Abstract:
Described are preferred sanitary cleaning devices that include a disposable cleaning head portion and a handle portion. The cleaning head is releasably connectable to the handle portion. The handle portion includes a pair of elongate rods laterally spaced relative to one another and capable of deflection toward one another. The rods present prongs that are selectively received within and removed from apertures provided in the cleaning head. To attach the cleaning head to the handle, the rods are deflected, for example by compressing a grip area, and the prongs are positioned adjacent the receiving apertures, and thereafter the rods are released. This causes the prongs to be received within the apertures, to connect the cleaning head to the handle. Preferred devices of the invention are advantageous in that the user need not touch the cleaning head or adjacent areas expected to contact materials from the toilet to achieve connection and removal of the head from the handle. Preferred devices also incorporate handle and attachment features with relatively smooth surfaces, minimizing their capacity to become soiled. In this fashion, more sanitary cleaning operations and storage features are provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to cleaning devices, and in one particular aspect, to a cleaning device having a disposable head and which is useful for cleaning toilet bowls or the like. 
   As further background, a number of devices are known to facilitate cleaning toilet bowls and other relatively unsanitary areas. Conventional toilet bowl brushes are made of a plastic brush, and a handle permanently secured thereto. After use of the brush, it is typically rinsed within the toilet and stored for later use. This practice can be relatively unsanitary since the brush can harbor germs and oftentimes retain an undesirable odor. This is also true of conventional storage compartments for such brushes which often become similarly fouled. 
   Some efforts have been made in the past to develop toilet cleaning devices that are more convenient to use. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,559 describes a cleaning device having a cleaning pad with a scrubbing layer on one side and a blotting layer on the other. The cleaning pad is inverted between scrubbing and blotting positions in a rotational operation. The cleaning pad can include packets of cleaning solution contained therein which can be ruptured to release a cleaning agent. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,013 describes a disposable toilet seat wipe apparatus that has a premoistened cleansing pad coupled to a plunger extending outwardly from a carrying container for the cleansing pad. The cleansing pad “blossoms” outwardly from the end of the container. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,524 discloses another toilet seat wiping apparatus in which a cleansing pad blossoms out over the end of a rod about which it is originally folded and compressed. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,194 describes a cleaning device having a shaft and a wiper member at the end of the shaft. A pocket-shaped disposable wiper is received on the wiper member. The disposable wiper is fabricated of paper or paper-like material and is flushed away after cleaning. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,201 describes a toilet bowl cleaner including a packet containing a cleaning composition and a holder for the packet. The packet attaches to the holder through a pocket on the packet which is slidable over a tongue member of the holder so that the outer flap of the pocket can be clamped to the holder through a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes a snap lock having a pair of spaced apart resilient fingers which cooperate with the leading edge of the head portion of the holder to provide a snap fit. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,081 discloses a disposable utensil for cleaning toilet seats that includes an absorbent pad mounted on a handle. The pad is impregnated with a cleaning agent, and the overall unit is packaged in an air-tight covering. This covering is removed, the device used, and then disposed of in its entirety. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,038 discloses a permanent handle for disposable brush or mop head. The engagement between the handle and the head is frictional between a cylindrical member on the head and the cylindrical handle. An internal plunger is present in the handle and can be actuated to dislodge the mop head from the handle during a disposal operation. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,075,033 discloses a cup-shaped cleaning web attached to an elongated handle having a compressible sponge attached to the end of the handle. The sponge is forced into the cup-shaped web under compression, which holds it in place. A plunger internal to the handle can be actuated to dislodge the web from the sponge for disposal after cleaning. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,673 describes a cleaning device for toilet bowls that has a disposable pad containing a cleaning compound. The pad is attached to the end of a holder that has a spade-shaped end that is bifurcated and thus in its relaxed position presents an opening. The pad is clamped in this opening as the plunger handle is drawn upwardly thus causing the bifurcated spade portion to compress, and clamp an upper surface of the pad. 
   EP 1183980A2 discloses a toilet brush having a hollow cylindrical body and a disposable brush. The brush has grooves that cooperate with stems that can be displaced horizontally by depressing pushbuttons on the side of the body to provide an attach/detach function. 
