BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fabric treating appliances typically operate to clean fabric by placing the fabric in contact with cleaning fluid such as soapy water, and providing relative motion between the fabric and the fluid. Commonly a fabric mover such as an agitator provides mechanical energy to a load of fabric immersed in the cleaning fluid by agitating the fabric load in a manner that both jostles the fabric in the fluid and circulates the fluid through the fabric. A fabric treating appliance for home use can perform a select programmed series of operations on fabric placed in a basket or drum located within the interior of the machine. However, it can occur that none of a selection of preprogrammed wash cycles is thought by the washing machine operator to be sufficient to fully remove certain stains on the fabric being laundered. The operator can choose to address such stains manually before adding the stained fabric to the fabric load.
SUMMARY
The disclosure relates to a fabric treating appliance comprising: a cabinet defining an interior and having a top wall defining an access opening; a cover movable relative to the cabinet between opened and closed positions to selectively close the access opening; a tub located within the interior and having an open top aligned with the access opening; a rotatable basket located within the tub and having a loading opening aligned with the open top and the access opening; a top wall extending between at least one of the cabinet and the tub; a scrubbing tool seat recessed in the top wall; and a scrubbing surface provided on the top wall of the cabinet and located in an area contiguous with an edge of the scrubbing tool seat.
In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a fabric treating appliance comprising: a cabinet defining an interior and having a top wall defining an access opening; a cover movable relative to the cabinet between opened and closed positions to selectively close the access opening; a tub located within the interior and having an open top aligned with the access opening; a rotatable basket located within the tub and having a loading opening aligned with the open top and the access opening; a top wall extending between at least one of the cabinet and the tub; a scrubbing tool seat recessed in the top wall and comprising an aperture in the seat fluidly connected to the tub to define a drain in fluid communication with the tub; a scrubbing tool seat recessed in the top wall and comprising an aperture in the seat fluidly connected to the tub to define a drain in fluid communication with the tub, wherein excess liquid in the scrubbing tool seat drains through the aperture and into the tub.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of fabric treating appliance in the form of a washing machine.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top of an exemplary embodiment of the washing machine of FIG. 1 with a scrubbing tool housed in a scrubbing tool seat.
FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 of a scrubbing tool seat and scrubbing tool housed in the seat.
FIG. 3B is a view similar to FIG. 3A and illustrating an alternative scrubbing tool housed in the seat.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top of an exemplary embodiment of the washing machine of FIG. 1 with a scrubbing tool housed bristles up in a scrubbing tool seat.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a non-dispensing scrubbing tool.
FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of a dispensing scrubbing tool having a reservoir.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view depicting exemplary use of a scrubbing tool.
FIG. 7B is a perspective view depicting an alternate use of a scrubbing tool.
FIGS. 8A-8C is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 of a scrubbing tool seat and scrubbing tool housed in the seat, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a scrubbing tool, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 of a scrubbing tool seat and the scrubbing tool of FIG. 9 housed in the seat, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a scrubbing tool, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a set of detents for holding a scrubbing tool, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 of a scrubbing tool seat and scrubbing tool housed in the seat, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a fabric treating appliance in the form of a vertical axis washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 can include a cabinet 12 defining an interior for housing the operational parts of the washing machine, together with a hinged cover 18. Housed within the cabinet 12 is a wash tub 26, a basket 28, and an agitator assembly 30. The tub 26 holds the wash liquid that is used in the operation of the washing machine 10. The tub 26 is located within the interior of the cabinet 12 and has an open top 27. The basket 28 holds the fabric during operation of the washing machine 10. The basket 28 is located within the tub 26 and has a loading opening 32 aligned with the open top 27 of the tub 26. The basket 28 can be thought of as defining a treating chamber 33 in which the fabric is treated. The cabinet 12 can also have a top wall 19 comprising a shroud 29 provided at the top of the cabinet 12 and defining an access opening 15, which aligns with both the open top 27 of the tub 26 and the loading opening 32 of the basket 28, which items of clothing or other fabric can pass when placing the fabric items into the basket 28 for washing. The shroud 29 can curve downwards toward the treating chamber 33 to direct fabric items into the basket 28. The shroud 29 can overlie a portion of the tub 26 and basket 28 such that the fabric items do not fall between the basket 28 and the tub 26. The top wall 19 and shroud 29 can also have a recess defining a scrubbing tool seat 210 where a scrubbing tool 200 can be removably disposed in the seat 210. The scrubbing tool seat 210 can have a drain 215 that is fluidly connected to the tub 26. A gap 40 can also formed between the shroud 29 and the hinged cover 18. A console 21 having control panel 20 which includes the operating controls 22 for the washer is illustrated on the upper, rear of the cabinet 12, but can be located elsewhere.