Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to the field of cleaning tools. In particular, the present invention is a cleaning tool having a containment system.

Background

Cleaning tools are commonly used for cleaning dishes, bathrooms, walls, fabric, and showers. These cleaning tools can have various types of cleaning heads for different types of cleaning tasks. Depending on the cleaning task, the cleaning head can be made of various materials, such as foam, sponge, fabric, bristles, and scrubbing webs. In some cases, the cleaning heads may be attached to a solid or semi-flexible handled tool.

Cleaning chemicals, solutions, or mixtures, such as dishwash detergents or general purpose cleaners, are often used in combination with the cleaning tools to aid in the cleaning process. Some cleaning tools include a chamber for holding solid or liquid cleaning mixtures that can be dispensed onto the surface to be cleaned or directly into the cleaning head. Certain cleaning tools, such as dish cleaning tools, require the user to pour the dishwash detergent into the chamber of the cleaning tool. The user is then required to dispense the cleaning mixture onto the surface to be cleaned or onto the cleaning head and work the cleaning tool around the surface to be cleaned.

In the latter case, the cleaning tool is referred to as being "loaded". In a loaded cleaning tool, having the cleaning mixture in the tool allow for the convenience of easy and quick dispensing into the cleaning head or onto the surface to be cleaned, as needed or desired. While a loaded cleaning tool allows the cleaning mixture to be readily on hand for use, the act of pouring the cleaning mixture into the chamber of the cleaning tool can be messy if the cleaning mixture is not carefully poured into the chamber. In addition, it can be difficult for some users if the purchased cleaning mixture bottle is large and difficult to hold or control. Summary

In one embodiment, the present invention is a cleaning tool including a cleaning head and a containment system connected to the cleaning head. The containment system includes a chamber and a containment including a cleaning mixture. The containment is positionable within the chamber and the cleaning mixture is dispensable from the chamber.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a cleaning system including a cleaning tool and a cleaning mixture containment. The cleaning tool includes a handle having a working end and a holding end, a cleaning head attached to the working end, and a chamber. The cleaning mixture containment includes a cleaning mixture and is positionable within the chamber. The cleaning mixture is dispensed from the chamber.

Brief Description of the Figures

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool of the present invention

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool having a containment system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool having a containment system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool having a containment system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool having a containment system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool having a containment system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 A is a top view of a pouch that can be used with the containment system of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool having a containment system of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool having a containment system of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool having a containment system of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool having a containment system of the present invention.

The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool 10 of the present invention having a containment system 12 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 2-9). The cleaning tool 10 designed with the containment system 12 creates a total cleaning system by simplifying the action of putting cleaning mixture 14 into the cleaning tool 10, eliminating

unintentional messes when loading the cleaning tool 10 with cleaning mixture 14, allowing for quick and easy discharge of the cleaning mixture 14 from the cleaning tool 10, and preventing potential leakage of the cleaning mixture 14 from the cleaning tool 10. In one embodiment, the cleaning tool is a handheld cleaning tool. In one embodiment, the cleaning tool 10 is a dishwand used in conjunction with a containment system 12 housing a cleaning mixture 14, such as dishwash detergent.

The cleaning tool 10 generally includes the containment system 12, a handle 16, and a cleaning head 18. The containment system 12 is located in either the handle 16 or the cleaning head 18 of the cleaning tool 10. In one embodiment, the cleaning tool 10 includes only the cleaning head 18. When the cleaning tool 10 includes a handle, the handle 16 includes a working end 20 and a holding end 22 opposite the working end 20. The cleaning head 18 is attached to the handle 16 at the working end 20 and in practice, the user grips the cleaning tool 10 at or proximate the holding end 22 of the handle 16.

The containment system 12 is connected to the cleaning head 18 and includes a cleaning mixture containment 13 and a chamber 24. As used herein, the cleaning mixture containment 13 is defined as an article that includes the cleaning mixture 14 and that can be positioned within the chamber 24. For the sake of clarity, as used herein, fluids or loose powder are not considered a cleaning mixture containment 13. Exemplary embodiments of the cleaning mixture containment 13, discussed in more detail below, include, but are not limited to: a cartridge, a pod, a dissolvable package, a tablet/coin/cylinder, a coating, a refill, or a bag/pouch. The various configurations for the cleaning mixture containment 13 can be dependent on the form or physical state of the cleaning mixture 14. For example, the cleaning mixture 14 can be in the form of a liquid or a solid, each requiring different considerations.

