Cleaning system
09717391 ยท 2017-08-01
Inventors
- Mitchell E. Culbreath (St. Paul, MN, US)
- Philip J. Dumont (Roberts, WI, US)
- Trisha D. Adamson (Woodbury, MN, US)
Cpc classification
A46B11/0003
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A46B11/0006
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A46B11/0065
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A46B2200/3033
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
The disclosed cleaning system provides a system for storing and containing together a cleaning tool and cleaning ampoules, which contain the cleaning material, so that all the necessary parts of the cleaning system are easily stored and accessible for cleaning needs. In one embodiment, the cleaning system includes a cleaning tool and a cleaning ampoule. The cleaning tool includes a body with a working surface having scrubbing elements. The body has an ampoule receptacle. The cleaning ampoule contains a cleaning material. The cleaning ampoule includes a compartment and a cover for containing the cleaning material in the compartment. The ampoule receptacle is capable of holding the cleaning ampoule while the cleaning material is dispensed to the working surface from the cleaning ampoule.
Claims
1. A cleaning system comprising: a cleaning tool comprising a body including a working surface comprising a plurality of scrubbing elements and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle; a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a compartment and a cover configured to contain the cleaning material in the compartment; wherein the ampoule receptacle is capable of holding the cleaning ampoule while the cleaning material is dispensed to the working surface from the cleaning ampoule; wherein the plurality of scrubbing elements comprise bristles, stems, hooks, or combinations thereof; and wherein the body of the cleaning tool includes a storage portion for holding a plurality of cleaning ampoules; and wherein the ampoule receptacle is located in between the plurality of scrubbing elements, further wherein the cleaning ampoule is rotatably mounted in the ampoule receptacle.
2. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning ampoule includes a midsection with a first end and a second end.
3. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cover is displaced to dispense the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule.
4. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cover is removable from the cleaning ampoule.
5. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the cover is over a midsection of the cleaning ampoule.
6. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the ampoule receptacle receives a longitudinal length of the ampoule.
7. A cleaning system comprising: a cleaning tool comprising a body wherein the body has a working surface including a plurality of scrubbing elements and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle located in between the plurality of scrubbing elements; a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a cylindrical compartment and a cover over a midsection of the cylindrical compartment, wherein the cover is configured to contain the cleaning material in the compartment; wherein the ampoule receptacle is capable of rotatably holding the cleaning ampoule while the cleaning material is dispensed to the working surface from the cleaning ampoule.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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(11) While the above-identified drawings and figures set forth embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of this invention.
(12) The figures may not be drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
(13) In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes be made without departing from (e.g., still falling within) the scope of the disclosure presented hereby.
(14) Exemplary cleaning systems and methods regarding the same, for example, such as methods regarding the use of such cleaning systems shall be generally described with reference to
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(16) On at least a portion of the working surface 112 is a plurality of scrubbing elements 114. The scrubbing elements 114 spread and disperse the cleaning material to the surface being cleaned. The scrubbing elements 114 may be bristles, stems, hooks, loops, nonwoven material, woven fabric, knitted fabric, or any other suitable material or geometry (herein, the scrubbing elements may refer to the individual fibers as in nonwoven material, woven fabric, knitted fabric, etc., thus, one piece of material may contain a plurality of scrubbing elements). There may be one or more materials for the scrubbing elements 114 over the working surface 112. The different materials may be interspersed across the working surface 112, or the different materials may be in isolated sections of the working surface 112. For example, both long and short bristles may be used as scrubbing elements 114 (e.g., for example, different lengths of bristles, stems, hooks, loops, nonwoven material, woven fabric, knitted fabric, or combinations thereof). For example, one portion of the working surface may comprise bristles (e.g. for example, long bristles, short bristles, or both) while another portion may comprise looped material (e.g., long loops, short loops or both), or they may be interspersed. Any combination of material specifications suitable to cleaning may be provided.
(17) The body 111 includes a storage portion 115. The storage portion 115 may be integrally connected with the body 111 or may be removable from the body 111.
