Filth cleaning, collection and sealing devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for collecting and containing soil or fluids. The device includes a hollow chamber (1), a first actuator with a scooping mechanism (5) that is near the edge of the rim (4) when retracted and near the center of the chamber opening when extended, a second actuator with a holding or attachment member (7) that is movable back and forth (on a track (8)) between a distal end and a proximal end, and a housing for disposable sealing tubing held by the holding member. A method of controlling a cleaning device allows for use of the device, utilizing the sealing tube for multiple actions, and deploying the sealing tube. A first embodiment (FIGS. 1, 6, and 7) has a double scooping mechanism (5) connected to the rim (4) by a resilient bridging member (6) with a disposable sealing tube (10) pulled across the opening (FIG. 3). A second embodiment (FIGS. 2, 6, and 7) has a triple-arc scooping member (5) connected to the rim (4). Yet another embodiment (FIGS. 4, 6, and 7) has a first triple-arc scooping member (11) and a second triple-arc scooping member (12).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the collection, containment and cleaning of filth or fluids containing substances harmful to health. [Background technology]

[0002] Safely containing and cleaning up contaminants or fluids, especially substances that are hazardous to health, presents a challenge with potentially serious environmental health risks to both the cleaner and others.

[0003] When body fluids such as feces, saliva or blood are leaked, a clean-up process is required to contain the leak and prevent the risk of infecting others with dangerous particles.

[0004] For example, norovirus is associated with acute infectious non-bacterial gastroenteritis, is found in the bodily fluids of infected individuals, and exposure can be fatal in vulnerable age groups. Norovirus is one of the most common causes of gastrointestinal infections.

[0005] Currently available cleaning materials include absorbent materials, disinfectants, detergents, disposable wipes and plastic bags, masks, gloves, mops and buckets.

[0006] Soiled diapers, surgical gowns and other contaminated materials also require safe sealing and disposal.

[0007] Health risks arise not only during the cleaning process, but also during subsequent cleaning and disposal of cleaning equipment.

[0008] US Patent US4869049A discloses an apparatus for individually packaging a series of objects into individual packages arranged along the length of a flexible tube as set out in the preamble of claim 1.

[0009] US Patent US3446525A discloses a pick-up device for grasping and transporting filthy material such as animal droppings, wherein a disposable compliant packaging means is received and held on the pick-up device as set out in the preamble of claim 1. US Patent Application Publications US2004 / 188443 A1, US2004 / 100108 A1, and US2014 / 152033 A1 disclose devices that utilize a mechanism to collect debris in a bag.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Exemplary embodiments of the present invention aim to address at least one of the above or related problems. Summary of the Invention

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning device comprising: a hollow body having a first end and a second end, the hollow body defining a chamber between the first end and the second end, the chamber having an opening at the first end, an edge of the opening defining a plane; and a first actuator having a scooping member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein when the first actuator is in the retracted position, substantially all of the scooping member is disposed adjacent to the edge of the chamber opening, and when the first actuator is in the extended position, a first actuator, at least a portion of a stake member being positioned near the center of the chamber opening; a second actuator at least partially within the chamber and having a retaining member, the second actuator being movable; and a storage portion for disposable sealing tubing, wherein, during use, the disposable sealing tubing can be pulled out of the storage portion by a pulling force exerted on an already exposed portion of the stored disposable sealing tubing, the retaining member being configured to grip a portion of the disposable sealing tubing during use.

[0012] The first actuator may comprise two extendable and retractable bridge members attached at their proximal ends at opposing positions near the chamber opening, and the scoop member may comprise two flexible elongate members attached at respective distal ends of the bridge members.

[0013] When the first actuator is in the extended position, the two flexible elongate members can be held parallel and close to each other, and the centers of each of the two flexible elongate members can be held near the center of the chamber opening.

[0014] A rim may extend from the chamber opening, and the two flexible elongate members may be held against the rim when the first actuator is in the retracted position.

[0015] Alternatively, the first actuator may comprise three elongate scooping members, each having a proximal end and a distal end, each of the proximal ends may be rotatably connected near the edge of the chamber opening and may be substantially evenly spaced apart, and the axis of rotation may be perpendicular to the plane defined by the chamber opening.

