Cleaning apparatus with gripping means for cleaning pads

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved cleaning apparatus including a handle with gripping means to selectively grip a cleaning pad from a number of stacked cleaning pads to perform a cleaning operation, such as on a toilet bowl, and then selectively release the cleaning pad for disposal such as by flushing, without the need for direct contact with the cleaning pad by the user The invention also provides specific improvements for the cleaning pad and handle which may be used independently and therefore the improvements to the same are pertinent for use with handles or cleaning pads of different design.

Description

The invention to which this application relates is the provision of apparatus including a gripping means and actuation handle therefor which can be used to exert a gripping force on a cleaning pad such that the apparatus, with the cleaning pad attached thereto, can be used to control the operation of cleaning using the cleaning pad on, for example, a toilet bowl. Furthermore, the gripping means can be actuated to eject the cleaning pad from the apparatus when soiled without the need for physical contact with the same.

In the applicant's co-pending patent application PCT/GB2004/000740, there is disclosed cleaning apparatus comprising a handle, attachment means, a cleaning pad and a holder- for a number of said cleaning pads. In that application there is disclosed a means whereby attachment of the pad to the handle can be selectively achieved by, for example, use of Velcro on the handle which engages with fibres or matter of the cleaning pad. However a problem with this is the whilst it works the attachment mechanism are not readily replaceable because the ejection means passes through the attachment mechanism in the handle assembly.

While this is found to be effective, the aim of the current invention is to provide an improved gripping means for use with a handle and which allows the cleaning pad to be gripped as required for use and also to be ejected when it is required to dispose of the cleaning pad. A further aim of the invention is to provide improvements to the pad which allow improved operation of the same, allow improved disposal of the cleaning pad when discarded and generally improve the utility of the apparatus.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for cleaning, said apparatus including gripping means for the cleaning pad, said gripping means including a plurality of gripping members which are moved to a position to contact the cleaning pad and further movement of the gripping means with respect to the cleaning pad causes the gripping members to move between the first position in which the same are in contact with a surface of the pad, to a second position whereupon said gripping members exert the grip on the said cleaning pad.

In one embodiment the cleaning pad can be ejected from the gripping means by the movement of the gripping members from the second to the first position.

In one embodiment the outer layer of the cleaning pad has an open structure such as woven, fibre or foam.

In one embodiment, the grip is achieved as the movement of the gripping members between the first and second positions, causes the movement apart of first and second sets of said gripping members such that the cleaning pad, at least that portion between the location of said sets of gripping members, is stretched and held under an increased level of tension. In one embodiment, the gripping members are split into sets, which depend outwardly from a common face of the gripping means and which are moved between said first and second grip positions.

In one embodiment, the movement of the gripping members between said first and second positions is, or includes, a snap action. This has two advantages, firstly, when moving from the first to the second grip position, the snap action causes the gripping members to move apart quickly while retaining contact with the same respective portions of the cleaning pad thereby stretching the same and causing the additional tension and hence retention of the cleaning pad. A second advantage is that when moving the gripping members from the second to the first position, to remove the cleaning pad, the snap action acts as an ejection force on the cleaning pad so that the cleaning pad is totally removed from the gripping members and can therefore be discarded at the appropriate location as the snap action effectively acts to “pop” the cleaning pad from the gripping means.

In one embodiment, the gripping members are of elongate form and are relatively straight, with the gripping members in each set provided in a linear spaced array and can be provided in a series of rows. The gripping members can be angularly aligned so as to approach the cleaning pad at an angle which may be perpendicular to the cleaning pad or angled outwardly therefrom. In addition, or alternatively, some or all of the gripping members can be provided with hook formations if that is found to increase the gripping action of the cleaning pad. The number, spacing and/or formation of the gripping members can be varied dependent on the particular formation of the cleaning pad with which the same are to be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the gripping means is provided for use in conjunction with a handle, said handle located with the gripping means and, typically, depending away from a face of the gripping means which opposes the face from which the gripping members protrude. In one embodiment, the movement of the gripping members between the first and second positions is achieved by relative movement of the handle and gripping means. In one embodiment, movement of the handle towards the gripping means causes movement of the gripping members from the first to the second position and movement of the handle away from the gripping means causes movement of the gripping means from the second to the first position. In both cases, it is required that either the handle or gripping means are held in a relatively fixed position so as to allow the application of force to the other of the gripping means or handle and allow the relative movement of the same in order to allow the movement forces to be exerted on the gripping members.

