FIELD

[1] Various exemplary embodiments of an attachment for a cleaning apparatus particularly suited to cleaning a track of a window, door or the like, are described in this specification.

SUMMARY

[2] The following is a broad summary of various exemplary embodiments of an attachment for a cleaning apparatus. As such, it is provided solely for the purpose of enhancing the clarity of the specification. It is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

[3] According to one broad aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, of the present disclosure there is provided an attachment for a cleaning apparatus, including

a mounting mechanism for mounting a handle to a cleaning body that is sized and configured to be suitable for location in an elongate recess of a track for a closure that is linearly displaceable relative to the track, the mounting mechanism including

a support for supporting the cleaning body;

a mounting member arranged on the support and configured to engage the handle in a releasable manner; and

complementary stop members arranged on the support and the handle to inhibit sideways movement of the mounting member relative to the handle.

[4] In use, the cleaning body is inserted into the track and then swept along the track for cleaning in a sideways direction relative to the user. Thus, the complementary stop members serve to secure or locate the support, and thus the cleaning member, relative to the handle. Use of the word "sideways" in this specification and the appended claims is thus to be given a corresponding meaning. Accordingly, the complementary stop members may inhibit linear movement of the mounting member relative to the handle.

[5] The support may be elongate and a connector may be arranged on the support. The complementary stop members may include two stop members arranged on the support and spaced from each other with the connector positioned between the stop members. The connector may be configured for connecting to a holder of the handle, for example, for clipping into a holder of the handle such that the holder may be interposed between the stop members of the connector, the complementary stop members also including ends of the holder.

[6] The mounting member may be configured so that the mounting member is pivotal with respect to the handle when attached or clipped to the holder.

[7] The two stop members on the support may be spaced apart at a distance so that the ends of the holder abut respective stop members.

[8] The connector may include a pivot member that is interposed between the stop members. The pivot member may have an arcuate cross sectional profile. The pivot member may be dimensioned to nest in a channel defined by the holder.

[9] The pivot member may be elongate and may extend between the stop members on the support.

[10] The attachment may include a fastening member that extends from the support. The fastening member may extend oppositely to the stop and pivot members. The fastening member can be received in the cleaning body. The fastening member may be configured to secure the cleaning body to the mounting mechanism.

[1 1] According to another broad aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, of the present disclosure there is provided a cleaning apparatus including an attachment as described in the aforementioned aspect.

[12] The cleaning apparatus may further include a cleaning body that is sized and configured to be located in an elongate recess of a track for a closure that is linearly displaceable relative to the track.

[13] The cleaning body may include a recess for receiving the fastening member. The recess may be configured to be complementary to the fastening member.

[14] In another aspect, there is provided a cleaning body for location in an elongate recess of a track for a closure that is linearly displaceable relative to the track to thereby clean the recess, the cleaning body including a body composed at least partly of resilient material, the body including a recess for receiving a fastening member of a mounting mechanism for mounting the cleaning body to a handle. Preferably the recess is a slot. [15] The body may be cuboid in shape, and the recess may extend substantially the length and height of the cuboid.

[16] The cleaning body may include a mounting mechanism for mounting the cleaning body to a handle. The mounting mechanism may include a fastening member. The fastening member may be a protrusion. The fastening member may be complementarily shaped and dimensioned for insertion into the recess in the cleaning body. Preferably, the fastening member is secured within the recess.

[17] In another aspect, there is provided a cleaning apparatus, the cleaning apparatus including a cleaning body sized and configured for location in an elongate recess of a track for a closure that is linearly displaceable relative to the track, the cleaning body including a recess for receiving at least a portion of a mounting mechanism; a mounting mechanism for mounting the cleaning body to a handle, the mounting mechanism including a fastening member complementarily configured for insertion in to the recess in the cleaning body; and a handle configured for releasably engaging with the mounting mechanism.

[18] The handle may be curved. The handle may extend orthogonally from the longitudinal direction of the elongate recess of the track in use. Preferably, the handle may be configured to pivotably engage with the mounting mechanism.

[19] The mounting mechanism may include a support for supporting the cleaning body; a mounting member arranged on the support and configured to engage with the handle in a releasable manner; and complementary stop members arranged on the support and the handle to inhibit sideways movement of the mounting member relative to the handle; and wherein the fastening member extends from the support at a side opposed to the stop members.

[20] The handle may include clipping formations for releasably clipping onto the mounting mechanism.

