Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Cleaning A.1-2baratus with Gripping Means for Cleaning Pad
The invention to which this application relates is the provision
of apparatus including a gripping means and actuation handle
therefor which can be used to exert a gripping force on a
cleaning pad such that the apparatus, with the cleaning pad
attached thereto, can be used to control the operation of
cleaning using the cleaning pad on, for example, a toilet bowl.
Turthermore, the gripping means can be actuated to eject the
cleaning pad from the apparatus when soiled without the need
for physical contact with the same.
In the applicant's co-pending patent application
PCT/GB2004/000740, there is disclosed cleaning apparatus
comprising a handle, attachment means, a cleaning pad and a
holder for a number of said cleaning pads. In that application
there is disclosed a means whereby attachment of the pad to the
handle can be selectively achieved by, for example, use of Velcro
on the handle which engages with fibres or matter of the
cleaning pad. However a problem with this is the whilst it works
the attachment mechanism are not readily replaceable because
the ejection means passes through the attachment mechanism in
the handle assembly.
While this is found to be effective, the aim of the current
invention is to provide an improved gripping means for use with
a handle and which allows the cleaning pad to be gripped as
required for use and also to be ejected when it is required to
dispose of the cleaning pad. A further aim of the invention is
to provide improvements to the pad which allow improved
operation of the same, allow improved disposal of the cleaning
pad when discarded and generally improve the utility of the
apparatus.
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In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for
cleaning, said apparatus including grippiilg means for the
cleaning pad, said gripping means including a plurality of
gripping members which are moved to a position to contact the
cleaning pad and further movement of the gripping means with
respect to the cleaning pad causes the gripping members to
move between the first position in which the same are in contact
with a surface of the pad, to a second position whereupon said
gripping members exert the grip on the said cleaning pad.
In one embodiment the cleaning pad can be ejected from the
gripping means by the movement of the gripping members from
the second to the first position.
In one embodiment the outer layer of the cleaning pad has an
open structure such as woven, fibre or foam.
In one embodiment, the grip is achieved as the movement of the
gripping meinbers between the first and second positions, causes
the movement apart of first and second sets of said gripping
members such that the cleaning pad, at least that portion
between the location of said sets of gripping members, is
stretched and held under an increased level of tension. In one
embodiment, the gripping members are split into sets, which
depend outwardly from a common face of the gripping means
and which are moved between said first and second grip
positions.
In one embodiment, the movement of the gripping members
between said first and second positions is, or includes, a snap
action. This has two advantages, firstly, when moving from the
first to the second grip position, the snap action causes the
gripping members to move apart quickly while retaining contact
with the same respective portions of the cleaning pad thereby
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stretching the same and causing the additional tension and hence
retention of the cleaning pad. A second advantage is that when
moving the gripping members from the second to the first
position, to remove the cleaning pad, the snap action acts as an
ejection force on the cleaning pad so that the cleaning pad is
totally removed from the gripping members and can therefore be
discarded at the appropriate location as the snap action
effectively acts to "pop" the cleaning pad from the gripping
means.
In one embodiment, the gripping members are of elongate form
and are relatively straight, with the gripping members in each set
provided in a linear spaced array and can be provided in a series
of rows. The gripping members can be angularly aligned so as
to approach the cleaning pad at an angle which may be
perpendicular to the cleaning pad or angled outwardly
therefrom. In addition, or alternatively, some or all of the
gripping members can be provided with hook formations if that
is found to increase the gripping action of the cleaning pad.
The number, spacing and/or formation of the gripping members
can be varied dependent on the particular formation of the
cleaning pad with which the same are to be used.
In a preferred embodiment, the gripping means is provided for
use in conjunction with a handle, said handle located with the
gripping means and, typically, depending away from a face of the
gripping means which opposes the face from which the gripping
members protrude. In one embodiment, the movement of the
gripping members between the first and second positions is
achieved by relative movement of the handle and gripping
means. In one embodiment, movement of the handle towards
the gripping means causes movement of the gripping members
from the first to the second position and movement of the
handle away from the gripping means causes movement of the
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gripping means from the second to the first position. In both
cases, it is required that either the handle or gripping means are
held in a relatively fixed position so as to allow the application
of force to the other of the gripping means or handle and allow
the relative movement of the same in order to allow the
movement forces to be exerted on the gripping members.
In one embodiment the gripping means can be angularly
adjustable with respect to the handle to allow the cleaning
operations to be performed and then further pivotal movement
to one of the extremes of movement between the handle and
gripping ineans allows, the handle with the gripping means held
by or against an item, to be moved relative to and with respect
to the gripping means, towards the same to contact and grip the
cleaning pad, or away from the gripping means to cause the
ejection of the cleaning pad.
In one embodiment, the gripping members are provided as part
of a plate, said plate retained on the gripping means such that
movement between the first and second positions involves
inovement about an overcentre so as to provide the required
snap action.
Typically the stiffness of the plate on which the gripping
members are formed versus the rigidity and dimensional stability
of the cleaning pad are synchronised to as to allow the optimal
engagement of the cleaning pad with the gripping members.
Furthermore the angle of contact and movement of the gripping
members with respect to the cleaning pad has an impact on the
grip which is achieved and therefore are taken into account
during design considerations.
In a preferred embodiment, the handle is removably attachable
to the gripping means, via engagement means which can be
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moved between engagement and open positions. In a preferred
embodiment, the movement of the engagement means is
achieved by operation of a lever which is provided as part of the
handle and which, in one preferred embodiment, has an
actuation means at, or adjacent to, the location at which the
handle would be held, thereby allowing the actuation of the
engagement means by the user when holding the handle in a
normal position so as to allow the release of the gripping means
from the handle if, for example, the same become unclean or
damaged, and replacement with a new gripping means.
Thus, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a
handle and gripping means assembly which can be operated by a
user with their hand on the handle and so the engagement and
removal of cleaning pads from the assembly can be achieved
without the need for the user to physically contact the cleaning
pad thereby greatly improving hygiene. Furthermore, the
gripping means can also be removed from the handle for
replacement purposes without the need for physical contact with
the gripping means by the user which again provides a hygiene
improvement. Importantly, the cleaning pad is also effectively
and reliably gripped by the gripping means during use.
If required, the cleaning pads can be held in a magazine in the
form of a holder, said holder also acting to locate, for storage
purposes, and in one embodiment gripping purposes, the handle
and gripping means. The holder can also be used to allow the
orientation of the gripping means as they approach a cleaning
pad in the holder to be correct so as to ensure that the gripping
means exert the gripping force on the cleaning pad and lift the
same from the holder for use.
In one embodiment the holder has two positions for storing the
handle - (a) in the ready to use position on top of the stack of
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pads, and (b) seated at the rear of the holder facing the opposite
direction (to provide a means of avoiding any "drip"
contamination of fresh pads) with the grip located over a
protrusion that ensures the grip remains in the open position
ready for use.
In one embodiment a plurality of features and any or any
combination of the same improve the usability of the system and
in particular the ease of storing the handle and the loading of
fresh pads. These features include a rotating grip of the handle
which includes a stop that ensures the open grip does not rotate
under the weight of the handle in the stored position in the
stand, or under applied pressure by the user when engaging a
pad. The grip holds the handle on the pad.
A rest/guide is provided in the holder against which the handle
can lean and locate into. Preferably the guide has a "U" section
shape that restricts the movement of the handle in a sideways
direction and a forward direction (away from the user) leaving
the handle free to pull towards the user without interference. A
further feature is the handle shape that positions the majority of
the handle's weight to one side of the handle/grip pivoting axis
when the handle is positioned above a pad in the holder. In the
preferred design the handle leans forward away from the user
onto the stand guide. However in another embodiment it could
lean towards the user.
Collectively, these features provide a preferred embodiment of
holder and handle relationship.
In one embodiment the holder includes one or more ribs located
on the inside walls of the storage area for the pads to provide
limited frictional resistance with the vertical stack of pads
located within, so as to provide a "de-nesting" feature to ensure
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pads are dispensed singularly'when pulled out by the handle. In
one embodiment ribs are made from a semi flexible material, or
feature a spring loaded seating that enables the ribs to
deform/move to allow a carton in which the pads are provided
to be loaded into the holder such as in a perpendicular direction
to the rib s .
In one embodiment one or more ribs are incorporated into the
carton wall itself, or a folded insert placed between the pads and
the carton wall.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus
for performing a cleaning operation, said apparatus including a
cleaning pad, gripping means for gripping the pad and a handle
for connection with the gripping means, said cleaning pad
selectively displaceable from the gripping means and said
gripping means selectively displaceable from the handle and
wherein the gripping means include teeth which can be moved
from a first, gripping position, to a second, ejection position
substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cleaning pad
with which they are in contact to cause ejection of the cleaning
pad.
