Abstract:
Cleansing assembly comprising one or more cleansing elements and a grip with one or more attachment openings for attachment of a cleansing element, in which assembly the cleansing element consists of sheet material which, in the dry state, is substantially rigid and dimensionally stable, and comprises prefabricated, coupling components which, after the cleansing element has been attached to the grip, project into one or more attachment openings.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a continuation application of PCT/IB99/01956 filed on Aug. 12, 1999. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates firstly to a cleansing assembly at least comprising one or more cleansing elements and a grip, which grip comprises one or more attachment openings for attachment of a cleansing element through frictional interaction of the cleansing element with the one or more attachment openings, the cleansing element compromising coupling components which, after the cleansing element has been attached to the grip, project into the one or more attachment openings.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    A cleansing assembly of this nature is known in the prior art and is described, for example, in EP-A-0 568 150. The abovementioned European Patent Application discloses a cleansing device which comprises a grip to which a support plate with an opening is attached. A sheet of water-dispersible cleansing material can be attached to the support plate as a result of the support plate, with the sheet of cleansing material on it, being pressed against a press-on projection, with the result that a section of the cleansing material is pressed into the opening. After use, the pad of cleansing material can be removed by actuation of an ejector member which is present in the grip.  
           [0004]    In this device, loose sheets of cleansing material have to be manually applied to a surface which comprises the press-on projection. Obviously, this is undesirable from a hygiene viewpoint. Furthermore, the sheet of cleansing material is considerably deformed when it is attached to the support plate, making it impossible to produce a well-defined, planar cleansing surface. Furthermore, it is impossible to use a rigid material as cleansing material, and consequently good attachment to the support plate, particularly at the edge of the support plate, is not guaranteed. There is a risk that the sheet will “hang down” after it has been attached to the support plate.  
           [0005]    In the case of other cleansing elements which are known in the prior art, the same problems arise or, as is the case in U.S. Pat. No. 2,648,085, the cleansing element is excessively thick, making it difficult to attach to and release from the grip.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the abovementioned problems, and to this end it is characterized in that the cleansing element consists of sheet material which, in the dry state, is substantially rigid and dimensionally stable, and that the coupling components comprise one or more areas in the cleansing element which are at least partially delimited by incisions and/or lines of weakening, which areas can be bent out of the plane of the cleansing element when the cleansing element is attached to the grip.  
           [0007]    This defines areas in the cleansing element which can interact frictionally, as a result of being bent, with attachment openings in the grip, and are thus able to ensure that a cleansing element is attached to the grip.  
           [0008]    The cleansing assembly is particularly suitable for use when cleaning lavatory bowls, although it is not limited to this application. It is also suitable for cleaning urinals, shower trays, washbasins, etc.  
           [0009]    A cleansing element can be attached to the grip by placing the cleansing element against the grip and pressing the one or more coupling components of the cleansing element into the attachment openings in the grip.  
           [0010]    Preferably, the cleansing assembly according to the invention comprises release means for releasing the cleansing element from the grip. Release means of this nature may, for example, be designed in the form of a push rod in the grip, optionally provided with suitably designed ejector components.  
           [0011]    In a preferred embodiment, these areas which are delimited by incisions or lines of weakening are substantially U-shaped, V-shaped or T-shaped. These areas thus comprise one or more lips in the cleansing element which can easily be bent over.  
           [0012]    Advantageously, at least one area comprises a section whose width is greater than the internal dimension of the attachment opening which it is intended to be coupled to. After the cleansing element has been fitted, that section of the area which is wider than the attachment opening with which it interacts projects out of the opening and over the material of the grip, thus completely eliminating the possibility of the cleansing element falling out of the grip. These embodiments will be explained in more detail below in the description of the figures.  
           [0013]    In principle, one coupling means is sufficient for attaching a cleansing element to the grip. Preferably, however, there are two or more coupling means. This provides more secure attachment, in particular between the edge of the cleansing element and the edge of the grip in the vicinity of the attachment openings. Advantageously, the coupling means are present in the vicinity of the edge of the cleansing element.  