[0016] In this case, when the first actuator is in the extended position, the distal ends of the three scooping members can be held near the center of the chamber opening. A rim can extend from the chamber opening, and when the first actuator is in the retracted position, the three scooping members can be held against the rim.

[0017] The second actuator may be movable in a proximal direction and an opposite distal direction, the distal direction being from the second end to the first end, and the proximal direction being from the first end to the second end.

[0018] The housing for disposable sealed tubing may be a cassette replaceably mounted on the outside of the body.

[0019] The body may be cylindrical, and at least one of a portion of the body near the first end, the first actuator, and / or a housing for the disposable closure tubing may be rotatable relative to the second actuator.

[0020] The scoop member may have a low friction distal face held substantially flush with the edge of the plane defined by the chamber opening.

[0021] The disposable sealed tubing may be formed from multiple layers, and the outer surface of the outermost layer may be abrasive or high-friction. The outermost layer of the disposable sealed tubing may be liquid-impermeable. The innermost layer of the disposable sealed tubing may be liquid-absorbent. The innermost layer of the disposable sealed tubing may be impregnated or coated with one or more of a cleaning agent, an antimicrobial agent, a biological agent, and / or a chemical agent.

[0022] The disposable sealed tube may be divided lengthwise into multiple sections, each of which may be closable and / or sealable at each end to form an individual compartment within the tube. The multiple sections may be capable of being closed or sealed by one or more of twisting, tying, heat-activated adhesive, built-in drawstrings, and built-in elastic. The disposable sealed tube may comprise a layer of polyethylene film bonded to a series of open tubes, which may be spaced apart along the length of the polyethylene film, and each of the open tubes may be constructed from a nonwoven viscose and polyester blend absorbent material.

[0023] The first and second actuators may be identical and interchangeable.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of controlling a cleaning device, the cleaning device comprising: a hollow body having a first end and a second end, the hollow body defining a chamber between the first end and the second end, the chamber having an opening at the first end, an edge of the opening defining a plane; a first actuator having a scooping member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein when the first actuator is in the retracted position, substantially all of the scooping member is disposed near the edge of the chamber opening, and when the first actuator is in the extended position, at least a portion of the scooping member is disposed near a center of the chamber opening; a second actuator at least partially within the chamber having a retaining member, the second actuator being movable; and a housing for disposable sealed tubing, the housing being adapted to, during use, respond to a tensile force exerted on an already exposed portion of the housed disposable sealed tubing by a retaining member. and a storage portion by which the disposable sealed tubing can be withdrawn from the storage portion, the retaining member being configured to grip a portion of the disposable sealed tubing during use, the method comprising: gripping the closed or sealed end of the disposable sealed tubing within the retaining member of the second actuator; moving the second actuator to draw a length of disposable sealed tubing into the chamber to form an open compartment at the chamber opening; manipulating the opening of the chamber into contact with the surface to be cleaned; moving the first actuator from the retracted position to the extended position to close the compartment of the disposable sealed tubing; performing a compartment sealing process; manipulating the opening of the chamber out of contact with the surface to be cleaned; moving the first actuator from the extended position to the retracted position; and manipulating the second actuator to draw a further length of disposable sealed tubing into the chamber.

[0025] The compartment sealing process may include rotating at least one of a portion of the body near the first end, the first actuator, and / or a housing of the disposable sealing tubing relative to the second actuator.

[0026] The compartment sealing process may include heating a compartment of the sealed disposable tube.

[0027] Moving the second actuator to retract a further length of disposable sealed tubing into the chamber may include moving the second actuator a sufficient distance to ensure that the portion of the inner surface of the disposable sealed tubing that is in contact with the surface to be cleaned is entirely retracted into the chamber.

