An apparatus for cleaning.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention generally relates to an apparatus for cleaning. More particularly, but not exclusively the invention relates to a modular brush with a magnetic stand.

BACKGROUND

Household brushes are replaced regularly due to either the bristles wearing out or because they have been misplaced. This creates a large amount of unnecessary waste.

It is an object of a preferred form of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing the above problem. While this is an object of a preferred embodiment, it should not be seen as a limitation on the scope of the invention as claimed. The object of the invention perse is simply to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

The term “comprising” and derivatives thereof, e.g. “comprises”, if and when used herein in relation to a combination of features should not be taken as excluding the possibility that the combination may have further unspecified features. For example, a statement that an arrangement “comprises” certain parts does not mean that it cannot also, optionally, have additional parts. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a cleaning apparatus comprising:

• a handle adapted to releasably engage directly or indirectly with a cleaning head;

• a connection member connected to the handle or cleaning head, the connection member configured to releasably engage with a stand;

• a cleaning head adapted to releasably engage directly or indirectly with the handle; and

• a stand adapted to releasably engage with the connection member; the apparatus arranged such that when the handle and cleaning head are engaged they form a handheld cleaning device which is able to releasably engage with the stand for storage.

Preferably, the cleaning apparatus includes;

• a handle adapted to releasably engage directly with the connection member;

• a connection member adapted to releasably engage with the handle, the cleaning head and a stand;

• a cleaning head adapted to releasably engage directly with the connection member; and

• a stand adapted to releasably engage with the connection member; wherein the apparatus is arranged such that when the handle, connection member and cleaning head are engaged they form a handheld cleaning device which is able to releasably engage with the stand for storage.

Preferably the handheld cleaning device is adapted such that it can receive and store liquids.

Preferably at least a portion of the handle and cleaning head are hollow and fluidly connected to each other. Preferably the stand has:

• a connection member engaging magnetic member; and

• a magnetic base; the stand configured such that when in use and when the connection member engaging magnetic member and the magnetic base are arranged on opposite sides of a surface or wall they are held in place by a magnetic connection between the connection member magnetic member and the magnetic base.

More preferably, the connection member engaging magnetic member is at least partially cylindrical and includes a first concave end, the concave end shaped to form an elongate U-shaped channel that is able to receive at least a portion of the connection member of the cleaning apparatus within the channel.

Preferably the magnetic base has a concave side wall.

Alternatively, the stand includes a connection member engaging magnetic member and a base portion. Preferably the base portion is adapted to engage with a non magnetic surface and is even more preferably includes a suction cup, waterproof adhesive, hook and loop, putty or cement material.

Preferably the apparatus further includes a cleaning cloth or towel containing a piece of magnetic metal which enables the cloth or towel to releasably engage with the stand.

Preferably the connection member comprises a magnetic component.

Preferably the connection member is a metal collar adapted at a first end to engage with the cleaning head and adapted at an opposing second end to engage with the handle.

Preferably the connection member is cylindrical or a tapered cylinder.

Preferably the handle comprises a base and an elongated shaft which are adapted to releasably engage with each other. Preferably the handle comprises a base and an elongated shaft which are adapted to releasably engage with each other and wherein there is a seal between the base and the elongated shaft. Preferably the seal is a circular rubber ring.

Preferably the handle comprises a base and an elongated shaft and the elongated shaft and connection member are adapted to releasably engage with each other. Preferably the cleaning head comprises a neck and a brush head with bristles.

Preferably the cleaning head comprises a neck and a brush head with bristles and the neck is adapted to releasably engage with the connection member and the brush head. Preferably the cleaning head comprises a neck and a brush head with bristles and the brush head has a central aperture.

Preferably the handle includes a hollow portion and the hollow portion is shaped to receive the stand.

Preferably the handheld cleaning device is stored in a horizontal position when in use and engaged with the stand.

Preferably the handheld cleaning device is stored in a vertical position when in use and engaged with the stand.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a cleaning apparatus comprising:

• a handle adapted to releasably engage with a cleaning head;

• a connection member being integrated with the handle and comprising a metal component configured to releasably engage with a magnetic stand;

• a cleaning head adapted to releasably engage with the handle; and

• a magnetic stand adapted to releasably engage with the connection member; the apparatus arranged such that when the handle and cleaning head are engaged they form a handheld cleaning device which is able to releasably engage with the stand for storage.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a cleaning apparatus comprising;

• a cleaning device including a connection member connected to the cleaning device, the connection member configured to releasably engage with a stand;

• a stand adapted to releasably engage with the connection member; wherein the stand comprises a connection member engaging magnetic member; and a magnetic base; the stand configured such that when the connection member engaging magnetic member and the magnetic base are arranged on opposite sides of a surface or wall they are held in place by a magnetic connection between the connection member engaging magnetic member and the magnetic base, and the cleaning device is releasably engaged with the connection member engaging member of the stand.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a magnetic stand for use with a cleaning device, the magnetic stand comprising a first magnetic member adapted for releasable engagement with a cleaning device; and a magnetic base; the stand configured such that when the first magnetic member and the magnetic base are arranged on opposite sides of a surface or wall they are held in place by a magnetic connection between the first magnetic member and the magnetic base.

