Background

Brushes are sometimes used to clean bottles used to feed infants and the nipples for the bottle. Brushes can also be used to clean dishes, cups, tableware, cooking items, and other items that are exposed to foodstuffs. The brushes can be unsightly, can be un-hygienic, and are typically not well suited to these uses.

Summary

Featured in this disclosure is a brush assembly. The brush assembly may have a handle that has a distal end, and a scrubbing assembly that is at least in part removably coupled to the distal end of the handle and comprising a plurality of separate scrubbing members, each scrubbing member comprising a plurality of integral scrubbing elements projecting outwardly from a hub.

At least some of the scrubbing members may comprise a hub that is constructed and arranged so that it can be coupled to the handle so as to inhibit spinning of the scrubbing member on the handle. The scrubbing member hub may have an opening with a non-circular shape, and the shaft may have a portion with the same shape such that the hub sits over and closely fits to the shaft. The opening shape may be generally rectangular.

At least some of the scrubbing members may comprise structure that is adapted to releasably couple one scrubbing member to another scrubbing member. The structure that is adapted to releasably couple one scrubbing member to another scrubbing member may comprise a projection on one scrubbing member and a receiving depression or opening on another scrubbing member. The scrubbing members may comprise a hub and radial scrubbing elements projecting from the hub, and one or both of one or more projecting pins and one or more pin- receiving openings.

At least one scrubbing member may have scrubbing elements that are generally radial. At least one scrubbing member may have scrubbing elements that are shaped like flower petals. The brush assembly may comprise a plurality of scrubbing members, each with a hub and radial scrubbing elements that are shaped like flower petals. The scrubbing members may be constructed and arranged to be stacked on the handle, one upon another. The scrubbing members may be keyed to the handle to inhibit their rotation relative to the handle. The scrubbing members may be stacked on the handle with interfitting projections and receiving structures. The scrubbing members' radial scrubbing elements that are shaped like flower petals may be evenly spaced circumferential ly around the hub. The scrubbing members may be stacked on the handle such that a scrubbing element of one scrubbing member lies above or below and between two scrubbing elements of an adjacent scrubbing member. The scrubbing elements that are shaped like flower petals may be elongated elements with curved sides and a rounded tip.

The handle may be constructed and arranged to sit upright on a flat horizontal surface via its lower surface, and the brush assembly may be self-supporting such that it will sit upright with the lower surface of the handle on the flat horizontal surface and the scrubbing portion located above the surface.

The brush assembly may comprise an assembly with a handle and a scrubber, wherein the handle has distal receiving/support portion onto which a distal scrubbing member is molded and that has a reduced diameter hub that receives a plurality of scrubbing assemblies of a scrubbing portion, wherein the scrubbing member comprises integral projecting scrubbing elements, and wherein the scrubbing assemblies are made from a material that has sufficient stretch such that they can be stretched to fit over the end of the scrubbing member to sit on the hub. The brush assembly may further comprise a container that is constructed and arranged to hold the assembly with a handle and a scrubber, wherein the container has the appearance of a vase.

Also featured herein is a brush assembly comprising a handle that has a distal end, and a scrubbing assembly that is at least in part removably coupled to the distal end of the handle and comprises a plurality of separate scrubbing members, each scrubbing member comprising a plurality of integral scrubbing elements projecting radially outwardly from a hub and that are shaped like flower petals, wherein the scrubbing members are constructed and arranged to be stacked on the handle, one upon another, and at least some of the scrubbing members comprise structure that is adapted to releasably couple one scrubbing member to another scrubbing member. Brief Description of the Drawings

The drawings illustrate non-limiting examples of the disclosure. Figures 1 - 10 illustrate a first example. Figures 1 1-17 illustrate a second example. Figures 18 and 19 illustrate a third example.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 A is a side view of a first brush assembly.

Figure 1 B is a front view of the first brush assembly.

Figure 1 C is a rear view of the first brush assembly.

Figure ID is a front top perspective view of the first brush assembly.

Figure IE is a rear top perspective view of the first brush assembly.

