Cleaning device

Abstract

The cleaning device is a device for cleaning restroom facilities, such as a toilet and parts thereof. The cleaning device has a handle attached to a releasable cartridge that has a cleaning member. The cleaning device also has a cartridge release mechanism for reversibly securing and releasing the cartridge. The cleaning device may have a splash and ooze protector.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/532,885, filed Dec. 29, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cleaning implements, and particularly to a cleaning device that has a grip handle attached to a disposable cartridge attached to a cleaning member in order to clean a restroom's facilities, such as a toilet.

2. Description of the Related Art

Toilet cleaning brushes are typically one-piece items comprising a handle permanently attached to a brush. Such cleaning devices are easily fouled, rendered smelly, and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria including pathogenic bacteria.

Thus, there is a need for a cleaning device that avoids such problems. A review of the related art follows.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,620, issued on Oct. 15, 2002 to Busha, describes a brush assembly for cleaning toilet bowls.

The Busha brush assembly has a removable and disposable applicator head. The brush assembly comprises an elongated handle with a broadening diverging end and an applicator head for removable attachment thereto. Dual locking means for the applicator head are provided. The locking means may be manually released without having to physically handle a soiled applicator head.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,452, issued Nov. 26, 2002 to Yen, describes a self-opening/closing umbrella that comprises a handle, an outer tube, a middle tube partially mounted in the outer tube and including a lower end securely attached to the handle and an upper end in the outer tube. A rib-mounting base is securely mounted to the upper end of the inner tube to move therewith. A stretcher-mounting runner is mounted to the upper end of the outer tube to move therewith, the runner being slidably mounted around the inner tube. A compression spring is attached between the runner and the upper end of the middle tube. When an opening button is pushed, the runner and the outer tube are moved upward under a first stage of extension of the compression spring, thereby opening the umbrella. When the closing button is pushed while the umbrella is in the open state, the base and the inner tube are moved upward under a second stage of extension of the compression spring, thereby closing the umbrella.

U.S. patent Publication No. 2003/0024074, published Feb. 6, 2003, describes a handle with a biconcave-shaped cross section that is suitable for a hand tool, a hand tool extension, a tool connector, a wheelbarrow handle, or any of a variety of devices that are to be gripped by the human hand. The biconcave-shaped handle conforms to the contours of a human hand.

U.S. patent Publication No. 2003/0024126, published Feb. 6, 2003, describes a snap-assembling structure as a grip for grill tools. The Liu grip comprises a connection handle and casing. The handle has two side plates, each of which defines a catch cut. A casing is furnished with a plug slot and a push button channel for receiving a push button mounted with a spring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,979, issued Mar. 10, 1981 to Bau, describes a scoop device having a plurality of spring fingers. A string is threaded through the ends of the fingers to form a polygon shape. Pulling the string causes the finger ends to move together.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,161, issued Feb. 22, 1994 to Graves et al., describes a quick release lock mechanism for releasably connecting an extension pole to a tool handle. The Graves '161 device comprises an adaptor attached to the extension pole. A non-rotatable connection is provided between the adaptor and tool handle.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a cleaning device solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a cleaning device to clean a restroom's facilities, such as a toilet and parts thereof including a toilet seat and lid. More specifically, the cleaning device has a handle attached to a releasable cartridge attached to a cleaning member. The cleaning device further includes a snap-on, spring-off cartridge mechanism for easily securing and releasing the cartridge. The cleaning device may further include a splash and ooze protector.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a cleaning device adapted to clean offensive or potentially offensive surfaces.

It is an object of the invention to provide a cleaning device with a changeable cartridge, and having a snap-on, spring-off cartridge release mechanism for easily changing the cartridge after use.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cleaning device that has a grip handle attached to a disposable cartridge attached to a cleaning member.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an appropriately sized cleaning device made up of a grip handle and easily changed cartridge cleaning member, so that a number of the devices may be carried about by cleaning personnel.

It is another object of the invention to provide a cleaning device with a cleaning member that can be changed and substituted after use for a fresh cleaning member without exposing the operator to risk of contact or contamination that might emanate from a used cleaning member.