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top of the fabric treating appliance 10 with the hinged cover 18 shown in an open condition to illustrate a scrubbing tool 200 and a scrubbing tool seat 210 in which the scrubbing tool 200 can be stored. The scrubbing tool 200 and scrubbing tool seat 210 can be located in the top wall 19 or the shroud 29 of cabinet 12 and there can be multiple scrubbing tool seat 210 locations for user convenience. While FIG. 2 depicts two scrubbing tool seats 210, one on each side of the wash tub 28 and toward the front of the cabinet 12, the invention is not limited to this arrangement. One scrubbing tool seat 210 is sufficient for housing a scrubbing tool 200 and its location in the top wall 19 or shroud 29 is not limited, although in an exemplary embodiment a scrubbing tool seat 210 can be located in a front portion of the shroud 29 or top wall 19 for easy accessibility by a user.
The recessed scrubbing tool seat 210 can have a drain 215 comprising one or more openings to allow residual liquid in the scrubbing tool seat 210 to drain into the tub 26 or wash basket 28. The drain 215 can be fluidly connected to the tub as it is positioned over and above the tub 26 thereby allowing any excess liquid to gravity feed directly into the tub 26 (as shown in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the floor 216 of the scrubbing tool seat 210 can be slanted toward the drain 215 to allow excess liquid to easily drain from the scrubbing tool seat 210. Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the drain 215 can be fluidly connected to the tub 26 via mechanical connections and couplings. In this embodiment, the scrubbing tool seat 210 can be configured to act as a reservoir for dispensing detergent, softener, or other fabric treating liquid during a wash cycle.
A scrubbing surface 31 can be provided on the top wall 19 or shroud 29 of the cabinet 12. The scrubbing surface 31 can include a smooth or textured area for supporting material being pretreated. The scrubbing surface 31 can also be located in an area adjacent to or contiguous to the scrubbing tool seat 210. The scrubbing surface 31 can be configured to allow for the passing of excess pretreating liquid through the scrubbing surface during use. For example, the scrubbing surface 31 can include grooves, channels, or perforations through which the pretreating liquid can drain out (not shown). Such perforations can comprise a plurality of small holes, thin slots, or the like, in any desired arrangement. The scrubbing surface 31 and draining elements can be arranged to drain the excess pretreating liquid into the treating chamber 33 or the scrubbing tool seat 210. The scrubbing surface can also comprise perforated material such as mesh or polymeric materials, or other material that is conducive to allowing a liquid to pass through. The perforated material or mesh can be made of plastic, metal or other suitable material.
As shown in FIG. 2, non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can also include a latch receiver 35 at the top wall 19 or shroud 29 of the cabinet 12, configured or otherwise adapted to receive a corresponding latch 37 on or at the hinged cover 18.
The details of the scrubbing tool 200 and scrubbing tool seat 210 are best seen with respect to FIG. 3A, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of the scrubbing tool seat 210 with scrubbing tool 200 placed therein. It should be recognized that the scrubbing tool 200 could be virtually any design and height that conforms to the relative size of the scrubbing tool seat 210. The scrubbing tool's 200 height could extend above the height of the scrubbing tool seat 210, or conversely, the scrubbing tool's 200 height might not extend to the height of the scrubbing tool seat 210 in an at rest position. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the scrubbing tool 200 is generally intended to be flush with or slightly extending or protruding above the top of the scrubbing tool seat 210 in an at rest position. This configuration allows the hinged cover 18 to move to a fully closed position while the scrubbing tool 200 rests in the scrubbing tool seat 210. This configuration also allows a user access to the bristles 410 of the scrubbing tool 200 for pretreating purposes when the cover 18 is in an open position and the scrubbing tool 200 is stored in a bristles-up orientation. In an alternate configuration wherein a gap 40 is present between the top of shroud 29 and the bottom of hinged cover 18, the height of the scrubbing tool 200 could be designed to extend above or protrude above the scrubbing tool seat 210 while still allowing the hinged cover 18 to move to a fully closed position.