   Despite these prior efforts to develop improved cleaning devices useful for cleaning toilet areas, the remains a need for cleaning devices having better sanitary operation, relatively simple design, and less potential to retain undesired germs or odor. The present invention is addressed to these needs. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one aspect, the present invention provides a sanitary cleaning device for a toilet that includes a disposable head, and a handle portion to which the disposable head can be releasably attached. The handle portion includes two elongate rods spaced from another and each terminating in a retention member, wherein the rods can be manipulated at a location spaced from the retention members to alter the position of the retention members relative to one another. The disposable head includes openings for receiving the retention members and retaining connection of the head to the handle portion when the retention members are in a first position relative to one another, and for releasing the connection between the head and handle portion when the retention members are in a second position relative to one another. 
   Illustratively, in one preferred embodiment, the retention members are prongs which are laterally spaced a first distance when the elongate rods are in their relaxed condition, and laterally spaced a second distance when the elongate rods are in a compressed condition. Thereby, the elongate rods can be deflected, the prongs can be positioned next to the receiving openings in the disposable head, and the elongate rods released to their relaxed condition to connect the disposable head to the handle portion. After the cleaning operation is complete, the elongate rods can be again deflected to release the disposable head from the handle portion, whereby the disposable head can be disposed of. 
   In another embodiment, the present invention provides a non-disposable handle for use with a toilet cleaning or servicing device having a disposable head. The handle includes a proximal grip, and a pair of elongate rods having ends received within the grip. Retaining members are provided at distal portions of the elongate rods, and are configured to cooperate with adaptations in a disposable head to releasably attach the head to the handle. 
   In another embodiment, the invention provides a disposable head for use in a toilet cleaning device in conjunction with a handle portion having two elongate rods. The disposable head includes a cleaning element, typically an absorbent cleaning element, and a support for the cleaning element. The support includes adaptation for cooperation with retention members on the rods to achieve a releasable connection between the disposable head and handle portion. 
   The present invention provides improved sanitary devices for use to clean toilet areas such as toilet bowls. Preferred devices of the invention are also relatively simple in design, and present minimal surface edges that could trap and retain germs or other fouling agents, and which do not require the user to touch the disposable cleaning head or areas of the device that typically come into contact with materials from the area being cleaned. Preferred devices of the invention also provide cleaning agents incorporated into a cleaning head, thus eliminating the need to buy separate cleaning agents. 
   Additional preferred embodiments as well as features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the descriptions herein. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a preferred sanitary disposable cleaning device of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the handle portion of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of the handgrip of the handle depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3B  provides an enlarged top view of the grip of  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 3C  provides a cross-sectional view of the grip depicted in  FIG. 3B  taken along line C-C and viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
       FIG. 3D  provides a top view of the grip depicted in  FIG. 3B  having a button thereof depressed and moved partially longitudinally along the provided slot. 
       FIG. 3E  provides a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of  FIG. 3D  and viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
       FIG. 3F  provides a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of  FIG. 3E  and viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
       FIG. 4  provides a perspective view of the elongate rod element of the handle portion depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  provides a perspective view of the cleaning device of the present invention showing in phantom the receipt of prongs of the handle portion into receiving openings of the cleaning head. 
       FIG. 6A  provides a perspective view of the cleaning head of the device depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6B  provides a top view of the cleaning head depicted in  FIG. 6A . 
       FIG. 6C  provides a cross-sectional view of the cleaning head of  FIG. 6B  taken along line C-C and viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
       FIG. 6D  provides a cross-sectional view of the cleaning head depicted in  FIG. 6C  taken along the line D-D and viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
       FIG. 7  provides a bottom view of the inner chamber member of the device depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6D . 
       FIG. 8  provides a cross-sectional view of another disposable cleaning head for use in a cleaning device of the invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a cut-away perspective view of a central attachment element of the cleaning depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  provides a perspective view of another alternative disposable cleaning head for use with cleaning devices of the invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, and alterations and modifications in the illustrated device, and further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are herein contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
   As disclosed above, the present invention provides sanitary cleaning devices having disposable portions, as well as handles and disposable heads useful in such devices. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , shown is a sanitary cleaning device  20  of the present invention. Cleaning device  20  generally includes a handle portion  21 , and a disposable cleaning head  22 . Handle portion  21  includes a grip  23 , and two (i.e., at least two) elongate rods  24  and  25  connected to the grip  23 . Additional rods could be provided if desired to achieve additional contact or connection with the cleaning head  22 , or for other purposes. Cleaning head  22  includes a scrubbing surface  26 , and a receiving portion  27  for receipt of elements of the handle portion  21  to achieve a releasable connection. 
