WO2008090343A2

WO2008090343A2 - Enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2008090343A2
Application number: PCT/GB2008/000238
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Peter Dunn
Original assignee: Brian Peter Dunn
Priority date: 2007-01-23
Filing date: 2008-01-23
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: GB0701216D0; GB0709528D0; WO2008090343A3; GB0811875D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to an enclosure (5) for cleansing ( eg cleaning, disinfecting, sterilising or demoisturising) an elongate handle (2) of a hand-propelled vehicle.

Description

ENCLOSURE

The present invention relates to an enclosure for cleansing (eg cleaning, disinfecting, sterilising or demoisturising) an elongate handle of a hand-propelled vehicle .

A person using a shopping trolley in a supermarket may have dirty or germ ridden hands or gloves. Until the handle is cleaned by (for example) a member of staff, impurities, disease and infection may be passed on to the hands or gloves of later users. A sticky and dirty trolley handle is also unpleasant to use. Additionally when a trolley is taken out of the building to a motor vehicle in wet conditions, the trolley handle may become wet and unpleasant to use.

Known methods of cleaning and drying the handle of a shopping trolley include using a cloth or brush to wipe the handle at intervals. The high frequency use of a shopping trolley means that many customers may use the trolley in the intervals between cleaning.

The present invention seeks to improve the hygiene of a hand-propelled vehicle such as a trolley by equipping the vehicle with an enclosure adapted for cleansing whilst being selectively transportable across its handle (eg by prior to each use) .

Thus viewed from one aspect the present invention provides an enclosure mountable in a mounted position on an elongate handle of a hand-propelled vehicle for cleansing the elongate handle, wherein the enclosure comprises : a first at least partially tubular compartment; a second at least partially tubular compartment coupled or connected to the first at least partially tubular compartment; a cleansing element in or part of one or both of (preferably both of) the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment, wherein in the mounted position the cleansing element is in effective contact with the elongate handle and the enclosure is transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle.

The enclosure of the invention may be used to remove advantageously grime, germs and moisture which are frequently deposited on the elongate handle of a hand-propelled vehicle. Between the first position and the second position, the cleansing element may perform cleaning, disinfecting or sterilising of or removing surplus moisture from the elongate handle.

The hand-propelled vehicle may be used typically in a hospital, care home or retail premises such as a supermarket. The hand-propelled vehicle may be a trolley (eg a shopping trolley or hospital trolley), pram or wheelchair.

The hand-propelled vehicle is typically a frequent use vehicle.

Preferably the enclosure is repeatedly transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle .

Preferably the enclosure is reciprocatively transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle .

The cleansing element may be a discrete element housed in the first at least partially tubular compartment and/or the second at least partially tubular compartment or an integral part of the first at least partially tubular compartment and/or the second at least partially tubular compartment. The cleansing element may be absorbent. The cleansing element may be flexible. The cleansing element may be resilient. The cleansing element may be a pad or sponge. The cleansing element may be replaceable.

Preferably the cleansing element is disinfectant- charged. For example, the cleansing element may be charged with a quick-drying disinfectant.

In a preferred embodiment, the cleansing element is discretely housed in the first at least partially- tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment. Preferably the cleansing element is a flexible absorbent cleaning pad.

In a preferred embodiment, the cleansing element is an integral part of the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment. For example, the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment may be impregnated with a disinfectant (such as IRAGUARD^R (CIBA) ) . Preferably the cleansing element is charged with a visual indicator indicative of when the disinfectant needs to be replenished or the enclosure needs to be replaced. The cleansing element may be further charged with a visual indicator (eg a colour dye) to detect when the disinfectant needs to be replenished or the enclosure needs to be replaced. Typically the enclosure deposits a thin film of disinfectant along the elongate handle between the first and second position .

The first and second at least partially tubular compartments may be substantially semi-cylindrical or semi-polygonal. In the mounted position, the external profile of the enclosure may be regularly or irregularly polygonal (eg hexagonal or star-shaped). Preferably the at least partially tubular compartments are externally irregular. For example, the external surface may be crenellated or nodulated.

Preferably either or both ends of either or both of the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment has an inwardly extending internal lip which engages the elongate handle. The inwardly extending internal lip is typically flexible (eg resiliently flexible). Particularly preferably the internal lip constitutes a squeegee. Particularly preferably the (or each) internal lip is a thickened (eg an axially and/or radially thickened) portion of the at least partially tubular compartment.

