US20060174914A1

US20060174914A1 - Cleaning tool and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: US20060174914A1
Application number: US11/053,447
Authority: US
Inventors: H. Murphy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-08
Filing date: 2005-02-08
Publication date: 2006-08-10
Also published as: WO2006086403A1

Abstract

A tool advantageous for cleaning and sanitizing toilet bowls, urinals, and other surfaces. The cleaning tool comprises an arcuate-shaped handle and a cleaning head, wherein the cleaning head is permanently affixed to the handle, and wherein the handle and the cleaning head is formed from biodegradable material. Said tool is intended for one-time use and subsequent trash disposal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to cleaning tools, and more specifically to a cleaning tool and method of use thereof for cleaning and sanitizing toilet bowls and urinals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to prevent the spread of germs and disease, restrooms and bathrooms must be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. Health and sanitation concerns require that toilets and urinals be cleaned frequently. This is easily accomplished using a disinfectant, detergent, or cleanser and manual scrubbing. A brush or textured pad, with handle, is the cleaning tool of choice.
Unfortunately, a reused scrubbing tool becomes unsanitary after first use because it repeatedly contacts unsanitary surfaces. Likewise, a reused scrubbing tool can contaminate the next surface it contacts. Furthermore, a reused scrubbing tool is stored wet and dries slowly. This condition of storage fosters the growth of more bacteria and germs.
Existing scrubbing tools with a one-time use ejectable cleaning head are an acknowledged improvement in the art. However, it is necessary to retain and store the handle. This handle becomes contaminated and germ-laden unless it is meticulously sanitized after each use. The cleaning head refills add to the cost.
Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a one-time use cleaning tool that is formed from inexpensive disposable materials. Said cleaning tool eliminates having to retain any part that is unsanitary. Furthermore, there is a need for such a trash disposable tool that is formed from biodegradable and environmentally-friendly components.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a tool by providing a one-time use disposable cleaning tool for scrubbing toilet bowls and urinals.
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a biodegradable cleaning tool comprising a handle and a cleaning head.
More specifically, the cleaning tool of the present invention comprises a curved handle, thereby permitting a user to easily maneuver the cleaning head inside a urinal or toilet bowl and under the rim. The cleaning head is permanently affixed to the handle for one-time use and total trash disposal with the potential to biodegrade.
Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to effectively scrub a toilet bowl or urinal without requiring the user to touch these surfaces.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its curved handle to permit a user to easily maneuver the cleaning head within a urinal or toilet bowl and under the rim.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its environmentally-friendly biodegradable components.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its inexpensive materials thereby providing a cleaning tool that is advantageously suitable for trash disposal and replacement after one-time use. It is not necessary to retain an unsanitary handle.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its small, lightweight and slender design, thus facilitating ease of use and packaging of multiple units for retail sale.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the option to use it with any common household sanitizing solution, detergent, or cleanser, or to offer it with a disinfectant impregnated within the cleaning head.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning head according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the cleaning tool in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention in a preferred embodiment comprises cleaning tool 10, wherein cleaning tool 10 may be advantageously utilized for cleaning and sanitizing toilet bowls and urinals, and wherein cleaning tool 10 comprises handle 20 and head 30. Preferably, handle 20 comprises first end 22, middle portion 23 and second end 24. Handle 20 is preferably formed from wood, however, it is contemplated that handle 20 could be formed from other biodegradable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, cardboard or particle board. Preferably, handle 20 is arcuate-shaped, such that middle portion 23 is advantageously curved for maneuvering head 30 inside a urinal or toilet bowl and under the rim.
Referring to FIG. 2, head 30 is preferably disc-shaped and comprises means for scrubbing and scouring. It is recognized that head 30 could alternatively embody other suitable shapes, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a semi-circle, oval, sphere, cube, triangle or diamond. Head 30 is preferably a textured pad formed from a porous, biodegradable, cellulose material, wherein head 30 preferably comprises first surface 32, second surface 34, peripheral surface 36, and slot 38. Slot 38 is preferably rectangular-shaped and preferably adapted to receive second end 24 of handle 20 there within. It is contemplated, in alternative embodiment, that head 30 could be formed from other suitable biodegradable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, paper, sponge, loofah, or the like.
Referring to FIG. 3, head 30 is preferably permanently secured to handle 20 utilizing an adhesive. However, it is contemplated that other suitable means to secure head 30 could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, frictional fit, rivets, clamps, hooks, clips, or staples. In an alternative embodiment, second end 24 of handle 20 could possess a slot and surface 36 of head 30 could possess a rigid tab for insertion into the slot of handle 20, wherein the tab could be secured within the slot, thereby attaching head 30 to handle 20.
To operate cleaning tool 10, as seen in FIG. 4, first end 22 of handle 20 is preferably gripped by the user whereby the user directs handle 20 to maneuver head 30 in a scrubbing action. Preferably, utilizing a side-to-side, back and forth, and/or circular scrubbing motion, head 30 removes dirt, grime and stains from a subject surface. Preferably, the user may apply disinfectant, detergent or other like cleanser to the subject surface and/or to head 30. Alternatively, head 30 may be impregnated with a cleanser that dissolves in conjunction with the scrubbing action. After use, the cleaning tool 10 can be disposed of in the trash with the potential to biodegrade.
It is recognized in an alternate embodiment that handle 20 could be bendable and, for exemplary purposes only, made with one or more hinged joints and/or corrugated, formable sections to further facilitate maneuvering cleaning tool 10 in confined spaces.
In another alternative embodiment, handle 20 could be extendable or telescopic.
In still another alternative embodiment, handle 20 could possess bumps, dimples, ridges, grooves and/or indentations for a non-slip gripping surface.
In still yet another alternate embodiment, head 30 could be scented for emitting a pleasant fragrance.
In another alternate embodiment, head 30 could possess cleaning bristles.
Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool, comprising:

an arcuate-shaped handle, said handle formed from biodegradable material; and

at least one cleaning head, said at least one cleaning head formed from textured or bristled biodegradable material.

2. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein said at least one cleaning head comprises a cavity for receiving and retaining said handle therewithin.

3. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein said arcuate-shaped handle is bendable.

4. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein said arcuate-shaped handle is extendable.

5. A method of cleaning, said method comprising the steps of:

a. using a biodegradable cleaning tool comprising an arcuate-shaped handle and at least one cleaning head;

b. directing said handle;

c. maneuvering said at least one cleaning head proximate a subject surface; and

d. scrubbing the subject surface with said at least one cleaning head utilizing a back and forth, side to side, and/or circular scrubbing motion.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of:

e. applying a disinfectant or detergent to said at least one cleaning head or surface to be cleaned.

7. Alternatively, at least one cleaning head may be impregnated with disinfectant or detergent.