Patent Publication Number: US-2017368582-A1

Title: Cleaning Device

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     The present invention relates generally to cleaning devices and methods for cleaning objects that include surfaces that are difficult to reach, such as bottles and vases. 
     Many objects including hollow objects, such as, for example, a bottle or a vase, can include portions or areas that are difficult or impossible to clean. Such objects can have the inner walls or an inner base that can be inaccessible, or difficult or impossible to reach by hand or with a brush or similar cleaning device. New cleaning devices are needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present inventors have developed cleaning devices that can be used for cleaning bottles, vases and other objects that have internal surfaces that can be difficult to reach. 
     In various embodiments, a cleaning device of the present teaching can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a shaft; a slidably coupled runner which can move along the shaft; a hub that is continuous with the shaft or attached to the shaft; at least one arm that is pivotally coupled to the hub; at least one cleaning head attached to a tip of the at least one arm; at least one stretcher, each stretcher extending between the runner and an arm; and a rod coupled to the runner. In some configurations, the rod can be pivotally coupled to the runner. In some configurations, the rod can be fixedly coupled to the runner. In some configurations, the rod can be substantially parallel to the shaft. 
     In various embodiments, a cleaning device of the present teaching can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a shaft; a slidably coupled runner which can move along the shaft; at least one arm that is pivotally coupled to the shaft, a hub that is attached to or integral to the shaft; at least one cleaning head attached to a tip of the at least one arm; at least one stretcher, each stretcher extending between the runner and an arm; a bracket attached to the shaft; and a rod coupled to the runner, wherein the rod is connected to the runner and slidably engaged to the bracket. In some configurations, the rod can be substantially parallel to the shaft. 
     In some configurations, a hub can be an extension of the shaft or a separate structure attached to the shaft. In some configurations, a hub can be positioned at or near an end of the shaft. In some configurations, a hub can serve as a cap at one end of a shaft. 
     In various configurations, a cleaning device can further comprise a handle attached to the shaft, and can be, for example, attached at the end of a shaft opposite to that of a hub. In some aspects, a handle can be an integral part of the shaft, such as a bend in the shaft. In various configurations, a cleaning device can further comprise a handle attached to the rod. 
     In various configurations, a cleaning device of the present teachings can include means for reversibly securing the rod to the shaft or bracket, such as, for example and without limitation, a screw, a clip, a vise, a clamp, a clasp, a ring, a bracket or any combination thereof. A screw can be, for example, a set screw. 
     In various configurations, a cleaning device of the present teachings can include a clamp or bracket that can include a guide for the rod. In some aspects, the clamp or bracket can be stationery with respect to the shaft, but can allow the rod to slide through. In various aspects, a securing means can be used to secure the device in a selected position with regard to extension of the arm(s). In some aspects, the securing means can be configured for reversibly securing the rod to the bracket at a user-selected position. In some aspects, the securing means can be or can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a screw, a clip, a vise, a clamp, a clasp, or any a combination thereof. In some aspects, the securing means can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a screw such as a set screw, which can be operatively positioned for reversibly securing the rod to the bracket. 
     In some configurations, a cleaning head can comprise a cleaning surface that, in use, directly contacts an object to be cleaned. A cleaning surface can be, without limitation, a sponge, a cloth, a brush or a combination thereof. In some configurations, a cleaning surface can include any sort of abrasive, scrubbing or absorbent material, for example and without microfiber cloth; nylon cloth; a plastic such as polypropylene; brush bristles such as synthetic or natural bristles, e. g., nylon, polyester, polypropylene bristles; animal hair bristles such as hog bristles; cellulose sponge; synthetic sponge; rubber; a modified rubber such as silicone rubber, graphite-coated rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene-coated rubber; sand paper; or polypropylene fiber combined with aluminum oxide (e.g., Scotch-Brite™, 3M Corporation, St. Paul, Minn.). 
     In various configurations, a cleaning head of a cleaning device of the present teachings can be permanently attached to an arm, or reversibly attached to an arm. In some configurations, a cleaning head can be detachably attached to an arm. In some configurations, a cleaning head can comprise a cleaning surface attached to a solid support or backing. In some configurations, a solid support can include means for reversibly attaching a cleaning head to an arm. Such means can be, for example, a screw, a clip, a clasp, a clamp or a Velcro pad extending from or attached to the solid support, with a corresponding means for receiving the attaching means at or near a tip of an arm. Such corresponding means for receiving the attaching means can be, for example, a threaded screw hole in an arm, a Velcro pad, or an arm extension configured to receive a clip or a clamp. 
