US20120301208A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20120301208A1
Application number: US13/476,514
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Hughes; Clayton Kirschner; Joseph Sexton
Original assignee: Rubbermaid Inc
Current assignee: Rubbermaid Inc
Priority date: 2011-05-27
Filing date: 2012-05-21
Publication date: 2012-11-29

Abstract

A cleaning system comprises a first type of scrubber head having a first type of attachment mechanism and a second type of attachment mechanism and a second type of scrubber head having the first type of attachment mechanism and the second type of attachment mechanism. A first type of cleaning pad may be releasably mounted to either the first scrubber head or the second scrubber head using the first attachment mechanism. A second type of cleaning pad may be releasably mounted to either the first scrubber head or the second scrubber head using the second attachment mechanism. One scrubber head comprises a base comprising a first section and a flexible section. An assembly is movably mounted on the base such that the assembly may be moved to make the flexible section active.

Description

This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the filing date of to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/490,749, as filed on May 27, 2011 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to cleaning implements for cleaning surfaces such as are found in a bathroom or similar environment including brushes, sponges, scouring pads, mops and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a cleaning system comprises at least a first type of scrubber head having a first type of attachment mechanism and a second type of attachment mechanism. A first type of cleaning pad is adapted to be releasably mounted to the first type of scrubber head using the first attachment mechanism. A second type of cleaning pad is adapted to be releasably mounted to the first type of scrubber head using the second attachment mechanism.

In one embodiment, a brush comprises a base comprising a first section and a flexible second section that is connected to and extends from the first section. A cleaning surface is attached to the base. An assembly is mounted on the base such that the assembly is movable relative to the base between a first position where the assembly engages both the first section and the second section and a second position where the assembly engages the first section and allows the second section to flex. A lock member locks the assembly in the first position and the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a head usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad usable in the cleaning tool of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the cleaning pad usable in the cleaning tool of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the cleaning pad usable in the cleaning tool of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of still another embodiment of the cleaning pad usable in the cleaning tool of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the head ofFIG. 1 and the cleaning pad ofFIG. 2 used in an embodiment of a cleaning tool.

FIG. 7 is a partial section view of the cleaning tool ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a head usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a head usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a back view of the head ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a section view taken along line11-11 ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a detailed top view of the head ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a of a head usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a section view of the head ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a head and extender pole usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the embodiment ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a detailed section view taken along line18-18 ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a head usable in the cleaning tool and system of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the head ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a back view of the head ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a section view taken along line22-22 ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the head ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a detailed perspective view of the head ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 25 is a view similar toFIG. 24 showing the flexible portion of the head in a flexed condition.

FIG. 26 is a more detailed view ofFIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like references numbers are used to refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” or “top” or “bottom” or “front” or “rear” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, area or region to another element, area or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Environments such as bathrooms are a difficult to clean because of the variety of surfaces, hard to reach areas, tight spaces, surface contours, and difficult and unpleasant substances to be cleaned. The cleaning tools and system described herein may be used on a variety of different types of surfaces and provide distinct cleaning processes and functionalities. The cleaning tools and system are able to clean different surfaces and different substances using interchangeable cleaning pads. The cleaning tools and system are easy to use and efficiently clean tub/shower floors, walls, fixtures and hard to reach areas such as corners. The cleaning tools and system provide the user with the ability to clean with an extended reach product that may be quickly and easily changed to a handheld scrubber providing more leverage. The cleaning tools and system allow the cleaning pads to be easily removed and replaced. The cleaning tools are ergonomically designed for leverage while scrubbing. The cleaning tools and system provide a platform from which a variety of cleaning tools may be created by the end user using interchangeable components.

The cleaning system comprises a plurality of different types of scrubber heads2 that may be releasably connected to a plurality of different types ofcleaning pads4 such that a scrubber head and cleaning pad combination may be selected to perform a specific cleaning function. Each type ofscrubber head2 may be provided with different functionalities and structures and each type ofcleaning pad4 may be provided with different functionalities and cleaning surfaces. The scrubber heads2 andcleaning pads4 may comprise attachment mechanisms that allow the cleaning pads to be removably connected to the scrubber heads such that different combinations of different types of cleaning pads and different types of scrubber heads may be provided.