Figure IF is a front bottom perspective view of the first brush assembly.

Figure 1G shows the first brush assembly in its typical use position.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the scrubbing portion of the first brush assembly.

Figure 3 is an enlarged top perspective view of the end of the shaft carrying one scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 4A is a top perspective view of the lowermost scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 4B is a side perspective view of the lowermost scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 4C is a side view of the lowermost scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 4D is a top view of the lowermost scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 4E is a bottom view of the lowermost scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 5 is an enlarged top perspective view of the end of the shaft carrying two scrubbing members of the first brush assembly. Figure 6 A is a top perspective view of an intermediate scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 6B is a top view of an intermediate scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 6C is a side view of an intermediate scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 6D is a bottom view of an intermediate scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 7 is an enlarged top perspective view of the end of the shaft carrying three scrubbing members of the first brush assembly.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view in two orthogonal planes of the assembly of figure 7.

Figure 9A is a front side view of the upper scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 9B is a rear side view of the upper scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 9C is a top view of the upper scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 9D is a bottom view of the upper scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 9E is a perspective cross-sectional view of the upper scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 9F is a side cross-sectional view of the upper scrubbing member of the first brush assembly.

Figure 10A schematically illustrates the first brush assembly being used to clean a bottle. Figure 10B schematically illustrates the first brush assembly being used to clean a bottle. Figure 1 1 is a side view of a second brush assembly.

Figure 12A is a top perspective view of the scrubbing portion of the second brush assembly.

Figure 12B is a bottom perspective view of the scrubbing portion of the second brush assembly. Figure 13A is a bottom perspective view of the upper scrubbing member of the scrubbing portion of the second brush assembly.

Figure 13B is a side cross-sectional view of the upper scrubbing member of the scrubbing portion of the second brush assembly.

Figure 14A is a side cross-sectional view of the scrubbing portion of the second brush assembly.

Figure 14B is an enlarged bottom perspective cross-sectional view of the scrubbing portion of the second brush assembly.

Figure 14C is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the scrubbing portion of the second brush assembly.

Figure 15 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of the shaft of the second brush assembly.

Figure 16 A is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the second brush assembly.

Figure 6B is another side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the second brush assembly.

Figure 17A is a front view of the adjunct scrubbing member of the second brush assembly.

Figure 17B is another front view of the adjunct scrubbing member of the second brush assembly.

Figure 17C is a rear view of the adjunct scrubbing member of the second brush assembly.

Figure 18A is an exploded view of the distal end of a third brush assembly.

Figure 18B is a close up exploded view of the distal end of the third brush assembly.

Figure 18C is an assembled view of the distal end of the third brush assembly.

Figure 19 shows the third brush assembly in a holder. Description of Examples

This disclosure features a brush that is particularly adapted to clean items that have been in contact with foodstuffs. In one non-limiting example the brush is described as being used to clean baby bottles and bottle nipples. However that is not a limitation of the disclosure as the brush can be used to clean other items such as dishes, cups, tableware, cooking items, and other items that are exposed to foodstuffs.

Brush assembly 10 includes handle 12, shaft 14, and scrubbing portion 16 that is removably coupled to distal end 20 of shaft 14. Handle 12 is sized and shaped to be held with one hand. Handle 12 is constructed and arranged to sit upright on a flat horizontal surface S (such as a kitchen countertop) via its lower surface 13. The brush assembly is constructed and arranged to be self supporting such that it will sit upright with the lower surface of the handle on the flat horizontal surface and the scrubbing portion 16 located above the surface, as shown for example in figure 1 A.

Shaft 14 projects out from top surface 15 of handle 12 and defines shaft distal end 20. Distal end 20 includes enlarged support structure or platform 22 with outwardly-projecting lower outer post or hub 26 projecting from structure 22, and inner smaller and taller post or hub 24 projecting a greater distance from structure 22. Hubs 24 and 26 are designed to help hold in place and prevent from rotation one or more scrubbing members that are part of scrubbing portion 16, as described below. In this non-limiting example, there are four scrubbing members that make up the scrubbing portion. However there could be one or more scrubbing members, and there can be less than or more than four scrubbing members.