When the cleaning mixture 14 is in the form of a liquid, the cleaning mixture 14 may be, for example, a viscous liquid (i.e., gel). When the cleaning mixture 14 is a viscous liquid, such as dishwash detergent, it generally flows directly from the chamber 24 and is ready for use and does not need to be activated.

When the cleaning mixture 14 is in the form of a solid, the cleaning mixture 14 may be, for example, dehydrated crystals or flakes or a coating. When ready for use, the cleaning mixture 14 may be activated in a variety of ways. The simplest method is the addition of water. In some embodiments, contact with water is sufficient to activate the cleaning mixture 14. When the cleaning mixture 14 is activated by contact with water, the cleaning mixture 14 may be mixed with water while in the chamber 24 during the loading process or while in use. In other embodiments, the cleaning mixture 14 may be activated by shaking.

The cleaning mixture 14 may also take a combination of two physical states with suspended solids or particles in a liquid or gel. In addition, the cleaning mixture 14 may be combined with other cleaning mixtures or additives, such as abrasives or suspended solids to enhance the scouring ability of the cleaning tool 10, or fragrances and dyes to enhance the sensorial experience for the user. Alternate cleaning mixtures can also be used within the various containment system forms, including, but not limited to: vinegar, or abrasives in the soap.

The chamber 24 is sized to hold the cleaning mixture containment 13 and when positioned within the handle 16, as shown in FIG. 1, can take up all or a portion of the handle 16. In one embodiment, the chamber 24 is positioned adjacent the holding end 22 of the handle 16. While the containment system 12, and consequently the chamber 24, is generally discussed and depicted in the figures as being positioned within the handle 16, as mentioned above, the containment system 12 can also be positioned within the cleaning head 18. As mentioned, depending on the form of the cleaning mixture 14 and the construction of the cleaning tool 10, the containment system 12 can take on different structures with the cleaning mixture containment 13 being delivered to the cleaning tool 10 in a number of ways. In all cases, the chamber 24 of the containment system 12 is designed to fit within or attach to the cleaning tool 10 when properly loaded/attached. In one embodiment, the cleaning mixture containment 13 is used as a refill in the cleaning tool 10. In one embodiment, the cleaning mixture containment 13 can be used as an independent standalone cleaning article which can be manually dispensed for any cleaning situation without the need for a tool to dispense the cleaning mixture 14. For example, the cleaning mixture containment 13 can be squeezed to discharge cleaning mixture 14 directly onto a cleaning head 18, the surface to be cleaned, or bucket of water as traditional bottled cleaners are applied.

The handle 16 includes a discharge aperture 26 and an end cap 28. The discharge aperture 26 is generally located at the working end 20 of the handle 16 between the cleaning head 18 and the chamber 24 of the containment system 12 and dispenses the cleaning mixture 14 located within the chamber 24 from the handle 16. A valve 32 is generally positioned between the chamber 24 and the discharge aperture 26 and is included to allow for controlled release or containment of the cleaning mixture 14 within the chamber 24. The valve 32 is switchable between an open position and a closed position. When the valve 32 is in the open position, the discharge aperture 26 is in communication with the chamber 24 and therefore allows the cleaning mixture 14 to pass through the valve 32 and exit the handle 16. When the valve 32 is in the closed position, a block prevents communication of the chamber 24 with the discharge aperture 26 and therefore stops the cleaning mixture 14 from passing through the valve 32 and exiting the handle 16.

The discharge aperture 26 is generally located at the working end 20 of the handle 16 and is slightly removed from the cleaning head 18. Because the discharge aperture 26 and valve 32 are positioned adjacent the cleaning head 18, the cleaning mixture 14 is readily available to be used for cleaning when discharged from the handle 16. It should be noted that while the discharge aperture 26 is depicted in FIG. 1 as being positioned along the handle 16, the discharge aperture 26 can also be positioned within the cleaning head 18. An advantage of placing the discharge aperture 26 along the handle 16 is ease in manufacturing, resulting in potential cost savings. Also, it should be understood that although a single discharge aperture 26 is depicted in FIG. 1, more than one discharge aperture can be included without departing from the intended scope of the present invention.

The end cap 28 is located at the holding end 22 of the handle 16. The end cap 28 can be removed from the handle 16 to allow access into the chamber 24 of the

containment system 12. When the end cap 28 is positioned on the handle 16, the end cap 28 covers the chamber 24 and maintains the cleaning mixture containment 13 and cleaning mixture 14 within the chamber 24. Any number of attachment mechanisms can be used for removably securing the end cap 28 to the handle 16 as will be understood by those of skill in the art. For example, threads and rubber gaskets can be used.

