Cleaning Apparatus and System
Field of Invention
The present specification relates to a cleaning apparatus. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present specification describes a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a skin surface.
Summary
io According to a first aspect, the present specification provides a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a skin surface, the cleaning apparatus comprising: an absorbent cleaning part comprising a first surface for receiving soap and a second surface for applying soap to the skin surface, the first surface comprising a first connection means provided at a central region of the first surface; and a cleaning fluid reservoir for holding liquid soap within an internal volume, the cleaning fluid reservoir being releasably connected to the absorbent cleaning part, the cleaning fluid reservoir having a base, the base comprising a second connection means provided at a central region of the based, the second connection means configured to connect to the first connection means to connect the absorbent cleaning part to the cleaning fluid reservoir, the base being configured to contact the first surface of the absorbent cleaning part when the cleaning fluid reservoir is connected to the absorbent cleaning part, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of holes surrounding the second connection means, each of the plurality of holes being configured for passage of liquid soap from the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir to the first surface of the absorbent cleaning part.
The first and second connection means may form complimentary connectors of a bayonet connecting mechanism.
The first connection means may comprise a female bayonet connector set into the absorbent cleaning part such that the connector does not protrude beyond the first surface of the absorbent cleaning part.
The second connection means may be a male bayonet connector and the base of the cleaning fluid reservoir may be flush with the first surface of the absorbent cleaning part when the first and second connection means are connected together.
The cleaning fluid reservoir may include a container wall configured to form the internal volume of the of the cleaning fluid reservoir together with the base, the container wall comprising an inlet hole and removable sealing means, the inlet hole configured for receiving liquid soap from an external liquid soap source into the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir for refilling of the cleaning fluid reservoir, and the sealing means being configured to prevent leakage of the liquid soap from the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir when the sealing means is received in the inlet hole.
/0 The cleaning fluid reservoir may be configured to be held by a user during use.
The container wall may comprise a resiliently deformable material such that on application of external force to the third surface the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir is compressed, forcing liquid soap held within the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir to be expelled through the holes to the first surface of the absorbent cleaning part.
According to a second aspect, the present specification provides a system comprising: a cleaning apparatus according to any preceding claim; and a holder for holding the cleaning apparatus, wherein the holder comprises attachment means for attaching the holder to a surface, and the holder further comprises holding means comprising an engaging surface for engaging with a surface of the cleaning apparatus to support the cleaning apparatus.
The holding means may be configured to receive the cleaning fluid reservoir through a substantially annular opening, and the engaging surface is configured to engage with the first surface of the absorbent cleaning part, such that the absorbent cleaning part is oriented above the cleaning fluid reservoir when being held by the holder.
The attachment means may comprise one or more suction sups for attaching the holder to a surface such as a wall.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the specification will now be described, by way of example only, with references to the accompanying drawings, in which: -3 -Figure 1 shows a sketch of an isometric view of the cleaning apparatus according to an aspect the present specification; Figure 2 shows a sketch of an exploded isometric view of the cleaning apparatus shown in Figure lin accordance with aspects of the present specification; Figure 3 shows a sketch of stages of use of the cleaning apparatus shown in Figure 1 in accordance with aspects of the present specification; Figure 4 shows a sketch of an isometric view of the cleaning apparatus shown in Figure 1 together with a holder of the cleaning apparatus; Figure 5 shows a sketch of an isometric view of the a cleaning apparatus according to
the aspects of the present specification; and
Figure 6 sketch of an isometric view of a cleaning apparatus according to aspects of the present specification.
Detailed Description
The present specification relates to a cleaning apparatus. As described in more detail below, the cleaning apparatus may be advantageously be used in the washing of a skin surface, for example when washing infants or young children. The cleaning device may or provide for the application of soap to the skin's surface.
Figure 1 illustrates the cleaning apparatus 99 according to an aspect of the present specification. The cleaning apparatus 99 comprises a cleaning fluid reservoir 1, and an absorbent cleaning part 2. The absorbent cleaning part 2 may be any absorbent cleaning part 2 suitable for receiving liquid soap or other cleaning fluid, such as shampoo, and for washing a skin surface. The absorbent cleaning part 2 may be a sponge, for example. A sponge 2 may provide for efficient absorption and transmission of soap throughout the sponge material. The examples described herein describe a sponge 2 as the absorbent cleaning part, but it will be recognised that the specification is not limited hereto. -4 -
The sponge 2 comprises a first surface 21 for receiving soap from the cleaning fluid reservoir 1, and a second surface 22 for applying soap to the skin surface.
The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 is configured for holding liquid soap within an internal volume. That is, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be filled with a liquid soap or other cleaning or cleansing fluid. The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be re-fillable. Accordingly, the usable lifetime of the cleaning apparatus 99 may be increased. Alternatively, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be pre-filled and may need to be replaced once the liquid soap within the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 is used up. The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be provided substantially concentric with the sponge 2, and the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may extend substantially orthogonally away from the sponge 2.
The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be releasably connected to the sponge 2. For example, the cleaning fluid reservoir iand sponge 2 may comprise connection means to connect the cleaning fluid reservoir ito the sponge 2 for use. In addition, the connection means may be released in order to separate the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 from the sponge 2. In this way, sponges 2 may be replaced after a given number of uses in order to maintain hygiene. In some examples, the sponges may be disposable such that after a particular number of uses they may be disposed of and replaced by a new sponge 2. In other examples, the sponges 2 may be washable and may be washed in a washing machine in order to remove any accumulated dirt and soap scum. A washed sponge may be re-connected with the cleaning fluid reservoir i after washing via the connection means. This may improve the usable lifetime of the sponge 2. In other or examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be removed and a replacement cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be connected with the sponge. For example, the cleaning fluid reservoirs and/or sponges 2 may be provided in different shapes and colours, and a user may select a sponge 2 and/or cleaning fluid reservoir 1 based on a user preference. For example, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be provided in the shape of animals or other characters in order to encourage usage of the device by young children or to improve a bathing experience of infants by a parent, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the sponges 2 may be provided in shapes which are of interest to infants and young children.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the first surface 21 of the sponge 2 comprises a first connection means 9 provided at a central region of the first surface 21. For example, in -5 -the case that the first surface 21 of the sponge 2 is circular, the first connection means 9 is provided at the centre of the circular surface 21.
The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 comprises a base 11. The base 11 comprises a second connection means 5 configured to connect to the first connection means 9 in order to connect the sponge 2 to the cleaning fluid reservoir 1. The base 11 is configured to contact the first surface 21 of the sponge 2 when the cleaning fluid resenyir 1 is connected to the sponge 2 via the first and second connection means 9, 5, as can be seen in the example illustrated in Figure 1.
The base 11 further comprises a plurality of holes 12 surrounding the second connection means 5. The plurality of holes 12 are each configured for passage of liquid soap from the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir ito the first surface 21 of the sponge 2. Therefore, when the sponge 2 is connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir 1, soap may be provided to the sponge 2 from the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 via the plurality of holes 12. The liquid soap may be drawn through the sponge during use from the first surface 21 to the second surface 22 for application of soap to the skin surface. The plurality of holes 12 may be any suitable number. In the example of Figure 2, the base ii comprises four holes 12. However, it will be recognised that the based may comprise more or less than four holes 12. By providing the holes 5 around the central connection means 5, the soap may be evenly distributed across the first surface 21 of the sponge 2. The holes may alternatively be provided in clusters or may be evenly distributed across the base 11.
In some examples, such as the example depicted in Figure 2, the first and second connection means 9, 5 form complimentary connectors of a bayonet connecting mechanism.
For example, the first connection 9 means may comprise a female bayonet connector, and the second connection 5 means may comprise a male bayonet connector. However, it will be recognised that alternatively the first connection means 9 may comprise a male bayonet connector and the second connection means 5 may comprise a female bayonet connector. A bayonet connecting mechanism provides for a simple connection mechanism that may be have a relatively low manufacturing cost and complexity, while allowing a secure connection of the sponge 2 and cleaning fluid reservoir 1. Such a bayonet mechanism may provide for the sponge 2 and cleaning fluid reservoir 1 to be -6 -easily interchangeable, if a range of cleaning fluid reservoirs 1 and sponges 2 are provided with complimentary bayonet connectors as described. However, the skilled person will recognise that other suitable connection mechanisms may alternatively or additionally be used.
As illustrated in the example of Figure 2, when the first connection means 9 comprises a female bayonet connector, the connector may be set into the sponge such that it does not protrude beyond the first surface 21 of the sponge 2. For example, the sponge 2 may be provided with a hollow region of a complimentary size to the female bayonet /0 connector 9, and the connector 9 may be inserted into the hollow region of the sponge.
The surface of the connector 9 may therefore be flush with the first surface 21 of the sponge 2. In other examples, the surface of the connector 9 may be slightly below the first surface 21 of the sponge 2, within the hollow region of the sponge 2. The connector 9 may be fixed within the hollow region of the sponge by means of an adhesive. The female bayonet connector may comprise a rigid plastic part 9 having a slot 8 for receiving a complementary male bayonet connector 5.