(18) In one exemplary embodiment, at the upper surface 113 of the body 111 is an ampoule receptacle 116. The ampoule receptacle 116 securely holds the ampoule 120 during use and provides a passage of the cleaning material contained within the ampoule 120 to the working surface 112. In this embodiment, the ampoule receptacle comprises one or more pins 117 for puncturing into the ampoule 120, while allowing for passage of the cleaning material contained within the ampoule 120 to the working surface 112 (e.g., the pin(s) may be of any suitable form capable of puncturing or otherwise providing a passage of the cleaning material contained within the ampoule 120 to the working surface 112, including any geometry or material other than a pin, e.g., a hollow cylinder, a spear or arrow, a knife, a triangular or pyramidal structure, an x-shaped projection, etc.). As shown in this embodiment, the ampoule receptacle 116 secures to one end of the ampoule 120 (e.g., using any suitable method of securing, for example, threaded features, press fit, adhesive, any type of fastener, etc.) resulting in the ampoule 120 longitudinally extending away from the body 111 (e.g., extending away along axis L).
(19) In one or more embodiments, the cleaning tool 110 may include a handle 119 to aid a user in holding the cleaning tool 110 during use. As shown in this embodiment, the handle 119 projects outward and away from the cleaning tool 110 in a direction away from the working surface 112. It is understood that a variety of configuration of handles may be used that aid in allowing the user to grip the cleaning tool 110. In some embodiments, a projecting handle might not be included and instead molded and contoured portions of the cleaning tool 110 itself may provide adequate gripping.
(20) One exemplary embodiment of an ampoule is depicted in
(21) Referring to
(22) The ampoule 120 may be of a size to contain cleaning material for a single use or may be of a size to contain the cleaning material for multiple uses. The cleaning material contained within the ampoule 120 may be a liquid cleaning material, a solid cleaning material, or combinations thereof. Although a longitudinal, cylindrical shaped ampoule is shown it is understood that any variety of sizes and shapes of containers may be suitable as ampoule 120. For example, any suitable form capable of containing the selected cleaning material, including a cube shape or a cylinder with a width greater than it length, or an irregular shape, including, shapes that are complimentary to mating components of the cleaning system may be suitable.
(23) In an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system, to use the cleaning system 100, an ampoule 120 is removed from the storage portion 115, if included. If a durable cover is included, the cover is removed. Then the ampoule 120 is inserted in to the ampoule receptacle 116 where the pin 117 inserts (e.g., by puncture or otherwise creating an opening) though the cover 124 into the ampoule 120. The cleaning material contained within the ampoule 120 passes through the ampoule receptacle 116 to the working surface 112. The working surface 112, containing the cleaning material, is passed over the surface being cleaned. The scrubbing elements 114 interact with the surface being cleaned and aid to disperse the cleaning material over the surface being cleaned.
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(25) In one or more embodiments, the ampoule receptacle 216 may include one or more pins similar to that shown in
(26) In one or more embodiments, the ampoule 220 may be provided in any suitable form, including in the form of ampoule 120 as shown in
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(28) As shown in
(29) In one or more embodiments, one or more of the following features may be included to aid in rotation of the ampoule 320: the ampoule 320 may be cylindrical; the first end 322 and second end 323 may include outward projections or gear-like projections as shown on the ampoule in
(30) Further, in one or more embodiments of an ampoule 320 suitable for use in the embodiment shown in
(31) To use the cleaning system 300, an ampoule 320 is removed from the storage portion 315, if included. The cover wrap 324 may be removed and the ampoule 320 may be inserted into the ampoule receptacle 316. The projecting portions 317 (e.g., projecting portions of any suitable form, as previously described) engage with the first end 322 and second end 323 of the ampoule 320 and may rotatably support the ampoule 320. The user passes the working surface 312 over the surface to be cleaned causing rotation of the ampoule 320, which causes the cleaning material to dispense from the ampoule 320, through the apertured sidewall 325 and to the working surface 312. The user continues to pass the working surface 312 over the surface being cleaned continuing rotation of the ampoule and dispensing of the cleaning material. The scrubbing elements 314 interact with the surface being cleaned and aid to disperse the cleaning material over the surface being cleaned.
Illustrative Embodiments: Series A
(32) 1. A cleaning system comprising:
(33) a cleaning tool comprising a body having a working surface with scrubbing elements and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle;
(34) a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a compartment and a cover for containing the cleaning material in the compartment;
(35) wherein the ampoule receptacle is capable of holding the cleaning ampoule while the cleaning material is dispensed to the working surface from the cleaning ampoule.