One embodiment of ascrubber head2 andcleaning pad4 is shown inFIGS. 1 and 6. Thescrubber head2 comprises abase6 that supports and is releasably connected to thecleaning pad4 and ahandle8 that extends from thebase6. Thehandle8 andbase6 may be formed as a one-piece component. Thescrubber head2 may be injection molded of a thermoplastic such as polypropylene or otherwise made of a relatively rigid, strong material. Thebase6 comprises anupper surface10 to which thehandle8 is connected and a lower surface12 (FIGS. 7 and 8). Alateral side wall16 joins theupper surface10 and thelower surface12. Thebase6 may have any shape suitable for cleaning and in the illustrated embodiment comprises a tapered shape that extends from anarrow tip14 at the front end of the tool to a relatively broaderrear end18. Providing a tapered tool allows thefront tip14 of the tool to reach narrow areas and corners while providing suitable surface area for larger scale cleaning. Thehandle8 may extend from adjacent the front end of thebase6 to a free standingback end17. Thehandle8 is positioned so as to be centered along the longitudinal axis of thebase6 and extends such that in use a force applied to thehandle8 by the user will be approximately centered on thebase6. Thehandle8 may be provided with a soft elastomer insert to create a relativelysoft hand grip20. For example the insert may be overmolded on apolypropylene handle8 with a material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Thebase6 includes a first attachment mechanism for releasably connecting thescrubber head2 to certain types of cleaning pads and a second attachment mechanism for releasably connecting thescrubber head2 to other types of cleaning pads as will hereinafter be described

Thecleaning pads4 may comprise a wide variety of cleaning surfaces and materials designed to meet specific cleaning needs and/or be used on specific types of surfaces. For example the cleaning surface of thecleaning pads4 may comprise bristles30 (FIG. 2), a scour pad32 (FIG. 3), a sponge34 (FIG. 4), a microfiber cloth36 (FIG. 5) and/or other suitable cleaning surfaces, materials and structures. The cleaning pads may also comprise combinations of surfaces and/or materials such as a microfiber cloth having scouring strips that is backed by a sponge, a scour pad backed by a sponge or the like. The cleaning pads and cleaning surfaces may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Thecleaning pads4 may be disposable or reusable. Thecleaning pads4 are removably mounted on thescrubber head2 using one of two attachment mechanisms as will be described. The removable andreplaceable cleaning pads4 also extend the life of the tool because thecleaning pad4 is the system component most likely to wear, making the tool economical and sustainable.

In one embodiment of thecleaning pad4, the attachment mechanism comprises arigid mounting block40 on which a cleaning surface is provided as shown inFIGS. 2,6 and7. Therigid mounting block40 may be made of a rigid thermoplastic such as polypropylene or other suitable strong, rigid material. In one illustrated embodiment the cleaning surface comprises a plurality ofbristles30 secured to one side of the mounting block40 (FIG. 2), although the cleaning surface may comprise any suitable cleaning surface and/or materials or combinations of cleaning surfaces and materials. To make a bristle brush the mountingblock40 may be injection molded of a rigid material such as polypropylene. A bristling machine may then insert thebristles30 into the molded mounting block where the bristles are cut and trimmed. The mountingblock40 may have an overall shape that conforms to the shape of thebase6 of thescrubber head2 and that is dimensioned to conform to and fit against thebottom surface12 of thescrubber head2. In one embodiment, arim44 extends from the opposite side of theblock40 frombristles30 to define a receptacle that receives thebase6. However, in other embodiments, theblock40 may not include a rim or may include a partial rim that only partially circumscribes the outer periphery ofblock40. Thebase6 may be inserted into the receptacle with the mountingblock40 abutting thelower surface12 of thebase6 and therim44 extending over an closely receiving theside wall16. To attach the mountingblock40 to thescrubber head2 a cantilever snap-in attachment mechanism may be used. The attachment mechanism can include one or more engagement members at one or more positions of theblock40 and one or more positions of thescrubber head2. For example, according to one embodiment, an attachment mechanism may comprises a first pair of engagement members on the front ends of the mountingblock40 and thescrubber head2 and a second pair of engagement members on the rear ends of thescrubber head2 and mountingblock40. It is appreciated that while the engagement members are shown and described as being proximate to the front and rear portions of the mountingblock40 and thescrubber head2, in other embodiments one or more engagement members may be located at any location along the outer edge of theblock40 and thescrubber head2 and operate in a like manner as explicitly described herein. Moreover, in other embodiments, engagement members need not be oriented proximate to the edge or perimeter of theblock40 orscrubber head2, but instead may be located anywhere on the upper surface of theblock40 and a corresponding location(s) on the lower surface of thescrubber head2.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2,6 and7, the engagement member on the front of thescrubber head2 comprises a first lip orflange52 that extends outwardly from thebase6. The engagement member on the front of the mountingblock40 comprises an inwardly extending lip orflange58 that is dimensioned and positioned such that it engages the first lip orflange52 formed on the front end of thebase6.