It is another object of the invention to provide a cleaning device that actively prevents a splash or ooze contaminating a user gripping the device.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cleaning device having a cleaning member that is able to absorb and release a cleaning, disinfecting, and/or fragrant agent and release such agent.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a cleaning device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view showing a cartridge member released from a handle member of a cleaning device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a section view of a cartridge member releasably docked to a handle member of a cleaning device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a cartridge release mechanism of a cleaning device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a longitudinal section view of one end of a handle member of a cleaning device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a cartridge member having a cleaning member attached to one end and a recess member at the other end for accepting one end of a cartridge release mechanism of a cleaning device according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to cleaning implements. Specifically, the invention is a cleaning device 100 to clean a restroom's facilities, such as a toilet 120 and parts thereof including a toilet lid 125 and seat 130. More specifically, the device 100 has a handle 140 attached to a releasable cartridge 160, which, in turn, is attached to a cleaning member 180. The releasable cartridge 160 may further comprise a splash and ooze protector 200. The optional splash and ooze protector 200 may be made of any suitable material, such as foil and plastic.

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of the cleaning device 100. The cleaning device 100 is shown in use by an operator or person 220 to clean a toilet 120 and parts thereof. The cleaning member 180 is brought into contact with the toilet 120, and more particularly, toilet surface 135. A perspective view of the cleaning device 100 is shown in FIG. 2A.

It should be understood that while the cleaning device 100 is particularly suited to cleaning a toilet 120, the device 100 may be used to clean any suitable object or surface 135 that can benefit with a clean up using the cleaning device 100.

Thus, the terms “restroom cleaning device” and “cleaning device 100” are hereinafter regarded as equivalent terms.

In more detail, the cleaning device 100 has a handle 140, a cartridge release mechanism 280 (shown in FIGS. 2C, 3A, and 3B), a cartridge 160, a cleaning member 180, and an optional a splash and ooze protector 200. The handle 140 has first 240 and second 260 opposite ends. The first end 240 is adapted to be gripped by a human operator 220.

The cartridge 160 is attached to the opposite end of the handle 260 by means of a cartridge release mechanism 280, described further below. The cartridge 160 defines first 360 and second 380 opposite ends. The cleaning member 180 is attached to the first end 360 as shown in FIG. 4. The first end 360 is configured to provide sufficient surface area for firmly attaching the cleaning member 180. Glue or any suitable attachment means may be used to attach the cleaning member 180 to the first end 360. The second end 380 is adapted to accommodate the first end 300 of the cartridge release mechanism 280.

The cartridge release mechanism 280, shown in FIG. 3A, has first 300 and second 320 opposite ends, and a middle section 340. A spring 440 is wrapped around the middle section 340.

The first 300 and second 320 ends -define a hook 400 and a push down member 420, respectively. The hook 400 is configured to slide into an elongated recess 460 in the second end 380 of the cartridge member 160, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 4. The elongated recess 460 comprises a second recess 480. The second recess 480 is configured to accommodate the hook 400 and thereby reversibly lock the cartridge 160 to the handle 140. More specifically, the hook 400 attaches the cartridge end 380 to the handle end 260, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C.

When the cleaning device 100 has been used to clean, for example, a toilet lid 125 and seat 135, the cartridge 160 (and by default the attached cleaning member 180) can be replaced by operating the cartridge release mechanism 280.

Specifically, an operator 220 presses the push down member 420 to release the cartridge 160 and attached cleaning member 180.

The operator 220 typically releases the cartridge 160 and attached cleaning member 180 into a suitable container, such as a foot operated disposal bin. A fresh cartridge 160 and attached cleaning member 180 are attached to the handle 140 by directing the now exposed hook 400 into the elongated recess 460, as shown in FIG. 2B.

It should be noted that the physical cleaning characteristics of the cleaning member 180 may vary to the extent that it might be desired to swap one cleaning member 180 for another cleaning member 180 that is more suitable for a particular cleaning task. The cartridge release mechanism 280 makes replacing and swapping cartridges 160 with attached cleaning members 180 both easy and hygienic.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the cleaning member 180 can be an elongated tubular cleaning pad. However, the cleaning member 180 may have a different shape with, for example, a square or rectangular cross section. The cleaning member 180 is made of any suitable cleaning material, such as natural or artificial sponge, cloth (e.g., absorbent cotton cloth), and chemically impregnated material, such as a cloth impregnated with any suitable cleaning and/or fragrant agent conventional in the art of cleaning and/or fragrance agents.