For the purposes of this specification the term “magnetic” or a “magnetic material” should be taken to include materials that both generate a magnetic field or are attracted to a magnetic field.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, which includes the accompanying drawing and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying photos and drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a side exploded view of the cleaning apparatus in one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the cleaning apparatus as shown in Figure 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a dishcloth containing a metal insert;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the handheld cleaning device when in a stored position with the stand;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the handheld cleaning device when removed from the stand and being placed under running water from a tap;

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view of the handheld cleaning device;

FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional exploded view of the cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a side cross sectional view of the stand being stored within the handheld cleaning device;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the brush head;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the neck of the cleaning head;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the metal collar of the handheld cleaning device;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the elongated shaft of the handle;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the base of the handle;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the stand when connected but not separated by a wall;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the stand with the connection member engaging magnetic member and base on opposing sides of a wall;

FIG.16 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a magnetic base which forms part of a stand;

FIG. 17 is a side cross sectional view of the handheld cleaning device with a rubber ring seal between the base and the shaft;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a handle and neck with an integrated connection member which together form part of an alternative embodiment of a handheld cleaning device;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the handle, neck and integrated connection member shown in figure 18; and FIG. 20 is a front view of an integrally formed handle and neck with an integrated connection member shown when the connection member is engaged with a magnetic stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus comprising a cleaning device and a magnetic stand enabling easy storage of the cleaning device when not in use.

A number of different embodiments have been described below and in reference to Figures 1-20, but it should be understood the design and aesthetic features of the cleaning apparatus may be changed from those exemplified without departing from the functional aspects of the invention.

In a first embodiment of the invention, Figures 1 and 2 show an apparatus for cleaning 1 . The apparatus 1 has a handle including a hollow base 2 and elongated shaft 4. Flollow base 2 has a threaded end 3 which screws onto and off the end of a hollow elongated shaft 4 via a threaded receiving aperture (not visible) in the bottom end of the shaft 4. The opposing end of the shaft 4 has a threaded protruding end 5 similar to the threaded end 3 of the base 2. The base 2 and the shaft 4 when engaged form a handle as shown in figure 2.

The apparatus 1 also has a connection member in the form of a hollow metal collar 6 which has inner receiving threads (not visible). Preferably, collar 6 is cylindrical or in the form of a tapered cylinder and receives the threaded protruding end 5 of the shaft 4 which can screw onto and off the collar 6. The metal collar 6 also receives a threaded end 7 of a hollow neck 8 of the cleaning head 20 of apparatus 1 . As shown, the neck 8 has a threaded aperture 9 for receiving the threaded end 10 of a brush head 11. Threaded end 10 is at one end of brush head 11 and at the opposing end of brush head 11 are bristles 12 for cleaning. The brush head 11 also has a central aperture (not visible) so it can receive cleaning liquids. To add cleaning liquid, brush head 11 is removed and liquid poured through aperture 9 and received within shaft 4 and base 2. Parts 2-11 when engaged like shown in figure 2 form a handheld cleaning brush 13. Parts 7-12 together form cleaning head 20. As can also be seen the apparatus 1 includes a two-part magnetic stand 14 comprising a connection member engaging member 15 and a base 16 and both of these parts 15, 16 contain a magnet (not shown).

In use, the connection member engaging member 15 is placed on one side of a surface such as a sink and the base 16 is placed on the other side and a magnetic connection holds them in place. There is also a magnetic connection between the magnetic stand 14 via the connection member engaging member 15 and the metal collar 6 when they are engaged which allows for the brush 13 to be easily connected (stored) and removed (to be used) from the magnetic stand 14. As shown in figure 3 in some embodiments there is a dish cloth 17 or tea towel containing a small metal insert 18. This can be stored (e.g. for drying) by attaching the metal region of the cloth 17 on a region of the magnetic stand 14.