Flanges

52 and58 are arranged such thatflange52 is disposed behindflange58 and betweenflange58 and mountingblock40. According to this embodiment, theengagement member54 on the rear of thescrubber head2 comprises a second lip orflange56 that extends outwardly from thebase portion6. The engagement member on the rear of the mountingblock40 comprises amovable lock member60 that is dimensioned and positioned to engage the second lip orflange56. Thelock member60 is movable between a locked position (shown inFIG. 7) and an unlocked position. Thelock member60 is biased to the locked position. In one embodiment thelock member60 and mountingblock40 are formed as one-piece of molded plastic where thelock member60 pivots relative to the mountingblock40. In one embodiment thelock member60 extends from the mountingblock40 in a cantilevered manner and creates a snap lock with the lip orflange56. The plastic material that forms thelock member60 provides the biasing force that biases thelock member60 to the locked position. Thelock member60 may also be formed as a separate mechanical element from the mountingblock40 where thelock member60 is connected to the mountingblock40 at a mechanical hinge. Thelock member60 may also be biased to the locked position by a separate biasing mechanism such as a spring rather than using the plastic material as the biasing mechanism. In yet another embodiment, a lock member may simply be formed of a material that has at least partial deflection or elastic characteristics such that the lock member may be deformed during attachment and removal of thecleaning pad4, such as under the force of the lock member against thescrubber head2 or by manual deflection by the user. In yet another embodiment, a lock member may be a sliding or pivoting member that has a tab releasably engageable with a corresponding detent, tang, or other snap fit or friction fit connection. The use of the plastic material as the biasing mechanism, however, may provide one economical arrangement of making the movable lock member. Thelock member60 may also be provided with a lead-insurface64 that is engaged by theback edge6aofbody6 during attachment of thescrubber head2 to thecleaning pad4. Thesurface64 is arranged such that thelock member60 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position against the bias of the biasing mechanism when it is engaged by theback edge6aofbody6.

To attach thescrubber head2 to thecleaning pad4 the front end of thebase6 is positioned against the front end of the mountingblock40 such that the flange orlip52 of thebase6 is positioned behind the flange orlip58 of the mountingblock40. The rear end of thescrubber head2 is then rotated toward the rear end of the mountingblock40 such that theback edge6aof thebase6 engages thesurface64 on thelock member60. As the rear end of thescrubber head2 is pushed toward the mountingblock40 the engagement of thebase6 with the lead-insurface64 moves thelock member60 to the unlocked position such that the lip orflange56 may move passed thelock member60 and thebase6 may be seated in the receptacle formed byrim44 and mountingblock40. When the rear end of thebase6 moves past thelock member60, the biasing member moves thelock member60 to the locked position. In the locked position thelock member60 engages and is positioned over the lip orflange56 of thebase6. In this position thebase6 of thescrubber head2 is secured to thecleaning pad4 by the engagement of the lockingmember60 withflange56 at the back end of the tool and the engagement of theflange52 with theflange58 at the front end of the tool.

To release thescrubber head2 from thecleaning pad4, thelock member60 is moved to the unlocked position. To facilitate the movement of thelock member60 to the unlocked position alever68 is provided on thelock member60 that may be easily pushed by the user to release thelock member60 fromflange56. Once thelock member60 is released, the rear end of thescrubber head2 may be rotated away from the mountingblock40. After the rear end of thescrubber head2 is rotated way from the mountingblock40 theflange52 may be removed from engagement with theflange58. It is appreciated that, in other embodiments, the lock member60 (or other lock members described herein) may likewise be provided in opposite arrangement such that the lock member is coupled to the scrubber head and releasably engages a corresponding structure on thecleaning pad4.

Thelock member60 may be used on both ends of thescrubber head2 andcleaning pad4 rather than using the engaging

flanges

Acleaning pad4 also may be mounted to thescrubber head2 without using a rigid mounting block by a second attachment mechanism. To mount acleaning pad4 without using the mountingblock40, thebottom surface12 of thescrubber head2 is also provided with a series of hooks70 (FIGS. 8 and 25). As used herein the term “hooks” is intended to mean, without limitation, members having one or more geometries permitting securement (or at least partial interference) with another hook-receiving surface, such as, but not limited to, rod-like members having one or more arced surfaces, rod-like members having a mushroom or umbrella shaped head, rod-like members having a t-shaped head or a flat head, rod-like members having a palm tree shaped or anchor shaped head, rod-like members having bent free ends, and the like. According to various embodiments, hook receiving surfaces may include, but are not limited to, loops, corresponding hooks, cut loops, free-ended fibers or plastic members, and the like. In one embodiment thehooks70 are molded into the bottom surface during molding of thescrubber head2. To facilitate the molding of thehooks70 onto thesurface12, thesurface12 may be manufactured as a separate component from the remainder of thescrubber head2. Thesurface12 having thehooks70 may be connected to thescrubber head2 by fasteners such asscrews74, a snap fit connection, adhesive, welding or the like. Thehooks70 may also be formed separate from the bottom surface such as on fabric strips that are attached to the bottom surface by adhesive, welding, stitching, fasteners or the like. Thehooks70 may cover theentire surface12 or may cover