           [0014]    The invention furthermore provides a holder comprising a cleansing assembly according to the invention, which holder comprises at least two compartments, a first compartment for cleansing elements and a second compartment for a grip. Since the cleansing elements are rigid and dimensionally stable, it is easy for a stack of cleansing elements to be introduced into the first compartment, and when used, one of these cleansing elements can be removed from this compartment in order to be attached to the grip.  
           [0015]    As has already been stated above, a cleansing element with coupling components which comprise areas which are at least partially delimited by incisions and/or lines of weakening can be arranged on a grip as a result of the cleansing element being placed against the grip and the coupling components of the cleansing element being bent into the attachment openings in the grip. This bending may take place in a variety of ways, for example by hand or using a separate press-on component.  
           [0016]    Preferably, one or more press-on components, which are intended to interact with the one or more coupling components of a cleansing element, are located on the base of the second compartment of the holder. In this way, it is possible to arrange a cleansing element on the grip as a result of the cleansing element being moved into the second compartment of the holder, after which it falls to the base. As a result of the grip with the cleansing element then being pressed against the one or more press-on projections, the areas in question will bend into the attachment openings in the grip, thus bringing about the attachment.  
           [0017]    Although the cleansing elements may be attached manually one by one, it is preferable for the holder to comprise means for moving a cleansing element out of the first compartment into the second compartment. This further improves hygiene. Advantageously, the invention provides a holder in which the compartments are substantially tubular and are arranged vertically next to one another, while they are also in communication with one another, via an opening, in the vicinity of the base, and the first compartment comprises ejector means for ejecting a cleansing element out of the first compartment into the second compartment. This ensures that a compact design is combined with actuation which is as hygienic as possible.  
           [0018]    The ejector means for ejecting a cleansing element from the first compartment into the second compartment may be designed in many ways. They may be means which can be actuated by hand or by foot, such as for example a slide or a revolving disc.  
           [0019]    The grip preferably compromises additional attachment means which are able to interact with one or more coupling components of a cleansing element, which have been moved into the attachments openings of the grip. This allows the cleansing element to be even more reliably attached to the grip. This embodiment will be explained in more detail below in the description of the figures.  
           [0020]    The grip preferably comprises a pivotable head which comprises the attachment openings. The presence of a pivotable head makes the grip easier to handle while it is being used to clean a lavatory bowl, for example. The pivotable head ensures a better cleaning action.  
           [0021]    The invention furthermore provides a cleansing element for a cleansing assembly, said cleansing assembly at least comprising a grip, which grip comprises one or more attachment openings for attachment of a cleansing element through frictional interaction of the cleansing element with the one or more attachment openings, the cleansing element comprising coupling components which after the cleansing element has been attached to the grip project into the one or more attachment openings, characterized in that the cleansing element consists of sheet material which, in the dry state is substantially rigid and dimensionally stable, and that the coupling components comprise one or more areas in the cleansing element which are at least partially delimited by incisions and/or lines of weakening which areas can be bent out of the plane of the cleansing element when the cleansing element is attached to the grip.  
           [0022]    The said cleansing element preferably consists of a water-dispersible sheet material. In this case, after use the cleansing element can be flushed or rinsed away in the lavatory, the shower tray, etc. Materials of this nature are known in the prior art and may be appropriately selected by the person skilled in the art. In particular, the water-dispersible material is a biodegradable material. Preferably, the material can be dissolved completely. Examples of such material are paper, papier-mâché, nonwoven material, or some other, for example cellulose-based, material.  
           [0023]    Advantageously, the cleansing element locally comprises areas of increased stiffness. This makes the cleansing element easier to handle. Areas of increased stiffness may, for example, be created by applying a stronger material or a material which is more difficult to dissolve in water. Preferably, however, increased stiffness is provided by local compression of the material of the cleansing element.  
           [0024]    Particularly preferably, there are areas of increased stiffness in the vicinity of the coupling means. This ensures that the coupling means operate more reliably.  
