US20040045112A1

US20040045112A1 - Manual cleaning device

Info

Publication number: US20040045112A1
Application number: US10/466,492
Authority: US
Inventors: Falk Naumann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-01-20
Filing date: 2002-01-21
Publication date: 2004-03-11
Also published as: EP1351597A1; JP2004516912A; WO2002056743A1; CA2435368A1; DE20101077U1; AU2002228056A2

Abstract

Manual cleaning device (10), comprising a cleaning member (12, 120), delimited at least over a portion of its circumference by an edge (13) formed in a plane (14) and configured on one side of this plane (14) to have a dome shape, characterized in that the cleaning member (12, 120) has a flat dome shape on both sides of the edge (13) and in that the circumference of the cleaning member (12, 120), dome-shaped on both sides, is oval at least in the area of its edge (13).

Description

The invention relates to a manual cleaning device, comprising a cleaning member delimited at least over a portion of its periphery by an edge which is formed in a plane and which is dome-shaped on one side of this plane.

A manual cleaning device with the aforementioned features is disclosed in DE-A-199 41 718. The known cleaning member is essentially a truncated cone having a small top surface which is semi-spherical and having a base surface that has a greatly rounded edge. A coupling member for a handle adjoins this edge/rounded portion. This coupling member is rotationally symmetrical and concave. As a result of this, the known manual cleaning device is rather large in the area of the cleaning member. For narrow areas and for undercuts, as they are known, in particular, in toilet bowls, the known manual cleaning device is therefore not optimal.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a manual cleaning device having the aforementioned features such that it is suitable for cleaning, aside from large-volume areas of objects to be cleaned, also small-volume areas and undercuts as they are present frequently in the sanitary field, in particular, in toilet bowls in bathrooms. Moreover, the manual cleaning device should also be particularly easy to handle in order to use it also, for example, as a cleaning device for the body.

This object is solved in that the cleaning member is formed on both sides of the edge with a flat domed configuration and that the periphery of the cleaning member, having a flat domed configuration on both sides, has an oval shape at least in the area of its edge.

It is important for the invention that the cleaning member is of a flat domed configuration on both sides of the plane defined by its edge. As a result of this, the cleaning member has two differently sized cross-sections with respect to planes that are perpendicular to one another. The dimensions in that plane that is determined by the edge of the cleaning member can be made large in accordance with the cleaning tasks, for example, with respect to the large cross-section of a siphon trap of a toilet bowl or with respect to large surfaces of the body to be cleaned when the cleaning member is to be used essentially as a massage brush or bath brush. The oval edge corresponds excellently to the containers employed usually in the sanitary field which also a have oval cross-sections or radii and therefore can be cleaned in a simple and reliable way. Perpendicularly to the plane which is defined by the edge, the cross-section is small as a result of the flat-domed configuration of the cleaning member.

In a further embodiment of the manual cleaning device particularly as a toilet bowl cleaner, it is preferred that a handle is connected to the cleaning member and that the cleaning member has a cleaning projection projecting asymmetrically, relative to the handle, in the plane defined by the edge. In connection with the configuration of the cleaning member as an asymmetrically projecting cleaning projection, a cleaning tongue results with which undercuts can be cleaned. At the same time, the flat-domed configuration contributes to the fact that flat curved surfaces can be cleaned very well because the flat domed configuration of the cleaning member corresponds approximately to the flat concave configuration of, for example, a toilet bowl and, in this way, a cleaning action for large surface areas is enabled.

The manual cleaning device can be configured such that the cleaning projection of the cleaning member is positioned at an acute angle relative to the handle. The cleaning projection is therefore hook-shaped so that undercuts can be cleaned well which have practically vertically arranged surfaces. The ease of manipulation of the manual cleaning device is therefore significantly improved even for cleaning areas that are otherwise considered to be problematic.

In a configuration of the manual cleaning device particularly as a body cleaning device, it is preferred that the handle is mounted on the cleaning member so as to be practically aligned with the plane defined by the edge. The cleaning member which is of a flat domed configuration on both sides of such a body cleaning device is an excellent massage brush and bath brush member. The flat domed shape of the cleaning member is excellently adapted in order to massage or brush the human body.

A further significant embodiment of the manual cleaning device is to be seen in that the cleaning member is of a flat drop-shaped configuration and in that the drop point forms the cleaning projection. The drop shape of the manual cleaning member means that the cleaning member is pointed like a drop. The drop point, on the one hand, is so narrow that it can penetrate into areas of a very small volume in order to clean them. On the other hand, it is of such a large size that the cleaning member retains the required stiffness. On the other side of the flat drop shape, a large radius is provided, and with this side areas of the toilet bowl can be cleaned, for example, which have concavely curved surfaces to be cleaned with correspondingly large or greater radii. The drop-shaped configuration of the cleaning member effects accordingly excellent cleaning possibilities for surfaces to be cleaned which have large radii as well as for surfaces to be cleaned which have small radii or are located in undercut areas that are difficult to access.

