Patent ID: 12185891

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description provides specific details, such as materials and amounts, to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The skilled artisan, however, will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced without employing these specific details. Indeed, the present invention can be practiced in conjunction with processing, manufacturing or fabricating techniques conventionally used in the homecare industry.

Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts or ratios of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”.

The term “about” as used in connection with a numerical value throughout the specification and the claims denotes an interval of accuracy, familiar and acceptable to a person skilled in the art. In general, such interval of accuracy is +−10%. Thus, “about ten” means 9 to 11. All numbers in this description indicating amounts, ratios of materials, physical properties of materials, and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about,” except as otherwise explicitly indicated.

“Cleaning” means to perform or aid in soil removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, or combination thereof.

As used herein, the term “comprising” means including, made up of, composed, characterized by, or having.

Generally, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning system, such as a cleaning system for cleaning a toilet bowl. The system may generally include a handling tool (wand) and a removably attached cleaning head. The cleaner head may be a dissolvable unit, such that it begins dissolving when exposed to liquid (e.g., water in a toilet bowl). The shape, construction, material characteristics, etc. of the cleaner head may allow it to be scrubbed, scoured, and rubbed against the inner surface of the toilet bowl for cleaning purposes. The cleaner head may dissolve eventually, but slowly enough to maintain sufficient scrubbing, scouring, rubbing, or other cleaning action during use.

The cleaner head may be made with a solid cleaning composition, which refers to a cleaning composition in the form of a solid for example, a granule, a pellet, a tablet, a lozenge, a puck, a briquette, a brick, a solid block, or a unit dose. The term “solid” refers to the state of the cleaning composition under the expected conditions of storage and use of the solid detergent composition. In general, it is expected that the cleaning composition will remain in solid form when exposed to temperatures of up to about 100° F.

In some embodiments, the solid cleaning composition may be a stable solid, which means that retains its shape under conditions in which the composition may be stored or handled.

The cleaner head may be a solid unit dose, which refers to a cleaning composition unit sized so that the entire unit is used during a single cleaning cycle. When the cleaner head is provided as a unit dose, it is preferably provided as a compressed solid, such as a tablet having a size of between about 1 gram and about 50 grams. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the solid unit dose head can be provided so that a plurality of the solids will be available in a package having a size of between about 40 grams and about 1,000 grams. The solid unit dose may be in various compressed, cast, or extruded forms including, for example, pellets, blocks, and tablets.

The cleaning system also includes features that improve manufacturing efficiency and produce less waste. For example, the cleaner head may be constructed from dissolvable material, which dissolves during and after use, and which may be flushed away safely. Furthermore, the handling tool may include relatively few parts and may be reusable. Additionally, manufacture of the handling tool and the cleaner head may be relatively simple and inexpensive for increased efficiencies.

An exemplary cleaning system10of the present invention is shown inFIG.1. The cleaning system may generally include a wand12and a cleaner head14. The wand12may be removably attached to the cleaner head14. The cleaning system10may be configured for manually cleaning, scrubbing, scouring, or otherwise sanitizing a toilet, including areas below the waterline. However, it is understood that the cleaning system10may be configured for other uses without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the cleaning system10may be configured for cleaning sinks, drains, bathtubs, showers, or other areas.

An exemplary embodiment of the cleaner head14is shown inFIGS.6a-6band7a-7b. The cleaner head14may be disc-like or puck-shaped or have any other desirable shape. The various embodiments of the cleaner head14have a top surface18, a bottom surface20, a height Ha extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and a diameter Da. The top and/or bottom surfaces of the head14may be rounded (e.g., annular or circular) and may extend in a circumferential direction about an axis22. The cleaner head14is shown as substantially cylindrical and having a diameter but it may take other shapes.

The cleaner head14comprises a indentation or indentation16in at least one of its surfaces that is adapted to receive and engage the wand12, as shown inFIGS.7a-7b. The indentation has a height Hb and a diameter Db. The diameter Db of the indentation16is less than the diameter Da of the cleaner head14. The depth or height Hb of the indentation is the same as height Ha of the head14or may be less than the height Ha. Preferably, the indentation16is from about 25% to about 100% of the height of the head14.

The indentation may include a retainer lip24adjacent the top surface18of the cleaner head14, as shown inFIGS.6a-6b. The retainer lip24has an inner diameter Dc that is smaller than the diameter Db of remainder of the indentation16. The lip24may have a rounded edge or may have other suitable shapes and may extend circumferentially around the axis22. The retainer lip24may be formed out of the same material as the remainder of the cleaner head. The retainer lip functions to engage with the wand12, as discussed in more detail below.