In one embodiment, once the cleaning pad is ejected, the teeth
of the gripping means return to a third position. Preferably the
teeth return substantially to this position at which the teeth are
held in the best position for gripping the next cleaning pad.
Typically the teeth move from the third to the first gripping
position in a snap action.
In one embodiment the handle and gripping means are
connected via a pivot location and said gripping means is
selectively removable from the handle by pivoting the gripping
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means to a position at an extremity of the range of pivotal
movetnent.
Typically the position for removal is outwith the normal
movement range required for operation of the apparatus in the
cleaning operation.
In one embodiment, once the gripping means and handle are in
the required position to allow removal, manipulation and/or
deformation of the handle and/or gripping means causes the
subsequent removal.
Thus the present invention provides apparatus which allows for
the self contained attachment and ejection of the cleaning pad
from the assembly without the need for the same to be located
in the handle and therefore allows greater ease of replacement.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a cleaning
pad for use in a cleaning action, said pad formed from a blend
of fibres including cellulosic fibre.
In one embodiment the cellulosic fibre is included within the
range 20-70% of the fibre blend and preferably is viscose >8
decitex fibre titre. In one embodiment the other fibre is
provided within the range 30-80%.
Typically the other fibre includes 30-80% wool fibre (keratin).
Yet further preferably the other fibre includes, 30-80% sheep's
wool >30 micron.
Most preferably the combination of material used to form the
cleaning pad is 60-70% sheeps wool and 30-40% viscose.
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In one embodiment the pad composition includes an added
semi-soluble fibre such as 90%+ hydrolised PVOH. Preferably,
the added fibre is a bi-component fibre comprising an insoluble
coating (e.g. aliphatic polyester) and a semi-soluble core (e.g.
PVOH). This fibre may comprise 5-100% of the total fibre
weight.
In one embodiment the material may include abrasive particles
and/or a polymer coating and/or a releasing agent such as
silicon which allows the material to be cut effectively.
The blend of fibres optimises the combination of cleaning pad
properties including specific gravity to assist flushing,
dimensional resistance when wet which improves the feel and
control of the pad when in use, absorbance which assists the
cleaning operation of the pad and limits the wet strength of the
cleaning pad. This, in turn enables the at least partial
disintegration of the pad and hence allows the improved
disposal of the same through flushing or other disposal means.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a cleaning
pad to which an aqueous dispersion of a polymer binder is
applied.
In one embodiment the cleaning pad has a penetration of said
binder from at least one external surface inwardly to a depth of
up to 3mm. In one embodiment the depth of penetration is up
to 2mm.
In one embodiment the binder is applied to opposing planer
external surface of the pad.
In one embodiment the selective application of the binder
results in a cleaning pad having, from one external surface, a
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relatively strorig layer, an inner core or layer of unbonded fibre
and at the opposing side another relatively strong layer. The
said strong layers include the polymer binder. The provision of
the different layers allows the improved delamination of the
cleaning pad when disposed.
In one embodiment the fibres of the cleaning pad are needled at
a ratio of between 2-4 penetrations per cm. square.
In one embodiment a proportion of the fibres in the cleaning
pad are cut typically when part of the cleaning pad. In one
embodiment more than 60% of the fibre within the pad has a
length of less than 15mm.
Preferably the layout of the perforation/cut lines in the pad is a
grid of parallel cuts and joining tags of uncut material, across
the length and width of the pad.
Alternatively one set of cut lines in one direction are offset to
perpendicular to create a "stretcher bond" pattern.
In one embodiment additional layer cut lines are provided to
segment the pad and promote quicker partial break-up of the
pad after flushing, as well as weaker lines of folding to assist
with flushing.
In one embodiment the layout of perforations in the pad is to
ensure there is a maximum spacing between cut lines of 15mm in
any direction and more preferably less than 10mm in at least one
direction.
In one embodiment the pad includes corners with a curved
profile. In one embodiment the minimum radius of the curve is
10mm, preferably 15mm. This assists the pad to turn in the
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confines of the toilet trap into the necessary orientation to
flush.