(36) 2. The cleaning system of embodiment 1, wherein the body of the cleaning tool includes a storage portion for holding a plurality of cleaning ampoules.
(37) 3. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning tool further comprises a handle.
(38) 4. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the scrubbing element comprise bristles, stems, hooks, loops, nonwoven material, woven fabric, knitted fabric, or combinations thereof.
(39) 5. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning material is liquid cleaning material or a solid cleaning material.
(40) 6. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning ampoule includes a midsection with a first end and a second end.
(41) 7. The cleaning system of embodiment 6, wherein the compartment is cylindrical.
(42) 8. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the cover is displaced to dispense the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule.
(43) 9. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover is a punctureable film.
(44) 10. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the cover is removable from the cleaning ampoule.
(45) 11. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover is at at least one of the first end or second end of the cleaning ampoule.
(46) 12. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover is over a midsection of the cleaning ampoule.
(47) 13. The cleaning system of embodiment 12, wherein the cleaning ampoule at the midsection includes an apertured sidewall for dispensing the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule.
(48) 14. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle includes a pin for puncturing the cover.
(49) 15. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle is at an upper surface opposite the working surface and wherein the ampoule receptacle provides a passage of the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule to the working surface.
16. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle receives an end of the ampoule.
17. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle receives a longitudinal length of the ampoule.
18. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle is at the working surface, wherein the cleaning ampoule is rotatably mounted in the ampoule receptacle.
19. The cleaning system of embodiment 18, further comprising wheels adjacent the ampoule receptacle to rotate the cleaning ampoule.
20. A cleaning system comprising:
(50) a cleaning tool comprising a body wherein the body has a working surface with scrubbing elements and a upper surface, opposite the working surface, and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle at the upper surface;
(51) a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a compartment at a midsection of the cleaning ampoule and a cover at at least one of a first end or second end of the cleaning ampoule for containing the cleaning material in the compartment;
(52) wherein the ampoule receptacle is capable of holding the cleaning ampoule; and
(53) wherein the ampoule receptacle provides a fluid pathway of the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule to the working surface.
(54) 21. The cleaning system of embodiment 20, wherein the cover comprises a punctureable film and wherein the ampoule receptacle comprises a pin for puncturing the film and providing a fluid pathway of the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule to the working surface.
22. A cleaning system comprising:
(55) a cleaning tool comprising a body wherein the body has a working surface with scrubbing elements and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle at the working surface;
(56) a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a cylindrical compartment and a cover over a midsection of the cylindrical compartment for containing the cleaning material in the compartment;
(57) wherein the ampoule receptacle is capable of rotatably holding the cleaning ampoule while the cleaning material is dispensed to the working surface from the cleaning ampoule.
(58) 23. The cleaning system of embodiment 22, wherein the cover comprises a cover wrap that is removable from the midsection leaving an apertured sidewall for dispensing the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule.
(59) 24. A method of cleaning comprising:
(60) providing a cleaning tool comprising a body wherein the body has a working surface with scrubbing elements and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle;
(61) providing a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a compartment and a cover for containing the cleaning material in the compartment;
(62) inserting the cleaning ampoule into the ampoule receptacle;
(63) displacing at least a portion of the cover;
(64) dispensing the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule to the working surface.
(65) 25. The method of embodiment 24, further comprising puncturing the cover upon inserting the cleaning ampoule into the ampoule receptacle.
(66) 26. The method of embodiment 24, wherein the cover comprises a wrap over an apertured side wall of the cleaning ampoule.
(67) 27. The method of embodiment 24, further comprising:
(68) sliding the working surface of the cleaning tool over a surface to be cleaned;
(69) rotating the cleaning ampoule while dispensing the cleaning material.
Illustrative Embodiments: Series B
(70) 1. A cleaning system comprising:
(71) a cleaning tool comprising a body including a working surface comprising a plurality of scrubbing elements and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle;
(72) a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a compartment and a cover configured to contain the cleaning material in the compartment;
(73) wherein the ampoule receptacle is capable of holding the cleaning ampoule while the cleaning material is dispensed to the working surface from the cleaning ampoule;
(74) wherein the plurality of scrubbing elements comprise bristles, stems, hooks, or combinations thereof; and
(75) wherein the body of the cleaning tool includes a storage portion for holding a plurality of cleaning ampoules.
