GB2452525A

GB2452525A - Lockable brush and holder

Info

Publication number: GB2452525A
Application number: GB0717343A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Douglas Holmes; Adam Thomas Floyd; Jonathan Chartres
Original assignee: Gro Group International Ltd
Current assignee: Gro Group International Ltd
Priority date: 2007-09-07
Filing date: 2007-09-07
Publication date: 2009-03-11
Also published as: WO2009030883A3; WO2009030883A2; GB0717343D0

Abstract

A brush and holder system, comprises (i) a brush having bristles at one end and a handle at the other; (ii) a container for housing at least the bristles of the brush; (iii) a lid 12 for the container; (iv) a locking mechanism by which the brush may be releasably locked inside the container; and (v) a release mechanism capable of acting on the locking mechanism so as to release the brush from the container only on the application to the locking mechanism of forces acting in two different directions. In particular the brush is a toilet brush and the locking mechanism is to prevent access to small children. The release mechanism may require the user to push downwardly against the lid or brush at the same time as rotating it or to squeeze two opposite sides of the lid inwardly at the same time as rotating it. The two forces may be applied to a button, lever or switch 20. In one embodiment the release mechanism comprises a switch 20 which has to be urged in both an axial and radial direction in order to affect the release of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism further comprises a resilient biasing element 44 within the lid 12 which comprises lugs, clips, hooks, or flanges 40 around its perimeter which engage with a channel, rim or flange (11) on the container 2. A switch tilt limiter 64 and a switch lock rib 66 are arranged so that the switch cannot be slid downwards unless it is first pressed inwards towards the axis of the brush handle 8.

Description

Device

Field of the invention

This invention relates to a brush and holder system, in particular a toilet brush and holder.

Background to the invention

It is important, and yet can often be difficult, to keep household cleaning utensils out of the reach of small children. Brushes, mops and the like, between uses, carry dirt, microbes and often residues of potentially toxic cleaning fluids.

This applies particularly to toilet brushes. Traditionally these are stored behind or beside the toilet, for ease of access and use. They typically include a brush and a holder or container for the brush. Since the brush is used inside the toilet bowl, inevitably both the brush and its holder can contain dirt and cleaning fluids. Often a pool of fluid accumulates in the base of the holder.

A toilet brush and its holder can unfortunately represent fascinating potential playthings for the small child, in particular for a toddler or crawling baby. A young child who gains access to the brush can at best create a mess by overturning the holder and spilling its contents, or by wielding the brush in an inappropriate manner, and at worst come to harm due to contact with the accumulated dirt or cleaning fluids, even sometimes by ingesting them.

Relatively few attempts have been made in the past to provide toilet brushes which are less accessible to children. Conventionally, the brush is readily removable from its holder or container. Occasionally a user will choose to store the brush at a higher level, out of reach of young hands, but it can then look unsightly. Alternatively, the brush may be stored in a cupboard or other safe area, but it is then less accessible to the genuine user.

AU-2004100326 discloses a system for child-proofing a toilet brush, in which the brush is housed in a protecting vessel and a lid can be secured over the vessel in a child-proof manner. In the embodiment described, the lid has to be rotated relative to the vessel, and at the same time pushed downwardly, in order to release it. To close the lid, again it has to be rotated relative to the vessel.

US-4,2l 1,750 also describes a toilet brush holder having a child-proof safety mechanism to restrict access to the brush. Again this mechanism requires a lid to be pushed downwardly against, and at the same time rotated relative to, a brush housing.

Such mechanisms, which require rotation of two components relative to one another, can be difficult to operate even for an adult user, since they generally necessitate the use of both hands together. When cleaning, a user's hands are often wet and/or housed in protective, for example rubber, gloves, and it can then be difficult to grip two components sufficiently well to rotate them correctly.

It would be desirable to provide an alternative brush and holder system, in particular a toilet brush and holder, which could overcome or at least mitigate the above described problems, which could be relatively easy for adults to use even with wet hands and which could be kept at or close to the point of use yet be relatively inaccessible to young children.