In one embodiment the gripping means can be angularly adjustable with respect to the handle to allow the cleaning operations to be performed and then further pivotal movement to one of the extremes of movement between the handle and gripping means allows, the handle with the gripping means held by or against an item, to be moved relative to and with respect to the gripping means, towards the same to contact and grip the cleaning pad, or away from the gripping means to cause the ejection of the cleaning pad.

In one embodiment, the gripping members are provided as part of a plate, said plate retained on the gripping means such that movement between the first and second positions involves movement about an overcentre so as to provide the required snap action.

Typically the stiffness of the plate on which the gripping members are formed versus the rigidity and dimensional stability of the cleaning pad are synchronised to as to allow the optimal engagement of the cleaning pad with the gripping members. Furthermore the angle of contact and movement of the gripping members with respect to the cleaning pad has an impact on the grip which is achieved and therefore are taken into account during design considerations.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle is removably attachable to the gripping means, via engagement means which can be moved between engagement and open positions. In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the engagement means is achieved by operation of a lever which is provided as part of the handle and which, in one preferred embodiment, has an actuation means at, or adjacent to, the location at which the handle would be held, thereby allowing the actuation of the engagement means by the user when holding the handle in a normal position so as to allow the release of the gripping means from the handle if, for example, the same become unclean or damaged, and replacement with a new gripping means.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a handle and gripping means assembly which can be operated by a user with their hand on the handle and so the engagement and removal of cleaning pads from the assembly can be achieved without the need for the user to physically contact the cleaning pad thereby greatly improving hygiene. Furthermore, the gripping means can also be removed from the handle for replacement purposes without the need for physical contact with the gripping means by the user which again provides a hygiene improvement. Importantly, the cleaning pad is also effectively and reliably gripped by the gripping means during use.

If required, the cleaning pads can be held in a magazine in the form of a holder, said holder also acting to locate, for storage purposes, and in one embodiment gripping purposes, the handle and gripping means. The holder can also be used to allow the orientation of the gripping means as they approach a cleaning pad in the holder to be correct so as to ensure that the gripping means exert the gripping force on the cleaning pad and lift the same from the holder for use.

In one embodiment the holder has two positions for storing the handle—(a) in the ready to use position on top of the stack of pads, and (b) seated at the rear of the holder facing the opposite direction (to provide a means of avoiding any “drip” contamination of fresh pads) with the grip located over a protrusion that ensures the grip remains in the open position ready for use.

In one embodiment a plurality of features and any or any combination of the same improve the usability of the system and in particular the ease of storing the handle and the loading of fresh pads. These features include a rotating grip of the handle which includes a stop that ensures the open grip does not rotate under the weight of the handle in the stored position in the stand, or under applied pressure by the user when engaging a pad. The grip holds the handle on the pad.

A rest/guide is provided in the holder against which the handle can lean and locate into. Preferably the guide has a “U” section shape that restricts the movement of the handle in a sideways direction and a forward direction (away from the user) leaving the handle free to pull towards the user without interference. A further feature is the handle shape that positions the majority of the handle's weight to one side of the handle/grip pivoting axis when the handle is positioned above a pad in the holder. In the preferred design the handle leans forward away from the user onto the stand guide. However in another embodiment it could lean towards the user.

Collectively, these features provide a preferred embodiment of holder and handle relationship.

In one embodiment the holder includes one or more ribs located on the inside walls of the storage area for the pads to provide limited frictional resistance with the vertical stack of pads located within, so as to provide a “de-nesting” feature to ensure pads are dispensed singularly when pulled out by the handle. In one embodiment ribs are made from a semi flexible material, or feature a spring loaded seating that enables the ribs to deform/move to allow a carton in which the pads are provided to be loaded into the holder such as in a perpendicular direction to the ribs.

In one embodiment one or more ribs are incorporated into the carton wall itself, or a folded insert placed between the pads and the carton wall.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for performing a cleaning operation, said apparatus including a cleaning pad, gripping means for gripping the pad and a handle for connection with the gripping means, said cleaning pad selectively displaceable from the gripping means and said gripping means selectively displaceable from the handle and wherein the gripping means include teeth which can be moved from a first, gripping position, to a second, ejection position substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cleaning pad with which they are in contact to cause ejection of the cleaning pad.

In one embodiment, once the cleaning pad is ejected, the teeth of the gripping means return to a third position. Preferably the teeth return substantially to this position at which the teeth are held in the best position for gripping the next cleaning pad. Typically the teeth move from the third to the first gripping position in a snap action.

In one embodiment the handle and gripping means are connected via a pivot location and said gripping means is selectively removable from the handle by pivoting the gripping means to a position at an extremity of the range of pivotal movement.

Typically the position for removal is outwith the normal movement range required for operation of the apparatus in the cleaning operation.

