WO2002017746A1

WO2002017746A1 - Cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2002017746A1
Application number: PCT/GB2001/003875
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hoi Tong Chong
Original assignee: Wills Hygiene Products Limited
Priority date: 2000-08-29
Filing date: 2001-08-29
Publication date: 2002-03-07
Also published as: GB0021115D0; AU2001284199A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a general ablution device (10) comprising a brush (12) having a plurality of bristles (13) and a handle (14). The genital ablution device (10) is intended to be used in cleaning of the genitals of a human male, and particularly in cleaning of a penis of a human male. The invention also relates to a genital ablution kit (70) comprising a container (72), the container (72) providing a brush (12) having a plurality of bristles (13) and a handle (14), and an ablution substance (82)

Description

CLEANING DEVICE

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a cleaning or ablution device. In particular, though not exclusively, this invention relates to a genital ablution device capable of or intended for cleaning a penis.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The cleaning of a penis is necessary for a human male as lack of hygiene can lead to irritation, balanitis (i.e. inflammation of the glands) and infections. A thick secretion known as smegma is produced by sebaceous glands under the foreskin and is the cause of some cancers where the penis has not been cleaned properly and regularly. These inconveniences and dangers are probably major factors in the prevalence of circumcision.

Previously, soap and water have been used to clean the penis in combination with the hand, a sponge, flannel or the like. This is unsatisfactory in that this can be rather coarse to delicate parts of the penis and not all of the required areas are always cleaned.

It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate one or more of the aforementioned problems/disadvantages in the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for cleaning a penis.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a brush or bristled device for cleaning a penis which is simple to manufacture and to use.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a genital ablution device comprising a brush having a plurality of bristles and a handle. Preferably, the device is intended to be used in cleaning of the genitals of a human male, and particularly in cleaning of a penis of a human male.

In one or more embodiments an axis of at least a first portion of the handle is displaced at an offset angle from an axis of the plurality of bristles (brush head) .

Preferably, the handle includes a second portion an axis of which is substantially parallel to the plurality of bristles, and which second portion is adapted to retain an end of the plurality of bristles.

Preferably, a first and second side of the first portion of the handle are shorter than a third and fourth side of the first portion of the handle.

Preferably, a first and second side of the plurality of bristles are shorter than a third and fourth side of the plurality of bristles.

Preferably, the first to fourth sides of the first portion of the handle are displaced at said offset angle from said first to fourth sides of the plurality of bristles, respectively.

Preferably, the offset angle is between 30° and 60°, and most preferably the offset angle is around 45°.

Preferably, the second portion of the handle is shorter than the first portion of the handle. Preferably, the plurality of bristles are retained together by a ferrule, e.g. a metal ferrule, which may be received and retained within a portion of the second portion of the handle, optionally assisted by glue.

The plurality of bristles may be selected from one or more of synthetic fibres or natural fibres e.g. animal hair, such as a pony, squirrel, goat or sable hair.

Preferably, a free end of each of the plurality of bristles provide a substantially convex surface.

Advantageously, there is provided a peripheral or annular rib around a portion of the handle at or adjacent to the plurality of bristles.

The peripheral rib may comprise a resilient member preferably provided on the second portion of the handle.

The resilient member may be made at least partly from a material selected from: rubber, latex and/or silicone.

Preferably the resilient member comprises a first annular member having an annular circumferential groove and a second annular member capable of being received within said annular circumferential groove. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided use of a brush according to the first aspect .

The brush may be used by a person for personal ablutions (washing) or may be used by, for example, medical or care staff in washing of patients.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a genital ablution kit comprising: a container, the container providing a brush having a plurality of bristles and a handle; at least one ablution substance.

The at least one ablution substance may be a soap and/or an antibacterial agent .

Preferably, the kit is intended to be used in cleaning of the genitals of a human male, and particularly in cleaning of a penis of a human male.

Preferably, an axis of at least a first portion of the handle is displaced at an offset angle from an axis of the brush head.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a toiletry brush comprising a handle and a plurality of bristles, wherein at least a main portion of the handle is disposed at an angle offset from the plurality of bristles.

