FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a cleaning device head and to a cleaning device including such head.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There are known cleaning devices with cleaning heads such as cleaning pads or brushes and containers for containing cleaning substances which are released through openings onto the pads or brushes to facilitate cleaning. As the substances get used up, it is common to refill the containers, from bottles or the like of the substances. A disadvantage that this often results in spillage and resultant mess.

[0003] In addition, as the containers of such devices are typically relatively small, the substances are required to be kept in their bottles or the like. This has the disadvantage that the products are exposed to the elements or are in non-sealed conditions. As a result, the quality of the cleaning substances may deteriorate, or the substances can go beyond their sell-by dates.

OBJECT

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] There is disclosed herein an applicator to receive a capsule containing a flowable substance to be applied by the applicator, the applicator including:

a first assembly including a wall with a plurality of passages through which the substance can pass, and an applicator portion adjacent the passage to receive the substance to be applied by the applicator portion;

a second assembly cooperating with the first assembly so as to provide a chamber to receive the capsule, with the assemblies coupled for relative movement between the assemblies, between a first position and a second position, with the assemblies in the first position providing for insertion and removal of the capsule with respect to the chamber, while when in the second position the chamber is substantially closed; and wherein

the second assembly includes a wall at least partly defining the chamber, with the assemblies in the second position enabling movement of the wal l to cause the capsule to release the substance to provide for the flow of the substance to the passages and therefore the applicator portion.

[0006] Preferably, the assemblies are angularly movable relative to each other about an axis between the first and second positions.

[0007] Preferably, the angular movement does not provide for lateral relative movement of the assemblies relative to said axis.

[0008] Preferably, the angular movement about said axis provides for relative movement between the assemblies in a direction transverse relative to said axis between the first and second positions thereof.

[0009] Preferably, the applicator further includes at least one projection fixed to said wall to engage the capsule to release the substance from within the capsule.

[0010] Preferably, said wall is resiliently deformable.

[001 1] Preferably, the wall is caused to move in the direction of said axis, by relative angular movement between the assemblies about said axis.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a cleaning device head, including:

at least one surface scrubbing element for scrubbing a surface,

a base component to which the least one surface scrubbing element is attached, the base component defining an internal compartment, wherein the base component is moveable between a closed condition and an open condition, and defines a substance opening to the compartment for receiving, through the substance opening, a capsule having an outer skin and scrubbing substance enclosed in the outer skin; and

an actuator mounted on the base component and moveable between a released position and an engagement position, the actuator being located relative to the compartment so as to engage a said capsule when the capsule is in the compartment and the actuator is moved from the released position to the engagement position, so as to cause a break in the outer skin of the capsule and allow release of the scrubbing substance from the capsule to the compartment, wherein the base component defines at least one substance aperture opening into the compartment and out through an external surface of the base component, to enable scrubbing substance released from the capsule to travel from the compartment through the at least one substance aperture, to the at least one scrubbing element.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base component includes a tube having tube walling defining the substance opening.

[0014] Preferably, the tube walling is adapted to support a said capsule when the capsule is inserted into the compartment via the substance opening.

[0015] Preferably, the actuator is located relative to the compartment so as to engage the inserted capsule while the capsule is supported by said walling when the actuator is moved from the released position to the engagement position.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base component defines a further opening, separate to the substance opening, when the base component is in the open condition, the further opening being closed when the base component is in the closed condition.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base component includes a first base component portion and a second base component portion, the first and second base component portions being moveable relative to each other between a first relative position and a second relative position, wherein the base component is in the closed condition when the first and second base component portions are in the first relative position, and is in the open condition when the first and second base component portions are in the second relative position.

[0018] Preferably, the first and second base component portions are rotatably moveable relative to each other between the first relative position and the second relati ve position.