In one embodiment, once the gripping means and handle are in the required position to allow removal, manipulation and/or deformation of the handle and/or gripping means causes the subsequent removal.

Thus the present invention provides apparatus which allows for the self contained attachment and ejection of the cleaning pad from the assembly without the need for the same to be located in the handle and therefore allows greater ease of replacement.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a cleaning pad for use in a cleaning action, said pad formed from a blend of fibres including cellulosic fibre.

In one embodiment the cellulosic fibre is included within the range 20-70% of the fibre blend and preferably is viscose >8 decitex fibre titre. In one embodiment the other fibre is provided within the range 30-80%.

Typically the other fibre includes 30-80% wool fibre (keratin). Yet further preferably the other fibre includes, 30-80% sheep's wool >30 micron.

Most preferably the combination of material used to form the cleaning pad is 60-70% sheeps wool and 30-40% viscose.

In one embodiment the pad composition includes an added semi-soluble fibre such as 90%+hydrolised PVOH. Preferably, the added fibre is a bi-component fibre comprising an insoluble coating (e.g. aliphatic polyester) and a semi-soluble core (e.g. PVOH). This fibre may comprise 5-100% of the total fibre weight.

In one embodiment the material may include abrasive particles and/or a polymer coating and/or a releasing agent such as silicon which allows the material to be cut effectively.

The blend of fibres optimises the combination of cleaning pad properties including specific gravity to assist flushing, dimensional resistance when wet which improves the feel and control of the pad when in use, absorbance which assists the cleaning operation of the pad and limits the wet strength of the cleaning pad. This, in turn enables the at least partial disintegration of the pad and hence allows the improved disposal of the same through flushing or other disposal means.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a cleaning pad to which an aqueous dispersion of a polymer binder is applied.

In one embodiment the cleaning pad has a penetration of said binder from at least one external surface inwardly to a depth of up to 3 mm. In one embodiment the depth of penetration is up to 2 mm.

In one embodiment the binder is applied to opposing planer external surface of the pad.

In one embodiment the selective application of the binder results in a cleaning pad having, from one external surface, a relatively strong layer, an inner core or layer of unbonded fibre and at the opposing side another relatively strong layer. The said strong layers include the polymer binder. The provision of the different layers allows the improved delamination of the cleaning pad when disposed.

In one embodiment the fibres of the cleaning pad are needled at a ratio of between 2-4 penetrations per cm. square.

In one embodiment a proportion of the fibres in the cleaning pad are cut typically when part of the cleaning pad. In one embodiment more than 60% of the fibre within the pad has a length of less than 15 mm.

Preferably the layout of the perforation/cut lines in the pad is a grid of parallel cuts and joining tags of uncut material, across the length and width of the pad.

Alternatively one set of cut lines in one direction are offset to perpendicular to create a “stretcher bond” pattern.

In one embodiment additional layer cut lines are provided to segment the pad and promote quicker partial break-up of the pad after flushing, as well as weaker lines of folding to assist with flushing.

In one embodiment the layout of perforations in the pad is to ensure there is a maximum spacing between cut lines of 15 mm in any direction and more preferably less than 10 mm in at least one direction.

In one embodiment the pad includes corners with a curved profile. In one embodiment the minimum radius of the curve is 10 mm, preferably 15 mm. This assists the pad to turn in the confines of the toilet trap into the necessary orientation to flush.

In one embodiment the pad perforations have material connection points wider/greater in dimension and/or frequency, along the length of the pad and narrower and/or less frequent across the pad width in the perpendicular plane. This provides the necessary minimum strength to resist the stretching load exerted by the grip during engagement, but provides a weaker bond between the rows of perforations across the width, which are held in place during cleaning by the grip teeth. This promotes the break-up of the pad after flushing, without compromising integrity in use.

In one embodiment the polymer binder is biodegradable. Preferably the polymer is a high molecular aliphatic polyester polyurethane.

In one embodiment the binder applied to the pad is a water-resistant binder coat applied to one side, and is preferably a biodegradable, high molecular weight, aliphatic polyester. On the alternate face, a semi-soluble polymer coating is applied such as Poly Vinyl alcohol (PVOH) or Starch.

In one embodiment the fibre is added to the fibre blend which can degrade after a period of use in water there by encouraging the degradation of the cleaning pad.

In one embodiment the polymer binder includes biodegradable particulate solids. In one embodiment the solids are not readily water soluble. Preferably the solids are dimensionally unstable and/or soft when wet and subject to stress. Typically the solids are added to a level within the range of between 5% and 100% of the polymer dispersion's solids mass.

