WO2003059118A1

WO2003059118A1 - Device for surface treatment by the combined action of mechanical frictions and liquids

Info

Publication number: WO2003059118A1
Application number: PCT/FR2002/004306
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe Dorr
Original assignee: Philippe Dorr
Priority date: 2001-12-28
Filing date: 2002-12-12
Publication date: 2003-07-24
Also published as: AU2002364989A1; FR2834190B1; FR2834190A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for cleaning and sanitizing comprising a central rigid support for external friction elements such as radial bristles, fibers or filaments, a spongy substance and the like. The invention is characterized in that the support (4-15) is placed at the end of a tubular member (2-13-26) linked to a sealed volume (1-10-20) designed to contain a cleansing and/or sanitizing liquid (7-11) and which is associated with means for pressurizing the liquid (7-11), so as to eject the latter outside the volume (1-10-20) through the tubular member (2-13-26).

Description

Device for the treatment of surfaces by the combined action of mechanical friction and liquids

The present invention relates to the field of hygiene and cleanliness, especially when the places to be cleaned are difficult to access or particularly sensitive to soiling, that is to say that they require particularly careful care. This is the case with dental intervals, but also, in a completely different field, edges of toilet bowls, parts of premises behind radiators, places partly masked by household appliances or ovens, etc., as well as for small mechanical jobs: cleaning, greasing, pickling or de-grappling, of organs and motors. There are currently many products and devices that greatly facilitate cleaning and maintenance operations, but we observe that they are generally offered in competition with each other, and we multiply the advertising messages to praise the superiority of such a product. by reference to such utensil and vice versa. For example: "a toothpaste is sold for any toothbrush and a toothbrush is sold for any toothpaste;" a sponge is sold for any washing powder and a washing powder is sold without taking into account the object with which it will be applied; "A specific sanitation product for toilets is sold independently of any reference to a brush, the fact that it is packaged in a bottle with a curved neck being presented as a sufficient means of application in itself; more generally, a brush or broom is sold as a stand-alone instrument, universally applicable to any operation.

The present invention provides a new solution for creating new assemblies combining the mechanical, chemical and biological effects of different products and instruments.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a cleaning and sanitation device comprising a central rigid support for external friction elements such as bristles, fibers or radial filaments, a spongy substance and the like, characterized in that the support is placed at the end of a tubular member connected to a sealed capacity which is intended to contain a cleaning and / or sanitation liquid and which is associated with means for pressurizing the liquid, in order to expel this out of capacity by the tubular member.

Other characteristics of the invention will emerge from the detailed description below made with reference to the attached drawing. Of course, the description and the drawing are given only by way of an indicative and nonlimiting example.

Figures 1 and 2 are schematic sectional views of a device according to the invention, in two different situations of a first embodiment.

Figure 3 is a schematic elevational view of a device according to the invention, according to another embodiment.

Figures 4 and 5 are two schematic sectional views, illustrating the filling of the sealed capacity, by the tubular member and the support which is here a brush.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a variant of the invention according to which the tank is very small compared to the elements of the device.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a user exerting pressure on the sealed capacity in order to remove the content from it by the tubular member and the brush.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 are schematic views showing the three parts of a device according to the invention, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view with partial section showing the complete device made up of the three parts of FIGS. 8, 9 and 10.

Figure 12 is a schematic view with partial section of a device according to the invention, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 schematically shows a user exerting pressure on the sealed capacity in order to bring out the content thereof by the tubular member and the support which is here a brush. Figure 14 is a schematic view with partial section of a device according to the invention, according to another embodiment.

Figure 15 shows schematically a user acting on the control of a sprayer, allowing the extraction of the contents of the capacity, pressurized by a compressed gas.

Referring to the drawing, it can be seen that a device in accordance with the invention comprises several parts which contribute to a new effect, namely the positioning in places of difficult access of cleaning and / or disinfection means associating the effects of a liquid and the mechanical effects of a friction element.

In addition, the friction element can be stored in the same cleaning and / or disinfection liquid as that which is intended to be dispensed by the device, so that this element is constantly protected from the harmful effects of bacteria.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the device according to the invention comprises a sealed capacity 1, which communicates with a tubular member, or "tube" 2, associated with a brush 3 formed from a rigid central support 4 and radial bristles 5.

The rigid support 4 is discontinuous so as not to block the tubular member 2 in which it is engaged.

Here, we have chosen a brush 3 of a type known per se and sometimes called a “swab”, the rigid support of which is formed by a metal “pin” folded into two initially parallel branches and between which the bristles are placed, these two branches being then subjected to a strong twist on themselves along a common axis to form a single spiral rod 4 energetically trapping between its turns the hairs 5 which spread radially and twist over only part of the length of this rod 4, so leave an end segment free of bristles 5 and having to be engaged in the tube 2 with a certain friction in order to be kept there permanently while being able to be removed therefrom with a certain tensile force by the user who wishes , for example, exchange a used brush 3 with a new brush 3 or clean a soiled brush 3 and replace it after cleaning.

