Improvements to toilet bowl cleaning apparatus

Abstract

Toilet cleaning apparatus comprises a handle 2 with control means 16 at one end thereof and an end part 8 located distally to the control means on the handle. The end part 8 includes a plurality of l

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements to an apparatus for cleaning a toilet bowl. More especially, an improved connecting means and an improved storage container. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] The Applicant’s previous patent application GB2612298A describes a toilet brush which comprises a handle, a cleaning head and connecting means for releasably connecting the cleaning head to the handle. The cleaning head of the brush further comprises a stacked layers of a sheet material which can be flushed down the toilet bowl after cleaning and the subsequent separation of the cleaning head from the handle. Therefore, only the handle needs to be removed from the toilet bowland stored for further use in a container.

[0003] The apparatus of the previouslyfiled invention is advantageous in that, aftercleaningof the toilet bowl, the cleaning head can be separated from the handle whilst the apparatus is still within the confines of the toilet bowl. The separated cleaning head is then able to be flushed down the toilet bowl simply by normal flushing of the toilet using the toilet cistern. Only the handle needs to be removed from the toilet bowl and stored for further use.

[0004] The present application seeks to provide improvements to the toilet brush of the applicant’s previous application.

[0005] In particular, the improvements relate to providing better stability to the brush handle when stored and improved retention of the cleaning head on the end of the handle. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a toilet cleaning apparatus comprises a handle, including a control means at one end of the handle; and an end part located distally to the control means, having a plurality of longitudinally extending finger members; each finger member having, a first section and second section, a first protrusion radially extending from the end of the first section; and a second protrusion radially extending from the end of the second section; in use the end part is configured to receive a cleaning head between the first and second protrusions.

[0007] Preferably the second section includes a plurality of gripping formations.

[0008] Preferably the gripping formations are ribbed.

[0009] Preferably wherein the first protrusions are of the same diameter as the handle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for cleaning a toilet bowl in accordance with the invention described in the applicant’s previous application;

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a handle standing a container in accordance with the invention;

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the handle shown in Figure 2, showing the second part of the connecting means in accordance with the invention;

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container shown in Figure 2 in accordance with the invention;

[0014] Figure 5 is an exploded side-view of the handle shown in Figures 2 and 3 in accordance with the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Figure 2 shows an improved toilet brush handle 2 for attaching a cleaning head 4 (shown in Figure 1) as cleaning a toilet bowl in use, the handle 2 being stored in a container 6. Both the handle 2 and the container 6 generally follow the same operation as that described in the Applicant’s previous patent application GB2612298A (as illustrated in figure 1) the details of which are incorporated by reference.

[0016] The improvements to the toilet brush will now be described.

[0017] Figure 3 provides a perspective view of the handle 2, which includes a second part 8 of a connecting means, shown in a contracted closed position. The end part includes longitudinally extending finger members 10 each of which comprises a first section 12 and a second section 14. The first section 12 of each finger member extends longitudinally and tapers inwardly from the thinnest point of the handle 2 to provide a frustum-shaped profile, such that the end of the first section 12 has a smaller diameter than the thinnest point of the handle 2. The first section 12 is located proximally to a control means 16.

[0018] The second section 14 extends from the end of the first section 12 and is located distally to the control means 16. Along the length of the section 14 are located a plurality of gripping formations in the form of ribs 18. The ribs assist the finger members 10 to grip the inside of a wall defining an aperture 20 of a cleaning head 4. Located at the distal end of the second section 14 and radially extending from and perpendicular to each finger member 10 is a protrusion 22. In use, when the second part 14 is in its expanded position, the protrusions 22 abut the periphery of aperture 20, preventing the cleaning head 4 from sliding off during operation. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, four finger members 10 are illustrated. It can be appreciated that in further embodiments of the invention (not shown), the number of finger members 10 located on the handle 2 may be more or less than four.

[0019] Radially extending protrusions 24 separate the first and second sections and extend perpendicularly to the finger members 10, in the same axis as the protrusions 22. The protrusions 24 are of the same diameter as the thinnest section of the handle 2. The thinnest section of the handle 2 is located adjacent and proximal to the first section 12. In use, the protrusions 24 further aid in securing the cleaning head 4 to the handle 2. In particular, they prevent the cleaning head 4 from sliding upwards and out of place along the finger members 10.

[0020] The container 6 enables the handle 2 to be inserted into the container and to connect an adjacent new cleaning head 4 in the stack of unused cleaning heads located within the container 6.

[0021] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 4, container 6 includes a slip-resisting base 26, extending upwardly from which is a hollow upper portion 28. The hollow upper portion 28 also tapers upwardly to an aperture 30. The aperture 30 is smaller in diameter to the base 26 and the diameter of the cleaning head 4. The aperture 30 serves as a means of accessing a receptacle 32 located within the hollow upper portion 28. In use, the stack of unused cleaning heads is located within the receptacle 32 and the handle 2 can be inserted into the receptacle 32 to connect an unused cleaning head 4. The base 26 is made from a material with a high coefficient of friction. This may be for example, without limitation, rubber.

[0022] As seen in Figure 2, the handle 2 is located in a receptacle 34 when not in use. The receptacle 34 abuts the base 26, the receptacle 34 includes a first section 36 which extends perpendicularly from the base 26 into a second section 38. The second section 38 is located adjacent to the first section 36 and extends upwardly alongside the upper portion 28. The second section 38 has a generally cylindrical profile; however, it can be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention (not shown), the second section 38 may for example be, without limitation, rectilinear.

[0023] Located at the distal end of the second section is an aperture 40. The aperture 40 is of equal diameterto the thinnest section of the handle 2 and the protrusions 24, such that in use, the second part 8 of the handle 2 and the thinnest section of the handle 2 is securely housed in the receptacle 34. The receptacle 34 provides stability to the handle 2 and enables it to remain upright during storage, preventing the handle 2 from falling out or leaning to one side.

[0024] It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the prior art invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The 5 invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and / or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.

Claims

1. A toilet cleaning apparatus comprising;a handle, including a control means at one end of the handle; andan end part located distally to the control means, having a plurality of5 longitudinally extending finger members;each finger member having, a first section and second section, a first protrusion radially extending from the end of the first section; and a second protrusion radially extendingfrom the end of the second section;in use the end part is configured to receive a cleaning head between the first and10 second protrusions.

2. A cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second section includes a plurality of grippingformations.

3. A cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the gripping formations are ribbed.

4. A cleaning apparatus according claim 1, wherein the first protrusions are of the same diameter15as the handle.A

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