   With reference now to  FIG. 2 , shown is a perspective view of the handle portion of the device depicted in  FIG. 1 . Handle portion  21 , as discussed above, includes a grip  23  and pair of elongate rods  24  and  25  connected thereto. Elongate rods  24  and  25  terminate in retention members  28  and  29 , which in the illustrated device are provided by prongs extending transversely to the axial direction of elongate members  24  and  25 . Particularly in the illustrated handle portion  21 , prongs  28  and  29  extend generally perpendicularly relative to the axis of elongate members  24  and  25 . In accordance with the invention, the elongate members  24  and  25 , grip  23 , and retention members  28  and  29  are arranged whereby elongate members  24  and  25  can be deflected (e.g. compressed) at an upper portion thereof, for example within or approximate to the grip  23 , to reduce the lateral spacing between elongate members  24  and  25 , thereby bringing retention members  28  and  29  closer to one another. In this fashion, a releasable connection can be made with a disposable cleaning head having appropriate portions for cooperating with the retention members  28  and  29 . It will also be understood that retention members  28  and  29  could include openings, indentations or other features instead of prongs, with corresponding cooperating elements (e.g. prongs cooperative with the openings or indentations) positioned on the cleaning head  22 . 
   With reference now to  FIG. 3A , shown is a perspective view of the grip  23  of the handle portion  21  depicted in  FIG. 2 . Grip  23  includes an opening  30  for receiving proximal ends of elongate members  24  and  25 . Grip member  23  also includes a depressible button  31  located on an upper surface thereof, a groove  32  along which button  31  and elements cooperable therewith can travel, and a terminal opening  33 B for establishing a forward-locked position of button  31  and elements cooperable therewith. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 3B , shown is an enlarged top view of the grip depicted in  FIG. 3A . Grip  23  includes button  31 , groove  32 , and terminal opening  33 B as discussed above. Grip  23  also includes a shoulder  34  that helps to prevent the hand of a user from sliding forwardly off of grip  23 . 
     FIG. 3C  provides a cross-sectional view taken along lines C-C of  FIG. 3B  and viewed in the direction of the arrows.  FIG. 3C  thereby shows internal components of grip  23 . In particular, button  31  is cooperable with several elements received within grip  23 . In this regard, a rod  35  is attached to button  32  and extends through a number of other elements to be described below, terminating in an underlying stop element  36 . Button  31  and stop element  36  reside within an upper groove  37  and a lower groove  38  defined in the grip housing, and are slidable therealong. A first wedge piece  39  and a second wedge piece  40  are fixedly attached to rod  35 . First piece  39  has a cross-sectional dimension greater than that of second piece  40 . Alternatively, first piece  39  and second piece  40  can be provided in an integral unit attached to rod  35 . The cross-sectional dimension of first piece  39  corresponds to the internal dimension of a third wedge piece  41 , whereby first piece  39  can be received within third wedge piece  41 . Wedge piece  41  defines an internal chamber  42 . Within internal chamber  42  is provided spring  43 , for biasing wedge piece  39 , wedge piece  40  and button  31  upwardly. 
   With reference now to  FIG. 3D , shown is a top view of the grip depicted in  FIG. 3B , except having button  31  depressed and moved partially along groove  32 . Similarly,  FIG. 3E  provides a cross-sectional view of the grip depicted in  FIG. 3D  taken along line E-E and viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
   With reference now to  FIGS. 3A through 3E  taken together, the function of the grip  23  and its movable elements will be described further. Generally speaking, grip  23  in combination with its movable elements provides a wedge positioned between elongate members  24  and  25  (see e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) which can be moved to first and second locked or otherwise stationary positions longitudinally along elongate members  24  and  25 . In a first more proximal (or “rearward”) position, wedge is positioned generally behind the hand of a user positioned on the grip, whereby the grip can be compressed by the hand, to thereby deflect the elongate members  24  and  25  toward one another, during an insertion or release operation between the handle portion  21  and the disposable cleaning head  22 . In particular,  FIGS. 3B and 3C  show the button  31  and its internal cooperating elements in a proximal or rearward position thereby allowing the user to deflect the elongate members  24  and  25  by compressing the grip  23  during a release or insertion operation. After handle portion  21  is inserted into cleaning head  22 , compression is removed from grip  23 , thereby achieving a connection between the handle portion  21  and the cleaning head  22 . Button  31  is then depressed, thereby overcoming the bias of spring  43  and driving the first wedge piece  39  and second wedge piece  40  downwardly into the chamber  42  defined by third wedge piece  41 . This drives second wedge piece  40  out of its position received within corresponding opening  33 A, thus permitting the longitudinal movement of the button  31  and connected elements along the groove  32 , as generally depicted in  FIGS. 3D and 3E . The longitudinal movement of the button  31  and its cooperating elements is continued until these components reach opening  33 B located at the distal end of groove  32 . Release of the button  31  allows the upward bias provided by spring  43  to drive the first wedge piece  39  and second wedge piece  40  upwardly, thereby causing the receipt of second wedge piece  40  within opening  33 B and locking the button  31  and cooperating elements in the distal or forward position. In this position, the hand of the user upon the grip  23  is located generally behind the wedging elements, and thus compression forces exerted on the grip  23  during a cleaning operation will not be translated to the retention members  28  and  29  located at the distal end of the elongate members  24  and  25  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In this manner, the cleaning operation can be conducted without concern for unintentionally releasing cleaning head  22  from handle portion  21 . In addition, the position of the wedge elements between the elongate members  24  and  25  increases the level of force needed to laterally displace member  24  and/or  25  through contact at or near cleaning head  22 . This can serve to reduce the chance of accidental release of cleaning head  22  when the lateral or side portion of cleaning head  22  is used for a cleaning operation so as to potentially cause lateral contact of elongate member  24  and/or  25  with portions of the toilet bowl, for example. 