Statements of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a brush and holder system, comprising (I) a brush having bristles at one end and a handle at the other; (ii) a container for housing at least the bristles of the brush; (iii) a lid for the container; (iv) a locking mechanism by which the brush may be releasably locked inside the container; and (v) a release mechanism capable of acting on the locking mechanism so as to release the brush from the container only on the application to the locking mechanism of forces acting in two different directions.

The invention thus provides for a brush, such as might be used for cleaning, to be stored locked inside a container. The requirement for the application of forces in two different directions, in order to release the locking mechanism, helps to make the system child-proof, children typically finding it difficult to apply such combinations of forces and therefore being far less likely to be able to release the brush from within the container. An adult user may, however, with relative ease, release the brush whenever needed. Cleaning brushes such as toilet brushes may therefore be kept in accessible places, such as adjacent to a toilet, safe in the knowledge that young children should be unable to get into them.

In the brush and holder system of the invention, the brush may be for example a cleaning brush, in particular a household cleaning brush and more particularly a toilet brush.

The design of the brush may be entirely conventional, and may depend on the nature of its intended use which may for instance dictate the material from which the bristles are made. In an embodiment, the brush has rigid or semi-rigid bristles. The bristles may for instance be made of a plastics material such as polypropylene, polyester or nylon.

The handle of the brush may also be of conventional design. It may be specially shaped for ease of handling and use; for instance, it may be ergonomically designed to increase the user's comfort. It may include one or more textured or otherwise profiled regions to improve grip, in particular for handling when wet.

All or part of the brush, in particular the handle and/or the bristles, may be coated or impregnated or otherwise provided with an antimicrobial agent.

The container may be of any size and shape suitable to accommodate at least the bristles of the brush. It too may be made of a plastics material, for example polypropylene or ABS, or of a metal or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, the container is of a size and shape which is adapted to accommodatc at least the bristle section of a toilet brush. It may for instance be from 100 to 300 mm or from to 280 mm high. It may have a circular or approximately circular transverse cross section, which may have a diameter of from 70 to 150 mm or from 105 to 120 mm. It may be tapered along its height, for instance having a smaller internal diameter at one end (typically its lower end, in use) than at the other (typically its top). Thus, the container may comprise a hollow cylinder or frusto-cone, or a hollow tube having an approximately cylindrical or frusto-conical shape. It may have an internal volume of from 1,000 to 2,400 cm3.

The container is suitably open at one end -again, typically its top end, in use -to allow insertion of the brush. The lid preferably fits over the open end of the container.

Suitably the container is closed at the end opposite to its open end.

In an embodiment, the container has a slightly flared base, ie, a base which is slightly larger in diameter than a middle section of the container above its base. This can help to improve its stability when standing on the floor.

When the lid is fitted onto the container, the lid and container together suitably define an enclosed space which is capable of housing at least the bristles of the brush.

Suitably the lid fits onto the container in a fluid-tight, or at least water-tight, fashion, so as to prevent escape of potentially harmful fluids from the container. Either or both of the lid and the container may therefore be provided with sealing means such as a gasket or 0-ring seal, in the region of engagement between the two.

The locking mechanism, by which the brush may be releasably locked inside the container, suitably also releasably locks the lid into position on the container. It may therefore be preferred for the lid to be attached, possibly releasably attached, to the brush and in particular the brush handle, thus allowing both the lid and the brush to be locked into position with respect to, and removed from, the container together.

Alternatively the lid may be releasably lockable into position on the container, such that a brush housed inside the thus closed container can only be removed by releasing the lid.

The locking mechanism may for instance comprise a snap-fit or screw-fit mechanism, but more preferably has the form described in more detail below.

Suitably the lid has a handle to assist its removal from the container. In an embodiment of the invention, the lid handle is provided by the brush handle or at least a portion thereof. V (

The lid handle may also be of conventional design. Like the brush handle, it too may be specially shaped for ease of handling and use, and may include one or more textured or otherwise profiled regions to improve grip.