Figure 4 shows the cleaning brush 13 when it is in use in a stored position and the collar 6 is engaged with the magnetic stand 14 via the connection member engaging member 15. As shown the connection member engaging member 15 is magnetically held to the wall of the sink 19 and the base 16 (not visible) of the magnetic stand is magnetically held on the opposite side of the wall of the sink 19. The connection between the collar 6 and magnetic stand 14 also allows for the cleaning brush 13 to be securely fastened to the magnetic stand 14 and balanced in a level/horizontal position like shown in this figure.

The positioning of the collar 6 in the centre of the cleaning brush 13 creates a fulcrum in which the cleaning brush 13 can balance easily in a horizontal position when placed on the connection member engaging member 15 of the magnetic stand 14. The horizontal position makes it easy to grab/use and replace/store, the horizontal position also stops the liquid soap from escaping and allows the cleaning brush 13 and head 11 to dry effectively. It will be appreciated that the cleaning brush 13 is not limited to the horizontal position, for some liquids/applications it may be better for the brush to be in a vertical or other position. The hollow design of the cleaning brush 13 allows for liquid soap (and other cleaning products) to be stored inside the cleaning brush 13 and used each time the cleaning brush 13 is placed under the tap/pressure of flowing water like shown in figure 5. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the screw threads 3, 20, 5, 21 , 7, 22 and 10 of the cleaning brush 13 and how they engage with each other. These figures also show the central aperture 23 in the brush head 11 which fluidly connects with the hollow brush head 11 , aperture 9 in neck 8, hollow handle 4 and hollow base 2, allowing cleaning liquid to flow out of cleaning brush 13 at aperture 23 when in use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other releasably engaging means between each part of the cleaning brush 13 may be used instead of screw threads for example a bayonet type connection. As can be seen in these figures the cleaning brush 13 is hollow from the brush head 11 to the base 2 so that it can receive and store cleaning liquids. Also illustrated in figure 7 are the magnets 24, 25 which are contained in each part 15, 16 of the magnetic stand 14. As shown in figure 8 the magnetic stand 14 can be stored inside the handle of the cleaning brush 13 and this creates the required magnetic shield which is needed when shipping the product to a buyer.

Figure 9 shows the brush head 11 in more detail. The brush head 11 is preferably compostable and made from bamboo lumbar and sisal fibre. As the brush head 11 and attached bristles 12 are detachable from the rest of the cleaning brush 13 they are easily replaced and composted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cleaning head of the cleaning brush 13 is not limited to a brush head 11 with bristles 12 and the cleaning brush 13 could have a different cleaning head such as sponge material, scrubbing material, micro fibre head, polishing, scouring, bottle cleaning materials etc.

Shown in figures 10-13 are the neck 8, collar 6, shaft 4 and the base 2 of the cleaning brush 13. These parts are preferably made from recycled plastic and stainless steel although it will be appreciated that any other suitable materials may be used.

Figure 14 shows the magnetic stand 14. As can be seen the brush holding stand member 15 has a concave end 26 adapted to receive the metal collar 6. In alternative embodiments instead of the connection member being a metal collar 6 it can comprise a metal component to facilitate the magnetic attachment to the magnetic stand 14. The metal component may be moulded within the connection member or coupled to the connection member by other means such as gluing, a clipping arrangement, fastener, etc and the metal component may vary in location, number, size and shape. Connection member engaging member 15 and base 16 are preferably cylindrical, but may be formed with rectangular, square, oval, hexagonal or other shaped cross-sections to suit the design characteristics of the brush. Concave end 26 is shaped and sized to form an elongate U-shaped channel that is able to receive collar 6 within the channel, the width of the channel being just larger than the diameter of collar 6. The walls of the U-shaped channel assist the magnets to retain the cleaning device in position within the engaging member 15.

In preferred embodiment, base 16 is also preferably cylindrical and of a similar diameter to engaging member 15. As discussed below, base 16 and engaging member 15 are designed to be placed on opposing sides of a wall, magnetically connecting together to provide a stand for the brush 13. It is therefore preferable for base 16 and member 15 to be of similar size to maximise the magnetic attraction between the two parts. In some instances (not shown), the base portion may be sized differently to meet the needs of mounting the stand in a range of locations. For example, a base 15 that is larger, thinner or wider may be used with a corresponding magnet to accommodate thicker walls or tighter spaces etc.

The longitudinal axis of the U-shaped channel is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connection member engaging member 15 and base 16, such that when collar 6 is engaged within the U-shaped channel, brush 13 is held at substantially right angles to stand magnetic 14.

