US2770828A - Cleaning device, including fluid dispensing means - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 20, 1956 Filed Sept. 26, 1952 J. L. ELLMAN' CLEANING DEVICE, INCLUDING FLUID DISPENSING MEANS Fig. 3'

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jacob L. l/man INVEN TOR.

Nov. 20, 1956 J. L. ELLMAN 2,

CLEANING DEVICE, INCLUDING FLUID DISPENSING MEANS Filed Sept. 26, 1952' 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jacob L. El/man INVENTOR.

United States Patent CLEANING DEVICE, INCLUDING FLUID DISPENSING MEANS Jacob L. Ellman, Chicago, Ill. 1

Application September 26, 1952-, Serial No. 311,651 '3 Claims. (Cl. -131) This invention relates in general to cleaning devices, and more specifically to cleanin'gdevices havingwiping elements adapted to be utilized for either cleaning or polishing. I

The primary object of this inventionis to provide an improved cleaning device which includes means for applying a fluid to :a wiping element thereof whereby the application of initial or additional fluid to :a surface being worked on will be possible while the cleaning ,device is in mot-ion thus eliminating stoppage of operation for the purpose of adding fluid, thus saving time and energy.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved cleaning device which is so constructed and designed whereby the same may be utilized while the operator thereof is in a comfortable position, thereby eliminating certain labors and saving time with the foregoing of an accident which might happen in the bathtub or other similar places during its use. 1

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved cleaning device which has original and attractive design, lending grace and beauty to its environment, and thereby forming an added inducement for children to cleanup after use of bathtubs and other bowls, basins and sinks.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved cleaning device which is of a relatively simple and compact construction and formed of readily obtainable material whereby the same may be economically feasible.

A further object of this invention is to provide animproved cleaning device wherein the cleaning fluid for the same is carried within the cleaning device and applicable directly to a surface being cleaned whereby contact with strong detergents and caustics may be eliminated.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved cleaning device which has integral means for dispensing cleaning fluids, said integral means permitting the use of stronger type detergents and the like than ordinarily would be used inasmuch as no part of the human body comes in contact with the fluid.

With these objects definitely in view, this invention resides in certain novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of elements and portions as will be hereinafter described in detail in the specification, particularly pointed out in the appended claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a material part of this application and in which:

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the cleaning device, which is the subject of this invention, and showsthe general outline of the same;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken substantially through the center of the lower portion of the cleaning device of Figure 1 and shows the general construction thereof;

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the section line 3-3 of ment is detachably secured to the supporting portion of the cleaning device;

Figure 4 is a sideelevational view of a pump device for the cleaning element, said pump device being adapted ings therethrough, also being shown is a bottom portion of the support element.

Similar characters of reference designate similar or identical elements and portions throughout the specification and throughout the different views of the drawings. Referring 'now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in Figure 1, the cleaning element, which'is the subject of this invention, the cleaning element being referred to in general by the reference numeral .10. The cleaning element 10 includes a housing which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 12, the housing being connected to the lower end of a tubular handle portion 14. Connected to the tubular handle portion 1 4 and extend-ing upwardly therefrom is a detachable handle section '16, the detachable handle section 16 being connected to the lower handle portion 14 by a connector 1'8. Removably secured to the lower side of the housing 12 is a wiping element which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 20.

Referring now to Figure 2 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated the lower portion of the cleaning device 10. It will be noted that the housing 12 is hollow and is in the form of a reservoir for cleaning fluids and the like. In order that the cleaning fluids may be transferred into the housing 12, the same is provided with a threaded filler opening 22 which is normally closed by a removable filler plug 24.

It will be noted that the central upper portion of the housing 12 includes .an internally threaded projection 26 in which is threadedly engaged the lower end of the tubular lower handle portion 14. While the specific threaded connection has been illustrated, it will be understood that other fastening methods may be utilized. It will be noted that the hollow handle portion 14 is communicated with the interior of the housing 12.

Disposed within the housing 12 and projecting outwardly into the hollow handle 14 is .a pump assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral '28. The pump assembly 28 includes an enlarged support-ing plate 30 which has secured to the upper surface thereof an upwardly extending valve block 32. The plate and disposed within the lower portion of the handle 14 is an elongated tube portion '34 of the pump assembly.'

The tube portion 34 is provided with a plurality of annular grooves and projections 36 which have secured thereover at the lower end an elongated flexible bulb 1 member 38. The bulb 38 is provided with a locking ring 40 which secures the same to the sleeve portion 34.

