A foot-operated cleaning brush and a method thereof

Abstract

A foot-operated cleaning brush is disclosed. The foot-operated cleaning brush includes a detachable scrubbing base (120) adapted to facilitate a scouring operation with a surface to remove dirt. Further, the foot-operated cleaning brush includes a foot support unit (125) integrated on top of the detachable scrubbing base. The foot support unit (125) includes one or more storage totes (130) arranged on a top portion of the foot support unit wherein the one or more storage totes are adapted to store one or more floor cleaning solutions. Further, the foot support unit (125) includes one or more push buttons (135) positioned to at least one of a spot corresponding to the position of a toe of the user and a spot corresponding to any other part of the foot wherein the one or more push buttons is adapted to dispense a predetermined amount of the one or more floor cleaning solutions.

Description

[0001] A FOOT- OPERATED CLEANING BRUSH AND A METHOD THEREOF

[0002] EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

[0003] This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202441005308, filed on January 25, 2024 and titled “A FOOT- OPERATED CLEANING BRUSH AND A METHOD THEREOF”.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of cleaning tools and more particularly to a foot-operated cleaning brush and a method thereof.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Cleaning is essential in various environments, for instance, household, healthcare, laboratories, or industrial environments. It plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Further, different surfaces in the said environments require different types of cleaning solutions and tools to achieve effective and safe cleaning. Specifically, it is important to choose the right cleaning tools for specific cleaning tasks to ensure an effective cleaning process. The choice of the cleaning tools depends on the type of the surface being cleaned.

[0008] Typically, cleaning is manual and involves simple cleaning tools. However, there are advanced cleaning tools available today. In both cases, cleaning is challenging and time-consuming, particularly for people who have discomfort or limited hand motion. To clean surfaces one may need to bend or position themselves on hands and knees. However, individuals with back, shoulder, loss of upper body strength and disabled may find difficult to reach certain surfaces to clean. Further, hard surfaces are difficult to clean, especially when the hard surfaces are lower than waist level. Scrubbers are more labor-intensive than mopping, and many stains or residues are difficult to remove easily, often requiring scrubbing or heavy rubbing action. Scrubbing heavily stained surfaces may cause joint fatigue, back and shoulder pain, and difficulty for those with knee, elbow, or shoulder problems. Elderly or disabled individuals struggle to sustain heavy pressure for desired result. Additionally, to tackle hard-to-reach areas, using long-handled cleaning devices like brushes or sponge mops may be helpful. However, this may not be enough to clean all surfaces due to the device's shape, configuration, or user's physical limitations, such as lack of upper body strength or mobility, injury.

[0009] Hence, there is a need for an improved cleaning brush and a method thereof which addresses the aforementioned issue(s).

[0010] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An objective of the invention is to provide a foot-operated cleaning brush designed with non-slip elements and an adjustable strap to secure a user’s foot.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to store a predetermined amount of cleaning solution in one or more storage totes that when pressed releases the cleaning solution.

[0013] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a detachable scrub base.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a foot-operated cleaning brush and a method thereof is provided. The foot-operated cleaning brush includes a detachable scrubbing base adapted to facilitate a scouring operation with a surface to remove dirt. Further, the foot-operated cleaning brush includes a foot support unit integrated on top of the detachable scrubbing base wherein the foot support unit is adapted to accommodate a foot of a user. The foot support unit includes one or more storage totes arranged on a top portion of the foot support unit adapted to store one or more floor cleaning solutions. Further, the foot support unit includes one or more push buttons positioned to at least one of a spot corresponding to the position of a toe of the user and a spot corresponding to any other part of the foot. The one or more push buttons is adapted to dispense a predetermined amount of the one or more floor cleaning solutions in response to a user applying pressure on the one or more push buttons with the said toe or the other part of the foot.

[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method to operate a foot- operated cleaning brush is provided. The method includes storing, by one or more storage totes on a foot support unit, one or more floor cleaning solutions. Further, the method includes accommodating, by a foot support unit, a foot of a user. The method also includes dispensing, by a one or more push, a predetermined amount of the one or more floor cleaning solutions in response to a user applying pressure on the one or more push buttons with the said toe or the other part of the foot. Furthermore, the method also includes facilitating, by a detachable scrubbing base, a scouring operation with a surface to remove dirt.