The male bayonet connector 5 may extend from an outer surface of the base 11 in order to be inserted into the slot 8 of the female connector 9. The male bayonet connector 5 may be fixed by an adhesive to the base ii. The male bayonet connector 5 may comprise a rigid plastic protrusion having an engaging portion for engaging with the female connector 9. When the male connectors is inserted into the slot 8 of the female connector 9, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 and the sponge 2 may be rotated relative to one another, which causes the male connectors to rotate relative to the slot 8 of the or female connector 9 in order to engage the connectors 9, 5 to connect the cleaning fluid reservoir ito the sponge 2. In the case that the surface of the connector 9 is slightly below the first surface 21 of the sponge 2, the sponge 2 may be slightly compressed as the cleaning fluid reservoir i is connected to the sponge 2, such that the first surface 21 of the sponge moulds to conform to the base ii. Connection between the base 11 and first surface 21 of the sponge 2 may therefore be improved.
By providing the female connector 9 so that it does not protrude beyond the first surface of the sponge 21, the base ii of the cleaning fluid reservoir i can be flush with the first surface 21 of the sponge 2 when the first and second connection means 9, 5 are connected together, so that there is no gap between the cleaning fluid reservoir and the sponge 2. This may provide for more efficient transfer of soap from the cleaning fluid -7 -reservoir 1 to the sponge 2 at the first surface 21. By removing a gap between the sponge 2 and the cleaning fluid reservoir 1, leakage of the soap between the first surface 21 and the base 11 may be reduced, and transmission through the sponge 2 to the second surface 22 of the sponge for application of soap to the skins surface may therefore be improved. Therefore, this may reduce the overall quantity of soap required to be used during a given use of the cleaning apparatus 99 by increasing the amount of soap delivered through the sponge to the second surface 22 for application of soap. Therefore, this may reduce the rate at which the soap is lost from the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 and may decrease the frequency at which the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 /0 may need to be replaced or refilled.
The base 11 and the first surface 21 have a complementary shape to one another such that when the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 and sponge 2 are connected, the surfaces are in contact with one another. In some examples, the base n and the first surface 21 are flat. Tn other examples, the base 11 and the first surface 21 may be provided with complementary curved surfaces.
The connection means 9, 5 may be formed of any suitable material. In some examples, the connection means may be formed of a plastic. The plastic may be any suitable plastic known to the person skilled in the art. In some examples, the connection means 9, 5 may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be formed by the base 11 together with at least one container wall 6. The container or wall 6 may comprise an inlet hole 3 and removable sealing means 23. The inlet hole 3 may be provided in order to receive liquid soap from an external liquid soap source into the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir 1. In this way, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be refilled with liquid soap at a user's convenience. Removable sealing means 23 may be removed in order to allow the liquid soap to be introduced to the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 via the inlet hole 3. The sealing means 23 may be configured to prevent leakage of the liquid soap from the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 when the sealing means 23 engages with the inlet hole 3.
In some examples, the sealing means 23 may be in the form of a cap configured to engage with the aperture 3. The cap or other sealing means 23 may be connected via a resilient anchor to an aperture grommet provided at the inlet hole. The cap may engage -8 -with the grommet at the inlet hole 3 in order to seal the container wall. The cap 23 may be flipped open in order to open the inlet hole 3 for introduction of liquid soap to the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir 1.
In other examples, the removable sealing means 23 may comprise a cork for inserting into the inlet hole 3 in order to seal the container wall 6. The skilled person may recognise other suitable sealing means 23 for sealing an inlet hole 3.
The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may comprise translucent or transparent material. For Jo example, at least a portion of the container wall 6 may be translucent or transparent.
In this way, the amount of soap in the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be viewed through the container wall 6.
In some examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 is configured to be held by a user during use. Therefore, the cleaning apparatus 99 may be held by a user holding the cleaning fluid reservoir 1. The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may therefore be an appropriate size to the gripped by a user's hand. In some examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be of a size suitable for gripping by an adult hand. In other examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be of a size suitable for gripping by a young child.
Therefore, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may serve as a handle for the cleaning apparatus 99. A parent or other carer may therefore be able to apply soap and wash an infant or young child with one hand. Accordingly, this enables the other hand of the parent or carer to be free to support the child in the bath. This may be of particular advantage in the case of washing infants who are unable to support themselves.
or Therefore, the cleaning apparatus 99 according to aspects of the present specification removes the need to use two hands in order to open a soap bottle and apply the soap to a sponge, by providing a sponge 2 with a cleaning fluid reservoir 1 which can be operated using one hand only.
