JP2006519046A - Cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The cleaning device (2) is configured to have a first end (14) configured to be held by a user and a cleaning member (6) attached to the cleaning device (6) that can be immediately flushed with water. (18) and a cleaning member discharge means (20) operable to disengage the cleaning implement (6) from the second end (18) of the appliance (2).

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning implement, in particular a toilet cleaning implement, but is not limited thereto.

  In particular, the present invention seeks to provide a practical solution to the problems associated with the use of conventional bristle-based toilet brushes. A disadvantage of conventional toilet brushes is that the bristles of the brush are arranged in groups of individual filaments that are in close proximity, which facilitates the collection and retention of dirt particles removed from the toilet surface during cleaning. The task of cleaning dirty brushes by the user can be difficult and uncomfortable. Another drawback is that the brush is intended to be reusable and over time, the bristle head can be difficult to clean, resulting in particle buildup, which is unsightly and a hygienic hazard. There is also. This effect reduces the cleaning effectiveness of the instrument during its performance and discourages potential users from performing the necessary cleaning tasks with this tool.

  In many cases, the bristles of the brush are attached to the brush head by metal staples, which is problematic due to the corrosive environment of the toilet. Bleaching agents and cleaning chemicals are usually present in the toilet, either of which can corrode these staples and lead to an ugly brown discoloration of the bristles. Moreover, the standard arrangement of bristles in the brush head has a tendency to retain water between the individual bristle filaments when immersed in use. As a result, it is not uncommon for dirty water to visibly collect in a brush holding container where at least the brush head is located when not in use.

  Several proposed designs have been documented in an attempt to overcome the problems identified above. Many of them incorporate a handle with a disposable cleaning “head” intended to flow into water after use. However, a problem encountered with such designs is that the shape of the head and handle requires a great deal of dexterity for the user to attach the two elements together before use. It is. This is because the user cannot install the head or cleaning member unless it is accurately aligned with the end of the handle, which can be difficult, especially for the elderly or the weak.

  Furthermore, in prior art documents, the cleaning head usually has an unsatisfactory design when it is necessary to clean an area of the toilet that is difficult to reach, for example under the edge of the toilet. Also, after using such an instrument, the user must manually remove the dirty cleaning head from the end of the handle, which is uncomfortable and very unsanitary. Furthermore, the shape of the prior art cleaning heads makes it difficult to flush the heads for disposal into water, and can even result in toilet blockage.

  In order to be able to flow with water, the head must pass through the toilet water pipe, through the drainage pipe system, and reach the entrance of the processing operation without causing damage or mechanical blockage anywhere .

  Some prior art documents rely on the total or partial degradation / dissolution of the cleaning head in water so that the head, and possibly the attached handle, can also flow into the water. The degradation rate of water sensitive materials (eg paper short fibers) and water soluble materials (eg polyvinyl alcohol) is greatly influenced by two important factors: water temperature and level of agitation and duration (pressure / stress / time) Receive. The presence of certain drugs, such as bleach and cleaning acids, in the toilet water can also affect the degradation rate of certain water sensitive materials. Devise one material that decomposes accurately at the end of each toilet cleaning session due to these variables, especially the inevitable variation in the time involved in each cleaning operation, estimated to be between about 10 seconds and about 2 minutes. However, it becomes virtually impossible. Therefore, it is clearly important that the material does not decompose before the work is finished. This premature disassembly is likely to leave residual material in contact with the reusable handle and further prevent the cleaning operation from being fully completed.

  There are previous designs that feature a head that can be flushed with water and has a pocket-like shape. Such a shape will fit under the edge of the toilet, depending on the thickness of the material. However, this pocket design is based on a friction fit arrangement and loads a reusable straight handle on one end of the disposable cleaning component. This mounting configuration is common to most of the prior art designs described above. However, such designs have been found to have significant limitations. Since the size of the component is limited to allow water to flow, the mouth receiving the tip of the reusable handle must also be small or it must be closed naturally in the case of a pocket design.

  With regard to personal hygiene, it is highly desirable that the user need not be in direct contact with or in close contact with any part of the reusable handle that has previously been in contact with the dirty head or toilet water. Thus, the user holds only the end of the reusable handle that is intended to be gripped. This requires some degree of accuracy and dexterity to load the components, without the complexity and expense added by the automatic loading / guiding mechanism, although this is not unduly difficult, It is thought that it is difficult to handle at best.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to address the above problems and provide a reusable cleaning implement that is simple to use and hygienic.

  It is a further object of the present invention that the cleaning head can be immediately flushed with water when the cleaning operation is complete. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to incorporate a disposable cleaning head that provides the maximum amount of cleaning surface area within geometric constraints that can be easily flushed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning instrument including a handle that is configured to be held by a user, and a water-washing cleaning member that is selectively attached to the user via a handle attaching means. Incorporates a user-operable cleaning member discharge means for removing the cleaning member from the handle so that the cleaning member can be discarded after use, the cleaning member having a cleaning surface and an opposite mounting surface, said mounting Means attach to the mounting surface of the cleaning member.

  In one embodiment, the attachment means is substantially horizontal with the attachment surface of the cleaning member.

  Accordingly, there is provided a cleaning implement including a handle that is configured to be held by a user and a water-washing cleaning member that is selectively attached to the handle, wherein the handle removes the cleaning member from the handle so that the cleaning member can be discarded. For this purpose, a cleaning member discharging means operable by the user is incorporated.

  Usually, cleaning utensils are used for toilet cleaning

  The cleaning member is preferably substantially planar. By the term “planar” is meant that the cleaning member has a small thickness between the opposing first and second surfaces, the first surface being provided for cleaning action and the second surface Is provided so as to be attached to the handle of the cleaning means. The cleaning member is preferably substantially planar when attached to the handle. The cleaning member may be flat or curved prior to attachment, and in one embodiment may be operated into a flat or curved state upon attachment.

  The cleaning member is preferably flexible and adaptable to the surface shape to be cleaned, so that the member can clean all areas of the toilet. This is possible when the cleaning member is dry, and preferably no water is required to soften it.

  This is advantageous because it improves the flexibility of the instrument for cleaning regions or areas that are difficult to reach when the cleaning member is three-dimensional. Also, many people clean the toilet dry area, such as around the edge, before cleaning the wet lower area of the toilet bowl. Advantageously, the maximum surface of the cleaning member can be used for cleaning and still be flushed with water.

Although the exact shape and dimensions will vary, most toilets have three common elements that require regular cleaning: an edge, a toilet section and a drain pipe / trap section. The present invention provides a disposable cleaning member having a cleaning surface and an opposite mounting surface. The cleaning surface is at least sufficiently comfortable and is therefore flexible to effectively clean each of the three toilet elements identified above. Previous designs of cleaning members mostly use three-dimensional cylindrical, conical or hemispherical disposable heads. These shapes are advantageous only if they are flexible enough to contact the toilet bowl and apply force to itself. As a result of such excessive force, the material of these heads is torn and is a swing.