The lid may be attached to or otherwise supported by the brush handle, or it may incorporate the brush handle, or it may be shaped to allow the brush handle to extend through it. Suitably, therefore, at least the distal end of the brush handle protrudes beyond the open end of the container, when the brush bristles are in the container and the lid is fitted over the container.

in a preferred embodiment, the lid is attached to the brush handle. In a more preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the brush handle is integrally formed with at least a portion of the lid. The lid handle may then be used to remove both the lid and the brush together from the container.

Alternatively, if the brush handle protrudes beyond the lid, the brush handle can be used to help remove both brush and lid together in preparation for use.

In an embodiment, the lid is positioned or formed radially around the brush handle.

The locking arid release mechanisms, by means of which the brush and ideally also the lid may be releasably locked into position with respect to, and subsequently removed from, the container, are suitably "child-proof' or substantially so: in other words, they should be difficult for a young child to operate but nevertheless relatively easily operated by an adult. This can be achieved by the use of a release mechanism which requires the application of forces in two different directions, which young children typically find difficult to do. The release mechanism may require the application of two differently directed forces either sequentially or simultaneously, preferably the latter. The two forces may for example be axial (with respect to the longitudinal axis of the brush handle, either upwardly or downwardly but typically downwardly in use, ie, in a direction towards the bristle end of the brush) and rotational (typically rotating the lid or brush relative to the container). They may be axial and radial (again with respect to the axis of the brush handle, either outwardly or inwardly but typically inwardly from the perimeter of the lid towards the brush handle). They may be radial

I

and rotational. In general, the two forces may both be translational, or one may be translational and the other rotational.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, neither of the two forces is rotational -in other words, the locking mechanism can be released without the need to rotate two components (for example the brush and the container, or the lid and the container) relative to one another. This type of release mechanism can be easier to operate one-handed than one which requires the user to maintain a grip on for instance both the lid and the container and therefore requires two hands, a distinct advantage to adult users wishing to use the brush as a cleaning utensil.

The locking mechanism may comprise inter-engaging elements provided on the lid and the container, or on the brush and the container, for example one or more pairs of inter-engaging flanges and correspondingly shaped channels; or of inter-engaging hooks, clips or pins and appropriately shaped channels; or of inter-engaging hooks or inter-engaging threaded components. The container may for example comprise a channel, typically adjacent its open end, the channel suitably extending around all or part of the perimeter of the open end. In an embodiment, the container may comprise a continuous annular channel extending around the perimeter of its open end, which channel is adapted to receive one or more flanges, hooks or similar elements provided on the brush or more preferably the lid. Alternatively the container may comprise a flange or hook or similar element, for example around all or part of its open end, which is adapted to engage with a channel, or with a flange or hook or similar element, provided on the brush or more preferably the lid.

Thus in an embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises one or more flanges adapted to engage with one or more flanges or channels provided in the container. It may for instance comprise a flange which extends continuously around all or part of its perimeter. Alternatively it may comprise one or more discrete flanges or lugs, for example at intervals around its perimeter. it may comprise two or three or four such lugs, suitably four. In another embodiment, the container may comprise one or more flanges adapted to engage with one or more flanges or channels provided in the lid, for instance as part of the rim of the lid.

In the locking mechanism, the inter-engaging elements of the brush or lid and the container are suitably biased into engagement with one another, for instance by biasing means associated with either the lid, the brush or the container, suitably the lid. This preferably means that when the lid is fitted onto the container, it automatically locks into engagement therewith and can only be released using the release mechanism of the system. Thus, for example, the lid or brush may "snap-fit" into a locked position with respect to the container.

In general the biasing means may comprise one or more springs or other functional equivalent(s). One or more of the inter-engaging elements may itself have an inherent resilience (as do, for instance, conventional spring clips) which biases it into engagement with another component - such an element may for instance be made of a flexible plastics material or metal. In an embodiment, one or more lugs, clips, hooks or flanges are provided on or as an integral part of a biasing element, which has a natural resilience, such that when the biasing element occupies its resting state the lugs, clips, hooks or flanges occupy a first position in which they are urged into engagement with one or more corresponding flanges or channels, and when the biasing element is forced out of its resting state the lugs, clips, hooks or flanges occupy a second position in which they no longer engage with the corresponding flange(s) or channel(s).