[0017] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a foot-operated cleaning brush in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block representation of an exemplary embodiment of a foot-operated cleaning brush in a real-time scenario of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method to operate a foot-operated cleaning brush in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0027] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a foot-operated cleaning brush is provided. The foot-operated cleaning brush includes a detachable scrubbing base adapted to facilitate a scouring operation with a surface to remove dirt. Further, the foot-operated cleaning brush includes a foot support unit integrated on top of the detachable scrubbing base wherein the foot support unit is adapted to accommodate a foot of a user. The foot support unit includes one or more storage totes arranged on a top portion of the foot support unit adapted to store one or more floor cleaning solutions. Further, the foot support unit includes one or more push buttons positioned to at least one of a spot corresponding to the position of a toe of the user and a spot corresponding to any other part of the foot. The one or more push buttons is adapted to dispense a predetermined amount of the one or more floor cleaning solutions in response to a user applying pressure on the one or more push buttons with the said toe or the other part of the foot. FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a foot-operated cleaning brush (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The foot-operated cleaning brush (100) includes a toe holder (110), one or more push buttons (135), an adjustable strap (115), a detachable scrubbing base (120), and a foot support unit (125).

[0029] The toe holder (110) is adapted to secure a toe of a user thereby providing support during an operational state (while cleaning a surface). In other words, the toe holder (110) separates a big toe of the user from the second toe thereby providing stability and preventing the foot from slipping. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the toe holder (110) is adapted in various shapes, sizes and materials.

[0030] The one or more push buttons (135) is positioned beside the toe holder (110) and corresponding to the place where the big toe slides in when the user places his / her foot on the foot-operated cleaning brush (100). It must be noted that the one or more push buttons (135) may be positioned at any other suitable place on the foot support unit (125) such that it is convenient for the user to apply pressure. The one or more push buttons (135) is adapted to dispense a predetermined amount of the one or more floor cleaning solutions in response to the user applying pressure on the one or more push buttons (135) with the said toe or the other part of the foot. Typically, the one or more floor cleaning solutions refers to a liquid or mixture used to clean surfaces, specifically, floors. Examples of the one or more floor cleaning solutions include, but are not limited to, floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, disinfectant cleaners, carpet cleaners, wood cleaners and natural or eco-friendly cleaners.

[0031] The adjustable strap (115) is geared to secure the foot of the user during an operational state. The adjustable strap (115) is designed to offer a customizable and secure fit for the user. Typically, the adjustable strap (115) is positioned over the bridge of the foot. In one embodiment, the adjustable strap (115) is fabricated in several types such as Velcro straps, buckle straps, elastic straps, hook and loop closures, adjustable slides and the like. The Velcro straps allow easy adjustment of the foot-operated cleaning brush’s tightness, making it suitable for those with difficulty bending down to tie laces. The buckle straps may be adjusted for a customized fit, allowing the user to loosen or tighten the buckle to achieve desired comfort. The elastic straps provide flexibility for various foot sizes. The hook and loop closures allow easy strap adjustment to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes. Further, the adjustable slides have straps that may be moved along the sole for the best fit.

[0032] The detachable scrubbing base (120) is positioned at the base of the foot-operated cleaning brush (100). The detachable scrubbing base (120) is adapted to facilitate a scouring operation with a surface to remove dirt. As used herein, the dirt may be dust, contaminants, sticky residues, grime, stains, and mud on the surface. Typically, the detachable scrubbing base (120) is fabricated with non-woven polyester fibers, brush, and soft micro-fiber clothes or a combination thereof. It must be noted that the detachable scrubbing base (120) is selected based on the surface or floor to be cleaned.