portions

76a,76band76cof thesurface12 provided thecleaning pad4 is securely held on thescrubber head2. Thecleaning pad4 may comprise a cleaning surface such as a sponge, microfiber cloth, scouring pad or other suitable surface, material or structure or combinations of such surfaces, materials or structures. The cleaning surface may be attached to abacking material72 having a plurality ofloops74 or other hook-receiving surfaces formed thereon as shown inFIGS. 3 to 5. It is appreciated that in some embodiments, thecleaning pad4 may not include aseparate backing material72, such that thehooks70 secure directly to the back surface of the cleaning surface. In embodiments utilizing abacking material72, thebacking material72 may be secured to the cleaning surface by any suitable attachment mechanism such as adhesive, stitching, welding, or the like. To attach thecleaning pad4 to thescrubber head2 theloops74 or other hook-receiving surfaces of the cleaning pad are pressed against thehooks70. To remove thecleaning pad4 theloops74 or other hook-receiving surfaces are simply pulled away from thehooks70.

It is appreciated that while only two attachment mechanisms are shown and described, in some embodiments, ascrubber head2 may include more than two different types of attachment mechanisms. In other embodiments, however, afirst scrubber head2 may only include a single attachment mechanism, whereas asecond scrubber head2 may include a different attachment mechanism than is included on the first scrubber head, such that different scrubber heads may support different functionality and/or cleaning pad types utilizing different attachment mechanisms.

A variety of different types of scrubber heads2 may be provided with different structures and functionality such that different types of scrubber heads may be used with different types ofcleaning pads4. One such type of scrubber head is shown inFIGS. 9 through 12 and includes adetail brush80 removably mounted on thescrubber head2. Thescrubber head2 integrates an ergonomicallycorrect detail brush80 having a cleaningsurface82 to clean tight and difficult to reach surfaces. The cleaningsurface82 may comprise any suitable material such as bristles, sponge, microfiber, scouring pad or other suitable surface, material or structure or combinations of such surfaces, materials or structures. Thedetail brush80 snaps into a matching shapedpocket86 on thescrubber head2 such that it is always within easy reach of the user during the cleaning process. Thedetail brush80 snaps into and out of thescrubber head2 separate from thecleaning pad4 such that if thedetail brush80 is misplaced the user can continue using thescrubber head2 andcleaning pad4 as a unit. The provision of a separate detail brush allows a single tool to clean a variety of surface types that call for distinct cleaning processes and allows a user to clean different surfaces without using the same cleaning surface. Thedetail brush80 also can clean very tight or difficult to reach surfaces that may not be reached by thescrubber head2.

In one embodiment thepocket86 extends along the longitudinal axis of thescrubber head2 and is located on theupper surface10 such that thedetail brush80 is easy to access. Thepocket86 conforms to the shape of the brush handle84 such that a relatively snug fit is created between thebrush handle84 and thepocket86. The pocket and/or detail brush may be provided with a locking structure to secure thedetail brush80 inpocket86. The locking structure may comprisedetents88 on one of thehandle84 andpocket86 that cooperate with projectingtangs90 formed on the other one of thehandle84 andpocket86 to create a mechanical lock between thedetail brush80 and the scrubbing head2 (FIG. 12). Thepocket86 may be formed such that in the area of the cleaningsurface82 thepocket86 extends through the scrubber head2 (FIG. 11) such that the detailbrush cleaning surface82 is exposed on the underside of thescrubber head2. Providing an open area allows the detailbrush cleaning surface82 to drain moisture and air to circulate around the cleaning surface to dry out the cleaning surface to prevent the formation of mold and mildew. Moreover, providing an open area below the cleaningsurface82 allows a user to push on theend80aof the detail brush adjacent the cleaningsurface82 causing theopposite end80bof brush handle84 to pivot away fromupper surface10 and disengage from the locking

structure

88,90. Thehandle84 of thedetail brush80 is rotated away from thescrubber head2 where it may be easily grasped by a user.

An embodiment of another type of scrubber head is illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14. The cleaning tool comprises a manual spray brush having ascrubber head2 and aremovable cleaning pad4 as described above. Thescrubber head2 comprises a tank orreservoir100 that may be filled with a cleaning solution. The term “cleaning solution” is used herein in to mean any liquid usable for cleaning including water, other cleaning solutions or detergents, a mixture of water and/or other cleaning solutions or detergents, or the like. In one embodiment thetank100 may hold 4-6 ounces of cleaning solution and includes afill port102 at the rear end of the tool that may be easily filled with a cleaning solution. The center of gravity of thetank100 and thehandle108 is directly above thecleaning pad4 and the center of gravity of the tool is centered on thehandle108. Atrigger110 is provided on thehandle108 that is operatively connected to apump assembly113 via alever115.Pump assembly113 operatively connectsnozzle112 on the front end of thescrubber head2 to thetank100 viaconduit117. The user may depress thetrigger110 while gripping thehandle108 to actuate thepump113 and spray cleaning fluid from thenozzle112 in front of the tool. Thetrigger110 and internal spray components may be injection molded. The arrangement of thetrigger110 andnozzle112 allows fluid to be dispensed on a surface while the user maintains his or her grip on thehandle108 to provide one-hand operation.

Thescrubber head2 may be made by injection molding thehousing sections2aand2band then assembling those housing sections together with screws, a snap-fit connection, welding, adhesive or the like. Thetank100 may be blow molded and may be positioned between thehousing sections2aand2bbefore assembly of thescrubber head2 such that thetank100 is retained in thescrubber head2 with thefill port102 projecting from the scrubber head. An injection moldedcap114 may removably cover thefill port102

An embodiment of another type of scrubber head is illustrated inFIGS. 15 through 18. The cleaning tool comprises ascrubber head2 that supports aremovable cleaning pad4 as previously described above. Ayoke140 andconnector143 are mounted to thescrubber head2 in addition to handle8 such that thescrubber head2 may be used either as a hand held scrub brush or with an extender pole that extends the reach of the tool.

Theyoke140 is attached to thescrubber head2 atpivot144 such that theyoke140 may pivot relative to thescrubber head2. Thepivot144 is arranged such that the axis of rotation of theyoke140 is transverse to the longitudinal axis of thescrubber head2. While theyoke140 in the illustrated embodiment rotates about a single axis, the yoke may be provided with a second axis of rotation arranged transversely to pivot144 such that thescrubber head2 may pivot relative to theyoke140 about two orthogonal axes. Theyoke140 may pivot approximately 120 degrees between a first storage position where it is disposed substantially parallel to and flush with thetop surface10 ofscrubber head2 and second position where theyoke140 is pivoted away fromsurface10. Theyoke140 may comprise a U-shaped member where thehandle8 may be received between thelegs146 of the yoke. In the storage position, theyoke140 is secured to thebase6 such that it does not interfere with the user's ability to grasp thehandle8. Theyoke140 may be releasably held in the storage position with a locking structure. The locking structure may comprisedetents148 on one of theyoke140 and base that cooperate with projectingtangs149 formed on the other one of theyoke140 and body to create a mechanical lock between theyoke140 and the scrubbinghead2. In one embodiment, theyoke140 may be removably coupled to thescrubber head2, such as at or nearpivot144, to permit removing theyoke140 and handle8 and allow free use of thescrubber head2 in a second use without thehandle8.

Similarly, in one embodiment, theyoke140 may be releasably connected to anextender pole160. In one embodiment thepole160 is connected to theyoke140 by a quick-connect coupling141 that may be easily and quickly attached to and detached from the extender pole. The quick-connect coupling141 may comprise amale connector143 on the yoke that is dimensioned to be inserted into afemale connector168 onextender pole160.

Thepole160 may comprise afirst section162 that is telescopically received inside of asecond section164. Hand grips180 and182 may be provided on each end of thesecond section164 to provide comfortable hand grips for the user. Theconnector168 is formed on the free end of thefirst section162. Referring toFIG. 18 theconnector168 comprises areceptacle169 that receives theconnector143 onyoke140. Thereceptacle169

supports bearings

171 that engage anannular recess150 onconnector143 to fix theextender pole160 to theyoke140. Thebearings171 are held in a locked position by alock sleeve174 that is biased to the locked position byspring175. Thelock sleeve174 may be retracted to release thebearings171 such that the bearings may be retracted fromannular recess150. Once thebearings171 are released fromrecess150,connector143 may be removed fromreceptacle169 ofconnector168. Thereceptacle169 ofconnector168 andconnector143 may be provided with non-round profiles to prevent theyoke140 from rotating relative to theextender pole160 during use. While a quick connect coupling such as described may be used, other releasable coupling mechanisms may be used such as mating screw threads, a push button arrangement or the like.

Thefirst section162 is repositionable relative to thesecond section164 to adjust the length of thepole160. The

sections

162 and164 may be fixed in position relative to one another at the desired length using alock182 as shown inFIGS. 15 through 18. Thelock182 may comprise acam lever184 that comprises alock member188 that is mounted on apivot186. When thelock182 is in the locked position (FIG. 18) thelock member188 is rotated into engagement with thefirst section162 such that thefirst section162 is fixed in position relative to thesecond section164. The lock member may frictionally engage the first section to fix the first and second sections in position relative to one another. Thecam lever184 may be rotated to an unlocked position to release thefirst section162 such that thefirst section162 may be repositioned relative to thesecond section164 to adjust the length of thepole160. Thelock182 provides an intuitive, reliable adjustment mechanism for an extendable pole.

