EP3995043A1

EP3995043A1 - Cleaning tool

Info

Publication number: EP3995043A1
Application number: EP20206073.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Renner
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2020-11-06
Filing date: 2020-11-06
Publication date: 2022-05-11
Also published as: WO2022096160A1

Abstract

A cleaning tool (100) includes a housing (102) having a first end (104) and a second end (106). The cleaning tool (100) includes a liquid channel (108) defined at the first end (104) of the housing (102). The liquid channel (108) further defines at least one opening (130). And, a plurality of cleaning elements (112) of the cleaning tool (100) are disposed around and at least partially enclose the liquid channel (108) connected thereto. The cleaning tool (100) is characterized in that the cleaning tool (100) is further adopted to have a nozzle (114) coupled to the second end (106) of the housing (102).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the cleaning tool which allows improved cleaning by easy and controlled delivery of a cleaning fluid.

BACKGROUND

A cleaning tool such as a cleaning gun uses high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, chewing gum and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles, and concrete surfaces. In this way, the cleaning tool may allow power washing by taking advantage of the high-pressure water spray along with other features available with the cleaning tool.
However, there may be instances where a cleaning brush of the cleaning tool may have an integrated "cleaning jet" to previously spray the object to be cleaned with water, followed by washing off with clear water and the like. Further, in addition to the cleaning brush, an additional cleaning syringe may be needed. A cumbersome change between the cleaning brush and the cleaning syringe may be necessary but undesirable for common users. Moreover, on wearing and tearing of a cleaning brush head (say oil-smeared or bent bristles), the entire cleaning brush, including handle and valve mechanism, may need to be discarded. This makes the use of the cleaning tool more cumbersome in addition to high costs involved in their maintenance.
An example of a cleaning tool is provided in US patent application US 1,118,774 A (hereinafter referred to as '774 reference). The '774 reference provides a fountain spray brush. The fountain spray brush includes a U-shaped wire frame and bristles distributed along the frame. The ends of the frame are secured in a handle. Further, a spraying device extends from the handle. The spraying device includes a tubular structure. The tubular structure is positioned axially between the arms of the U-shaped wire frame. The tubular structure includes perforations on the side wall suitable for delivering water to the bristles adjacent to it. The spraying device is appreciably shorter than the frame by which it is enclosed and is provided with an axial opening at the extreme end suitable for delivering water to the bristles relatively remote from the spraying device at the end portion of the brush. However, the '774 reference seems short of providing a simple, convenient cleaning tool which allows ease of water control along with other desired features.
Thus, there is a need of an improved cleaning tool with better cleaning efficiency and ease of watering control.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a cleaning tool. The cleaning tool includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The cleaning tool includes a liquid channel defined at the first end of the housing. The liquid channel further defines at least one opening. And, a plurality of cleaning elements of the cleaning tool are disposed around and at least partially enclose the liquid channel connected thereto. The cleaning tool is characterized in that the cleaning tool is further adopted to have a nozzle coupled to the second end of the housing. Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple, efficient, and convenient cleaning tool with the first rotational configuration and the second rotational configuration to help in controlling water flow rate for cleaning and other purposes.
According to an embodiment of the invention, rotation of the cleaning tool, when coupled to the nozzle, leads to rotation of the valve. Further, rotation of the cleaning tool includes rotation of the housing which leads to rotation of the valve of the nozzle. This may allow ease of rotation of the valve of the nozzle, which may allow change in water spray pattern from the nozzle. Further, the present disclosure may allow this rotation with a single-hand of users.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the nozzle is selectively fluidly coupled with the liquid channel and rotatable between a first rotational configuration and a second rotational configuration. The nozzle allows a first fluid flow through the liquid channel in the first rotational configuration and a second fluid flow through the liquid channel in the second rotational configuration. The first fluid flow and the second fluid flow may be one or more of a jet pattern, spray pattern, no flow, or any other fluid flow as per the application.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the liquid channel is defined as an elongated structure. The liquid channel allows a better reach of the plurality of bristles associated with the liquid channel.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing is adapted to removably couple to the valve. This allows to switch between a hand brush and the liquid-based cleaning tool, by desired removal of the housing from the nozzle, as per the application.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of cleaning elements are bristles. The cleaning elements may be bristles, foam brush, lips, and other cleaning elements as used or known in the art.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the bristles has a bristle opening and the liquid channel defines a liquid channel opening. Further, a diameter of the bristle opening of the bristles is greater than a diameter of the liquid channel opening. This results in pressure drop causing the water to flow almost without pressure and with improved control through the bristle openings.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes attachment portions. The attachment portions allow removable coupling of the cleaning elements with the housing. The cleaning elements are provided on a brush. This allows easy and removable coupling of the brush having the cleaning elements with the housing.
Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show perspective views of different parts of a cleaning tool, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 2A and 2B show partial cross-sectional and cross-sectional view of a nozzle fitted with the housing of the cleaning tool, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a plurality of bristles of the cleaning tool, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 4A and 4B show perspective views of the cleaning tool with one or more rotational configurations, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning tool, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a reservoir of a liquid channel of the cleaning tool, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 7 shows perspective views of the cleaning tool disassembled from the bristles, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present 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; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.
FIG. 1A illustrates a cleaning tool 100. The cleaning tool 100 of the present disclosure is illustrated as a cleaning nozzle however the present disclosure may be readily applied with any cleaning tool such as a cleaning brush, a spray bottle, a cleaning gun and the like which helps in removing dirt, soil, loose paint, mold from surfaces of vehicles, buildings, furniture, and garden accessories. The cleaning tool 100 includes a housing 102 (shown in FIG. 1B ). The cleaning tool 100 includes a brush 110. The cleaning tool 100 includes a nozzle 114. Further, the nozzle 114 includes a needle 129 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The nozzle 114 includes an inlet 115. The inlet 115 is connected to a water source like tap, tank, and the like.
The brush 110 includes a brush head 118 and a brush body 120. The brush head 118 is connected to the nozzle 114 through the brush body 120. The brush body 120 is operatively coupled with the nozzle 114 constituting a handle extension 128. The illustrated brush 110 includes four bundles which constitute plurality of bristles 112. The plurality of bristles 112 is disposed around a liquid channel 108. The plurality of bristles 112 at least partially encloses the liquid channel 108. The liquid channel 108 allows a better reach of the plurality of bristles 112 associated with the liquid channel 108.
In some embodiments, the brush 110 may be a bottle brush, a spout brush, a stove brush, a refrigerator brush, a dryer vent brush. The brush 110 may have one or more bundles having the plurality of bristles 112. The plurality of bristles 112 may be hard, soft, long, short, round, square and the like depending on the requirements. The plurality of bristles 112 may be made up of wire, nylon, polyester and any other such material as per need of the brush 110.
In some embodiments, the cleaning tool 100 includes the housing 102 having the first end 104 and the second end 106. The cleaning tool 100 includes the liquid channel 108 defined at the first end 104 of the housing 102. The liquid channel 108 further defines at least one opening 130. And, the plurality of cleaning elements 112 of the cleaning tool 100 are disposed around and at least partially enclose the liquid channel 108 connected thereto. The cleaning tool 100 is further adapted to have the nozzle 114 coupled to the second end 106 of the housing 102.
As used herein, the "cleaning elements", or "bristles" may be any cleaning means which allow flow and transfer of liquids such as water. They may be made of any material such as elastomeric material, polymers, rubber, or any other material as used or known in the art. As will be evident, the cleaning elements 112 may be lips (say elastomeric lips), foam (say rubber foam), tubes and like elements in accordance with application of the present disclosure. Further, the cleaning elements 112 may be provided for different applications with different bristle hardness (say hard or soft), bristle lengths (short or long), bristle shape (round, square and the like), among other variations as known or used in the art.
FIG. 1B illustrates the housing 102 of the cleaning tool 100. The housing 102 includes a first end 104. Further, the housing 102 includes a second end 106. The first end 104 couples with the brush 110. The second end 106 couples with the nozzle 114. The liquid channel 108 is defined at the first end 104 of the housing 102. The liquid channel 108 is operatively coupled with the brush 110. The liquid channel 108 is defined as an elongated structure, however other shapes, profiles of the liquid channel 108 have been contemplated and are well within the scope. The liquid channel 108 includes the bristle openings 130 and a liquid channel opening 132.
FIG. 2A illustrates the nozzle 114 fitted in the second end 106 of the housing 102. The housing 102 removably couples to the nozzle 114. This allows to convert the cleaning tool 100 into the hand brush. The cleaning tool 100 may be transferred into the hand brush by disassembly of the cleaning tool 100. The disassembly of the brush 110 and the nozzle 114 may be done manually without using any tools. The connection and disassembly of the brush 110 and the nozzle 114 may be done by a click, sliding, and pressing a button (if provided). The hand brush without the nozzle 114 may be used for cleaning, finishing and the like. The compact, collapsible construction of the cleaning tool 100 allows storage in any box such as a balcony box, cleaning set and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 1B , 2A , the nozzle 114 includes a plurality of ribs 140. The ribs 140 may be provided around a 2K-rubber component 150 of the nozzle 114. The nozzle 114 includes a valve 160. The valve 160 has generally a tapered profile and includes the 2K-rubber component 150 around a front part of the valve 160. The housing 102 includes a plurality of engaging seats 142.