The internal lip (eg squeegee) may be integral with the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment. Alternatively the enclosure may further comprise an internal lip fitted to the internal edge of the at least partially tubular compartment. The internal lip may be fitted to the internal edge of the at least partially tubular compartment by a latch, barb or adhesive. The internal lip may constitute a semi- polygonal squeegee (eg a semi-annular squeegee) .

The engagement of the internal lip and the elongate handle may serve to wipe away excess moisture (but typically leave a thin film of (for example) disinfectant) when in use the enclosure is transported from the first position to the second position. Side areas in contact with the elongate handle may have plastic or similar profiled squeegees to assist in removing moisture from the elongate handle. The enclosure (eg the first at least partially tubular compartment and/or the second at least partially tubular compartment) may be at least partially substantially transparent. Preferably the first at least partially tubular compartment and/or the second at least partially tubular compartment is at least partially substantially transparent. This advantageously allows visual inspection of the cleansing element to determine (for example) whether disinfectant needs replenishing or the cleansing element needs replacing (eg as indicated by a change in colour) .

Typically mounted on, embossed or applied to the exterior of the enclosure is indicia equipped with instructions (eg written or drawn instructions) to a user on how to use the enclosure.

In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure further comprises : a male locking member and a female locking member, wherein the female locking member is adapted to be engaged by a male member of an adjacent hand-propelled vehicle to secure the hand propelled vehicle and the adjacent hand-propelled vehicle together.

The first and second at least partially tubular compartment together may be an integral body such as a cover. The integral body may be one-piece moulded. The first and second at least partially tubular compartment may be one-piece moulded with the inwardly extending lips (eg squeegees) .The first and second at least partially tubular compartment may be plastic (eg constitute a flexible plastic cover) . The first and second at least partially tubular compartment may be composed of a resilient material (eg rubber) which may assist mounting in the closed position by bending over the elongate handle.

Preferably the first at least partially tubular compartment is connected to the second at least partially tubular compartment. Particularly preferably the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment together form an integral cover.

In a first preferred embodiment, the enclosure is manipulable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first at least partially tubular compartment is a first semi-tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment is a second semi-tubular compartment adapted to unite with the first semi-tubular compartment in the closed position for mounting the enclosure on the elongate handle of the hand-propelled vehicle and to disunite from the first semi-tubular compartment for dismounting the enclosure from the elongate handle of the hand- propelled vehicle, wherein the cleansing element is in or part of one or both of the first semi-tubular compartment and the second semi-tubular compartment, wherein in the closed position the cleansing element is in contact with the elongate handle and the enclosure is transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle.

The second semi-tubular compartment may slide, wrap or fold relative to the first semi-tubular compartment to unite with the first semi-tubular compartment in the closed position. Preferably the second semi-tubular compartment folds relative to the first semi-tubular compartment to unite with the first semi-tubular compartment in the closed position.

A common elongate edge or adjacent elongate edges of the first semi-tubular compartment and the second semi-tubular compartment may be hinged. Preferably a common discontinuous, raised or weakened elongate edge of the first semi-tubular compartment and the second semi-tubular compartment is hinged to permit the second semi-tubular compartment to fold relative to the first semi-tubular compartment to unite with the first semi-tubular compartment in the closed position.

Preferably either or both ends of either or both of the first semi-tubular compartment and second semi- tubular compartment has an inwardly extending internal lip which in the closed position engages the elongate handle .

Preferably each end of both of the first semi- tubular compartment and the second semi-tubular compartment has an inwardly extending internal lip which in the closed position engages the elongate handle_,. Particularly preferably in the closed position, the inwardly extending internal lips together define two axially spaced-apart , substantially annular engagement surfaces engaged with the trolley handle.

Preferably the first at least partially tubular compartment is coupled to the second at least partially tubular compartment.

In a second preferred embodiment, the first at least partially tubular compartment is a first substantially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment is a second substantially tubular compartment axially spaced apart from the first substantially tubular compartment and coupled thereto by an elongate coupling part, wherein the cleansing element is in or part of one or both of the first substantially tubular compartment and the second substantially tubular compartment, wherein in the mounted position the cleansing element is in contact with the elongate handle and the enclosure is transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle .

Particularly preferably the first substantially tubular compartment and the second substantially tubular compartment together with the elongate coupling part have a substantially dumbell-like external cross-sectional profile. For this purpose, each internal lip (eg squeegee) may have an outwardly radially projecting portion. This advantageously prevents the hand, of a user being trapped between the enclosure and the end of a trolley handle in use.