In one einbodiment the pad perforations have material
connection points wider/greater in dimension and/or frequency,
along the length of the pad and narrower and/or less frequent
across the pad width in the perpendicular plane. This provides
the necessary minimum strength to resist the stretching load
exerted by the grip during engagement, but provides a weaker
bond between the rows of perforations across the width, which
are held in place during cleaning by the grip teeth. This
promotes the break-up of the pad after flushing, without
compromising integrity in use.
In one embodiment the polymer binder is biodegradable.
Preferably the polymer is a high molecular aliphatic polyester
polyurethane.
In one embodiment the binder applied to the pad is a water-
resistant binder coat applied to one side, and is preferably a
biodegradable, high molecular weight, aliphatic polyester. On
the alternate face, a semi-soluble polymer coating is applied such
as Poly Vinyl alcohol (PVOH) or Starch.
In one embodiment the fibre is added to the fibre blend which
can degrade after a period of use in water there by encouraging
the degradation of the cleaning pad..
In one embodiment the polymer binder includes biodegradable
particulate solids. In one embodiment the solids are not readily
water soluble. Preferably the solids are dimensionally unstable
and/or soft when wet and subject to stress. Typically the solids
are added to a level within the range of between 5% and 100%
of the polymer dispersion's solids mass.
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In a preferred embodiment the buoyancy of the cleaning pad is
controlled so as to influence the disposability of the pad when
discarded from the assembly and when the same is required to
be flushed away. Preferably the buoyancy is determined with
respect to density of the cleaning pad and the preferred density
range for flushability is 1.05 grms per CC - 1.45 grms per CC
when the cleaning pad is fully immersed in cold, pure water at 4
deg. C. for 60 seconds prior to weighing the test sample whilst
in water. More preferably the density of the cleaning pad is
within the range of 1.05 - 1.45 x the density of the water or
water solution in the toilet bowl trap prior to flushing. This is
particularly relevant when the pad is impregnated with soluble
solids such as surfactants, dye etc, that may significantly
increase the density of the flush water solution.
Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with
respect to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-
Figures la-c illustrate views of the gripping means according to
one embodiment of the invention;
Figures 2a-b illustrate the gripping means plate;
Figures 3a-c illustrate the gripping means of Figures la-d in
conjunction with a handle in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention;
Figures 4a-b illustrates the handle in position for storage in a
holder;
Figures 5a-b illustrate an alternative arrangement of the gripping
means;
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Figures 6a-b illustrate a yet further embodiment of gripping
means in accordance with the invention;
Figures 7a and b illustrate perspective view and cross sectional
side elevation of a cleaning pad in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
Figures 8a-g illustrate a fixing arrangement between a handle
and gripping means in accordance with the invention;
Figures 9a-b illustrate in schematic manner the fixing
arrangement between the handle and gripping means;
Figures lOa-c illustrate a fixing arrangement between the
gripping means and the cleaning pad; and
Figures lla-e illustrate a further arrangement between the
handle and gripping means to allow the ejection of the cleaning
pad;
Figures 12a-c illustrate embodiments of the cleaning pad in plan;
Figures 13a-h illustrate positions of the handle with respect to
the holder; and
Figures 14a-c illustrate further features of the holder.
Referring firstly to Figures la-c there are illustrated views of a
gripping means in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
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The gripping means includes a body 2 which has a first side 4
and a second, opposing side 6, from which gripping members 8
protrude to allow the selective gripping of a cleaning pad.
Dealing firstly with the side 4, this includes, in this embodiment,
an aperture 10 and a location bar 12 which is provided for
location with the end of a handle in ainanner described
subsequently. The bar is mounted with respect to the gripping
means so as to be movable as indicated by the arrow 14 through
the aperture 10. The purpose of this movement will also be
described subsequently.
Turning now to the other surface, or underside, 6 there are
shown two sets of gripping members 10, set 16 and set 18. In
each set there is provided a plurality of gripping members 10
which, in this arrangement, are linearly spaced as shown. In
both Figures la-b, the gripping members are shown in a first
position. However, shown in Figure 1b, in broken lines, are the
position of the gripping members 10' when in the second
position, having been moved there by movement in the direction
of arrows 20,22 respectively.