In certain embodiments, the solid unit dose cleaner head14weighs about 1 to about 70 grams, more preferably about 10 to about 50 grams, most preferably about 20 to about 40 grams. In some embodiments, the solid unit dose cleaner head has height of about 0.5 cm to about 10 cm, more preferably about 0.8 cm to about 1 cm. In other embodiments, the cleaner head has a height of about 5 to about 10 cm. In yet other embodiments, the cleaner head has a height of about 0.45 to about 0.8 inches, preferably 0.5 to 0.7 inches, more preferably 0.55 to 0.65 inches. Typically, the solid unit dose cleaner head will have a diameter of about 1.5 to about 3 inches, preferably 1.75 to 2.5 inches, more preferably 2 to 2.375 inches. In certain embodiments, the solid unit dose cleaner head has a height to diameter ratio between 0.2 and 0.3.

In some embodiments, the solid unit dose cleaner head is a tablet having a hardness of at least 15 N, more preferably at least 20 N, most preferably at least 30 N. In preferred embodiments, the tablet has a hardness greater than 50 N.

The cleaner head14may be in various forms including, for example, pellets, blocks, and tablets, but not powders. In some embodiments, the material of the cleaner head14may be dissolvable upon contact with liquid, such as toilet bowl water. This material may include powder or other solid material that has been compacted (e.g., in a mold, press, etc.) to define the shape of the head14, including the indentation16and the lip24. The material included in the cleaner head may include one or more cleaning agents, disinfecting agents, abrasive agents, perfume or fragrant materials, surfactants, nonionic surfactants, acids, bases, antimicrobial active ingredients, preservatives, chelating agents, polymers, colorants, builders, bleaching agents, corrosion inhibitors, flush regulators, active ingredients to reduce stickiness, and/or enzymes.

The material on the outer surface of the cleaner head14may begin dissolving, foaming, or otherwise reacting as the head14is exposed to liquid. As the head14is scrubbed against the interior of the toilet bowl, the head14may continue to break down and reduce. The material used to construct the head14may be configured so that it dissolves eventually and at a controlled rate. Furthermore, as discussed below, the wand12may include features that protect its removable attachment to the cleaner head14to prevent premature dissolution and disintegration of the head14.

In preferred embodiments, the cleaning composition of the cleaner head14provides cleaning efficacy, a foaming visual cue, fragrance sensorial experience and slowly dissolves so one does not have to re-store or throw away the cleaner head portion of the product. The toilet cleaner head is advantageously dissolvable, which negates the need for the consumer to store an unpleasant, bacteria filled cleaning tool.

The cleaner head14may be ergonomically attached to the wand12, may remain securely attached to the wand12during use, and then may be selectively detached and released from the wand12when manual scrubbing of the toilet is complete. The cleaner head14may thus be released from the wand12into the toilet bowl water to further dissolve and the material may be flushed away in some embodiments. The wand12may be reused later and removably attached to a replacement cleaner head13. Accordingly, the cleaning system10produces little-to-no solid waste.

Further details of an exemplary embodiment of the wand are shown inFIGS.2-4. The wand12may have an elongate body that extends along the axis26(i.e., the wand axis or system axis) between a first end28and a second end30. The axis26of the wand12may be linear or may be curved. In some embodiments, a portion of the wand12adjacent the second end30may have a curved shape to improve ergonomics and make the system easier to use during a cleaning operation such that it can reach all areas of the toilet bowl including under the rim. The wand12further comprises an elongated shaft32that extends between the first and second ends of the wand. The shaft portion32may be made as one piece or may include two or more shaft portions connected together (e.g., via a snap-fit, via fasteners, etc.) to define a hollow housing for components discussed below. The shaft32may be constructed from a polymeric or composite material and may be rigid, thin-walled and hollow inside to house other components of the wand12.

The wand12may further include a grip portion34disposed adjacent the first end28. The grip portion34functions to provide a gripping surface for a user's hand when handling the cleaning system. The grip portion34may include features that improve gripping such as, e.g., contoured surfaces, compressible material, high-friction material or other features that correspond to the hand and fingers and assist with gripping.

As shown in the enlarged view inFIG.3, the second end30of the wand12includes an attachment arrangement36for engaging with the cleaner head14. The attachment arrangement may be attached to and supported by the wand12. The attachment arrangement36is moveable between an engaged position, as shown inFIG.7b, and disengaged position, as shown inFIG.7a. When in the engaged position, the attachment arrangement is removably attached to the cleaner head14. Once moved to the disengaged position, the cleaner head14is released from the attachment arrangement and the wand.