In a preferred embodiment the buoyancy of the cleaning pad is controlled so as to influence the disposability of the pad when discarded from the assembly and when the same is required to be flushed away. Preferably the buoyancy is determined with respect to density of the cleaning pad and the preferred density range for flushability is 1.05 grms per CC-1.45 grms per CC when the cleaning pad is fully immersed in cold, pure water at 4 deg. C. for 60 seconds prior to weighing the test sample whilst in water. More preferably the density of the cleaning pad is within the range of 1.05-1.45× the density of the water or water solution in the toilet bowl trap prior to flushing. This is particularly relevant when the pad is impregnated with soluble solids such as surfactants, dye etc, that may significantly increase the density of the flush water solution.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with respect to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1a-c illustrate views of the gripping means according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2a-b illustrate the gripping means plate;

FIGS. 3a-c illustrate the gripping means of FIGS. 1a-d in conjunction with a handle in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4a-b illustrates the handle in position for storage in a holder;

FIGS. 5a-b illustrate an alternative arrangement of the gripping means;

FIGS. 6a-b illustrate a yet further embodiment of gripping means in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 7a and b illustrate perspective view and cross sectional side elevation of a cleaning pad in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8a-g illustrate a fixing arrangement between a handle and gripping means in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 9a-b illustrate in schematic manner the fixing arrangement between the handle and gripping means;

FIGS. 10a-c illustrate a fixing arrangement between the gripping means and the cleaning pad; and

FIGS. 11a-e illustrate a further arrangement between the handle and gripping means to allow the ejection of the cleaning pad;

FIGS. 12a-c illustrate embodiments of the cleaning pad in plan;

FIGS. 13a-h illustrate positions of the handle with respect to the holder; and

FIGS. 14a-c illustrate further features of the holder.

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1a-c there are illustrated views of a gripping means in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The gripping means includes a body 2 which has a first side 4 and a second, opposing side 6, from which gripping members 8 protrude to allow the selective gripping of a cleaning pad.

Dealing firstly with the side 4, this includes, in this embodiment, an aperture 10 and a location bar 12 which is provided for location with the end of a handle in a manner described subsequently. The bar is mounted with respect to the gripping means so as to be movable as indicated by the arrow 14 through the aperture 10. The purpose of this movement will also be described subsequently.

Turning now to the other surface, or underside, 6 there are shown two sets of gripping members 10, set 16 and set 18. In each set there is provided a plurality of gripping members 10 which, in this arrangement, are linearly spaced as shown. In both FIGS. 1a-b, the gripping members are shown in a first position. However, shown in FIG. 1b, in broken lines, are the position of the gripping members 10′ when in the second position, having been moved there by movement in the direction of arrows 20,22 respectively.

FIGS. 2a-b illustrate how the gripping members 10 are provided as part of a plate 24 which, in turn, is connected to arms 26 which in turn is connected to rod 12. The plate 24 is held in the gripping means body 28 via the connection of the bars 30 in the hook formations 32 in a manner which allows pivotal movement 25 and hence allows the movement of the gripping members with the snap action. Preferably the plate is held in tension such that it is moved from the rest position of FIG. 2a to the tensioned in use position as indicated by arrows 27.

In order to move the gripping means between the first and second positions, relative movement is required between the plate 24 and the body 28. In one embodiment, this is achieved by placing the gripping means such that the gripping members 10 contact the surface 34 of the cleaning pad 36 as shown in FIG. 1b in bold lines and then applying a force to either of the gripping means or handle such as to push the same together which causes the gripping means plate to move to the second position and hence the gripping members, which retain contact with the pad, to move to the second position 10′ in which, in this embodiment, the gripping means are extended as shown in FIG. 1b and the cleaning pad is held under tension by stretching as indicated by the broken lines 36′.

To remove the cleaning pad, the reverse steps are followed in the handle and gripping means are moved apart to cause the gripping means plate to move from the second to the first position and the plate moves with the snap action, as the grip of the gripping members is released, to eject the cleaning pad.

In this example, FIG. 1c illustrates a spring release 31 which, if the movement of the handle with respect to the gripping means does not cause the ejection of the cleaning pad, actuation of the spring release 31 does cause movement of the gripping members and plate back to the first position and hence causes ejection of the cleaning pad.