  The handle portion to which the cleaning member is attached is elastic and preferably has a flexible material such as rubber. Alternatively, the second end is preferably articulated so that the attachment means can be operated around at least one axis of rotation, preferably around a plurality of axes, whereby the cleaning end of the instrument. There can reach troublesome areas of the toilet, such as under the edge or the base of the toilet bowl.

Typically, the handle attachment means is provided with articulation means so that the cleaning member and attachment means can be articulated to the handle as a unit in addition to effectively attaching the cleaning member thereto. This can be provided with attachment means so that it can be adapted to the contour of the surface to be cleaned with the cleaning member, so that the load or force applied through the handle can be distributed throughout the cleaning member. In addition, the mounting means is disposed in a sufficient portion of the cleaning member to ensure that the cleaning effect of the cleaning member is uniform over the entire cleaning surface and provides an effective cleaning action.

  The handle preferably includes attachment means configured to engage the cleaning member after contact with itself, so that the mounting of the handle and the cleaning member can be aligned and is generally centered on the cleaning member. Matching means can be provided. Advantageously, center alignment allows the larger surface area of the cleaning member to be used in a balanced manner.

  The attachment means is preferably configured to automatically engage with it after contacting the cleaning member. In one embodiment, the attachment means comprises at least one hook or loop means configured to engage at least one hook or loop means provided on the cleaning member. Usually, each of the cleaning member and the handle is provided with a plurality of spaced hooks or loops. The attachment means preferably extends substantially perpendicularly from the handle attachment means to provide the required amount of vertical gripping force for the cleaning member, and usually the greater amount of cleaning member shearing gripping force required. . Thus, the attachment can withstand a significant amount of lateral force and the cleaning member is still relatively easily disengaged from the attachment means.

  The advantage of a cleaning implement as described herein is that prior art systems that require a great deal of dexterity and usually deformation to grip the cleaning member reduce the efficiency of the cleaning member. Conversely, attachment to the second end of the instrument is very simple, i.e. attaching the handle attachment means in contact with the cleaning member.

  In one embodiment, the cleaning implement has first and second arms, which are preferably attached to each other by a pivot. Each arm preferably has a first end and a second end. The arm has a first shape in which the first end of the arm is substantially separated and the second end of the arm is substantially together, and a second shape in which the first end of the arm is substantially together and the second end of the arm is substantially separated. It is preferable that the configuration is such that it swivels between shapes, preferably in a tong configuration. Bias applying means configured to apply a bias to the arm in the first shape can be provided. The biasing means may be in the form of a spring. In this embodiment, the first end of each arm is configured to be held by the user, preferably by its hand. The second end of the first arm includes attachment means, which is normally configured to engage the cleaning member when the arm is in the first shape. Therefore, when the user is in the first shape, the user can hold the first end of the arm and bring the second end of the first arm into contact with the cleaning member. In one embodiment, the second end of the second arm is configured to mate substantially inside the second end of the first arm so that when the arm is in the second shape, the attachment means is a cleaning member Exposed to contact.

  In this embodiment, the second end of the second arm is configured to eject the cleaning member when the arm moves from the first shape to the second shape. In use, the user can pivot the first ends of the arms together, thereby separating the second ends of the arms. The second end of the second arm is pressed against the cleaning member, thereby moving the cleaning member away from the second end of the first arm.

  In a further preferred embodiment, the handle portion gripped by the user includes a movable part or is compressible and is configured to be selectively compressed or operated by the user.

  Typically, the handle portion for attachment to the cleaning member includes discharge means, which is disposed adjacent to the attachment means. In one embodiment, the discharge means is in the form of an elastic member. The elastic member is preferably located substantially at the center of the attachment means in a state where the attachment means surrounds the discharge means. In one embodiment, the draining means is an elastic diaphragm.

  The discharging means operates between a first position where it is not in contact with the cleaning member and a second position where the discharging means is in contact with the cleaning member, away from the mounting means and pulls the cleaning member away from the mounting means. Such a configuration is preferable. When in the first position, it is preferred that the discharge means is disposed substantially inside the second end of the handle. When the cleaning member is moved from the first position to the second position by the user operating the handle or compressible means mechanically connected to the discharge means along the handle, the discharge means is It is the structure which discharges this. In one embodiment, the draining means is a room elastic member in the handle.

  Typically, the instrument includes a handle having a first end configured to be held by the user and a second end having attachment means configured to engage the cleaning member. The attachment means is preferably arranged around the second end of the handle. The handle includes a sliding means, which is preferably configured to slide in the handle under the influence of manual work while the discharging means of the cleaning member is connected to a part of the sliding means.

  It is preferable that the instrument has bias applying means configured to apply a bias to the sliding means in the first shape. The bias applying means preferably has a spring.

  In one embodiment, the instrument includes a magazine in which a plurality of the cleaning members are provided for selective removal from the magazine when attached to the handle of the instrument. Typically, a handle with a portion of the attachment means exposed is placed in the magazine so that the attachment means contacts and is attached to and removed from the exposed cleaning member in the magazine.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning member for use in a toilet bowl cleaning implement, said cleaning member being substantially planar for disposal in the toilet bowl and being flushable with water.

  The cleaning member is preferably at least substantially planar when attached to a cleaning implement, but during use, the cleaning member is inherently elastic and / or supported from attachment means on the surface of the cleaning member to which the attachment means is applied. Therefore, it is preferable to maintain a substantially planar shape.

  The cleaning member is usually in the form of a cleaning member. The cleaning member may be fibrous and is preferably fibrous at the point of contact with the attachment means of the cleaning implement. In one embodiment, the cleaning member has a foam-like material that includes at least one void therein.

  The cleaning member can be approximately oval or rectangular, and a rectangular cleaning member can usually be poured into the water from a square or circular cleaning member of similar dimensions, for example. This is because the latter shape tends to block the toilet spill pipe. This is because the two opposite sides are much longer than the other two opposite sides, and in the rectangular form, the natural direction of the cleaning member in the flow is the direction in which the short side leads in the direction of movement Because of that.

  The width of the cleaning member is preferably less than 60 mm, more preferably less than 55 mm, and most preferably less than 50 mm. The length of the cleaning member is less than 120 mm, preferably less than 100 mm, more preferably less than 90 mm, and most preferably less than 80 mm. The length of the cleaning member is preferably at least 130% of the width of the cleaning member, and more preferably at least 150%. Usually, the cleaning member has a thickness of 30 mm or less, preferably 15 mm or less.