[0028] When the chamber is full or the disposable sealed tube storage is depleted, the method may further include positioning the chamber opening near a waste disposal unit, sealing or closing the compartment of the disposable sealed tube, cutting the sealed or closed compartment as needed to separate the compartment from the disposable sealed tube storage, moving the first actuator to the retracted position, moving the second actuator, and releasing the disposable sealed tube from the second actuator so that the used disposable sealed tube can be transported to the waste disposal unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a cleaning and sealing device according to a first embodiment of the invention in an open and closed position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a cleaning and sealing device according to a second embodiment of the invention in an open and closed position. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 shows a cleaning and sealing device in an open and closed position with a waste disposal tube attached, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cleaning and sealing device according to a third embodiment of the invention in an open position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a cleaning and sealing device in a closed state according to a third embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cleaning and sealing device according to a second embodiment with selected details of the mechanical drive system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows details of the cleaning and sealing device according to the second embodiment, along with further details of the mechanical drive system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention relates to a device for cleaning, collecting and containing dirt. In some embodiments, the device comprises a body with a cleaning area. In use, the cleaning area is typically oriented toward a floor or other surface to be cleaned, providing an opening in the body so that dirt can be scooped into the body through the opening in the cleaning area.

[0031] The device may be mounted on or incorporated into one of a trolley, a vehicle, a remotely operated vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, or an autonomous vehicle. The trolley or other vehicle may be configured to automatically raise and lower the cleaning area of the device during operation.

[0032] To prevent contact with the dirt once scooped up, the cleaning area and the interior of the main body are covered with a disposable sealed tube that is drawn into the main body from a storage section on the outside of the main body, through an opening in the cleaning area, and forms one of a series of separate chambers for containing the dirt during the scooping operation.

[0033] The scooping action is performed by a scoop actuator in the cleaning area. The scoop actuator may be comprised of multiple moving members that move from the outer rim of the opening in the cleaning area to the center of the opening while engaging (e.g., by friction) a portion of the outer surface of the disposable sealed tube and retracting the portion of the disposable sealed tube from the housing into the center of the opening in the cleaning area. During this action, the opening in the cleaning area becomes covered by a portion of the inner surface of the disposable sealed tube. The retraction of the cleaning tube from the edge of the opening to the center of the opening and movement of the portion of the inner surface of the cleaning tube across the surface to be cleaned produces a cleaning effect on the surface to be cleaned similar to the cleaning effect produced by rubbing a wipe across the surface to be cleaned.

[0034] Inside the main body is an attachment member. The attachment member holds a first end of a disposable sealed tube, so that the interior of the disposable sealed tube from the attachment member to the periphery of the opening in the cleaning area forms an open chamber similar to a bag. The first end of the disposable sealed tube is closed before being attached to or held by the attachment member. This closure can be achieved by tying, heat sealing, an incorporated drawstring (hereinafter simply referred to as a drawstring), or any other suitable method understood by those skilled in the art.

[0035] The attachment member is operable to move toward and away from the cleaning area. During a scooping operation, the attachment member moves away from the cleaning area to pull a length of the disposable sealed tubing that was retracted from the storage portion into the main body during a previous scooping operation. The distance moved by the attachment member during a scooping operation corresponds to the depth of one of the plurality of individual chambers formed in the disposable sealed tubing, containing soil. When the scooping operation is completed, the newly formed individual chamber is retained within the main body and temporarily closed by the scoop actuator.

[0036] The newly formed individual chambers are then sealed. Sealing can be accomplished in a number of ways. For example, the disposable sealed tube can have multiple internal or external tie strings spaced at predetermined intervals along the length of the tube, or multiple heat-reactive adhesive sections spaced at predetermined intervals along the length of the tube, or be resiliently biased into a closed configuration spaced at predetermined intervals along the length of the tube, or have a bonding substance such as an adhesive spaced at predetermined intervals along the length of the tube, or have individually provided mechanical fasteners or clips selectively applied mechanically by the device, or can be manually or automatically tied off when closed. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable sealed tube housing is rotatable relative to the attachment member, allowing the disposable sealed tube to twist around a so-called pinch point created by the scoop actuator when it is extended centrally within the cleaning area.

[0037] When the individual chambers are sealed, the cleaning area is lifted slightly off the surface to be cleaned, the scoop actuator retracts to an edge within the cleaning area, and the attachment member moves further out of the cleaning area, with the purpose of retracting the sealed individual chambers into the main body, forming new unsealed chambers to receive additional scooped material in the next movement, and maintaining tension within the disposable sealed tube.

[0038] The operation can be repeated as necessary. It is important to design the attachment means so that it is strong enough and secure enough in place to remain in place under the changing weight of the contaminants and debris sealed within the chamber.

