WO2018006135A1

WO2018006135A1 - Universal attachment for cloth or rag

Info

Publication number: WO2018006135A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050703
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryan Thomas Jacobson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-07
Filing date: 2017-07-07
Publication date: 2018-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2019-01-07

Abstract

A universal attachment device for a cloth, the universal attachment device comprising an attachment assembly for attachment to a bottle or container and a cloth engagement assembly to engage the cloth. The attachment assembly having an attachment loop to attach to a bottle or container and the cloth engagement assembly mounted relative to the attachment loop.

Description

UNIVERSAL ATTACHMENT FOR CLOTH OR RAG

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to cleaning utensils and equipment and more particularly to a universal attachment for cloth or rag to a bottle of cleaning chemical or material.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A prior device is a spray bottle made to contain material but also to dispense material through a removable spray attachment provided as a closure. The bottle is shaped, having an elongate portion directly below the spray bottle dispensing assembly and an enlarged lower portion such that a roll of disposable cloths can be located around the elongate portion and supported by the enlarged lower portion. A vertically extending arm extends upwardly from the enlarged lower portion in order to separate one of the disposable cloths from the remainder of the roll by bracing against the upwardly extending arm.

[0003] As will immediately be apparent, this device can only be used with disposable cloths provided on a roll which can be located about the particular shape of the bottle.

[0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a universal attachment for cloth or rag, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0006] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a universal attachment for a cloth, the universal attachment having at least one attachment assembly to attach the attachment to a bottle or container and a cloth engagement assembly to engage the cloth, the cloth engagement assembly mounted relative to the at least one attachment loop.

[0007] In the context of the present discussion, the cloth will typically be a cleaning cloth which can be used to apply, remove, or spread a cleaning chemical or material, polish or simply wipe a surface or object to clean it. [0008] The purpose of the universal attachment is to attach the cleaning cloth relative to the bottle or container in order that the cleaning cloth is available as and when the user needs or wants the cleaning cloth for use. The universal attachment of the present invention can simply be reused by removal from one bottle or container and attached to a different bottle or container as required.

[0009] The universal attachment includes at least one attachment assembly to attach the universal attachment to a bottle or container. The at least one attachment assembly may attach to the bottle or container at any position on the bottle container. The at least one attachment assembly may attach to any part or parts of the bottle or container. More than one attachment assembly that may be provided, but preferably, a single attachment assembly is provided in order to allow a user to attach and detach the universal attachment easily and quickly. Additional attachment assemblies may provide a more secure attachment to the bottle though.

[0010] The at least one attachment assembly normally has one of two main configurations, namely a rigid configuration or non-rigid/flexible configuration.

[0011] In the non-rigid/flexible configuration, the assembly is preferably formed from a flexible member or members. If a single flexible member is provided, the single flexible member is preferably resilient in order to be enlarged or deformed in order to fit over or about a portion of the bottle or container, and the preferred resilience of the flexible member will preferably hold the bottle or container. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a material such as silicone is used.

[0012] In an alternate, non-rigid/flexible configuration, the assembly may be formed from one or more straps which are engaged with one another in order to hold the bottle/container. In this configuration, a simple attachment mechanism such as Velcro is preferred but it is also anticipated that the straps can be provided with one or more buckles, clips, snaps or buttons or any similar attachment mechanism in order to attach one flexible strap to or relative to another flexible strap in order to hold the container or bottle.

[0013] In yet another alternative configuration, the at least one attachment assembly may be or include a clip, open loop or part loop in order to engage with a portion of the bottle without requiring removal of the lid or similar.

[0014] In a preferred configuration, the at least one attachment assembly may include a substantially C-shaped opening to receive a portion of a bottle. Typically, the substantially C- shaped opening is formed by at least one, and preferably a pair of arms which are spaced apart and substantially opposed. Further, each of the arms will normally be arcuate. It is envisaged that a single substantially C-shaped arm assembly could be provided with a pair of integrally formed, opposed arms.

[0015] A shaped bumper will preferably be provided on a free end of each of the preferred arms in order to assist with guiding the bottle portion into the substantially C-shaped opening. It is preferred that the bumper portions are enlarged portions and generally cylindrical, located at the free end of each of the preferred arms.

[0016] It is preferred that the arms are slightly resilient, preferably due to the material used, in order to allow a small amount of deformation, to allow passage of the bottle into the C-shaped opening and then to apply a clamping force to the bottle in order to maintain the engagement of the device relative to the bottle.