The combination of thescrubber head2,detachable extender pole160 and removable/replaceable cleaning pads4 creates a versatile cleaning tool. The quick-connect coupling141 provides an intuitive, quick and easy mechanism allowing the tool to switch between a handheld cleaning tool and an extended reach cleaning tool. The removable/replaceable cleaning pads4 may be shared among the various types of scrubber heads. The cleaning tool may be used to quickly clean tub/shower floors, walls, fixtures and corners and provides the user with the ability to clean with an extended reach. In one example of using the extender pole, the user may clean a bath/shower stall without entering the stall.

Another embodiment of a scrubber head is shown inFIGS. 19 through 24. The scrubber head can efficiently clean contoured surfaces having a variety of angled, intersecting, curved and radiused surfaces. The scrubber head has an at least partly flexible base that flexes to contour to a variety of surface shapes and is ergonomically designed for leverage during scrubbing. The scrubber head provides a full handled brush that may be converted from a rigid brush to a flexible brush by shifting the base and the scrubber head relative to one another. The scrubber head and base may be shifted between a first position where at least a portion of the base is able to flex and a second position where the portion of the base is prevented from flexing. In the first position the scrubber head may comprise a reinforcing assembly that reinforces or supports the flexible portion of the base to prevent the base from flexing. The scrubber head or a portion of the scrubber head may be moved linearly, rotationally or the like relative to the base to move the reinforcing assembly from the flexible portion of the base to activate the flexing of the base.

For example, according to one embodiment, the permanently attachedhandle assembly208 comprises the reinforcing assembly.Handle assembly208 may be shifted forward and backward relative to the base210 to allow afront section212 ofbase210 to flex. The brush may be provided with any type ofcleaning pad4 that can at least partially flex such as a bristles, a scour pad, a sponge, a microfiber cloth or other suitable surface, material or structure or combinations of such surfaces, materials or structures. According to one embodiment a push button lock may be used to secure and release thehandle assembly208 from the base210 such that the handle is selectably free to slide along a guide toward the rear ofbase210 which allows the frontflexible section212 to become active and flex. Thehandle assembly208 of this embodiment locks to the base210 in either the front position to provide an all rigid brush or the rear position to provide a flexible front tip. The handle may be moved rotationally between a first position where it reinforces theflexible section212 and a second position where it is positioned remotely from theflexible section212 such that the flexible section is free to rotate. Moreover, rather than moving the entire handle assembly, the handle may be fixed to the base and the reinforcing assembly may comprise a separate plate or other structure that is shifted independently of the handle between a first position where it reinforces theflexible section212 and a second position where it is positioned remotely from theflexible section212 such that the flexible section is free to rotate.

In the illustrated embodiment the base210 may comprise a rigidrear section214 having a first plurality of bristles or other cleaning surface attached to the bottom surface thereof. The base210 also comprises aflexible front section212 that is connected to and extends from therear section214 to form the front end of the tool. Thefront section212 is made of a flexible material and is configured such that thefront section212 can bend or flex when a force is applied to the front section. The base210 may be molded where thefront section212 is made of a flexible material such as linear low density polyethylene and therigid back section214 is overmolded on the front section with a rigid material such as polypropylene. According to one embodiment, thefront section212 comprises a plurality of relativelythick sections212aalternating with a plurality of relativelythinner sections212b. Thethick sections212amay support thebristles228. Thethin sections212ballow thefront section212 to more easily flex. While thefront section212 is shown with alternating thick and thin sections, the need for these sections may depend on the flexibility of the material used and the amount of flex desired in thefront section212. For example, according to another embodiment, thefront section212 may be sufficiently rigid to support the pad material while still retaining enough flexibility or elasticity to deform under user's pressure when in use. Such an embodiment may be utilized with soft pad materials, such as a scour pad, sponge or microfiber, for example. In yet other embodiments, theentire base210 may be constructed from the same flexible material, such that any portion that extends beyond or is not otherwise supported by the reinforcing assembly can flex.

The first set ofbristles228 or other cleaning surface are attached to the bottom surface of thefirst section212 and a second plurality ofbristles230 or other cleaning surface are attached to the bottom surface of thesecond section214. The bristles orother cleaning surface228 on thefirst section212 may be the same as or different than the bristles orother cleaning surface230 on thesecond section214. The bristles may be of a different size, stiffness or the like and the cleaning surfaces may be made of materials other than bristles.