Figures 2a-b illustrate how the gripping members 10 are
provided as part of a plate 24 which, in turn, is connected to
arms 26 which in turn is connected to rod 12. The plate 24 is
held in the gripping means body 28 via the connection of the
bars 30 in the hook formations 32 in a manner which. allows
pivotal movement 25 and hence allows the movement of the
gripping members with the snap action. Preferably the plate is
held in tension such that it is moved from the rest position of
Figure 2a to the tensioned in use position as indicated by arrows
27.
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In order to move the gripping means between the first and
second positions, relative movement is required between the
plate 24 and the body 28. In one embodiment, this is achieved
by placing the gripping means such that the gripping members
10 contact the surface 34 of the cleaning pad 36 as shown in
Figure lb in bold lines and then applying a force to either of the
gripping means or handle such as to push the same together
which causes the gripping means plate to move to the second
position and hence the gripping members, which retain contact
with the pad, to move to the second position 10' in which, in
this embodiment, the gripping means are extended as shown in
Figure lb and the cleaning pad is held under tension by
stretching as indicated by the broken lines 36'.
To remove the cleaning pad, the reverse steps are followed in
the handle and gripping means are moved apart to cause the
gripping means plate to move from the second to the first
position and the plate moves with the snap action, as the grip of
the gripping members is released, to eject the cleaning pad.
In this example, Figure lc illustrates a spring release 31 which
if the movement of the handle with respect to the gripping
means does not cause the ejection of the cleaning pad, actuation
of the spring release 31 does cause movement of the gripping
members and plate back to the first position and hence causes
ejection of the cleaning pad.
In one embodiment, force is applied via the handle 38 as shown
in Figures 3a-c which is formed so as to engage with the rod 12
on the gripping means. In one embodiment, the handle can be
permanently attached to the gripping means but alternatively,
and preferably, the gripping means is releasable from the handle.
In this embodiment, the release is by the opening of engagement
means 40 which include an engaging collar which is at one end
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of the handle 38. The opening of the collar is achieved via a
lever 42 which is shown in the open position in Figure lc and
which has an actuation point 44 adjacent to the position 46 for
the user's hand on the handle. The collar 40 is normally held in
a closed position in engagement around the rod 12 of the
gripping means, thereby holding the gripping means in
conjunction with the handle. However, if the user wishes to
eject the gripping means then they can operate the lever 42 at
the actuation point to cause the opening of the collar and hence
release of the gripping means. The engagement means 40 can
also be used to allow other implements to be picked up and used
in conjunction with the handle, with the, other implements
having a rod attachment means around which the collar fits and
including any or any combination of a brush or any replaceable
cleaning means.
With the handle, gripping means and cleaning pad all attached,
so the cleaning apparatus in accordance with the invention is
formed and can be used for the cleaning operation which is
required. After one or a number of uses, it will be desired to
discard the cleaning pad and replace the same with a new, clean
version. In order to do this, the gripping means and handle are
moved apart to a limited extent which causes the gripping plate
24 to which the rod 12 is connected to be moved and the
gripping members to move from the second, gripping position
10', to the first position 10 in which the pad is released from the
grip. Preferably, the movement from the second to the first
position also has a snap action such that in addition to causing
the gripping members to be released from the pad, the snap
action causes the positive ejection of the cleaning pad from the
gripping means.
Figures 4a and b illustrate an arrangement of gripping means,
handle 38, and holder 48. If required, a store of cleaning pads
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can be held in the holder and the holder is provided with guides
to allow the guided movement of the gripping member on the
handle to grip and remove one of the cleaning pads for use.
Turning now to Figures 5a and b there is illustrated a further
embodiment of the invention. In this arrangement, the gripping
members 110 are held in a plate 124 such that initially, as
indicated in Figure 5a, only some of the gripping members will
contact the cleaning pad 136 as the handle 138 and gripping
means 102 are moved to contact the pad. This is the first
position. Thereafter continued movement causes all of the
gripping members 110' to contact the pad 136 as shown in
Figure 5b as the pivot location points 130,132 move as indicated
by arrows 125 to the second position shown in Figure 5b and in
which the cleaning pad is gripped. In this arrangement the plate
124 can be an integral part of the gripping member 102 housing
128 or formed separately. To remove the cleaning pad the
reverse of the steps are performed.