[0017] The at least one attachment assembly will typically engage a bottle at a neck portion, adjacent to, and preferably slightly below the lid of the bottle.

[0018] An elongate support arm is typically associated with the at least one attachment assembly. Preferably, the elongate support arm will be a multipart arm, preferably formed of a number of parts, and typically a pair of support arm parts. Preferably, the support arm parts will be movable relative to one another in order to change the effective length of the support arm. Typically, the support arm parts will partially overlap one another. Typically, the support arm parts will slide relative to one another, normally in abutment with one another.

[0019] In a preferred form, a lock or latch mechanism will typically be associated with the support arm parts in order to lock or latch the arm parts relative to one another in order to at least temporarily fix the effective length of the support arm.

[0020] In the preferred configuration, where a pair of support arm parts is provided, these will typically be configured as an upper arm part and a lower arm part with the upper arm part normally being shorter in length than the lower arm part.

[0021] A stop is normally provided on the lower arm in order to define a minimum length of the overall device. The preferred stop will normally be a protrusion from one side of the lower support arm, typically the rear surface or the surface facing the bottle when the device is attached to a bottle. Preferably, the protrusion will extend transversely across the rear surface of the lower support arm. [0022] The upper arm portion will normally include a substantially planar portion, normally extending from the at least one attachment assembly. The upper arm portion may be provided in two portions, namely a trapezoidal portion and a planar portion extending from a lower end of the trapezoidal portion. The trapezoidal portion will normally extend from the at least one attachment assembly and will preferably narrow towards the planar portion.

[0023] The upper arm will preferably be provided with a guide assembly in order to guide the movement of the lower arm relative to the upper arm. The guide assembly will normally be formed from a pair of substantially L-shaped upstands, one upstand provided on either lateral side of the upper arm and where provided, preferably, either lateral side of the planar portion of the upper arm. Each of the preferred substantially L-shaped upstands is preferably formed from a perpendicular portion which is substantially perpendicular to the upper arm and a parallel portion which extends parallel to the upper arm and from the perpendicular portion.

[0024] This configuration preferably defines a generally rectangular guide opening through which a portion of the lower arm portion extends and can move, albeit one with a gap between the preferably spaced apart free ends of the respective parallel portions. The perpendicular portions are typically spaced apart to closely receive respective side edges of at least a portion of the lower arm to guide movement of the lower arm and to minimise lateral movement of the lower arm during use.

[0025] Each of the substantially L-shaped upstands is preferably provided with at least one, and typically a number of engagement portions to engage with a lock or latch member preferably associated with the lower arm. Preferably, a number of spaced apart teeth are provided.

Typically, a number of spaced apart teeth are provided on an inner surface of the parallel portion of at least one, and typically both of the upstands. In this location, the number of spaced apart teeth will typically face the outer surface of the planar portion of the upper arm.

[0026] At least one, and preferably a pair of openings are provided in the planar portion of the upper arm, typically corresponding in position to the location of each of the substantially L- shaped upstands. Preferably, each of the preferred pair of openings is elongate and substantially rectangular with a central portion of the planar portion provided between the openings, substantially parallel with the length of the upper arm portion. In this position, the pair of openings will each be substantially located opposite the preferred spaced apart teeth provided on the upstands. The openings are each preferably approximately the same length as the

corresponding upstand. [0027] The lower arm will preferably be elongate and also substantially planar. A cloth engagement assembly will typically be provided associated with the lower end of the lower arm.

An upper end of the lower arm is typically associated with a guide portion to be associated with the guide assembly on the upper arm.

[0028] A lock or latch assembly is also preferably associated with an upper end of the lower arm. In a preferred embodiment, the upper end of the lower arm is typically provided with a substantially T-shaped assembly with a pair of laterally extending lock or latch members and a depending lever. Typically, pressing on the end of the lever will function to disengage the lock or latch members from the spaced apart teeth provided on the upper arm in order to allow relative movement of the upper arm and lower arm to change the effective length of the elongate support arm of the device. Preferably, the lever will have a free end which is spaced from the laterally extending lock or latch members and which is also spaced above the plane of the lower arm.