The release mechanism acts to release the brush from the container. In an embodiment, in particular where the lid is attached to or otherwise supported by the brush, the release mechanism also acts to release the lid from the container. Instead or in addition, it may allow the brush to be removed from the container whilst the lid remains attached to the container.

In general terms, therefore, the release mechanism acts to disengage the inter-engaging elements on the container and lid or on the container and brush. It suitably acts to overcome the biasing means so as to allow disengagement of the inter-engaging elements, for example urging hooks or flanges out of engagement with their corresponding channels. It may act to force a biasing element out of its resting state, in the manner described above.

The release mechanism may require the user to push downwardly against the lid or brush at the same time as rotating it with respect to the container, or to squeeze two opposites sides of the lid inwardly at the same time as rotating it -such mechanisms are known for use in sealing for example medicine containers.

The application of two different forces to the locking mechanism may be achieved indirectly, by the application of the forces to another component. Thus for instance the release mechanism may comprise a button, lever or other form of switch which needs to be forced in two different directions, preferably simultaneously, before it can act -whether directly or indirectly -to disengage the inter-engaging elements of the locking mechanism (suitably by acting against the biasing means). This switch may be provided on the brush handle, the lid (for example on its handle) or the container, suitably on the lid and more suitably on the lid handle.

In an embodiment, the release mechanism comprises a switch, which may be provided on the lid handle, which has to be urged in both an axial direction (along the length of the brush or lid handle, either upwardly or downwardly) and a radial direction (typically inwardly, towards the centre of the brush or lid handle) in order to act on the locking mechanism. For example, the release mechanism may be so arranged that the user needs to push the switch radially inwards in order to allow its axial movement (for example downwardly, along the length of the brush or lid handle) and thus effect release of the locking mechansim. In more general terms, the release mechanism may comprise a button, lever or other form of switch which has to be forced in a first direction in order to allow it to be forced (preferably simultaneously) in a second, different direction, the movement in the two different directions then causing or allowing release of the locking mechanism.

Suitably, when such a switch is moved in the two different directions, it forces an intermediate element into communication either with the inter-engaging elements themselves, thus forcing them apart, or more preferably with a biasing means on which it exerts a force suitable to overcome the forces which urge the inter-engaging elements together. Alternatively the switch, or an element to which it is attached or of which it forms a part, may act directly on the biasing means or inter-engaging elements.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a resilient biasing element associated with (suitably provided within) the lid. The biasing element may comprise one or more, for example two or three or four, lugs, clips, hooks, pins, flanges or similar elements (suitably lugs or clips) around its perimeter. These elements may be formed as an integral part of the biasing element.

The biasing element is suitably free to occupy, within the lid, both a resting position and a deformed position, the latter being causable by operation of the release mechanism. In its resting position, the lugs or similar elements of the biasing element may be biased into engagement with a channel or flange provided on the container, suitably around at least a portion of the perimeter of its open end. When the biasing element occupies its deformed position, the lugs or similar elements may adopt positions such that, in use, they no longer engage with the channel or flange on the container.

The biasing element may be movable from its resting to its deformed position by is applying a linear force to it, for example an upwards or downwards force. The biasing element may be provided around the brush handle but may be free to move axially with respect to it over at least a portion of its length, so that it can for instance be forced downwardly against a lower surface of the lid andlor against the container.

The resilient biasing element may be made from a flexible plastics material, for example acetal, polycarbonate or nylon, or from a flexible metal. In an embodiment, it is circular or approximately so, but biased out of a single plane into the form of a dome or hemisphere or part thereof. Such an element may include the one or more lugs, clips, hooks, pins or flanges at its perimeter. Application of an axial force onto the raised surface of the dome, ideally at or near its centre, may then urge the biasing element from its resting to its deformed position, thus effecting release of the locking mechanism -typically, the dome is thereby urged into a flatter state, and lugs or similar elements provided at its periphery are then urged radially outwardly.