In one embodiment, force is applied via the handle 38 as shown in FIGS. 3a-c which is formed so as to engage with the rod 12 on the gripping means. In one embodiment, the handle can be permanently attached to the gripping means but alternatively, and preferably, the gripping means is releasable from the handle. In this embodiment, the release is by the opening of engagement means 40 which include an engaging collar which is at one end of the handle 38. The opening of the collar is achieved via a lever 42 which is shown in the open position in FIG. 1c and which has an actuation point 44 adjacent to the position 46 for the user's hand on the handle. The collar 40 is normally held in a closed position in engagement around the rod 12 of the gripping means, thereby holding the gripping means in conjunction with the handle. However, if the user wishes to eject the gripping means then they can operate the lever 42 at the actuation point to cause the opening of the collar and hence release of the gripping means. The engagement means 40 can also be used to allow other implements to be picked up and used in conjunction with the handle, with the other implements having a rod attachment means around which the collar fits and including any or any combination of a brush or any replaceable cleaning means.

With the handle, gripping means and cleaning pad all attached, so the cleaning apparatus in accordance with the invention is formed and can be used for the cleaning operation which is required. After one or a number of uses, it will be desired to discard the cleaning pad and replace the same with a new, clean version. In order to do this, the gripping means and handle are moved apart to a limited extent which causes the gripping plate 24 to which the rod 12 is connected to be moved and the gripping members to move from the second, gripping position 10′, to the first position 10 in which the pad is released from the grip. Preferably, the movement from the second to the first position also has a snap action such that in addition to causing the gripping members to be released from the pad, the snap action causes the positive ejection of the cleaning pad from the gripping means.

FIGS. 4a and b illustrate an arrangement of gripping means, handle 38, and holder 48. If required, a store of cleaning pads can be held in the holder and the holder is provided with guides to allow the guided movement of the gripping member on the handle to grip and remove one of the cleaning pads for use.

Turning now to FIGS. 5a and b there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention. In this arrangement, the gripping members 110 are held in a plate 124 such that initially, as indicated in FIG. 5a, only some of the gripping members will contact the cleaning pad 136 as the handle 138 and gripping means 102 are moved to contact the pad. This is the first position. Thereafter continued movement causes all of the gripping members 110′ to contact the pad 136 as shown in FIG. 5b as the pivot location points 130,132 move as indicated by arrows 125 to the second position shown in FIG. 5b and in which the cleaning pad is gripped. In this arrangement the plate 124 can be an integral part of the gripping member 102 housing 128 or formed separately. To remove the cleaning pad the reverse of the steps are performed.

FIGS. 6a and b show a yet further arrangement where there is provided two plate 224, 224′ each having at least one gripping member 210. Each plate is pivotally connected or formed with the housing 228 by pivot locations 230,232. In this arrangement the plates 224, 224′ are moved on to the cleaning pad 236, as shown ion FIG. 6a such that the gripping members 210 contact the same in the first position. Further movement towards the pad causes the members 210 to advance into the cleaning pad and outwardly thereby adding to the gripping force on the cleaning pad. The provision of protrusions 250 on the plates and housing 228 at matching locations causes the gripping members to exert the gripping force as shown in FIG. 6b where the second position is achieved. Again in order to remove the cleaning pad the reverse of the steps is performed.

Referring firstly to FIGS. 7a-b there is illustrated a cleaning pad 302 in accordance with the invention which includes front and rear opposing planar surfaces 304, 306. Depending inwardly from the surfaces 304, 306 are layers 308, 310 respectively which include a polymer binder material. Between the layers 308, 310 is provided a layer 312 which preferably does not include the polymer binder.

A blend of fibre is used in the cleaning pads construction to optimise the desired combination of cleaning pad properties: specific gravity (to assist flushing), dimensional resilience when wet (feel and control of pad in use), absorbency (to assist cleaning) and limit wet strength (to enable partial disintegration of pad). The preferred blend is 20-70% cellulosic fibre, 40-80% other fibre, more preferably 20-70% Viscose rayon, >8 decitex fibre titre, 30-80% sheep's wool >30 micron.

The application of the aqueous dispersion of polymer binder is controlled to ensure that the penetration of cured polymer, after manufacture, is substantially limited to the first 2 mm inwardly from both the external surfaces of the pad. The result is a cleaning pad with three distinct layers—relatively strong outer layers and an inner core of lightly entangled unbonded fibre. This subsequently enables partial break-up of the pad structure by de-lamination after flushing.

The required de-lamination effect described above can be further improved by minimizing the mechanical entanglement of fibre during the needle punching part of the manufacturing process. The preferred rate of “needling” is between 2-4 penetrations per cm sq.

Post flushing de-lamination of the pad can be enhanced further still, by increasing the density of cut lines through the pad structure, thereby reducing the number of long uncut fibres within the pad structure. Preferably, more than 60% of the fibre within the finished pad will have a cut length of less than 15 mm.