[0029] The laterally extending lock or latch members will typically be biased into engagement with the spaced apart teeth. The lock or latch members will preferably be temporarily disengaged from the teeth allowing movement of the lower arm relative to the upper arm and then, once released, the bias will typically move the lock or latch members back into engagement with the spaced apart teeth, fixing the length of the support arm.

[0030] A grip portion is typically provided on or adjacent to the free end of the lever.

[0031] Providing the ability to change the effective length of the elongate support arm will assist with maintaining the stability of the bottle with the device attached thereto as the centre of gravity of the bottle changes through use of the contents.

[0032] The cloth engagement assembly may include a loop into or through which a cloth can be engaged. In one preferred form, the loop will be an open loop with a portion turned back upon itself to form an arcuate loop with a free end which is spaced from the lower arm of the elongate support arm.

[0033] Typically, the cloth engagement assembly of the preferred embodiment is integrally formed with a lower end of the lower arm.

[0034] The cloth engagement assembly will typically be extend from the elongate support arm in a direction which is opposite, or at least angled relative to the attachment assembly. [0035] The preferred loop will preferably be at least partially resilient, mainly due to the material of construction, allowing some small amount of deformation to allow a cloth to be inserted into the loop and such that the preferred loop exerts a clamping force on the cloth in order to hold the cloth in place.

[0036] In the rigid configuration, the attachment assembly will preferably engage the neck of the bottle container. Bottles or containers holding cleaning chemicals or material typically have a removable closure at an upper end of the bottle or container in order to dispense the cleaning chemical or material from the bottle. In the rigid configuration, the rigid attachment loop will preferably be located between the removable closure and the bottle. In use, the user would typically remove the removable closure from the bottle temporarily, locate a rigid attachment loop over the neck of the bottle and reattach the closure to the bottle in order to clamp the rigid attachment loop between the removable closure and the bottle.

[0037] In this configuration, the rigid attachment loop is preferably made of plastic material and is normally planar and annular, having a central opening in order to receive the neck of the bottle/container to which the universal attachment is to be attached. It is important that the rigid attachment loop retain the sealing characteristics between the closure and the bottle to minimise leakage. It should also not obstruct the user holding the bottle nor obstruct or restrict the movement of a spray lever if provided.

[0038] Preferably, where a rigid attachment loop is provided, the rigid attachment loop is normally provided at the end of an elongate support. The preferred elongate support will typically abut the bottle or container over at least a portion of the height of the bottle. This will help to support the universal attachment and also the cloth engagement assembly relative to the bottle or container. The elongate support will preferably be rigid as well, opposing deformation.

[0039] In this configuration, the rigid attachment loop will typically extend substantially perpendicularly to a part of the elongate support and normally, at an upper end of the elongate support.

[0040] The elongate support is preferably substantially planar. It is preferred that the cloth engagement assembly is mounted to the elongate support either directly or indirectly. Preferably, the cloth engagement assembly is mounted to the elongate support preferably at or adjacent to a lower end of the elongate support. The cloth engagement assembly will also preferably extend on an opposite side of the elongate support to the rigid attachment loop, away from the bottle or container. [0041] The universal attachment of the present invention also includes a cloth engagement assembly to engage a cleaning cloth, the cloth engagement assembly mounted relative to the at least one attachment assembly.

[0042] If the attachment assembly is provided in the rigid configuration, the cloth engagement assembly will normally extend on the opposite side to the attachment assembly. If the attachment assembly is provided in the non-rigid or flexible configuration, the attachment assembly can be deformed as required to be in any location or position relative to the cloth engagement assembly.

[0043] The cloth engagement assembly may be directly attached to the attachment assembly or indirectly attached via attachment to the preferred elongate support. The cloth engagement assembly may be mounted to be at least one attachment assembly in any way.

[0044] As with the attachment assembly, the cloth engagement assembly may be provided in a rigid or non-rigid/flexible configuration.

[0045] If the cloth engagement assembly is provided in a flexible configuration, then the mounting will normally be achieved mounting relative to a rigid attachment loop, and the cloth engagement assembly will normally be attached to an elongate support through one or more guide portions provided on the elongate support and through which the flexible cloth

engagement assembly can pass. The non-rigid cloth engagement assembly may be closed about the bottle to keep it out of the way when not in use to hold a cloth.

[0046] If the cloth engagement assembly is provided in the rigid configuration, then the cloth engagement assembly is normally provided with one or more guide portions through which a preferably flexible attachment assembly can pass.