[21] In another aspect, there is provided a cleaning apparatus, the cleaning apparatus including a cleaning body sized and configured for location in an elongate recess of a track for a closure that is linearly displaceable relative to the track; a mounting mechanism for mounting the cleaning body to a handle; and a handle configured for releasably engaging with the mounting mechanism, the handle being curved and configured to extend orthogonally from the longitudinal direction of the elongate recess of the track in operation. The handle may be configured to pivotably engage with the mounting mechanism. [22] In another aspect, there is provided an attachment for a cleaning apparatus, the attachment including a mounting mechanism for mounting a handle to a cleaning body that is sized and configured to be suitable for location in an elongate recess of a track for a closure that is linearly displaceable relative to the track, the mounting mechanism including a support for supporting the cleaning body; a mounting member arranged on the support and configured to engage with the handle in a releasable manner; at least one stop member arranged on the support and the handle to inhibit sideways and/or linear movement of the mounting member relative to the handle; and a fastening member extending from the support, the fastening member being configured for being received within a recess in the cleaning body.

[23] Preferably, the support may be elongate. The mounting member may include a connector arranged on the support, and two stop members arranged on the support and spaced from each other with the connector positioned between the stop members. The connector may be configured for clipping into a holder of the handle such that the holder is interposed between the stop members of the connector. The, or each, stop member may also include ends of the holder.

[24] The mounting member may be configured so that the mounting member is pivotal with respect to the handle when clipped to the holder. The two stop members on the support may be spaced apart at a distance so that the ends of the holder abut respective stop members.

[25] The connector may include a pivot member that is interposed between the stop members. The pivot member may have an arcuate cross-sectional profile. The pivot member may be dimensioned to nest in a channel defined by the holder.

[26] Preferably the pivot member may be elongate. The pivot member may extend between the stop members on the support. The fastening member preferably extends from the support on a side of the support opposed to the stop member and pivot members.

[27] The cleaning apparatus may include a cleaning body. The cleaning body may be sized and configured to be located in an elongate recess of a track for a closure. The closure may be linearly displaceable relative to the track.

[28] The cleaning body may include a recess for receiving the fastening member. The recess may be configured to be complementary to the fastening member. The fastening member is preferably planar. [29] The fastening member may extend between 50% and 100% of the length of the cleaning body. The fastening member may extend between 70% and 90% of the length of the cleaning body. The cleaning body may extend at least 5mm outwardly of the fastening member in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the cleaning body in the track. The cleaning body may extend at least 5mm outwardly of the fastening member in the direction of movement of the cleaning body in the track. The fastening member may include at least one strengthening rib extending at least partly along the fastening member.

[30] It will be appreciated that reference herein to "preferred" or "preferably" is intended as exemplary only.

[31] Specific exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[32] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[33] FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of an attachment for a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning body in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[34] FIG. 2 is a side exploded view of the attachment shown in FIG. 1.

[35] FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the attachment shown in FIG. 1.

[36] FIG. 4 is a top view of the attachment and the cleaning body of FIG. 1 in an engaged configuration.

[37] FIG. 5 is an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure in a partially unassembled arrangement.

[38] FIG. 6 is a side exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[39] FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure in an assembled configuration.

[40] FIG. 8 is a rear isometric view of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

[41] FIG. 9 is a side view of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 7. [42] FIG. 10 is a top view of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

[43] FIG. 11 is a rear isometric view of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 7, shown inserted into a recess in a track.

[44] FIG. 12 is an isometric exploded view of a second embodiment of an attachment for a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning body in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[45] FIG. 13 is an isometric exploded view of a third embodiment of an attachment for a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning body in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[46] FIG. 14 is an isometric exploded view of a fourth embodiment of an attachment for a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning body in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[47] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. By way of example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[48] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an attachment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for a cleaning apparatus that is advantageously suited to cleaning difficult to access areas and in particular, a track 200 for a closure that is linearly displaceable relative to the track 200. "Track" is to be understood as encompassing a track of a fixture such as a window, a door or the like. The attachment 10 is configured to allow or favour side to side or sideways movement of a cleaning apparatus in the track 200 in a direction as shown by arrow A in figure 1 1.

[49] Referring in particular to FIGs. 1 to 4, broadly the attachment 10 includes a mount or mounting mechanism 12 for connecting or mounting a handle 30 to a cleaning body 20. The cleaning body 20 is sized and configured to be located in an elongate recess of a track 200 of a window, door or the like. The cleaning body 20 may be formed from any material that is suitable for a particular cleaning purpose. By way of example, an abrasive material may be required in a situation that requires heavy- duty cleaning. It is envisaged that the cleaning body 20 may be formed from a resilient, flexible, soft and/or semi-flexible material such a sponge-type material, a foamed material, a plastics material or a fabric material. Alternatively, the cleaning body 20 may be formed from a bristle-type material for cleaning particularly soiled tracks. It is also contemplated that the cleaning body 20 may be a rigid structure onto which a cleaning cloth or material may be attached. In the depicted embodiments, the cleaning body 20 is generally rectangular in cross-section although other shapes are contemplated. It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the cleaning body 20 may be somewhat dependent on the corresponding size and shape of the track to be cleaned.