Herein the term toiletry brush is used to mean brushes used for ablution purposes, eg. genital ablution brushes, shaving brushes or the like, whether for personal use or for use by one person on another, eg. a nurse/carer on a patient .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a toiletry brush comprising a handle and a plurality of bristles, wherein a peripheral rib extending around the handle is provided on the handle at or adjacent an end of the handle proximal the plurality of bristles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings which are:

Figure 1 a side view of a brush according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 a side sectional view of the brush of Figure

1;

Figure 3 a sectional view along line A-A of Figure 2 of the brush of Figure 1; Figure 4 a top sectional view of the brush of Figure

1;

Figure 5 a bottom view of the brush of Figure 1;

Figure 6 a side view of a brush head for a brush according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 a top sectional view of the brush head of

Figure 6;

Figure 8 a side sectional view of a brush according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 a sectional view along line B-B of Figure 8;

Figure 10 a side view of a brush according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 a sectional view along line C-C as illustrated in Figure 10; Figure 12 a side sectional view of a brush according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 a sectional view along line D-D of Figure

12;

Figure 14 a side sectional view of a brush according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 a sectional view along line E-E of Figure

14;

Figure 16 a side view of a brush according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 a side view of a brush according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 18 a side view of a brush according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 19 a perspective view of a brush according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 20 a perspective view of a brush according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 21 a side view of a brush according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22 a side view of a brush according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 23 a side view of a brush according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 24 a side view of a brush according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 25 a perspective view of a brush according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 26 a perspective view of a brush according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 27 a perspective view of a brush according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 28 a perspective view of a brush according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 29 a perspective view of a brush according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 30 a perspective view of a brush according to a twenty first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 31 a perspective view of a brush according to a twenty second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 32 a perspective view of a brush according to a twenty third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 33 a perspective view of a brush according to a twenty fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 34 a perspective view of a brush according to a twenty fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 35 a perspective view of a brush according to a twenty sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 36 a perspective view of a brush according to a twenty seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 37 a perspective view of a brush according to a twenty eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 38 a perspective view of a brush according to a twenty ninth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 39 a perspective view of a brush according to a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 40 a side view of a brush according to a thirty first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 41 a side view of a brush according to a thirty second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 42 a side view of a brush according to a thirty third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 43 a side view of a brush according to a thirty fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 44 a side view of a brush according to a thirty fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 45 a side view of a brush according to a thirty sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 46 a perspective view of a first storage device for any brushes according to the present invention; Figure 47 a first perspective view of a second storage device for any brushes according to the present invention;

Figure 48 a second perspective view of the storage device of Figure 47; Figure 49 a perspective view of the storage device of

Figure 47 in an open and a closed configuration;

Figures 50a and 50b perspective views of a third and a fourth storage device for any brushes according to the present invention; Figure 51 a perspective view of the storage device of

Figure 50a in an open configuration;

Figure 52 a perspective view of the storage device of

Figure 50b in an open configuration;

Figure 53 a top view of a fifth storage device for any brushes according to the present invention;

Figure 54 a perspective view of a sixth storage device for any brushes according to the present invention;

Figure 55 a schematic view of a seventh storage device for any brushes according to the present invention; Figure 56 a schematic view of an eighth storage device for any brushes according to the present invention;

Figure 57a a sectional view of part of a brush according to a thirty seventh embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 57b a side view of part of the brush of Figure

57a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring initially to Figure 1, there is provided a first embodiment of a genital ablution device, generally designated 10 according to the present invention. The ablution device 10 comprises a brush 12, having a plurality of bristles 13 and a handle 14. The device 10 is intended to be used in cleaning of the genitals of a human male, and particularly in cleaning of a penis of a human male. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, an axis "X" of at least a first portion 16 of the handle 14 is displaced at an offset angle ∞ from an axis "Y" of the brush head 12. The handle 14 includes a second portion 18, an axis "Z" of which is substantially parallel to the plurality of bristles 13, and which second portion 18 is adapted to retain an end of the plurality of bristles 13.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a side sectional view of the brush 12, wherein actual dimensions in millimetres of the brush 12 are shown. In this first embodiment the plurality of bristles 13 form a brush head having 30mm of protruding bristles 13 showing, while the first handle portion 16 is 57 mm long and the second handle portion is 15mm long. Figure 3 shows a sectional view along A-A of Figure 2, while Figure 4 shows a top sectional view of the device 10. The handle 14 is shown to have a depth or thickness of 12mm and to be 28mm wide. The brush head is also shown to have a depth or thickness of between 6 to 7.5mm and be 21mm wide. Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the device 10 of Figure 1. In F gure 5, the handle 14 is shown to be shaped, to aid a person's grip.

As further shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5, first and second sides 20,22 of the first portion 16 of the handle 14 are shorter than third and fourth sides 24,26 of the first portion 16 of the handle 14.

As can be seen from Figure 4, first and second sides 28,30 of the plurality of bristles 13 are shorter than third and fourth sides 32,34 of the plurality of bristles 13.

As further shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first to fourth sides 20, 22, 24, 26 of the first portion 16 of the handle 14 are displaced at an offset angle from said first to fourth sides 28, 30, 32, 34 of the plurality of bristles, respectively. Although the offset angle can be between 30° and 60°, the offset angle in this embodiment is around 45°.