[0019] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator includes a blade edge adapted to cause a break in the break in the outer skin of the capsul e by cutting the outer skin. [0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator includes at least one piercing element adapted to cause a break in the break in the outer skin of the capsule by piercing the outer skin.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator includes at least one engagement wall adapted to cause a break in the break in the outer skin of the capsule by exerting pressure on the outer skin to cause the outer skin to rupture.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at l east one surface scrubbing element includes a plurality of brush bristles.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cleaning device including a cleaning device head according to the first aspect of the invention or preferred embodiments thereof, and a handle fixed to the cleaning device head.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a brush including a brush head according to the first aspect of the invention, and a handle fixed to the brush head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of an applicator;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic isometric view of the applicator of Figure 1 in a further configuration;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic parts sectioned side elevation of the applicator of Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic isometric view of a further applicator;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of the applicator of Figure 4 in a further configuration;

[0031 ] Figure 6 is a schematic parts sectioned side elevation of the applicator of Figure 4; [0032] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cleaning device, including a cleaning device head, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 8 is a rear view of a cleaning device of Figure 7;

[0034] Figure 9 is a right side view of a cleaning device of Figure 7;

[0035] Figure 10 is a left side view of a cleaning device of Figure 7;

[0036] Figure 1 1 is a top view of a cleaning device of Figure 7;

[0037] Figure 12 is a bottom view of a cleaning device of Figure 7;

[0038] Figure 13 is schematic section view of the cleaning device head along line VIII-VIII in Figure 9; and

[0039] Figure 14 is schematic plan view showing first and second base components portions of the cleaning device head in three different relative positions.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] In Figures 1 , 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted an applicator 70. The applicator 70 applies a flowable substance such as a liquid gel or cream contained in the capsule 71.

[0041 ] The applicator 70 includes a base assembly 72 that is attached to a cap assembly 73. Operatively associated with the base assembly 72 and cap assembly 73 is a closure member 74.

[0042] The assembly 72 includes a base 75 that includes an annular wall 76 and a transverse wall 77, with the wall 76 being cylindrical in configuration.

[0043] The wall 77 includes a plurality of passages 78. To apply the abovementioned liquid or gel there is fixed to the transverse wall 77 a plurality of bristles 79.

[0044] The wall 76, in this embodiment, is generally cylindrical in configuration. [0045] Located internally and affixed to the base 75 is a cup 80 that includes a peripheral wall 81 and a transverse wall 82. The peripheral wall 81 is fixed to the wall 76, while the wall 82 has a plurality of passages 83 that are aligned with the passages 78 to provide for the passage of the abovementioned liquid or gel.

[0046] The cup 80 provides a chamber 84 including a sub-chamber 85 adjacent the wall 82, and a sub-chamber 86 that receives the capsule 71. The chamber 85 is divided to form the sub-chambers 85 and 86 by the cap assembly 75. The wall 81 is threaded so as to provide a plurality of threads 87.

[0047] The cap assembly includes a peripheral wall 88 and a transverse wall with the wall 88 being slidably engaged with the wall 81 but captively fixed thereto by means of the flange 90 slidably located in a groove 91 provided by the base assembly 72.

[0048] The transverse wall 89 extends across the chamber 84 to provide the chamber 84 into the sub-chambers 85 and 86.

[0049] The transverse wall 89 includes a pl urality of passages 92 that provide for

communication between the sub-chambers 85 and 86 to provide for the flow of the

abovementioned liquid or gel from the sub-chamber 86 to the sub-chamber 85.

[0050] The closure member 74 includes a part 93 that substantially closes the sub-chamber 86, but in cooperation with an annular flange 94 provides an aperture 95 that provides for insertion of the capsule 71 in the sub-chamber 86, and removal of a used capsule 71.

[0051 ] The flange 94 includes a skirt 96 that has a threaded peripheral edge 97 that is threadably engaged with the threads 87.

[0052] The closure member 74 also includes a transverse wall 98 that includes a plurality of projections (spikes) 99 that are aligned with the passages 92.

[0053] The base assembly 72 and cap assembly 73 cooperate to provide for relative angular movement therebetween about the axis 100. The assemblies 72 and 73 can move angularly relative to each other, but do not move longitudinally or laterally relative to the axis 100. [0054] This angular movement causes linear movement of the closure member 74 in the direction 101 that is generally parallel to the axis 100. In that respect, it should be appreciated the closure member 74 does not move angularly relati ve to the cap assembly 73, but there is relative angular movement between the base assembly 72 and the closure member 74. The closure member 74 moves in the direction 101 relative to the base assembly 72 and the cap assembly 73.

[0055] The abovementioned linear movement of the closure member 74 relative to the assemblies 72 and 73 in the direction 101, causes the projections 99 to move relative to the passages 92 to engage the capsule 71, to pierce the capsule 71 and to release the

abovementioned liquid or gel.

