The following relates to a cleaning system and relates, more particularly, to a cleaning system with a dissolvable cleaner block and a handling tool for the dissolvable cleaner block.
Cleaning systems have been proposed for facilitating certain cleaning tasks. For example, toilet bowl cleaning systems have been proposed for cleaning inside a toilet and below the water line. These systems can make the cleaning process easier, more sanitary, etc.
However, conventional cleaning systems suffer from certain deficiencies. Some systems may include a disposable or otherwise nonpermanent cleaning unit. In some cases, the cleaning unit may not be robust enough to properly withstand the cleaning process. More specifically, the water in the toilet, associated cleaning agents, and/or the scouring and scrubbing action may prematurely degrade the cleaning unit such that the system fails to clean the bowl to the user's satisfaction.
Additionally, some cleaning systems may suffer from poor ergonomics. Furthermore, in some cases, the user may need to handle the cleaning unit after it is used (e.g., for disposal); however, this can be unsanitary and unpleasant. Additionally, use of these conventional systems may generate undesirable amounts of waste. Some cleaning units may be flushed after use; however, septic systems may be negatively affected in some cases.
Furthermore, manufacturing of these conventional cleaning systems may be inefficient and costly. These systems often include a large number of parts. Forming parts, assembling the parts, etc. can also be inefficient.
Thus, there exists an ongoing demand for improved cleaning systems, such as toilet bowl cleaning systems, that are highly robust and effective. There is also a need for such cleaning systems to have improved ergonomics for facilitating use. Furthermore, there is a need for these cleaning systems to generate less waste and/or provide other environmental benefits. Moreover, there is a need for these cleaning systems to be manufactured efficiently.
Embodiments of a cleaning system are provided. In various embodiments, the cleaning system includes a handling tool for a dissolvable cleaner block. The handling tool includes a wand and a retainer arrangement attached to the wand and moveable between a retaining position and a releasing position. The retainer arrangement is configured for removably attaching the wand to the dissolvable cleaner block when in the retaining position. The retainer arrangement is configured for releasing the dissolvable cleaner block when in the releasing position. The retainer arrangement includes at least one selectively moveable engagement member that removably engages the dissolvable cleaner block in the retaining position. Furthermore, the handling tool includes a sealing member that is attached to the wand and that is configured to seal against the dissolvable cleaner block when engaged with the retainer arrangement to impede liquid intrusion toward the retainer arrangement.
Embodiments of a cleaning system are further provided. The cleaning system includes a cleaner block that includes an engagement portion. The cleaner block is dissolvable. The cleaning system also includes a handling tool that removably attaches to the cleaner block. The handling tool includes a wand and a retainer arrangement attached to the wand and moveable between a retaining position and a releasing position. The retainer arrangement removably attaches the wand to the engagement portion of the cleaner block when in the retaining position. The retainer arrangement is configured for releasing the cleaner block when in the releasing position. The retainer arrangement includes at least one selectively moveable engagement member that removably engages the engagement portion of the cleaner block in the retaining position. Furthermore, the handling tool includes a sealing member that is attached to the wand and sealed against the dissolvable cleaner block when engaged with the retainer arrangement to impede liquid intrusion toward the retainer arrangement.
Methods for manufacturing a cleaning system are further provided. In some embodiments, the method includes attaching a retainer arrangement to a wand such that the retainer arrangement is moveable between a retaining position and a releasing position. The retainer arrangement is configured for removably attaching the wand to a dissolvable cleaner block when in the retaining position. The retainer arrangement is configured for releasing the dissolvable cleaner block when in the releasing position. The retainer arrangement includes at least one selectively moveable engagement member that removably engages the dissolvable cleaner block in the retaining position. The method additionally includes attaching a sealing member to the wand such that the sealing member is configured to seal against the dissolvable cleaner block when engaged with the retainer arrangement to impede liquid intrusion toward the retainer arrangement.
The foregoing statements are provided by way of non-limiting example only. Various additional examples, aspects, and other features of embodiments of the present disclosure are encompassed by the present disclosure and described in more detail below.
At least one example of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure described in the subsequent Detailed Description. It should further be understood that features or elements appearing in the accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise stated.
The following Detailed Description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the application and uses of the same. The term “exemplary,” as appearing throughout this document, is synonymous with the term “example” and is utilized repeatedly below to emphasize that the following description provides only multiple non-limiting examples of the present disclosure and should not be construed to restrict the scope of the present disclosure, as set-out in the Claims, in any respect.
Generally, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning system, such as a cleaning system for cleaning a toilet bowl. The system may generally include a handling tool and a removably attached cleaner block. The cleaner block may be a dissolvable unit, such that it begins dissolving when exposed to liquid (e.g., water in a toilet bowl).
The shape, construction, material characteristics, etc. of the cleaner block may allow it to be scrubbed, scoured, and rubbed against the inner surface of the toilet bowl for cleaning purposes. The cleaner block may dissolve eventually, but slowly enough to maintain sufficient scrubbing, scouring, rubbing, or other cleaning action during use.
