CLEANING APPARATUS
A cleaning system includes a base element, a cleaning element coupled to the base element, wherein a surface of the cleaning element includes an adhesive material, and a removable cover having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the removable cover covers the cleaning element and is engaged with a first end of the base element. In the second position, the removable cover does not cover the cleaning element and is engaged with a second end of the base element.
This Invention relates to a device for cleaning various surfaces and more particularly to a small, compact device having a cleaning element with an adhesive surface which is contained within a housing.
PRIOR ARTCleaning devices which employ a cleaning element enclosed within a housing are known. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,542,774; 2,658,217; 3,381,325; 4,979,257; 5,333,341; 7,213,291; D281,654; and D539,545. Typically, these cleaning devices are for lint and employ a cover that can act as a handle which extends from the housing in the open position.
BACKGROUNDDevices used to clean various surfaces and remove contaminants and debris such as dust, lint, powder, ash, and grease marks are known. Many existing devices require the use of liquids, sticky tape, siloxane tacky elastomers, and wet brushes or cloths. Also, double rolling reverse wound adhesive tape rollers in combination with silicone rollers of limited tackiness have been used for cleaning various surfaces. However, adhesive tape rollers require tape replacement and can leave sticky residue on the surfaces which the roller is used to clean. Moreover, silicone rollers have a limited tackiness and a firm durometer of greater than 40. Yet another problem associated with existing cleaning devices is inconvenience. Often, when a person is in need of such a cleaning device, no appropriate cleaning device is readily available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with an embodiment, a cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a base element, a cleaning element coupled to the base element, wherein a surface of the cleaning element includes an adhesive material, and a removable cover having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the removable cover covers the cleaning element and is engaged with a first end of the base element. In the second position, the removable cover does not cover the cleaning element and is engaged with a second end of the base element.
In one embodiment, the cleaning system further includes a stick element disposed between the base element and the cleaning element, wherein a first end of the stick element is attached to the base element and a second end of the stick element is attached to the cleaning element.
In one embodiment, the cleaning element is rotatably attached to the stick element. In another embodiment, the stick element is rotatably attached to the base element.
In another embodiment, the housing and the removable cover include a plastic material.
In another embodiment, the adhesive material includes an elastomeric material.
In another embodiment, a length of the cleaning system is between approximately 2 and 4 inches, when the removable cover is in the first position, measured from an end of the base element to an end of the removable cover. A width of the cleaning system is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches. A length of the cleaning element is between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches. A width of the cleaning element is approximately 0.5 inches.
In another embodiment, the cleaning element has a shape of a truncated ellipsoid.
In another embodiment, the cleaning system includes a rod element attached to the stick element, the rod element having a cylindrical portion having a first width and an end portion having a second width greater than the first width. The cleaning element includes a channel having a first channel portion and a second channel portion, the second channel portion being wider than the first channel portion. The cylindrical portion of the rod element fits within the first channel portion, and the end portion fits within the second channel portion.
In another embodiment, the second channel portion further comprises a hollow space defining a hole at an end of the cleaning element.
In accordance with another embodiment, a system for cleaning a surface is provided. The system includes a housing comprising an opening at an end and a slot on a side, a stick element disposed within the housing, a cleaning element rotatably attached to the stick element, a surface of the cleaning element comprising an adhesive material, and an actuator disposed on an exterior of the housing, the actuator joined to the stick element, the actuator adapted to move within the slot from a first position to a second position. Movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes a portion of the cleaning element to exit from the housing, via the opening, and protrude from the opening. The cleaning element may then be rolled across a selected surface to remove contaminants from the surface.
In one embodiment, the system further includes a rotatable cap adapted to cover the opening when the actuator is in the first position, and to rotate away from the opening to allow the portion of the cleaning element to exit from the housing when the actuator is in the second position.
In another embodiment, the housing, the stick element, and the actuator include a plastic material.
In another embodiment, the adhesive material includes an elastomeric material.
In one embodiment, the cleaning element includes a truncated ellipsoid.
In another embodiment, a length of the cleaning system is between approximately 2 and 4 inches, measured from a first end to a second end of the housing. A width of the cleaning system is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches. A length of the cleaning element is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches. A width of the cleaning element is approximately 0.5 inches.
These and other aspects of the present Invention may be more readily understood by reference to one or more of the following drawings.
In accordance with an embodiment, a compact, convenient, easy-to-use cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system may be used to remove contaminants from any surface. For example, the cleaning system may be used to clean the surface of a cell phone, a lens of a pair of glasses, etc.
Movable stick 12 is attached to movable actuator 23 such that when movable actuator 23 moves within slot 21, movable stick 12 also moves in a corresponding manner. For example, movable stick 12 and movable actuator 23 may be joined by an element (such as, e.g., a pin, a molded plastic element, etc.) that fits in, and slides within, slot 21. The portion of movable actuator 23 disposed on the exterior of housing 8 is adapted to move in response to pressure applied by a human finger. For example, movable actuator may include an outer surface with ridges, grooves, or bumps to enable a human finger to grip and apply pressure to the actuator.