[50] The attachment 10 may be a unitary piece as shown herein or alternatively, the attachment 10 may be separate pieces adapted to engage each other by a suitable engagement mechanism. The attachment 10 may be injection moulded. The attachment 10 may be integrally moulded. The attachment 10 may be formed from any suitable material such as, but not limited to, a plastics material, or alternatively a metal such as stainless steel. It will be appreciated that the attachment 10 may be formed from any material of suitable structural integrity. It is further envisaged that the attachment can be integrally formed with the cleaning body 20, for example in a moulding process.

[51] The mounting mechanism 12 includes a mounting formation or mounting member 12a for mounting the attachment to a handle 30. The mounting member 12a includes an elongate support 13, a pair of stoppers or stop members 16 in the form of flanges extending from the elongate support 13 and a connector in the form of a shaft or pivot member 14 arranged on the elongate support 13 and complementary stop members in the form of two stop members 16. The pivot member 14 is interposed and extends between the two stop members 16.

[52] The pivot member 14 is suitably configured to engage a handle 30. The pivot member 14 may be an elongate member such a cross bar or shaft as shown in the drawings and may have an arcuate or rectangular cross-sectional profile, although without limitation thereto. The pivot member 14 is preferably circular in cross section and preferably has a diameter that is less than the size of each stop member 16. In the depicted embodiments, each stop member 16 is in the form of a flange or body defining an end of the mounting member 12a. As shown in figure 1 , each stop member 16 has an outwardly facing angled surface 17 and an inwardly facing surface 19 that faces towards the pivot member 14. The pivot member 14 is interposed and extends between the stop members 16.

[53] The pivot member 14 is integrally moulded with the, or each stop member

16. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the pivot member 14 can be attached to the, or each stop member 16 by a suitable attachment mechanism or fastener such as a clip or screw arrangement. It will be appreciated that the stop member 16 can be any suitable size or shape.

[54] Extending from the mounting member 12a is a fastening member or fastening formation in the form of a protrusion 18. The protrusion 18 extends from the elongate support 13, in a direction opposed to the direction that the stop members and shaft 14 extend from the elongate support 13. The protrusion 18 is suitably sized and shaped to be slideably inserted into a slot 24 present on an attachment engaging face 22 of the cleaning body 20. The protrusion 18 is preferably planar in configuration, such as a plate or a sheet, although without limitation thereto. The protrusion 18 is preferably rigid and is composed of a plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning body 20 is preferably cuboid in configuration, and the protrusion 18 preferably extends substantially along the length (measured in the direction of traverse of the cleaning body in the track) and height (measured in the direction of depth of the recess of the track) of the cleaning body, preferably with the cleaning body 20 extending between 1 mm and 20mm, more preferably between 3mm and 10mm, and most preferably about 5mm outwardly from the protrusion 18.

[55] The protrusion can also extend over a substantial portion of the width of the cleaning member 20, preferably also leaving a layer of cleaning material outside of the width.

[56] In this way, the rigid protrusion 18 supports and/or holds the cleaning body in a preferred configuration to thereby ensure that the cleaning body 20 cleans the track 200 efficiently, but does not interfere with the movement of the cleaning body along the track 200, and the ability of the resilient cleaning body to adapt to obstacles in the recess of the track 200.

[57] It is envisaged that the protrusion 18 need not be tapered, or planar.

Referring to figures 12 and 13, alternative embodiments of attachments 10b and 10c are shown, respectively. In figure 14, the protrusion 18b mirrors the shape of cleaning body 20b, and the internal shape and/or configuration of slot 24b complements the shape and/or configuration of protrusion 18b. Cleaning body 20b extends a distance b outwardly of protrusion 18b. Distance b is preferably between 1 mm and 20mm, more preferably between 3mm and 10mm, and most preferably about 5mm. The cleaning member 20b does not need to extend outwardly from the protrusion 18b by the same distance in each direction, but this is preferred. Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment where protrusion 18c has a curved profile, which will preferably be complemented by the shape of the slot 24c in cleaning body 20c.

[58] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the protrusion extends between 50% and 100% of the length and/or height of the cleaning body, and more preferably between 70% and 90% of the length and/or height of the cleaning body. In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the protrusion extends between 50% and 100% of the width of the cleaning body, and more preferably between 70% and 90% of the width of the cleaning body.

[59] It is further envisaged that in an alternative embodiment of an attachment

10d shown in figure 14, the protrusion can include strengthening ribs 50. Such strengthening ribs can allow for the strength of the protrusion to be enhanced, and the width of the protrusion to be extended, but still allow for the protrusion to be generated in an injection moulding process (which requires even wall thicknesses).

