Patent Publication Number: US-2015068371-A1

Title: Cleaning implement

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/960,028, filed on Sep. 9, 2013, and entitled “BATHROOM BRIZZIO.” The content of this provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter disclosed herein relates to cleaning tools for household use, with particular discussion about embodiments of a cleaning implement that is configured with a handle that offers improved mechanical advantage to direct loading from the end user on one end of the handle to an end effector located on the other end of the handle. 
     It is well-known that physical impairments, whether induced naturally or by way of injury or aging, can severely restrict the strength and/or stamina of an individual. These impairments can frustrate the ability of the individual to perform many daily tasks. Often, the individual cannot expend the effort necessary to properly clean and maintain conditions in the household. This shortcoming may require the individual to enlist help (e.g., a housekeeper) or, worse, cause the individual to move to a residence with assisted-living or similar arrangements. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments below describe cleaning implements that incorporate features meant to alleviate at least some of these problems. These features can allow individuals to maintain or regain their independent lifestyle. For the public at large, on the other hand, the cleaning implements in this disclosure may prove superior to conventional devices. Notably, the cleaning implements are configured in a way that better directs loading on the handle to the cleaning end and, ultimately, to the brush and/or end effector disposed thereon. These configurations operate as a “force-multiplier” that can increase the effectiveness with which the end effector dislodges dirt, grime, and debris from a surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an elevation view of a side of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning implement; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a detail view of the cleaning implement of  FIG. 1  to focus on details of an example of a handle; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the cleaning implement of  FIG. 1  in one application in a portion of the household; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a detail view of the cleaning implement of  FIG. 1  that focuses on details of an example of a end effector; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a bottom view of the end effector of  FIG. 4  to illustrate one arrangement of cleaning elements (e.g., bristles); and 
         FIG. 6  depicts a bottom view of the end effector of  FIG. 4  to illustrate one arrangement of cleaning elements (e.g., bristles). 
     
    
    