The cleaning device can be designed preferably such that the edge extends continuously circumferentially and that it has a cleaning member that in the area of the plane defined by the edge is completely oval. The complete oval configuration of the cleaning member has the result that the latter can be employed more easily. It is not required to rotate it for using its edge, this being the case when the edge is present only over a portion of the circumference of the cleaning member. The cleaning member is thus particularly easy to handle.

A further advantageous configuration of the manual cleaning device is to be seen in that the edge is formed by pointed converging curved surfaces of the cleaning member. The pointed converging curved surfaces of the cleaning member cause a correspondingly sharp edge. With this edge it is possible to scrape off even encrusted materials from surfaces to be cleaned.

The manual cleaning device can be embodied such that the cleaning member has a coupling member for the handle that is bead-shaped or bottleneck-shaped and extends in the direction toward the handle. The bottleneck shape of the coupling member is slim and therefore does not impair the use of the cleaning member in narrow objects to be cleaned.

It is preferred to configure the manual cleaning device such that the coupling member at least in the vicinity of the circumferential edge of the cleaning member is dome-shaped and/or that the cleaning member and the coupling member are of a unitary configuration. The area of the domed configuration of the coupling member can be used for cleaning tasks, for example, on surfaces to be cleaned which are substantially positioned parallel to the handle. In the case of a monolithic configuration of the cleaning member and of the coupling member, both members can be comprised of the same material and can be produced together in a single manufacturing step.

The stability of the manual cleaning device is enhanced when it is configured such that the coupling member encloses, with the exception of the coupling end for the handle, an adapter bolt projecting into the cleaning member or has a recess in which the handle is directly fastened. The enclosed adapter bolt is completely protected with regard to soiling, in particular, when it is assumed that the coupling end is usually completely enclosed by the handle. When omitting such an adapter bolt, a less expensive configuration results by providing the coupling member with a recess in which the handle is directly fastened. The handle can be pressed into the recess, glued therein, or can be embedded in the material of the coupling member by injection molding. This is particularly advantageous when the coupling member is produced of integral skin foam.

It is preferred that the cleaning member and/or the coupling member is comprised of dirt-repellent polyurethane foam with a self-lubricating surface and/or that the cleaning member and/or the coupling member is provided with a dirt-repellent coating. The cleaning device therefore will not soil easily. Dirt does not find any surfaces to adhere to and water or liquid will drain off. A dirt-protecting coating can have a Teflon-like anti-adhesion action, in particular, for grease. It can be baked in at a suitable temperature in order to provide a permanent activity.

An advantageous configuration of the manual cleaning device is characterized in that the curved surfaces of the cleaning member and/or a domed surface of the coupling member are provided with parallel uninterrupted flat pointed ribs. By means of the pointed ribs the cleaning effect is enhanced when the cleaning member is moved under pressure on the surfaces to be cleaned. The pointed ribs then scrape off the dirt.

In the afore described context, the manual cleaning device can be configured such that the pointed ribs on the coupling member extend past the domed surface to its end at the handle. In such a configuration, surfaces of the coupling member which are not dome-shaped can also be used for cleaning purposes; this can facilitate, for example, cleaning of surfaces to be cleaned which are not domed.

In order to minimize soiling of the cleaning member and/or of the coupling member in the area of the pointed ribs, the manual cleaning device is configured such that the flat pointed ribs are profiled according to a circular section and/or alternate with flat ribs. Circular section surfaces all have the same minimal curvature which is optimized in regard to minimal soiling. On the tips of the flat pointed ribs, water and dirt can adhere only minimally. When the pointed ribs and flat ribs alternate, in the area of the pointed ribs an excellent scraping effect will result while the flat ribs enable a strong surface pressure which can be used in the sense of an effective removal of dirt particles.

A further optimization in the sense of minimal soiling of the manual cleaning device results when the pointed ribs of the cleaning member end at a spacing from its circumferential edge. Automatic dirt and water drainage in the area of the circumferential edge is thus improved.

The manual cleaning device can be characterized in that the pointed ribs extend at a slant to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning member. For a conventional use of the manual cleaning device as a result of the slanted arrangement of the pointed ribs for conventional use in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cleaning member, a plow-like effect of the pointed ribs on the dirt to be removed is effected.