  The cleaning member preferably has a single layer structure.

  The cleaning chemical added to the cleaning member is semi-dry or more clearly maintains a liquid state, but is preferably concentrated when all the water is removed by heat. This ensures that the cleaning member cannot be “fused” in use by any moisture that comes into contact with the cleaning member overlap and subsequently evaporates. This is because when all the moisture is removed, the cleaning chemical can be fused if it is essentially dry or solid.

  Preferably most, more preferably 100%, of the dry weight components of the cleaning member are natural materials or are biodegradable as found in sewage treatment plants and sewage systems.

  Preferably, the cleaning member is substantially formed of a material that does not readily dissolve in water (ie, within 5 minutes in water below 25 ° C.) or does not decompose in water.

  The cleaning member is preferably produced by spraying an aqueous dispersion of polymer binder onto the nonwoven fiber substrate.

  The fiber is preferably a cellulosic material.

  The fibers preferably have a minimum titer of approximately 15 dtex.

  The resin binder is preferably non-adsorbing, more preferably non-adsorbing and biodegradable, more preferably a starch polymer, an aliphatic polyester, or a combination of both.

  Preferably, the abrasive “does not scratch” the surface of the pottery and does not react to acidic cleaning chemicals.

  The individual webs of fibers are preferably coated with 0-300 gsm sprayed solids (dry resin and mineral / filler) on the engagement side and the cleaning surface with 100-500 gsm dry solids.

  The fiber elements of the cleaning member structure preferably have a significant weight percentage of substantially adsorbent fibers, and more preferably have a minimum of 30% adsorbent cellulose fibers.

  Alternatively, the cleaning member may be a multi-layer structure including any combination of engagement layer, filth barrier layer and cleaning layer. The engagement layer is attached to the handle and has a woven loop scrim or an open structured nonwoven fibrous web. The filth barrier layer reduces the risk of contamination of the handle and has a nonwoven web that is finely formed with a small titer (less than 3 dtex), or a continuous soft film. The cleaning layer provides wear and absorbency, has a mixture of coarse fibers (at least 15 dtex) or fine fibers (less than 3 dtex) and may or may not be sprayed with additional resin bonded abrasive.

  The cleaning member, in one embodiment, may include at least one opening, slot, channel or notch to facilitate deformation during cleaning and thereafter improve ease of flushing after cleaning. .

  The cleaning member has a plurality of relatively small cleaning members, which are preferably held in place by a handle attachment means. In this embodiment, the relatively small cleaning member is removed separately for disposal and flows more easily into the water than a single relatively large cleaning member.

  According to a further aspect, there is provided storage means for supporting at least one cleaning implement as defined herein and storing a plurality of cleaning members as defined herein when not in use, wherein the storage means comprises: It includes a guide that can be brought into contact with the cleaning member to guide and introduce the handle and to form a cleaning implement for use with the handle and the cleaning member attached.

  The storage means preferably includes separating means that facilitate attaching individual cleaning members to the handle in use.

  According to a further aspect, there is provided a cleaning implement having a handle with a first portion that is configured to be held by a user and a second portion that is configured for attachment to a cleaning member, the user of the appliance selecting Cleaning member discharge means configured to operate against the engagement of the attachment means with the handle and to disengage the cleaning member from the attachment means and allow the cleaning member to be removed for disposal including.

  In one embodiment, the actuating means of the ejecting means is located in a portion that the handle user grips and uses mechanical actuation. In an alternative embodiment, fluid moves from the handle gripping portion to the handle attachment means such that the cleaning member is ejected from the tool attachment means. In one embodiment, the fluid is contained in the instrument, preferably in its body, and in one embodiment, the fluid is air or liquid. In one embodiment, the fluid moves with a piston and cylinder configuration and the handle includes a cylinder having a piston slidably mounted thereto. The discharge means can include an elastic member, which preferably has an elastic diaphragm.

  In any embodiment of the invention, the ejection means in the first position is located substantially inside the instrument handle.

  According to a further aspect, the handle having a first end configured to be held by a user and a second end configured to have a cleaning member attached thereto, and the handle is not in contact with the cleaning member A cleaning implement is provided having a first shape and sliding means configured to operate between a first shape and a second shape that is in contact with the cleaning member.

  It is preferable that the sliding means is configured to discharge the cleaning member when operating from the first shape to the second shape. The body has a first cylinder. The sliding means may include a second cylinder attached to the main body. The second cylinder is preferably configured to slide along the main body. Alternatively, the sliding means may comprise a member slidably mounted inside the body, one end of which slides on the mounting means to eject the cleaning member, but does not slide on the cleaning member. The other end includes a button that projects through the body so that the user can operate it.

  All of the features described herein can be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.

  For a further understanding of the present invention and methods of practicing the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying schematic drawings by way of illustration.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a first embodiment of a household cleaning implement 2 that can be used to clean the interior of household furniture, in particular a toilet (not shown). A second embodiment and a third embodiment of the cleaning implement 2 are illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively. In each embodiment, the instrument 2 is comprised of a handle 4 and a fibrous nonwoven cleaning member 6, examples of which are illustrated in the various embodiments of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the handle 4 of the instrument 2 is composed of an upper member 8 and a lower member 10 connected to each other by a hinge 12, and the hinge allows individual movement of the upper and lower members 8, 10. In the first embodiment of the instrument 2, when the upper and lower members 8, 10 are brought together on one side of the hinge 12 by the user, the upper and lower members 8, 10 are separated on the other side of the hinge 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lower side of the upper member 8 forms a mounting plate 28, which consists of a series of small downward hooks indicated by arrows 28a. The hooks 28a of the mounting plate 28 engage with the fibers and / or gaps 38 that make up the cleaning member 6, so that the cleaning member 6 is attached thereto. An embodiment of the cleaning member 6 is illustrated in FIG. 8 and described below. The cleaning member is a woven or non-woven material or a foam material.

  In use, the user first places the upper and lower members 8 and 10 of the handle 4 in positions where they are gripped so that they are separated. This is facilitated by a natural bias by a spring mechanism (not shown) or by a design that ensures that the user can always use the instrument 2 immediately as is convenient. This ensures that the upper limit members 8, 10 on the opposite side of the hinge 12 are forced together. Next, the user brings the upper region of the cleaning member 6 into very simple contact with the mounting plate 28 of the handle 4 so that the cleaning member 6 is attached as shown in FIG. The cleaning member 6 shown in FIG. 9 is only one possible embodiment of the cleaning member 6. Another embodiment of the cleaning member 6 is shown in FIGS.