Particularly preferably the elongate coupling part defines internally a replenishable reservoir for disinfectant. The reservoir may be replenishable through a stopper or valve in the elongate coupling part .

The first substantially tubular compartment may be separated from the reservoir by a wall. The second substantially tubular compartment may be separated from the reservoir by a wall. Preferably the wall is perforated to permit ingress of for example disinfectant from the reservoir into the cleansing element.

Particularly preferably the first substantially tubular compartment and the second substantially tubular compartment together form an integral cover, wherein the cover further includes the elongate coupling part. The cover may be one-piece moulded.

More particularly preferably the integral cover is manipulable between an open position and a closed position and comprises a first cover part and a second cover part, wherein the first cover part folds relative to and unites with the second cover part in the closed position for mounting the enclosure on the elongate handle of the hand-propelled vehicle and folds relative to and disunites from the second cover part for dismounting the enclosure from the elongate handle of the hand-propelled vehicle, wherein the cleansing element is in or part of one or both of the first substantially tubular compartment and the second substantially tubular compartment, wherein in the closed position the cleansing element is in contact with the elongate handle and the enclosure is transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle .

A common elongate edge or adjacent elongate edges of the first cover part and the second cover part may be hinged. Preferably a common discontinuous, raised or weakened elongate edge of the first cover part and the second cover part is hinged to permit the second cover part to fold relative to the first cover part to unite with the first cover part in the closed position .

The enclosure may be retained (eg clamped, fastened or locked) in the closed position.

In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure further comprises : a retaining member for retaining the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment in the mounted position .

The retaining member may be mechanical or adhesive. Th'e retaining member may be a latch, lock, barb, adhesive or adhesive tape. The latch or barb may be engageable with a socket. Preferably the retaining member is a retaining clip.

Typically prior to use of the hand propelled vehicle, the enclosure is located at a first position at or near to one end of an elongate handle (eg a trolley handle) and is transported along the elongate handle (for example by a customer) to a second position at or near to the opposite end of the elongate handle to remove any impurities and or moisture .

A shopping list holder or security device may be mounted on the enclosure.

The elongate handle may be a side handle, a front handle or a rear handle.

Viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides a hand-propelled vehicle comprising: an elongate handle; and an enclosure as defined hereinbefore mounted on the elongate handle. The enclosure may be dismountably or non- dismountably mounted on the elongate handle. The enclosure may be non-dismountably mounted on the elongate handle during assembly of the hand-propelled vehicle .

Preferably the enclosure is dismountably mounted on the elongate handle.

The elongate handle may be disinfectant-charged (eg with IRAGUARD^R) .

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in a non-limitative sense by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a cover of a first embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a flexible absorbent cleaning pad of the first embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 3 is an end view of the first embodiment of the enclosure of the invention in open mode;

Figure 4 is a side view of the flexible absorbent cleaning pad of the first embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the enclosure of the invention mounted on a trolley handler- Figure 6 is a side view of the first embodiment of the enclosure of the invention mounted on the trolley handle;

Figure 7 is an end view of the first embodiment of the enclosure of the invention in closed mode mounted on the trolley handle;

Figure 8 is a plan view of a cover with a flexible absorbent pad of a second embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 9 is an end view of the second embodiment of the enclosure of the invention in open mode;

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view through the second embodiment of the enclosure of the invention mounted on a trolley handle;

Figure 11 is a side view of the second embodiment of the enclosure of the invention mounted on the trolley handle;

Figure 12 is an end view of the second embodiment of the enclosure of the invention mounted on the trolley handle;

Figure 13 is a front view of a third embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the enclosure of the invention mounted on a trolley handle;

Figure 16 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 17 is a vertical cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the enclosure of the invention mounted on a trolley handle;

Figure 19 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the enclosure of the invention mounted on a trolley handle;

Figure 21 is a vertical cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 22 is an isolated view of the retaining means of the fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 23 is a front view of a sixth embodiment of the enclosure of the invention;

Figure 24 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the enclosure of the invention mounted on a trolley handle; and

Figure 25 is a vertical cross sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the enclosure of the invention. Referring to Figures 1-7, a first embodiment of the present invention is an enclosure 1 comprising a transparent cover 5 which when closed has a substantially hexagonal external cross-sectional profile. The cover 5 is composed of a first semi- tubular compartment Ia and a second semi-tubular compartment Ib hinged along a common raised edge 7 which renders the enclosure 1 foldable between an open position (see for example Figure 3) and a closed position (see for example Figure 7) where it is retained by retaining clips 3. In the closed position, the enclosure 1 defined by the first and second semi- tubular compartments Ia, Ib is tubular. In each of the first and second semi-tubular compartment Ia, Ib is housed a flexible absorbent cleaning pad 6.