(76) 2. The cleaning system of embodiment 1, wherein the cleaning tool further comprises a handle.
(77) 3. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning material comprises liquid cleaning material, a solid cleaning material, or combinations thereof.
(78) 4. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning ampoule includes a midsection with a first end and a second end.
(79) 5. The cleaning system of embodiment 4, wherein the compartment is cylindrical.
(80) 6. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the cover is displaced to dispense the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule.
(81) 7. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover is a punctureable film.
(82) 8. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the cover is removable from the cleaning ampoule.
(83) 9. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover is proximate at least one of the first end or second end of the cleaning ampoule.
(84) 10. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover is over a midsection of the cleaning ampoule.
(85) 11. The cleaning system of embodiment 10, wherein the cleaning ampoule at the midsection includes an apertured sidewall configured to dispense the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule.
(86) 12. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle includes at least one pin configured to puncture the cover.
(87) 13. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle is adjacent an upper surface opposite the working surface and wherein the ampoule receptacle provides a passage of the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule to the working surface.
14. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle receives an end of the ampoule.
15. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle receives a longitudinal length of the ampoule.
16. The cleaning system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ampoule receptacle is located in between the plurality of scrubbing elements, further wherein the cleaning ampoule is rotatably mounted in the ampoule receptacle.
17. The cleaning system of embodiments 16, further comprising one or more wheels adjacent the ampoule receptacle, wherein the wheels are configured to rotate the cleaning ampoule.
18. A cleaning system comprising:
(88) a cleaning tool comprising a body wherein the body has a working surface with a plurality of scrubbing elements, and a upper surface, opposite the working surface, and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle proximate the upper surface;
(89) a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a compartment at a midsection of the cleaning ampoule and a cover proximate at least one of a first end or second end of the cleaning ampoule configured to contain the cleaning material in the compartment;
(90) wherein the ampoule receptacle is capable of holding the cleaning ampoule; and
(91) wherein the ampoule receptacle provides a fluid pathway of the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule to the working surface.
(92) 19. The cleaning system of embodiment 18, wherein the cover comprises a punctureable film and wherein the ampoule receptacle comprises at least one pin configured to puncture the film and provide a fluid pathway of the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule to the working surface.
20. A cleaning system comprising:
(93) a cleaning tool comprising a body wherein the body has a working surface including a plurality of scrubbing elements and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle located in between the plurality of scrubbing elements;
(94) a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a cylindrical compartment and a cover over a midsection of the cylindrical compartment, wherein the cover is configured to contain the cleaning material in the compartment;
(95) wherein the ampoule receptacle is capable of rotatably holding the cleaning ampoule while the cleaning material is dispensed to the working surface from the cleaning ampoule.
(96) 21. The cleaning system of embodiment 20, wherein the cover comprises a cover wrap that is removable from the midsection leaving an apertured sidewall configured to dispense the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule.
(97) 22. A method of cleaning comprising:
(98) providing a cleaning tool comprising a body wherein the body comprises a working surface including a plurality of scrubbing elements comprising bristles, stems, hooks, or combinations thereof, and wherein the body has an ampoule receptacle, and further wherein the body of the cleaning tool includes a storage portion for holding a plurality of cleaning ampoules;
(99) providing a cleaning ampoule containing a cleaning material, wherein the cleaning ampoule comprises a compartment and a cover configured to contain the cleaning material in the compartment;
(100) inserting the cleaning ampoule into the ampoule receptacle;
(101) displacing at least a portion of the cover;
(102) dispensing the cleaning material from the cleaning ampoule to the working surface.
(103) 23. The method of embodiment 22, further comprising puncturing the cover upon inserting the cleaning ampoule into the ampoule receptacle.
(104) 24. The method of embodiment 22, wherein the cover comprises a wrap over an apertured side wall of the cleaning ampoule.
(105) 25. The method of embodiment 22, further comprising:
(106) sliding the working surface of the cleaning tool over a surface to be cleaned;
(107) rotating the cleaning ampoule while dispensing the cleaning material.
(108) Although specific embodiments 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 varies other arrangements can be devised in accordance with these principles by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thu, 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.