  The hook 28 a is caught on and around the fiber 38 or the gap of the cleaning member 6. Since the cleaning member 6 forms a relatively large fibrous area, it is very easy for the user to attach the cleaning member 6 to the handle 4 and requires little dexterity. Therefore, the instrument 2 can be easily used even by an elderly person or a weak person. The advantage of this mechanism is that when the user attaches the cleaning member 6 to the handle 4, there is no need to contact it. When attached to each other, the cleaning member 6 and the handle 4 form a complete cleaning implement 2 that can be used for toilet cleaning. The cleaning member 6 is flat and approximately two-dimensional and is therefore suitable for cleaning areas of the toilet that are difficult to reach, such as, for example, the underside of the edge.

  After using the cleaning member 6, the user simply ejects the cleaning member 6 from the mounting plate 28 of the handle 4. This is accomplished by grasping the upper and lower members 8, 10 of the handle 4 together at the point held by the user, as indicated by the arrow "A" in FIG. As a result, the section of the upper and lower members 8 and 10 of the handle 4 on the opposite side of the hinge 12 is forcibly separated. As a result, the lower member 10 of the handle is pressed against the cleaning member 6 in the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. That is. The cleaning member 6 is physically pulled away from the underside of the handle 4 in the desired direction and enters, for example, a toilet bowl. The advantage of this mechanism is that the user does not need to touch the cleaning member 6 at all when used for cleaning the toilet. Therefore, the use of the instrument 2 is hygienic and safe.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a second embodiment of the cleaning implement 2 is illustrated. The handle 4 includes a spherical head section 14 and a head section 18 that are tapered toward the central rigid neck section 16. The lower side of the head section 18 is composed of a flexible diaphragm 20 mounted in the center, which is surrounded by a mounting plate 28. The diaphragm can be deflected in and out of the head section 18. The mounting plate of the second embodiment of the instrument 2 is composed of a series of downwardly projecting hooks 28a arranged around the diaphragm 20.

  In use, the cleaning member 6 is removed from the handle 4 in the same manner as described above with respect to the first embodiment, ie by simply bringing the underside of the head section 18 and thus the mounting plate into contact with the cleaning member 6. Attach to the mounting plate 28. A hook 28a engages the fiber / void 38 on the surface of the cleaning member 6, thereby maintaining it in place. Similar to the first embodiment, the user does not need to manually touch the cleaning member 6 or the head section 18 during installation.

  The three sections 14, 16, 18 of the handle are hollow and filled with air. Further, the main body section 14 of the handle 4 is made of a flexible compression material such as rubber. In order to remove the cleaning member 6 from the mounting plate 28, the user simply grasps the compressible body 14 as indicated by the arrow "C" shown in FIG. As a result, the air inside the body 14 descends through the neck 16 of the instrument 2 to the head section 18. Due to the shift of the air pressure in the head section 18, the diaphragm 20 moves outward in the direction of the arrow "D" shown in FIG. As a result, the dirty cleaning member 6 is detached from the hook 28 a and separated from the mounting plate 28. Similar to the first embodiment, the cleaning member 6 can be oriented into a toilet or trash can (not shown). Further, if the user uses the dirty cleaning member 6, it is not necessary to handle it.

  With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a third embodiment of the cleaning implement 2 is illustrated. The instrument 2 is composed of an elongated inner tube 22 with a flexible end 22a attached to one end thereof. The mounting plate 28 is formed around the end of the flexible end 22a and is composed of several mounting hooks 28a. The instrument 2 further comprises an outer tube 24 which is slidable outside the inner tube 22. The inner and outer tubes 22, 24 are approximately the same length. A stopper 26 is provided at the end of the inner tube 22 distally from the mounting plate 28. The stopper 26 is connected to the mounting plate 28 via an internal thread (not shown), and is provided as means for remotely removing the mounting plate 28 from the end of the flexible end 22a.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning member 6 moves the end of the mounting plate 28 at the end of the inner tube 22 by returning the outer tube 24 so that the mounting plate 28 at the end of the inner tube 22 is exposed. Can be attached to the part very simply. Next, the attachment plate 28 is brought into contact with the cleaning member 6. The hook 28a engages the fiber / gap 38 of the cleaning member 6 and is consequently attached thereto. The end 22a is flexible so that the user can manipulate the end 22a and thus put the cleaning member 6 in a troubled area of the toilet.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the user simply discharges the cleaning member 6 from the end of the inner tube 22 by sliding the outer tube 24 in the direction toward the mounting plate 28 as indicated by the arrow “E”. be able to. As a result, the outer tube 24 is pressed against the top of the cleaning member 6 and is pulled away from the tubes 22 and 24 in the direction of arrow “F” as shown in FIG. Thus, like the other two embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4, the cleaning member 6 is very simply attached to the instrument mounting plate 28 and the user contacts the cleaning member 6 before or after use. It is not necessary and can be discharged after use. This embodiment of the instrument 2 also has an elastic spring (not shown) which pulls the outer tube 24 back over the inner tube 22 so that the user can always use the instrument.

  The hooks 28a on the mounting plate 28 are effectively caught under the fibers / voids 38 of the cleaning member 6 so that when used for toilet cleaning, the cleaning member 6 is kept in place. During the cleaning operation, a certain pressure is normally applied to the handle 4 and thus to the cleaning member 6. After use, each of the three discharge mechanisms ensures that the user never has to touch the dirty cleaning member 6.

  Referring to FIG. 7, enlarged views of various embodiments of the mounting plate 28 are illustrated. The mounting plate 28 may form a continuous cleaning surface as shown in FIG. 7d or may include holes 30 of various shapes.

  FIG. 8 illustrates various embodiments of the cleaning member 6. In each embodiment, the cleaning member 6 is composed of a fibrous net of a woven or non-woven material, a foam, or the like. The cleaning member 6 can be made of a material that is strong enough to be used for cleaning toilets or other surfaces. It is usually preferred that the material be biodegradable or non-toxic so that it can be flushed into the toilet after use. The cleaning member 6 is usually rectangular in shape and is relatively flat and can therefore be manipulated into smaller areas that are not reachable by the three-dimensional cleaning member 6. The cleaning member 6 can be made entirely of a fiber net 38 or a fibrous layer having a void in which the hooks 28a of the mounting plate 28 can engage.