In
Thus,
In one embodiment, cleaning element is a truncated ellipsoid. At least a portion of the surface of cleaning element 15 includes an adhesive material, such as, for example, an elastomeric material. Other components, including housing 8, movable stick 12, and movable actuator 23, may include a hard plastic material, for example.
Cleaning element 15 of cleaning system 100 may be used to clean contaminants from any object. For example, cleaning element 15 may be used to clean the lenses of a pair of glasses, the surface of a cell phone screen, etc. Because cleaning element 15 is rotatably attached to one end of movable stick 12, when a user moves cleaning system 100 at a close distance above a selected surface, cleaning element 15 contacts and rolls along the selected surface, and the adhesive exterior of cleaning element 15 picks up contaminants from the surface.
Advantageously, cleaning system 100 is compact and may be stored conveniently in a pocket, purse, etc., to ensure that cleaning system 100 is readily available when the user has a need for it.
For example, suppose that a particular user regularly keeps cleaning system 100 in her purse. Suppose further that the user is walking along a street and finds that one of the lenses of her glasses is smudged, interfering with her vision. The user accordingly retrieves cleaning system 100 from her purse and opens cap 18. The user pushes movable actuator 23 from position (A) toward position (B) (e.g., toward opening 33), causing at least a portion of cleaning element 15 to exit via opening 33 of housing 8, as shown in
In an embodiment, cleaning system 100 is between approximately 2 and 4 inches long (measured from one end of housing 8 to the opposite end of housing 8, with cap 18 in a closed position), and between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches wide. Cleaning element 15 is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches long and approximately 0.5 inches wide. Other sizes may be used.
In accordance with another embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, cleaning element 215 is a truncated ellipsoid.
In one embodiment, cleaning element 215 is rotatably attached to stick element 212. In another embodiment, stick element 212 is rotatably attached to base element 205. Accordingly, when a user moves cleaning system 200 at a distance close to a selected surface, cleaning element 215 rolls along the selected surface and removes contaminants from the surface.
Referring to
In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of cleaning element 215 includes an adhesive material, such as, for example, an elastomeric material. Other components, including base element 205, stick 212, and removable cover 207, may include a hard plastic material, for example.
In an embodiment, cleaning system 200 is between approximately 2 and 4 inches long when in the first (closed) position, measured from an end of base element 205 to an end of removable cover 207, and between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches wide. Cleaning element 215 is between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches long and approximately 0.5 inches wide. Other sizes may be used.
Advantageously, cleaning system 200 may be stored conveniently and used when needed. Suppose that a user keeps cleaning system 200 in his pocket while riding on a train. Suppose further that the user finds that his cell phone screen is dirty and wishes to clean the screen. The user retrieves cleaning system 200 from his pocket. Because cleaning system 200 is in the closed state, the user removes cover 207 from its first position (covering cleaning element 215) and places it in its second position on the opposite end of base element 205. The user then employs cleaning element 215 to clean his cell phone screen. When the user is finished cleaning the cell phone screen, the user once again places cover 207 in its first position (covering cleaning element 215).
In accordance with another embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, cleaning element 315 is a truncated ellipsoid.
In one embodiment, cleaning element 315 is rotatably attached to stick element 312. In another embodiment, stick element 312 is rotatably attached to first base element 301. Accordingly, when a user moves cleaning system 300 at a distance close to a selected surface, cleaning element 315 rolls along the selected surface and removes contaminants from the surface.
As illustrated in
Referring to
In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of cleaning element 315 includes an adhesive material, such as, for example, an elastomeric material. Other components, including first, second, and third base elements 301, 303, 305, stick element 312, and removable cover 307, may include a hard plastic material, for example.
In an embodiment, cleaning system 300 is between approximately 2 and 4 inches long when in the first (closed) position, measured from an end of third base element 305 to an end of removable cover 307, and between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches wide. Cleaning element 315 is between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches long and approximately 0.5 inches wide. Other sizes may be used.
Cleaning element 315 of cleaning system 300 may be used to clean contaminants from any object. For example, cleaning element 315 may be used to clean the lenses of a pair of glasses, the surface of a cell phone screen, etc. Because cleaning element 315 is rotatably attached to one end of movable stick 312, when a user moves cleaning system 300 at a close distance above a selected surface, cleaning element 315 contacts and rolls along the selected surface, and the adhesive exterior of cleaning element 315 picks up contaminants from the surface.
Advantageously, cleaning system 300 is compact and may be stored conveniently in a pocket, purse, etc., to ensure that cleaning system 300 is readily available when the user has a need for it.