     In some configurations, a means for reversibly attaching a cleaning head to an arm can include, for example, attachment means extending from or near the tip of an arm such as, without limitation, a screw, a clip, a clasp, a clamp or a Velcro pad. A cleaning head can include corresponding means for receiving the means for reversibly attaching a cleaning head, and can be, for example and without limitation, a threaded screw hole in a solid support, a Velcro pad, or a mount configured to receive a clip, a clasp, or a clamp. 
     In some configurations, a cleaning device of the present teachings can further comprise a wiper or a wiping means such as a wiping surface or wiping material affixed along an arm. In various aspects, a wiping surface or material can be, for example, a brush surface, a sponge, brush bristles, rubber, or a modified rubber such as silicone rubber, graphite-coated rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene-coated rubber. In various configurations, the wiping surface can be configured to be reversibly attached to an arm. 
     In some configurations, a stretcher of a cleaning device of the present teachings can be pivotally attached to a runner. In some configurations, a stretcher of a cleaning device of the present teachings can be pivotally attached to an arm. This attachment can be at the end of the stretcher opposite to that of the pivotal attachment of the stretcher to the runner. 
     In various configurations, a cleaning device of the present teachings can include 1 arm, or 2 or more arms, 3 or more arms, 4 or more arms, 5 or more arms, 6 or more arms, 7 or more arms, or 8 or more arms. In some preferred configurations, a cleaning device can have 2, 3, or 4 arms. In configurations with multiple arms, the arms can be disposed symmetrically around the shaft or hub, or asymmetrically around the shaft or hub. 
     In various configurations, a shaft can comprise a spring mechanism coupled to the runner, for extending the one or more arms. In various configurations, a shaft can comprise one or more internal screw mounts, thereby allowing for addition of extensions to the shaft. 
     In use, prior to insertion into an object to be cleaned, a cleaning device of the present teachings can be in a retracted position. A user can pull on the rod for maximum retraction. The user can secure the device in a retracted position by employing a securing means, e.g., by tightening a set screw. The user can insert the device into the object to be cleaned, provided the object has an opening sufficiently wide for accepting the device in a retracted conformation. Following insertion of the device into an object to be cleaned, the user can release the securing means, e.g., by loosening a set screw. The user can push the rod forward, thereby moving the runner along the shaft and extending the arm(s). In response to the movement of the rod, the cleaning head(s) extend away from the shaft and can contact the wall(s) of the object. The user can secure the device in an extended position by employing a securing means, e.g., by tightening a set screw. Cleaning of the inner walls of the object can be effected by moving the device translationally, rotationally or both relative to the object when the arm(s) of the device are in an extended conformation. In addition, wiping surface(s) extending along the arm(s) and the end of the shaft or hub can contact the inner base of the object. Cleaning of the inner base of the object can be effected by moving the device translationally, rotationally or both relative to the object when the device is in an extended conformation. To remove the device from the object, the user can release the securing means, e.g., by loosening a set screw, and can then pull on the rod, thereby retracting the arms. The user can then pull the device out of the object. 
     A user can choose from among different types of interchangeable cleaning heads and wiping materials, and can attach and remove them as desired. 
     In various embodiments, a cleaning device of the present teachings can be made by standard mechanical device manufacturing methods, such as, for example and without limitation, by production on a 3-dimensional printer, or by shaping and assembling materials such as sticks, wires, pipes, sponges, rubber, screws, cloth, plastics such as thermoplastics, or any other solid materials by methods well known to skilled artisans. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a cleaning device of the present teachings. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a cleaning device of the present teachings. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cleaning head which attaches to an arm of a device of the present teachings. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present inventors have developed cleaning devices that can be used to clean inner surfaces of bottles, vases, and other objects. In some embodiments, a cleaning device of the present teachings can include a shaft; a slidably coupled runner; at least one pivotally coupled arm; at least one cleaning head attached to the at least one pivotally coupled arm; at least one stretcher, each stretcher extending between the runner and a pivotally coupled arm; and a rod substantially parallel to the shaft and coupled to the runner. In some embodiments, a cleaning device of the present teachings can include a shaft; a slidably coupled runner; at least one pivotally coupled arm; at least one cleaning head attached to the at least one pivotally coupled arm; at least one stretcher, each stretcher extending between the runner and a pivotally coupled arm; a bracket attached to the shaft; and a rod substantially parallel to the shaft, wherein the rod is affixed to the runner and slidably engaged to the bracket. 