In an embodiment, the lid comprises a channel, typically an annular channel, which is adapted to accommodate, and hence to fit around the outside of, the open end of the container. The lug(s), clip(s), hook(s), pin(s) or flange(s) which are provided as part of the locking mechanism may then be associated with the lid, and may engage radially inwardly with one or more channels or flanges provided around all or part of the perimeter of the open end of the container. Operation of the release mechanism may then move the lug(s), clip(s), hook(s), pin(s) or flange(s) radially outwardly, out of engagement with the container channel(s) or flange(s). The lug(s), clip(s), hook(s), pin(s) or flange(s) may in this embodiment retract at least partly into a channel, for example an annular channel provided around at least a part of the perimeter of the lid, when urged out of engagement with the container.

In an alternative embodiment, the lid may comprise one or more lugs or similar elements which are biased radially outwardly to engage with one or more channels or flanges provided on the inside of the container, and the release mechanism may act to urge the elements radially inwardly to release them from the container.

It will be apparent from the above that the locking mechanism of the system (including any associated biasing means) may be provided on either or both of (a) the lid and/or the brush and (b) the container, as may the release mechanism.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a brush and lid combination for use as part of a system according to the first aspect. Again, the brush is suitably a cleaning brush, in particular a toilet brush. The lid may be attached to or otherwise supported on, preferably attached to, the brush handle, as described above.

The lid and/or the brush should be adapted to engage with the container of the system in a releasably lockable manner, for instance as described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. I0

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following examples. Generally speaking the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings). Thus features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Moreover unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toilet brush and holder system according to the invention; Figures 2, 3 and 4 are front, rear and side views respectively of the Figure 1 system; Figure 5 is a front view of the Figure 1 system, showing the brush separated from the holder; Figure 6 is a section along the line VI-VI in Figure 2; Figures 7 and 8 are more detailed views of part of sections similar to that shown in Figure 6, taken at two different orientations radially around the brush handle;

II

Figure 9 is a more detailed view of the circled area in Figure 7; Figure 10 is a more detailed part section analogous to that of Figure 7, but showing the locking mechanism of the system in an unlocked conformation; Figure 11 is a more detailed view of the circled area in Figure 10; Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the system of Figures 1 to Ii, showing its component parts; Figures 13 and 14 are part sections through the release mechanism of the system of Figures 1 to 12, showing respectively both locked and unlocked conformations; Figure 15 is a perspective view of part of the release mechanism shown in Figures 13 andl4;and Figure 16 is a side view of the part shown in Figure 15.

All figures are schematic.

Detailed description

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 6, a toilet brush and holder system according to the invention comprises a container 2 for housing the bristle end of a toilet brush which is generally labelled 4. The brush 4 comprises bristles 6 and a handle 8.

The container is in this case made from a moulded plastics material, for example polypropylene or ABS. It is approximately frusto-conical in shape, hollow and open at one end (its upper end, in use). Its approximate height is 260 mm, its (circular) internal diameter ranges from about 96 mm at its narrowest point to about 115 mm at its widest point and it has an internal volume of approximately 2,400 cm3. It has a slightly flared base portion 10 to increase its stability, and a rim II (see Figure 5) defining its open end.

The brush handle 8 is also made from a moulded plastics material, in this case polypropylene or ABS, whilst its bristles 6 are made from a semi-rigid plastics material such as nylon, polyester or polypropylene.

The system includes a lid 12 for the container 2. The lid includes an integral handle 14. It is attached to the upper end of the brush handle 8 (in this case, the upper end of the brush handle being integrally formed with the lower portion 35 of the lid, as seen in Figure 6), so that the lid handle 14 may be used to remove both the lid and the brush together from the container 2, as shown for example in Figure 5. The distal end of the brush handle 8 extends through the inside of the lid 12, and is secured thereto by in-moulded snap-fit locking elements.

The lid 12 and its handle 14 are made from for example polypropylene or ABS. The handle is ergonomically designed for ease and comfort of handling and use. It carries front and rear textured portions 16, 18 of an over-moulded thermoplastics material such as rubber, to improve the user's grip, which can be particularly useful in wet conditions andlor when the user is wearing protective gloves.