[0039] To clean the device at some point during operation or at the end of use, the device is configured and moved to slightly lift the cleaning area off the surface to be cleaned and to move the attachment member away from the cleaning area a sufficient distance to ensure that a portion of the inner surface of the disposable sealed tube that was used as a wipe during the previous scooping operation is drawn into the body with the scoop actuator in the retracted position.

[0040] When the body is full or the disposable sealed tube storage is depleted, the last individual chamber is sealed as described above, preferably tied with a knot, the scoop actuator is retracted, and the attachment member is moved to a position closest to the cleaning area, where it opens and releases the end of the disposable sealed tube, preferably while the open cleaning area is held over a waste disposal unit such as a trash receptacle.

[0041] 1 shows an embodiment of the invention in two configurations: one with the scoop actuator open or retracted, and one with the scoop actuator closed or extended. The device comprises a body 1, which in the illustrated embodiment is a hollow cylinder open at at least a first end 2.

[0042] Although not all are shown, the body of the device may also include one or more of a closeable lid, a hamper, a side door (FIGS. 4 and 5), a tube collection chamber (FIGS. 4 and 5), a window, a foot pedal, a remote switch, an extension arm (to form a telescopic handle for the device), a diaphragm (to form a pinch point for twisting and sealing each compartment from the housing), a wall, a conical inner wall, a cutter for severing the tube, and / or a sensor.

[0043] The hollow barrel may be made of plastic, but may also be made of silicone. The hollow barrel may be made of an antibacterial or antimicrobial material or may have a coating of an antibacterial or antimicrobial material or substance.

[0044] Disposed about the circumference of the body 1 near the first end 2 is a disposable sealed tube housing 3, which in the illustrated embodiment is an annular cassette. The disposable sealed tube may be housed within a cassette or other container and may be arranged pleated, flat, or rolled. Other arrangements may be selected as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0045] A rim 4 extends axially from the first end 2 of the body 1. The distal edge of the rim (hereinafter "distal edge") defines a circular cleaning area.

[0046] The scoop actuator is disposed within the rim 4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the scoop actuator comprises two flexible elongate members 5 that curve to follow the curve of the rim 4 when retracted and return to a generally straight shape when extended. The flexible elongate members 5 are preferably made of rubber, although other flexible and / or resiliently biased materials may be selected.

[0047] The flexible elongate member 5 is connected to the rim 4 by a resilient bridging member 6, which is preferably made of plastic or metal. The extension and retraction of the scoop actuator may be performed by a motor or linear actuator, may be an automatic sequence in response to a timer and / or detection of the cleaning area approaching the surface to be cleaned, or may be initiated by a remote control or switch.

[0048] Each flexible elongate member 5 has a distal surface (hereinafter "distal surface") that is flush with the distal edge of the rim. The distal surface is preferably textured or formed to have a relatively low coefficient of friction. The sides of each flexible elongate member 5 that face the center of the cleaning area and each other are preferably textured or formed to have a relatively high coefficient of friction for gripping the outer surface of the disposable sealed tube. These sides may be angled so that the angle between each side and each distal surface is acute to increase the scooping effect of the scoop actuator.

[0049] Inside the main body 1 is an attachment member 7. The attachment member 7 may comprise two elongated flat members having opposing surfaces. The two elongated flat members are held together by two opposing narrow tracks 8 on the inner surface of the main body 1. The ends of the two elongated flat members are slidably inserted into the two narrow tracks 8. In use, a first end of the disposable sealed tube is tied or sealed closed and held in frictional engagement between the two opposing surfaces.

[0050] Alternatively, a clip may serve as the attachment member, the clip having a spring-loaded hinge around one end. Other suitable attachment members that can hold the sealed tube end and move towards and away from the cleaning area will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0051] A motorized pulley system may be used to move the attachment means towards or away from the cleaning area. The motor may be driven by an automatic control system based on the detected position of the cleaning area relative to the surface to be cleaned and / or based on time or automatic sequences, or may be controlled by a remote switch.

[0052] The cassette 3 may be rotatable about the main body 1. The rotation may be motor-driven and may be automatic, part of an automatic sequence, or remotely controlled. In this manner, the housed disposable sealing tube rotates against a pinch point created by the extended scoop actuator, thereby sealing the chamber formed by the disposable sealing tube within the main body.

[0053] The housing may be axially movable and rotatable relative to the body of the device, and may be configured to move towards or away from the cleaning area and rotate upon closure of the chamber.