In some embodiments, such as in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the cleaning tool 10 includes an actuator 30, such as a push button, to aid in dispensing the cleaning mixture 14. The actuator 30 is in communication with the chamber 24 of the containment system 12 and is resilient and depressible. Depressing the actuator 30 displaces volume within the chamber 24 and forces the cleaning mixture 14 within the chamber 24 out of the handle 16 at the discharge aperture 26.

The handle 16 may have any shape, length, or arrangement, and can be constructed of various materials. For example, suitable materials include, but are not limited to:

plastic, metal, wood, thermoplastics, elastomers, and similar rigid or semi-flexible materials. Specifically, various elastomers, and o-rings, can be used in and around the valve, end cap, or other mating components for a better seal. Examples of suitable handles include, but are not limited to: a rigid plastic handle, a squeezable or deformable handle, an extendable handle, a long steel or aluminum handle, a dishwand, or a palm brush. In one embodiment, the handle 16 may contain batteries or other power supply to provide movement of the cleaning head 18 to reduce user input and increase performance. For example, the cleaning tool 10 may include an ultrasonic mechanism in the cleaning head 18 or be similar to an orbital sander.

The cleaning head 18 is attached to the working end 20 of the handle 16 and contacts the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head 18 is attached to the handle 16 by, for example, a shoe. In one embodiment, the shoe is formed of plastic. The cleaning head 18 may either be a permanent feature of the cleaning tool 10 or may be replaceable when it is no longer satisfactorily efficient. The cleaning head 18 is constructed of a material suitable for cleaning. In one embodiment, the cleaning head 18 may be constructed of a material suitable for wiping, washing, scrubbing, and/or scouring. In one embodiment, the cleaning head 18 is constructed of more than one material. Exemplary materials suitable for the cleaning head include, but are not limited to: synthetic or cellulose foam, fabric such a woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabric, scouring webs, bristles, or a combination of one or more of these materials.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the containment system 12a. In this embodiment, the chamber 24 is located in the handle 16 of the cleaning tool 10a and the cleaning mixture containment 13a is in the form of a cartridge that is loaded into the chamber 24. This containment system 12a allows the cleaning mixture 14 to be transferred into the cleaning tool 10a without actual handling of the cleaning mixture 14.

The cartridge 13a can be mechanically attached to the cleaning tool 10a by any means known to those of skill in the art. When the cartridge 13a is loaded, the working end 22 of the cleaning tool 10a is in direct communication with the cleaning mixture 14 inside the cartridge 13a so that the cleaning mixture 14 can be dispensed from the cartridge 13a through the chamber 24 to the cleaning head 18 as desired.

Within the cartridge 13a, the cleaning mixture 14 can take different physical forms.

In one embodiment, the cleaning mixture 14 can be a liquid solution, or a mixture of liquid and suspended solids which is directly inserted into the cleaning tool 10a. In another embodiment, the cleaning mixture 14 is in solid form inside the cartridge 13a as a powder or crystals.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the containment system 12b is similar to the containment system 12a shown in FIG. 2 with the cleaning mixture containment 13b again being a cartridge. In this embodiment, the cleaning mixture 14 is in solid form and coated on the inside walls of the cartridge 13b. This solid form of cleaning mixture requires the user to add water before inserting the cartridge 13b into the chamber 24 or once the containment system 12b is assembled to the working end 22 of the cleaning tool 10b.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of another embodiment of the containment system 12c of the present invention. In this embodiment, the handle 16 is the entire containment system 12c, including both the chamber 24 and the cleaning mixture containment 13c. The handle 16 of the cleaning tool 10c is a single piece and is designed for a single use. The inside of the chamber 24 is coated with a solid cleaning mixture 14, thus functioning also as the cleaning mixture containment 13c. When the cleaning mixture 14 has been depleted, the handle 16 can be recycled and a refill handle can be attached to the cleaning head 18.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of another embodiment of the containment system 12d of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cleaning mixture containment 13d takes the form of a bag or pouch that contains the cleaning mixture 14 and is positioned within the chamber 24, which is located within the handle 16 of the cleaning tool lOd. The chamber 24 can be accessed, for example, through the end cap 28. The bag or pouch 13d can be replaceable or dissolvable. In a replaceable format, the bag or pouch 13d is removed from the chamber 24 when depleted. In one embodiment, the replaceable pouch can be made of low density plastic or foil, or of a porous substrate. In dissolvable form, the pouch dissolves upon use, saving the user time in having to remove the cleaning mixture containment 13d after being fully used. In one embodiment, a dissolvable pouch can be made up of molded, blown, or knit PLA; woven porous substrates; or other materials that can break down quickly when exposed to water.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the containment system 12e of the present invention. In this embodiment, the handle 16 again functions as the entire containment system 12e. The cleaning mixture containment 13e is a twist-on refill that includes the chamber 24 and the cleaning mixture 14 (the cleaning mixture 14 not shown in FIG. 6). The twist-on refill 13e is an extension of the handle 16 of the cleaning tool lOe and is twisted onto the handle 16. The containment system 12e can take up any length of the handle 16.