The lid handle 14 also carries a release switch or button 20, operation of which will be described in more detail below.

When the lid 12 is fitted over the rim 11 of the container 2, the lid and container together define an enclosed space 30 (see Figure 6) which houses the bristles 6 of the brush and the lower portion of the brush handle 8. The lid is provided with a gasket seal 32 in an annular channel 34 around the perimeter of its under surface 35, so that the lid can provide a fluid-tight, or at least water-tight, seal over the open end of the container so as to define a water-tight enclosure for the brush bristles 6. Thus, even if the system is accidentally overturned, any fluid inside the container is less likely to leak out and cause a mess or a health hazard.

Figure 6 also shows that the inside of the container 2 is shaped at the base to accommodate the bristles 6 and to provide an approximately hemispherical tray 36 to collect fluids from the brush during periods of non-use.

The lid 12 includes a locking mechanism, which is described in more detail below in connection with Figures 7 to 16, by which it can be releasably "locked" into position over the open end of the container 2.

It can be seen from Figures 6 to 9 that the lid 12 comprises an annular channel 34 which, in use, accommodates the rim 11 of the container 2. The lid will thus clip into place around the rim 11. The lid also comprises a series of sprung clips, in the form of lugs 40 as best seen in Figure 9. These are adapted to engage in an annular channel 42 (see also Figure 5) provided around the perimeter of the open end of the container, below the rim 11, so as to hold the lid and container more firmly together.

The lid has in this case four lugs 40, which are provided at intervals radially around a biasing element 44 (see Figure 12). The biasing element 44 is made from a resilient semi-rigid plastics material, for example acetal, polycarbonate or nylon, and has the approximate shape of a dome or hemisphere, with cut-away portions 46 to increase its flexibility. The cut-away portions effectively define between them four limbs 48, each of which is shaped at its distal end into the form of an approximately L-shaped clip or lug 40.

The biasing element 44 fits radially around the upper end of the brush handle 8, which passes through a cylindrical collar 50 in the centre of the biasing element. The upper surface of the biasing element is free to move up and down the relevant portion of the brush handle. It can also move partially with respect to the rest of the lid 12, as described below.

The lugs 40 protrude inwardly towards the centre of the biasing element 44. In its resting state, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the natural shape and resilience of the biasing element mean that the lugs are biased radially inwardly; thus, when the lid 12 is fitted over the container 2, the lugs will act inwardly against the rim 11 of the container, urged into engagement with the channel 42, to secure the lid in position.

If, however, the natural resilience of the biasing element 44 can be overcome by pressing downwardly on its upper surface, in particular at or close to its centre, this forces the lugs 40 radially outwards, out of engagement with the container channel 42.

This is the mechanism by which the lid may be released from the container. Figures and 11 show the biasing element in this deformed, disengaged, position.

Figures 13 to 16 show in more detail the release mechanism by which the lid may be unlocked from the container and the brush thereby removed. Figure 13 shows the system in a locked conformation and Figure 14 in an unlocked conformation, whilst Figures 15 and 16 show in more detail the switch 20, provided on the lid handle 14, by which the release mechanism is activated.

The switch 20 is arranged so that when it is slid downwards (ie, in the direction towards the biasing element 44, as shown in Figure 14), it can exert downward pressure against the upper surface of the biasing element, thus releasing the lugs 40 from engagement with the container channel 42: the biasing element then occupies its deformed position, as shown in Figures 10 arid 11.

The switch 20 is mounted around the upper part of the brush handle 8 by means of the annular collar 60, to which the operative parts of the switch are connected via a is moulded spring portion 62 (see Figures 15 and 16). In this case the collar 60, the spring portion 62 and the user-operated button of the switch are provided as a single integral moulding, but they could equally be provided as separate components (for example, a collar, a spring and a user-operable button) and attached together in a suitable manner. Like the biasing element 44, the collar 60 is free to move up and down the relevant portion of the brush handle.