Moreover, the manual cleaning device can be configured such that the rib edges of the pointed ribs are wave-shaped and that neighboring wave-shaped rib edges are arranged in the longitudinal direction with phase displacement. In this configuration, the valleys and peaks of the waves are arranged alternatingly adjacent to one another, in the longitudinal direction of the ribs as well as transversely thereto; the latter realized as a result of the phase displacement of a rib edge to a neighboring rib edge. This can be advantageous, in particular, when a uniform pressure loading on a large surface area is not required as, for example, in the case of a massage and bath member.

It may be expedient that between two ribs brush strips and/or foam strips are arranged. With these strips, special cleaning and entraining effects result which are desirable, in particular, when using the cleaning member as a massage or bath member. The strips can distribute cosmetic and medical preparations and, in connection with the cleaning member, can also massage them in.

In order for the manual cleaning device to be reliably gripped directly on the cleaning member in order to be able to perform, without using a handle, cleaning or massage tasks, the manual cleaning device is advantageously configured such that one domed curved surface is provided with pointed ribs and the other domed curved surface in the vicinity of the edge is provided with gripping knobs. The gripping knobs effect that the gripped manual cleaning member will slip less likely our of the hand. They also represents a design element.

In particular when using the manual cleaning device as a massage or bath member, it is advantageous when the cleaning member is provided with an adjustable timer and/or with a thermometer. The cleaning member can be used without handle for massage and bath purposes but can be used also in connection with a handle.

In order to be adjustable to different cleaning and massage purposes, the manual cleaning device can be configured such that the cleaning member has on at least one curved surface and/or on one dome-shaped surface area projections of a small surface area which are distributed across this surface or surfaces uniformly and/or in rows and have an outer contour with sharp edges. Depending on the configuration of the small surface area projections, this particularly provides a possibility for designing the cleaning device in a visually especially pleasing way.

It is also possible to configure the manual cleaning device such that on the end of the handle facing away from the cleaning member a grip with a structure is provided which corresponds to that of a curved surface of the cleaning member. Such a configuration of the manual cleaning device enhances not only its pleasing appearance and facilitates not only a slip-save gripping of the cleaning device but also, to a limited extent, the use of the grip in the sense of a cleaning member of the manual device.

The applicability of the manual cleaning device is improved in particular in that it is stored by being supported via the cleaning member in a support vessel. The manual cleaning device therefore has a predetermined place from which it can be gripped. In this connection, the manual cleaning device can be configured with a handle or without a handle. In a configuration with a handle, the support vessel can support the cleaning member such that the end of the handle is freely accessible and gripping of the manual cleaning device is facilitated in this way.

It is advantageous to configure the manual cleaning device such that the support vessel is provided with a support rim which is arranged at a slant relative to a vertical line at an angle which corresponds to the acute angle between the handle and the cleaning projection of the cleaning member. As result of this, the manual cleaning device can be arranged with a vertical handle. It can therefore be reached without having to bend over too much, even when the support vessel is of a flat configuration. The unit comprised of the manual cleaning device and of its support vessel can be configured to be space-saving in the horizontal direction.

A configuration of the manual cleaning device is characterized in that the support vessel has a cylindrical outer wall and in that an inner wall tapering from an upper edge of the outer wall to the support rim provided within the outer wall is at least partially provided. The tapering inner wall facilitates an exact placement of the manual cleaning device with its handle because the cleaning member by means of the tapering inner wall is guided to its seat on the support rim. Placing the cleaning member by means of a handle is thus facilitated.

The manual cleaning device can be configured such that the support rim is a continuous support surface in the peripheral direction which is interrupted by at least one recess allowing bottom ventilation of the cleaning member. The continuous contact surface of the support rim provides a safe supporting action of the cleaning member. By means of the recess for bottom venting purposes, it is achieved that no air is closed off underneath the cleaning member in the closed support vessel which could result in rotting processes.

With regard to general hygiene considerations in the field of use of the manual cleaning device, it is configured in particular such that the support vessel has a drip pan which tightly adjoins the inner circumference of the support rim and/or such that the drip pan and/or the inner wall in the area of the recess is recessed without a penetration. By means of the tight connection of the drip pan on the inner circumference of the support rim, a complete catching of liquid draining or dripping off the cleaning member is ensured. A corresponding safe catching is also ensured when the drip pan in the area of the recess is recessed without a penetration. Both measures together act in the same way.

In the sense of a weight-reducing configuration, the manual cleaning device can be configured such that the support vessel is manufactured of plastic material or glass or metal so as to have the same wall thickness throughout.

