toilet brush

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a toilet brush (10) comprising a handle (11) with a grip section (12) and a head (13) which is covered with bristles (14a, 14b, 14c), characterized in that a coupling device (15) is arranged on the toilet brush (10) with which the head (13) can be detachably attached to the handle (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a toilet brush according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The applicant is involved, among other things, in the development and production of such toilet brushes.

[0003] Toilet brushes of this generic type are well-known and have been widely used for a very long time. They are used to clean a toilet and consist of a head covered with bristles, attached to a handle with a grip.

[0004] The head is essentially covered with bristles on all sides.

[0005] Toilet brushes made of plastic and metal are common. Higher-quality handles are made of metal, such as stainless steel, or wood.

[0006] In the known state-of-the-art toilet brushes, the handle and head are screwed together.

[0007] It is not possible or not intended to separate the head from the handle.

[0008] This would require grasping the head with its numerous bristles and twisting it against the handle. This is not considered for hygiene reasons and is impractical.

[0009] Starting from a described toilet brush having the features of the preamble of claim 1, which has become known through prior public use, the object of the invention is to provide a toilet brush which is improved from an ecological point of view.

[0010] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

[0011] The principle of the invention is to detachably connect the head to the handle. A coupling device is provided for this purpose, allowing such a detachable attachment.

[0012] The invention recognizes that a head is subject to a certain degree of wear. Bristles can wear out or deform over time, resulting in an unsightly appearance and / or no longer fulfilling its cleaning function to the required extent.

[0013] The invention provides a coupling device that allows the head to be detached from the handle for the purpose of replacing the head. The handle can be reused.

[0014] This means that if the head becomes worn out, e.g. after a certain service life has been reached, the entire toilet brush no longer needs to be replaced, but only the head needs to be replaced.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the coupling device can be designed in the form of a snap connection. In the context of this patent application, a snap connection will also be referred to in the broadest sense as a click connection.

[0016] This allows, in particular, a fastening of the head to the stem by performing a mere, relative axial approach movement of the head and stem to each other.

[0017] The coupling device can, for example, comprise one or more spring tabs, which are in particular radially expandable or, in the broadest sense, deformable or displaceable, and which can be activated as a result of the stem and head moving toward one another. In particular, a spring tab can be activated by a control surface and, in particular, radially expanded. After the prescribed relative axial position of the head and stem has been reached, the spring tab can be displaced back, in particular, collapsed radially inward, and ensure axial securing. In addition, anti-rotation surfaces can be provided to ensure a rotationally fixed connection between the head and stem.

[0018] When replacing a head, the head can be easily removed: The spring tabs are freely accessible and, in particular, are not covered with bristles and are spaced apart from the bristles. In particular, an axial section free of bristles can be provided on the head. This section can have an axial length of more than 10 mm, e.g., 20 mm to 25 mm, or even greater. This allows for easy engagement of the spring tabs in order to engage them, in particular to expand them radially, and to detach the stem from the head.

[0019] Once removed, a new head can be attached to the handle. The old, unsightly head can be discarded. The handle can be reused.

[0020] The invention enables the replacement of a head with a new one. Different types of heads can be used, for example, heads with edge brushes and heads without edge brushes. In particular, the invention enables the provision of a modular system.

[0021] For example, different handles, e.g. plastic handles, stainless steel handles or wooden handles, can be combined with different heads, e.g. with heads with edge cleaners or with heads without edge cleaners.

[0022] At least one spring tab may be arranged on the head, and at least one control surface cooperating with the spring tab may be arranged on the stem.