Figures 6a and b show a yet further arrangement where there is
provided two plate 224, 224' each having at least one gripping
member 210. Each plate is pivotally connected or formed with
the housing 228 by pivot locations 230,232. In this arrangement
the plates 224, 224' are moved on to the cleaning pad 236, as
shown ion Figure 6a such that the gripping members 210 contact
the same in the first position. Further movement towards the
pad causes the members 210 to advance into the cleaning pad
and outwardly thereby adding to the gripping force on the
cleaning pad. The provision of protrusions 250 on the plates and
housing 228 at matching locations causes the gripping members
to exert the gripping force as shown in Figure 6b where the
second position is achieved. Again in order to remove the
cleaning pad the reverse of the steps is performed.
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Referring firstly to Figures 7a-b there is illustrated a cleaning
pad 302 in accordance with the invention which includes front
and rear opposing planar surfaces 304, 306. Depending
inwardly from the surfaces 304, 306 are layers 308, 310
respectively which include a polymer binder material. Between
the layers 308, 310 is provided a layer 312 which preferably does
not include the polymer binder.
A blend of fibre is used in the cleaning pads construction to
optimise the desired combination of cleaning pad properties
specific gravity (to assist flushing), dimensional resilience when
wet (feel and control of pad in use), absorbency (to assist
cleaning) and limit wet strength (to enable partial disintegration
of pad). The preferred blend is 20-70% cellulosic fibre, 40-80%
other fibre, more preferably 20-70% Viscose rayon, >8 decitex
fibre titre, 30-80% sheep's wool >30 micron.
The application of the aqueous dispersion of polymer binder is
controlled to ensure that the penetration of cured polymer, after
manufacture, is substantially limited to the first 2mm inwardly
from both the external surfaces of the pad. The result is a
cleaning pad with three distinct layers - relatively strong outer
layers and an inner core of lightly entangled unbonded fibre.
This subsequently enables partial break-up of the pad structure
by de-lamination after flushing.
The required de-lamination effect described above can be
further improved by minimizing the mechanical entanglement of
fibre during the needle punching part of the manufacturing
process. The preferred rate of "needling" is between 2-4
penetrations per cm sq.
Post flushing de-lamination of the pad can be enhanced further
still, by increasing the density of cut lines through the pad
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structure, thereby reducing the number of long uncut fibres
within the pad structure. Preferably, more than 60% of the
fibre within the finished pad will have a cut length of less than
15mm.
The preferred primary coating constituent for the cleaning pad
is both insoluble and biodegradable, and most preferably has
high molecular aliphatic polyester polyurethanes. It is desirable
to maintain the abrasive properties of a substantially insoluble
coating, whilst limiting the bond strength of the coating to assist
breakdown of the cleaning pad after flushing. This may be
achieved by adding to the primary polymer dispersion,
biodegradable particulate solids that are not readily water
soluble but are either dimensionally unstable, or soften when a)
wet and/or b) subject to stress during use. Preferred additives
include, ground vegetable matter (e.g walnut shells), partially
hydrolysed polyvinyl alcohol and modified starches. These
fillers may be added at a level between 5 and 100% of the
polymer dispersion solid's mass.
Figures 8a-g and Figures 9a-b illustrate an end of the assembly
handle 314 and gripping means 316. The gripping means 16 are
provided with teeth for gripping the cleaning pad 302 in a
manner which will subsequently be described. The gripping
means 316 may need to be detached from the handle to allow
replacement and this is achieved by manipulation of the pivot
location 318 between the same. The pivot location is formed
by an axle rod 320 located in jaws 322 of the handle. In normal
operation of, the device, pivotal movement between the handle
and gripping means is possible to allow the normal pivotal
movement of the cleaning pad in the cleaning operation. In
order to allow the gripping means to be removed the same is
moved to the extreme pivotal range position as shown in Figure
9b to allow the narrow section of width X to be positioned so as
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to pass through gap 324 in the jaws 322. Typically
manipulation of the jaws to increase the width of the gap 324 is
necessary to allow the rod to pass through the enlarged gap.
Typically the said extreme position is outwith the normal
operating pivotal range required for the cleaning operation.
Figures lOa-c show the arrangement between the cleaning pad
and the gripping means with the teeth of the gripping means
contacting the cleaning pad to hold the cleaning pad to the
teeth.