The spacing between the inner diameter of the seat 210 and the top or gripper portion 320 of the scrubbing tool 200 can form a gap 340, which is sufficient to permit a user to access or grab the gripper portion 320 of scrubbing tool 200 with their fingers. In a protruding configuration, shown in FIG. 3B, wherein the gripper portion 320 of the scrubbing tool 200 extends above the scrubbing tool seat 210, the scrubbing tool 200 can be grasped without a finger gap 340 being necessary to access the gripper portion 320 of the scrubbing tool 200. In the protruding configuration, the bottom portion 350 of the scrubbing tool 200 can have a complementary shape to the scrubbing tool seat 210, but the gripper portion 320 of the scrubbing tool 200 could have any shape since it is not disposed within the scrubbing tool seat 210.
As shown in FIG. 4, the scrubbing tool 200 can be removably inserted into the scrubbing tool seat 210 in a bristles-up orientation as compared to the bristles-down orientation of FIG. 2. The scrubbing tool 200 can be shaped relative to the scrubbing tool seat 210 such that either orientation is possible as is a matter of user preference.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of scrubbing tool 200. The scrubbing tool 200 comprises a gripper portion 320 and a set of bristles 410 mounted on the scrubbing tool 200 opposite the gripper portion 320. In an exemplary operation, the scrubbing tool 200 is non-dispensing and can be used by applying pretreating liquid directly to the stain and/or to the bristles 410, and brushing the stained material against the bristles 410, or brushing the tool 200 with bristles 410 against the stained material. In this embodiment, the scrubbing tool 200 need not comprise a reservoir or dispenser.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a scrubbing tool 600. The scrubbing tool 600 is shown exploded and its constituent parts can be seen. The scrubbing tool 600 comprises a base 610 and a cap 620. Complementary elements can be included to removably secure the cap 620 to the base 610. For example, the base 610 and cap 620 can be configured with threads that can be screwed together, or edges that can snap together, although other coupling elements or methods can be used. As shown in FIG. 6, cap 620 has been removed from base 610 to reveal a reservoir 630 formed in the base 610. In one example, the reservoir 630 is at least partially located in the base 610 and shaped to receive a replaceable container 640 of pretreating liquid or a chemistry pod. The container 640 can be inserted into the reservoir 630 and opened as the cap 620 is coupled to the base 610. Alternatively, the reservoir 630 can be filled with pretreating liquid, for example, by opening the scrubbing tool 600 and pouring liquid directly into the reservoir 630. In these embodiments, the scrubbing tool 600 can have a dispenser (not shown) that is operated by pushing on a compressible element 660 that activates a valve or conveys pressure to a pump fluidly coupled to the reservoir 630 to dispense the liquid in the reservoir 630. While the compressible element 660 is shown on the cap 620, other types and/or arrangements of dispensers can alternatively be used and incorporated into the scrubbing tool 600.
It is noted that the scrubbing tool 600 illustrated in FIG. 6 is merely an illustrative example of a scrubbing tool 600 that can have a refillable reservoir for holding and dispensing pretreating liquid. Alternatively, the body of the scrubbing tool 200 as illustrated in FIG. 5 can comprise a single piece with no reservoir, and can be used after manually applying the pretreatment liquid to the bristles 410, to the stain, or both. Other configurations and/or arrangements can also or alternatively be used.