The sealed capacity 1 is made of flexible material, in particular rubber or other elastomer, and constitutes what is called a "pear" in common parlance.

As is known, by compressing the pear 1 by hand, the air is expelled from it through the tube 2, and by releasing this pressure when the tube 2 and the brush 3 are immersed in a liquid, the latter enters the pear 1 taking the place of the initial air. To this end, this embodiment of the invention provides a tank 6 separate from the assembly 1-

2-3-4-5 which we have just described, and containing a liquid 7 of a nature suitable for the use intended for the device: hygiene product, medical care, disinfection, maintenance, cleaning , lubrication, penetrating, etc.

Immediately below the pear 1 is a cover 8 having a peripheral rim

8a, the internal diameter of which is equal to the external diameter of the tank 6 with sufficient play so that the cover 8 is placed freely on the top of the tank 6 by covering its upper opening, and can be removed therefrom as freely.

Thus, the mobile assembly 1-2-3-4-5 is permanently placed in the situation represented in FIG. 2.

The brush 3 constantly soaks in the liquid 7 and is isolated from the ambient air, which protects it from oxygen, bacteria and impurities.

Soaking in an antiseptic liquid, for example, is a means of cleaning and, even, a form of sterilization.

When the user wants to use the device, he takes hold of the pear 1 and ensures that it contains liquid 7, either because it has been introduced beforehand, or by exerting one or more pressures on the pear 1 before extracting the assembly from the tank 6.

Then, the user exerts or not a pressure on the pear 1 to make out of the liquid 7 and introduce it in the place to be treated or cleaned.

It should be noted that with the device of the invention, it is possible to extract liquid 7 while exerting a brushing action, either continuously by continuously exerting a low pressure on the pear 1, or intermittently by exerting more or less numerous and energetic pressures.

Because the user pressurizes the liquid 7, it is expelled from the bulb 1, borrows the tube 2 and travels through the rigid support 4 by taking the double helical passage which remains between the turns of this support, then reaches the hairs 5 which it travels to their free ends, by the effect of capillarity.

The liquid 7 is deposited on the brushed objects and permeates them while they are subjected to the friction of the bristles 5. When the operation is complete, the user puts the device back in place (Figure 2) the tube 2 and the brush 3 constantly soaking in the liquid 7, away from any pollution. This embodiment is well suited to cleaning and maintaining toilet seats, in order to be able to intervene in a place as inaccessible as are the usual lower edges of the bowl because the device allows not only to deposit a product there. liquid but also to brush them to get rid of any deposit, the liquid product 7 therefore being active not only everywhere where the hairs pass but also stays in direct contact with the cleaned surfaces as long as the user rubs these surfaces, which are associated with brushing, whereas until now we only know the products sprayed blind, and to which we give a thick consistency to delay their pouring on the edges of the bowl, because they cannot stay under the rims and they have no mechanical action. The simple fact of moving the brush in numerous alternative movements, gives the certainty that the product has really been applied everywhere and that the underside and the inner faces of the edges have actually been cleaned as they should be for a guarantee of hygiene. . The support 4 can carry not only bristles 5 as described, but all other friction elements: fibers, filaments, wicks, sponge, synthetic foam, etc. In order to facilitate and / or increase the flow of liquid 7 towards the inside of the tube 2 when entering the bulb 1, or towards the outside of this same tube 2 when pressurizing the liquid 7 , this tube 2 can be crossed with holes 9.

When a low pressure is exerted on the bulb 1, the liquid 7 flows both inside and outside of the tube 2, to reach the bristles 5.

When, on the contrary, successive and more energetic pressures are exerted, the liquid 7 tends to squirt in order to directly reach the surfaces in the vicinity of which the device is located, which may be preferred when these surfaces require a large quantity of liquid 7. For the same purpose to facilitate and / or increase the flow of liquid 7, the rigid support 4 can be hollow and traversed by radial holes. Of course, in this case, the support 4 cannot be produced by twisting a wire with contiguous turns. It may be a simple tube or a spiral element but with non-contiguous turns, leaving a longitudinal passage with a relatively large section. The user therefore constantly has the choice of the best possible action by operating the device by the bulb 1 which constitutes a grip handle, while exerting on it a pressure which it modulates as it pleases depending on the circumstances.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 5, we see another embodiment according to which the tubular member 2 is bent and therefore has an end segment 2a which receives the rigid support 4 of the brush 3. In this way, the rigid support 4 is coaxial with the segment 2a but substantially perpendicular to the tubular member 2 proper.