  The cleaning member 6 may have a series of slots 32 extending across it. The slot 32 is provided to facilitate disposal of the cleaning member 6 by flowing it into the toilet. The design of the cleaning member 6 is such that it has sufficient strength to withstand significant pressure during the cleaning process, but can decompose and disperse when flowed into water. The slot 32 is positioned and length such that the mounting plate 28 remains integral with the cleaning member 6 during use for cleaning. However, after use, the cleaning member 6 is ejected from the mounting plate 6 so that the slots 32 are no longer held together. This facilitates disassembly of the cleaning member 6. It is envisioned that the cleaning member 6 can be composed of a plurality of cleaning members, for example, four relatively small cleaning members. In this case, the mounting plate 28 collects four relatively small cleaning members as one cleaning member 6 at a predetermined position. After use, four relatively small cleaning members are dispersed as they are flushed into the toilet.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the engaging action between the hook 28a of the mounting plate 28 and the cleaning member 6 is illustrated. The handle 8 shown in FIG. 9 is that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Also, the cleaning member 6 shown in FIG. 9 is only one of many possible embodiments with the cleaning member 6. However, it should be understood that the attachment mechanism is essentially the same in all three embodiments of the handle 4 and the cleaning member 6.

  Referring to FIG. 10, a storage unit 34 is shown that can store several cleaning members 6 and handle 4 when not in use. The unit holds several unused cleaning members 6.

  With reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 and 16, a fourth embodiment of the cleaning implement 2 and a corresponding second embodiment of the storage unit 34 are illustrated. The instrument 2 is comprised of an elongated tube 40 that substantially surrounds the elongated member 42. The elongate tube 40 has two halves 40a, 40bw which are snapped together, screwed, glued or otherwise held together. The elongated tube 40 includes ribs 58 that assist in guiding to the storage unit 34. The elongate member 42 has a protrusion 44 that projects through an opening 46 in the elongate tube 40 and can be actuated to operate the elongate member 42 along the elongate tube 40, and is specific to the elongate member 42. Bias applying means for applying a bias in the direction is provided. A mounting member 56 including plates 28, 48 connected in approximately parallel is pivotally attached to the end of the elongated tube 40. The elongate member 42 is connected to the discharge member 52 through the opening of the plate 48. The discharge means 52 includes an elongate member 54 and a discharge plate 50 that is configured to slide on the plate 28 but not on the plate 48. The mounting plate 28 includes a hook for engaging with the cleaning member 6 as described above. In use, the cleaning member 6 is attached to the mounting plate 28 for cleaning, and the pivotally mounted member 56 assists this function, and when finished, the user is biased by the spring biasing means. The cleaning member 6 is ejected by sliding the button 44 forward in the opposite direction, which causes the ejection plate 50 on the mounting plate 28 to be flush with the mounting plate 28 on the proximal side of the plate 48 or before it. From this position, the cleaning member 6 is slid to the position that is flush with the mounting plate 28, thereby forcibly separating the cleaning member 6 from the mounting plate 28.

  The storage unit 34 can hold several unused cleaning members 6 in the storage unit 34 when they are arranged in the storage unit 34, for example at an angle of 30 ° with respect to the base and parallel to the mounting plate 28. . This allows the cleaning member 6 to contact and engage the mounting plate 28 without further action by the user. The storage unit 34 includes a door 60 that can be refilled with the cleaning member 6. The door can be attached in several standard ways, such as snapping, slidable mounting, hinges, and the like. An opening 62 in the door or other part of the storage unit 34 allows the user to see the number of cleaning members 6 contained in the storage unit 34. The storage unit has a slot 66 that guides the edge 64 for preventing the cleaning member 6 from falling accidentally when the storage unit 34 is turned upside down, and the rib 58 of the cleaning implement 2 into the storage unit 34. including.

  Referring to FIGS. 14-15 and 17-19, a fourth embodiment of the cleaning implement 2 and a corresponding alternative third embodiment of the storage unit 34 are illustrated. The storage unit consists of two sections 34a, 34b, which are held together by snaps, clips and / or hinges, the opening of which facilitates the exchange of the cartridge 68 of the cleaning member 6 held within itself. To.

  When the cleaning implement 2 is placed in the storage unit 34, the mounting plate 28 of the cleaning implement 2 is aligned with the cleaning member 6 by the rib 58 of the slot 66, which also fixes the cleaning implement 2 in an upright position.

  When the cleaning implement 2 is removed from the storage unit 34, the ribs 58 are disengaged from the slots 66, thereby moving the cleaning implement toward the user. If the user pulls the cleaning device 2 too far from the storage unit 34, it guides the end of the cleaning device 2 along with the mounting member 56 from the opening of the storage unit 34 without contaminating and / or disengaging the cleaning member 6. The attachment member 56 contacts the deflection rib 70 so that it exits.

  The storage unit 34 includes two or more interference ribs 72 that contact the outer surface of the cartridge 68 of the cleaning member 6 to deform the cartridge wall such that the cleaning member is slightly gripped by the inner surface of the cartridge 68. The cartridge 68 is sufficiently flexible to allow such deformation and is manufactured from a card, thin film, etc., producing the effect that the cartridge is “sandwiched” in the center. Since the cleaning members 6 tend to adhere to each other, the interference ribs 72 allow the cleaning members to be removed one by one during use. A further embodiment includes a cartridge 68 provided with interference ribs to achieve a result similar to that described above.

  With reference to FIGS. 20 to 22, a further embodiment of the cleaning end of the cleaning implement 2 is illustrated. In this case, the handle of the instrument has two halves 40a, 40b and substantially surrounds the elongate member 42 going down to the attachment means 56. The attachment means 56 including the attachment plate 28 is also shown. The elongate member 42 is configured such that its lower end adjacent to the attachment means has a central section 54 having support ribs 55 and two arms 57, 59 on each side of the central section. When used for cleaning and / or mounting of cleaning members, the free range of pivoting movement of the mounting means 56 is defined by the ability of the arms 57, 59 to pivot with the barrel 61. The central section 54 is separated from the arm by a slot 63 and is received in a chamber 41 formed by the extension walls of the first half portion 40a of the handle and the second half portion 40b of the handle.

  If desired, biasing means may also be included to bias the elongated elastic member 42 in a particular direction.

  To eject the cleaning member, the elongated member 42 is actuated and moved downward relative to the handle and attachment means so that the member 42 has the arms 57, 59 and the central section 54 all together. It operates as a unit in the sense that it operates in the same direction and plane through the barrel 61 that acts to carry. When the reinforcing rib 55 is provided, the member 42 is further strengthened when used for discharging as shown in FIG. The downward movement passes through the attachment means 56, whereby the evacuation means provides an evacuation force to disengage the cleaning member from the attachment means 56. As a result, the cleaning member is discharged from the attachment means 56 as described below.

  20 and 21 show in cross section the shape of the cleaning implement 2 used for cleaning. In this arrangement, the elastic member 42 has arms 57, 59 on which the attachment means 56 is arranged, allowing its pivoting movement, while the central section 54 does not impose any restraining force on the attachment means and is within the chamber 41. And is defined by chamber portions 40a and 40b. FIG. 20 shows the attachment means in the position to be used for cleaning, and FIG. 21 shows the instrument in such a way that the cleaning member can be attached to the attachment means in the storage unit so that the cleaning member can be lifted from the storage unit for use. The shape of the cleaning implement 2 is shown in a position for placement in a complementary storage unit (not shown).