FIG. 7A illustrates an example scrubbing tool 200 in use. In this example, a user can place a stained fabric 710 to be treated on the scrubbing surface 31 and use any method of manual force to treat the stain on the fabric 710. A user can apply a pretreating liquid directly to a stained fabric 710 or a pretreating liquid can be dispensed by the scrubbing tool 600 onto the stained fabric 710. In either case, the user can manually scrub the fabric 710 with the scrubbing tool 200. If the scrubbing tool 200 is removed from the scrubbing tool seat 210 for use, the scrubbing tool 200 can be returned to the scrubbing tool seat 210 upon completion of stain pretreatment.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 7B, the scrubbing tool 200 need not be removed from the scrubbing tool seat 210 during use. Instead, a piece of stained fabric 710 being pretreated can be manually brushed across the bristles 410 using a sliding, circular, or other motion after applying pretreating liquid to one or both of the stain and the bristles 410.
FIGS. 8A-8C illustrates another scrubbing tool seat 810 and scrubbing tool 800 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The scrubbing tool seat 810 and scrubbing tool 800 are similar to the scrubbing tool seat 210 and scrubbing tool 200 described herein, and applicable in similar configurations; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased to 800-series numerals, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the scrubbing tool seat 210 and scrubbing tool 200 applies to the scrubbing tool seat 810 and scrubbing tool 800, unless otherwise noted.
One difference is that the scrubbing tool seat 810 can include a moveable portion 801 within the scrubbing tool seat 810 that can operably enable the scrubbing tool 800 to raise or lower relative to the scrubbing tool seat 810. For instance, the moveable portion 801 can include a “push-push” receptacle, whereby a downward force (e.g., a first “push”) applied to the top of the scrubbing tool 800, forcing the scrubbing tool 800 into the scrubbing tool seat 810, can cause or enable the moveable portion 801 to recede into the scrubbing tool seat 810 and either toggle, actuate, lock, or otherwise hold a first, retracted position, or can cause or enable the moveable portion 810 to toggle, actuate, lock, or otherwise raise relative to the scrubbing tool seat 810 into a second, raised position. In this sense, the scrubbing tool 800 can be “retained” by or within the scrubbing tool seat 810.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the top or gripper portion 820 of the scrubbing tool 800 can lay above or otherwise higher or taller than the top surface of the top wall 19, when the moveable portion 801 is in the second, raised position. In this second, raised position, the gripper portion 820 rising above the top surface of the top wall 19 can, for example, enable easier gripping access, by a user, for the gripper portion 820. In one non-limiting aspect of the disclosure, the moveable portion 801 can include a first wall 805 or first set of walls coupled with a tool surface 803, which can receive and support the scrubbing tool 800, and a second wall 807 or second set of walls. In another non-limiting example, the second wall 807 can be coupled relative to, or with, the floor 216. Non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can be included wherein the first wall 805 moves relative to the second wall 807, wherein the tool surface 803 moves relative to the floor 216, or a combination thereof, such that the movement of the moveable portion 801 can enable the “push-push” receptacle, the first, retracted position, the second, raised position, or a combination thereof.
As shown in FIG. 8B, a downward force (a first “push”) 809 applied to the top of the scrubbing tool 800 can operably force the scrubbing tool 800 into the scrubbing tool seat 810, causing the relative movement of the tool surface 803 toward the floor 216, and at least one of toggle, actuate, lock, or otherwise hold the moveable portion 801 in the first, retracted position. In this first, retracted position, a top surface or portion of the gripper portion 820 can be flush with, equal in height to, or otherwise correspond with the top surface of the top wall 19. Non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can also be included wherein the top surface or portion of the gripper portion 820 can be at a relative height above, or a relative height below, the top surface of the top wall 19. As shown in FIG. 8C, a downward force (a second “push”) 811 applied to the top of the scrubbing tool 800 can operably force the scrubbing tool 800 into the scrubbing tool seat 810, causing the relative movement of the tool surface 803 toward the floor 216, followed by a raising relative movement 813 of the tool surface 803 away from the floor 216 and at least one of toggle, actuate, lock, or otherwise hold the moveable portion 801 in the second, raised position.
FIG. 9 illustrates another scrubbing tool 900 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The scrubbing tool 900 is similar to the scrubbing tools 200 described herein, and applicable in similar configurations; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased to 900-series numerals, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the scrubbing tool 200 applies to the scrubbing tool 900, unless otherwise noted.