[0056] Relati ve angular movement in the opposite direction to the direction 102 moves the projections 99 back through the passages 92. Further movement in the direction opposite the angular direction 102 causes the part 93 to compress the capsule 71 against the transverse wall 89, forcing the gel or liquid through the passages 92 and through the passages 103 so that the liquid or gel can exit via the passages 83 to be applied.

[0057] In Figures 4 to 6 there is schematically depicted a further applicator 200. The application 200 receives a capsule 201 that contains a flowable substance such as a liquid or gel to be dispensed by the applicator 200.

[0058] The applicator 200 includes a base assembly 201 to which there is pivotally attached a cap assembly 203. The base assembly 202 and cap assembly 203 are pivotally coupled by means of a pivot pin 204 for angular relative movement about the axis 205. The base assembly 202 and cap assembly 203 are movable angularly relative to each other between a closed position as shown in Figure 4, and an open position as shown in Figure 5. In the open position as shown in Figure 5, the capsule 201 can be inserted and removed. The angular movement about the axis 205 enables relative lateral movement between the assemblies 202 and 203.

[0059] The base assembly 202 includes a base 206 providing a peripheral wall 207 and a transverse wall 208. Fixed to the transverse wall 208 is a plurality of bristles 209, while the wall 208 also has a plurality of passages 210 adjacent the bristles 209. The bristles could be replaced with a paid. The bristles 209 provide an applicator portion adjacent the passage 210 so as to receive the liquid or gel therefrom. [0060] The wall 208 also provides a cavity 21 1 within which the capsule 201 is located.

[0061 ] The cap assembly 203 includes a peripheral wall 212 and an inner peripheral wall 213. The cap assembly 203 further includes an exterior wall 214 that includes a flexible diaphragm

215 and a plate (wall) 216. Fixed to the plate 216 is a plurality of projections 217. The plate

216 at least partly defines the chamber.

[0062] The walls 208 and 214 provide a chamber 220, divided by the wall 213 into

sub-chambers 221 and 222, with the chamber 222 receiving the capsule 201.

[0063] The wall 213 has a plurality of passages 218 aligned with the projections 217.

[0064] In operation of the above described appli cator 200, when the applicator 200 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 4, containing a capsule 201 , a user grips the applicator 200 and applies force against the diaphragm 215. The diaphragm 215 deflects and engages the plate 216, that also resiliently deforms so that the projections 217 pass through the passages 218 and pierce the capsule 201 to release the liquid or gel. Further depression of the diaphragm 215 and plate 216 causes engagement thereof with the wall 213. The wall 213 also resiliently deforms so that pressure can be applied to the capsule 201. Upon pressure being applied to capsule 201 , the liquid or gel is forced into the chamber 219 wherefrom it is allowed to exit or be forced through the passages 210 to thereby be dispensed.

[0065] Upon release of the diaphragm 215 , the diaphragm 215 , wall 216 and wall 213 return to their rest position as shown in Figure 6.

[0066] Once used the capsule 201 can be replaced by pivotally moving the base assembly 202 and cap assembly 203 relative to each other angularly about the axis 205 until the capsule 201 is exposed for removal purposes.

[0067] Referring to Figures 7 to 14 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a cleaning device 10 in the form of a brush, having a cleaning device head 12 in the form of a brush head, and a handle 14 fixed to the brush head. The cleaning device 10 can be of any suitable material such as plastics or metal. [0068] The brush head 12 includes a base component 14 and a plurality of scrubbing elements 16 in the form of brush bristles connected to the base component in a manner in which bristles are conventionally connected to a brush head, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0069] The base component 16 includes a first base component portion 20 to which the bristles 18 are attached, and a second base component portion 22. The first and second base component portions 20, 22 engage with each other, to define an internal compartment 24.

[0070] The first base component portion 20 includes a tube 26 which is fixed to a remainder of the first base component portion, as illustrated schematically in Figure 8 at 28.

[0071 ] The tube 26 defines a substance opening 28 from outside of the base component 16, to within the compartment 24. This will be described further detail below.

[0072] The first base component portion 20 includes a front wall 32, to which the bristles 18 are attached, and outer walling 34 extending around and defining the perimeter of the base component portion, as indicated schematically in Figure 9.