This arrangement allows better accessibility of the brush 3 to narrow locations or arranged in an inconvenient manner.

The embodiment shown in these figures is suitable for a device of small dimensions, in particular for constituting an instrument suitable for dental care.

The waterproof capacity is constituted, as before, by a small elastic bulb 1 and the brush 3 is of similar constitution to that of a small mascara brush: a central support 4 spiral and bristles 5 which diverge in a substantially radial manner.

In Figure 4, we see the device in section, above the tank 6 containing a liquid 7 and we have shown by two arrows in opposition FI and F2 the compression of the small pear 1 to empty the air at less in part.

In FIG. 5, the tube 2 and its end segment 2a, as well as the brush 3 are immersed in the liquid 7 and having released the pressure on the small pear 1, the latter resumed its natural form elastically by sucking the liquid 7 which has penetrated to it by the helical passage existing between segment 2a and support 4, and by tube 2.

In Figure 6, there is shown a variant of the above embodiment, according to which the reservoir 6 is very small and forms a whole with the other elements of the device because after having used the brush 3 with a little liquid, it is returned to the tank 6 whose neck 6a is calibrated so that the end segment 2a closes it and is retained there by friction. This device is intended for applications requiring little liquid 7, for example for personal dental care, in which case the device is of small dimensions so as to be easily carried on oneself, in a pocket or bag. In FIG. 7, it can be seen that the user, by pressing on the small pear 1, compresses the liquid 7 which emerges through the tube 2, the helical passage existing between the segment 2a and the support 4, and impregnates the brush 3.

Depending on the intensity of the pressure exerted on the small pear 1, the liquid 7 comes out more or less strong, so that the user can at will gently impregnate the brush 3 or on the contrary make the liquid 7 squirt as mentioned. by the arrows F3.

The user can thus easily introduce the brush 3 into the inter-dental spaces and rid them of food waste which they may contain thanks to the brushing action, while depositing the liquid 7 which may be a medical product. , hygiene or simple comfort: antiseptic, deodorant, refreshing, etc.

With this application, one can benefit from a particular advantage of the device of the invention, because if the user makes the liquid 7 squirt vigorously, it participates in the elimination of waste by exerting on a push favorable to their takeoff , which results in a very effective cleaning by the combined actions of the brush 3 (mechanical effect) and the liquid 7 (physicochemical effect + additional mechanical effect).

When the user has finished, he places the 1-2-3-4-5 assembly in the tank 6 so that it remains immersed in the liquid 7, as explained above.

Naturally, one could also provide a cover above the brush 3 to cover the upper opening of the reservoir 6, the latter being able to have all kinds of different shapes depending on the dimensions and arrangements of the assembly 1-2-3- 4-5, in particular the shape of a bottle because the curvature of the tube 2 can be more or less marked without necessarily reaching an angle of 90 ° as has been shown by way of example.

One can also bend the tube 2 on demand when it is made of a deformable material, which makes it possible to use it in a curve and to place it in the tank after having straightened it.

Figures 8 to 1 1 show another embodiment according to which the reservoir is integral with the assembly 1-2-3-4-5 described above. Figures 8, 9 and 10 show the three essential parts of the device, namely: A rigid tank 10 containing a liquid 11 put under permanent pressure by a compressed gas,

A removable tip 12 secured to a tubular member 13,

• a brush 14 formed of a rigid spiral support 15 and of radial bristles 16.

These three elements can be assembled and disassembled on demand, in particular for cleaning purposes.

FIG. 11 shows all of the assembled elements, ready for use: the support 15 is engaged in the tubular member 13 and the end piece 12 is placed on the top of the tank 10.

This consists of a rigid, non-deformable container of known type, sometimes called "bomb" in colloquial terms, provided with a valve (not visible in the drawing) connected to a control collar 17 and which is constantly held in position. closing in order to close off a narrow axial outlet duct formed in a small cylindrical spout 18, and which is opened temporarily by acting on an external lever 19 with automatic return.

This reservoir 10 is sold as a refill as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8, with or without a protective cap 10a, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8.

Of course, the device can also be sold complete, that is to say having the reservoir 10 provided with the nozzle 12, the tubular member 13 and the brush 14, just as these elements can be sold separately. .

With the embodiment shown, the tubular member 13 is bent and has a main segment 13a located axially and an end segment 13b which makes an acute angle with the main segment 13a.

After removing the possible cap 10a, the user sets up the nozzle 12 of FIG. 9 (if it is not already mounted) on the top of the reservoir 10, so that the main segment 13a is placed immediately opposite of the spout 13 in the extension of the outlet conduit, and engages the free segment of the support 15 in the end segment 13b, to obtain the complete assembly of FIG. 11.