The preferred primary coating constituent for the cleaning pad is both insoluble and biodegradable, and most preferably has high molecular aliphatic polyester polyurethanes. It is desirable to maintain the abrasive properties of a substantially insoluble coating, whilst limiting the bond strength of the coating to assist breakdown of the cleaning pad after flushing. This may be achieved by adding to the primary polymer dispersion, biodegradable particulate solids that are not readily water soluble but are either dimensionally unstable, or soften when a) wet and/or b) subject to stress during use. Preferred additives include, ground vegetable matter (e.g walnut shells), partially hydrolysed polyvinyl alcohol and modified starches. These fillers may be added at a level between 5 and 100% of the polymer dispersion solid's mass.

FIGS. 8a-g and FIGS. 9a-b illustrate an end of the assembly handle 314 and gripping means 316. The gripping means 16 are provided with teeth for gripping the cleaning pad 302 in a manner which will subsequently be described. The gripping means 316 may need to be detached from the handle to allow replacement and this is achieved by manipulation of the pivot location 318 between the same. The pivot location is formed by an axle rod 320 located in jaws 322 of the handle. In normal operation of the device, pivotal movement between the handle and gripping means is possible to allow the normal pivotal movement of the cleaning pad in the cleaning operation. In order to allow the gripping means to be removed the same is moved to the extreme pivotal range position as shown in FIG. 9b to allow the narrow section of width X to be positioned so as to pass through gap 324 in the jaws 322. Typically manipulation of the jaws to increase the width of the gap 324 is necessary to allow the rod to pass through the enlarged gap. Typically the said extreme position is outwith the normal operating pivotal range required for the cleaning operation.

FIGS. 10a-c show the arrangement between the cleaning pad and the gripping means with the teeth of the gripping means contacting the cleaning pad to hold the cleaning pad to the teeth.

To ensure the ejection of the cleaning pad 302 from the device after use, it is desirable for the gripping means teeth 30 to move from the first gripping position (FIG. 10a) past the third or ready position (FIG. 10b) to momentarily assume a substantially vertical second position perpendicular to the pad to eject the same as shown in FIG. 10c. After completing the ejection the teeth spring back to the ready position automatically and to the position where the teeth are at the preferred angle for the introduction into the new cleaning pad. The movement of the plate and gripping means between the positions of FIGS. 10b and a works in a single snap motion. The momentary extension to FIG. 10c is achieved fluidly by the user of the device either by the extended “follow-through” movement of the thumb button on the handle or follow through movement of the handle when used against a fixed surface e.g side of the toilet bowl. This additional ejection movement is facilitated by the inclusion of 4 slots within the gripping means frame to hold the two axels of the moveable plate. The centre of the moveable plate is now allowed to move further up vertically in relation to the frame, bringing together the gripping members into a vertical orientation to maximise disengagement from the pad fibres.

Turning to FIGS. 11a-e, there is provided a further arrangement between the handle and gripping means for the ejection of the cleaning pad. In this case located at the tip 402 of the handle 404 are two plungers 406, 408 which are connected by a flexible strap 410 (which is supported in the handle) to a thumb activated switch 412 at the end held by the user. When pressed, the thumb switch pushes the plungers out from within their housing, against the top of the gripping assembly frame 414 to activate the ejection movement within. The plungers then automatically retract into the housing of the handle by means of a compression spring 415 arrangement. This design provides a convenient means of remote ejection of the used cleaning pad, without a fixed link between the thumb switch and gripping assembly. This has the benefit of allowing easy replacement of the gripping assembly, and providing unrestricted movement of the gripping means assembly in use.

FIG. 11c shows the apparatus with the gripping means teeth in a protruding position and FIG. 11e shows the gripping means teeth withdrawn.

FIGS. 12a-c illustrate further embodiments of a cleaning pad 500 which in each embodiment is shown as being substantially rectangular in plan with rounded corners 502. The embodiment shown in FIG. 12a has a series of cuts 504 running along the length of the pad and a series of cuts 506 running perpendicular thereto to form a “grid” of cuts. FIG. 12b illustrates a variation on this where there is a different pattern of cuts but again the principal is the same of trying to reduce the size of the pad during disposal and promoting the “breaking up” of the pad. It should be appreciated that tags of unbroken material can be provided along the cuts at intervals so as to maintain the integrity of the pad as a single unit during use. The width of the tags can be adjusted to suit particular break up and disposal requirements following use.

FIG. 12c shows a yet further pattern of cuts and in this case the inclusion of additional longer cuts 508 which further serve to spilt the pad into segments which once again promotes the splitting up of the pad.