To ensure the ejection of the cleaning pad 302 from the device
after use, it is desirable for the gripping means teeth 30 to inove
from the first gripping position (Figure 10a) past the third or
ready position (Figure 10b) to momentarily assume a
substantially vertical second position perpendicular to the pad to
eject the same as shown in figure 10c. After completing the
ejection the teeth spring back to the ready position automatically
and to the position where the teeth are at the preferred angle for
the introduction into the new cleaning pad. The movement of
the plate and gripping means between the positions of figures
10b and a works in a single snap motion. The momentary
extension to Figure 10c is achieved fluidly by the user of the
device either by the extended "follow-through" movement of
the thumb button on the handle or follow through movement of
the handle when used against a fixed surface e.g side of the
toilet bowl. This additional ejection movement is facilitated by
the inclusion of 4 slots within the gripping means frame to hold
the two axels of the moveable plate. The centre of the
moveable plate is now allowed to move further up vertically in
relation to the frame, bringing together the gripping members
into a vertical orientation to maximise disengagement from the
pad fibres.
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Turning to Figures 11a-e, there is provided a further
arrangement between the handle and gripping means for the
ejection of the cleaning pad. In this case located at the tip 402
of the handle 404 are two plungers 406, 408 which are
connected by a flexible strap 410 (which is supported in the
handle) to a thumb activated switch 412 at the end held by the
user. When pressed, the thumb switch pushes the plungers out
from within their housing, against the top of the gripping
assembly frame 414 to activate the ejection movement within.
The plungers then automatically retract into the housing of the
handle by means of a compression spring 415 arrangement.
This design provides a convenient means of remote ejection of
the used cleaning pad, without a fixed link between the thumb
switch and gripping assembly. This has the benefit of allowing
easy replacement of the gripping assembly, and providing
unrestricted movement of the gripping means assembly in use.
Figure 11 c shows the apparatus with the gripping means teeth in
a protruding position and Figure 11e shows the gripping means
teeth withdrawn.
Figures 12a-c illustrate further embodiments of a cleaning pad
500 which in each embodiment is shown as being substantially
rectangular in plan with rounded corners 502. The embodiment
shown in Figure 12a has a series of cuts 504 running along the
length of the pad and a series of cuts 506 running perpendicular
thereto to form a "grid" of cuts. Figure 12b illustrates a
variation on this where there is a different pattern of cuts but
again the principal is the same of trying to reduce the size of
the pad during disposal and promoting the "breaking up" of the
pad. It should be appreciated that tags of unbroken material can
be provided along the cuts at intervals so as to maintain the
integrity of the pad as a single unit during use. The width of the
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tags can be adjusted to suit particular break up and disposal
requirements following use.
Figure 12c shows a yet further pattern of cuts and in this case
the inclusion of additional longer cuts 508 which further serve
to spilt the pad into segments which once again promotes the
splitting up of the pad.
Figures 13a-14c illustrate a further aspect of the invention and
show a holder 600 and handle 602 located therein. The handle
will operate in a similar manner to that as previously described.
The Figures 13a -d illustrate the handle in a first in use position
on top of a stack of cleaning pad held in the holder and Figure
13e-h illustrate the handle in a second storage position in which
drips from the handle are prevented from landing on the pads as
the handle end and gripping means do not lie above the pads in
this position.
Figure 14b illustrates a preferred arrangement of the handle 602,
gripping means 606 and stack of pads 604 in the holder 600. In
this arrangement the handle weight is offset to the side of axis
A of the holder and pivot axis 608 as indicated by arrows 610
and therefore is positioned to be angled away from the user.
Arrow B indicates the limitation of the pivotal movement of the
handle which in combination with rest C ensures that the handle
and grip successfully pick up of the pad. The handle is moved
to pick up and remove a pad 604' from the top of the stack.
Figure 14a illustrates an alternative embodiment with the handle
in the reverse orientation.
Figure 14c shows a sectional elevation through the holder 600
and illustrates the provision of one of the ribs 612 provided to
contact with the stack of pads, either directly or through the
deformable wall of the pad carton/ cartridge, and provide a
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denest feature to allow one of the pads to be removed from the
stack at a time. There is also shown part of the guide or rest 614
against which the handle rests when in the holder and which is
substantially Ushaped.
There is therefore provided a series of embodiments of a
gripping means for a cleaning pad which allow the effective and
reliable gripping of the pad while at the same time allowing the
grip to be achieved by the user remotely of the pad itself. While
in certain embodiments the ejection of the pad can be achieved
by the reverse steps of the gripping step, it should be
appreciated that other actuation means can be provided in the
handle and/or gripping means to cause the ejection of the
cleaning pad.