           [0025]    Furthermore, a fold line for the coupling means may be provided by reducing the thickness of the cleansing element at the location of the intended bending direction, for example as a result of material being compressed or omitted. This makes the coupling means function even more reliably.  
           [0026]    It is also possible for the surface of the cleansing element to be provided with a certain surface structure in order to increase its roughness. This is achieved, for example, by stamping in a structure or pattern, for example ribs, indentations, teeth or zigzag lines. This structure intensifies the cleaning action.  
           [0027]    In order to further promote the cleaning action, the cleansing element advantageously comprises a cleansing surface of slightly convex shape. With a convex shape it is possible in particular for concave surfaces to be cleaned very successfully.  
           [0028]    The cleansing elements may also comprise a cleansing agent, for example impregnated therein in granular, powder, tablet form, etc. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 1 a - b  show a diagrammatic side view and front view of a grip according to the invention, provided with a cleansing element;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a cleansing element according to the invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a cleansing element according to the invention;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 4 diagrammatically depicts a cleansing assembly according to the invention, comprising a grip and cleansing elements, in a first operating position in a holder;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 5 shows the cleansing assembly shown in FIG. 4 in a second operating position;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 6 a - c  diagrammatically depict the various steps involved in attaching a cleansing element in accordance with FIG. 2;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 6 d  shows a partial perspective view from the inside, of the underside of the head of the grip shown in FIGS. 6 a - c;    
         [0036]    [0036]FIGS. 7 a - b  diagrammatically depict the steps involved in attaching a cleansing element shown in FIG. 3;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 7 c  shows a partial perspective view from the inside, of the underside of the head of the grip from FIGS. 7 a - b;    
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 8 diagrammatically depicts a grip with release means for a cleansing element in accordance with FIG. 2;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 9 diagrammatically depicts a grip with release means for a cleansing element in accordance with FIG. 3;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 10 diagrammatically depicts a grip in which there is arranged a cleansing element with a set of T-shaped coupling areas; and  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a cleansing element with three substantially H-shaped incisions. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0042]    [0042]FIG. 1 shows a grip  1  according to the invention, which comprises a shank  2  and a head  3  which are connected to one another by means of a pivot  4 . A cleansing element according to the invention is diagrammatically depicted by  5 . The shape of the cleansing element and the shape of the head  3  are not subject to any particular limitations, but are preferably slightly egg-shaped, as can be seen in FIG. 1 b . Advantageously, the external dimensions of the cleansing element  5  are slightly greater than those of the head  3 . This promotes hygienic use of the grip  1 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cleansing element  5  which comprises a U-shaped incision  6 . The lip  7 , i.e. the material inside the U-shaped incision, can be bent out, as shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a cleansing element  5  with an H-shaped incision  8 . The U-shaped lips  9  which are formed in this case can also be bent outwards.  
         [0045]    The lips  7  and  9  of the cleansing elements  5  shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are used to attach the said cleansing elements to the head  3  of a grip  1 , the head  3  comprising suitable attachment openings  15  which will be discussed below.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIGS. 4 and 5 show two successive operating steps of a holder  10  for a cleansing assembly according to the invention. The holder  10  for the cleansing assembly comprises two compartments  11  and  12 . The first compartment  11  is used to hold stack of cleansing elements  5 , and the second compartment  12  is used to store the grip  1  and to attach a new cleansing element  5  to the said grip  1 .  
         [0047]    In the vicinity of the base, the compartments  11  and  12  are in communication with one another by means of an opening  13 . One of the cleansing elements  5 ′ can be pushed through the said opening  13  out of the compartment  11  into the compartment  12  by means which are not shown. These may, for example, be a slide device which can be actuated by foot. Other means are also suitable, such as hand-actuable means or the like.  
         [0048]    A press-on projection  14  according to the invention is present on the base of the compartment  12 . The way in which the press-on projection  14  operates will be explained in more detail below.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 6 shows, in three steps a, b and c, the way in which a cleansing element  5  in accordance with FIG. 2 is attached to the head  3  of a grip according to the invention, using a press-on projection  14 .  