In this example, lowermost scrubbing member 32 comprises hub 40 and a set of scrubbing elements 50 that project outwardly from the hub; in this case the scrubbing elements project generally radially from the hub, and have the appearance of flower petals. Hub 40 defines upwardly projecting posts or pins 41 and 42, and central generally rectangular (e.g., square) opening 56 that is sized and shaped to just fit over hub 26. Hub 26 thus helps to hold scrubbing member 32 in place at the end of the shaft and also prevent member 32 from rotating relative to the shaft. Scrubbing elements set 50 in this non-limiting example includes twelve separate generally radial scrubbing members arranged uniformly around the circumference of the hub, thus with one scrubbing element at each 30° increment around the circumference of the hub. The scrubbing elements could take a different shape, could be arranged differently, and there could be different quantity of scrubbing elements. Also, the scrubbing elements making up any set of scrubbing elements need not all be identical. In this case, the scrubbing elements 52 and 54 are generally shaped like petals of a flower to provide both the functions of scrubbing and wiping surfaces, while also providing a pleasant appearance like a flower.

Each of the scrubbing elements in set 50 is slightly downwardly directed from the plane of hub 40, which is preferably flat on the top and bottom. Another non-limiting feature of scrubbing member 32 is the variation in the downward angle of the scrubbing elements. In this example, every other scrubbing element (for example elements 52a and 52b) is at one downward angle and the other alternating elements (54a and 54b) are at another downward angle. In this case elements 54 are more downwardly directed than elements 52. In one non-limiting example the angle downward from the horizontal (i.e., from the plane of surface 40) can be from about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees. It is believed that angles of more than about 45 degrees would limit the ability to effectively scrub a surface. The alternating angle accomplishes a set of scrubbing elements that protrude at different angles from the hub. This allows the brush to be used to reach crevices and corners and the like on the inside of a baby bottle that is being cleaned using the brush.

Intermediate scrubbing members 34a and 34b in this non-limiting example are identical, but are oriented differently relative to structure 22, as explained below. The lowermost of the intermediate scrubbing members 34a is shown in detail and includes hub 80 with lower hub surface 87and upper hub surface 88, and central generally square opening 86 that is sized and shaped to just fit over hub 24. Upwardly projecting posts 81 and 82 are spaced 180° apart, and post-receiving openings 83 and 84 that are also spaced 180° apart, with each being 90° from a post. Openings 83 and 84 are sized shaped and located to fit over posts 41 and 42 of a lower scrubbing member such as member 34a. Posts 81 and 82 function to accept the openings of another intermediate scrubbing member that is placed on top of that particular scrubbing member; this feature allows stacking of one or more intermediate scrubbing members to achieve a desired result such as the length of the scrubbing portion and the quantity of scrubbing elements in the scrubbing portion. In the non-limiting example shown here, top intermediate scrubbing member 34b sits over and fits over the posts of lower intermediate scrubbing member 34a. This alternating arrangement can be used to add one or more intermediate scrubbing members, with the only real limitation on the number of scrubbing members being the thickness of the members and the height of post 24 over which these intermediate scrubbing members fit. The stacking could be accomplished in other manners. As one non-limiting example, projections other than pins could be used and receiving structures other than openings could be used. The structures may be similar to a detent structure, for example with projections received in depressions.