1. When used for cleaning, the attachment means can be pivoted with respect to the male member 42 around the arms 57 and 59, and in the discharge mode, it is important to increase the degree of rigidity provided. This is accomplished by the combination of the downward force applied as described and the barrel 61 so that the member 42 moves as one unit as only one downward as it passes through the pivot position. It has arms 57, 59 and a central section 54 that are constrained and thus apply one integral force. This provides the strength and rigidity necessary for the evacuation means to operate efficiently, with sufficient strength to achieve evacuation from the attachment means of the cleaning member. Thus, when adding the evacuation means to the cleaning member and removing it from the attachment means, the arm acts in combination with a further position of the elastic member 42 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the attachment means lies. The evacuation force is applied and the attachment means are present substantially parallel to the cleaning member such that the evacuation force is applied evenly over the cleaning pad to allow the discharge and thus the removal of the cleaning member to be achieved.

  One important feature of the present invention is that the attachment between the reusable handle 4 and the disposable cleaning member 6 is easily engaged only by using the user's hand at the intended location of the handle. Providing a mechanism. The instrument 2 is thus composed of attachment means 28 located at the far end of the reusable handle 4 and featuring a series of protruding hooks 28a. Such a low profile hook 28 a engages the fiber / continuous filament 38 on the top layer of the cleaning member 6. Although the user intends to position and press down the mounting plate 28 in the center of the cleaning member 6, precise contact is not important and therefore only requires a minimum level of dexterity.

  There is an option that allows the mounting plate 28 to be replaced from the end of the handle 4 if it becomes dirty or damaged. The mounting plate 28 can be (i) a support plate (not shown) fitted with a hook tape cutting section from an existing suitable hook and loop fastening system, or (ii) a single as shown in the drawing. It can be composed of any of the injection molding components. The following improvements can be devised by the option of a custom-made molded hook 28 / fiber 38 system.

  1) The profile geometry and spacing of the hook 28a is only minimally bonded, i.e. enough to safely engage the cleaning member 6 and lift it out of the toilet under full saturation. Devise to provide. This can be accomplished by reducing the degree of engagement between each hook 28a and fiber 38 and reducing the surface density of hook 28a and fiber 38. This reduces the risk of falling fibers 38 or cleaning member debris remaining in the hook 28a when the cleaning member 6 is disengaged, and in some cases extends the useful life of the hook 28a. In addition, the disengagement of the cleaning member 6 is further facilitated, giving flexibility to the design of the ejector mechanism. Even if the degree of engagement is significantly reduced, the fastening system provides more than adequate shear strength during cleaning.

  2) The mounting plate 28 can be vented through a series of ports 30 (see FIGS. 7a and 7e) to allow water to flow to assist in the removal of residual fibers 38 that are trapped within the hooks 28a.

  Another important aspect of the present invention is that it is very simple and economical to produce, not only simply attached to the handle 4, i.e. just touching the upper surface of the cleaning member 6 with the handle mounting plate 28. It was to develop a disposable cleaning member 6. Alternative designs, particularly those that include a solid head that engages with a friction fit, include a single-stage or multi-stage molding / creation process. As a result of the molding or creation process, the costs are almost certainly increased both in terms of unit price and invested capital. In contrast, a flat, single layer roll of cleaning material can be very simply changed to a cleaning member 6 with a small preferred dimension.

An important feature of the present invention is the use of a material structure that effectively handles most toilet cleaning operations in combination with a preferred geometry. The desired features can be summarized as follows.
1) Absorbability of wiping action that removes dirt removed from the surface with minimal dirt.
2) Polishing to help remove hardened dirt and accumulation of lime and water.
3) Instantaneous conformance that easily matches the contour of the surface being cleaned under pressure. This is possible when the cleaning member 6 is dry, ie no water is required.
4) Rigidity. It is self-supporting when saturated and is sufficiently rigid to transmit the applied pressure through the cleaning member to an unsupported area.
5) Strength to withstand very harsh work over a relatively long period of time, for example 2 minutes.
6) The dehydration cleaning chemical formula can be incorporated into the cleaning member 6 to replace and / or supplement the use of separate cleaning chemicals.

  Many designs presented previously appear to provide a sufficient level of absorbency. However, the level of polishing, strength (at maximum lifetime in use), and the balance of adaptability / stiffness is consistent with or even better than the cleaning effectiveness of bristle toilet brushes. It was enough.

  Since the water solubility and degradation are considered unreliable to allow immediate flushing after use, the cleaning member 6 is at least fully compatible with the maximum demands required for the cleaning member 6. It must remain intact. This is almost defined as 2 minutes with a constant stirring pressure of more than 500 g with respect to the surface of the pottery toilet bowl in a state saturated in warm water. The scope of the present invention can use two material decomposition specifications. That is, (i) the disposable cleaning member 6 does not clearly disassemble while in the sewage treatment system, or (ii) the cleaning member 6 starts to disassemble immediately after adding the equivalent maximum demand. Designed to.

  The second option is a preferred material specification. This is because it increases the degree of safety against blockage that can occur in a sewage treatment system. The configuration and geometry of the cleaning member mass ensures that the complete cleaning member 6 is always flushed with water without causing damage, but in areas where the amount of water flow is low, the cleaning member 6 is At the same time, there is a risk of sedimentation and accumulation in the contaminated treatment plant. Thus, it is preferred that the material begin to decompose as soon as it can be flushed with water.

  In addition to the material configuration options identified above, the decomposition rate can be accelerated to varying degrees by including slots or tear lines 32 during production. The tear lines 32 are in a pattern that works with the selected hook 28a layout of the mounting plate 28 or fastener plate to ensure that the cleaning member 6 does not disassemble when in use or disengaged. It is important to configure.

  The disposable cleaning member 6 can be made from a biodegradable material, but this is not essential. The cleaning member 6 is made from a nonwoven substrate. However, alternative substrates such as foam or fabric can also be used. If desired, the material provides an arbitrarily arranged cross member opening structure by which the hooks 28a can be attached or engaged. This may be fibrous or foam.

  The material used for the cleaning member 6 depends on the required degradation characteristics selected.

  For example, the disposable cleaning member 6 is based on a single layer structure of non-woven material. Biodegradable fiber 38 is formed into a “high bulk” web that is, for example, cursed and lightly needle punched. The web can be composed of cellulose fibers such as viscose / rayon or a mixture of viscose / polylactic acid fibers. The high bulky web is then spray bonded and heat cured to produce a strong substrate of resin bonded fibers 38. The resin is PVOH that has been partially hydrolyzed and applied in solution. To add abrasiveness, natural materials or biodegradable grit such as chalk / ground nutshells can be added to the spray solution.