[0054] Twisting of the disposable sealing tube can occur by rotation of a part other than the housing. For example, the distal end of the device can be rotated as a whole (i.e., the rim of the device). The attachment means can be rotated so that the disposable sealing tube is rotated from its closed end rather than its open end. The disposable sealing tube can be rotated in opposite directions around both the closed and open ends to twist more quickly. The inventors have found that two or three complete rotations are sufficient to provide the necessary twist closure.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a similar device with a different scoop actuator. Three arcuate members 5 are supported by an annular horizontal protrusion 9 from the near end of the rim 4. When the arcuate members 5 are retracted, their convex surfaces lie substantially flush with the inner surface of the rim 4. When the arcuate members 5 are extended and rotated about their respective first ends, the second ends of the arcuate members 5 contact or approach each other near the center of the cleaning area. The far faces of the arcuate members 5 are substantially flush with the distal edge of the rim 4.

[0056] Rotation of the arcuate member 5 may be effected remotely or by a motor controlled automatically in response to a timing system and / or sensors that detect proximity to the surface to be cleaned.

[0057] The angle between the concave surface and the distal surface of each arc member 5 may be acute to aid in scooping. The angle between the second end and the distal surface of each arc member 5 may be acute to aid in scooping.

[0058] The arc members may be made of rubber, plastic, silicone or other suitable material.

[0059] The distal surface is preferably smooth or coated or configured to have a relatively low coefficient of friction.

[0060] The concave surface and second end are preferably roughened or coated or configured to have a relatively high coefficient of friction for better gripping of the disposable sealing tube.

[0061] 3 shows the device of the first embodiment described above, with a length of disposable sealed tubing pulled from the proximal rim of the housing 3, past the rim 4 of the device, and through an opening in the cleaning area. The ends of the disposable sealed tubing 10 are secured by attachment members (not shown). In the left image, the flexible elongate member 5 of the scoop actuator is retracted. In the right image, the flexible elongate member 5 of the scoop actuator is extended. The extended flexible elongate member 5 pulls a length of the disposable sealed tubing 10 from the housing 3, such that the cleaning area is substantially covered by the surface of the disposable sealed tubing 10.

[0062] The disposable sealed tube may be comprised of multiple layers. The disposable sealed tube may have an abrasive outer surface for the purpose of removing contaminants from the surface to be cleaned. The disposable sealed tube may preferably be impervious and / or non-porous, or absorbent for the removal of liquids from the surface to be cleaned. The disposable sealed tube may be biodegradable, compostable, flammable, and / or recyclable. The disposable sealed tube may be elastomeric and should have sufficient elasticity to clean and contain contaminants, debris, and liquids. The disposable sealed tube may include a filter layer. The disposable sealed tube may be colored, for example, to indicate hazardous waste using conventional colors.

[0063] The disposable sealed tube may be impregnated with or have a layer consisting of or impregnated with cleaning agents, antimicrobial agents, biological agents and / or chemical agents.

[0064] The disposable sealed tube may isolate the body of the device from contaminants and / or fluids that may come into contact with the body.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the disposable sealed tube comprises a layer of polyethylene film bonded to a series of open tubes, the tubes being spaced apart along the length of the polyethylene film, each tube being constructed from a nonwoven viscose and polyester blend absorbent material. In this embodiment, each open tube is shorter than the length of tubing required to form a single chamber. Each isolated chamber is sealed by twisting or tying the disposable sealed tube in a section consisting of only a single layer of polyethylene film. In this embodiment, the body of the device is contacted only by the polyethylene film, and each chamber contains an absorbent.

[0066] In other embodiments, the disposable sealed tube may be made from polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable / compostable material.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment with two actuators on the rim 4, each actuator comprising three arc members, with the three arc members 11 of the first actuator alternating with the three arc members 12 of the second actuator around the rim 4.

[0068] As shown in the second embodiment, when the arc members 11, 12 are retracted, their convex surfaces lie substantially flush with the inner surface of the rim 4. When the arc members 11, 12 are extended and rotated about their respective first ends, the second ends of the arc members 11, 12 contact or approach each other near the center of the cleaning area. In this scoop actuator position, the distal surfaces of the arc members 11, 12 are substantially flush with the distal edge of the rim 4.