The handle end 260 has a generally tubular shaped elongated recess 500. The recess 500 is sized to accommodate at least part of the cartridge release mechanism 280, as shown in FIG. 3B. A radial protrusion 520 enables the spring 440 to compress upon ingress of the cartridge end 380 into the recess 500. The protrusion 520 defines an internal aperture 540 sized to accommodate the width of the central section 340 of the cartridge release mechanism 280.

Referring to FIG. 2C, a lever spring 560 ensures that the release mechanism 280 is biased to remain in a locked position with respect to the recess 480. The hook 400 is biased to remain locked in recess 480 until the push member 420 is pressed down, causing the end 300 of the release mechanism 280 to pivot upwards, thereby releasing the hook 400 from recess 480, whereupon the spring 440 drives the second end 380 to move out of the recess 500 and hence out of the second opposite end 260 of the handle 140.

The radial protrusion 520 acts as a pivot with respect to the middle 340 of the release member 280. Any suitable structure can be used to keep the spring 440 wrapped around the middle section 340 of the cartridge release mechanism 280. For example, in FIG. 3B one end of the spring 440 is shown attached to the radial protrusion 520.

The optional splash and ooze protector 200 is located between the cleaning member 180 and the second end 380 of the cartridge 160 to prevent ooze and splashes transferring to the handle. The cleaning member 180 is preferably made of a sponge-like material that is capable of absorbing a cleaning, disinfecting, and/or fragrant agent, and releases the agent when the member 180 is pressed against a surface 135 to be cleaned.

For example, a user 220 can apply pressure to the handle 140 to cause the member 180 to compress against the surface 135 and release a disinfecting agent onto the surface 135 to facilitate hygienic cleaning thereof.

Size of the invention is dictated by cost and ease of use considerations. By way of example only, the device could have an overall length of about twelve inches, with a cartridge length of about five inches, a diameter of about one inch, and the collar about the device that extends out only about ¼ inch.

It should be appreciated that there are occasions when it is desirable to release, for example, a fragrant or fruity smelling agent onto a surface 135 that requires cleaning. Bio-fouling of surfaces, for example the toilet seat, the lid, or the outer bowl surface that could come into contact with a user's legs, etc., can present a particular challenge, and a cleaning device such as that described and claimed herein is both desired and needed to meet such a challenge. In addition, a cleaning device that is designed to avoid ooze and/or splashes contaminating a handle 140 held, by an operator 220 is a desirable and needed feature. Still further, the invention provides a cleaning device capable of releasing a contaminated cleaning member 180 and replacing it with a fresh cleaning member without the operator 220 having to physically handle a soiled cleaning member 180 (and hence soiled cartridge 160). It will be understood that the cleaning device 100 is designed to combine such features in a single device.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, comprising:

a handle having first and second opposite ends;

a cartridge release mechanism having opposing first and second ends and a middle section;

a cartridge attached to the second end of the handle, the cartridge having opposing first and second ends, the second end of the cartridge being configured to accommodate the first end of the release mechanism; and,

a cleaning member attached to the first end of the cartridge.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a splash and ooze protector fitted to the cartridge, the protector being located between the cleaning member and the second end of the cartridge in order to prevent ooze and splashes transferring to the handle.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the splash and ooze protector is made of foil.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the splash and ooze protector is made of plastic.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the cartridge release mechanism is hook-shaped in order to engage the cartridge.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the cartridge release mechanism further comprises a push down member.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a spring wrapped around the middle section of the cartridge release mechanism in order to assist in ejecting the cartridge.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is an elongated tubular pad.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a chemical agent selected from the group consisting of a cleaning agent, a disinfectant agent, and a fragrant agent, the cleaning member absorbing and releasing the chemical agent.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises an internal lever spring biasing the cartridge release mechanism in a position locking the cartridge to the handle.