The switch includes a switch tilt limiter 64 and a switch lock rib 66 (again see Figures and 16), and is so arranged with respect to the other components of the lid and its locking mechanism that it cannot be slid downwards unless it is first pressed inwards towards the axis of the brush handle 8. Should a user attempt to move the switch downwards (ie, axially with respect to the brush handle) without first pressing it inwards, the locking rib 66 will abut the edge of a switch recess 72 provided in the lid (see Figure 12), thus preventing further movement. Pressing the switch inwards however moves the locking rib clear of the edge of the recess, thus allowing the switch to be moved downwardly and into engagement with the upper surface of the biasing element 44.

Thus a user needs to exert two differently directed forces on the switch 20 in order to effect release of the lid and brush: this effectively makes the release mechanism child-proof, since young children typically find it difficult to exert two different forces simultaneously. Only those with sufficient dexterity to effect the necessary two-step operation are able to remove the brush and lid together from the container ready for use.

Replacement of the brush and lid is however a relatively simple operation, the lid "snap-fitting" immediately into its locked position when pressed down around the outside of the container rim 11 -the pressing down movement urges the lugs 40 radially outwards for long enough to allow them to clear the rim 11, but they are then biased radially inwardly, back into engagement with the channel 42, once they have been pressed down far enough.

It can be seen from the above that neither the locking nor the release mechanism requires rotation of the lid or brush relative to the container. Thus both removal and replacement of the brush and lid can typically be effected one-handed.

Returning now to the exploded perspective view of the system, shown in Figure 12, it can be seen that the lid 12 comprises an upper portion 70, which includes the handle 14 and a switch recess 72 to accommodate the release switch 20, attached to an annular lower portion 74 which accommodates the lugs 40 of the biasing element 44 and which is shaped to engage with the rim 11 of the container 2.

Any element of the system of Figures 1 to 16 may be coated with, impregnated with or otherwise provided with an antimicrobial agent, for increased hygiene and general safety. In particular, this applies to the bristles 6 of the brush; it may also apply to at least a part of the inner surfaces of the container 2 and/or the lid 12, and/or to the lid handle 14. * I

Claims

Claims I A brush and holder system, comprising (i) a brush having bristles at one end and a handle at the other; (ii) a container for housing at least the bristles of the brush; (iii) a lid for the container; (iv) a locking mechanism by which the brush may be releasably locked inside the container; and (v) a release mechanism capable of acting on the locking mechanism so as to release the brush from the container only on the application to the locking mechanism of forces acting in two different directions.

2 System according to claim 1, wherein the brush is a toilet brush.

3 System according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein all or part of the brush is coated or impregnated or otherwise provided with an antimicrobial agent.

4 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises a hollow cylinder or frusto-cone, or a hollow tube having an approximately cylindrical or frusto-conical shape.

5 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container has an internal volume of from 1,000 to 2,400 cm3. * *

6 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is open at one end to allow insertion of the brush and is closed at the end opposite to its open end, and wherein the lid fits over the open end of the container.

7 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container has a slightly flared base. * *

8 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the lid is fitted onto the container, the lid and container together define an enclosed space which is capable of housing at least the bristles of the brush. I,

9 System according to claim 8, wherein the lid fits onto the container in a fluid-tight, or at least water-tight, fashion.

System according to claim 9, wherein either or both of the lid and the container is provided with sealing means in the region of engagement between the two.

11 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism, by which the brush may be releasably locked inside the container, also releasably locks the lid into position on the container.

12 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid has a handle to assist its removal from the container.

13 System according to claim 12, wherein the lid handle includes one or more textured or otherwise profiled regions to improve grip.

14 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the lid and the brush may be locked into position with respect to, and removed from, the container together.

15 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is attached to or otherwise supported by the brush handle, or incorporates the brush handle, or is shaped to allow the brush handle to extend through it.

S 16 System according to claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the brush handle is integrally formed with at least a portion of the lid.

17 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is *: . positioned or formed radially around the brush handle.

S

18 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking and release mechanisms are child-proof or substantially so.

19 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release mechanism requires the simultaneous application to the locking mechanism of two differently directed forces.

System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release mechanism requires the application to the locking mechanism of two differently directed translational forces.

21 System according to claim 20, wherein the two forces are axial and radial.

22 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release mechanism does not require the rotation of two components relative to one another.