   With reference to  FIG. 3F , shown is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of  FIG. 3C  and viewed in the direction of the arrows. In addition,  FIG. 3F  shows the proximal end of the elongate rod element received within the grip  23 . 
   With reference now to  FIG. 4  shown is a perspective view of an elongate rod element  44  providing elongate rods  24  and  25 . In particular, the illustrated element  44  is an integral unit including a bend portion  45  occurring between rods  24  and  25 . Bend  45  provides a stable spacing of rods  24  an  25 , and a spring function in that the compression along rods  24  and  25  will overcome the spacing provided by bend  45  and cause the rods  24  and  25  to move to closer to one another. Elongate rod element  44  has a first portion  46  in which the elongate rods  24  and  25  are generally straight, and a second portion  47  wherein the elongate rods  24  and  25  adopt a curved configuration. This design improves the ergonomic character of the rods  24  and  25 , and allows the user to more effectively scrub hard-to-reach surfaces by inverting handle portion  21  to provide an upwardly-facing orientation to the attached cleaning head  22 . 
   With reference now to  FIG. 5 , shown is a perspective view of the cleaning device of the present invention, illustrating in phantom the retention members  28  and  29  of the handle portion  21  received within the cleaning head  22 . With continued reference to  FIG. 5  and also to  FIG. 6A , the cleaning head  22  will now be described in more detail. As noted above, cleaning head  22  includes a cleaning surface  26  and a portion  27  for receiving and connecting to elements of handle portion  21 . Receiving portion  27  generally includes a first receiving aperture  48  and a second receiving aperture  49  for receiving the retention member  28  and  29  of the handle portion  21 . Receiving portion  27  also includes walls  50  and  51  which are desirably at an angle is less than 90 degrees relative to the upper surface of cleaning head  22 . In this fashion, walls  50  and  51  provide a generally beveled configuration which allows a range of motion for the cleaning head  22  to rock when attached to the handle portion  21 , where a rotational cooperation is provided between retention members  28  and  29  and receiving apertures  48  and  49 . Particularly, beveled walls  50  and  51  can be provided so as to allow, for example, a 90 degree rocking rotation of cleaning head  22  relative to handle portion  21 , with contact between rods  24  and  25  and walls  50  and  51  providing the stops. 
     FIG. 6B  provides a top view of the cleaning head  22  of  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6C  provides a cross-sectional view of the cleaning head of  FIG. 6B  taken along line C-C and viewed in the direction of the arrows.  FIG. 6D  provides a cross-sectional view of the cleaning head of  FIG. 6B  taken along line D-D and viewed in the direction of the arrows. Additional features of the cleaning head  22  will now be described with reference to these three Figures together. Cleaning head  22  presents a groove or slot  52  for receipt of the retention members  28  and  29  with the elongate rods  24  and  25  in their deflected configuration. Release of the deflection force on the rods thereafter allows retention members  28  and  29  to move outwardly with respect to one another and be received within apertures  48  and  49  to provide a connection between the cleaning head  22  and the handle portion  21 . Cleaning head  22  is generally formed from 3 components, including a relatively rigid upper component  53  connected to a relatively resilient central component  54 , which in turn is attached to a bottom component  55  which provides cleaning surface  26 . Rigid component  53  includes a barb  56  or similar element for snap-fitting or friction-fitting to a corresponding member  57  of the resilient central component  54 . Resilient central component  54  defines an inner chamber  58  in which cleaning agents or other useful substances may be contained or provided at the time of manufacture. These components may be liquid or solid materials received within chamber  58 . 