-In orderthat the housing 12 may be separated from the handle portion 14 with which it communicates, the valve block 32 is provided with an integral enlarged annular flange 42 at its intersection with the sleeve portion 3 4. Carried by the sleeve portion 34 is an enlarged gasket 44 which overlies the flange 42 and is disposed between the same and the upper portion of the housing '12 to form a seal therebetween to close the lower end of the handle portion 14. I

It will be noted that the valve block 32 includes an inverted Y-shaped passageway. The Y-shaped passageway is formed by an upper passageway 46 passing through the sleeve portion 34 and which. communicates with a pair of spaced lower passageways 48 and 50 which are disposed within the valve block 32. The lower passageway 50 has an intake opening 52 which communicates with the interior of the housing 12 and is adapted to receive liquid disposed therein. The intake opening 52 is normally closed by a ball valve 54 which is urged downwardly by a spring 56 disposed within the passageway 50.

Carried by the plate 30 and projecting therebelow is a discharge nozzle 58. The discharge nozzle 58 is communicated with the lower end of the passageway 48. The passageway 48 is provided intermediate. its ends with a discharge opening 60 which is controlled by a normally.

closed ball valve 52. The ball valve 62 is urged to a closing position by a spring 64 disposed within the passageway 48.

In order that the bulb 38 may be selectively compressed, there is provided an actuating lever 66. The actuating lever 66 is partially disposed within an elongated slot 68 in the handle portion 14 and has a portion thereof engaging the bulb 48 and another portion thereof extending outwardly of the housing portion 12. The actuating lever 66 is provided at its upper end with a tongue portion 70 disposed within a relatively small opening 72 in the handle portion 14 above the slot 68 and entering the same from the interior of the handle portion. The tongue in combination with the opening 72 forms a hinge permitting the pivoting of the actuating lever 66. The lower end of the actuating lever is provided with a downwardly projecting flange 74 which engages the inner surface of the handle portion 14 adjacent the lowerend of the slot 68 to form a stop therefor.

In the normal operation of the pump assembly 28, the bulb 38 may be depressed by urging the actuating lever 66 inwardly. This results in fluid within the bulb 38 being urged to the Y-shaped passageway and into the passageways 48 and 50 from the passageway 46. Inasmuch as the ball valve 54 prevents the fluid from entering the housing 12, it will be seen that all of the fliud urged downwardly through the Y-shaped passageway will be urged through the discharge opening 60 and out through the spray nozzle 58. It will be understood that the ball valve 62 will be moved to an open position by the pressure of the fluid.

When the actuating lever 66 is released, the bulb 38 will return to its normal configuration with the result that the actuating lever 66 is moved outwardly to the position illustrated in Figure 2. At this time, a vacuum is createdin the. Y-shaped passageway with the result that fluid is drawn up into the passageway 50 through the intake opening 52. Inasmuch as the intake opening 52 is disposed within the fluid within the housing 12, the same will be drawn up into the bulb 38. Repetition of this pumping procedure will result in the transferring of fluid from within the housing 12 out through the spray nozzle 58.

Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 6 in particular, it will be seen that the wiping element 20 includes a generally rectangular sponge-like element 67 which is secured to the lower side of a backing element 69. The sponge element 67 may be in the form of a natural sponge, synthetic sponge, or of any other suitable sponge-like material. It will be noted that the sponge element 67 is provided with an enlarged opening therethrough, the opening being referred to by the reference numeral 71. The opening 71 is aligned with an opening 73 through the backing 69, the spray nozzle 58 being aligned with and disposed within the opening 73 whereby the same is in a position to spray fluids, such as detergents, polish, etc. onto a surface through the opening 71.

As is best illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, secured to the lower surface of the plate 30 and in spaced aligned relation is a pair of snap buttons 75. These snap buttons 75 are resiliently received in spaced openings 76 in the backing 69. Extending radially from the spaced openings 76 are slits 78 which are disposed in portions of reduced thickness surrounding the openings 76 so as to resiliently receive the snap buttons 75. It will be understood that the snap buttons 75 and the openings 76 provide an attaching means for the wiping element which permits removal of the same. The wiping element is aligned with respect to the housing 12 by a centrally located flange 80 which projects rearwardly from the rear edge of the backing 69 and is received in a notch 82 in the housing 12 for centering the backing 69. It will also be noted that the sponge element 67 is provided with openings 84 which communicate with the openings 76 in the backing 69.

Referring once again to Figure 2 in particular, it will be seen that the connecting element 18 is provided with an enlarged externally threaded lower portion 86 which is removably engaged in the upper end of the handle portion 14. The connecting element 18 also includes an upper portion or reduced size which is also externally threaded. The upper portion is referred to by the reference numeral 88 and is threadedly engaged within the lower portion of the handle portion 16. It will be understood that the handle portion 16 is removable from the handle portion 14'to permit use of the cleaning device 10 in confined places. Also, as is best illustrated in Figure 1, the upper end of the handle portion 16 is provided with a ring-like element 90 which permits the hanging of the same on a convenient hook.