In accordance with an embodiment illustrated in
A hollow channel extends through cleaning element 315, from one end to the other end of cleaning element 315. The hollow channel includes a first channel portion 330 and a second channel portion 335. The first channel portion 330 fits around the cylindrical body portion 343 of rod element 340. The second channel portion 335 is wider than first channel portion 330 and fits around end portion 345 of rod element 340. End portion 345 is larger in width than first channel portion 330; as a result, cleaning element 315 is secured onto rod element 340. Furthermore, cleaning element 315 rotates on rod element 340.
In the illustrative embodiment, end portion 345 of rod element 340 does not fill the entire volume of the second channel portion 335; as a result, a hollow space 332 and a hole 324 are defined at the end of cleaning element 315. Advantageously, the edges of hole 324 facilitate the cleaning of a desired object. In one embodiment, hole 324 has a diameter equal to the diameter of channel portion 335; in another embodiment, hole 324 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of channel portion 335. Other diameters are possible.
In accordance with another embodiment illustrated in
Referring to
A hollow channel extends through cleaning element 515, from one end to the other end of cleaning element 515. The hollow channel includes a first channel portion 530 and a second channel portion 535. The first channel portion 530 fits around the cylindrical body portion 543 of rod element 540. The second channel portion 535 is wider than first channel portion 530 and fits around end portion 545 of rod element 540. End portion 545 is larger in width than first channel portion 530; as a result, cleaning element 515 is secured onto rod element 540. Furthermore, cleaning element 515 rotates on rod element 540.
In the illustrative embodiment, end portion 545 of rod element 540 fills most or substantially all of the volume of the second channel portion 535. A hole 524 is defined at the end of cleaning element 515. Hole 524 is smaller in diameter than the diameter of channel portion 535.
In various embodiments, the surface of removable cover (e.g., removable cover 207, 307 or 507) may be of any color. Furthermore, the surface of the removable cover may be opaque, clear, transparent, or translucent, and/or have any desired design or pattern of colors.
In order to clean cleaning element 15 (shown in
The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as being in every respect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not to be determined from the Detailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpreted according to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are only illustrative of the principles of the present invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art could implement various other feature combinations without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. A cleaning system comprising:
- a base element;
- a cleaning element coupled to the base element, a surface of the cleaning element comprising an adhesive material; and
- a removable cover having a first position and a second position, wherein:
- in the first position, the removable cover covers the cleaning element and is engaged with a first end of the base element; and
- in the second position, the removable cover does not cover the cleaning element and is engaged with a second end of the base element.
2. The cleaning system of claim 1, further comprising a stick element disposed between the base element and the cleaning element, wherein a first end of the stick element is attached to the base element and a second end of the stick element is coupled to the cleaning element.
3. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the housing and the removable cover comprise a plastic material.
4. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the adhesive material comprises an elastomeric material.
5. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein:
- a length of the cleaning system is between approximately 2 and 4 inches, when the removable cover is in the first position, measured from an end of the base element to an end of the removable cover;
- a width of the cleaning system is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches;
- a length of the cleaning element is between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches; and
- a width of the cleaning element is approximately 0.5 inches.
6. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the cleaning element is rotatably attached to the stick element.
7. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the stick element is rotatably attached to the base element.
8. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning element comprises a truncated ellipsoid.
9. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein:
- a rod element is coupled to the base element, the rod element having a cylindrical portion having a first width and an end portion having a second width greater than the first width;
- the cleaning element comprises a channel having a first channel portion and a second channel portion, the second channel portion being wider than the first channel portion;
- the cylindrical portion fits within the first channel portion; and
- the end portion fits within the second channel portion.
10. The cleaning system of claim 9, wherein the second channel portion further comprises a hollow space defining a hole at a third end of the cleaning element.
11. A system for cleaning a surface, comprising:
- a housing comprising an opening at an end and a slot on a side;
- a stick element disposed within the housing;
- a cleaning element attached to the stick element, a surface of the cleaning element comprising an adhesive material; and
- an actuator disposed on an exterior of the housing, the actuator joined to the stick element, the actuator adapted to move within the slot from a first position to a second position;
- wherein movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes a portion of the cleaning element to exit from the housing, via the opening, and protrude from the opening.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a rotatable cap adapted to cover the opening when the actuator is in the first position and rotate away from the opening to allow the portion of the cleaning element to exit from the housing when the actuator is in the second position.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the housing, the stick element, and the actuator comprise a plastic material.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the adhesive material comprises an elastomeric material.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein:
- a length of the cleaning system is between approximately 2 and 4 inches, measured from a first end to a second end of the housing;
- a width of the cleaning system is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches;
- a length of the cleaning element is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches; and
- a width of the cleaning element is approximately 0.5 inches.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the cleaning element is rotatably attached to the stick element.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the cleaning element comprises a truncated ellipsoid.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 1, 2016
Publication Date: Dec 7, 2017
Inventor: Stanley TAUB (New York, NY)
Application Number: 15/170,363