FIGS. 7 A and 7B show another embodiment of the containment system 12f of the present invention. In this embodiment, the containment system 12f includes the chamber 24 and the cleaning mixture containment 13f is in the form of a soft, small, dissolvable pod (shown in FIG. 7A). The pod 13f contains a liquid or solid cleaning mixture 14 and is positioned within the chamber 24. As mentioned above, other additives can be included in the pod 13f to enhance the cleaning mixture 14. The pod 13f can be added to the chamber 24 via the end cap 28. For use, the chamber 24 is then loaded with water for dissolving and mixing the chemical mixture 14. A side view of the cleaning tool lOf is shown in FIG. 7B.

As discussed, the cleaning mixture containment 13 can take many different forms depending on the physical state of the cleaning mixture. An alternate form to the pod 13f discussed with respect to FIGS. 7A and 7B is a solid tablet 13g, such as that shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The containment systems 12g and 12h shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively, thus include a chamber 24 and the solid tablet 13g and 13h, respectively. FIGS. 8 A and 8B show side views of two embodiments of loading a solid tablet 13g and 13h, respectively, into the chamber 24 of the cleaning tool lOg and lOh, respectively. In FIG. 8 A, when a cleaning mixture needs to be loaded into the cleaning tool lOg, the solid tablet 13g can be placed within the chamber 24 of the handle 16 and mixed with water to be dispensed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, the chamber 24 is located in the cleaning head 18 so the solid tablet 13h is loaded directly into the cleaning head 18. When the cleaning mixture containment 13 is designed to be loaded into the cleaning head 18 during manufacturing assembly with the cleaning mixture integrated into the cleaning head 18, a new cleaning head can be replaced on the cleaning tool lOh when the cleaning mixture 14 is depleted. Generally, when the containment system 12 is designed for the cleaning mixture containment 13 to be loaded into the cleaning head 18, an opening 32 for receiving the cleaning mixture containment 13 is embedded into the material of the cleaning head 18 during manufacturing assembly. The cleaning mixture containment 13 can be activated within the cleaning head 18 when the cleaning head 18 is exposed to water. When the cleaning mixture containment 13 is fully dissolved, depleted or no longer creates suds, another cleaning mixture containment 13 can be positioned within the cleaning head 18. Although FIGS. 8 A and 8B depict the cleaning mixture containment 13 as including a solid tablet having the shape of a disk, this containment system 12 can be used, for example, when the cleaning mixture containment 13 is in the form of a tablet, stick, cylinder, pod, coin, dissolvable packaging, bag, pouch or individual flakes.

While most embodiments have been described with the chamber 24 of the containment system 12 located within the handle 16 and as accessing the chamber 24 via the end cap 28, it can be expected that other access points are possible within the cleaning tool 10. FIG. 9 shows a side view of an embodiment in which the handle 16 of the cleaning tool lOi is designed with an opening 34 into the chamber 24 (the chamber 24 not shown in FIG. 9) in which the cleaning mixture containment 13 can be placed. The opening 34 in the handle 16 can be used when the cleaning mixture containment 13 is in the form of, for example, a pod, tablet, coin dissolvable packaging, bag, pouch or individual flakes.

It should be noted that although the figures generally depict only one containment being loaded into the cleaning tool at a time, depending on the containment system and the containment type, any number of containments can be loaded into the cleaning tool at one time for use as needed. In one embodiment, the containments are dispensed individually from the handle or chamber into the cleaning head or onto the surface to be cleaned as needed.

Although specific embodiments of this invention have been shown and described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the many possible specific arrangements that can be devised in application of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be devised in accordance with these principles by those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structures described in this application, but only by the structures described by the language of the claims and the equivalents of those structures.