[0073] A plurality of apertures 36 open into the compartment 24 and out through the outer surface of the front wall 32, among the bristles 18.

[0074] Secured to the front wall 32 of the first base component portion 20 is an actuator 38 which includes a blade edge 40, which will be described in further detail below.

[0075] The second base component portion 22 includes a rear wall 42, and outer walling 44 which extends around and defines the perimeter of the second base component portion, and which corresponds in shape to that of the first base component portion 20.

[0076] In addition, the second base component portion 22 includes a recessed rim 46, which is adapted to be accommodated as a loose sliding fit within the outer walling 34 of the first base component portion 20, as best seen in Figure 8.

[0077] The second base component portion 22 also includes an aperture 48 in the rear wall 42, through which the tube 26 is capable of extending as a close sliding fit. [0078] A first flange 50 is fixed to the outer surface of the tube 26, while a second flange 52 is connected to the inner surface of the rim 46 as shown in Figure 8.

[0079] A spring 54 is located between the first flange 50 and second flange 52. As will be understood, the second base component portion 22 is urged in the direction of the arrow 56 shown in Figure 8, relative to the first base component portion 20. This places the spring 54 under compression, so that the spring urges the first and second base component portions 20, 22 into engagement with each other.

[0080] It will be appreciated that there are many different ways of including a spring or other resilient means to urge the first and second base component portions 20, 22 into engagement with each other, while allowing the second base component portion and first base component portion to be pulled apart against the biasing force of such spring or other resilient means.

[0081] The first and second base component portions 20, 22 include interlocking detents (not shown) for preventing these components from being fully pulled apart or to provide a snap fit or similar engagement for retaining these component interconnected to each other.

[0082] Once the first and second base component portions 20, 22 are pulled apart to the maximum extent possible as limited to by the flanges 50, 52, spring 54 and detents (not shown), it will be noted that the rim 46 of the second base component portion 22 is clear of the walling 34 of the first base component portion 20, thereby to enable the second base component portion and first base component portion to be rotated relative to each other, as indicated by the phantom lines in Figure 9. The second base component portion 22 is adapted to rotate about the outer surface of the tube 48, relative to the first base component portion 20.

[0083] Once the first and second base component portions 20, 22 are rotated relative to each other through approximately 90 degrees as indicated in Figure 9, it will be appreciated that the there is an exposed opening 58 to the part of the compartment 24 defined by the first base component 20, the opening being defined by the outer walling 34 of the first base component portion. Similarly there is an exposed opening 59 (not shown) to the part of the compartment 24 defined by the second base component 22, that opening being defined by the 46 rim of the second base component portion. [0084] In use, it is possible to insert a capsule 60 having an outer skin 62 containing a scrubbing substance, through the tube 48, so that part 60.1 of the capsule protrudes into the compartment 24, clear of the tube, as seen in Figure 8.

[0085] When the first and second base components 20, 22 are rotated relative to each other as described above, a part of the inner surface of the rim 46 of the second base component engages with the 38 actuator as shown in Figure 9, deforming the actuator, to cause the blade edge 40 to engage with the protruding lower end 60.1 of the capsule 60.

[0086] Continued rotation of the first and second base component portions 20, 22 relative to each other causes the rim 46 of the second base component to further defon the actuator 38, so that the blade edge 40 cuts and penetrates and outer skin 62 of the capsule 60, within which the scrubbing substance is contained.

[0087] As the outer skin 62 is breached in this manner, the scrubbing substance contained within the capsule 60 is released into the compartment 24.

[0088] If the scrubbing substance is sufficiently runny, it will be able to flow through the apertures 36, onto the bristles 18, so that when the device 10 is used for cleaning purposes by means of the bristles, the bristles will be coated with the scrubbing substance, so that the scrubbing substance can facilitate the operation in a manner that would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0089] Should the scrubbing substance be excessively viscous so that it cannot easily flow through the apertures 36, the device 10 can be held under running water, for example under a tap, so that water can penetrate or enter the compartment 24 via the apertures, so as to mix with the scrubbing substance, and water it down, so that it becomes less viscous. Thus, the scrubbing substance together with water mixed in with it, can flow through the apertures 36 onto the bristles 18.

[0090] After a cleaning operation, when it is desired to clean out the compartment 34, the first and second base component portions 20, 22 can be rotated relative to each other as described above with reference to Figure 9, so as to expose the openings 58, 59 into the first and second base component portions, so as to allow these portions to be flushed out with running water. [0091 ] It will be appreciated that the ability of the invention to accommodate a capsule 60 which is breached by the actuator 38 allows for the scrubbing substance to be supplied in an hygienic form which may also serve to preserve its shelf life as it is sealed within the outer skin 62 of the capsule.

[0092] While the above embodiment is described with reference to the scrubbing element being in the form of a plurality of bristles 18 so that the device head 12 constitutes a brush head, it is to be understood that other forms of scrubbing element may be used, such as abrasive pads, cloth-like surfaces, etc, for performing different types of cleaning or brushing operation.

[0093] The particular nature of the scrubbing substance will depend on the intended cleaning or brushing operation. For example, where the device 10 is in the form of a toothbrush, then the scrubbing substance may be toothpaste. When the device 10 is in the form of a different type of brush, for example a brush for grooming an animal such as a horse, then a suitable grooming substance can be used for this purpose.

[0094] Alternatively, where the scrubbing element 18 is in the form of an abrasive pad, or other cleaning surface, then then the scrubbing substance can be a cleaning substance suitable for the purpose, such as domestic surface cleaning liquids, gels or pastes, commercial cleaning substances, etc.

[0095] Different embodiments of the invention may involve base components 16 of different forms, different types of apertures or openings for inserting capsules with scrubbing substance within them, and different types of actuators for breaking the outer skin of the capsule 60 to release the scrubbing substance into the compartment 34.

[0096] For example, the base component 16 might include two separate portions which can simply be detached from each other so as to expose the inner compartment, and provide a zone for placement of the capsule, such that the particular actuator will be positioned so as to engage with the capsule so as to break its skin. As an alternative, the actuator may be affixed to or part of one of those separate portions.

[0097] Alternatively, the base component 16 may be of a unitary nature, for example having a side flap which serves as a hatch to provide access to the compartment 24, both for the insertion of the capsule 60, and for cleaning purposes. [0098] It will be appreciated that in the l atter two embodiments, instead of having two separate openings to the compartment 24, including and the passage defined by the tube 26 and exposed openings 58, 59 of the first embodiment above, there will only be one opening.

[0099] In addition, the actuator, instead of being of a deformable type as described with reference to the first embodiment above, may be rotatably mounted on the base component 16, so that it can be rotated into engagement with the capsule 60 when the capsule is inserted into the compartment.

[0100] Alternatively, the actuator may have two separate components which are slidable relati ve to each other, with one of the components being fixed to the base component 16 and the other component be slidable relative to the first mentioned component, so as to effect the breaking of the outer skin 60.1 of the capsule 60.

[0101] In addition, instead of having two separate base component portions 20, 22 as described above with reference to the first-mentioned embodiment, which are adapted to actuate the actuator 38 to break the skin 60.1 of the capsule 60, other forms of actuation may be provided. For example, there may be one or more flexible or spring-loaded buttons on the base component which can be depressed so as to move the actuator into engagement with the capsule.

[0102] Alternatively, such buttons may themsel ves constitute the actuator, without the need for a separate button and actuator.

[0103] Furthermore, instead of the actuator having a cutting blade for cutting and penetrating the capsule as described above, it may instead have one or more pins or sharp prongs which are adapted to pierce the capsule so as to enable the rel ease of the contents of the capsule.

[0104] Alternatively, the actuator may have an engagement wall which is configured to press against the capsule skin so as to place the capsule under pressure, so that continued pressing of the capsule by the engagement wall causes the capsule to rupture or burst thereby releasing the scrubbing substance into the compartment.

[0105] It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, it will be necessary to provide a rear wall or surface against which the capsule can be braced as the engagement wall exerts pressure on it. [0106] Alternatively, more than one actuator of this type, or an actuator having more than one engagement wall which are configured to move in different directions to each other, may be employed, so as to squeeze the capsule from one or more additional side.

[0107] Although the invention is described with reference to specific embodiments above, it is to be understood that it is not limited to those embodiments but may be embodied in other forms, falling within the scope of the claims.