[0047] In the rigid configuration, the cloth engagement assembly may be configured as a container portion to receive at least a part of a cleaning cloth. In one preferred embodiment, the rigid cloth engagement assembly may include a containing portion defined by a number of sidewalls and a base wall which together define a containing volume into which a cleaning cloth can be received.

[0048] In an alternate rigid configuration, the cloth engagement assembly may have an arcuate body. It is preferred in this configuration that the arcuate body be substantially C-shaped, U-shaped or V shaped in order to receive a cloth that has been deformed therein and the natural expansion of the cloth will preferably then cause the cloth to be clamped into the preferred arcuate body until determined removal by user.

[0049] In a non-rigid configuration, the cloth engagement assembly will normally be or include at least one loop defined by one or more flexible members. If a single flexible member is provided, the single flexible member is preferably resilient in order to be enlarged or deformed in order to receive a portion of the cloth therein and the preferred resilience of the flexible member will preferably hold the cloth therein. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a material such as silicone is used.

[0050] In an alternate, non-rigid/flexible configuration, the loop of the cloth engagement assembly may be formed from one or more straps which are engaged with one another in order to hold the cleaning cloth. In this configuration, a simple attachment mechanism such as Velcro is preferred but it is also anticipated that the straps can be provided with one or more buckles, clips, snaps or buttons or any similar attachment mechanism in order to attach one flexible strap to or relative to another flexible strap in order to hold the cleaning cloth.

[0051] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0052] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0054] Figure 1 is an isometric view from the front of the universal attachment device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 is an isometric view from the rear of the device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the device illustrated in Fig

[0057] Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the device illustrated in Figure 1. [0058] Figure 5 is a left side elevation view of the device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0059] Figure 6 is a right side elevation view of the device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0060] Figure 7 is a plan view of the device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0061] Figure 8 is a view from beneath the device illustrated in Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0062] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention a universal attachment for a cloth is provided to attach a cloth relative to a bottle or container of cleaning material.

[0063] The universal attachment device 10 illustrated in the accompanying Figures has an attachment assembly to attach the attachment device to a bottle or container (not shown) and a cloth engagement assembly to engage a cloth, the cloth engagement assembly mounted relative to the attachment assembly via an elongate, length adjustable support arm.

[0064] In the context of the present discussion, the cloth will typically be a cleaning cloth which can be used to apply, remove, or spread a cleaning chemical or material, polish or simply wipe a surface or object to clean it.

[0065] The purpose of the universal attachment device is to attach the cleaning cloth relative to the bottle or container in order that the cleaning cloth is available as and when the user needs or wants the cleaning cloth for use. The universal attachment device of the present invention can simply be reused by removal from one bottle or container and attached to a different bottle or container as required.

[0066] The universal attachment device includes at least one attachment assembly to attach the universal attachment to a bottle or container. The at least one attachment assembly may attach to the bottle or container at any position on the bottle container. The at least one attachment assembly may attach to any part or parts of the bottle or container.

[0067] In the illustrated configuration, the attachment assembly includes an open loop or part loop 11 in order to engage with a portion of the bottle without requiring removal of the lid or similar. The part loop assembly will typically clip onto a portion of a container or bottle, normally at a neck portion adjacent to, and preferably slightly below the lid of the bottle.

[0068] In a preferred configuration, the part loop attachment assembly includes a substantially C-shaped opening 12 to receive a portion of a bottle, the substantially C-shaped opening is formed by a pair of arms 13 which are spaced apart and substantially opposed. As illustrated, each of the arms 13 is arcuate.

[0069] A shaped bumper 14 is provided on a free end of each of the arms 13 in order to assist with guiding the bottle portion into the substantially C-shaped opening 12. As illustrated, the bumper portions Hare enlarged portions and generally cylindrical, located at the free end of each of the arms 13.

[0070] The arms 13 will normally be slightly resilient due to the material used in order to allow a small amount of deformation to allow passage of the bottle into the C-shaped opening 12 and then to apply a clamping force to the bottle in order to maintain the engagement of the device relative to the bottle.

[0071] An elongate support arm 15 is associated with the attachment assembly. As illustrated, the elongate support arm is a multipart arm, preferably formed of a pair of support arm parts which are movable relative to one another in order to change the effective length of the support arm 15, specifically the separation distance between the part loop attachment assembly 11 and the cloth engagement loop 16. Typically, the support arm parts will partially overlap one another and slide relative to one another, normally in abutment with one another.