At each end of each of the first and second semi- tubular compartments Ia, Ib, the cover 5 forms a thickened lip which constitutes a semi-annular squeegee 4. In the closed position, the semi-annular squeegee 4 at each end of the first semi-tubular compartment Ia unites with the semi-annular squeegee 4 at each corresponding end of the second semi-tubular compartment Ib to define co-axial spaced-apart annular squeegees 4 (see Figure 7) which in use engage a trolley handle 2 (see Figures 5 and 6) .

In the closed position, the enclosure 1 is transported along the trolley handle 2. The absorbent cleaning pad 6 soaked in disinfectant deposits an amount of disinfectant to the surface of the trolley handle 2 which is largely removed by the squeegee 4 at the trailing end of the enclosure 1 to leave a thin residual film of disinfectant. A dye is added to the disinfectant so that on inspection through the transparent exterior cover 5, a change in colour of the cleaning pad 6 indicates that the disinfectant needs to be replenished.

Referring to Figures 8-12, a second embodiment of the present invention is an enclosure Ia comprising a transparent cover 5a which when closed has a star-like external cross-sectional profile. The cover 5a is composed of a first semi-tubular compartment laa and a second semi-tubular compartment lab hinged along a common raised edge 7a which renders the enclosure Ia foldable between an open position (see for example Figure 9) and a closed position (see for example ^■ Figure 11) where it is retained by retaining tape 3a. In the closed position, the enclosure Ia defined by the first and second semi-tubular compartments laa, lab is tubular. In each of the first and second semi- tubular compartment laa, lab is housed a flexible absorbent cleaning pad 6a.

At each end of each of the first and second semi- tubular compartments laa, lab, the cover 5a forms a thickened lip which constitutes a semi-annular squeegee 4a. In the closed position, the semi-annular squeegee 4a at each end of the first semi-tubular compartment laa unites with the semi-annular squeegee 4a at each corresponding end of the second semi- tubular compartment lab to define co-axial spaced- apart annular squeegees 4a (see Figure 12) which in use engage a trolley handle 2a (see Figures 10 and 11) •

In the closed position, the enclosure Ia is transported laterally along the trolley elongate handle 2a. The absorbent cleaning pad 6a soaked in disinfectant deposits an amount of disinfectant to the surface of the trolley handle 2a which is largely removed by the squeegee 4a at the trailing end of the enclosure Ia to leave a thin residual film of disinfectant. A dye is added to the disinfectant so that on inspection through the transparent cover 5a, a change in colour of the cleaning pad 6a indicates that the disinfectant needs to be replenished.

Referring to Figures 13-15, a third embodiment of the enclosure of the present invention 100 comprises a cover 5b which has a substantially dumbell-like external cross-sectional profile (see Figure 15). The cover 5b includes a pair of spaced apart compartments Ib. Each compartment Ib is substantially tubular and in each compartment Ib is housed a flexible absorbent cleaning pad 6b.

At an outer end of each compartment Ib, the cover 5b forms a thickened lip which constitutes an annular squeegee 4b. The annular squeegees 4b at the outer ends of the pair of compartments Ib define a pair of co-axial spaced-apart annular squeegees 4b (see Figure 13) which in use snugly engage the trolley handle 2 (see Figures 14 and 15) .

The cover 5b further includes an elongate coupling part 20 which couples the pair of compartments Ib and internally defines a reservoir 8 for disinfectant. The disinfectant may be replenished through a stoppered inlet 9.

In the mounted position, the enclosure 100 is transported along the trolley handle 2 in a direction indicated to the user by a direction indicator 10. The absorbent cleaning pad βb soaked in disinfectant deposits an amount of disinfectant on the surface of the trolley handle 2 which is largely removed by the squeegee 4b at the trailing end of the compartment Ib to leave a thin residual film of disinfectant.

The trolley handle 2 is fastened to a trolley 22 by a fastener 11 at both ends. The enclosure 100 may be selectively mounted on or dismounted from the trolley handle 2 by removing the fastener 11 to disengage the trolley handle 2 and trolley 22.

Referring to Figures 16-18, a fourth embodiment of the enclosure of the present invention 200 comprises a cover 5c which has a substantially dumbell-like external cross-sectional profile (see Figure 18). The cover 5c includes a pair of spaced apart compartments Ic and an end cap 14. Each compartment Ic is substantially tubular and in each compartment Ic is housed a flexible absorbent cleaning pad 6c.