In one embodiment, the top surfaces of thefirst section212 andsecond section214 comprise a guide or track220 that slidably supports thehandle assembly208 such that thehandle assembly208 may slide relative to thebase210 along the longitudinal axis of the tool. In one embodiment, on therear section214 theguide220 comprises a raisedsupport222 that extends along the direction of travel ofhandle assembly208. Thesupport222 defines a first outwardly facingrecess224 extending along one side of theguide220 and defined in part by aflange226. A second outwardly facing recess extends along the opposite side of theguide220 and is defined in part by a second flange. On thefront section212 theguide220 is formed of a plurality ofsegments220athat are located on thethick sections212asuch that the guide does not inhibit the flexing of the front section. Eachsection212adefines an outwardly facingrecess224aextending along each side of theguide220 that is defined in part byflange226a. The

recesses

224 and224aare coextensive such that thehandle assembly208 may slide along theguide220 between the extended and retracted positions. Aslot240 extends through a portion of thesecond section214 and a portion of thefirst section212 with its long axis extending along the direction of travel of thehandle assembly208.Slot240 receives a lock member as will be described.

Thehandle assembly208 comprises aslide250 that rides onguide220 and ahandle252 that extends over theslide250 that may be gripped by a user. Thehandle assembly208 is made of a rigid material such as molded polypropylene. Theslide250 comprises inwardly facing flanges that engage

recesses

224 and224aformed onbase210 such that theslide250 may reciprocate relative to the base but is otherwise secured thereto. Thehandle assembly208 may ride on theguide220 between an extended position (FIG. 19) where theslide250 engages theguide220 on both thefront section212 and therear section214 and a retracted position (FIG. 25) where theslide250 engages only the guide on therear section214. In the extended position, theslide250 prevents thefront section212 from flexing. In the retracted position, thefront section212 is free to flex because theslide250 does not reinforce or support theflexible front section212. It is appreciated that in other embodiments the slide and guide may be provided in opposite orientation, such that the handle comprises a guide and corresponding features otherwise described herein and the bottom portion comprises a slide and corresponding features otherwise described herein.

Thehandle assembly208 includes a lock mechanism that locks the handle assembly in both the retracted position and the extended position. The lock mechanism comprises aplunger260 that is mounted for reciprocating movement in the handle assembly perpendicular to thebase210. Theplunger260 terminates in anactuator262, such as push button, on thehandle252 that may be depressed by a user to unlock the lock mechanism. Theactuator262 is positioned such that it may be depressed while the user holdshandle252. The opposite end of theplunger260 terminates in anenlarged head264. Theplunger260 extends through theslot240 such that theenlarged head264 is disposed on the side of the base210 opposite to thehandle252. Theplunger260 is biased by aspring261 to the locked position where thehead264 is biased toward the bottom of thebase210. Afirst recess266 is formed at the front end of theslot240 and asecond recess268 is formed at the rear end of theslot240. The

recesses

266 and268 are dimensioned to receive theenlarged head264. When thehandle assembly208 is positioned in the extended position theenlarged head264 is biased intorecess266 and when thehandle assembly208 is positioned in the retracted position theenlarged head264 is biased intorecess268. When thehead264 is in either thefirst recess266 orsecond recess268 thehandle assembly208 is prevented from moving relative to thebase210. To move thehandle assembly208 relative to thebase210, theactuator262 is depressed which causes the plunger to extend such that theenlarged head264 is removed from the first or second recess. Thehandle assembly208 may then be slid to either end of theslot240 to the retracted position or the extended position and the push button released. When thepush button260 is released, thespring261 moves the head into engagement with either thefirst recess266 or thesecond recess268 to lock thehandle assembly208 in either the extended or retracted position. While a two position arrangement is illustrated, additional recesses may be provided along the length of theslot240 to provide locked positions intermediate of the extended position and the retracted position.

It is appreciated that a number of other mechanisms may be utilized to achieve the sliding relationship between the cleaning surface and the handle surface along a parallel plane. For example, the cleaning pad or bristles may be secured to an at least partially flexible base, similar to that described with reference toFIGS. 2-7, wherein the partially flexible base includes a flexible portion (e.g., at the front tip) and can be secured to a scrubber handle, such as a scrubber handle described herein that incorporates attachment mechanisms. To provide flexibility to the cleaning pad or bristles, the base can be secured to the handle in at least two different positions: (1) a first position in which the base including the flexible portion is substantially reinforced or supported by the scrubber handle, providing rigid cleaning use (similar to that illustrated inFIG. 7); and (2) a second position in which at least a portion of the flexible portion of the base is extended from the scrubber head, providing flexible cleaning use. One way this can be achieved is utilizing attachment mechanisms along the side edges of the cleaning pad base and/or scrubber base or utilizing attachment mechanisms formed on the mating surfaces of the cleaning pad base and scrubber handle, whereby the attachment mechanisms are located to permit at least two distinct positions of attachment and the scrubber head is free to slide beyond the cleaning pad base (e.g., rearwardly). Example attachment mechanisms include, but are not limited, those described herein, such as fastening hooks, latches, locks, tabs, detents, or other friction fit, snap fit, or mechanical securement. In this manner, the scrubber handle may be utilized with other cleaning pads that do not include flexible portions as well.