[0023] The invention also encompasses a geometrically inverted arrangement. In this arrangement, at least one spring tab is arranged on the stem and at least one control surface for cooperation with the spring tab is arranged on the head.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coupling device is designed in the manner of a snap connection. This embodiment of the invention enables particularly simple connection between the head and the stem, e.g., as a result of an axial movement toward one another. A member, e.g., a spring tab, engages, snaps into place, and locks the head and stem together. At the same time, this embodiment of the invention enables particularly simple detachability.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coupling device can be transferred into a use state as a result of a relative, axial approach movement of the head and handle, in which it fixes the head relative to the handle. This embodiment of the invention enables particularly simple, particularly intuitive, handling for securing the head and handle to one another.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coupling device comprises at least one spring tab, preferably two spring tabs, which can be expanded radially. This embodiment of the invention enables a simple construction.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring tabs are firmly connected to the head. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly simple construction.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring tabs can be releasably engaged with counter-fastening sections on the stem. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly simple construction.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, control surfaces are arranged on the stem, allowing the spring tabs to be radially expanded. This embodiment of the invention enables particularly simple handling of a movement for establishing a connection between the head and the stem.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stem comprises a spherical widening at its free end, on which the control surfaces are arranged. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly simple construction and a particularly simple arrangement of control surfaces, and optionally also a particularly simple arrangement of anti-rotation surfaces.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the counter-fastening sections are arranged on the spherical widening.

[0032] This embodiment of the invention enables a compact design of a handle.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the head has at least one centrally arranged receptacle into which the spherical extension can be inserted. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly simple construction.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one anti-rotation surface is arranged on the head and at least one counter-rotation surface is arranged on the stem, which prevent relative rotation of the head and stem relative to one another when the head and stem are axially fixed relative to one another. This embodiment of the invention enables particularly comfortable handling. Thus, by carrying out an axial movement towards one another of the head and stem relative to one another, an axially fixed connection can be achieved. According to this embodiment of the invention, this connection is also designed to be non-rotatable. This means that the head and stem cannot be rotated relative to one another, or at least that the head is rotated along with it when the stem rotates.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the head and stem are axially fixed relative to each other, the anti-rotation surface and the counter-rotation surface engage. This embodiment of the invention enables particularly secure relative anti-rotation to achieve a rotational connection between the head and stem.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring tabs are arranged on a section of the head that is free of bristles. This embodiment of the invention enables particularly simple and hygienic removal of the head from the handle, as the spring tabs are easily accessible.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the section has an axial length of at least 5 mm, in particular more than 10 mm, more particularly more than 15 mm, more particularly more than 20 mm, more particularly more than 25 mm. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly simple construction and particularly convenient handling.

[0038] Further advantages of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the uncited subclaims and from the following description of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0039] Showing: Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a handle of a first embodiment of a toilet brush according to the invention and a head of the toilet brush detached and spaced therefrom, Fig. 2 the toilet brush Fig. 1 in the assembled state, with the head fixed to the handle, Fig. 3 the embodiment of the Fig. 1, in a schematic perspective oblique view, approximately according to view arrow III in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 the embodiment of the Fig. 3, in the assembled state in which the head is fixed to the stem, Fig. 5 the embodiment of the Fig. 1 in a schematic, perspective oblique view, approximately along view arrow V in Fig. 1, Fig. 6 the embodiment of the Fig. 5 in assembled state, Fig. 7 the toilet brush of the Fig. 3 in a schematic, perspective oblique view, approximately along view arrow VII in Fig. 3, Fig. 8 the embodiment of the Fig. 7 in assembled condition, Fig. 9 the toilet brush of the embodiment of the Fig. 2 in a partially sectioned, schematic sectional view, approximately along section line IX-IX in Fig. 2, Fig. 10 the embodiment of the Fig. 9, wherein the head is shown spaced from the stem, Fig. 11 in a schematic, partially sectioned view of the connecting area of ​​the toilet brush between handle and head, approximately along a section line IX-IX in Fig. 9, and Fig. 12 a head of a toilet brush according to the invention of Fig. 1 in a single representation with illustration of the bristle hairs, approximately according to circle XII in Fig. 1.

[0040] Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or regions are designated by identical reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0041] Features described only with reference to one embodiment may also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention within the scope of the invention. Such modified embodiments are encompassed by the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0042] All disclosed features are essential to the invention in themselves. The disclosure of the application hereby fully incorporates the disclosure content of the associated priority documents (copy of the prior application), as well as the cited publications and the described prior art devices, also for the purpose of incorporating individual or multiple features of these documents into one or more claims of the present application.