The attachment arrangement may include an outer sleeve38, as shown in the cross-sectional view inFIG.5, that houses the actuation member40of the attachment arrangement. The outer sleeve38may be a unitary, one-piece part made out of a polymer, such as, e.g., rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the outer sleeve38may be made by a molding or a casting process. The outer sleeve38may be hollow and sufficiently flexible to allow the sleeve to expand and retract radially when the actuation member40is moved axially, as shown inFIGS.7aand7b. The outer sleeve38may have a generally cylindrical shape with a side wall extending circumferentially around the axis26. The outer sleeve38may also include a sealing collar48above the cylindrical portion, as discussed in more detail below.

The outer sleeve38may further includes an attachment portion52that attaches the attachment arrangement36to the wand12. In some embodiments, the attachment arrangement36may be attached to the wand12by pulling the outer sleeve onto the wand12like a sock. The outer sleeve38may have material resiliency for compressing onto and frictionally attaching to the wand12. In additional embodiments, the attachment arrangement36may be attached to the wand12via a snap- or screw-type arrangement, or other suitable attachment mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the side wall of the outer sleeve38has a middle section50of a larger diameter, wherein the sidewall tapers inwardly from the middle section towards each end of the outer sleeve. Such design assists with the radial expansion of the outer sleeve38when the sleeve is compressed axially via the actuation member40.

The outer sleeve38may also include one or more notches in the sidewall that further facilitate the radial expansion of the sleeve. For example, the sidewall of the outer sleeve38may have a notch44adjacent the distal end46of the sleeve and may further have a notch42adjacent the sealing collar48. When the actuation member40is moved axially in the direction “Y” shown inFIG.7b, the notch44on the inner side of the sidewall allows the bottom portion of the outer sleeve38between the distal end46and the middle section50to flatten. At the same time, the notch42on the outer side of the sidewall allows the sidewall between the middle section50and the sealing collar48to move outward and flatten. This facilitates the radial expansion of the outer sleeve38when the attachment arrangement is brought into its engaged position. It is understood that the number and positioning of the notches may be varied as desired.

The sealing collar48may be a relatively thin sheet or membrane and preferably is resilient and elastic. As shown inFIGS.3and5, the sealing collar48may be skirt shaped. The sealing collar48may include an upper end60that attaches to the attachment portion52and a lower outer edge62that is disposed outward radially relative the outer sleeve38. The sealing collar48may flare outward gradually and may define a conic space64between the outer sleeve38and the inner surface of the sealing collar48.

As shown inFIGS.7aand7b, the sealing collar48may lie against and abut the cleaner head14. The sealing collar48may push against and resiliently flex against the cleaner head14, with the outer edge62resiliently flexing, folding, or otherwise deforming to conform against the surface18of the cleaner head14to form a liquid barrier and seal against the dissolvable cleaner head14. During use in the toilet bowl, the sealing collar48may seal against the surface18of the cleaner head14to impede the water from reaching the attachment arrangement36and its direct attachment to the cleaner head. This way, even though the wand12is directly attached to the cleaner head14, the sealing collar48delays dissolving action and makes the attachment robust enough to withstand the toilet cleaning process.

Additionally, the upper portion of the outer sleeve38may abut against the retainer lip24of the cleaner head14when the attachment arrangement36is in its engaged configuration, as shown inFIG.7b. This abutment creates anther liquid barrier and seal between the outer sleeve and the bottom portion of the retainer lip24to impede the water from reaching the direct attachment arrangement between the outer sleeve and the cleaner head14. This is important because the structure of the cleaner head14having a through hole or indentation16allows the water in the toilet bowl to enter the cleaner head from the bottom and cause dissolution of the cleaner head retaining lip24, which can impair the strength of the attachment between the wand12and the cleaner head14during the cleaning operation. This additional seal between the outer sleeve38and the retaining lip24delays dissolving action and makes the attachment robust enough to withstand the toilet cleaning process.

The actuation member40is movably arranged inside the outer sleeve38and is capable of axial movement in X and Y directions, as shown inFIGS.7aand7b. The actuation member40may be generally cylindrical in shape and have a distal end70and a proximal end71, as seen inFIG.5. The distal end70may have a first projection74and a second projection72positioned proximally from the first projection74, creating an annular space therebetween. The distal end46of the outer sleeve38may have an annular indentation through which the distal end70of the actuation member40is inserted such that the distal bottom wall of the outer sleeve38is received in the annular space between the first and second projections72,74of the actuation member40. The first and second projections may have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the remainder of the actuation member40and larger than the diameter of the indentation of the outer sleeve38. This creates an engagement arrangement between the actuation member40and the outer sleeve38such that the axial movement of the actuation member40causes radial expansion or retraction of the outer sleeve38.