A particularly safe support of the cleaning member on the support vessel results when the support rim is slanted and/or formed so as to match the portions of the lower curved surface adjoining the edge. This provides a corresponding positive-locking and/or frictional connection. The slanted surfaces of the support rim enable a complete areal support of portions of the lower curved surface of the cleaning member. When the cleaning member in the support area is provided, for example, with pointed ribs, the support rim can be formed correspondingly.

The invention will be explained by means of embodiments illustrated in the drawing. It is shown in: [0034]
FIG. 1 a side view of the manual cleaning device, [0035]
FIG. 1[0036] a a cleaning profile of the cleaning member of the manual cleaning device of FIG. 1,
FIG. 2 a schematic view of the manual cleaning device of FIG. 1 in the direction of the handle, [0037]
FIG. 3 a bottom view of the manual cleaning device of FIG. 1 in a direction opposite to the handle; [0038]
FIG. 4 a cross-section of the toilet bowl on which the manual device of FIG. 1 is illustrated in different cleaning positions, [0039]
FIG. 5 a schematic illustration of a manual cleaning device provided with a handle in a complete view, [0040]
FIG. 6 a configuration of a manual cleaning device embodied as a body cleaning device as a massage or bath brush, [0041]
FIG. 6[0042] a an enlarged illustration of the handle of the device of FIG. 6,
FIG. 6[0043] b a view of the end of the handle of FIG. 6a,
FIG. 7 an enlarged side view of the cleaning member of FIG. 6, [0044]
FIG. 8 an enlarged view onto a cleaning member according to FIG. 6, [0045]
FIG. 9 an enlarged bottom view of the cleaning member according to FIG. 7, [0046]
FIG. 10 a schematic sectional view in the direction A of FIG. 9 with variation of the edge configuration of pointed ribs, [0047]
FIGS. 11, 12 illustrations similar to FIG. 1 for illustrating the profiling of a curved surface of a cleaning member, [0048]
FIGS. [0049] 13-17 schematic illustrations of curved surfaces with differently configured projections having a small surface area, and
FIG. 18 a perspective schematic illustration of a support vessel for supporting the manual cleaning device by means of its cleaning member.[0050]
The [0051] manual cleaning device 10 has a cleaning member 12 on which is provided as a unitary part a coupling member 18 which encloses an adapter bolt 19. The adapter bolt 19 projects from the coupling member 18 with a coupling end 19 for the handle onto which a handle 11 is pushed. The entire length of the handle 11 is not illustrated. This entire length however can be seen in the illustrations of the manual cleaning device 10 in FIGS. 4 through 6.
The cleaning [0052] member 12 of FIGS. 1 through 4 has a contour of its main plane 14 that is drop-shaped, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3. The drop shape is delimited by an edge 13 which surrounds continuously the plane 14 and has no steps. Starting at the edge 13 or at the plane 14 defined by it, the cleaning member 12 is configured on both sides with a dome shape. Accordingly, a dome-shaped curved surface 16 is provided which faces the handle as well as a domed curved surface 17 which faces away from the handle. As a result of this, the cleaning member 12 has a flat drop-shape or cushion shape.
The cleaning [0053] member 12 and the coupling member 18 are attached to one another in the plane of the illustration at an angle α. The angle α is illustrated in FIG. 1 between the plane 14 and an axis 22 which coincides with the axis of the handle 11, the axis of the adapter bolt 19, and the axis of the coupling member 18.
Moreover, assembly of the cleaning [0054] member 12 and the coupling member 18 is realized such that an eccentricity is provided. The cleaning member 12 forms a cleaning projection 15. This cleaning projection 15 projects asymmetrically relative to the axis 22. This asymmetric arrangement and the prescribed angular arrangement of the cleaning member 12 results in a hook-shaped configuration of the manual cleaning device 10.
The asymmetric configuration of the cleaning [0055] member 12 is also beneficial in regard to the possibility of configuring the coupling member 18 to be dome-shaped starting at the edge 13 so that a domed surface 20 results. This domed surface 20 ends at the edge of the cleaning member, in particular, at a location diametrically opposite the tip of the cleaning projection 15. The domed surface 20 of the coupling member 18 ends at a spacing from the end 18′ of the coupling member 18 facing the handle. In the area between the domed surface 20 and the end 18′, the coupling member 18 is essentially cylindrical with increasing wall thickness in the direction toward the domed surface 20. The transition areas of the coupling member 18 to the cleaning member 12, by the way, are configured to have large radii so that in the connecting area between the coupling member 18 and cleaning member 12 a solid stable connecting area results in which the adapter bolt 19 can have anchoring projections 19″ in order to increase the pulling resistance of the adapter bolt relative to the coupling member 18. Otherwise, the strength of the connection between the handle 11 and the coupling end 19′ of the handle is determined by a snap connection 110 provided thereat.