Each intermediate scrubbing member includes a set 90 of scrubbing elements. In this non-limiting example, there are six separate generally radial elements 91-96 which are generally shaped like flower petals. Elements 91 -96 project at a slight upward angle of about 15 degrees from the plane of hub 80; the angle could vary from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees, as long as there is no interference with the scrubbing element immediately above it. Also, elements 91-96 are each slightly cupped about their longitudinal axis to provide additional rigidity, which allows the elements to be thinner while still maintaining a firm feel in use. The scrubbing elements in this example are all identical and are aligned generally radially to the center of the hub, and generally evenly spaced at 60° radial increments around the periphery of hub 80. They are also spaced apart such that about half the circumference of the hub is open and about half carries a scrubbing element. In this way, when the second intermediate scrubbing member 34b is placed on top of member 34a, and because the relative orientation is fixed by the arrangement of the posts and post-receiving openings, the scrubbing elements of adjacent scrubbing members will be offset by 30°. Thus, a scrubbing element of one scrubbing member will be aligned with an opening between scrubbing elements in the adjacent scrubbing member. Results of this arrangement are that the volume of the scrubbing portion that is occupied by the intermediate scrubbing members is essentially filled circumferentially along the longitudinal axis of the scrubbing portion, and the scrubbing elements can act like bristles of a scrub brush and thus are able to thoroughly scrub and squeegee the inside of a baby bottle. Further, the elongated curved edges of the scrubbing elements provide variable angles of the elements relative to the bottle surface and thus are better able to clean the surface as compared to a bristle brush with long narrow straight uniform bristles projecting radially from the handle. Also, the rounded points of the scrubbing elements allow them to accomplish a scrubbing feature; if the ends were larger they would be less able to act like a bristle or a cluster of bristles. The smaller surfaces can break up foodstuffs that might be lodged in or caked in the bottle, while the intermediate scrubbing members are effective to squeegee the surface and thus wipe away the broken up bits.

The scrubbing portion ends with upper or distal scrubbing member 36. Member 36 carries a number of scrubbing elements and thus contributes to the scrubbing function of the scrubbing portion. Member 36 also acts to hold the scrubbing portion assembly together and firmly onto the shaft in a manner such that the scrubbing portion is unlikely to be released from the shaft without user intervention. Also the removable nature of the scrubbing portion, and the fact that it is made from a number of separate and separable scrubbing members, allows the scrubbing portion to be removed, disassembled and cleaned as necessary, either by hand or in a dishwasher.

In this example scrubbing member 36 (figure 9) has the appearance of the stamen of a flower, although this is not a limitation. Hub 104 is generally circular, and is slightly dome- shaped at its top. This dome shape allows scrubbing elements that project at 90° from the surface to project at different angles from the longitudinal axis of the scrubbing portion, as illustrated in the drawings. In this case, scrubbing elements set 1 10 includes generally annular sub-sets 1 15- 1 19, each of which includes a number of spaced, circumferentially aligned separate projecting scrubbing elements of different diameter and length. Each scrubbing element is generally cylindrical with a rounded end. This arrangement provides a highly variable scrubbing surface which also has the appearance of a flower stamen.

Upper scrubbing member 36 has lower central projecting coupling post 38 with male threads 102 that are received by the internal female threads of threaded post-receiving cavity 25. Alternative means of removably coupling the upper scrubbing member to the distal end of the shaft are contemplated and covered herein. For example, instead of mating threads the coupling could be accomplished with a typical bayonet lock: in this case the compliance of the lower scrubbing members would help to maintain the bayonet lock in place until the upper member was pushed down and twisted to release the lock.

The scrubbing brush can be made of desired materials. Typically the scrubbing portion should be made of material that is relatively stiff but has compliance. One possible material for the lower and intermediate and upper scrubbing members is silicone, which can be compression molded or injection molded, for example. A plastic foam material could be used as long as it didn't collapse under its own weight. Thermoplastic elastomers can also be used. The upper scrubbing member can be made of silicone, or perhaps made of a thermoplastic elastomer or a foam/sponge material, depending on the design of the member and the individual scrubbing elements. Also, the upper member could comprise bristles that are like those of a more typical bristle brush of foam/sponge material.

As shown for example in figure 9E, the lower portion of hub 104 defines a recess 105 which is included to receive the posts or pins of the intermediate scrubbing member immediately below the upper scrubbing member. The recess is present along the entire circumference because the upper scrubbing member needs to rotate (as it is installed and removed) relative to the fixed intermediate scrubbing member immediately below it.