Figure 15 shows the magnetic stand 14 with the connection member engaging member

15 and the base 16 on opposite sides of a wall 27 and being held together by the magnetic connection formed from the magnets 24, 25 housed within the two parts 15,

16 of the magnetic stand 14 (see Figure 7). The magnetic stand 14 is preferably made from recycled plastic and houses one or more magnets within both the stand member 15 and base 16. The magnetic stand 14 can be positioned anywhere in and around a surface or wall (e.g. of a sink, kitchen, home, office, laundry, bathroom, shower, campervan, boat etc) by placing the parts 15, 16 on opposite sides of the wall or surface. Figure 16 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a magnetic base 16a and as can be seen the base 16a has a concave side wall which makes it more ergonomic for a user when pulling it apart from a connection member engaging member 15.

In alternative embodiments not shown, stand 14 may be adapted for attachment to a non-magnetic surface such as a ceramic sink. In this alternative embodiment, the stand may include a magnetic connection member engaging member 15 that connects directly to the connection member of the cleaning device. For non-magnetic mounting, the base of the stand may be fixed to the connection member engaging member 15, or be magnetically connectable, and may take the form of, of be attached to a suction cup, waterproof adhesive, hook and loop, putty or cement material, or other similar material that will provide a secure attachment to the sink surface.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in figure 17 the apparatus 1 may have a circular rubber ring 28 to help seal the base 2 of the handheld cleaning device where the majority of the liquid soap would be concealed when in use. As can be seen the ring 28 is sandwiched between the threaded end of the base 2 and the screw thread of the shaft 4. In some embodiments, a circular rubber ring 28 may also be added between other releasably engaging parts of the apparatus 1 , such as between the collar 6 and the hollow neck 8; between the collar 6 and the shaft 4; and/or between the hollow neck 8 and the brush head 11 .

Figures 18 and 19 show a handle 101 and neck portion 108 of an alternative embodiment of a handheld cleaning device. The neck portion 108 engages with the previously described brush head 11 via a threaded aperture 102 which receives the threaded end 10 of the brush head 11 . It will be appreciated that other means of attachment between the handle 101 and brush head 11 may be used instead of screw threads for example a bayonet type connection. The handle 101 has a hollow portion and is able receive (and store) liquids through the threaded aperture 102 like the previously described handheld cleaning device 13. In this embodiment the connection member is integrated into the handle 101 and it comprises or is formed from a metal component 103 (e.g. a small metal bar, button, strip, or multiples thereof) which enables magnetic attachment to the magnetic stand 14 as shown in figure 20. It will be appreciated that the metal component 103 may be moulded within the connection member or handle, or coupled by other means such as gluing, a clipping arrangement, fastener, etc. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the number, location, size and shape of the connection member and metal component 103 may vary.

Figure 20 shows a still further embodiment of the invention wherein the handle and head portions are integrally formed as a single unit 110 including a connection member such as metal component 103 as shown in Figures 18 and 19. Single unit 110 may also include an integrally formed brush head or other cleaning head (not shown), or may include releasable brush heads such as those described above in reference to Figures 18 and 19. In this arrangement the handle may also be configured to provide access to the hollow interior such that it can receive and store liquids and/or to enable the magnetic stand 14 to be stored inside the handle of the cleaning brush for shipping or storage. The access may be provided by an opening such as hinged lid (as indicated by dashed line 102) or removable base 2 providing access to the internal body of the shaft of the handle.

It will be appreciated that although the preferred embodiment of the brush is for use in the kitchen the application of the brush is not limited to this and can be used for many other purposes such as for laundry, pets, hair, teeth, BBQ cleaning, makeup, boat and car cleaning and/or toilet cleaning etc.

The apparatus of the present invention has a number of advantages//benefits. In one embodiment described, cleaning brush 13 can be easily dismantled which enables each part to be cleaned and any part can easily be replaced if required. The five-piece design of the cleaning brush 13 allows the complex shape and hollow design to be made with injection moulding and therefore stronger thicker plastic. As the parts can be separated this also is an advantage when shipping the product. Only the brush head 12 needs to be replaced (the other parts are designed to be a long-life product) and this keeps unnecessary waste to a minimum. Magnetic stand 14 may also be stored within the shaft 4 and base 2 as seen in Figure 8, this reduces the risk of the magnetic stand 14 being misplaced during shipping or storage.

In other embodiments shown in Figures 18-20, the cleaning device may include fewer modular parts and still releasably connect to the magnetic stand for storage purposes. The embodiments with fewer components may provide a more economical embodiment, while still retaining the advantages provided by the metal storage stand.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functioning of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail so long as the functioning of the invention is not adversely affected. For example the particular elements of the brush and stand may vary dependent on the particular application for which it is used without variation in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus for cleaning, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.