Figures 1 and 2 also show that the second portion 18 of the handle 14 is shorter than the first handle portion 16 of the handle 14. The handle 14 may be wooden, metallic, plastic or rubberised or made from any other suitable material .

The plurality of bristles 13 are retained together by a ferrule' 36, e.g. a metal ferrule, which is received and retained within a cavity formed in the second handle portion 18 of the handle 14, optionally assisted by glue. The plurality of bristles 13 are selected from one or more of synthetic fibres or natural fibres, such as pony, squirrel, goat or sable hair. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the ends of the plurality of bristles 13 together provide a substantially convex surface .

There is also provided a peripherally extending rib comprising in this embodiment an elasticated resilient member 38 provided around a elasticated portion of the handle 14 at or adjacent to the plurality of bristles -13.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the resilient member 38 is provided on the second portion 18 of the handle 14. The resilient member 38 therefore forms a substantially annular rib around the handle 14. The resilient member 38 is beneficially made partly from a material selected from: rubber, latex and/or silicon. The resilient member 38 comprise a first annular member having an annular circumferential groove (not shown) and a second annular member (not shown) capable of being received within said annular circumferential groove.

Turning now to Figures 6 and 7 there is shown a brush head 112 for use in a brush according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the brush head 112 is more rounded than in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5. Obviously different users may have a preference for different shapes of brush head.

Figures 8 to 26 show a number of further embodiments of the present invention. These constitute ablution devices, ie . brushes (10a, 10b, 10c, lOd, lOe, lOf, lOg, lOh, lOi, 10J, 10k, 101, 10m, lOn, lOo, lOp, lOq, lOr, 10s, lOt, lOu, lOv, lOw, lOx, lOy, lOz, 10a', 10b', 10c', 10d', 10e', 10f, 10g', 10h', 10i') with different shapes and patterned handles and different shapes and colours of brush head. In particular, it should be noted that the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15, the resilient member 38 extends onto a top surface adjacent to the plurality of bristles 13. This feature is advantageous as it prevents any sharp edges from touching any sensitive part of the body. Furthermore, the brush head in Figure 29 is attachably detachable with the handle.

Any brush, as hereinbefore described, is used by a person for personal ablutions (washing) or is used by, for example, medical or care staff in washing of patients. In use the foreskin glands of the penis may be first of all gently withdrawn. The bristles 13 are then wetted with clean running water such as, for example, in a shower, and then loaded with an ablution substance, for example, soap or cleaning antibacterial gel. The brush head 12 is then pointed towards the penis (not shown) wherein the handle 14 is in an upright position and the brush head 12 is pointing downwards (see Figure 1) . The brush head 12, which is pointing downwards, is then gently rubbed back and forth and/or side to side over and under the glands and nearby area. The brush head 12 may then be rinsed under clean running water and the process repeated. The final cleaning procedure may be to rinse the penis with copious amounts of clean running water.

It should be noted that the peripheral rib or resilient member 38 provides advantages in use such as acting to reduce the likelihood of an individual being hurt by a sharp or angled edge(s) at an end of the handle 14 adjacent the plurality of bristles 13, as well as acting as a barrier to prevent soap and/or water reaching the rest of the handle 14 or the hand of the user.

After use it is important to maintain the cleaning device 10 for further use. To fulfil this requirement, the device 10 is first of all cleaned with soap and water. Excess water is then pressed away from the brush head wherein the brush hair is also smoothed. To finish the drying process, the device 13 is placed so that the brush head 12 is substantially pointing downwards so that water drips away from the handle section. The device 10 should only be stored away when completely dry. Referring now to Figure 27, there is shown a genital ablution kit 70 according to the present invention comprising : a container 72, the container 72 storing: a device 10 (brush) having a plurality of bristles 13 and a handle 14; and an ablution substance 82.

The ablution substance 82 is a soap and/or an antibacterial agent.

The storage device 70 includes an open-top box section 72, and a lid 74 which slidably fits into longitudinal groove portions 76, 78 on the sides of the box section 72. The open-top box section 72 and the lid 74 have a number of holes 80 to enable any remaining moisture from the brush 10 to escape from the storage device 70 when closed. Figures 47 to 54 illustrate a number of further embodiments of genital ablution kits according to the present invention.

In particular, Figures 47 to 49 show an ablution kit

70a comprising a wooden box section 72a for packaging an ablution device 110a and an ablution substance 182a. A wooden lid 74a is used to close the box section 72a. Figure 47 shows the ablution kit 70a in a closed and in an open configuration.

Figure 50 shows two genital ablution kits 70b, 70c which have a wooden container 72b and a metal container 72c, respectively.

Figure 51 shows the wooden container 72b shown in Figure 50 in an open configuration. Figure 52 shows the metal container 72c shown in Figure 50 in an open configuration.