FIG. 2B illustrates the housing 102 which includes attachment portions 124. The attachment portions 124 may be construed as a bristle carrier. The attachment portions 124 allow coupling with the brush 110 through one or more brush wires 122 (shown in FIG. 3 ). The housing 102 includes a snap connection 126. The snap connection 126 allows for assembly or connection of the housing 102 with the nozzle 114. The snap connection 126 may also provide a leak-proof and secure assembly between housing 102 and the nozzle 114. In some embodiments, the snap connection 126 may be a snap-fit, or involve one or more of an annular snap-fit, a cantilever snap-fit, and a torsional snap-fit.
In some embodiments, the housing 102 includes attachment portions 124. The attachment portions 124 allow removable coupling of the cleaning elements 112 with the housing 102. The cleaning elements 112 are provided on the brush 110. This allows easy and removable coupling of the brush 110 having the cleaning elements 112 with the housing 102.
During implementation, the housing 102 and the nozzle 114 may be connected by one or more components like a rubber component, a plastic component, and the like. The component is the 2K-rubber component 150, as illustrated in FIG. 2B . The 2K-rubber component 150 may provide a leak-free connection. In some embodiments, the housing 102 and the nozzle 114 provide a leak-free connection by an axial sealing 151. The brush 110 may be connected to the housing 102 in a material or form-fitting manner. Alternatively, or additionally, the brush 110 may be tied, glued, screwed, bolted to the housing 102.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cleaning elements 112 are bristles 112. Further, each of the bristles 112 has the bristle opening 130 and the liquid channel 108 defines the liquid channel opening 132. A diameter of the bristle opening 130 of the bristles 112 is greater than a diameter of the liquid channel opening 132. This results in pressure drop causing the water to flow almost without pressure and with improved control through the bristle openings 132.
FIG. 3 illustrates the brush head 118 which includes the one or more brush wires 122. The brush body 120 includes some grooves (not shown). The brush head 118 fits into the brush body 120 through the one or more brush wires 122. The brush body 120 and the one or more brush wires 122 help in fitting the brush 110 around the first end 104 of the housing 102. The brush 110 may be a removable brush. The brush 110 may be substituted with a new brush when any deformation occurs with the brush 110. The nozzle 114 may continue to be used. The brush 110 may be used as a hand brush whenever no water is required for cleaning. These features provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly cleaning tool 100.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the configurational changes in the brush body 120. The brush body 120 includes an internal regulation valve (not shown). A flow of fluid may be regulated by changing different configurations of the brush body 120. The configurational changes in the brush body 120 actuates the regulation valve. Further, the brush body 120 may indirectly actuate the nozzle 114. The nozzle 114 is adapted to be rotated between a first rotational configuration R1 and a second rotational configuration R2.
FIG. 4A illustrates the first rotational configuration R1 of the brush body 120. The first rotational configuration R1 of the brush body 120 is a clockwise rotation. The nozzle 114 is selectively fluidly coupled with the liquid channel 108 such that the nozzle 114 allows the fluid flow through the liquid channel 108 in the first rotational configuration R1 of the brush body 120. On the first rotational configuration R1, the needle 129 emerges out to allow the fluid flow.
FIG. 4B illustrates the second rotational configuration R2 of the brush body 120. The second rotational configuration R2 of the brush body 120 is an anticlockwise rotation. The nozzle 114 is selectively fluidly coupled with the liquid channel 108 such that the nozzle 114 stops the fluid flow through the liquid channel 108 in the second rotational configuration R2 of the brush body 120. On the second rotational configuration R2, the needle 129 retracts. The fluid flow is made to stop on retracting of the needle 129.
In some embodiments, rotation of the cleaning tool 100, when coupled to the nozzle 114, leads to rotation of the valve 160. More particularly, rotation of the cleaning tool 100 may include rotation of the housing 102 which leads to rotation of the valve 160. The present disclosure thus allows rotation of the housing 102 with a single hand of users which lead to rotation of the valve 160. The present disclosure mentions rotation of the nozzle 114, which actually pertains to rotation of the valve 160 of the nozzle 114 for desired change in flow of the liquid from the nozzle 114. This rotation of the valve 160.allows change in flow pattern (jet, sprinkler, and the like) through the nozzle 114. Further, the nozzle 114 is selectively fluidly coupled with the liquid channel 108 and rotatable between a first rotational configuration R1 and a second rotational configuration R2. The valve 160 allows a first fluid flow through the liquid channel 108 in the first rotational configuration R1 and a second fluid flow through the liquid channel 108 in the second rotational configuration R2. The first fluid flow and the second fluid flow may be one or more of a jet pattern, spray pattern, no flow, or any other fluid flow as per the application.