   With reference now to  FIG. 7 , shown is a bottom view of resilient component  54  illustrating a number of apertures  59  provided therein for passage or release of cleaning or other agents received within chamber  58 , and also allowing for passage of water or other fluids into chamber  58  during a submerged cleaning operation in order to activate or release the cleaning or other agents when desired. 
   With reference now to  FIGS. 8 and 9  together, shown is an alternative cleaning head  60  that can be used with handle portion  21  as described hereinabove. Cleaning head  60  can likewise be disposable, and generally includes a scrubbing surface  61  and an attachment element  62  for cooperation with handle member  21 . Scrubbing surface  61  can for example be provided by an internal member  63 , which can optionally be resilient in nature, and an external layer  64  attached thereto and containing bristles, absorbent scrubbing material, or other useful cleansing features. Attachment element  62  presents a receiving slot  65  for receiving retention members  28  and  29  when elongate rods  24  and  25  are in their deflected (unreleased) configuration, and apertures  66  and  67  for receiving such retention members when the deflection force on rods  24  and  25  is removed. Compared to cleaning head  22 , cleaning head  60  is relatively simple in design, incorporating a generally centrally located attachment member  62 , and a two-layer scrubbing element  61  connected thereto. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 10 , shown is another alternative cleaning head  70 , preferably disposable, for use in connection with handle portion  21 . Cleaning head  70  includes a cleaning surface  71  and provides apertures  72  and  73  for receipt of the retention members  28  and  29  of handle portion  21  (see  FIG. 2 ). Cleaning head  70  is simple in design and can be formed primarily or completely from a single porous material such as sponge to provide cleaning surface  71 . Alternatively, cleaning head  70  can be formed from a hollow plastic article, optionally also including bristles or other roughened surface features for scrubbing. Still further, cleaning head  70  can be formed from a cellulose-containing substance such as paper or paper-like material, for example a pressure molded fibrous material, to provide cleaning surface  71 . When so constructed, if necessary, portions as described hereinafter for attachment to handle portion  21  can be relatively more dense, or can incorporate polymeric materials, paperboard materials, waxes, or other stiffening agents providing a more rigid material in areas involved in connection to handle portion  21 . Additionally, all or portions of cleaning head can incorporate chemicals, including for instance cleaning and/or fragrance agents. Cleaning head  70  can also be designed to be flushable after use, and in this regard, if necessary, can be designed to dissolve, disintegrate, unravel or otherwise adopt a new configuration that is better suited for flushing after a suitable period of contact with water in the toilet bowl. 
   Cleaning head  70  presents a receiving slot  74  for receiving retention members  28  and  29  when rods  24  and  25  are in their deflected configuration. Again, when such deflection is released, retention members  28  and  29  move outwardly relative to one another and are received within receiving apertures  72  and  73  thus establishing a releasable connection between handle portion  21  and cleaning head  70 . Cleaning head  70  can include a lateral opening  75  to facilitate the connection/disconnection operation with handle portion  21 . Cleaning head  70  also includes internal side walls  76  and  77 , which serve to fix cleaning head  70  against rods  24  and  25  so as to prevent or inhibit rotational movement of cleaning head  70  relative to rods  24  and  25 . For example, as illustrated, walls  76  and  77  can be curved to match exterior contours of cylindrical rods  24  and  25  to provide a snug fit therebetween. It will be understood in this regard that other configurations of rods  24  and  25  which provide for a snug and secure fit with corresponding walls  76  and  77  of cleaning head  70  are contemplated as within the present invention. As an illustration, rods  24  and  25  may have a polygonal cross section, for example a square cross section, and walls  76  and  77  can have corresponding polygonal cross-sections which partially or completely extend around the circumference of rods  24  and  25 . Cleaning head  70  can if desired incorporate cleaning or other agents  78  for release during the cleaning operation. 
   Components of the cleaning devices of the invention can be formed from any suitable materials such as plastic, metal, or paper products. Preferably, rods  24  and  25  as discussed herein are made of a suitable rust-resistant metal, for example stainless steel. 
   It will be understood that the handle portion  21  described herein may be attachable and used with other end implements, including for example both disposable and non-disposable implements. Illustratively, handle portion  21  can be used with attachable plunger elements, or other elements used in cleaning or servicing operations for toilet bowls or similar areas. 
   While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. In addition, all publications cited herein are indicative of the abilities of those of ordinary skill in the art and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if individually