The square mount used in the example could be replaced with another shape other than circular that prevents or inhibits rotation of the scrubbing members relative to the shaft, such as oval or pentagonal. Also, the lowermost scrubbing member has a larger square opening so that it is easily visually distinguishable from the other scrubbing members and so that is obviously that needs to be placed first on the largest square support 22. The lowermost scrubbing member has projecting posts or pins on one surface, being the top surface, which visually indicates the proper orientation on the support. The posts and post-receiving openings of the intermediate members also dictate the location and orientation of the members as one or more of them are added on top of the lowermost member. This eases assembly and also ensures the circumferentially-alternating scrubbing elements described above so that the scrubbing portion is more effective.

Generally, the outside diameter of at least one and potentially all of the lowermost and intermediate scrubbing members is larger than the inside diameter of a baby bottle to be washed with the brush. In one non-limiting example this diameter is about 85mm and thus can fit into most large neck baby bottles in commercial use today. This arrangement ensures that the scrubbing elements are bent as the brush is pushed in and out relative to the opening of the bottle. The hubs of the members need to be smaller than the mouth the baby bottle so that the scrubbing portion of the brush can be pushed into the bottle.

The handle is curved relative to the base so that the scrubbing portion is at an angle from the vertical. This accomplishes a mechanical advantage when the brush is used (the typical use position is shown in figure 1G and in figure 10) to allow the scrubbing elements to be pushed into corners, crevices and shoulders of the bottle so that the bottle can be thoroughly scrubbed. The extensive collective length of the outer edges of all of scrubbing elements together achieves many and varied squeegee surfaces that help to squeegee the inside of the bottle. Also, the offset of the shaft from the center of the handle and its angle away from the vertical help to achieve a center of gravity that is at or close to the longitudinal axis of handle 12; this allows the brush assembly to stand upright, unsupported, on a flat surface such as kitchen counter. Because of this feature and due to the pleasant appearance of the brush (like a flower in a vase) the brush can be left on the kitchen countertop when not in use. Typically today most bottle brushes are stored in a drawer and since they are wet after use this can be messy and can prevent the brush from drying properly, which can lead to the development of mold and mildew on the brush. Also, because the scrubbing portions may have multiple scrubbing members, different or additional scrubbing members can be added or swapped in if one breaks or wears out. Or if a different scrubbing function is desired this can be accomplished by substituting different scrubbing members. Also, because the different scrubbing members can be disassembled from the handle, each member can be cleaned individually. This further reduces the risk of mold or mildew and build-up of unwanted materials.

Handle 12 can be solid or can be hollow so that it can hold liquid detergent. It can be molded as a clamshell that is ultrasonically welded. Shaft 14 can likewise be solid or hollow; if hollow, shaft 14 could end with a cap that is constructed and arranged to be removably coupled to the top of the handle so that additional detergent can be added into the handle reservoir. If an opening for detergent is needed in shaft 14, it can be molded as a clamshell in the same manner as the handle. Shaft 14 could also be made of or include a stiff wire that could be bent and hold the bend, so that the user could modify the angle of the scrubbing portion.

Figures 10A and 10B schematically depict the brush assembly in use cleaning a bottle. Due to a computing limitation in rendering the image the scrubbing elements are shown as not being bent and thus they project through the wall of bottle B. However, the drawings help illustrate the mechanical advantage accomplished with the curved handle and the offset scrubbing portion, as well as how the lower, intermediate and upper scrubbing members are effective to clean the bottle. A second example is shown in figures 11 -17. Brush assembly 210 includes handle 212 and shaft 214. Scrubbing portion assembly 216 is carried at the end of the shaft. Adjunct scrubbing member 320 is carried on the lower portion of the shaft. Scrubbing portion assembly 216 is similar to scrubbing portion 16 of the first example, but differs primarily in that scrubbing portion 216 is a unitary assembly like a cartridge that is pushed into the end of the shaft as an assembly rather than being placed onto the end of the shaft in layers as in the first example. The coupling of the scrubbing portion to the shaft is accomplished by an interference fit between the end of the shaft and coupling portion 340 of scrubbing portion 216, as explained in more detail below.