Figure 53 shows a ceramic container 72d for an ablution device llOd and an ablution substance 182d.

Figure 54 shows a further metal container 72e for an ablution device llOe and an ablution substance 182e. Figures 55 and 56 schematically show dimensions for typical genital ablution kits. The container 72f in Figure 55 is used to contain a substantially circular ablution substance 182f, while container 72g, as shown in Figure 56, is used to contain a substantially square ablution substance 182g.

Figures 57a and 57b show a part of a brush 12' according to a modified thirty seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment brush 12' is substantially identical to the brushes 12 to 12g of the previous embodiments. However, the resilient member 38' is modified. Figure 57a shows a sectional view of the resilient member 38' attached to the second portion 18' of the handle 14' . Figure 57b shows a side view of the resilient member 38' attached to the second portion 18' of the handle 14' . The resilient member 38' comprises a first annular member 38' a having an annular circumferential groove 38 'c and a second annular member 38 'b which is received within the annular circumferential groove 38 'c. In use, the resilient member 38' prevents soap and water from flowing from the brush head 12' to the handle 14' . The second annular member 38 'b may advantageously be of greater elasticity than the first annular member 38 'a. The members 38 'a may be made of a rubber or rubber-like material.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention hereinbefore described are given by way of example only, and are not meant to limit the scope thereof in any way. Modifications may therefore be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the annular rib may be formed integrally with the handle.

Claims

1. A genital ablution device comprising a brush having a handle and a plurality of bristles.

2. A genital ablution device according to claim 1, wherein the device is adapted for use in cleaning of the genitals of a human male, and particularly in cleaning of a penis of a human male.

3. A genital ablution device according to any preceding claim, wherein an axis of at least a first portion of the handle is displaced at an offset angle from an axis of the plurality of bristles.

4. A genital ablution device according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle includes a second portion an axis of which is substantially parallel to the plurality of bristles, and which second portion is adapted to retain an end of each of the plurality of bristles .

5. A genital ablution device according to any preceding claim, wherein first and second opposing sides of the first portion of the handle are shorter than third and fourth opposing sides of the first portion of the handle.

6. A genital ablution device according to any preceding claim, wherein first and second opposing sides of the plurality of bristles are shorter than third and fourth opposing sides of the plurality of bristles .

7. A genital ablution device according to any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the first to fourth sides of the first portion of the handle are displaced at an offset angle from said first to fourth sides of the plurality of bristles, respectively.

8. A genital ablution device according to any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the offset angle is between 30° and 60°,

9. A genital ablution device according to claim 8, wherein the offset angle is around 45°.

10. A genital ablution device according to any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the second portion of the handle is shorter than the first portion of the handle .

11. A genital ablution device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of bristles are retained together by a ferrule.

12. A genital ablution device according to claim 11, wherein the ferrule is metal and is received and retained within a cavity at an end of the second portion of the handle, optionally assisted by glue.

13. A genital ablution device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of bristles are selected from one or more of synthetic fibres or natural fibres including animal hair, such as pony, squirrel, goat and/or sable hair.

14. A genital ablution device according to any preceding claim, wherein free ends of the plurality of bristles together provide a substantially convex surface.

15. A genital ablution device according to any preceding claim, wherein there is provided an annular rib around a portion of the handle at or adjacent to the plurality of bristles.

16. A genital ablution device according to claim 15 wherein, the annular rib comprises a resilient member provided on the second portion of the handle .

17. A genital ablution device according to claim 16, wherein the resilient member is made at least partly from a material selected from: rubber, latex and/or silicone.

18. A genital ablution device according to any of claims 16 or 17, wherein the resilient member comprises a first annular member having an annular circumferential groove and a second annular member capable of being received within said annular circumferential groove.

19. A genital ablution device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the handle is made at least partly from a substance selected from: wood, metal, rubber or plastic .

20. Use of a brush having a handle and a plurality of bristles as a genital ablution device.

21. Use of a brush as a brush as a genital ablution device according to claim 20 by a person for personal ablutions (washing) .

22. Use of a brush as a genital ablution device according to claim 20 by medical or care staff in washing of a patient (s) .

23. A genital ablution kit comprising: a container, the container providing: a brush having a handle and a plurality of bristles; and at least one ablution substance.

24. A genital ablution kit according to claim 23, wherein the ablution substance is a soap and/or an antibacterial agent.

25. A genital ablution kit according to any of claims 23 or 24, wherein the kit is used in cleaning of the genitals of a human male, and particularly in cleaning of a penis of a human male.

26. A genital ablution kit according to any of claims 23 to 25 wherein an axis of at least a first portion of the handle is displaced at an offset angle from an axis of the plurality of bristles.

27. A genital ablution device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .

28. Use of a brush as a genital ablution device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .

29. A genital ablution kit as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .