STORAGE ASSEMBLY FOR STORING A CLEANING APPARATUS

Priority Claim

This application claims priority to the Australian provisional patent application 2022901384 filed on 23 May 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by way of this reference.

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for mounting and storing a cleaning apparatus, such as a cleaning brush. Further, the housing may retain and store objects having mounting apertures such as paper rolls.

Background of Invention

[0002] Commonly, stored items in bathrooms and water closets are brushes used for cleaning as well as toilet paper - typically provided on a cylinder. Within kitchens butler’s pantries and laundries, it is also common to store a brush (typically for cleaning) as well as absorbent material such as paper towel.

[0003] In confined areas, such as cupboards, small bathrooms and water closets, the efficient use of space is critical. Therefore, there is a need to provide multi-use storage solutions that are efficient, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

[0004] Before turning to a summary of the present invention it should be appreciated that reference to any prior knowledge in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior knowledge forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

Summary of Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a storage assembly for storing a cleaning apparatus and an object having a mounting aperture, the storage assembly comprising: - a mounting sleeve for storing the object, the mounting sleeve comprising a wall and having an at least partially open first end, an at least partially open second end, an internal cavity spanning from the at least partially open first end to the at least partially open second end, and an external perimeter shaped and sized to be received within the mounting aperture of the object;

- a stop located at a limit point along the assembly, the stop configured to restrict movement of the object when received on the mounting sleeve beyond the limit point;

- a detachable housing having an internal cavity configured to retain liquid or solid particles shed from the cleaning apparatus when stored in the assembly; and

- a surface mount connected to the mounting sleeve and/or detachable housing to allow the storage assembly to be mounted to a surface, wherein, when in a storage position, at least a portion of the cleaning apparatus is positioned in the internal cavity of the mounting sleeve, and the portion of the cleaning apparatus is moveable into and out of the internal cavity of the mounting sleeve, wherein, the mounting sleeve internal cavity and the detachable housing internal cavity are in fluid communication, and wherein the assembly is configured to retain the object when received on the mounting sleeve during detachment and attachment of the detachable housing.

[0006] In some aspects of the storage assembly, at least a portion of the cleaning apparatus is storable in the internal cavity of the mounting sleeve, and is moveable into and out of the mounting sleeve.

[0007] By allowing a cleaning apparatus and an object having a mounting aperture to be sored by the same assembly, the space needed for storage is reduced. This is particularly advantageous in space-limited areas such as bathrooms, water closets and cupboards. Accordingly, and as will become apparent, the storage assembly of the invention is particularly suitable for storing a cleaning brush (such as a toilet brush) and rolls of paper (such as toilet paper). This allows for a simple, efficient and aesthetically pleasing storage solution for items which are typically co-located. However, it will be apparent to a skilled addressee that the storage assembly of the present invention is not limited to such a use and may be useful to store other items or be used in other contexts. Once such context is to store paper towel and a dish scrubbing brush in a kitchen or kitchen cupboard, with these two items also been typically co-located.

[0008] The storage assembly functions by placing the object having an aperture (e.g., a toilet roll) over the mounting sleeve. This then slides longitudinally along the mounting sleeve until it engages the stop, which limits movement along the assembly. Accordingly, the stop and mounting sleeve cooperate to retain the object on the storage assembly. Additional objects can then be positioned on the storage assembly to provide a stack of objects.

[0009] The stop may be a component in addition to the mounting sleeve, detachable housing or surface mount. However, in some embodiments the stop is integral with, or provided by, one of the mounting sleeve, detachable housing or surface mount. In a preferred embodiment, the stop is provided by at least a portion of the surface mount. Alternatively, the stop could be provided by a protuberance, projection from, or a widening of the width of, the mounting sleeve or detachable housing. Preferably, the storage assembly is configured such that the stop permits the detachable housing to be detached while retaining the mounted object(s) on the mounting sleeve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the storage assembly further comprising a cleaning apparatus. Preferably, the cleaning apparatus comprises at least a handle, and a head, and wherein the head is configured to fit within the internal cavity of the mounting sleeve. In such a form, the handle of the cleaning apparatus may be directly attached to the head of the cleaning apparatus. However, the cleaning apparatus may also include a stem linking the handle and the head, thereby permitting the handle to be a different size shape or configuration than the stem.

[0011] The cleaning apparatus is configured such that when it is stored in the assembly in a storage position, the head is at least partially housed in the detachable housing and/or the mounting sleeve. Further at least a portion of the handle is accessible from, extends out of, or can be passed through the at least partially open first end of the mounting sleeve to permit removal of the cleaning apparatus from the storage assembly. Preferably, the cleaning apparatus head is at least partially housed in the detachable housing when the cleaning apparatus is in the storage position.

[0012] Further, when the cleaning apparatus is in the storage position, the handle of the cleaning apparatus and the mounting sleeve may be configured to cooperate to retain the cleaning apparatus with the assembly during detachment and attachment of the detachable housing. Alternatively, the assembly may be otherwise configured to retain the cleaning apparatus with the assembly during detachment and attachment of the detachable housing.

[0013] In preferred forms of the invention, the cleaning apparatus is placed into the storage assembly by positioning the head in the at least partially open first end of the mounting sleeve and then pushing the cleaning apparatus in a longitudinal direction toward the at least partially open second end of the mounting sleeve. The storage assembly and the cleaning apparatus are configured such that the longitudinal movement of the cleaning apparatus is arrested, at which point the cleaning apparatus is in the storage position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus handle comprises at least a portion having an outer width exceeding the internal opening width of the at least partially open first end of the mounting sleeve to prevent the handle from moving through the at least partially open first end. Accordingly, this configuration arrests movement of the cleaning apparatus relative to the storage assembly. However, to permit one or more objects to be mounted onto the outside of the mounting sleeve, it will be appreciated that it is advantageous for the maximum handle width to be smaller than an internal width of a mounting aperture of the object to be mounted. This allows the object to be mounted and/or removed from the mounting sleeve when the cleaning apparatus is in its storage position. Resultantly, the cleaning apparatus does not need to be removed to permit placement and removal of the stored object(s) onto the storage assembly.

[0015] However, in alternative embodiments, it may be beneficial for the cleaning apparatus to restrict movement of the stored object(s), in which case the maximum width of the handle may be wider than the maximum width of the aperture of the object(s) to be stored. In such a configuration, the cleaning apparatus will need to be removed to permit placement/removal of the object.

[0016] While one preferred embodiment of the cleaning apparatus is a brush, the cleaning apparatus can be any suitable apparatus that is receivable by the storage assembly. Therefore, in some embodiments the cleaning apparatus head is a mop head, or a sponge head, or a squeegee head or a material dusting head, or comprises one or more abrasive surfaces, or comprises one or more bristles. [0017] To permit cleaning of the storage assembly it is advantageous for the assembly to be able to be disassembled. As such, the assembly includes a detachable housing. In use (i.e. , when attached to the assembly) the detachable housing retains material such as liquids and solid particles that may be shed from a cleaning apparatus stored in the assembly. Then, periodically, the detachable housing can be removed from the assembly, emptied and cleaned before being reattached. As has been discussed above, in preferred embodiments, the configuration of the assembly and the stored cleaning apparatus is such that the cleaning apparatus is retained by the assembly during detachment and attachment of the housing. Further, the mounting sleeve is retained in position so that objects stored thereon do not need to be removed. Further, it is advantageous for the detachable housing to be removable while the assembly remains in a mounted position. Accordingly, in some embodiments the detachable housing is independent of the stop and/or the surface mount.

[0018] However, it may also be desirable to remove the mounting sleeve for cleaning. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the mounting sleeve is attachable to, and detachable from, the assembly.

[0019] Any suitable means can be used to reversibly attach the detachable housing and/or mounting sleeve to the assembly. However, in certain embodiments, the detachable housing and/or mounting sleeve are attachable to and detachable from the assembly by a thread fit arrangement, or a snap fit arrangement, or a bayonet-fit arrangement, or a friction fit arrangement. In certain embodiments, the detachable housing and/or mounting sleeve is attachable to and detachable from the assembly by different arrangements. In a preferred form, the mounting sleeve is attached via a screw thread and the detachable housing is attached by a bayonet fitting.

[0020] In some embodiments, the mounting sleeve and the detachable housing are fastened directly to each other, in a releasable manner. However, in alternative embodiments, the assembly comprises a junction to which the detachable housing and/or the mounting sleeve are attached or fastened in a releasable manner. This junction may interspace the mounting sleeve and detachable housing, in which case the junction will be in fluid communication with the mounting sleeve and the detachable housing and will have an internal aperture sufficiently sized to allow the head of the cleaning apparatus to pass through. This will allow both materials and fluid to pass from the internal cavity of the mounting sleeve into the internal cavity of the detachable housing. It will also let the head of the cleaning apparatus pass through the junction to allow the head to be stored withing the internal cavity of the detachable housing.

[0021] The junction may be an additional component of the storage assembly or may be integrated with another component, such as the surface mount.

[0022] The storage assembly of the present invention can be mounted on any suitable surface, such as a vertical surface or a horizontal surface. The choice of surface, and the desired orientation of the assembly relative to the surface, will determine the configuration of the surface mount. However, in certain embodiments, the surface mount will be a wall mount suitable for a vertical surface (relative to gravity). In alternative embodiments, the surface mount will be a floor mount suitable for a horizontal surface (relative to gravity). Typically, the assembly, including the mount, will be arranged such that the storage sleeve is inclined or substantially vertical relative to the room or area in which it is mounted. However, in some embodiments, the mounting sleeve can be horizontal when the assembly is mounted. Further, in some embodiments, the assembly will be configured to be substantially parallel to a surface upon which it is mounted. This is particularly envisaged when the intended mounting surface is a vertical surface such as a wall or door. In alternative embodiments, the assembly will be configured to be substantially perpendicular to a surface upon which it is mounted. This is particularly envisaged when the intended mounting surface is a horizontal surface such as a floor or bench top.

[0023] To facilitate mounting, the surface mount may comprise a mounting plate or foot. This plate or foot may be a wall mounting plate or foot, or a floor mounting plate or foot. It is to be understood that these plates or feet are for vertical or horizontal surfaces respectively.

[0024] In some embodiments, the detachable housing comprises a flat base. Accordingly, this flat base allows the storage assembly to remain free standing on this base. In such an embodiment, the flat base acts as a floor mount.

[0025] The interior cavity of the mounting sleeve and/or detachable housing may include additional functional features or coatings. In some embodiments, the internal cavity of the mounting sleeve and/or detachable housing comprises at least one agitation protuberance or projections. This protuberance or projection acts to agitate the head of the cleaning apparatus as the apparatus is placed in, or removed from, the assembly. Further, the surface of the internal cavity of the mounting sleeve and/or detachable housing can comprise a hydrophobic coating and/or an anti-microbial coating.

[0026] The material which the storage assembly is made from will be chosen based on the intended location of the storage assembly and design principles such as look and functionality. In some embodiments, the mounting sleeve and/or the detachable housing comprise or are made of corrosion resistant material or have a corrosion resistant coating. In some embodiments, the assembly, or components of the assembly comprise, are made from plastic, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, steel or alloys thereof. Further, the assembly may have a coating comprising a metal, such as chrome, a ceramic, or a decorative coating such as paint, a powder coat or otherwise coated.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0027] Certain embodiments are illustrated by the following figures. It is to be understood that the following description is for the purpose of describing at least a particular embodiment of the invention only and is not intended to limit the invention to the particularly described embodiment.

[0028] Figure 1 is an upper isometric view of a storage assembly in accordance with the present invention including a stored cleaning apparatus, but without stored objects on the mounting sleeve. This illustrated embodiment of the assembly includes a mount configure to be mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall.

[0029] Figure 2 is a side view of the storage assembly of Figure 1 .

[0030] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the storage assembly of Figure 2.

[0031] Figure 3a is a partial view magnifying the attachment of the housing sleeve and the detachable housing to the surface mount.

[0032] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the storage assembly of Figure 2. [0033] Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-section side view of the storage assembly including stored objects (namely paper rolls).

[0034] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the storage assembly of Figure 1 which includes stored objects (namely paper rolls).

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates a storage assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention installed and mounted on a wall next to a toilet.

[0036] Figure 8 illustrates the installed storage assembly of Figure 7 with paper rolls mounted on the assembly.

Detailed Description

[0037] Throughout the specification reference may be made to the storage assembly in an “in use” or “mounted” orientation. Accordingly, the arrangement of specific components and features of the assembly may be referenced relative to a room in which the assembly has been positioned or installed. Therefore, terminology such as “above”, “below”, “horizontal”, “vertical” may be used, with these terms being relative to the room in which the assembly is being used or the relative arrangement of components and features of the assembly when installed.

[0038] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an upper isometric view and side view of an embodiment of the storage assembly of the present invention. The assembly comprises a cylindrical mounting sleeve (1 ), a stop (2) forming a junction between the mounting sleeve (1 ) and a detachable housing (3). Further, illustrated is a surface mount (5) having a mounting portion (6) for abutting and mounting the assembly to a (preferably) vertical surface.

[0039] Figure 3 further provides a side cross-section view of a storage assembly in accordance with the present invention illustrating a cleaning apparatus (4), specifically a scrubbing brush, stored within the storage assembly.

[0040] The mounting sleeve (1 ) of the embodiment illustrated in the figures comprises a cylindrical side wall defining an external perimeter, an open first end (41 ), an open second end (42) and a spanning internal cavity (31 ). [0041] In the embodiments of the storage assembly illustrated in the figures, the mounting sleeve (1 ) acts to mount and retain both the cleaning apparatus (4) and an object (51 ) having a mounting aperture (52) - such as the paper rolls illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 8.

[0042] To facilitate the retention and storage of the object (51 ) having an aperture (52), the external perimeter of the mounting sleeve (1 ) will be shaped and sized to be received within the mounting aperture (52) of the object (51 ). Accordingly, the shape and size of the external perimeter of the sleeve (1 ) will be determined by the object (51 ) which is intended to be stored by the storage assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage assembly is intended to store one or more rolls of paper formed around a tubular aperture. Such rolls of paper may be toilet paper, paper towelling or the like. While the size of such rolls is not governed by regulation, typically the diameter of the roll aperture of a toilet paper roll is about 4cm. Therefore, in some embodiments the outer width of the mounting sleeve is 4cm, or less than 4cm, at its widest point, however it will be apparent to a skilled addressee that other width can be used.

[0043] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the external perimeter of the mounting sleeve (1 ) has width of 60mm or less, 55mm or less, 50mm or less, 45mm or less, 40mm or less, 39mm or less, 38mm or less, 37mm or less, 36mm or less, 35mm or less, 34mm or less, 33mm or less, 32mm or less, 31 mm or less, 30mm or less, 25mm or less or 20mm or less. In some embodiments, the external perimeter of the mounting sleeve (1 ) has a width from 60mm to 20mm or from 50mm to 30mm, or from 40mm to 30mm. In a preferred embodiment, the external perimeter of the mounting sleeve (1 ) has a width of 35mm.

[0044] Further the shape of the external perimeter of the mounting sleeve (1 ) does not need to be cylindrical and can have a non-circular transverse cross section. However, a circular cross section maximises the internal volume (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ) for any given maximum width and is therefore preferred.

[0045] The length of the mounting sleeve can also be varied, depending on the item intended to be stored. Typically, toilet paper rolls are 10cm to 12cm in length and therefore, in certain embodiments, the length of the mounting sleeved (1 ) is a multiple of 10cm or 12cm plus 1 cm, or 2cm, or 3cm. In some embodiments, the length of the mounting sleeve (1 ) is 10cm or greater, or 20cm or greater or 30cm or greater. In some embodiments, the length of the mounting sleeve (1 ) is 12cm or greater, or 24cm or greater or 36cm or greater. In some embodiments, the length of the mounting sleeve (1 ) is greater than 18cm. In some embodiments, the length of the mounting sleeve (1 ) is less than 26cm.

[0046] In some embodiments, the length of the mounting sleeve (1 ) is from 18cm to 26cm, of from 18cm to 25cm, or from 18cm to 24cm, or from 18cm to 23cm. In some embodiments, the length of the mounting sleeve (1 ) is from 20cm to 26cm, or from 22cm to 26cm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the mounting sleeve (1 ) is from 21 to 24cm, or from 22 to 23cm or 22.5cm.

[0047] The storage assembly of the present invention includes a stop (2) located at a limit point along the assembly. The stop (2) is configured to restrict movement of an object received on the mounting sleeve (1 ) beyond a limit point of the assembly, therein assisting in retention of the object on the assembly, and preferably on the mounting sleeve (1). In the embodiment of the figures, the stop (2) is part of the surface mount (5) provided by a radially-extending arm connecting the mounting sleeve (1 ) to a mounting portion of the surface mount (5). Accordingly, this radially-extending arm performs dual roles of acting as the stop (2) limiting movement of a received object, and retaining at least the mounting sleeve (1 ) in position relative to the mounting portion of the surface mount (5).

[0048] However, the stop (2) can be provided by any structure that limits the movement of the received object along the mounting sleeve (1 ). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the stop (2) is any structure that, together with the mounting sleeve (1) and/or the detachable housing (3), results in a width greater that the maximal width of the aperture (52) of the object (51 ) to be mounted. In the context of a mounted paper roll (51), the stop (2), together with the mounting sleeve (1 ) and/or the detachable housing (3), provides a width larger than the internal diameter of the roll on which the paper is wrapped.

[0049] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the stop, in cooperation with the mounting sleeve (1 ) and/or the detachable housing (3), defines a total width greater than 40mm, or greater than 41 mm, or greater than 42mm, or greater than 43mm, or greater than 44mm, or greater than 45mm, or greater than 46mm, or greater than 47mm, or greater than 48mm, or greater than 49mm, or greater than 50mm, or greater than 55mm, or greater than 60mm, or greater than 65mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm providing the stop (2) has a length sufficient to extend beyond the width of the mounted paper roll (51 ), thereby positioning the mounting sleeve (1 ) at a distance from the vertical mounting surface (not shown) which is sufficient to allow a mounted object (51 ) to be mounted on the sleeve (1 ) without contacting the mounted surface.

[0050] The stop (2) does not need to be provided by, or coincident with, a structure connecting the mounting sleeve (1 ) and/or housing (3) to a surface mount (5). Rather, the stop (2) can be positioned at any suitable position sufficient to retain an object (51) received on the mounting sleeve (1 ) of the storage assembly during detachment and attachment of the detachable housing (3). Hence, the configuration of the stop (2) will be such that it retains the object at least partially on the mounting sleeve (1 ).

[0051] In some embodiments the stop (2) is provided by a protrusion (not shown) on the mounting sleeve (1 ). In some embodiments, the stop (2) is provided by an increased diameter (not shown) of the mounting sleeve (1 ), such as an annular ring.

[0052] The conformation of the open first end (41 ), open second end (42) and internal cavity (31 ) are such that a portion of a cleaning apparatus (4), can traverse through at least the open first end (41 ) into the internal cavity (31) of the mounting sleeve, while the open second end (42) permits fluid communication with the detachable housing (3) when attached to the storage assembly. However, in a preferred embodiment, the open second end (42) is sized and shaped to allow at least a portion of the cleaning apparatus (4) to pass through.

[0053] In light of the above, it should be apparent that the open first and second ends (41 , 42) or the mounting sleeve (1) are not required to be fully open and span the entire width of the internal cavity (31) of the mounting sleeve (1), but can be partially open and only span a portion of the width of the internal cavity (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ), so long as the aforementioned functions are achieved. [0054] The internal cavity (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ) is configured to allow entry and storage of at least a portion of a cleaning apparatus (4). The size of the internal cavity (31 ) will primarily be limited by the desired external dimensions (width and length) of the mounting sleeve (1), which can be adapted depending on the object (51 ) having an aperture (52) to be stored on the assembly. However, the internal dimensions may be varied depending on the cleaning apparatus (4) to be stored within the assembly. Additionally, the size of the first (41 ) and second (42) open ends may be adapted depending on the intended configuration of the cleaning apparatus (4).

[0055] The storage assembly of the present invention is configured such that a portion of the cleaning apparatus (4) is storable in the internal cavity (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ) and is moveable into and out of the mounting sleeve (1). In some embodiments, the storage assembly further comprises a cleaning apparatus (4).

[0056] In preferred embodiments, this cleaning apparatus (4) is an elongate cleaning apparatus, such as a brush. However, the cleaning apparatus (4) can be any suitable apparatus that can be configured in a manner such that at least of portion cleaning apparatus (4) can at least partially be housed in the detachable housing (3) and/or mounting sleeve (1 ).

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning apparatus (4) is a cleaning brush comprising a handle (34), and a head (35), specifically a brush head comprising radiating bristles. However, the head (35) can take any suitable form and may comprise a mop head, a sponge head, a squeegee head, or a material dusting head, or comprises one or more abrasive surfaces, or comprises one or more bristles. Further, and as is apparent, when the head (35) of the cleaning apparatus (4) comprises flexible components (such as bristles) the width of the head (35) when removed from the storage assembly may be greater that the width of the internal cavity (31 ) or the mounting sleeve (1) or the internal cavity (33) of the detachable housing (3). In such a configuration, the flexible components of the head (35) will flex when placed into the storage apparatus and conform to the interior cavity of the mounting sleeve (1 ) and/or detachable housing (3). [0058] The configuration of the head (35) is such that it fits within, and can pass through, the internal cavity (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1). This permits ingress and egress of the head (35) of the cleaning apparatus (4) from the storage assembly.

[0059] The cleaning brush further comprises a stem (36) connecting the handle (34) to the head (35), the stem (36) having a width narrower than the handle (34) of the brush. When stored, the stem (36) coaxially extends along the internal cavity (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ), with the handle (34) extending beyond the open first end (41 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ). As such, the handle (34) can be accessed by a user to remove the cleaning apparatus (4) from the storage assembly.

[0060] The maximum width of the handle (34) exceeds the internal opening width of the open first end (41 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ). Accordingly, this configuration prevents the longitudinal movement of the cleaning apparatus (4) in the direction from the first open end (41 ) to the second open end (42) and stops the handle (34) from moving through the open first end (41 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ). Further, the handle (34) includes a recessed portion (37) configured to locate within the internal cavity (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ) thereby securing and aligning mating of the handle (34) of the cleaning apparatus (4) relative to the mounting sleeve (1 ). This, in combination with the consistent external width and configuration of the handle (34) and the external perimeter of the mounting sleeve (1 ), results in an aesthetically pleasing uniform look, that also ensures that the handle (34) will pass through the aperture (52) of an object (51 ) being placed on the mounting sleeve (1 ).

[0061] It should, however, be understood that the width of the handle (34) does not need to correspond to the width of the mounting sleeve (1 ) and can be larger or smaller. In preferred embodiments, the width of the handle (34) is equal to or less than the external width of the first open end (41 ) mounting sleeve (1 ). In such embodiments, the handle (34) may also include a stop to limit the longitudinal movement of the cleaning apparatus (4) relative to the mounting sleeve (1 ). This stop may include (but is not limited to) a protuberance from the handle (34), a widening of the handle (34) or a boss mounted to the handle (34). Accordingly, any handle configuration is permissible, but preferably the maximum handle width is smaller than an internal width of a mounting aperture (52) of the object (51 ) to be mounted so as to allow the object (51) to be mounted and removed from the mounting sleeve (1 ) when the cleaning apparatus (4) is in the storage position. Further, it is advantageous for the handle (34) of the cleaning apparatus (4) and the mounting sleeve (1 ) to be configured to cooperatively retain the cleaning apparatus (4) with the assembly during detachment and attachment of the detachable housing (3) when the cleaning apparatus (4) is in its storage position.

[0062] To permit removal of the cleaning apparatus (4) from the storage assembly, at least a portion of the handle (34) should be accessible from or through, or extend out of, the at least partially open first end (41 ) of the mounting sleeve.

[0063] When in its storage position, as illustrated, the head (35) of the cleaning apparatus (4) is housed in the detachable housing (3). However, this is not required to be so, and in at least some embodiments the head (35) may be only partially housed in the detachable housing (3) and/or may be at least partially housed in the mounting sleeve (1 ) or may be entirely housed in the mounting sleeve (1 ) when the cleaning apparatus (4) is in its storage position.

[0064] The detachable housing (3) is positioned such that it is in fluid communication with the mounting sleeve (1 ) to permit fluid or particulate matter to drain from the internal cavity (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ) and be retained within the detachable housing (3). Accordingly, the detachable housing (3) has an internal cavity (33) configured to retain liquid or solid particles shed from a cleaning apparatus (4) stored in the assembly. This prevents remnant material on the cleaning apparatus, for example water, from contaminating the surroundings. By making the detachable housing (3) detachable from the storage assembly, this permits easy emptying and cleaning of the housing (3) thereby improving hygiene. This is particularly important when the cleaning apparatus (4) is used in areas where contaminating material may remain on the cleaning apparatus (4) after use and therefore be transferred to the storage assembly. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the cleaning apparatus (4) is a toilet brush. As such, this brush may contain bacteria, mould or fecal matter from a toilet together with water from the toilet bowel. This may then flow from the brush when housed in the apparatus. In the absence of the detachable housing (3) this would flow from an open end of the mounting sleeve (1 ). This would be retained in the mounting sleeve (1 ) if the second end (42) of the mounting sleeve (1 ) was a blind end. However, this would mean that to drain or clean the mounting sleeve (1 ) it would require regular removal, which would necessitate the inconvenience of removal of the object(s) (51 ) stored on the mounting sleeve (1 ). This is avoided in the storage assembly of the present invention.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the detachable housing (3) and the mounting sleeve (1 ) are mechanically attached at a junction integral to a bracket forming part of the surface mount (5). As illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the mounting sleeve (1 ) is attached to the junction by way of screw fixing (32), permitting release of the mounting sleeve (1) when desired (for example for cleaning). Independently, the detachable housing (3) is releasably attached to the junction by way of a bayonet mount (43 - see Figure 4). This arrangement allows the detachment of detachable housing (3) from the storage assembly independently of the mounting sleeve (1 ) thereby permitting retention of an object mounted on the mounting sleeve (1 ). Advantageously, this allows the detachable housing (3) to be removed and emptied or cleaned without having to remove or relocate the stored objects (51 ).

[0066] In alternative embodiments of the storage assembly, only one of the detachable housing (3), or mounting sleeve (1 ) is attached to the surface mount (5), either directly or via a junction. The attached component can then be releasably fastenable directly to the other component. Preferably, the mounting sleeve (1 ) is attached to the junction and is therefore retained when the detachable housing (3) is removed from the assembly. In such an embodiment, the detachable housing (3) can be releasably connected to the mounting sleeve (1 ).

[0067] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 3a, the internal diameter of the detachable housing (3) is greater than the diameter of the mounting sleeve (1 ) which permits the open second end (42) of the mounting sleeve (1) to be positioned within the detachable housing (3). This allows for particulate matter or fluid passing from the mounting sleeve (1 ) to flow directly into the detachable housing (3). This prevents contam ination of other components of the assembly, such as the surface mount by remnant material on the cleaning apparatus and ultimately simplifies cleaning. To facilitate this arrangement, the mounting sleeve includes a screw thread on the external surface (32) which is received in a reciprocal screw thread on an aperture in the surface mount (5), providing a junction. A widening of the lower portion of aperture in the surface mount (5) provides a recess for positioning the detachable housing (3) such that its open-end envelopes the open second end (42) of the mounting sleeve (1 ). The detachable housing (3) is then attached to the junction of the surface mount (5) by a bayonet mount (43 - Figure 4). As illustrated, the detachable housing is provided with the female L slots and the junction includes the male pins (not shown). However, this arrangement can be reversed. It will be understood by a skilled addressee that the relative arrangement of the mounting sleeve (1 ) and the detachable housing (3) can be varied depending on factors such as the cleaning apparatus (4) to be stored within the assembly. Further, the mechanism by which each of these components are connected to the junction, or each other, can also be varied. In some envisaged embodiments, the mounting sleeve (1 ) and/or detachable housing (3) is attachable to, and detachable from, the assembly by a thread fitting arrangement or a snap fit arrangement, a bayonet-fit arrangement or a friction fit arrangement.

[0068] In embodiments comprising a junction, it is advantageous for the junction to have a width no smaller than the width of the internal cavity (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ). Functionally, it is important that the width of the junction is sufficient to allow a portion of the cleaning apparatus (4) to pass through.

[0069] While the illustrated embodiment shows mating between the housing sleeve (1 ) and the detachable housing (3) it is possible that the aforementioned junction interspaces the two. In such an embodiment, it is important that the junction has an internal aperture in fluid communication with the mounting sleeve (1) and the detachable housing (3) to allow particulate matter or fluid passing from the mounting sleeve (1 ) to flow directly into the detachable housing (3). Further, in embodiments where the head (35) of the cleaning apparatus (4) is at least partially housed in the detachable housing (3), the internal aperture of the junction will need to be sufficiently sized to allow the head (35) of the cleaning apparatus to pass through.

[0070] The surface mount (5) comprises a right-angled bracket having a mounting surface portion (6) provided by a wall mounting plate. The surface mount also comprises a perpendicular arm which extend to the mounting sleeve (1 ) and the detachable housing (3). This configuration is adapted to allow the mounting sleeve (1 ) to be mounted substantially parallel to the mounting surface, such as a wall (see Figures 7 and 8). Accordingly, the surface mount (5) can be a wall mount which allows mounting to a vertical surface. In this context the term vertical surface is in relation to a building wherein the floor is a horizontal surface and any surface substantially perpendicular to the plane of the floor is a vertical surface (such as a wall, door etc.). Accordingly, a wall mount (5) is suitable for mounting to a wall but can also mount the storage assembly to any vertical surface, such as a door.

[0071] The wall mount (5) can be fixed to the surface by any suitable means and can be mechanically fixed or adhere (permanently or temporarily) to the surface. In some embodiments the surface mount includes apertures (not shown) for housing, or mounting to, a fixture such as a screw. These apertures may be circular or keyhole apertures and may traverse a mounting plate (6) of the surface mount (5) or may only partially penetrate the mounting plate (6). Alternatively, the wall mount may comprise two pieces including a mounting base which is affixed to the mounting surface and couples with a cooperative mount on the surface mount (5). This may allow for the assembly to be removed and may also hide any fixtures used to fix the surface mount to the mounting surface.

[0072] When mounted to a surface, it is preferrable that the storage assembly is oriented so that the angle of the mounting sleeve (1 ) is in a range from horizontal to vertical (relative to a floor), the latter of which is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. This orientation results in stored objects being retained on the mounting sleeve (1 ) by way of gravity retaining them against the stop (2). The orientation of the storage assembly of the invention may be determined by its intended use and the objects and cleaning apparatus being stored. For example, the storage assembly may be used to store toilet paper (51) and a toilet brush as illustrated in Figures 5 to 8. In this orientation, it is preferable to have the mounting sleeve (1 ) in the vertical direction, as illustrated.

[0073] However, one envisaged alternative use for the storage assembly is to store larger paper rolls such as “paper towel’’, and cleaning apparatuses such as a dish brush. In such an embodiment, the storage assembly may be stored on the inside of a cupboard door or an interior wall of a cupboard and could be mounted such that the mounting sleeve (1) in a substantially horizontal position.

[0074] Notably, modifications to the components of the storage assembly may be made to facilitate such varying arrangements. For example, the diameter or the detachable housing (3) may be increase when the storage apparatus is intended to be used in the horizontal orientation to allow for fluid or other particulate shed from the head (35) of the cleaning apparatus (4) to be retained in the detachable housing (3) without flowing into the housing sleeve (1 ). Additionally, a further stop may be positioned at or toward the open first end (41 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ) to assist in positioning and retaining an object on the mounting sleeve (1). This additional stop may be removable and/or may be sized as to be larger than the diameter of the sleeve (1 ) but smaller than the aperture (52) of the object (51 ) to be stored on the storage apparatus.

[0075] In some embodiment, the surface mount (5) is a floor mount (not shown), and the assembly is mounted on a floor. In this context it should be understood that the floor mount does not need to be fixed to the floor, but can merely abut the floor. Such floor mounts may include a floor mounting plate, a flat base or a foot and an arm which connects the floor mounting plate or foot to the mounting sleeve (1 ) and/or detachable housing (3). In such embodiments, the storage assembly is free standing.

[0076] The storage assembly of the present invention may be made from any suitable material known in the art but is preferably made out of a corrosion resistant material or includes a corrosion resistant coating. Materials may include but are not limited to: carbon steels, alloy steels, tool steels, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper, brass, bronze, zinc, magnesium, titanium and titanium alloys, nickel alloys, graphite, polymers and plastics. These materials may be coated to provide a desired look, durability or corrosion resistance. For example, they may be chrome coated (e.g., CrN), or coated with a ceramic material (e.g., titanium nitride, titanium carbonitride or titanium aluminium coating). The means for forming, casting or machining the apparatus will be dependent on the material used and can be done by any known means in the art; for example, injections moulding or 3d printing for plastics or casting or machining for metals and alloys.

[0077] The components of the assembly may be made from the same material or may be made from different materials. For example, the surface mount (5) may be made from a metal or an alloy, and the mounting sleeve (1 ) and detachable housing (3) may be made from plastic or aluminium. Further, the cleaning apparatus is likely to comprise a different material to other components of the storage assembly. [0078] The coatings on the assembly may also vary, with the internal surfaces comprising a different coating to the external surface. For example, the internal surface can comprise a hydrophobic coating such as tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), silica coatings, manganese oxide polystyrene, zinc oxide polystyrene or precipitated calcium carbonate. Alternatively, the interior surfaces can be provided with antimicrobial coatings such as fullerenes, graphite, graphene oxides, pristine graphene sheets, graphite oxides, M0S2 sheets, silver nanoparticles, polymer brushes, dendrimers, copper, bronze, brass, copper-nickel-zinc alloy and cupronickel.

[0079] Further modifications may be made to the storage assembly described herein without diverging from the invention. For example, the interior surface defining the interior cavity (31 ) of the mounting sleeve (1 ) may be provided with one or a series of inward agitation protuberance(s) to agitate the head of the cleaning apparatus as it is moved into and out of its housed position. Further, the mounting sleeve (1 ) and or detachable housing (3) may be provided with a vent to prevent the retention of moisture within the storage assembly.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all the steps, features and/or functions referred to, or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of the steps or features.

[0081] The description provided herein is in relation to several embodiments which may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of one embodiment may be combinable with one or more features of the other embodiments. In addition, a single feature or combination of features of the embodiments may constitute additional embodiments.

[0082] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. [0083] Also, it is to be noted that, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural aspects unless the context already dictates otherwise.

[0084] Future patent applications may be filed on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following claims are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future applications.

List of Figure Items

1 Mounting sleeve

2 Stop

3 Detachable housing

4 Cleaning apparatus - scrubbing brush

5 Surface mount

6 Mounting surface

31 Internal cavity of the mounting sleeve

32 Screw thread connecting the mounting sleeve to the surface mount

33 Internal cavity of the detachable housing

34 Handle of the cleaning apparatus

35 Head of the cleaning apparatus

36 Stem of the cleaning apparatus

37 Recess in handle of cleaning apparatus

41 Open first end of the mounting sleeve

42 Open second end of the mounting sleeve

43 Bayonet fitting of the detachable housing

51 Object having an aperture - roll of paper

52 Aperture in the retained object - paper roll