[0033] The foot support unit (125) is positioned or attached above the detachable scrubbing base (120). The foot support unit (125) is adapted to accommodate the foot of the user. Further, the foot- operated cleaning brush includes a foot support unit (125) integrated on top of the detachable scrubbing base (120). The foot support unit (125) is adapted to accommodate the foot of the user. Typically, the foot support unit (125) includes a toe holder (110) adapted to secure the toe of the user thereby providing support during an operational state.

[0034] In one embodiment, the detachable scrubbing base (120) is operated by a locking mechanism. The foot support unit (125) includes a button wherein the detachable scrubbing base (120) gets locked to the foot support unit (125) when the user applies pressure with his / her foot. Likewise, the detachable scrubbing base (120) is detached when the user again applies pressure to release the lock.

[0035] The foot support unit (125) also includes one or more storage totes (130) arranged on a top portion of the foot support unit (125). The one or more storage totes (130) are adapted to store one or more floor cleaning solutions. The one or more storage totes (130) includes one or more floor cleaning solutions. The one or more floor cleaning solutions is a liquid or chemical product designed to remove dirt, stains, and debris from floors. The one or more floor cleaning solutions are formulated with detergents, surfactants, disinfectants, and fragrances, depending on type of flooring material and cleaning needs. Further, the foot support unit (125) also includes one or more push buttons (135) positioned to at least one of a spot corresponding to the position of a toe of the user and a spot corresponding to any other part of the foot. The one or more push buttons (135) is adapted to dispense a predetermined amount of the one or more floor cleaning solutions in response to a user applying pressure on the one or more push buttons (135) with the said toe or any other part of the foot. Further, the foot support unit (125) includes an adjustable strap (115) geared to secure the foot of the user during an operational state. The adjustable strap (115) is a flexible band or strap that may be adjusted to fit different sizes, preferences, or uses, offering flexibility in achieving desired length or fit. The adjustable strap (115) allows individuals to customize the fit of the footoperating cleaning brush (100) to perform a task. Typically, the foot support unit (125) is ergonomically designed to accommodate multiple foot sizes. Furthermore, the foot support unit (125) includes a plurality of non-slip elements to ensure the user safety during an operational state. As used herein, the non-slip elements are materials or features in products designed to minimize slipping or skidding, enhancing safety, stability, and traction, particularly in slippery surfaces that may lead to accidents or falls. Examples of the non-slip elements includes, but is not limited to, rubber, neoprene, silicone, textured surfaces, and specialized coatings that enhance friction.

[0036] Consider a scenario, where user ‘X’ (140) wants to achieve superior cleanliness while effortlessly cleaning his / her toilet. Consequently, the user ‘X’ uses a foot-operated cleaning brush (100) to clean a dirt. Further, the user ‘X’ may change detachable scrubbing base (120) based on a surface. For example, the detachable scrubbing base (120) may be a non-woven polyester fibers, brush, and soft micro-fiber clothes. Further, one or more floor cleaning solutions are poured into one or more storage totes (130) by the user. Upon pouring, the user wears a foot-operated cleaning brush. If the size of the foot-operated cleaning brush does not fit, then the size is adjusted based on the user foot size by an adjustable strap (115). Further, the one or more pushbutton are pressed by any part of the foot that is placed on a foot support unit (125) thereby one or more floor cleaning solution is released thereby the user preforms scouring operating with a surface to remove dirt.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart representing a method (300) to operate a foot-operated cleaning brush in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (300) includes storing, by one or more storage totes on a foot support unit, one or more floor cleaning solutions in step 310.

[0038] Further, the method (300) includes accommodating, by a foot support unit, a foot of a user in step 315. In one embodiment, the foot support unit (125) includes a toe holder (110) adapted to secure the toe of the user thereby providing support during an operational state.

[0039] In another embodiment, the foot support unit (125) includes an adjustable strap (115) geared to secure the foot of the user during an operational state.

[0040] In another embodiment, the foot support unit (125) is ergonomically designed to accommodate multiple foot sizes.

[0041] In one embodiment, the foot support unit (125) includes a plurality of non-slip elements to ensure the user safety during an operational state.