During implementation, the fluid flow may be controlled by partial or complete rotation of the brush body 120 of the handle extension 128. The partial or complete rotation of the brush body 120 may range from a certain angle to full revolution of 360 degrees. The convenient regulation of water volume may be done by one hand. An arrow 138 is marked on the nozzle 114. The arrow 138 denotes that the flow of fluid may be increased on clockwise rotation and the flow of fluid may be decreased by anticlockwise rotation of the brush body 120.
In some embodiments, torque transmission between the brush 110 and the brush body 120 may be actuated by adherence, positive fitting or any other transmission technique as used or known in the art. The configurational changes may be brought by rotation, sliding, or by switching on/ off a button if provided with the brush body 120.
FIG. 5 illustrates the liquid channel 108 having the liquid channel opening 132. The present disclosure illustrates the liquid channel 108 as substantially cylindrical shaped and the liquid channel opening 132 defines its diameter. Preferably, the sum of all bristle openings 130 have diameter greater than diameter of the liquid channel opening 132. This results in pressure drop of the liquid entering the liquid channel 108 at its channel opening 132, thus the force on the connection of housing 102 and the brush 110 is significantly reduced.
A positive connection is created by the engaging seats 142 and inner ribs 143, as best illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2A , and 5 . Further, this connection between the engaging seats 142 and inner ribs 143 allows desired coupling of the housing 102 and the nozzle 114, respectively. Then, any rotation of the housing 102 allows rotation of the valve 160 of the nozzle 114, which allows desired change in flow of the liquid from the nozzle 114. Alternatively, rotation of the nozzle 114 may allow rotation of the housing 102.
In some embodiments, the diameter of the liquid channel opening 132 is greater than a diameter of a water ring 133. This arrangement provides that the diameter of the bristle opening 130 of the bristles 112 is greater than a diameter of the liquid channel opening 132, which is greater than the diameter of the water ring 133. This arrangement ensures that there is drop of pressure in flow of the water flowing from the nozzle 114 to the housing 102. Moreover, this pressure drop from the water ring 133 to the liquid channel opening 132 and then to the bristle opening 130 of the bristles 112 allows to avoid any inadvertent disassembly of the nozzle 114 and the housing 102.
In some embodiments, the bristle openings 130 and the liquid channel openings 132 may have different dimensions, different shapes to cause pressure drop. Additionally, or alternatively, the bristle openings 130 and the liquid channel openings 132 may have same dimensions which even provide pressure drop in one way or the other. Such as, the bristle openings 130 and the liquid channel openings 132 both are large enough to allow the best pace of the fluid to come out.
FIG. 6 illustrates the liquid channel 108. The liquid channel 108 includes an integrated reservoir 134. In some embodiments, the integrated reservoir 134 may be for chemical cleaning additives such as soaps, barnacles and the like. During implementation, a soap stick 136 may be kept. The soap stick 136 may be substituted by any detergent. The integrated reservoir 134 for the soap stick 136 provides the cleaning tool 100 with an additional benefit. The integrated reservoir 134 provides an optional use of the soap stick 136 as per the requirements. As bicycles, car rims, garden furniture and the like may be immaculately cleaned by the active actions of the soap stick 136.
In some embodiments, an external holder may be provided with the cleaning tool 100. The external holder may carry soap, detergent and any such chemical cleaning additive. The external holder may be provided near to the liquid channel openings 132. This allows mixing of incoming water with the detergent before falling on the surface of the object to be cleaned. Additionally, or alternatively, the integrated reservoir 134 may have an external button, switch provided with the cleaning tool 100 which may allow mixing of water with the detergent on demand of the user.
The present disclosure also allows application of the brush 110 and the nozzle 114 individually and separately, as illustrated in FIG. 7 . As illustrated, the nozzle 114 may be disassembled from the grimy, soiled brush 110 so as to clean the brush 110 by a water stream W of the nozzle 114. Alternatively, detachable arrangement of the brush 110 and the nozzle 114 also allows ease of replacement, such as replacement of the nozzle 114 or the brush 110 after service life or for other applications considerations.
The present disclosure provides the cleaning tool 100, which is simple, cost-effective, and multi-purpose. The cleaning tool 100 may be readily switched between a cleaning syringe (i.e. the nozzle 114) and washing brush (with the brush 110). Further, the application of the brush 110 may be easily performed with a simple click-action. Further, the cleaning tool 100 allows ease of rotation of the cleaning tool 100 (say the housing 102) by a single hand of the users leading to desired change in liquid flow from the nozzle 116.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100: Cleaning Tool
102: Housing
104: First End
106: Second End
108: Liquid Channel
110: Brush
112: Cleaning Elements/Bristles
114: Nozzle
115: Inlet
118: Brush Head
120: Brush body
122: Brush wires
124: Attachment Portions
126: Snap Connection
128: Handle Extension
129: Needle
130: Bristle Openings
132: Liquid Channel Opening
133: Water Ring
134: Reservoir
136: Soap Stick
138: Arrow
140: Ribs
143: Inner Ribs
142: Engaging Seats
150: 2K-rubber component
151: Axial sealing
160: Valve
R1: First Rotational Configuration
R2: Second Rotational Configuration
W: Water Stream