     In various configurations, a shaft of a cleaning device of the present teachings can be solid or hollow, and can be made of wood, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, a shaft of the present teachings can be cylindrical in shape. In cross section, a shaft can be circular, or other shape such as, without limitation, triangular, rectangular, square, 5-sided, 6-sided, 7-sided, or 8-sided. In various aspects, a shaft can be of any desired length such as, for example and without limitation, from 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches, or about 10 inches in length, up to about 11 inches, about 12 inches, about 13 inches, about 14 inches, about 15 inches, about 16 inches, about 17 inches, about 18 inches, about 19 inches, about 20 inches, about 21 inches, about 22 inches, about 23 inches, about 24 inches, about 25 inches, about 26 inches, about 27 inches, about 28 inches, about 29 inches, or about 30 inches, or greater, in length. In various aspects, a shaft can be of any desired thickness such as, for example and without limitation, from about ⅛ inch, about ¼ inch, about ⅜ inch, about ½ inch, about ⅝ inch, about ¾ inch, about ⅞ inch, or about 1 inch in diameter or longest cross-sectional length, up to about 1¼ inch, about 1½ inch, about 1¾ inch, or greater in diameter or longest cross-sectional length. In various aspects, a shaft can be substantially round or substantially flat. 
     In various configurations, a rod of a cleaning device of the present teachings can be solid or hollow, and can be made of wood, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, a rod of the present teachings can be cylindrical in shape. In cross section, a rod can be circular, or other shape such as, without limitation, triangular, rectangular, square, 5-sided, 6-sided, 7-sided, or 8-sided. In various aspects, a rod can be of any desired length such as, for example and without limitation, from about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches, or about 10 inches in length, up to about 11 inches, about 12 inches, about 13 inches, about 14 inches, about 15 inches, about 16 inches, about 17 inches, about 18 inches, about 19 inches, about 20 inches, about 21 inches, about 22 inches, about 23 inches, about 24 inches, about 25 inches, about 26 inches, about 27 inches, about 28 inches, about 29 inches, or about 30 inches, or greater, in length. In various aspects, a rod can be of any desired thickness such as, for example and without limitation, from about ⅛ inch, ¼ inch, about ⅜ inch, about ½ inch, about ⅝ inch, about ¾ inch, about ⅞ inch, or about 1 inch in diameter or longest cross-sectional length, up to about 1¼ inch, about 1½ inch, about 1¾ inch, or greater in diameter or longest cross-sectional length. In various configurations, a rod can be of about the same length, shorter, or longer than a shaft. In various aspects, a rod can be substantially round or substantially flat. 
     In various configurations, an arm of a cleaning device of the present teachings can be solid or hollow, and can be made of wood, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, an arm of the present teachings can be cylindrical in shape. In cross section, an arm can be circular, or other shape such as, without limitation, triangular, rectangular, square, 5-sided, 6-sided, 7-sided, or 8-sided. In various aspects, an arm can be of any desired length such as, for example and without limitation, from about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches, or about 10 inches in length, up to about 11 inches, about 12 inches, about 13 inches, about 14 inches, about 15 inches, about 16 inches, about 17 inches, about 18 inches, about 19 inches, about 20 inches, about 21 inches, about 22 inches, about 23 inches, about 24 inches, about 25 inches, about 26 inches, about 27 inches, about 28 inches, about 29 inches, or about 30 inches, or greater, in length. In various aspects, an arm can be of any desired thickness such as, for example and without limitation, from about ⅛ inch, about ¼ inch, about ⅜ inch, about ½ inch, about ⅝ inch, about ¾ inch, about ⅞ inch, or about 1 inch in diameter or longest cross-sectional length, up to about 1¼ inch, about 1½ inch, about 1¾ inch, or greater in diameter or longest cross-sectional length. In various configurations, an arm can be of about the same length, shorter, or longer than a shaft. In various aspects, an arm can be substantially round or substantially flat. 