To use the device, the user takes hold of the reservoir 10, positions the brush 14 and actuates the lever 19, which causes the liquid 11 to exit. All that has been explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 can be transposed here, the pressurization of the liquid 11 being carried out permanently by the very presence of the compressed gas, as is well known per se. It therefore suffices for the user to act on the lever 19 to cause the more or less abundant arrival of liquid 11, the pressure on the other hand being constant and no longer modular as described above.

Naturally, the dimensions of the brush 14 and the volume of the reservoir 10 are proportional depending on the application envisaged. If it is a device intended for household cleaning, the brush may be of the type used for household cleaning or for the maintenance of the bowls.

WC, while in the case of body care or delicate small jobs, we choose a small volume tank, as there are for example for breath fresheners, and a brush like mascara brushes for eyelash care.

Figures 12 and 13 show a variant of the previous embodiments.

The capacity consists of a container 20 made of flexible and elastically deformable material, in particular thick plastic, having a neck 21 provided with an external thread 22 by which a threaded end piece 23 can be secured.

The end piece 23 is traversed by an axial duct 24 in which the tubular member 13 already described is placed with reference to FIGS. 9 and 11.

In FIG. 13, we see how the user uses this device to clean the rim of a toilet bowl: the pressurization of the liquid 11 contained in the reservoir 20 is here obtained by compressing the reservoir 20, as can be seen in figure 13.

Here, the reservoir 20 is sold filled, and the liquid 11 only circulates in the direction of its exit, contrary to what is necessary with a pear (Figures 1 to 6) which must be filled by suction.

The device can be sold complete, as shown schematically in Figure 12, or by separate elements, as explained above.

The reservoir 20 can also be sold alone, as a refill, provided with a removable closure cap (not shown) and with or without the nozzle 23.

With this variant, there is the possibility of modulating the outlet pressure of the liquid 1 1 since it depends on the compression action that the user applies to the flexible tank 20. The liquid 11 remains constantly in the reservoir 20 and is never exposed to the ambient air, but if it is desired that the brush also be kept sheltered from the air when the device is not in use, a separate tank must be provided, like the one shown in Figures 1 and

2, with or without cover 8.

Here also, it is possible to use a rigid support 15 deformable on demand, in which case the tubular member 13 is not bent. However, it is also possible to provide a deformable tubular member, for example according to the principle known per se applied to certain "straws" by which a drink is sucked.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, a particular embodiment is shown according to which the reservoir 10 is of the same type as that of FIG. 8. It comprises, as is known per se, a valve (not visible in the drawing) actuated by an upper push button 25 crossed by a bent outlet conduit, which opens laterally at the bottom of a small cell in which a tube 26 is engaged which thus extends perpendicularly to the axis of the reservoir 10 and to the end of which a brush 27 similar to the brush 3 of FIGS. 3 to 7 is placed.

The operation of this device is identical to that which has been described with reference to FIGS. 8 to

11 and therefore need not be repeated.

Taking into account the dimensions suggested by FIG. 15 for the brush 27 and for the reservoir

20, this device is well suited to personal care and delicate small jobs.

***

Claims

1. Cleaning and sanitation device comprising a rigid central support for external friction elements such as bristles, fibers or radial filaments, a spongy substance and the like, characterized in that the support (4 - 15) is placed at the end of a tubular member (2 - 13 - 26) connected to a sealed capacity (1 - 10 - 20) which is intended to contain a cleaning and / or sanitation liquid (7 - 11) and which is associated with means for pressurizing the liquid (7-11), in order to expel the latter out of the capacity (1-10-20) by the tubular member (2-13-26).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid support (4 - 15) and the tubular member (2 - 13a) form between them a marked angle.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular member (2) is traversed by radial passages (9).

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealed capacity (1 - 20) is flexible and elastic.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a liquid reservoir (6) in which the rigid support (4) and the tubular member (2) are intended to be immersed when the device is not used.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the reservoir (6) has an upper opening, and the tubular member (2) is integral with a cover or plug (8) whose section is coordinated with that of the reservoir (6) in order to close the upper opening and simultaneously to keep the tubular member in place when it is immersed in the liquid (7) contained in the reservoir (6).

7. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the capacity (10 - 20) has a volume large enough to contain an amount of liquid (11) equal to a multiple of the amount of liquid (11) necessary for each use.

8. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the tubular member (2 - 13) and the capacity (1 - 10 - 20) are separable from each other.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealed capacity (20) is flexible and elastic and constitutes an interchangeable refill capable of being compressed by manual action of a user in order to pressurize the liquid (11) that contains the capacity (20).

10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealed capacity (10) is rigid and contains a compressed gas intended to pressurize the liquid (11) that contains the capacity (10), a shutter being disposed at the outlet of said capacity (10).

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the sealed and rigid capacity (10) constitutes an interchangeable refill.

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