Claims

A cleaning tool (100) comprising:
a housing (102) having a first end (104) and a second end (106);

a liquid channel (108) defined at the first end (104) of the housing (102), wherein the liquid channel (108) further defines at least one opening (130); and

a plurality of cleaning elements (112) of the cleaning tool (100) which are disposed around and at least partially enclosing the liquid channel (108) connected thereto;

characterized in that:
the cleaning tool (100) further adopted to have a nozzle (114) coupled to the second end (106) of the housing (102).
The cleaning tool (100) of claim 1, wherein rotation of the cleaning tool (100), when coupled to the nozzle (114), leads to rotation of the valve (160).
The cleaning tool (100) of claim 2, wherein rotation of the cleaning tool (100) includes rotation of the housing (102) which leads to rotation of the valve (160) of the nozzle (114).
The cleaning tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the nozzle (114) is selectively fluidly coupled with the liquid channel (108) and rotatable between a first rotational configuration (R1) and a second rotational configuration (R2), wherein the nozzle (114) allows a first fluid flow through the liquid channel (108) in the first rotational configuration (R1) and a second fluid flow through the liquid channel (108) in the second rotational configuration (R2).
The cleaning tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the liquid channel (108) is defined as an elongated structure.
The cleaning tool (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (102) is adapted to removably couple to the valve (160).
The cleaning tool (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cleaning elements (112) are bristles (112).
The cleaning tool (100) of claim 7, wherein each of the bristles (112) has a bristle opening (130) and the liquid channel (108) defines a liquid channel opening (132), wherein a diameter of the bristle opening (130) of the bristles (112) is greater than a diameter of the liquid channel opening (132).
The cleaning tool (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (102) includes attachment portions (124), wherein the attachment portions (124) allow removable coupling of the cleaning elements (112) with the housing (102).
The cleaning tool (100) of claim 4, wherein the cleaning elements (112) are provided on a brush (110).