The described connection of the cleaning [0056] member 12 with the handle 11 is very stable but also constructively complex. Reference is thus being had to FIG. 5 in which a solid cleaning member 12 is provided with a recess 30 in which the handle is directly fastened. The corresponding end of the handle 11 is pressed into the recess 30 and/or glued therein and/or embedded in the material of the cleaning and coupling member by injection molding.
The [0057] coupling member 180 illustrated in FIG. 5 is not at all bottleneck-shaped as the coupling member 18 illustrated in FIG. 1. Instead, the coupling member 180 is bead-shaped and is so short that the unit of coupling member and cleaning member is very compact. This saves material and the cleaning device can be made more lightweight. Its manufacture is simplified.
The curved surfaces [0058] 16, 17 of the cleaning member 12 and the domed surface 20 as well as the end 18′ of the coupling member 18 facing the handle are provided with flat pointed ribs 21. The cross-section of the aforementioned surfaces in the area of the pointed ribs 21 is illustrated in FIG. 1a. It is shown that the pointed ribs 21 are profiled with a circular section profile. The generated circles are identified at 23. The pointed ribs 21 serve for providing an improved removal of dirt which is present on the surfaces to be cleaned. They can scrape these surfaces.
The arrangement of the [0059] pointed ribs 21 is illustrated to be diagonally in the Figures, i.e., diagonally to the longitudinal axis 12′ determined by the cleaning projection 12. The pointed ribs 21 end at a spacing from the edge 13. This enables a step-free configuration of the edge 13 so that it is suitable especially well for scraping and shaving. Also, the tapering of the pointed ribs 21 at a spacing from the edge 13 prevents that in the area of the edge 13 dirt could collect on the cleaning member 12 or on the coupling member 18.
The cleaning [0060] member 12 and the coupling member 18 are advantageously manufactured as a unitary part, for example, by injection molding. The material of the cleaning member 12 and of the coupling member 18 is dirt-repellent. For example, polyurethane foam can be used which can be made to have sufficiently small pores or to be homogenous and provided with a self-lubricating surface. During injection molding, the adapter bolt 19 is embedded in the injection-molded plastic material, and a fixed connection is produced in this way.
The cleaning [0061] member 12 and the coupling member 18 are comprised of a material that is elastic to a limited extent so that a deformation in narrow areas of the object to be cleaned is possible and damage by scratching is prevented.
FIG. 4 shows a [0062] toilet bowl 24 with siphon trap 24′ in which water is present. In particular in this area cleaning is to be carried out frequently, because in this area deposits will form easily. As a result of this, the manual cleaning device 10 is used primarily with its curved surface 17 in this area but also with the domed surface 20 or the end 18′ of the coupling member 18. The grease film zones which form here can be reliably cleaned.
Moreover, the [0063] curved surface 17 of the manual cleaning device 10 can advantageously be used for cleaning the toilet bowl 26, as also illustrated in FIG. 4.
The inner bowl rim [0064] 27 of the bowl 24 can advantageously be cleaned by the domed surface 20 of the coupling member 18 but also with its end 18′.
Cleaning of the [0065] inner rim 28 of the toilet bowl 24 is realized with the manual cleaning device 10 advantageously by means of the cleaning projection 15 whose tip can be inserted into the undercut. The curved surface 17 in the area of the tip 15 as well as the curved surface 16 in the area of the tip 15 can be used advantageously for cleaning the undercut surfaces. The pointed ribs 21 effect deep cleaning of dirt particles also in this connection.
While in FIGS. 1 through 5 a [0066] manual cleaning device 10 has been described which is suitable in particular as a toilet bowl cleaner, the one illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 17 can be advantageous used as a body cleaner, i.e., for massaging the body of living beings. FIG. 6 shows such a manual cleaning device 10 with a cleaning member 120 which is mounted on a slightly curved handle 110. For using the manual cleaning device 10, it is held at the grip 39 which is provided on the handle end 38. The grip is, for example, manufactured of two plastic half shells attached by injection molding to the handle 110. The handle is, for example, comprised of a bent aluminum pipe in the same way as the handle 11. The grip 39 is profiled so that it is resting in a slip-proof way in the hand. The structure of the grip 39 corresponds to that which is formed on the curved surface 17 of the cleaning member 120. This curved surface 17, as in the case of the cleaning member 12, is positioned on one side of the plane 14 defined by the edge 13.