23 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism comprises inter-engaging elements provided on the lid and the container, or on the brush and the container.

24 System according to claim 23, wherein the inter-engaging elements comprise one or more pairs of inter-engaging flanges, hooks, clips or pins and correspondingly shaped channels.

:. 25 System according to claim 24, wherein the container comprises a channel which is adapted to receive one or more flanges, hooks or similar elements * *.* provided on the brush or the lid. **** * * * ** S

26 System according to claim 25, wherein the channel is a continuous annular *: channel extending around the perimeter of the open end of the container.

27 System according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the lid comprises one or more flanges adapted to engage with one or more flanges or channels provided in the container.

28 System according to claim 27, wherein the lid comprises one or more discrete flanges or lugs, at intervals around its perimeter. C'

29 System according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein in the locking mechanism, the inter-engaging elements of the brush or lid and the container are biased into engagement with one another.

System according to claim 29, which includes biasing means associated with the lid.

31 System according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the lid "snap-fits" into a locked position with respect to the container.

32 System according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein one or more of the inter-engaging elements has an inherent resilience which biases it into engagement with another component.

33 System according to claim 32, wherein one or more lugs, clips, hooks or flanges are provided on or as an integral part of a biasing element, which has a natural resilience, such that when the biasing element occupies its resting state the lugs, clips, hooks or flanges occupy a first position in which they are urged into engagement with one or more corresponding flanges or channels, and when the biasing element is forced out of its resting state the lugs, clips, hooks or flanges occupy a second position in which they no longer engage with the corresponding flange(s) or channel(s).

I * *

34 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release * .*S mechanism acts to release both the brush and the lid from the container. I... * * * I. S

System according to claim 30 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the *. release mechanism acts to overcome the biasing means so as to allow * disengagement of the inter-engaging elements.

* S. S** S * 36 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release mechanism comprises a button, lever or other form of switch which needs to be forced in two different directions before it can effect release of the locking mechanism.

37 System according to claim 36, wherein the switch is provided on the lid handle.

38 System according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the switch has to be urged in both a radial direction and an axial direction in order to act on the locking mechanism.

39 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a resilient biasing element associated with the lid, the biasing element comprising one or more lugs or clips around its perimeter, and wherein the biasing element is free to occupy, within the lid, both a resting position in which the lugs or clips are biased into engagement with a channel or flange provided on the container and a deformed position in which the lugs or clips no longer engage with the channel or flange on the container, the deformed position being causable by operation of the release mechanism.

System according to claim 39, wherein the lugs or clips are formed as an integral part of the biasing element.

41 System according to claim 39 or claim 40, wherein the biasing element has four lugs or clips.

42 System according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the biasing element is :. provided around the brush handle but is free to move axially with respect to it over at least a portion of its length, and wherein the biasing element can be * **.

forced downwardly against a lower surface of the lid and/or against the *.e.

: container in order to move it from its resting to its deformed position.

43 System according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein the resilient biasing element is made from a flexible plastics material.

**....

S

44 System according to any one of claims 39 to 43, wherein the resilient biasing element is circular or approximately so, but biased out of a single plane into the form of a dome or hemisphere or part thereof.

System according to claim 44, wherein the biasing element is so arranged that the application of an axial force onto the raised surface of the dome urges the biasing element into a flatter state, thus urging the lugs or clips radially outwardly.

46 System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises an annular channel which is adapted to accommodate, and hence to fit around the outside of, an open end of the container, and wherein one or more lugs, clips, hooks, pins or flanges which are provided as part of the locking mechanism are associated with the lid, and can engage radially inwardly with one or more channels or flanges provided around all or part of the perimeter of the open end of the container, and further wherein operation of the release mechanism moves the lugs, clips, hooks, pins or flanges radially outwardly, out of engagement with the container channel(s) or flange(s).

47 A brush and holder system which is substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

48 A brush and lid combination for use as part of a system according to any one of the preceding claims. * *** *S. * * *S.. * * 0 ** 0 0* * * . * *0 * * a l1-