     In various configurations, a stretcher of a cleaning device of the present teachings can be solid or hollow, and can be made of wood, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, a stretcher of the present teachings can be cylindrical in shape. In cross section, an ann can be circular, or other shape such as, without limitation, triangular, rectangular, square, 5-sided, 6-sided, 7-sided, or 8-sided. In various aspects, a stretcher can be of any desired length such as, for example and without limitation, from about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches, or about 10 inches in length, up to about 11 inches, about 12 inches, about 13 inches, about 14 inches, about 15 inches, about 16 inches, about 17 inches, about 18 inches, about 19 inches, about 20 inches, about 21 inches, about 22 inches, about 23 inches, about 24 inches, about 25 inches, about 26 inches, about 27 inches, about 28 inches, about 29 inches, or about 30 inches, or greater, in length. In various aspects, a stretcher can be of any desired thickness such as, for example and without limitation, from about ¼ inch, about ⅜ inch, about ½ inch, about ⅝ inch, about ¾ inch, about ⅞ inch, or about 1 inch in diameter or longest cross-sectional length, up to about 1¼ inch, about 1½ inch, about 1¾ inch, or greater in diameter or longest cross-sectional length. In various aspects, a stretcher can be substantially round or substantially flat. In various configurations, a stretcher can be of about the same length, shorter, or longer than a shaft. In various configurations, one end of a stretcher can be pivotally attached to the runner; the opposite end of the stretcher can be pivotally attached to an arm, at a position effective for reversibly extending the arm, for example and not limited to: approximately the midpoint of the arm; about a quarter of the distance from the shaft or hub to the tip of the arm; or about three quarters of the distance from the shaft or hub to the tip of the arm. 
     In various configurations a cleaning device of the present teachings can include a wiping surface or wiping material affixed to an arm. In various aspects, a wiping surface can be, for example, a brush surface, a sponge, brush bristles, rubber, a cloth such as microfiber cloth, or a modified rubber such as silicone rubber, graphite-coated rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene-coated rubber. In various configurations, the wiping surface can be configured to be reversibly attached to an arm. 
     In various configurations, a cleaning head of a cleaning device of the present teachings can comprise a cleaning surface such as, without limitation, a sponge, a cloth, a brush or a combination thereof. In use, the cleaning surface can directly contact an object to be cleaned. In some configurations, a cleaning surface can include any sort of abrasive, scrubbing or absorbent material, for example and without limitation, microfiber cloth, nylon cloth, polypropylene, brush bristles such as synthetic or natural bristles, e. g., nylon, polyester, polypropylene bristles, or animal hair bristles such as hog bristles, cellulose sponge, synthetic sponge, rubber, a modified rubber such as silicone rubber, graphite-coated rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene-coated rubber, sand paper, rubber, or polypropylene fiber combined with aluminum oxide (e.g., Scotch-Brite™, 3M Corporation, St. Paul, Minn.). In some configurations, a cleaning surface can be backed by a solid support, such as a solid piece of plastic, metal, wood, or other material A cleaning surface can be of any convenient or suitable shape, material or size, such as, for example, a circular sponge of from about 5 mm, about 10 mm, about 20 mm, about 30 mm, or about 40 mm in diameter, to about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm, about 80 mm, about 90 mm, about 100 mm in diameter, or larger. In some aspects, a cleaning surface can be non-circular, e.g., oval, triangular, square, rectangular, 5-sided, 6-sided, 7-sided, or 8-sided, and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical in shape. In various aspects, the surface area of a cleaning surface can range from about 10 mm 2 , about 11 mm 2 , about 12 mm 2 , about 13 mm 2 , about 14 mm 2 , about 15 mm 2 , about 16 mm 2 , about 17 mm 2 , about 18 mm 2 , about 19 mm 2 , about 20 mm 2 , about 21 mm 2 , about 21 mm 2 , about 23 mm 2 , about 24 mm 2 , about 25 mm 2 , about 21 mm 2 , about 21 mm 2 , about 21 mm 2 , about 21 mm 2 , about 21 mm 2 , about 21 mm 2 , about 21 mm 2 , about 22 mm 2 , about 23 mm 2 , about 24 mm 2 , about 25 mm 2 , about 26 mm 2 , about 27 mm 2 , about 28 mm 2 , about 29 mm 2 , about 30 mm 2 , about 31 mm 2 , about 32 mm 2 , about 33 mm 2 , about 34 mm 2 , about 35 mm 2 , about 36 mm 2 , about 37 mm 2 , about 38 mm 2 , about 31 mm 2 , about 31 mm 2 , about 31 mm 2 , about 31 mm 2 , about 31 mm 2 , about 31 mm 2 , about 39 mm 2 , about 40 mm 2 , about 41 mm 2 , about 42 mm 2 , about 43 mm 2 , about 44 mm 2 , about 45 mm 2 , about 46 mm 2 , about 47 mm 2 , about 48 mm 2 , about 49 mm 2 , about 50 mm 2 , about 100 mm 2 , about 150 mm 2 , about 200 mm 2 , about 250 mm 2 , about 300 mm 2 , about 350 mm 2 , about 400 mm 2 , about 450 mm 2 , about 450 mm 2 , or about 500 mm 2 , up to about 1,000 mm 2 , about 2,000 mm 2 , about 3,000 mm 2 , about 4,000 mm 2 , about 5,000 mm 2 , about 6,000 mm 2 , about 7,000 mm 2 , about 8,000 mm 2 , about 9,000 mm 2 , about 10,000 mm 2 , or greater. 