FIG. 7 shows an enlarged side view illustrating assembly of the [0067] handle 110 and the cleaning member 120. The cleaning member 120 has a recess 30 which is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12′ of the member 120. The recess 30 is positioned slightly above the plane 14 so that the handle 110 is practically aligned with this plane. The handle 110 is detachable because it has at its end a hook 110′ which engages of bore 40 extending through the upper curved surface of the cleaning member 120, having on both sides domed surfaces, into the recess 30. The hook 110′ is accessible from above so that the locking means 31 can be released by pressing from above onto the hook 110′ and by simultaneously pulling on the handle 110.
On the upper curved surface [0068] 16 a plurality of gripping knobs 35 are provided in the vicinity of the edge 13. They are provided all around and also in direct vicinity and on the edge 13 itself so that the cleaning member 120 does not slip when it is enclosed by a hand.
On the other hand, the cleaning [0069] member 120 is provided only in the vicinity of the edge 13 with gripping knobs 34 so that a large inner area of the upper curved surface 16 remains free. This area, according to the illustration in FIG. 8, is used to mount therein a timer 35 which can be adjusted by means of an actuator 35′. Also, a thermometer 36 is arranged in the cleaning member 120 which allows indication of the temperature over a large surface area. In the illustrated case, the temperature indicating means is distributed at 40 degrees C. such that an increasing color variations from a light blue in the vicinity of the handle up to the dark red in the vicinity of the timer results. The illustrated example of a thermometer shows a temperature of approximately 40 degrees C. In this case, it is expedient to provide a fixedly mounted handle 110 on the cleaning member 120 so that the required space for mounting the afore described timer and the thermometer is available.
The oval configuration of the [0070] manual cleaning member 120 illustrated in FIG. 8 is also shown in FIG. 9 which illustrates primarily a bottom view of FIG. 7. The oval shape of the cleaning member 120 is elliptical because the configuration of the cleaning member with a cleaning projection 17 is not primarily important as in the case of the cleaning member 12 and its drop point. However, it is also possible to configure the cleaning member to have a drop shape. Its curved surface 17 is provided with pointed ribs 12, illustrated in FIG. 1a, arranged at a slant to the longitudinal direction 12′. Between the pointed ribs, brush strips 32 and foam strips 33 are however present which are illustrated in detail in FIG. 11. The brush strips 32 and foam strips 33 project past the pointed ribs 21 but can be compressed when the cleaning member 120 rests against the surface to be cleaned or treated such that the pointed ribs 31 will contact the surface and can act by scraping.
In FIG. 10 it is illustrated that the rib edges [0071] 21′, 21″ of pointed ribs 31 can be wave-shaped. In the longitudinal direction of the pointed ribs 21 there are alternatingly valleys and peaks of the waves, each with identical amplitude. Neighboring wave-shaped rib edges 21′, 21″ are however displaced in the longitudinal direction relative to one another, i.e., they are phase-displaced. In this way, corresponding pressure points displaced relative to one another are produced upon placing the cleaning member 120 onto the surface to be treated. Such a configuration particularly acts as point massager.
FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a [0072] curved surface 17 with pointed ribs 31 which alternate with flat ribs 40. In this way, a limitation of the deformation of the pointed ribs 21 is achieved.
The cleaning [0073] member 12, 120 is completely oval, respectively. In this way, and in combination with a flat domed configuration on both sides, it is suitable in particular for cleaning purposes in the sanitary field. However, it is also possible to configure the manual cleaning member with an edge only over a portion of its circumference from which edge the flat-domed curved surfaces 16, 17 extend.
FIGS. 13 through 17 show configurations of a [0074] curved surface 17 with respect to patterns in schematic illustrations. The latter is no longer of an oval shape. The double arrows indicate four exemplary movement directions in which the cleaning member 12, 120 can be moved. The curved surface 17 is provided with small-surface area projections 37 through 37 ^V. These projections 37 through 37 ^Vof each FIG. 13 through FIG. 17 are differently configured and are also selected with respect to their esthetic pattern appearance. Primarily however, they have outer sharp edges. This is apparent from the details a of each Figure.
FIG. 13 shows projections having outer substantially cross-shaped, sharp-edged projections with rounded recesses toward the [0075] curved surface 17 in order to avoid dirt-collecting corners.