The handling tool may include various features for improving ergonomics and other benefits to be discussed. The handling tool may also include a retainer arrangement that removably attaches to the cleaner block. The retainer arrangement may include features for facilitating attachment to the block and detachment from the block. The retainer arrangement may also be configured to robustly engage the cleaner block during use. In addition, the handling tool may further include a sealing member that seals to the cleaning block. This seal may impede liquid intrusion toward the retainer arrangement. Accordingly, liquid within the toilet bowl may be impeded from the retainer arrangement and its attachment to the cleaner block, which improves attachment strength of the handling tool to the cleaner block.
The cleaning system also includes features that improves manufacturing efficiency, produces less waste, and more. For example, the cleaner block may be constructed from dissolvable material, which may be dissolve eventually during and after use, and which may be flushed away safely. Furthermore, the handling tool may include relatively few parts and may be reusable. Additionally, manufacture of the handling tool and the cleaner block may be relatively simple and inexpensive for increased efficiencies.
Referring initially to
The cleaning system 100 may generally include a handling tool 102 (
The cleaner block 104 (
In some embodiments, the material of the block 104 may be dissolvable upon contact with liquid, such as toilet bowl water. This material may include powder or other solid material that has been compacted (e.g., in a mold, press, etc.) to define the shape of the block 104. The material included in the block may include one or more cleaning agents, abrasive agents, perfume or fragrant materials, surfactants, nonionic surfactants, acids, bases, antimicrobial active ingredients, preservatives, chelating agents, polymers, colorants, builders, bleaching agents, corrosion inhibitors, flush regulators, active ingredients to reduce stickiness, and/or enzymes.
The material on the outer surface of the block 104 may begin dissolving, foaming, or otherwise reacting as the block 104 is exposed to liquid. As the block 104 is used and scrubbed against the interior of the toilet bowl, the block 104 may continue to break down and reduce. As will be discussed, the block 104 of the present disclosure may be configured to break down eventually, at a controlled rate, etc. The material used to construct the block 104 may be configured so that it dissolves eventually and at a controlled rate. Furthermore, as will be discussed, the handling tool 102 may include features that protect its removable attachment to the block 104.
Accordingly, the block 104 may be ergonomically attached to the handling tool 102, the block 104 may remain securely attached to the handling tool 102 during use, and then the block 104 may be selectively detached and released from the handling tool 102 when manual scrubbing of the toilet is complete. The block 104 may be released from the handling tool 102 into the toilet bowl water, the block 104 may further dissolve, and the material may be flushed away in some embodiments. The handling tool 102 may be reused later and removably attached to a replacement cleaner block 104. Accordingly, the cleaning system 100 may produce little-to-no solid waste.
It will be appreciated that the cleaning system 100 may be configured differently without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the cleaning system 100 may be configured for cleaning sinks, drains, bathtubs, showers, or other areas.
Referring now to
The handling tool 102 may also include a hand grip 136. The hand grip 136 may be defined at or proximate the first end 132 of the wand 130. The hand grip 136 may be configured for wrap-around grip by the user's hand for holding and manipulating the wand 130. The hand grip 136 may include features for improved gripping. For example, the hand grip 136 may include contoured surfaces, compressible material, or other features that correspond to the hand and fingers. Also, the hand grip 136 may include high-friction material for improved grip.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the wand 130 may include a rotational joint 146. The joint 146 may be a hinge joint disposed proximate the second end 134. The joint 146 may allow rotation and flexure of the second end 134 during use. As shown, the wand 130 may include a concave indent 145 that defines the joint 146. As shown in
Furthermore, the handling tool 102 may include a retainer arrangement 138. The retainer arrangement 138 may be attached to and supported by the wand 130 proximate the second end 134. The retainer arrangement 138 may be supported for movement relative to the wand 130, for example, when attaching and detaching the cleaner block 104. As will be discussed, the retainer arrangement 138 may move between a retaining position (
For example, the retainer arrangement 138 may include at least one engagement member 150 that is supported for movement (e.g. radial movement) for engaging and disengaging the cleaner block 104. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of engagement members 150 that are spaced equally about the axis 115. Two engagement members 150 spaced on opposite sides of the axis 115 are shown in
The engagement members 150 may be wedge-shaped and may be provided at the terminal portion of the second end 134 of the wand 130. The engagement member 150 may be connected to the shaft portions 131 further up the wand 130 via a respective resilient leg 154. The legs 154 may be thin-walled and elongate and resiliently flexible for radial movement. The engagement members 150 may include a toe 156 that projects out radially from the end of the respective leg 154. Also, the engagement members 150 may include an inclined lower edge surface 152. The lower edge surface 152 may be inclined relative to the axis 115. Collectively, the lower edge surfaces 152 may taper and increase in radial width relative to the direction along the axis 115 away from the second end 134.
