaning device and the support stand.

The support lock release means is configured to control the locking mechanism which may be provided at either or both ends of the handle 103 and o the shroud 107 and also a second handle engaging portion 1 12.

To store the cleaning device at the support stand, a user simply inserts handle end 105 into shroud 107 in addition to the bringing together of handle end 104 with handle engaging portion 112. The cleaning device and in particular the unhygienic end of the handle 105 and cleaning head engager are totally concealed and locked at the support stand.

Referring to figure 2 herein there is illustrated a perspective view of the cleaning device as detailed with reference to figure 1 herein further comprising a disposable cleaning head 200; suitable locking means 201, 202; support lock o release means 203 and cleaning head engager 204.

Cleaning head engager 204 comprises a plurality of claw-like projections which are housed within handle 105 in a retracted position and extend outwardly from an open end of the handle when in use so as to engage into/onto the s cleaning head 200. A first support lock means 201 is provided at handle end 105 whilst a second support lock means 202 is provided at handle end 104. Support lock means 201, 202 are configured to mate with corresponding lock components located at shroud 107 and second handle engaging portion 112, respectively.

Accordingly to specific implementations of the present invention the support lock o means may comprise any suitable locking mechanism involving male and female locking components as are typically found in the art for locking together items of a similar nature to the present invention.

Figure 1 herein details the support lock release means 111 positioned at the support stand 102 being configured to control the locking mechanisms between the cleaning device and support stand. The specific embodiment of figure 2 herein comprises the support lock release means 203 provided at the handle end 104 configured to control support lock means 201, 202 and the corresponding male or female components located at the support. Release means 203 is a o push button or slide mechanism operable by the fingers of a user being identical or similar to cleaning head release means 106.

According to further specific implementations of the present invention the support lock means may be provided exclusively at handle end 105 or handle end 104.

Referring to figure 3 herein there is illustrated a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention comprising the cleaning device 101 as detailed with reference to figure 2 herein. According to the further specific implementation of the present invention a support stand is provided 300 configured for supporting the cleaning device when not in use. The support structure comprises a base section 301 being configured with a substantially flat underside for positioning on a floor or flat surface. Extending substantially perpendicular to the underside surface is a hollow sleeve-like member 302 configured for receiving and storing a part of cleaning device 101. The sleeve like member comprises an orifice or opening 303 positioned substantially at one end adjacent to the base 301. According to the specific implementation, the elongate member is tapered inwardly from the opening 303 towards the base 301.

Support lock means 304 is positioned at the elongate member of the so support stand configured to engage with a corresponding support lock means 305 positioned at the cleaning device. The support lock means, according to the specific implementation as detailed with reference to figure 3 herein, comprises an annular groove or lip 304 configured to be engaged by, for example, retractable protrusion 305 whereby by cooperation of components 304, 305 the cleaning device is locked in position at the support 300.

When in a stored position, substantially one half of the cleaning device handle is concealed within the sleeve 302 of the support 300. According to further specific implementations the sleeve-like member 302 may extend further So from base 301 whereby at least one half of the elongate handle of the cleaning device is concealed, being locked in position. The interior of the shroud 302 may be coated with suitable detergents/sanitising agents or a detergenVsanitising agent impregnated lining or membrane such that when the cleaning device is inserted and stored within the shroud any bacteria present on the cleaning device is treated by the detergenVsanitising agent. The use of an anti-bacterial agent within the sleeve is also beneficial when the interior of the sleeve is exposed during use of the cleaning device.

Referring to figures 4A, 4B and 4C there is illustrated perspective views of the cleaning head engager end of the cleaning device 105 engaging onto/into a disposable cleaning head.