In FIG. 14 narrow boat-shaped [0076] projections 37′ are present which are grouped in a star shape so that the longitudinal, transverse, and diagonal rows of the projections 37′ result.
FIG. 15 shows four-point star-shaped [0077] projections 37″ whose spatial configuration is illustrated in FIG. 15a.
FIG. 16 [0078] shows projections 37 ^IVwhich are grouped in fours. Each projection 37 ^IVis formed like a conical peripheral surface whose conical outer circumference projects such from the curved surface that all flat sections of the conical outer circumference neighbor one another and their widest projecting edges are spaced as much as possible from one another. This results in a kind of lug effect which is illustrated in particular in the section A-A.
The [0079] projections 37′ of FIG. 14 are advantageously sized differently while the projections 37 and 37″ through 37 ^Vare identical in size or have the same shape. This holds true also for the projections 37 ^Vwhich according to the illustration of FIG. 17a are comprised of projecting isosceles triangles with a comparatively narrow base. The projections 37 ^Vare arranged in rows with their tips pointing in opposite direction relative to a neighboring projection. This arrangement results, on the one hand, in a comparatively dense packing of the projections 37 ^Vbut, on the other hand, is the cause for a preferred direction of this configuration in which the cleaning members 12,120 can be moved in the direction of the triangular projections 37 ^Vwith minimal friction as compared to the direction transverse thereto.
The [0080] support vessel 50 illustrated in FIG. 18 serves for supporting a cleaning member 12 or 120. The support vessel 50 is particularly advantageous when a cleaning member 12 with handle 11 according to FIG. 1 is used. In this case, the handle 11, as needed, projects vertically upwardly while the cleaning member 12 is supported and stored within the support vessel 50.
The [0081] support vessel 50 has a cylindrical outer wall 52 and is supported with its lower edge 50′ on the floor. The upper rim or the upper edge 53 forms a corresponding insertion opening for inserting the cleaning members 12 or 120 when the latter is configured according to FIG. 7 but is to be stored without the handle 110. The support rim 51 is matched to the shape of the cleaning member 12, 120. It is matched to the drop shape of the cleaning member 12 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3. Such a drop-shaped cleaning member 12 rests on the rim with edge portions provided on the lower curved surface 17 in the vicinity of the edge 13. In the illustration of FIG. 18 it was assumed that these edge portions are smooth, i.e., there are no pointed ribs 21 supported on the support rim. If this were the case, the support rim 51 could be provided with corresponding cutouts or depressions. A complete surface area support of the manual cleaning device 12,120 is ensured in the area of the mutual contact surfaces so that, in particular, in a configuration with handle it can be held securely, in particular, without wobbling.
With respect to a vertical arrangement of the [0082] handle 11, the support rim 51 is arranged at an angle relative to the vertical; this angle corresponds to the acute angle α between the handle 11 and the cleaning projection 15 of the cleaning member 12 according to FIG. 1. Accordingly, the support rim 51 in the area of the tip 57 of its drop shape is arranged closer to the upper edge 53 than the base 58. The upper edge 53 is connected with the support rim 51 by means of an inner wall 54 which guides the cleaning member 12,120 upon insertion into the support vessel 50 toward the support from 51. The tapering of the inner wall 54 facilitates thus the insertion of the cleaning member 12,120. For this purpose, the inner wall 54 must not be configured continuously about the entire circumference of the support rim 51. However, this is desirable with respect to stability of the support vessel and also with respect to hygienic aspects. This advantageous configuration can be achieved in particular in that the support vessel is manufactured with a uniform identical wall thickness. Manufacture is realized, for example, by injection molding of plastic material, by pressing glass, or by deep-drawing metal. In this way, preferably a downwardly closed configuration of the support vessel 50 results. In particular, a drip pan 56 adjoins the inner circumference of the support rim 51 and receives the draining or dripping liquid so that soiling of the floor is prevented. The downwardly closed configuration of the support vessel 50 also contributes to simplified cleaning.
As a special configuration, the [0083] support vessel 50 has two oppositely positioned recesses 55 which vent the bottom of the cleaning member 12, 120 resting on the rim. The recesses 55 are boat-shaped and extend transversely to the support rim 51 from the area of the inner wall 54 to the area of the drip pan 56 and are themselves provided free of penetrations. Venting of the bottom of the cleaning member 12,120 resting on the rim results in a reduction of enclosed air and possibly occurring rotting processes of soil particles.