When it is desired to utilize the cleaning device 10, the sponge element 67 of the wiping element 20 is placed into engagement with a surface to be cleaned. The actuating lever 66 is then pressed inwardly with the result that any fluid disposed within the housing 12 is sprayed onto the surface through the opening 71. The cleaning device 10 is then utilized in the same manner as a mop to clean the floor. When additional cleaning fluid is deemed necessary, the actuating element 66 is once again pressed inwardly in order to spray the cleaning fluid on the surface being cleaned.

While the wiping element 20 has been illustrated and described as including a sponge element, it will be understood that wiping elements 20 of diflerent designs including felt pads, etc., may be removably secured to the housing 12 for forming other household functions. For example, the cleaning device 10 may be utilized for both applying wax to a floor and also for polishing the same by placing the correct type of wiping element on the lower end thereof.

The housing, pump assembly, and handle portions of the cleaning device 10 are preferably formed of plastic although other suitable materials, including aluminum, may be utilized. It will be understood that the material utilized in the cleaning device 10 must be such as to resist attack by the fluid adapted to be disposed within the reservoir portion of the housing 12.

Inasmuch as the cleaning fluid is distributed both to the surface being cleaned and the wiping element, it will be seen that the cleaning fluid does not come in contact with the body of the user of the cleaning device which is the subject of this invention. Therefore, detergents which are harmful to the hands may be utilized for cleaning purposes. Such detergents facilitated the cleaning operation and require less work.

While the wiping element has been illustrated and described as being attached to the plate 30 by snap buttons, it will be understood that the invention is not so limited, the connection between the wiping element and the plate 30 may be varied in both types of fastener utilized and the relative position of the same.

The operation of this device will be understood from the foregoing description of the details thereof, taken in connection with the above recited objects and the drawing. Further description would appear to be unnecessary.

Minor modifications of the device, varying in minor details from the embodiment of the device illustrated and described here, may be resorted to without departure from the spirit and scope of this invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. A cleaning and polishing implement comprising an upright handle having a hollow lower portion, a hollow housing secured to said handle at the lower end thereof, said housing having an open lower end, a plate secured to said housing and normally closing said open lower end to form in combination with said housing a liquid reservoir, a wiping element underlying said plate, fastening means detachably securing said wiping element to said plate, a liquid pump assembled with said plate as a unit, said liquid pump including a valve assembly and a pump member, said valve assembly being disposed within said housing and adapted to communicate with both the interior of said housing for receiving liquid therefrom and with said wiping element for distributing liquid thereto, said pump member being disposed in said hollow lower portion, means carried by said handle for actuating said pump member.

2. A cleaning and polishing implement comprising an upright handle having a hollow lower portion, a hollow housing secured to said handle at the lower end thereof, said housing having the interior thereof initially communicated with said hollow lower portion, said housing having an open lower end, a plate secured to said housing and normally closing said open lower end to form in combination with said housing a liquid reservoir, a wiping element underlying said plate, fastening means detachably securing said wiping element to said plate, a liquid pump secured to said plate, said liquid pump including a valve assembly and a pump member, said valve assembly being disposed within said housing and adapted to communicate with both the interior of said housing for receiving liquid therefrom and with said wiping element for distributing liquid thereto, said pump member being disposed in said hollow lower portion, means carried by said handle for actuating said pump member, said valve assembly extending into said hollow lower portion and sealing said housing relative to said hollow lower portion to prevent the escape of liquid into said hollow lower portion.

3. A cleaning and polishing implement comprising an upright handle having a hollow lower portion, a hollow housing secured to said handle at the lower end thereof, said housing having the interior thereof initially communicated with said hollow lower portion, said housing having an open lower end, a plate secured to said housing and normally closing said open lower end to form in combination with said housing a liquid reservoir, a wiping element underlying said plate, fastening means detachably securing said wiping element to said plate, a liquid pump secured to said plate, said liquid pump including a valve assembly and a pump member, said valve assembly being disposed within said housing and adapted to communicate with both the interior of said housing for receiving liquid therefrom and with said wiping element for distributing liquid thereto, said pump member being disposed in said hollow lower portion, means carried by said handle for actuating said pump member, said valve assembly extending into said hollow lower portion and sealing said housing relative to said hollow lower portion to prevent the escape of liquid into said hollow lower portion, said pump member being in the form of a collapsible bulb, means releasably securing said bulb to said valve assembly.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 551,764 Hayes Dec. 24, 1895 622,809 Keyser Apr. 11, 1899 1,021,708 Schaeneman Mar. 26, 1912 1,535,304 Gerdin Apr. 28, 1925 1,637,951 Marchione Aug. 2, 1927 1,640,924 Cook Aug. 30, 1927 2,028,214 Hennessy Jan. 21, 1936 2,243,607 Rosen et al May 27, 1941 2,554,571 Heishman May 29, 1951 2,598,699 Jordan June 3, 1952 2,633,590 Mitchell Apr. 7, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 176,157 Switzerland June 17, 1935 445,333 Italy Feb. 14, 1949

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