According to the figure 4A embodiment a plurality of projections 401 are attached to a revolvable ball 400 configured to form a knuckle-like joint with the handle end 105. The handle end is therefore hollow or may be formed with a concave dish-like surface in contact with the ball 400. The ball is therefore configured to swivel relative to the handle. As the cleaning head 200 is capable of pivoting back and forth relative to the handle an improved cleaning action is provided. As detailed with reference to figure 2 herein the claw-like protrusions 401 may be configured to retract into the handle section 105 when not in use.

go According to the embodiment of figure 4B the ball joint 400 is omitted whereby a plurality of projections extend out of the handle end 105 and into the tissue based disposable head 200.

According to figure 4C herein the cleaning head engager 404 is formed as a s rod or pin element configured to engage with a fixing 405 provided on an upper surface of the disposable cleaning head 403. For example, engagers 404, 405 may be configured to snap-fit together. With all embodiments 4A to 4C herein the disposable cleaning head may be released from the cleaning head engager using the cleaning head release means 203 provided substantially at one end of o the handle opposed to the cleaning head engager end.

Referring to figure 5 herein there is illustrated a side elevation view of a wall mounted cleaning device and support according to a further specific implementation of the present invention. The support structure is divided into a first support member 500 and a second support member 501 both support members may be affixed to a wall 506 using any manner of wall mounting means, such as screws, adhesive and the like. Support member 500 comprises at least one side wall positioned between a solid lower surface 504 and an open upper end 503 so as to form a trough like pocket into which handle end 105 may be inserted and housed. Upper support member 501 is configured to contact To handle end 104 whereby male and female support lock means (502, 505), mounted at both the support member 501 and handle 101, lock the cleaning device to the support structure.

To mount the cleaning device at the support therefore a user slides handle ls end 105 into sleeve 500 bringing handle end 104 into contact with the support lock means 502 positioned at support member 501. The cleaning device is released as described with reference to figure 2 herein using support lock release means 106.

A further variation on the figure 5A embodiment involves a substantially elongate support member 500 configured to shroud the cleaning device along substantially all of its length. That is, the depth of the trough formed by support member 500 is sufficient to accommodate the longitudinal handle section 301 of the cleaning device. Accordingly, the support lock means 502 may be provided s at support member 500 as the second support member 501 may be omitted for the storage and position locking of the cleaning device within the elongate support member 500 according to this further specific embodiment.

Referring to figure 6 herein there is illustrated a rear perspective view of a So support stand 600 comprising a disposable cleaning head storage unit 601; a base 602; an elongate member 603; an upper portion 604 at least one storage unit containing wall 605; opening 606 and toilet roll holder 607.

Cylindrical-like storage unit 601 extends substantially perpendicular to the base 602 which comprises a substantially flat undersurface for positioning the support on a floor or surface. The cylindrical-like storage unit comprises at least one elongate side wall 605 configured to support a plurality of disposable heads stored within the storage unit. A discontinuity in the side wall 605 (in the form of a longitudinally gap) allows a user to visually observe when the storage unit requires toppingup with replacement cleaning heads, in addition to allowing easier access to the disposable heads by the cleaning device. An opening 603 is JO provided at one end of the storage unit at an opposite end relative to the base 602. Cleaning heads may therefore be engaged by the cleaning device and removed from the storage unit via opening 606. Elongate member 603 provides support for the storage unit which may be formed integrally therewith or as a separate component. An upper portion of the elongate member 604 may be s configured to engage one end of the handle of the cleaning device.

A toilet roll holder 607 extends from the elongate member so as to provide support for toilet roll 608. The storage unit as illustrated with reference to figure 6 herein may be provided on each of the support units 100, 300 and 500, 501 as detailed with reference to figures 1, 3 and 5 herein, respectively.