Claims

1. Manual cleaning device (10), comprising a cleaning member (12, 120), delimited at least over a portion of its circumference by an edge (13) formed in a plane (14) and configured on one side of this plane (14) to have a dome shape, characterized in that the cleaning member (12, 120) has a flat dome shape on both sides of the edge (13) and in that the circumference of the cleaning member (12, 120), dome-shaped on both sides, is oval at least in the area of its edge (13).

2. Manual cleaning device according to claim 1, in particular, toilet bowl cleaner, characterized in that on the cleaning member (12) a handle (11) is arranged and in that the cleaning member (12) has a cleaning projection (15) asymmetrically projecting relative to the handle (11) in the plane (14) defined by the edge (13).

3. Manual cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that the cleaning projection (15) of the cleaning member (12) and the handle (11) are positioned at an acute angle (α) relative to one another.

4. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 3, in particular, body cleaner, characterized in that on the cleaning member (120) a handle (110) is mounted so as to be practically aligned with the plane (14) defined by the edge (13).

5. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 4, characterized in that the cleaning member (12) has a flat drop shape and in that a drop point forms the cleaning projection (15).

6. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the edge (13) extends continuously circumferentially and has a completely oval cleaning member (12, 120) in the area of the plane (14) defined by the edge (13).

7. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 6, characterized in that the edge (13) is formed by pointedly converging curved surfaces (16,17) of the cleaning member (12,120).

8. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 7, characterized in that the cleaning member (12) has a coupling member (18) for receiving the handle (11) which extends in the direction of the handle and is bead-shaped or bottleneck shaped.

9. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 8, characterized in that the coupling member (18) at least in the vicinity of the circumferential edge (13) of the cleaning member (12) is dome-shaped and/or in that the cleaning member (12) and the coupling member (18) are of a unitary configuration.

10. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 9, characterized in that the coupling member (18) encloses an adapter bolt (19) projecting into the cleaning member (12) with the exception of a coupling end (19′) for the handle or has a recess (30) in which the handle (11) is directly fastened.

11. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 10, characterized in that the handle (11, 110) is fastened in a recess (30) arranged longitudinally in the cleaning member (12, 120) and comprising a locking means (31) to be actuated from the exterior.

12. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 11, characterized in that the cleaning member (12) and/or the coupling member (18) is comprised of dirt-repellent polyurethane foam with a self-lubricating surface and/or that the cleaning member (12) and/or the coupling member (18) is provided with a dirt-repellent coating.

13. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 12, characterized in that the curved surfaces (16, 17) of the cleaning member (12) and/or a domed surface (20) of the coupling member (18) is provided with flat pointed ribs (21) that are parallel to one another and uninterrupted.

14. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 13, characterized in that the pointed ribs (21) on the coupling member (18) extend past the domed surface (20) up to its end (18′) at the handle.

15. Manual cleaning device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the flat pointed ribs (21) have a circular section profile and/or alternate with flat ribs (400).

16. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 15, characterized in that the pointed ribs (21) of the cleaning member (12) end at a spacing from the circumferential edge (13).

17. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 13 through 16, characterized in that the pointed ribs (21) are arranged at a slant to a longitudinal axis (12′) of the cleaning member (12).

18. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 17, characterized in that the ribs edges (21′, 21″) of the pointed ribs (21) are wave-shaped and in that neighboring wave-shaped rib edges (21′, 21″) are phase-displaced in the longitudinal direction.

19. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 18, characterized in that between two ribs (21) brush stripes (32) and/or foam strips (33) are arranged.

20. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 19, characterized in that one domed curved surface (17) is provided with pointed ribs (21) and the other domed curved surface (16), in the vicinity of the edge (13), is provided all around with gripping knobs (34).

21. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 20, characterized in that a cleaning member (120) is provided with an adjustable timer (35) and/or with a thermometer (36).

22. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claim 1 through 21, characterized in that the cleaning member (12, 120) on at least one curved surface (17) and/or on a domed surface has small-surface area projections (37 to 37 ^V) which are distributed across this surface or these surfaces uniformly and/or in rows and have outer sharp-edged contours.

23. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 22, characterized in that on an end (38) of the handle facing away from the cleaning member (12, 120) a grip (39) with a structure is provided which structure corresponds to that of the curved surface (17) of the cleaning member (12, 120).

24. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 1 through 23, characterized in that it is stored, supported with its cleaning member (12, 120), in a support vessel (50).

25. Manual cleaning device according to claim 24, characterized in that the support vessel (50) is provided with a support rim (51) which is arranged slantedly relative to a vertical line at an angle which corresponds to the acute angle (α) between the handle (11) and the cleaning projection (15) of the cleaning member (12).

26. Manual cleaning device according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the support vessel (25) has a cylindrical outer wall (52) and in that from the upper edge (53) of this outer wall (52) to the support rim (51) located within the outer wall (52) a tapering inner wall (54) is at least partially formed.

27. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the support rim (51) is formed circumferentially all around as a continuous support surface which is interrupted by at least one recess (55) for venting the bottom of the cleaning member (12,120) resting thereon.

28. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the support vessel (50) has a drip pan (56) which tightly adjoins the inner circumference (51′) of the support from (51) and/or in that the drip pan (56) and/or the inner wall (54) in the area of the recess (55) are recessed without a penetration.

29. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the support vessel (50) is manufactured of plastic material or of glass or of metal with an identical wall thickness throughout.

30. Manual cleaning device according to one of the claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the support rim (51) is slanted and/or formed so as to match portions of the lower curved surface (17) neighboring the edge (13).