[0043] An embodiment of a toilet brush 10 according to the invention is shown in the Fig. 1 to 12 shown.

[0044] A toilet brush 10 of the type according to the invention comprises a handle 11 and a head 13.

[0045] The handle 11 is elongated and extends in the axial direction 17. It comprises a grip section 12, which can be of any desired design and allows for hand grip.

[0046] The handle 11 can be made of any material, e.g. plastic, metal or wood, or even ceramic.

[0047] Other decorative elements not shown in the figures can also be arranged on the handle 11.

[0048] The head 13 comprises, as in Fig. 12, a plurality of bristle hairs 14a, 14b, 14c, which protrude in particular in all or in a plurality of directions and surround a central, inner body 28, in particular plastic body 28, on all sides.

[0049] In the Fig. 1 to 11, the plastic body 28 is shown without corresponding bristles 14a, 14b, 14c for the sake of simplicity.

[0050] The invention encompasses a multitude of different variants (not shown), in which the head 13 can comprise different designs and / or arrangements and / or geometries and types of bristles 14a, 14b, 14c as well as bristles of different types of material.

[0051] According to the invention, a coupling device 15 is arranged on the toilet brush 10. In all embodiments of the invention, the coupling device 15 is designed as a snap connection 16.

[0052] The coupling device 15 according to the invention enables automatic locking as a result of a relative movement of the stem 11 and the head 13 in the sense of an approach along the axial direction 17, such that after locking has taken place, the head 13 is fixed relative to the stem 11. For this purpose, the coupling device 15, as shown in the exemplary embodiments in the figures, can comprise at least one spring tab, advantageously at least two spring tabs 19a, 19b.

[0053] The exemplary embodiments of the invention each show two spring tabs 19a, 19b, which are arranged opposite one another at a distance of 180° from one another. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, the spring tabs 19a, 19b are designed to be radially expandable in the radial direction 18.

[0054] In this way, the spring tabs 19a, 19b can each engage behind a counter-fastening section 20a, 20b for the spring tabs 19a, 19b on the stem 11.

[0055] The stem 11 comprises a spherical widening 21 at its free end. This is for example in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 10 clearly visible.

[0056] In particular, flat control surfaces 22a, 22b are arranged on the spherical widening 21. These are slightly conically inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis 29 running in the axial direction (cf. Fig. 2) of the stem 11.

[0057] As a result of a movement of the stem 11 and the head 13 towards each other, starting from a position according to Fig. 10, the control surfaces 22a, 22b strike the free ends of the spring tabs 19a, 19b and push them radially outward, thus expanding them radially. The approach movement of the stem 11 and head 13 is completed when the spring tabs 19a, 19b can collapse radially and engage behind corresponding counter-attachment surfaces 20a, 20b on the rear side of the spherical extension 21, i.e., on the side of the spherical extension 21 facing the handle section 12.

[0058] In the representations of the Fig. 2, Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 11, the spring tabs 19a, 19b are retracted in the radial direction and rest against the counter-fastening sections 20a, 20b. In this position, the coupling device 15 assumes a locking state or a use state. The two elements of the toilet brush 10, namely the handle 11 and the head 13, are secured to one another in the axial direction in this position.

[0059] The connection is intuitively simple. All that is required is an axial movement of the head 13 and the stem 11 toward each other. The snap connection 16 ensures a secure hold.

[0060] To ensure proper use of the toilet brush 10, an anti-rotation device is provided between the handle 11 and the head 13. For this purpose, an anti-rotation surface 24a, 24b is formed on the head 13, and an anti-rotation surface 25a, 25b is formed on the handle 11. The respective anti-rotation surfaces 24a, 24b and the anti-rotation surfaces 25a, 25b ensure a rotational connection between the handle 11 and the head 13.

[0061] In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the anti-rotation surfaces 25a, 25b on the stem 11 are formed by the control surfaces 22a, 22b. The control surfaces 22a, 22b and the anti-rotation surfaces 25a, 25b thus coincide in this embodiment.