[0072] In the preferred configuration illustrated, the pair of support arm parts are configured as an upper arm part 17 and a lower arm part 18 with the upper arm part 17 normally being shorter than the lower arm part 18.

[0073] A stop 19 is normally provided on the lower arm 18 in order to define a minimum length of the overall device. The illustrated stop 19 will normally be a protrusion from the rear side of the lower arm part 18, or the surface facing the bottle when the device 10 is attached to a bottle. As shown in Figure 2, the stop protrusion 19 extends transversely across the rear surface of the lower arm part 18.

[0074] The illustrated upper support arm 17 includes a substantially planar portion, normally extending from the at least one attachment assembly, provided in 2 portions, namely a trapezoidal portion 20 and a planar portion 21 extending from a lower end of the trapezoidal portion 20. The trapezoidal portion 20 will normally extend from the part loop attachment assembly 11 and narrows towards the planar portion 21.

[0075] The upper arm 17 is provided with a guide assembly in order to guide the movement of the lower arm 18 relative to the upper arm 17. The guide assembly will normally be formed from a pair of substantially L-shaped upstands 22, one upstand provided on either lateral side of the planar portion 21 of the upper arm 17. Each of the substantially L-shaped upstands 22 is formed from a perpendicular portion 23 which is substantially perpendicular to the planar portion 21 of the upper arm 17 and a parallel portion 24 which extends parallel to the planar portion 21 of the upper arm 17, from the perpendicular portion 23.

[0076] This configuration defines a generally rectangular guide opening through which a portion of the lower arm 18 extends and can move albeit one with a gap between the spaced apart free ends of the respective parallel portions 24. The perpendicular portions 23 are typically spaced apart to closely receive respective side edges of at least a portion of the lower arm 18 to guide movement of the lower arm 18 and to minimise lateral movement of the lower arm 18 during use.

[0077] Each of the substantially L-shaped upstands 22 is preferably provided with a number of spaced apart, engagement teeth 25 to engage with a lock or latch member preferably associated with the lower arm 18. Typically, the spaced apart teeth 25 are provided on an inner surface of the parallel portion 24 of both of the upstands 22. In this location, the spaced apart teeth 25 will typically face the outer surface of the planar portion 21 of the upper arm 17.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of openings 26 are provided in the planar portion 21 of the upper arm 17, typically corresponding in position to the location of each of the substantially L-shaped upstands 22. Each of the pair of openings 26 is elongate and

substantially rectangular with a central portion 27 of the planar portion provided between the openings 26, substantially parallel with the length of the planar portion 21 of the upper arm 17. In this position, the pair of openings 26 will each be substantially located opposite the spaced apart teeth 25 provided on the upstands 22. The openings 26 are each preferably approximately the same length as the corresponding upstand 22.

[0079] The lower arm 18 is elongate and also substantially planar. As illustrated, a cloth engagement loop 16 is provided integrally with the lower end of the lower arm 18. An upper end of the lower arm 18 is typically associated with a guide portion to be associated with the guide assembly on the upper arm 17.

[0080] A lock or latch assembly is associated with an upper end of the lower arm 17. In the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures, the upper end of the lower arm 18 is provided with a substantially T-shaped assembly member with a pair of laterally extending lock or latch members 28 and a depending lever 29. Typically, pressing on the end of the lever 29 will function to disengage the lock or latch members 28 from the spaced apart teeth 25 provided on the upper arm 17 in order to allow relative movement of the upper arm 17 and lower arm 18 to change the effective length of the elongate support arm 15 of the device. Preferably, the lever will have a free end which is spaced from the laterally extending lock or latch members 28 and which is also spaced above the plane of the lower arm 18.

[0081] The laterally extending lock or latch members 28 are biased into engagement with the spaced apart teeth 25. In use, the lock or latch members 28 are temporarily disengaged from the teeth 25 allowing movement of the lower arm 18 relative to the upper arm 17 and then, once released, the bias will typically move the lock or latch members 28 back into engagement with the spaced apart teeth 25, fixing the length of the support arm 15.

[0082] A grip portion 30is typically provided on or adjacent to the free end of the lever.

[0083] Providing the ability to change the effective length of the elongate support arm 15 will assist with maintaining the stability of the bottle with the device 10 attached thereto as the centre of gravity of the bottle changes through use of the contents.