One difference is that scrubbing tool 900 can include a selectively engageable retention system, such as for example, a set of retention tabs 915 spaced about a circumference, a periphery, or otherwise about a surface of the scrubbing tool 900, between the gripper portion 920 and the set of bristles 910, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The set of retention tabs 915 can be equally-spaced about the circumference, the periphery, or the surface of the scrubbing tool 900, or can alternatively be unequally-spaced about the same. For example, aspects of the disclosure can be included where the equally or unequally-spaced set of retention tabs 915 allow for or otherwise enable a keying of the scrubbing tool 900 relative to another component, such as the scrubbing tool seat. Another example of a selectively engageable retention system may include corresponding threads oppositely positioned on the scrubbing tool 900 and a scrubbing tool seat 917, etc.
As shown in FIG. 10, non-limiting aspects of the scrubbing tool seat 917 can correspond with the scrubbing tool 900 of FIG. 9. The scrubbing tool seat 917 is similar to the scrubbing tool seat 210 described herein, and applicable in similar configurations; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased to 900-series numerals, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the scrubbing tool seat 210 applies to the scrubbing tool seat 917, unless otherwise noted.
As shown, the scrubbing tool seat 917 can include a first sidewall extension 919 and a second sidewall extension 921 extending inward toward the cavity of the scrubbing tool seat 917 and different distances spaced from the floor 216. In non-limiting examples, aspects of the second sidewall extension 921, which is spaced from the floor 216 at a greater distance compared with the first sidewall extension 919, can be configured to correspond in an overlying relationship with the set of retention tabs 915 of the scrubbing tool 900 when the tool 900 is received by the scrubbing tool seat 917. In another non-limiting example, aspects of the first sidewall extensions 919 can be configured to correspond in an underlying relationship with the set of retention tabs 915 of the scrubbing tool 900 when the tool 900 is received by the scrubbing tool seat 917. Aspects of the disclosure can be included wherein, for instance, the equally or unequally-spaced set of retention tabs 915 (relative to the circumference of the scrubbing tool 900) allow for or otherwise enable a keying of the set of retention tabs 915 to pass through or below (relative to the orientation of FIG. 10) the second sidewall extensions 921, but not allow for or enable the set of retention tabs 915 to pass through or below the first sidewall extensions 919.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the interaction of the set of retention tabs 915 relative to the first and second sidewall extensions 919, 921 can allow for a locking, a coupling, or an otherwise retention relationship whereby the scrubbing tool 900 is retained in place where the set of retention tabs 915 are removably fixed relative to the first and second sidewall extensions 919, 921. For example, rotation of the scrubbing tool 900, by a user, in a first direction (shown representatively by arrow 923) could operably retain the scrubbing tool 900 in place where the set of retention tabs 915 are removably fixed relative to the first and second sidewall extensions 919, 921. In another example, rotation of the scrubbing tool 900, by a user, in a second direction (opposite the first direction 923, the second direction shown representatively by arrow 925) could operably release, uncouple, or otherwise operable remove the retaining of the scrubbing tool 900 in place. The “retaining”, as used herein, could include a frictional interaction between the set of retention tabs 915, the first and second sidewall extensions 919, 921, or a combination thereof. In another non-limiting example, the retaining can be based on a screw-interface adapted between the set of retention tabs 915, the first and second sidewall extensions 919, 921, or a combination thereof. In this sense, the retaining of the scrubbing tool 900 relative to the scrubbing tool seat 917 can operably enable a “twist lock” between the set of retention tabs 915, and the first and second sidewall extensions 919, 921, or a combination thereof.
Aspects of the disclosure whereby the retaining of the scrubbing tool relative to the scrubbing tool seat can enable or allow for benefits for shipping the machine as well, to retain the scrubbing tool in place. These aspects can result in conforming structure that allows for or enables the scrubbing tool to reliably remain in place so that it does not fall out and become lost during shipping, which could lead to a customer dissatisfaction rating having to request and/or wait for a replacement.
FIG. 11 illustrates another scrubbing tool 1000 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The scrubbing tool 1000 is similar to the scrubbing tool 200 described herein, and applicable in similar configurations; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased to 1000-series numerals, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the scrubbing tool 200 applies to the scrubbing tool 1000, unless otherwise noted.