Claims

Claims: 1. A support for a cleaning device comprising a handle and a

cleaning head engager configured to engage and releaseably hold a disposable cleaning head, said support comprising: means to conceal said cleaning head engager when said cleaning device is mounted at said stand, wherein said cleaning head engager is concealed by said means to conceal; and To cleaning device lock means configured to releaseably lock said cleaning device to said support.
2. The support as claimed in claim 1 further comprising cleaning device lock release means configured to be operated by a user to release said cleaning device from said support.
3. The support as claimed in claims 1 or 2 further comprising further cleaning device lock means configured to releaseably lock said cleaning device to said support at a different location to said cleaning device lock means.
4. The support as claimed in claim 3 wherein said lock means configured to releaseably lock said cleaning device at said support, comprises male and female lock components.

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5. The support as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein said means to conceal comprises a sheath configured to receive said cleaning head engager.
6. The support as claimed in claim 5 wherein said sheath is o configured to conceal a portion of said cleaning device along its length.
7. The support as claimed in claim 6 wherein said sheath is configured to conceal substantially half of said cleaning device along its length.
8. The support as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a coating provided at an interior of said means to conceal, said coating comprising a detergent and/or sanitising agent.
9. The support as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a base configured to stand said support on a surface.
10. The support as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 8 further comprising wall mount means, wherein said support is configurable to be mounted at a wall.
11. The support as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a cleaning head storage unit configured to store a plurality of cleaning heads prior to use.
12. The support as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a 2 o toilet roll holder configured to support a toilet roll.
13. A support and cleaning device assembly, said cleaning device comprising: a handle to allow a user to grasp said cleaning device; a cleaning head engager configured to engage and releaseably hold a disposable cleaning head; So support lock means configured to releaseably lock said cleaning device at said support configured to support said cleaning device when not in use; said support comprising: means to conceal said cleaning head engager when said cleaning device is mounted at said support, wherein said cleaning head engager is concealed by said means to conceal.
14. The assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein said means to conceal comprises a substantially elongate sleeve configured to receive said cleaning head engager and a portion of said handle.
15. The assembly as claimed in claims 13 or 14 further comprising a base configured to stand said support on a surface.
16. The assembly as claimed in claims 13 or 14 further comprising wall mount means configured to mount said assembly at a wall.
17. The assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 14 to 16 further comprising a liner provided at an interior of said sleeve, said liner being impregnated with a detergent and/or sanitising agent.
18. The assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 13 to 17 further comprising support lock release means positioned at said handle, said lock release means being configured to be operated by a user to release said cleaning device from said support.
19. The assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein said support lock release means comprises a push button or slide trigger being operable by the fingers of a user.

o
20. A cleaning device comprising: a handle to allow a user to grasp said device; a cleaning head engager configured to engage and releaseably hold a disposable cleaning head; and support lock means configured to releaseably lock said cleaning device at a support configured to support said cleaning device when not in use; wherein said cleaning device may be releaseably locked in position at said support.
21. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 20 further comprising cleaning head release means configured to be operated by said user of said cleaning device to release said disposable cleaning head from said device.

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22. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 20 or 21 further comprising support lock release means configured to be operated by a user to release said cleaning device from said support.
23. The cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22 so wherein said cleaning head engager is configured to retract into said handle when in a non-cleaning head engaging position.
24. The device as claimed in any one of the claims 20 to 23 wherein said support lock means is positioned at said handle wherein said handle is configured to releaseably lock at said support.
25. The cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23 wherein said handle is substantially elongate, said cleaning head engager being positioned substanitally at one end of said handle wherein said support lock 3 o means is positioned at a cleaning head engager end of said handle.
26. The cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25 further comprising further support lock means configured to releaseably lock said cleaning device at said support wherein a first support lock means is configured to lock said cleaning device to said support in a first half of said cleaning device and said further support lock means is configured to lock said cleaning device to said support at a second half of said cleaning device.
27. The cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 26 wherein said disposable cleaning head is configured to substantially dissolve in a 0 liquid.
28. The device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 27 wherein said cleaning device is a toilet cleaning device.
29. The cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 28 wherein said cleaning head engager comprises a plurality of projections which are configured to protrude from and retract back into said handle, said projections being controlled by said cleaning head release means.