     In various configurations, a cleaning head can include means for attachment to an arm of a cleaning device of the present teachings. In some aspects, the means for attachment can be reversible means, such as, for example, a screw, a clip, a clasp, a clamp, a vise, or a Velcro pad, with a corresponding means situated at or near a tip of an ann. A screw can be of any convenient length, e.g., from about 2 mm, about 3 mm, 4 about mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, or about 25 mm, up to about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm, about 80 mm, about 90 mm, about 100 mm, or longer. 
     In various configurations, a cleaning device of the present teachings can also include a shaft handle. The handle can be part of or attached to the base of the shaft, and can be, for example, a bend in the shaft such that the shaft is overall “J”-shaped. In some aspects, the handle can be a component separate from the shaft, or can be integral to the shaft. In various aspects, the handle can be of any desired length, for example and without limitation, from about 1 inch in length, or less, up to about 6 inches in length, or longer. 
     In various configurations, a cleaning device of the present teachings can include means for reversibly securing the rod to the shaft or bracket, such as, for example and without limitation, a screw, a clip, a vise, a clamp, a clasp or a combination thereof. A collar, bracket or similar structure can be fixedly attached to the shaft which allows the rod to slide relative to the shaft. The collar, bracket or similar structure can include means for receiving the securing means, such as, for example, a threaded screw hole. A screw can be, for example, a set screw, and can be, e.g., about 2 mm, about 3 mm, 4 about mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, or about 25 mm in length, or longer. 
     In various configurations, a cleaning device of the present teachings can also include a rod handle. The rod handle can be, for example and without limitation, a loop or a flat extension of the rod, and can facilitate a user&#39;s ability to push or pull the rod to effect extension or retraction of the arm(s). 
     EXAMPLES 
     The present teachings include descriptions that are not intended to limit the scope of any aspect or claim. The examples and methods are provided to further illustrate the present teachings. Those of skill in the art, in light of the present disclosure, will appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments that are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference, each in its entirety. Applicant reserves the right to challenge any conclusions presented by any of the authors of any reference. 
     Example 1 
     This example illustrates a configuration of an embodiment of a cleaning device of the present teachings. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a cleaning device  10  has a shaft  11 . A hub  19  is located at one end of the shaft  11 . A handle  22  is located at the opposite end of the shaft  11 . 2 arms  17  are pivotally attached at pivots  20  to the hub  19 . A runner  13  can slide along the shaft  11 . A rod  12  is attached to the runner  13 , and extends to approximately the length between the runner  13  and the base of the shaft  11  at the handle  22  when the arms  17  are maximally extended, or can be of another convenient length. A rod handle such as a flat handle or a loop (not shown) or other means for a user to grasp the rod  12  can be included on the rod  12  to facilitate pushing or pulling the rod  12  relative to the shaft  11 . Means for reversibly securing the rod  12  to the shaft  11  are shown as a ring  23  that is attached to the shaft  11 , and a set screw  24 . The ring  23  includes a threaded opening for receiving the set screw  24 . The set screw  24  can be used to reversibly lock or secure the rod  12  in place, with the arms  17  in a retracted or extended position. 