[0042] In one embodiment, the detachable scrubbing base (120) is operated by a locking mechanism. The foot support unit (125) includes a button wherein the detachable scrubbing base (120) gets locked to the foot support unit when the user applies pressure with his / her foot. Likewise, the detachable scrubbing base (120) is detached when the user again applies pressure to release the lock. Furthermore, the method (300) includes dispensing, by a one or more push buttons, a predetermined amount of the one or more floor cleaning solutions in response to a user applying pressure on the one or more push buttons with the said toe or the other part of the foot in step 320.

[0043] Additionally, the method (300) includes facilitating, by a detachable scrubbing base (120), a scouring operation with a surface to remove dirt in step 325.

[0044] In one embodiment, the detachable scrubbing base (120) includes at least one of the non-woven polyester fibers, brush, and soft micro-fiber clothes.

[0045] Various embodiments of the foot-operated cleaning brush provides several benefits. The foot- operated cleaning brush includes a foot support unit (125) designed for individuals with limited hand mobility, as the foot-operated cleaning brush minimizes physical effort and requires minimal effort. The foot-operated cleaning brush includes an adjustable strap (115) that may be adjusted to fit any foot size. The foot-operated cleaning brush features a detachable scrubbing base (120) that may be replaced with a suitable scrub based on the surface required to be cleaned. The foot support unit (125) includes one or more storage totes to accommodate the floor cleaning solutions thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency, saving time, and reducing clutter without separate application of the one or more floor cleaning solutions. The one or more push buttons (135) are associated with one or more storage totes thereby allowing the user to access required one or floor cleaning solution by pressing the one or more push buttons. The foot-operated cleaning brush includes non-slip elements to ensure user safety. The foot-operated cleaning brush facilitates disabled users to clean surfaces without bending.

[0046] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0047] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0048] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A foot-operated cleaning brush (100) comprising: characterized in that, a detachable scrubbing base (120) adapted to facilitate a scouring operation with a surface to remove dirt; a foot support unit (125) integrated on top of the detachable scrubbing base (120) wherein the foot support unit (125) is adapted to accommodate a foot of a user and wherein the foot support unit (125) comprises: one or more storage totes ( 130) arranged on a top portion of the foot support unit (125) wherein the one or more storage totes (130) are adapted to store one or more floor cleaning solutions; and one or more push buttons (135) positioned to at least one of a spot corresponding to the position of a toe of the user and a spot corresponding to any other part of the foot wherein the one or more push buttons (135) is adapted to dispense a predetermined amount of the one or more floor cleaning solutions in response to a user applying pressure on the one or more push buttons (135) with the said toe or the other part of the foot.

2. The foot-operated cleaning brush ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the foot support unit (125) comprises a toe holder (110) adapted to secure the toe of the user thereby providing support during an operational state.

3. The foot-operated cleaning brush (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable scrubbing base (120) comprises at least one of the non-woven polyester fibers, brush, and soft micro-fiber clothes.

4. The foot-operated cleaning brush (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the foot support unit (125) comprises an adjustable strap (115) geared to secure the foot of the user during an operational state.

5. The foot-operated cleaning brush (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the foot support unit (125) is ergonomically designed to accommodate multiple foot sizes.

6. The foot-operated cleaning brush (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the foot support unit (125) comprises a plurality of non-slip elements to ensure the user safety during an operational state.

7. The foot-operated cleaning brush (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the foot support unit (125) includes a button to act as a locking mechanism with the detachable scrubbing base (120).

8. The foot-operated cleaning brush (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the button is pressed and released by the foot of the user to enable a lock and unlock operation respectively.

9. A method (300) to operate a foot-operated cleaning brush comprising: characterized in that, storing, by one or more storage totes on a foot support unit, one or more floor cleaning solutions; (310) accommodating, by a foot support unit, a foot of a user; (315) dispensing, by a one or more push, a predetermined amount of the one or more floor cleaning solutions in response to a user applying pressure on the one or more push buttons with the said toe or the other part of the foot; (320) and facilitating, by a detachable scrubbing base, a scouring operation with a surface to remove dirt. (325)

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