Accordingly, the brush may be configured for use as either a flexible brush or a rigid brush thereby eliminating the need for two separate tools. The brush allows the user to have a solid handled scrub brush in both the flexible and rigid modes. The base210 may be provided with a removable cleaning pad rather than fixed bristles. For example, the

bristles

228 and230 may be omitted and the bottom surfaces of thefirst section212 and thesecond section214 may be provided with hook fasteners as described with reference toFIGS. 3-5 and7 for attaching the base210 to different types of cleaning pads.

The components described above may be used in a cleaning system that provides flexibility in the functionality of the scrubber head and cleaning pads. Because the cleaning pads are removable and replaceable a variety of different types of cleaning surfaces may be used with a variety of different types of scrubber heads. The user may select the desired type of scrubber head and the desired type of cleaning pad to make a unit providing the desired scrubber head functionality and the desired cleaning pad functionality. Moreover, different scrubber head functionalities may be combined in a single scrubber head in combinations other than specifically shown in the example embodiments.

Specific embodiments of an invention are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention has other applications in other environments. Many embodiments are possible. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A cleaning system comprising:

at least a first type of scrubber head having a first type of attachment mechanism and a second type of attachment mechanism;

a first type of cleaning pad adapted to be releasably mounted to the first type of scrubber head using the first attachment mechanism; and

a second type of cleaning pad adapted to be releasably mounted to the first type of scrubber head using the second attachment mechanism.

2. The cleaning system ofclaim 1 wherein the first type of cleaning pad comprises a movable lock member that selectively engages the first type of scrubber head.

3. The cleaning system ofclaim 2 wherein the first type of attachment mechanism comprises a first flange that extends from a first end of the base and a second flange that extends from a second end of the base.

4. The cleaning system ofclaim 3 wherein the lock member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock member being biased to the locked position.

5. The cleaning system ofclaim 4 wherein the lock member and mounting block are formed as one-piece of a plastic material where the lock member pivots relative to the mounting block.

6. The cleaning system ofclaim 4 wherein the lock member comprises a surface that is engageable by the first type of scrubber head during attachment of the first type of scrubber head to the first type of cleaning pad such that the lock member is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

7. The cleaning system ofclaim 1 wherein the first type of cleaning pad and the second type of cleaning pad comprise one of a bristle brush, a scour pad, a sponge and microfiber.

8. The cleaning system ofclaim 1 wherein the second attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of hooks on the base.

9. The cleaning system ofclaim 8 wherein the second type of cleaning pad comprises a cleaning surface and a plurality of hook receiving surfaces engageable with the plurality of hooks.

10. The cleaning system ofclaim 1 further comprising a second type of scrubber head having the first type of attachment mechanism and the second type of attachment mechanism wherein the first type of cleaning pad and the second type of cleaning pad are adapted to be releasably mounted to the second type of scrubber head using the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism.

11. The cleaning system ofclaim 10 wherein one of the first type of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head comprises a handle and a detail brush removably mounted on the first type of scrubber head.

12. The cleaning system ofclaim 10 wherein one of the first type of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head comprises a handle and a tank for holding a cleaning solution and a nozzle for spraying the cleaning solution.

13. The cleaning system ofclaim 10 wherein one of the first type of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head comprises a handle and a yoke comprising a first connector adapted to be connected to a pole, the yoke being attached to the first type of scrubber head at a pivot such that the yoke may pivot relative to the first type of scrubber head.

14. The cleaning system ofclaim 13 wherein the yoke may pivot between a first position where the yoke is disposed remote from the handle and a second position.

15. The cleaning system ofclaim 14 further comprising a locking structure to lock the yoke relative to the one of the first type of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head in the first position.

16. The cleaning system ofclaim 13 further comprising a pole comprising a second connector that releasably engages the first connector.

17. The cleaning system ofclaim 16 wherein the pole comprises a first section that is repositionable relative to a second section to adjust the length of the pole.

18. The cleaning system ofclaim 10 wherein one of the first type of scrubber head and the second type of scrubber head comprises a first section and a second section connected to the first section made of a flexible material and an assembly movable between a first position where the assembly engages the first section and the second section and a second position where the second section is able to flex when a force is applied to the front section.

19. The cleaning system ofclaim 18 comprising a lock mechanism that locks the assembly in both the first position and the second position.

20. A brush comprising:

a base comprising a first section and a flexible second section that is connected to and extends from the first section and a cleaning surface attached to the base;

an assembly slidably mounted on the base such that the assembly is movable relative to the base between a first position where the assembly engages both the first section and the second section and a second position where the assembly engages the first section and allows the second section to flex; and

a lock member for locking the assembly in the first position and the second position.