     The device as shown also includes 2 stretchers  15 . Each stretcher is pivotally attached to the runner  13  at a pivot  14 , and is pivotally attached to an arm  17  at a pivot  16 . An arm  17  can have attached along its length a wiping material  21 , such as, for example, sponge, rubber, brush bristles or microfiber fabric, and can be used to clean the inner base of an object. Wiping material of an end cover  28  of the hub or shaft can further aid the cleaning of the inner base of an object. An arm  17  also has attached at its tip a cleaning head  18 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a cleaning head  18  includes a cleaning surface  71  such as, for example, sponge, rubber, brush bristles or microfiber fabric, and can be used to clean the inner walls and inner base of an object such as a bottle or vase. A cleaning head can also include a support backing  72 , and a means for attachment to an arm  17 , such as a screw  73 , Velcro, a clamp, a clasp, other attachment. The tip of an arm can include corresponding means for receiving the screw  73 , for example a mount for receiving a screw, such as a hole comprising a screw thread (not shown), Velcro, clamp, clasp, other attachment means. Alternatively, a tip of an arm  17  can include a screw, a Velcro pad, a clamp, a clasp, or other attachment means for securing a cleaning head  18  to an arm  17 . A cleaning head can include corresponding means for receiving the screw such as a hole comprising a screw thread (not shown), or other corresponding attachment components such as Velcro or supports for a clamp, a clasp, or other attachments. 
     Example 2 
     This example illustrates a configuration of an embodiment of a cleaning device of the present teachings. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a cleaning device  50  has a shaft  11 . A hub  19  is located at one end of the shaft  11 . In the configuration as shown, 2 arms  17  are each pivotally attached at a pivot  20 . A runner  13  can slide along the shaft. A rod  12  is attached to a post  30  which in turn connects to the runner  13 . The rod  12  can move parallel to the shaft H, and can be of a convenient length, such as, for example, a length sufficient to extend between the base of the shaft  11  at the handle  22  and the post  30  when the arms  17  are maximally extended. Means for reversibly securing the rod  12  to the shaft  11  are shown as a bracket  27 , an extension  26 , a guide ring  25 , and a set screw  24 . The rod  12  can move through the guide ring  25 . The guide ring  25  includes a threaded opening for receiving the set screw  24 . The set screw  24  can be tightened to secure the rod  12  in place, thereby maintaining the arms  17  in a retracted or extended position, or the set screw  24  can be loosened to allow the rod  12  to be moved relative to the shaft  11 , thereby allowing for repositioning of the arms. 
     The device as shown also includes 2 stretchers  15 . Each stretcher is pivotally, attached to the runner  13  at a pivot  14 , and is pivotally attached to an arm  17  at a pivot  16 . An arm  17  can have attached along its length a wiping material  21 , such as, for example, sponge, rubber, brush bristles or microfiber fabric, and can be used to clean the inner base of an object. Wiping material of an end cover  28  of the hub or shaft can further aid the cleaning of the inner base of an object. 
     An arm also has attached at its tip a cleaning head  18 , as described above. 
     Example 3 
     This example illustrates a non-limiting use of a cleaning device of the present teachings. 
     Cleaning pads  18  with sponge surfaces  71  as shown in  FIG. 3  are each attached to an arm  17  of a device  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A few drops of dish detergent are added to the sponge surfaces  71  and to wiping material  21  and  28 . The set screw  24  is rotated counterclockwise to release the rod  12 . Rod  12  is pulled back, resulting in arms  17  swinging against shaft  11 . Set screw  24  is tightened by clockwise rotation, and the device  10  is inserted into a vase to be cleaned while holding handle  22 . Set screw  24  is loosened by counterclockwise rotation, and rod  12  is then pushed until the arms are maximally extended. Set screw  24  is then tightened by clockwise rotation, securing the arms  17  in place relative to the shaft. The cleaning heads  18  can contact the inner walls, and the wiping materials  21  and  28  can contact the inner base of the vase. The user then moves the device relative to the vase, by rotation, translation or a combination thereof, thereby releasing dust and dirt from the inner walls and base of the vase and causing dust and dirt to accumulate on the cleaning pads  18  and wiping material  21  and  28 . Set screw  24  is then loosened by counterclockwise rotation. The rod is then pulled back, resulting in the arms swinging against the shaft. Set screw  24  is then tightened, and the device is then pulled out from the vase. The cleaning pads  18  and wiping material  21  and  28  are then detached, and can be cleaned for re-use, or disposed of.