[60] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that instead of foamed or sponge like material, the cleaning body can include bristles. In one embodiment, the bristles can extend from the protrusion itself, or from a body into which the protrusion is receivable.

[61] In one embodiment, the protrusion 18 and the mounting member12a are integrally moulded in a moulding process, such as injection moulding. It is envisaged that the protrusion will preferably be permanently bonded within the slot 24 of the cleaning body 20 by resin, glue or the like.

[62] In an alternative embodiment, the protrusion can be fixed within the slot 24 by other means, such as by a fastener or the like. It is envisaged that the attachment 10 and cleaning body 20 can be integrally formed in a two-part moulding process, with the protrusion 18 moulded into the slot of the cleaning body, or the cleaning body moulded around the protrusion, for example in an injection moulding process.

[63] As shown in FIG. 2 , in cross-section the protrusion 18 may taper to a point in a direction away from the elongate support 13. Accordingly, the lateral edges 1 1 of the protrusion 18 are angled slightly towards a bottom edge 1 1a of the protrusion 18. This tapered and angled arrangement of the protrusion 18 permits ready insertion and removal of the attachment 10 into and out of the slot 24, which is particularly advantageous when rapid replacement of the cleaning body 20 is required during use. Once inserted, the attachment 10 is securely engaged with the cleaning body 20. It will be appreciated that the attachment 10 may be configured to engage or fasten the cleaning body 20 by any suitable mechanism such as a clip fit, a hook and loop fastening mechanism (such as, but not limited to, Velcro) and a hook and eye engagement, in addition to a sliding-based engagement as described above. Alternative forms of slideable engagement are contemplated. By way of example, in another embodiment (not shown) the attachment 10 may be configured to be slidably receivable from a lateral edge into a cartridge present on the attachment engaging face 22.

[64] Reference is made to FIGs. 5 to 10, which illustrate a cleaning apparatus

100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning apparatus 100 includes the attachment 10, the cleaning body 20 and a handle 30. The mounting member 12a is configured to engage the handle 30 in a releasable manner and is configured to co-operate with the handle 30 such that sideways linear movement of the mounting member 12a relative to the handle 30 is inhibited by the stop members 16. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) a pair of pivot members could be provided outside of a central stop member. In this embodiment, the handle would engage with both of the pivot members and sideways linear movement of the handle would be prevented by the central stop member.

[65] The handle 30 is an elongate member having a body 32 that is generally curved and circular in cross section. The handle 30 may be of any suitable shape and in particular, may be economically shaped to facilitate efficient cleaning of a track of a window, a door or the like. The handle 30 engages the attachment 10 at an attachment engaging end in the form of a holder 34. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the holder 34 is configured to fit the pivot member 14 and in particular, the holder 34 includes a clipping formation or channel 36 that is shaped to form a clip- fit with the pivot member 14, although other engagement mechanisms are contemplated. When assembled, the handle 30 engages the pivot member 14 by way of the holder 34. The holder 34 is dimensioned to be interposed and securely fit between the two step members 16. The inward surface 19 of each stop member 16 abuts the corresponding end of the holder 34 and in a sufficiently secure fit. This arrangement is configured to support sideways movement (as opposed to forwards and backwards movement) of the cleaning body 20 in a track as shown by arrow A in figure 11. The mounting member 12a is configured so that the mounting member 12a is pivotable with respect to the handle 30 when attached or clipped to the holder 34. This arrangement also permits a degree of forwards and backwards pivoting movement about a pivot axis co axial with the longitudinal axis of the pivot member of the cleaning body 20 relative to the handle 30. A non-limiting advantage of this forwards and backwards pivoting movement is to facilitate fitting of the cleaning body 20 in a track.

[66] A further non-limiting advantage of the present disclosure is that a single attachment 10 may be configured to fit multiple cleaning bodies having different dimensions to fit different width or sized tracks.

[67] The handle 30 is shaped so that, when grasped, a user's hand is offset orthogonally with respect to a cleaning direction. As a result, interference with the fixture can be avoided. In this particular example, the handle 30 is curved in the opposite direction.

[68] The appended claims are to be considered as incorporated into the above description.

[69] Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers.

[70] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[71] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [72] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non- claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[73] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g. , title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;

d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and

e. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.

[74] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.

[75] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1 , 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc. , and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc.

[76] Words indicating direction or orientation, such as "front", "rear", "back",

"sideways", etc., are used for convenience. The inventor(s) envisages that various embodiments can be used in a non-operative configuration, such as when presented for sale. Thus, such words are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

[77] Accordingly, every portion (e.g. , title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

[78] For the purposes of this specification, any reference to a "recess" in a body is defined to include an aperture that extends through the body.