     Where applicable like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout the several views, which are not to scale unless otherwise indicated. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3  depict various views of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning implement  100  that can better direct loading to improve cleaning effectiveness.  FIG. 1  shows an elevation view of a side of the embodiment.  FIG. 2  focuses on certain details of the cleaning implement  100 .  FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the embodiment in one application for household cleaning. 
     Turning first to  FIG. 1 , the embodiment includes a handle member  102  with an elongate body  104  that has a first end  106 , a second end  108 , and a longitudinal axis  110  extending therebetween. The first end  106  can include a handle portion  112  that serves as an interface for an end user to grasp the cleaning implement  100 . At the second end  108 , the elongate body  104  couples with an end effector  114 . The end effector  114  can have a top  116  and a bottom  118 . In one example, the cleaning implement  100  employs a coupling member  120  that is useful to releasably attach the top  116  of the end effector  114  to the first end  106  of the elongate body  104 . This feature allows the end user to readily remove and replace the end effector  114  from the second end  108  of the elongate body  104 . The bottom  118  of the end effector  114  can have a cleaning member  122  that can comprise elements (e.g., bristles, fabric, strings, yarn, etc.) in arrangements that might facilitate cleaning of certain types of debris and/or certain portions of the household. In use, these elements come in contact with a target surface, generally identified by the numeral  124 . 
     The coupling member  120  can help configure the cleaning implement  100  for particular use in the household. Broadly, the coupling member  120  can include one or more parts that integrate together to allow the end user to secure and unsecure the end effector  114  from the elongate body  104 . This feature helps adapt the device to a particular cleaning task, namely, to receive different configuration for the end effectors  114  that define different arrangements of the cleaning member  122 . Examples of these parts can include a first part and a second part, one each disposed on the elongate body  104  and the end effector  114 . These parts may be configured, e.g., with complimentary threads, to connect with one another to install and un-install the end effector  114  to and from the elongate body  104 . These configurations could also employ other mechanisms (e.g., latches, clasps, fasteners) that are purpose built to releasably secure two parts together. 
     Construction of the elongate body  104 , and the cleaning implement  100  in general, is often consistent with products in the consumer industry. Focus on cost, consumer preference, and efficiencies, among other factors, may drive a selection of certain materials over others. These materials can comprise plastics and/or composites; however, this disclosure does consider the myriad alternatives (e.g., metals) that might better suit certain implementations. From an assembly perspective, the handle member  102  may comprise one or more pieces that are formed integrally with one another or separately assembled using known and/or practical fastening techniques; for example, the elongate body  104  and handle portion  112  may be formed (e.g., molded) monolithically. 
     The handle portion  112  may be uniquely configured to better leverage the force that the end user applies to the cleaning implement  100 . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the handle portion  112  forms an interface  126  that extends outward from the elongate body  104 . This configuration provides a landing surface for the hand of an end user. In one example, this landing surface extends convexly away from the surface  124  to form an arc between the longitudinal axis  110  and a side portion  128  of the interface  126  that is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis  110 . This arc can define a series of points of the landing surface that are disposed above the point of integration with the elongate body  104  along the longitudinal axis  110 . For reference, the lateral offset is measured between a pair  130  of parallel planes, one plane extending through the longitudinal axis  110  and one plane that is tangent to at least one point on the interface  126 . The interface  126  can also have one or more interface members (e.g., a top member  132  and bottom member  134 ), which can couple at a first end with the elongate body  104 . The members  132 ,  134  can also couple at a second end with each other to form the side portion  128  of the interface  126 . In one configuration, the members  132 ,  134  circumscribe an axis  136 , also laterally offset from the longitudinal axis  110 , thereby forming an opening  138 . The top member  132  can be outfit with a grip  140  that forms at least part of the landing surface. The grip  140  can define one or more properties and/or parameters of the landing surface, typically surface properties that offer higher friction and/or adhesion to prevent the end user&#39;s hand from slipping from the interface  126  and softness (or hardness) to offer comfort and feel. 
       FIG. 3  shows the cleaning implement in position to clean a portion of the household. The end user&#39;s hand (identified here by the numeral  142 ) is shown in position to grasp the grip  140 . During use, the end user applies a force F onto the landing surface, typical loading the handle member  102  to drive the end effector  114  in a back-and-forth motion on the surface  124 . As shown, the side portion  128  is spaced sufficiently from the longitudinal axis  110  to allow substantially all of the end user&#39;s hand to press firmly onto the landing surface. This configuration distributes the force F across interface  126 . This feature may in turn provide the end user with a device that is likely more efficient in the transmission of force onto the end effector  114  and more ergonomic to avoid fatigue and/or pain as compared to conventional devices, i.e., those having configuration in which the end effector is effectively “in-line” (or “not offset”) from the handle. 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  depict a detail view of the end effector  114 .  FIG. 4  shows a side, elevation view to exemplify the overall construction of the end effector  114 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  show a bottom view of the end effector  114  to illustrate different configurations of the cleaning member  122 . Broadly, these arrangements for the cleaning member  122  might find use particular to the portion of the household. 
       FIG. 4  shows that the top  116  of the end effector  114  can form a body, or housing, that integrates with one part of the coupling member  120 . This body can incorporate design features (e.g., curves, shapes, sweeping lines, etc.) that are pleasing to the eye. In some respects, however, the overall shape of the end effector  114  may configured to fit certain areas and/or reach portions of the household, as desired. The bottom  118  of the end effector  114  can provide a platform to receive and secure the elements (e.g., bristles) of the cleaning member  122 . This platform may securely attach the elements, i.e., meaning that the bristles are likely to disengage from the platform unless broken and/or otherwise dislodged. On the other hand, this disclosure does contemplate configurations for the platform that allows the elements to detach, either individually or as a collective. This type of configuration can permit the arrangement of the elements to change but retain the end effector  114  on the handle member  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     With reference also to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4  includes details that highlight the beneficial arrangement of the end effector  114  relative to the handle portion  112  ( FIG. 1 ). The end effector  114  has a first portion  144  and a second portion  146 , one each disposed, respectively, on a first side  148  and a second side  150  of the plane  130  that extends along the longitudinal axis  110 . The handle portion  112  ( FIG. 1 ) is also disposed on the first side  144 . The coupling member  120  connects with the end effector  114  in alignment with the longitudinal axis  110 . The position of connection is typically at, or near, the apex of the top  116 , with the surface of the end effector  114  sloping generally downwardly from the position of connection (toward the surface  124  of  FIG. 1 ) in the direction of both the first portion  144  and the second portion  146 . In one implementation, the second portion  146  is larger than the first portion  144 , with at least half of the end effector  114  disposed on the second side  150  of the plane  130 . Depending on the arrangement of the cleaning elements (e.g., bristles), this configuration can position a majority of the cleaning member  122  on the second side  146 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  identify two arrangements for the elements. Collectively, the arrangements can dispose the cleaning elements about the bottom surface of the end effector  114 . These cleaning elements can populate substantially all of the bottom surface, however, in some alternatives, the cleaning elements circumscribe an area that is devoid, or lacking, substantially any cleaning elements.  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate two such configurations. As shown in  FIG. 5 , one arrangement may configure the elements to extend and/or reach into corners. This configuration may take a form factor that has a triangular shape (as shown), although other forms factors might alternatively provide the same and/or similar advantages to reach areas with limited access. In the arrangement in  FIG. 6 , the form factor embodies a larger surface area that might better suit cleaning of surfaces having extensive surface area. This form factor may have a circular shape (as shown) or other shapes, as desired. 
     As noted above, selection of the elements may coincide with the purpose and/or use of the end effector  114  (or cleaning member  122 ). This selection can consider various properties of the elements, namely, physical properties (e.g., stiffness), material properties (e.g., porosity), length, diameter, and the like. The cleaning member  122  may deploy cleaning elements homegenously, wherein the cleaning elements exhibit substantially the same and/or similar properties. On the other hand, some benefit may be gained by mixing together cleaning elements of different properties. Notably, this disclosure contemplates both constructions that populate only the peripheral edge of the form factor with elements (as shown) and constructions that selectively populate other areas and/or the entire area of the form factor. 
     The embodiments herein contemplate implementation of the cleaning implement  100  as a kit and/or system. This kit can include the handle portion along with one or more end effectors (e.g., a first end effector or a second end effector). As noted herein, the first end effector and the second end effector may be configured with different arrangement of the cleaning elements to address different cleaning needs. 
     In light of the foregoing, the embodiments described herein are configured to improve cleaning effectiveness over conventional devices. These embodiments can distribute force from in a way that can better leverage the loading from the end user to clean and scrub the target surface. This feature can reduce the loading necessary from the end user, thus potentially reducing fatigue while at a minimum providing a device that can address the needs of individuals with physical impairments. 
     As used herein, an element or function recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or functions, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the claimed invention should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.