One difference is that scrubbing tool 1000 can include rake-type surface, shown as a rake 1023, for a user to utilize in preparing, treating, and/or modifying a clothing item before, during, after, and/or irrespective a cycle of operation. As used herein, a “rake-type” surface or a “rake” can include, for example, a generally straight-edge surface or a comb-like surface that can be drawn across a clothing item to perform a function, such as removing a contaminant (such as hair, pet hair, particles, or the like) from the clothing item surface. In this sense, a user can “rake” the straight-edge or comb-like surface across the clothing item to rake, comb away, or otherwise accumulate the contaminant into a bundle, pile, grouping, or for instance, on a surface of the rake 1023.
As shown, the rake 1023 can include a first substrate 1025 providing rigidity for the rake 1023, as well as coupling the rake 1023 with the scrubbing tool 1000. The rake 1023 can further include a second substrate 1027 having a specialized edge for performing the removal of the contaminant, as described herein. Non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can be included wherein the rake 1023 can be integrated into the scrubbing tool 1000 body, such as near or proximate to the gripper portion 1020, as shown. In another non-limiting aspect of the disclosure, the rake 1023 can be provided as a removably attachable component that can be coupled with the scrubbing tool 1000 for uses when needed. Further non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can be included wherein the rake 1023 can be placed close to, or farther from, the bristles 1010, in either a fixed or removably attachable configuration. In the removably attachable configuration, aspects of the disclosure can be included wherein, for instance, a scrubbing tool seat can include a position for retaining the rake 1023 when not in use. In yet another non-limiting aspect of the disclosure, the rake 1023 may replace or take the place of the scrubbing tool 1000 such that the rake 1023 may occupy a tool seat or receptacle independently.
FIG. 12 illustrates another scrubbing tool according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The scrubbing tool is similar to the scrubbing tool 200 described herein, and applicable in similar configurations; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased in numerals, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the scrubbing tool 200 applies to the scrubbing tool, unless otherwise noted. As shown, the scrubbing tool can be retained by or within a set of detents of low gripping force. In one non-limiting example, the gripping force of the set of detents can be selected such that user can easily remove the scrubbing too from the detents. In another non-limiting example, the detents can define a frictional relationship to retain the scrubbing tool. In another non-limiting example, the set of detents can be included in or incorporated within a scrubbing tool seat, as described herein, for retaining the scrubbing tool at or within the scrubbing tool seat. In yet another non-limiting example, the set of detents can include one or more spring clips. In yet another non-limiting example, the scrubbing brush can be received by the set of detents in either a bristles up or bristles down arrangement, for example, to provide a scrubbing surface of the bristles.
FIG. 13 illustrates another scrubbing tool seat and scrubbing tool according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The scrubbing tool seat and scrubbing tool are similar to the scrubbing tool seat 210 and scrubbing tool 200 described herein, and applicable in similar configurations; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased in numerals, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the scrubbing tool seat 210 and scrubbing tool 200 applies to the scrubbing tool seat and scrubbing tool, unless otherwise noted.
One difference is that each of the scrubbing tool seat and the scrubbing tool can include magnets or magnetically permeable materials, oppositely arranged, such that the interaction between the magnets or magnetically permeable materials in each of the scrubbing tool seat and the scrubbing tool can define a magnetic attraction between them. The magnetic attraction between the scrubbing tool seat and the scrubbing tool can operably retain the scrubbing too within or at the scrubbing tool seat, while remaining weak enough that a user may forcibly overcome the magnetic attraction to remove the scrubbing tool from the seat when use of the scrubbing tool is desired.
Although the invention has been described and illustrated in exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is noted that the description and illustrations have been made by way of example only. Numerous changes in the details of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts and steps can be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, such changes are understood to be inherent in the disclosure. The invention is not limited except by the appended claims and the elements explicitly recited therein. The scope of the claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit. It should also be noted that all elements of all of the claims can be combined with each other in any possible combination, even if the combinations have not been expressly recited or claimed.
Patent Application
20240125037