Scrubbing portion 216 has lowermost scrubbing member 232, intermediate scrubbing members 234a and 234b and upper scrubbing member 236, each of which is similar to the corresponding scrubbing members in the first example. However, upper scrubbing member 236 in this case includes an integral central hollow post 342 with distal lip 344. The lowermost and intermediate scrubbing members are carried by post 342 and retained in place by lip 344. This arrangement is best shown in figure 14. Upper intermediate scrubbing member 234b has hub 280b which has a central opening that fits over post 342. Likewise the lower intermediate scrubbing member 234a has hub 280a which has a central opening that fits over post 342.

Lowermost scrubbing member 232 has central post 245 which also has an opening that fits over post 342. Post 245 has outer circumferential protruding ribs 246a and 246b. Post 245 ends with flat distal portion 247 that sits against the top of lip 344. The result is an assembly 216 that can be coupled to and decoupled from the shaft, to allow the scrubbing portion to be removed and cleaned or replaced, for example.

As shown in figures 15 and 16, shaft 214 has end 220 which has a circumferential wall 227 that defines central opening 221. Opening 221 has a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of post 245 and its ribs, such that the post and ribs create an interference fit with wall 227. To help ensure that water is not trapped in opening 221, one or more longitudinal channels are created in the inside of wall 227 to allow water to drain out of the opening. In this non-limiting example, there are two "U"-shaped channels 222 and 223.

Adjunct scrubbing member 320 is shown in figure 17. It can be used to clean the inside of a nipple of a baby bottle. It has a relatively thin elongated scrubbing element 322 that, as with the other scrubbing elements, is cupped, elongated, and rounded on its end. In this case the element has the appearance of a leaf rather than a flower petal. Scrubbing member 320 is removably coupled to shaft 214 by coupling portion 321 which comprises spaced curved flexible walls 323 and 324 that define space or gap 325 between them. The walls can flex so that the element can be pushed onto the shaft and held thereon by the force created by the flexing of the walls.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate a third non-limiting example. Brush assembly 400 includes a "stem/stamen" assembly 402 with stem (handle) 404 and stamen (scrubber) 406. Handle 404 has distal receiving/support portion 405 into or onto which distal scrubbing member 410 of scrubber 406 is permanently molded, for example by inter-molding or over-molding. Reduced diameter hub 409 receives scrubbing assemblies 422-424 of scrubbing portion 420. Member 410 includes integral projecting scrubbing elements 412 with scrubbing ends 414. Scrubbing assemblies 422- 424 are similar to those described above. But in this case these assemblies can be made from a silicone material that is stretchy enough such that they can be stretched to fit over member 410 such that their receiving openings 427 can sit on post 409 that has the same shape and size as the openings. The scrubbing assemblies can be designed to be fitted in a particular order in a manner similar to that described above, using posts such as post 428 and post-receiving openings such as openings 429 and 430 to hold them in proper relative orientation. The scrubbing assemblies can be keyed (such as in the manner shown) so that they cannot rotate relative to one another but they need not be inter-keyed. Bottle/holder/'Vase" 440 can be a separate part into which stem 404 can be placed. Proximal stem end 403 can be shaped, such as to accomplish specific cleaning tasks. For example, end 403 could be chamfered or helical such that it can be used to clean nipples for baby bottle, and other hard to reach locations.

In one non-limiting example, the handle and shaft are made of a plastic material such as ABS or polypropylene. The upper scrubbing member can be made from a TPE with a hardness of 65 A. The lowermost and intermediate scrubbing members can be made from a 50A silicone or TPE material. The adjunct scrubbing member can be made from a 65 A TPE. Other materials and constructions can be used and are contemplated herein.

Other examples will occur to those skilled in the field based on the drawings and description herein, and are within the scope of the claims. For example, the integral scrubbing elements need not be shaped like flower petals, and the scrubbing members can be coupled to the handle and to each other in different manners than as described. Other changes would be apparent to one skilled in the technical field.