As shown inFIG.4, the wand12further includes a linkage system76that connects the actuation member40with a user control member80positioned adjacent the grip portion of the wand. The linkage system76may include one or more elongate cords, cables, pulleys, ties, lines, geartrains, or other linkage members that extend along the axis26between the first end28and the second end30of the wand12and operatively connect/couple the control member80to the actuation member40. In some embodiments, the linkage system76may be substantially contained within the shaft portion(s) of the wand and supported for movement within the wand.

The linkage system76may include a cable or other elongate and flexible member. One end of the cable may be connected to the control member80and the other end may be connected to the actuation member40. The linkage system76may also include a biasing member82, such as a helical spring, a leaf spring, a resiliently bendable member, or other suitable biasing mechanism. The biasing member82may be positioned adjacent the control member80inside the wand shaft or at another suitable location inside the wand shaft. The biasing member may be seated against a shaft seat84at one end and against the control member80at the other end. The shaft seat84may be annular and the cable may pass through the seat84(and the biasing member82) to attach to the control member80.

The control member80may include a thumb slide88movably received in the wand shaft. The thumb slide88is configured to translate axially when engaged by the user's thumb, which in turn causes axial movement of the cable of the linkage system76, causing axial movement of the actuation member40in the directions X and Y shown inFIGS.7aand7b. The biasing member82is configured such that in its relaxed rest state, the actuation member is retracted and the attachment arrangement36is in its engaged configuration shown inFIG.7b. When the thumb slide88is engaged by the user and moved forward towards the second end30of the wand12, it compresses the biasing member82and causes the axial movement of the actuation member40in the direction X, bringing the attachment arrangement36into its disengaged configuration shown inFIG.7a. Once the thumb slide88is released, the biasing member82relaxes to its rest state, which causes axial movement of the actuation member40in the direction Y, bringing the attachment arrangement36back to the engaged configuration shown inFIG.7b.

The cleaning system10of the present disclosure may be supplied to the consumer with the cleaner head14already attached to the wand12. In this case, the attachment arrangement36is in the engaged configuration with the cleaner head14, as shown inFIG.7b, via the force of the biasing member82being in its relaxed rest configuration. The actuation member40is retracted axially and the outer sleeve38is expanded radially such that it “grabs” onto the interior surface of the retaining lip24of the cleaner head. The biasing member82applies constant pressure to maintain tight attachment and seal between the attachment arrangement36and the cleaner head14. When the consumer is finished with the cleaning session, they can slide the thumb slide88forward, causing the biasing member82to compress and causing the actuation member40to move in the direction X. This in turn causes the outer sleeve38to retract radially and disengage from the retainer lip24of the cleaning head14, creating a path to let the cleaner head fall into the toilet bowl where it will foam and dissolve until it can be flushed away. The wand12may then be reused with a new cleaner head.

In other embodiments, the wand12may be supplied separately from the cleaner head14. For example, the user may purchase one or more cleaner heads and the wand separately or as a part of the cleaning kit. For example, as shown inFIG.8, a plurality of cleaner heads14may be packaged together. A plurality of tablets may be stored in a caddy90with the wand12stored separately. When the consumer wants to clean the toilet, he or she may take the wand12out of a wand storage sleeve92. The consumer may slide the thumb slide88forward, moving the actuation member in the direction X and bringing the attachment arrangement36into its disengaged configuration. Then, the consumer may insert the second end30of the wand12into the indentation16in the cleaner head14positioned on top in a cleaner head storage sleeve94. Once the outer sleeve portion below the sealing collar is positioned below the retainer lip of the cleaner head, the consumer may release the thumb slide, which will cause the biasing member to expand and assume its relaxed state. This will cause the actuation member to retract axially in the direction Y and bring the attachment arrangement36into its engaged configuration with the cleaner head, as shown inFIG.7b. The consumer may then carry out the cleaning operation and dispose of the cleaner head at the end, as discussed above. The wand may then be placed back in the wand storage sleeve92ready for use with a new cleaner head. The consumer may purchase additional cleaner heads to replace the heads used for cleaning.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the subject matter as set forth in this application.