[0069] Rotation of the arc members 11, 12 may be effected remotely or by a motor controlled automatically in response to a timing system and / or sensors that detect proximity to the surface to be cleaned.

[0070] The angle between the concave and distal faces of each arc member 11, 12 may be acute to assist in scooping. The angle between the second end and distal faces of each arc member 11, 12 may be acute to assist in scooping.

[0071] The arc members 11, 12 may be made of rubber, plastic, silicone or other suitable material.

[0072] The distal surface is preferably smooth or coated or configured to have a relatively low coefficient of friction.

[0073] The concave surface and second end are preferably roughened or coated or configured to have a relatively high coefficient of friction for better gripping of the disposable sealing tube.

[0074] The body 1 is divided into two cylindrical compartments located adjacent to each other. The first cylindrical compartment 13, in use, houses an open individual chamber formed by a disposable sealed tube. The second cylindrical compartment 14, in use, houses a sealed individual chamber of a disposable sealed tube from a previous operation of the device. The two chambers 13, 14 are connected by a pivoted tilting device 15.

[0075] Figure 5 shows the device of Figure 4 in an exploded view for clarity. The arc members 11, 12 of the two actuators rotate about their respective first ends and are axially movable. In use, the two actuators act alternately as attachment means and scoop actuators.

[0076] During one cycle of operation, the arcuate member 11 of the first actuator extends to seal the first end of the disposable sealed tube pulled from the housing and moves into the first compartment 13 of the main body 1, forming an open chamber within the disposable sealed tube within the first compartment. If this is the first chamber for a particular tube, its first end is tied or closed. A cleaning operation then follows, as in the previous embodiment. Now, the cleaning area is positioned over the surface to be cleaned, and the arcuate member 12 of the second actuator extends to further pull the disposable sealed tube from the housing, scoop the dirt into the chamber, and close the chamber. The chamber is then sealed, for example, by rotating the housing 3.

[0077] The pivoted tilt device 15 then pivots to create a bridge between the second compartment 14 and the first compartment 13. This scoops up the newly formed sealed individual chamber as the first set of arc members 11 retract to open the end of that chamber. The second set of arc members 12, still extending, moves into the first chamber, pushing that sealed individual chamber further into the second compartment 14 and retracting more disposable sealing tubing from the storage section 3 into the first compartment 13. The second set of arc members 12 then act as attachment members for the next chamber formed from the disposable sealing tubing, while the first set of arc members 11 return to the far end of the rim to act as scoop actuators for the next cleaning operation.

[0078] 6 shows details of an exemplary mechanical drive system that may be utilized to drive the device. A first motor 16 drives a gear system 17 to rotate the cassette 3 relative to the body of the device. This may be in direct response to a manual command, or in response to sensor data (e.g., detecting that the device has been slightly lifted off the surface to be cleaned), or may be part of an automatic sequence initiated by a manual command, or in response to sensor data (e.g., detecting that the device has been placed on the surface to be cleaned).

[0079] A second motor 18 drives a second gear system 19 that alternately rotates a spindle 20. The spindle has a wire wound around it, and rotating the spindle in a first direction feeds the wire, while rotating the spindle in an opposite second direction reels the wire. The wire is attached to a second actuator, which moves in the proximal direction when the spindle is rotated in the first direction. This may be in direct response to a manual command or in response to sensor data. Alternatively, it may be part of an automatic sequence initiated by a manual command or in response to sensor data (e.g., detecting when the device is placed on the surface to be cleaned).

[0080] When the spindle is rotated in a second direction, the second actuator moves in a distal direction. This may be in direct response to a manual command, or in response to sensor data (e.g., detecting that the disposable sealed tube is full, the compartment is empty, or the device has been placed near a waste disposal unit), or it may be part of an automatic sequence initiated by a manual command, or in response to sensor data (e.g., detecting that the device has been placed on the surface to be cleaned for the nth time since the last portion of the tube was emptied from the body).