The retainer arrangement 138 may further include a plug 160. The plug 160 may be frustoconic and inverted with a narrower end at the second end 134 and the wider end further along the axis 115 away from the second end 134. The plug 160 may be centered on the axis 115. The plug 160 may be disposed internally between the inner sides of the engagement members 150. The plug 160 may be supported for movement within the wand 130 and along the axis 115. In at least one position (
The handling tool 102 may also include a control component 140 supported by the wand 130 (
The handling tool 102 may further include a linkage system 142. The linkage system 142 may include one or more elongate cords, cables, pulleys, ties, lines, geartrains, or other linkage members that extend along the axis 115 between the first and second ends 132, 134 and that operatively connect/couple the control component 140 to the retainer arrangement 138. In some embodiments, the linkage system 142 may be substantially contained within the shaft portion(s) 131 and supported for movement within the wand 130. For example, as shown in
In the first position of the control component 140 (e.g., the radially projected position of the trigger shown in
The user may squeeze the trigger of the control component 140 inward radially (
When the user releases the control component 140, the biasing member 148 may bias the plug 160 back toward the second end 134 such that the engagement members 150 are pushed back outward radially. In some embodiments, to install a replacement block 104, the user may insert the second end 134 into the block 104 while squeezing the control component 140 and then release once the block 104 is attached. The inclined lower edge surfaces 152 of the engagement members 150 may help to guide and center the second end 134 to the recess 118 of the cleaning block 104. Also, in some embodiments, the user may simply press and advance the second end 134 into the recess 118 of the cleaning block 104 without having to squeeze the control component 140. In these embodiments, the pressure of the surface 112 of the cleaning block 104 against the inclined lower edge surfaces 152 may actuate the retainer arrangement 138 and retract the engagement members 150 such that the cleaner block 104 snap-fits thereto easily.
The handling tool 102 may additionally include an end member 162. As shown in
In some embodiments, the end member 162 may be a unitary, one-piece part made out of a polymer. In some embodiments, the end member 162 may be a molded (e.g., injection molded) part. In some embodiments, the end member 162 may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Once formed, the end member 162 may be attached to the wand 130, for example, by pulling the end member 162 onto the wand 130 like a sock. The end member 162 may have material resiliency for compressing onto and frictionally attaching to the wand 130.
The attachment portion 165 may include a shaft portion 163 that wraps around, layers over, and covers the wand 130. In some embodiments, the shaft portion 163 is received in and covers the indent 145 of the joint 146. The attachment portion 165 may also include a boot 166 that covers over the terminal part of the second end 134. The boot 166 may include a side 167 that covers over the resilient legs 154 and that include openings 170 that receive respective ones of the engagement members 150. The boot 166 may also include an end cap 169 that covers over the second end 134 and that provides a seat surface for the plug 160. In some embodiments, the end cap 169 of the boot 166 may be contoured inward along the axis 115 such that the boot 166 may seat against the end cap 169 when the retainer arrangement 138 is in the retaining position represented in
The sealing member 164 may be a relatively thin sheet or membrane. The sealing member 164 may be resilient and elastic. The sealing member 164 may be skirt-shaped. The sealing member 164 may include an upper, inner end 172 that encircles and attaches to the attachment portion 165, longitudinally between the shaft portion 163 and the boot 166. The sealing member 164 may also include a lower, outer edge 174 that is disposed outward radially compared to the inner end 172. The sealing member 164 may flare outward gradually and may slightly contour from the inner end 172 to the outer edge 174. Also, a conic space 175 may be defined between the boot 166 and the inner surface of the sealing member 164. Accordingly, the sealing member 164 may be spaced apart at a distance from the boot 166 and from the retainer arrangement 138.
As shown in
Accordingly, the sealing member 164 may delay dissolving action that may otherwise at the retainer arrangement 138. Thus, even though the wand 130 is directly attached to the cleaner block 104 (without a disposable interface), the attachment may be robust enough to withstand the toilet cleaning process. Furthermore, very little if any waste is generated. The block 104 may dissolve away and may be flushed, and the wand 130 may be reused.
Additionally, the boot 166 may abut against the block 104 and provide useful characteristics for interfacing with the material of the block 104. For example, the boot 166 may be resiliently compressible such that it presses outward onto the block 104 for further retaining strength. Also, the boot 166 may have a surface roughness, an adhesion characteristic, or other material characteristic for bonding, frictionally engaging, or otherwise interfacing with the cleaner block 104.
Referring now to
As shown in
More specifically, as shown in
While the foregoing description focuses primarily on articles of manufacture, namely, cleaning systems including handling tools and corresponding cleaner blocks, there has also been disclosed methods for manufacturing these articles. Manufacture of the parts, assembly of the parts, etc. can be accomplished efficiently.
Terms such as “first” and “second” have been utilized above to describe similar features or characteristics in view of the order of introduction during the course of description. In other sections of this Application, such terms can be varied, as appropriate, to reflect a different order of introduction. While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing Detailed Description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It is understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.