         [0050]    The head  3  of the grip  1  comprises, on its underside, an attachment opening  15  which is to a large extent closed off by a hinged resilient lip  16 . Furthermore, the head  3  comprises a stop  17  on the inside in the vicinity of the attachment opening  15 . When a cleansing element  5  has been introduced into the compartment  12  via the opening  13  and the grip  1  is lowered onto it, the position shown in FIG. 6 a  will be reached. When the grip  1  is pressed further downwards into the compartment  12 , the lip  7  will be forced out of the cleansing element  5  into the attachment opening  15  by means of the press-on component  14 , with the resilient lip  16  being opened up. The lip  7  will gradually be pressed further upwards as the grip  1  is moved further into the compartment  12 . Ultimately, the position shown in FIG. 6 c  is reached.  
         [0051]    When the grip  1  is taken out of the compartment  12 , the cleansing element  5  is unambiguously attached to the head  3 , because the lip  7  is clamped between the stop  17  and the resilient lip  16 . Resilient lip  16  is in this case an additional attachment means.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 6 d  shows a perspective view of part of the inside of the underside of the head  3  with the cleansing element  5  in accordance with FIG. 2 attached to it. This figure clearly shows the action of the stop  17  and the resilient lip  16  for securely clamping the lip  7 .  
         [0053]    Reference is now made to FIG. 7 with regard to the way in which a cleansing element  5  in accordance with FIG. 3 is attached. In this case too, a cleansing element  5  is introduced into the compartment  12  via the opening  13 . As a result of the grip  1  being moved downwards into the compartment  12 , the lips  9  can be moved into an attachment opening  15  in the underside of the head  3  through interaction with the press-on projection  14 . In this case, the attachment opening  15  does not comprise a stop or resilient lip. In this embodiment, the material of the cleansing element  5  is important, since it has to be sufficiently rigid to be able to clamp the cleansing element  5  in the attachment opening  15  of the head  3  of the grip  1  as a result of the lips  9  being bent over. The cleansing element  5  is therefore attached as a result of frictional engagement between the lips  9  and the attachment opening  15 .  
         [0054]    A diagrammatic plan view is shown in FIG. 7 c  of the underside of the head  3 , with the lips  9  attached inside the attachment opening  15 . In this case too, the grip  1  is ready for use once it has been removed from the compartment  12 .  
         [0055]    of course, it is equally possible to use different shapes of incisions, with correspondingly adapted attachment openings. For example, two or more U-shaped or H-shaped incisions which are spaced apart from one another in the cleansing element can be used in combination with a corresponding number of attachment openings in the head  3 . Consideration may also be given to cross-shaped or star-shaped incisions and the like.  
         [0056]    The following FIGS. 8 and 9 show two ways in which a cleansing element can be released from the attachment means after it has been attached.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIGS. 8 a  and  b  show the way in which the cleansing element in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is released, and FIGS. 9 a  and  b  show the way in which the cleansing element in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is released.  
         [0058]    In FIG. 8, the resilient lip  16  is provided with a pull rod  19 . When this pull rod  19  is moved in the direction of the arrow, the cleansing element  5  can be released. By contrast, the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 comprises a push rod  20  which can push the cleansing element  5  out of the opening  15 . To this end, this push rod is provided with a spherical component  21  in the vicinity of the head  3 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a head  3  of a grip  1  with a cleansing element  5  with two T-shaped coupling components  22  attached to it. The width of the coupling components is therefore locally greater than the dimension of the attachment openings  15 , so that they can engage behind the material of the head  3 . In this way, the cleansing element is securely attached to the grip and the possibility of the cleansing element falling out of the grip is completely prevented.  
         [0060]    Finally, FIG. 11 shows a cleansing element  5  with three substantially H-shaped incisions  8  which are spaced apart from one another. When a cleansing element  5  of this nature is attached to a head  3  of a grip  1 , three sets of U-shaped lips  9  as shown in FIG. 3 are formed. This ensures improved attachment of the cleansing element  5  to the head  3  over the entire bottom surface of the head  3 .