[0081] FIG. 7 shows further details of an exemplary mechanical drive system that may be utilized to drive the device. A third motor 21 drives a third gear system 22 to rotate an annular member 23 about the exterior of the body. Three protrusions 24 extend from the annular member 23. The three scoop members 5 of the first actuator pivot about respective first ends of three elongated shaft members 25. The opposite second ends of the three elongated shaft members 25 are adjacent the annular member 23 and each have a lever 26 attached thereto. When the third motor 21 drives the third gear system 22 to rotate the annular member 23, this causes the protrusions 24 to push against the levers 26, rotating the elongated shaft member 25 and retracting the scoop members 5 of the first actuator. The scoop members are resiliently biased to their extended positions by a spring (not shown) around the elongated shaft member 25.

[0082] The present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments. These embodiments are not limiting. For example, the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment with two flexible, horizontally movable scoop actuators and an embodiment with three or six rotatable scoop actuators, but other actuator configurations may be selected. As an alternative to the third embodiment with six rotatable actuators, two pairs of flexible, elongated, horizontally movable actuators may be utilized. The scope of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. a hollow body (1) having a first end (2) and a second end, the hollow body (1) defining a chamber between the first end (2) and the second end, the chamber having a chamber opening at the first end (2); a first actuator having a scoop member movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein substantially all of the scoop member is positioned near an edge of the chamber opening when the first actuator is in the retracted position, and at least a portion of the scoop member is positioned near a center of the chamber opening when the first actuator is in the extended position; a second actuator at least partially within the chamber, the second actuator having a retaining member (7), the second actuator being movable; a housing (3) for disposable sealing tube (10) material attached to the outside of said body (1), wherein a pulling force exerted on the already exposed portion of the housed disposable sealing tube (10) material causes said disposable sealing tube (10) material to be pulled out of said housing, engage with said scooping member, and be drawn into said body (1) through said chamber opening; said holding member (7) being configured to grip said already exposed portion of said disposable sealing tubing; the tensile force is caused by the movement of the second actuator; At least one of the portion of the body (1) near the first end (2), the first actuator, and / or the housing (3) of the disposable sealing tube (10) material is rotatable relative to the second actuator. Cleaning device.

2. the first actuator comprises two extendable and retractable bridging members (6), each of which is attached at a proximal end of the bridging member in an opposing position near the chamber opening, and the scoop member comprises two flexible elongate members (5) attached at a distal end of each of the bridging members (6); The cleaning device of claim 1 .

3. When the first actuator is in the extended position, the two flexible elongate members are held parallel and close to each other, and the centres of the two flexible elongate members (5) are held near the centres of the chamber openings. The cleaning device of claim 2 .

4. a rim (4) extending from the chamber opening, and the two flexible elongate members (5) being held against the rim (4) when the first actuator is in the retracted position; A cleaning device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the second actuator is movable in a proximal direction and a distal direction opposite to the proximal direction, the distal direction being from the second end to the first end (2), and the proximal direction being from the first end (2) to the second end; The cleaning device of claim 1 .

6. the first actuator includes three elongated scooping members, each having a proximal end and a distal end; each said proximal end being rotatably connected to said edge of said chamber opening and spaced substantially equally apart, said axis of rotation being perpendicular to said chamber opening; The cleaning device of claim 1 .

7. When the first actuator is in the extended position, the distal ends of the three scooping members are held near the center of the chamber opening.

7. The cleaning device of claim 6.

8. a rim (4) extending from the chamber opening, the three scooping members being held against the rim (4) when the first actuator is in the retracted position; A cleaning device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The storage section (3) of the disposable sealed tube (10) material is a cassette attached to the outside of the main body (1) in an exchangeable manner. A cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The main body (1) is cylindrical. A cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the scoop member has a low-friction distal surface that is held substantially flush with the chamber opening; A cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The disposable sealed tube (10) material is formed of multiple layers, and the outer surface of the outermost layer is abrasive or high-friction. A cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The disposable sealed tube (10) is divided lengthwise into a plurality of sections, each section being closable and / or sealable at each end to form an individual compartment within the tube; A cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The compartments may be closed or sealed by one or more of the following means: twisting, tying, heat activated adhesive, built-in drawstrings, built-in elastic; 14. The cleaning device of claim 13.

15. The disposable sealed tube (10) comprises a layer of polyethylene film bonded to a series of apertured tubes, the apertured tubes being spaced apart along the length of the polyethylene film, each of the apertured tubes being constructed from a nonwoven viscose and polyester blend absorbent material.

15. A cleaning device according to claim 13 or 14.

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