[0062] In other embodiments not shown in the drawings, the counter-rotation prevention surfaces 25a, 25b are formed separately from the control surfaces 22a, 22b and, in particular, are arranged at a distance from them.

[0063] The embodiment of the Fig. 12 shows that the head 13 has a section 26 which is kept free of bristles 14a, 14b, 14c.

[0064] In particular, the spring tabs 19a, 19b arranged on section 26 are kept free of bristles 14a, 14b, 14c. This allows for particularly easy detachment of the head 13 from the handle 11 and access to the spring tabs 19a, 19b. These can now be actuated, for example, by a tool, possibly also by hand, and radially expanded at least slightly to achieve detachment from the counter-fastening sections 20a, 20b without the tool or the user's hand coming into contact with bristles.

[0065] The spring tabs 19a, 19b can thus be activated in a release movement without coming into contact with the bristles 14a, 14b, 14c. This enables, in particular, a hygienic detachment of the head 13 from the handle 11.

[0066] The axial length 27 of the section 26 may be more than 10 mm, preferably more than 25 mm.

[0067] The toilet brush 10 according to the invention also enables the provision of a modular system using the coupling device 15 according to the invention.

[0068] In this way, handles of completely different types, geometries, constructions, and surface designs can be combined with completely different heads 13, especially by the end user. Such a combination can also be modified as desired by the end user.

[0069] This means that handle 11 and head 13 can be purchased independently of each other.

[0070] In this way, for example, the design of a toilet brush can be subsequently changed or adapted to the interior design of a bathroom, whereby only the handle 11 or only the head 13 needs to be purchased.

Claims

[1] Toilet brush (10), comprising a handle (11) with a grip portion (12), and a head (13) provided with bristles (14a, 14b, 14c), characterized by that a coupling device (15) is arranged on the toilet brush (10), with which the head (13) can be detachably fastened to the handle (11). [2] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the coupling device (15) is designed in the manner of a snap connection (16). [3] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by that the coupling device (15) can be transferred into a use state as a result of a relative, axial approach movement (17) of the head (13) and the stem (11), in which it fixes the head (13) relative to the stem (11). [4] Toilet brush (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the coupling device (15) comprises at least two spring tabs (19a, 19b) which are radially expandable. [5] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that the spring tabs (19a, 19b) are firmly connected to the head (13). [6] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the spring tabs (19a, 19b) can be releasably engaged with counter-fastening sections (20a, 20b) on the stem (11). [7] Toilet brush (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by that control surfaces (22a, 22b) are arranged on the stem (11), with which the spring tabs (19a, 19b) can be radially expanded. [8] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 7, characterized by that the stem (11) comprises at its free end a spherical widening (21) on which the control surfaces (19a, 19b) are arranged. [9] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 7, characterized by that the counter-fastening sections (20a, 20b) are arranged on the spherical widening (21). [10] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized bythat the head (13) has a centrally arranged receptacle (23) into which the spherical widening (21) can be inserted. [11] Toilet brush (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a rotation-preventing surface is arranged on the head (13) and a counter-rotation-preventing surface (24a, 24b) is arranged on the stem, which prevent a relative rotation of the head (13) and the stem (11) relative to each other when the head (13) and the stem (11) are in the axially fixed state relative to each other. [12] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 10, characterized by that when the head (13) and stem (11) are in the axially fixed state relative to each other, the rotation prevention surface (24a, 24b) and the counter-rotation prevention surface (25a, 25b) come into contact. [13] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 4 or according to a claim dependent on claim 4, characterized bythat the spring tabs (19a, 19b) are arranged on a section (26) of the head (13) which is kept free of bristles (14a, 14b, 14c). [14] Toilet brush (10) according to claim 13, characterized by that the section (26) has an axial length (27) of at least 5 mm, in particular of more than 10 mm, further in particular of more than 15 mm, further in particular of more than 20 mm, further in particular of more than 25 mm.

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