  As a result of such a process, the high bulky web structure allows engagement of the hooks 28a through the thickness of the cleaning member 6 due to the relatively wide uncomfortable spacing between the fibers 38. The resin binder ensures a strong bond during cleaning and minimizes fiber capture in the hook 28a after disengagement. The inclusion of resin binder and soft grit particles provides a desired level of polishing that lifts stubborn dirt but does not create scratches on the surface of the pottery. The resin binder mixture provides a delayed level of solubility that is devised so that degradation only begins after flushing with water. Since there is only a low level of mechanical bonding, the material structure breaks down into small particles that eventually become individual fibers after the binder has dissolved. The structure and density of the fabric provides an optimal mass for running with water.

  An alternative way to provide each of the above attributes is to use partially hydrolyzed PVOH fibers using an insoluble binder and mixed with viscose / PLA. Thereby, the cleaning member 6 can be partially decomposed at the sewage treatment plant as part of the fiber structure is decomposed / dissolved at the time of discharging or in the liquid discharged from the mounting structure.

  The material can also include a two-layer structure, the upper layer using a woven loop scrim made from continuous yarn. This has the advantage that there is a low possibility of falling hair after disengagement from the fastening hook 28a. This is because they are not composed of individual relatively short fibers 38. The second layer uses a process similar to that described above, but can be made using an insoluble binder. This provides the necessary polishing, texture and feel properties. Alternatively, the second layer can be produced using other non-woven methods and providing polishing by a finishing process.

  Depending on the manner in which the hooks 28 and fibers 38 are fastened, several ejection mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 can be considered. It is most important for the ejector mechanism to cleanly remove the entire dirty cleaning member 6 after use. The configuration of the interface between the mounting plate 28 and the cleaning member 6 is important to ensure that a minimum amount of residual fibers 38 are retained in the hooks 28a. If residual fibers 38 accumulate near the hooks 28a of the mounting plate 28, or the plate 28 is damaged or contaminated, an alternative design is a mechanism that allows the user to remove the plate 28 or plate remotely without having to grip the plate directly. Is to provide.

  In addition to the optional ejector mechanism shown in the drawing, there are two other considerations related to the design of the handle 4 that have a significant relationship with the cleaning performance of the instrument 2. For example, the cleaning product dispensing configuration (not shown) inside the handle is in the form of (i) a removable container (disposable or refillable), or (ii) a handle that can be filled by the user as needed, or A void inside a disposable handle filled with liquid, gel or mousse. This mechanism can dispense the formulation through the disposable cleaning member 6 or directly onto the toilet bowl surface. As a further option, the cleaning element can be impregnated with or coated with a cleaning material, which is sensitive to environmental conditions, in which case the cleaning element must be sealed from environmental conditions in the package before use. Can do.

  The reader's attention is directed to all documents and documents that have been filed for general search with or in conjunction with this application, published at the same time or prior to this specification. The contents of such documents and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

  All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims, abstracts, and drawings) and / or all of the steps of the method or process thus disclosed may be combined in any combination. Except for combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

  Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims, abstract and drawings) should be replaced with an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose unless explicitly stated otherwise. Can do. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

  The present invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments. The present invention is directed to novel features, or novel combinations of features disclosed herein (including the appended claims, abstracts, and drawings), or steps of methods or processes thus disclosed. It extends to new steps or new combinations.

1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a cleaning implement in a first shape. FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a cleaning member in a second shape. FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a cleaning member in a first shape. FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a cleaning implement in a second shape. FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of a cleaning implement in a first shape. FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of a cleaning implement in a second shape. Figures 7a to 7e show schematic perspective views of various embodiments of a mounting plate according to the present invention. Figures 8a to 8c show schematic plan views of various embodiments of the cleaning member. FIG. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of the cleaning instrument shown in FIG. 1. The perspective view of the preservation | save unit of a cleaning instrument is shown. The solid view of 4th Embodiment of a cleaning instrument is shown. The solid view of 2nd Embodiment of a preservation | save unit is shown. The solid assembly exploded view of 4th Embodiment of a cleaning instrument and 2nd Embodiment of a preservation | save unit is shown. The solid view of the washing | cleaning instrument of 4th Embodiment arrange | positioned in the preservation | save unit of 3rd Embodiment is shown. The solid cutaway figure of the washing | cleaning implement of 4th Embodiment arrange | positioned in the preservation | save unit of 3rd Embodiment is shown. The expansion three-dimensional assembly exploded view of the washing | cleaning implement of 4th Embodiment is shown. The front view of the washing | cleaning instrument of 4th Embodiment arrange | positioned in the preservation | save unit of 3rd Embodiment is shown. The side view of the washing | cleaning instrument of 4th Embodiment taken out from the preservation | save unit of 3rd Embodiment is shown. The top view of the lower section of the preservation | save unit of 3rd Embodiment is shown. FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a cleaning implement in a first shape. FIG. 21 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the cleaning implement of FIG. 20 in a further position. The embodiment of FIGS. 20 and 21 is shown in a schematic way.

Claims (63)