FIGS. 13a-14c illustrate a further aspect of the invention and show a holder 600 and handle 602 located therein. The handle will operate in a similar manner to that as previously described. The FIGS. 13a-d illustrate the handle in a first in use position on top of a stack of cleaning pad held in the holder and FIG. 13e-h illustrate the handle in a second storage position in which drips from the handle are prevented from landing on the pads as the handle end and gripping means do not lie above the pads in this position.

FIG. 14b illustrates a preferred arrangement of the handle 602, gripping means 606 and stack of pads 604 in the holder 600. In this arrangement the handle weight is offset to the side of axis A of the holder and pivot axis 608 as indicated by arrows 610 and therefore is positioned to be angled away from the user. Arrow B indicates the limitation of the pivotal movement of the handle which in combination with rest C ensures that the handle and grip successfully pick up of the pad. The handle is moved to pick up and remove a pad 604′ from the top of the stack. FIG. 14a illustrates an alternative embodiment with the handle in the reverse orientation.

FIG. 14c shows a sectional elevation through the holder 600 and illustrates the provision of one of the ribs 612 provided to contact with the stack of pads, either directly or through the deformable wall of the pad carton/cartridge, and provide a denest feature to allow one of the pads to be removed from the stack at a time. There is also shown part of the guide or rest 614 against which the handle rests when in the holder and which is substantially Ushaped.

There is therefore provided a series of embodiments of a gripping means for a cleaning pad which allow the effective and reliable gripping of the pad while at the same time allowing the grip to be achieved by the user remotely of the pad itself. While in certain embodiments the ejection of the pad can be achieved by the reverse steps of the gripping step, it should be appreciated that other actuation means can be provided in the handle and/or gripping means to cause the ejection of the cleaning pad.

Claims

1- Apparatus for cleaning, said apparatus including a handle, a cleaning pad and gripping means for the cleaning pad, said gripping means including a plurality of gripping members which are moved to a position to contact the cleaning pad and further movement of the gripping means with respect to the cleaning pad causes the gripping members to move between the first position in which the same are in contact with a surface of the pad, to a second position whereupon said gripping members exert the grip on the said cleaning pad.

2- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning pad can be ejected from the gripping means by the movement of the gripping members from the second to the first position.

3- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the outer layer of the cleaning pad has an open structure such as woven, fibre or foam.

4- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein grip is achieved as movement of the gripping members between the first and second positions, causes the movement apart of first and second sets of said gripping members such that the cleaning pad, at least that portion between the location of said sets of gripping members, is stretched and held under an increased level of tension.

5- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the gripping members are split into sets, which depend outwardly from a common face of the gripping means and which are moved between said first and second grip positions.

6- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the movement of the gripping members between said first and second positions is, or includes, a snap action.

7- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the gripping members are of elongate form and are relatively straight, with the gripping members in each set provided in a linear spaced array.

8- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the gripping members are angularly aligned so as to approach the cleaning pad at an angle to the cleaning pad.

9- Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein some or all of the gripping members are provided with hook formations.

10- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the gripping means are provided for use in conjunction with a handle, said handle located with the gripping means and depending away from a face of the gripping means which opposes the face from which the gripping members protrude.

11- Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the movement of the gripping members between the first and second positions is achieved by relative movement of the handle and gripping means.

12- Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein movement of the handle towards the gripping means causes movement of the gripping members from the first to the second position and movement of the handle away from the gripping means causes movement of the gripping means from the second to the first position.

13- Apparatus means according to claim 10 wherein the gripping means are angularly adjustable with respect to the handle to allow the cleaning operations to be performed and then further pivotal movement to one of the extremes of movement between the handle and gripping means allows, the handle with the gripping means held by or against an item, to be moved relative to and with respect to the gripping means, towards the same to contact and grip the cleaning pad, or away from the gripping means to cause the ejection of the cleaning pad.

14- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the gripping members are provided as part of a plate, said plate retained on the gripping means such that movement between the first and second positions involves movements about an overcentre so as to provide snap action.

15- Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the handle is removably attachable to the gripping means, via engagement means which can be moved between engagement and open positions.

16- Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein movement of the engagement means is achieved by operation of a lever which is provided as part of the handle.

17- Apparatus according to claim 1 where a holder is provided for the pads and handle, said holder having two location positions for the handle, a first ready to use position on top of the stack of pads, and a second storage position seated at the rear of the holder facing the opposite direction with the grip located over a raised bump that ensures the grip remains in the open position ready for use.

18- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the holder and handle include any or any combination of the features of-the rotating grip of the handle has a stop that ensures the open grip does not rotate under the weight of the handle in the stored position in the stand, or under applied pressure by the user when engaging a pad, a rest/guide against which the handle can lean, and/or a handle with the majority of the handle's weight to one side of the handle/grip pivoting axis, when the handle is positioned above a horizontal pad.

19- Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein one or more ribs are located inside the holder to provide limited frictional resistance with a stack of pads located within.

20- Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the one or more ribs are incorporated into a carton wall in which the pads are provided.

21- Apparatus for performing a cleaning operation, said apparatus including a cleaning pad, gripping means for gripping the pad and a handle for connection with the gripping means, said cleaning pad selectively displaceable from the gripping means and said gripping means selectively displaceable from the handle and wherein the gripping means include teeth which can be moved from a first, gripping position, to a second, ejection position substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cleaning pad with which they are in contact to cause ejection of the cleaning pad.

22- Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein when the cleaning pad is ejected, the teeth of the gripping means return to a third position.

23- Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein he handle and gripping means are connected via a pivot location and said gripping means is selectively removable from the handle by pivoting the gripping means to a position at an extremity of the range of pivotal movement.

24- Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the position for removal is outwith the normal movement range required for operation of the apparatus in the cleaning operation.

25- Apparatus according to claim 24 wherein when the gripping means and handle are in the required position to allow removal, manipulation and/or deformation of the handle and/or gripping means causes the subsequent removal.

26- A cleaning pad for use in a cleaning action, said pad formed from a blend of fibres including cellulosic fibre.

27- A cleaning pad according to claim 26 wherein the cellulosic fibre is included within the range 20-70% of the fibre blend.

28- A cleaning pad according to claim 27 wherein other fibre is provided within the range 30-80%.

29- A cleaning pad according to claim 28 wherein the other fibre includes 30-80% wool fibre (keratin).

30- A cleaning pad according to claim 29 wherein the pad includes 20-70% viscose rayon at >8 decitex fibre titre and 30-80% sheep's wool >30 micron.

31- A cleaning pad according to claim 26 wherein the pad includes perforation/cut lines in the pad in a grid of cuts and joining tags of uncut material, along the length of the pad and across the width.

32- A cleaning pad according to claim 31 wherein additional and longer cut lines are provided to segment the pad.

33- A cleaning pad according to claim 31 wherein the spacing between cut lines in a maximum of 15 mm in any direction.

34- A cleaning pad according to claim 31 wherein the pad is substantially rectangular in shape with corners with a curved profile of a minimum radius of 10 mm.

35- A cleaning pad according to claim 26 wherein the fibres of the cleaning pad are needled at a ratio of between 2-4 penetrations per cm. square.

36- A cleaning pad according to claim 26 wherein at least some of the fibres in the cleaning pad are cut such that more than 60% of the fibre within the pad has a length of less than 15 mm.

37- A cleaning pad according to claim 26 wherein an aqueous dispersion of a polymer binder is applied to the cleaning pad.

38- A cleaning pad according to claim 37 wherein the binder includes abrasive particles therein.

39- A cleaning pad according to claim 37 wherein the cleaning pad has a penetration of said binder from at least one external surface inwardly to a depth of up to 3 mm.

40- A cleaning pad according to claim 37 wherein the depth of penetration is up to 2 mm.

41- A cleaning pad according to claim 37 wherein the binder is applied to opposing planer external surfaces of the pad.

42- A cleaning pad according to claim 37 wherein the pad has a first external surface with a relatively strong layer, an inner core or layer of unbonded fibre and at the opposing side another relatively strong layer.

43- A cleaning pad according to claims 37 wherein the polymer binder is biodegradable.

44- A cleaning pad according to claim 37 wherein the polymer is a high molecular aliphatic polyester polyurethane.

45- A cleaning pad according to claim 37 wherein the polymer binder includes biodegradable particulate solids to a level within the range of between 5% and 100% of the polymer dispersion's solids mass.

46- A cleaning pad according to claim 37 wherein a water resistant binder coat is applied to one side of the pad and on the alternate face, a polymer coating is applied.

47- A cleaning pad according to claim 37 wherein a fibre is added to the fibre blend which can degrade after a period of use in water.

48- A cleaning pad according to claims 37 wherein the buoyancy of the cleaning pad is controlled so as to influence the disposability of the pad when discarded from the assembly and when the same is required to be flushed away.

49- A cleaning pad according to claim 48 wherein the buoyancy is determined with respect to density of the cleaning pad and the preferred density range for flushability is between 1.05 grms per CC-1.45 grms per CC when the cleaning pad is fully immersed in cold, pure water at 4 deg. C for 60 seconds prior to weighing the test sample whilst in water.

50- A cleaning pad according to claim 49 wherein the density of the cleaning pad is within the range of 1.05-1.45 times the density of the water or water solution in which the cleaning pad is immersed in use.