[0084] The cloth engagement assembly of the illustrated embodiment includes an open loop 16 into or through which a cloth (not shown) can be engaged. In one preferred form, the open loop is formed integrally with the lower arm 18 having a portion turned back upon itself to form an arcuate loop with a free end which is spaced from the lower arm 18 of the elongate support arm 15.

[0085] The cloth engagement loop 16 will typically extend from the elongate support arm 13 in a direction which is opposite to the attachment assembly 11.

[0086] The preferred loop 16 is at least partially resilient, mainly due to the material of construction allowing some small amount of deformation to allow a cloth to be inserted into the loop and such that the loop 16 exerts a clamping force on the cloth in order to hold the cloth in place.

[0087] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0088] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims

1. A universal attachment device for a cloth, the universal attachment having at least one

attachment assembly to attach the attachment to a bottle or container and a cloth engagement assembly to engage the cloth, a cloth engagement assembly mounted relative to the at least one attachment loop.

2. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one attachment assembly includes an open loop in order to engage with a portion of the bottle without requiring removal of the lid or similar.

3. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the open loop includes a

substantially C-shaped opening to receive a portion of a bottle, the substantially C-shaped opening defined by at least one arm.

4. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the substantially C- shaped opening is defined by a pair of arms which are spaced apart and substantially opposed.

5. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 4 wherein each of the arms is arcuate with a free end, the free ends of the respective arms spaced apart from one another to define an entry way to the substantially C-shaped opening.

6. A universal attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein a shaped

enlarged bumper is provided on a free end of the at least one arm in order to assist with guiding the bottle portion into the substantially C-shaped opening.

7. A universal attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein each of the at least one arm is slightly resilient to allow a small amount of deformation to allow passage of a bottle into the C-shaped opening and then to apply a clamping force to the bottle in order to maintain the engagement of the device relative to the bottle.

8. A universal attachment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an elongate support arm is associated with the at least one attachment assembly extending substantially perpendicularly relative thereto.

9. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the elongate support arm is formed from a pair of support arm parts configured as an upper arm part and a lower arm part movable relative to one another in order to change an effective length of the elongate support arm.

10. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the upper support arm part includes a substantially planar portion provided with a guide assembly in order to guide the movement of the lower arm part relative to the upper arm part.

11. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the guide assembly includes a pair of substantially L-shaped upstands, one upstand provided on either lateral side of the planar portion of the upper arm part, each substantially L-shaped upstand formed from a perpendicular portion which is substantially perpendicular to the upper arm and a parallel portion which extends parallel to the upper arm from the perpendicular portion.

12. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the perpendicular portions are spaced apart to closely receive respective side edges of at least a portion of the lower arm part to guide movement of the lower arm part and to minimise lateral movement of the lower arm part during use.

13. A universal attachment device as claimed in either one of claims 11 or 12 wherein a lock or latch mechanism is associated with the elongate support arm parts in order to lock or latch the elongate support arm parts relative to one another in order to at least temporarily fix an effective length of the elongate support arm.

14. A universal attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein each of the substantially L-shaped upstands is provided with a number of spaced apart engagement teeth to engage with a lock or latch member associated with the lower arm part.

15. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the spaced apart teeth are provided on an inner surface of the parallel portion of both of the substantially L-shaped upstands.

16. A universal attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the lower arm is elongate and substantially planar with the cloth engagement assembly associated with the lower end of the lower arm.

17. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 16 wherein an upper end of the lower arm is associated with a guide portion to be associated with the guide assembly on the upper arm and a substantially T-shaped lock or latch assembly with a pair of laterally extending lock or latch members and a depending lever such that pressing on the end of the lever functions to disengage the lock or latch members from a number of spaced apart engagement teeth provided on the upper arm in order to allow relative movement of the upper arm and lower arm to change the effective length of the elongate support arm of the device.

18. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the laterally extending lock or latch members are biased into engagement with the spaced apart teeth.

19. A universal attachment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cloth engagement assembly includes a loop into or through which a cloth can be engaged.

20. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 8 wherein cloth engagement assembly includes an open loop with a portion turned back upon itself to form an arcuate loop with a free end the open loop integrally formed with the lower arm.

21. A universal attachment device as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the loop is at least partially resilient allowing some small amount of deformation to allow a cloth to be inserted into the loop and such that the loop exerts a clamping force on the cloth in order to hold the cloth in place.