At an outer end of each compartment Ic is formed a thickened lip which constitutes an annular squeegee 4c. The annular squeegees 4c at the outer ends of the pair of compartments Ic define a pair of co-axial spaced-apart annular squeegees 4c (see Figure 16) which in use engage snugly the trolley handle 2 (see Figures 17 and 18) .

The cover 5c further includes an elongate coupling part 20 which couples the pair of compartments Ic and internally defines a reservoir 8a for disinfectant. The disinfectant may be replenished through a stoppered inlet 9a.

In the mounted position, the enclosure 200 is transported along the trolley handle 2 in a direction indicated to the user by a direction indicator 10. The absorbent cleaning pad 6c soaked in disinfectant deposits an amount of disinfectant on the surface of the trolley handle 2 which is largely removed by the squeegee 4c at the trailing end of the compartment Ic to leave a thin residual film of disinfectant.

The trolley handle 2 is fastened to a trolley 22 by a fastener 11 at one end and by a hinge 12 at the opposite end. The enclosure 200 may be selectively mounted on or dismounted from the trolley handle 2 by removing the fastener 11 to disengage the trolley handle 2 and trolley 22.

Referring to Figures 19-22, a fifth embodiment of the enclosure of the present invention 300 comprises a cover 5d which has a substantially cylindrical external cross-sectional profile (see Figure 21). The cover 5d includes a pair of spaced apart compartments Ic. Each compartment Ic is tubular and in each compartment Ic is housed a flexible absorbent cleaning pad βc.

At an outer end of each compartment Ic is formed a thickened lip which constitutes an annular squeegee 4c. The annular squeegees 4c at the outer ends of the pair of compartments Ic define a pair of co-axial spaced-apart annular squeegees 4c (see Figure 20) which in use engage snugly the trolley handle 2 of the trolley 1 (see Figures 19 and 20) .

The cover 5d further includes an elongate coupling part 20 which couples the pair of compartments Ic and internally defines a reservoir 8a for disinfectant. The disinfectant may be replenished through a valve 9a. The reservoir 8a is separated from each compartment Ic by a perforated wall 600 which permits slow release of disinfectant into the cleaning pad 6c.

In the mounted position, the enclosure 300 is transported along the trolley handle 2 in a direction indicated to the user by a direction indicator 10. The absorbent cleaning pad 6c soaked in disinfectant deposits an amount of disinfectant on the surface of the trolley handle 2 which is largely removed by the squeegee 4c at the trailing end of the compartment Ic to leave a thin residual film of disinfectant.

The cover 5d is composed of a first semi-tubular cover part 5ac and a second semi-tubular cover part 5bc hinged along a common raised edge 7 which renders the enclosure 300 foldable between an open position and a closed position (see for example Figure 21) where it is retained by the engagement of a barbed probe 99 and a socket 98 (see Figure 21) . This engagement permits free flow of disinfectant between the two parts of each compartment Ic.

Referring to Figures 23-25, a sixth embodiment of the enclosure of the present invention 900 comprises a cover 905d which has a substantially cylindrical external cross-sectional profile (see Figure 25). The cover 905d is composed of a first semi-tubular compartment 901a and a second semi-tubular compartment 901b hinged along a common raised edge 907 which renders the enclosure 900 foldable between an open position and a closed position (see for example Figure 25) . In the closed position, the first semi-tubular compartment 901a and the second semi-tubular compartment 901b are retained by adhesive which adheres the adjacent free edges 930 diametrically opposite the common raised edge 900. In the closed position, the enclosure 900 defined by the first and second semi-tubular compartments 901a, 901b is tubular. Each of the first and second semi-tubular compartment 901a, 901b is impregnated with IRAGUARD^R disinfectant and therefore constitutes an integral cleansing element.

At an outer end of each compartment 901a, 901b is formed a thickened lip which constitutes an annular squeegee 904c. The annular squeegees 904c at the outer ends of the pair of compartments 901a, 901b define a pair of co-axial spaced-apart annular squeegees 904c (see Figure 24) which in use engage snugly the trolley handle 902 of the trolley 9010 (see Figures 23 and 24) . An outwardly radially projecting portion 9041 of each squeegee 904c serves to protect a user's hand and gives the cover a substantially dumbell-like external cross-sectional profile.