A handle that is configured to be held by a user, a cleaning implement that includes a cleaning member that is selectively attached to itself by means of attachment on the handle and that can be flushed with water, wherein the handle removes the cleaning member from the handle In order to be able to dispose of the cleaning member after use, it incorporates a cleaning member discharge means operable by the user, the cleaning member having a cleaning surface and an opposite mounting surface, said mounting means being a cleaning member Cleaning utensil attached to the mounting surface. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member can be disposed of by removing it from the handle and pouring it into the toilet. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is in an elongated form. The handle of the cleaning member includes an elongate member disposed along the handle, the elongate member being provided as part of the elastic member and connected to attachment means via spaced first and second arms; The elastic member is selectively operable with respect to the attachment means and applies an ejection force to the cleaning member to remove it from the attachment means, and in order to apply the ejection force, the arm in combination with a further part of the elastic member 2. A cleaning implement according to claim 1, which acts to apply a draining force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface on which the attachment means is present. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cleaning member is longer than the longest axis perpendicular thereto. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is substantially flat. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein at least the cleaning surface of the cleaning implement is curved. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the cleaning member includes at least one weakening line to facilitate folding the cleaning member at the at least one line during disposal of the member. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member has a break line provided so that the cleaning member can be separated into several parts when discharged from the mounting means or under the influence of water flow and / or decomposition. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member comprises a cleaning material impregnated or disposed therein. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member has a multilayer structure including any one or any combination of a mounting layer, a filth barrier layer and a cleaning layer. 12. A cleaning implement according to claim 11, wherein the attachment layer comprises a woven loop scrim or an open structured nonwoven fibrous web. 2. A cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member has a plurality of relatively small cleaning member portions held in place by a handle attachment means. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member can be discharged from the attachment means and can be immediately flushed into the water for disposal in the toilet bowl. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the appliance includes a storage implement that supports the handle of the cleaning implement when not in use and stores a plurality of cleaning members in a stack for selective attachment to the handle in sequence. The storage means guides and introduces the handle and makes contact with the stacked top cleaning member so as to form a cleaning implement for use when the handle and cleaning member are attached and removed from the storage means. 16. A cleaning implement according to claim 15, comprising a guide that can be used. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means is substantially in line with the attachment surface of the cleaning member. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is substantially planar. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is elastically deformable. 2. A cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means is adaptable to the shape of the surface to be cleaned. 2. A cleaning implement according to claim 1 wherein the attachment means is configured to engage mating attachment means on the attachment surface of the cleaning member. The cleaning implement according to claim 21, wherein the attachment means is configured to automatically engage the cleaning member when in contact with itself. 23. A cleaning implement according to claim 22, wherein the handle attachment means and the cleaning member attachment surface comprise hook and loop fastening means. 23. A cleaning implement according to claim 22, wherein upon contact, the hook means enters and engages the cleaning member. 24. A cleaning implement according to claim 23, wherein when the attachment means contacts the attachment surface of the cleaning member, it automatically engages it without requiring relative movement between the attachment means and the surface of the cleaning member. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the attachment means engages the cleaning member without significantly deforming the cleaning member. The instrument handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle of the instrument has first and second arms having first and second ends, respectively, wherein the first end is provided for gripping by a user. Cleaning equipment. The arm has a first shape in which the first end of the arm is substantially separated and the second end of the arm is substantially together, and a second in which the first end of the arm is substantially together and the second end of the arm is substantially separated. 28. A cleaning implement according to claim 27, wherein the cleaning implement is configured to pivot between shapes. 27. A cleaning implement according to claim 26, wherein the attachment means is connected to the handle so that the attachment means can articulate relative to the handle about at least one axis of rotation. 30. A cleaning implement according to claim 29, wherein the attachment means is freely movable relative to the handle within a defined operating area and is capable of further movement against resilience. 35. A cleaning implement according to claim 34, wherein the attachment means is provided with one or more plates that form engagement on a cleaning member disposed thereon. The one or more plates are operable with at least one axis of rotation relative to the rest of the attachment means, thereby adapting to changes in the attachment surface of the cleaning member in use. The cleaning implement described. The attachment means includes a discharge means which has a retracted position whose end is flush with or retracted from the attachment means and the free end of the discharge means extends beyond the attachment means to 2. A cleaning implement according to claim 1, operable between an extended position pushing from engagement with the attachment means. 34. A cleaning implement according to claim 33, wherein a portion of the handle is selectively operable by a user to operate the ejecting means. 35. A cleaning implement according to claim 34, wherein the draining means is connectable to the handle operating means but spaced therefrom. The cleaning implement according to claim 18, wherein the discharging means is an elastic member. 37. The structure according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the elastic member is configured to operate between a first position where the member does not contact the cleaning member and a second position where the member contacts the cleaning member. Cleaning equipment. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means contacts and provides support to a range of 40-80% of the area of the attachment surface of the cleaning member. The handle includes a sliding means, which is configured to slide along the handle between a first position where the handle does not contact the cleaning member and a second position where the sliding means contacts the cleaning member and ejects the cleaning member. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein The handle includes or has a container of cleaning material attached to the handle, the cleaning material being provided to flow over the cleaning member in a controlled manner when attached to the handle, thereby The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning material can be applied to the surface to be cleaned. A cleaning member for use with the cleaning implement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning member can be discarded by flowing it into the toilet water. 42. The cleaning member of claim 41, wherein the cleaning member has a cleaning surface and an opposite mounting surface and is in an elongated form. 42. The cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein the cleaning member is a cleaning member that maintains a substantially flat shape unless bent by a force applied to itself. 42. The cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein the cleaning member is fibrous. 42. A cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein a longitudinal axis of the cleaning member is longer than a longest axis perpendicular thereto. 42. The cleaning member of claim 41, wherein the cleaning member is substantially flat. 42. The cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein at least the cleaning surface of the cleaning member is curved. 48. A cleaning implement according to any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the cleaning member includes at least one weakening line and facilitates bending of the cleaning member at the line while flushing with water. 49. A cleaning implement according to any one of claims 41 to 48, wherein a break line is provided so that the cleaning member can be separated into several parts when discharged from the attachment means or under the influence of water flow and / or decomposition. 42. The cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein the width of the cleaning member is less than 60 mm and the length of the cleaning member is less than 120 mm. 42. The cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein the length of the cleaning member is at least 130% of the width of the cleaning member and is within 15 mm. The cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein the member has a single-layer structure. 42. A cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein the cleaning member comprises a cleaning material impregnated therein or disposed therein. 54. A cleaning member according to claim 53, wherein the cleaning material remains liquid but is concentrated when the added cleaning material is semi-dried or, more obviously, all water is expelled by heat. 42. A cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein the member has a multilayer structure comprising any combination of a mounting layer, a filth barrier layer and a cleaning layer. 56. The cleaning member of claim 55, wherein the attachment layer comprises a woven loop scrim or an open structured nonwoven fibrous web. 42. The cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein the member has a plurality of smaller cleaning members, which are preferably held in place by a handle attachment member. 42. A cleaning member according to claim 41, wherein once discharged from the handle, the member can be immediately flushed into water for disposal in a toilet bowl. 59. The cleaning member of claim 58, wherein the member can be immediately flushed into the water without prior processing of the member. A method of cleaning by wiping along a surface with a cleaning member held on a handle, wherein the cleaning implement according to any one of claims 1 to 40 and / or any one of claims 41 to 59. Using the cleaning member described in 1. above. A storage means for supporting at least one handle of the cleaning utensil when not in use and storing a plurality of cleaning members one after another for selective attachment, and attaching the handle and the cleaning member for use. Storage means including a guide capable of guiding and introducing the handle to contact the cleaning member so as to form A cleaning implement having a handle having a first portion that is configured to be held by a user and a second portion that is configured to attach a cleaning member, wherein the tool is selected via the handle by the user of the device Cleaning comprising a cleaning member discharge means which is operated in a controlled manner, acts against the engagement of the mounting means and handle, forcibly separates the cleaning member from the mounting means and allows the cleaning member to be removed for disposal Instruments. 63. A cleaning implement according to claim 62, wherein fluid is included in the handle to activate the draining means.

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