In some embodiments the cleaning apparatus may comprise means to maintain the device on a hand, further improving ability to wash an infant with one hand. For example such means may comprise elastic bands, or strapping.
In some examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may comprise a resiliently deformable 35 material. For example, at least a portion of the container wall 6 may comprise a resiliently deformable material such that on application of external force to the -9 -container wall the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 is compressed, forcing liquid soap held within the internal volume of the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 to be expelled through the holes to the first surface 21 of the sponge 2. The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may comprise any suitable means for directing flow of liquid soap through the holes of the base 11 to the first surface 21 of the sponge 2. The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may comprise pumping means for pumping or impelling soap from the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 to the sponge via the plurality of holes 12.
In some examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 comprises a plastic. The plastic may be /o a plastic such as polyethylene. The plastic may be coloured. The plastic may be a flexible plastic to assist squeezing soap through the holes into the sponge as described above, i.e. the container wall may comprise a resiliently deformable plastic.
In some examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may comprise at least one hole and/or grommet that enable entrance of air into the reservoir. Accordingly, by permitting entrance of air into the cleaning fluid reservoir 1, formation of a vacuum within the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be avoided.
In this way the embodiment may be used for cleaning and when the cleaning part, i.e. 20 the sponge 2 is squeezed, soap or shampoo is drawn through to the surface of the cleaning sponge 2 without any other interaction with the cleaning apparatus 99, making it easy and simple to use the device with a single hand.
Figure 3 illustrates the operation of the cleaning apparatus 99. Figure 3 illustrates the or cleaning fluid reservoir 1 being connected to the sponge 2 via a twisting operation (for example when the connection means comprises bayonet connection means). Refilling of the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 via the inlet hole is also illustrated in Figure 3, and the configuration for use of the cleaning apparatus 99 is further illustrated.
Figure 4 illustrates a system 199 according to one aspect, in which the present specification provides a system 199 comprising a cleaning apparatus 99 such as that described with reference to Figures 1-3, and a holder 100 for holding the cleaning apparatus 99. The holder mo comprises attachment means for attaching the holder to a surface, and the holder ino further comprises holding means 39 comprising an engaging surface for engaging with a surface of the cleaning apparatus 99 to support the cleaning apparatus 99. The attachment means may comprise suction cups for -10 -attaching the holder to a wall. In the example illustrated in Figure 4, the suction cups extend from a rear surface of a flat plate 38. Holding means 39 may be connected to the suction cups, for example via the plate 38, such that the holding means 39 can be supported at a wall or bath surface by the suction cups.
The holding means 39 may be configured to receive the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 through a substantially annular opening, and the engaging surface may be configured to engage with the first surface 21 of the sponge 2, such that the sponge 2 is oriented above the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 when being held by the holder ma Accordingly /0 therefore, the sponge 2 may be provided such that the first surface 21 of the sponge is larger than the base ii of the soap holder, such that a region such as a substantially annular region extends beyond the cleaning fluid reservoir. For example, the overall footprint of the sponge may be larger than the footprint of the cleaning fluid reservoir. The substantially annular region extending beyond the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be the approximate size, or larger than the engaging surface of the holder. Accordingly, soap or cleaning fluid within the cleaning fluid reservoir will not be transmitted by the plurality of holes 12 through to the sponge by means of gravity. Thus, the soap in the cleaning fluid reservoir may be retained within the cleaning fluid reservoir, and leakage of the soap when the cleaning apparatus 2 is not in use can be prevented.
The suction cups are configured for attaching to a surface such as a wall, for example bathroom walls or bath tubs. The holder further includes an annular holding means 29 which defines a central hole through which the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 can be inserted.
Accordingly, the holder Km) of the present specification provides a place to store the cleaning apparatus 99 when not in use, and to prevent it falling into the bath which could otherwise allow the cleaning fluid reservoir ito fill with water if left too long. If the cleaning apparatus 99 is left in water, the soap may be diluted and liquid soap may be transmitted through the sponge 2 from the cleaning fluid reservoir iand into bathwater. Accordingly, the system 199 comprising the cleaning apparatus 99 and holder 100 may reduce soap wastage and reduce the risk of soap dilution.
The cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be domed as illustrated in Figured 1 to 4. In other 35 examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be provided with alternative shapes. As pictured in Figures 5 and 6 in some examples, the cleaning fluid reservoir 1 may be provided in the shape of animals or characters, for example a duck, or frog on a lilypad sponge as illustrated. The connecting mechanism 9, 5 may otherwise remain common across a range to reduce manufacture costs and allow interchangeability and modularity.
The description of the present specification are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned examples without departing from the scope of the claims.