In the mounted position, the enclosure 900 is transported along the trolley handle 902 in a direction indicated to the user by a direction indicator 910. The first and¹ second semi-tubular compartments 901a, 901b impregnated with IRAGUARD^R deposit an amount of disinfectant on the surface of the trolley handle 902 which is largely removed by the squeegee 904c at the trailing end of the first and second semi-tubular compartments 901a, 901b to leave a thin residual film of disinfectant.

In this embodiment, the first and second semi- tubular compartment 901a, 901b and annular squeegees 904c are a unitary body which is one-piece moulded from rubber.

Claims

1. An enclosure mountable in a mounted position on an elongate handle of a hand-propelled vehicle for cleansing the elongate handle, wherein the enclosure comprises : a first at least partially tubular compartment; a second at least partially tubular compartment coupled or connected to the first at least partially tubular compartment; and a cleansing element in or part of one or both of the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment, wherein in the mounted position the cleansing element is in effective contact with the elongate handle and the enclosure is transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle.

2. An enclosure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cleansing element is discretely housed in the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment.

3. An enclosure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cleansing element is an integral part of the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment.

4. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein either or both ends of either or both of the first at least partially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment has an inwardly extending internal lip which engages the elongate handle.

5. An enclosure as claimed in claim 4 wherein the (or each) internal lip is a thickened portion of the at least partially tubular compartment.

6. An enclosure as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein the internal lip constitutes ₍ a squeegee.

7. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first at least partially tubular compartment and/or the second at least partially tubular compartment is at least partially substantially transparent.

8. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second at least partially tubular compartment together is an integral cover.

9. An enclosure as claimed in claim 8 wherein the integral cover and inwardly extending internal lips are one-piece moulded.

10. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim manipulable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first at least partially tubular compartment is a first semi-tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment is a second semi-tubular compartment adapted to unite with the first semi-tubular compartment in the closed position for mounting the enclosure on the elongate handle of the hand-propelled vehicle and to disunite from the first semi-tubular compartment for dismounting the enclosure from the elongate handle of the hand- propelled vehicle, wherein the cleansing element is in or part of one or both of the first semi-tubular compartment and the second semi-tubular compartment, wherein in the closed position the cleansing element is in contact with the elongate handle and the enclosure is transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle.

11. An enclosure as claimed in claim 10 wherein the second semi-tubular compartment folds relative to the first semi-tubular compartment to unite with the first semi-tubular compartment in the closed position.

12. An enclosure as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein a common discontinuous, raised or weakened elongate edge of the first semi-tubular compartment and the second semi-tubular compartment is hinged to permit the second semi-tubular compartment to fold relative to the first semi-tubular compartment to unite with the first semi-tubular compartment in the closed position.

13. An enclosure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first at least partially tubular compartment is a first substantially tubular compartment and the second at least partially tubular compartment is a second substantially tubular compartment axially spaced apart from the first substantially tubular compartment and coupled thereto by an elongate coupling part, wherein the cleansing element is in or part of one or both of the first substantially tubular compartment and the second substantially tubular compartment, wherein in the mounted position the cleansing element is in contact with the elongate handle and the enclosure is transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle .

14. An enclosure as claimed in claim 13 wherein the elongate coupling part defines internally a replenishable reservoir for disinfectant.

15. An enclosure as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the first substantially tubular compartment and the second substantially tubular compartment together form an integral cover, wherein the cover further includes the elongate coupling part.

16. An enclosure as claimed in claim 15 wherein the integral cover is manipulable between an open position and a closed position and comprises a first cover part and a second cover part, wherein the first cover part folds relative to and unites with the second cover part in the closed position for mounting the enclosure on the elongate handle of the hand-propelled vehicle and folds relative to and disunites from the second cover part for dismounting the enclosure from the elongate handle of the hand-propelled vehicle, wherein the cleansing element is in or part of one or both of the first substantially tubular compartment and the second substantially tubular compartment, wherein in the closed position the cleansing element is in contact with the elongate handle and the enclosure is transportable axially from a first position on the elongate handle to a second position on the elongate handle.

17. An enclosure as claimed in claim 16 wherein a common discontinuous, raised or weakened elongate edge of the first cover part and the second cover part is hinged to permit the second cover part to fold relative to the first cover part to unite with the first cover part in the closed position.

18. A hand-propelled vehicle- comprising: an elongate handle; and an enclosure as defined in any preceding claim mounted on the elongate handle.

19. A hand-propelled vehicle as claimed in claim 18 wherein the enclosure is dismountably mounted on the elongate handle.