Cleaning device

Abstract

A cleaning device includes a scrubbing element and a handle assembly removably connected to the scrubbing element. The handle element includes a main body extending along a longitudinal axis and an elastic body at least partially enclosing the main body. The main body includes a rigid insert, a periphery defined by the rigid insert, an internal cavity for holding a cleaning solution, at least one window defined on the periphery and fluidly communicated with the internal cavity, and a dispensing valve fluidly communicated with the internal cavity and configured to dispense the cleaning solution from the internal cavity into the scrubbing element. The elastic body includes at least one squeeze portion corresponding to the at least one window. Upon squeezing the at least one squeeze portion of the elastic body, the cleaning solution is dispensed from the internal cavity into the scrubbing element via the dispensing valve.

Description

[0001] CLEANING DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a cleaning device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning device comprising a handle assembly and a scrubbing element.

[0004] Background

[0005] Cleaning devices are commonly used for cleaning dishes, bathrooms, walls, fabric, and showers. These cleaning devices can have various types of cleaning heads or scrubbing elements for different types of cleaning tasks. Depending on the cleaning task, the scrubbing element can be made of various materials, such as foam, sponge, fabric, bristles, and scrubbing webs. Typically, the scrubbing element may be attached to a grippable handle (gripped by a user). The cleaning devices include a chamber for holding cleaning solution that can be dispensed into the scrubbing element for cleaning purposes. The user is then required to work the cleaning device on a surface to be cleaned.

[0006] Nowadays, consumers are interested in scouring products or cleaning devices that can stay like-new for longer durations, that can be dried quickly, that can be rinsed and cleaned easily, that do not trap food, and that can maintain a consistent shape and a clean appearance over many uses. Therefore, there is a need for a cleaning device which possesses the above-mentioned characteristics and features.

[0007] Summary

[0008] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a cleaning device. The cleaning device includes a scrubbing element and a handle assembly removably connected to the scrubbing element. The handle assembly includes a main body and an elastic body at least partially enclosing the main body. The main body extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end proximal to the scrubbing element and an opposing second end distal to the scrubbing element. The main body includes a rigid insert, a periphery defined by the rigid insert, and an internal cavity defined within the periphery for holding a cleaning solution. The internal cavity defines an internal volume at an internal pressure. The main body further includes at least one window defined on the periphery. The at least one window opens into and is fluidly communicated with the internal cavity. The main body further includes a dispensing valve disposed at the first end of the main body and fluidly communicated with the internal cavity. The dispensing valve is configured to dispense the cleaning solution from the internal cavity into the scrubbing element. The elastic body includes at least one squeeze portion corresponding to the at least one window of the main body. Upon squeezing the at least one squeeze portion of the elastic body, the internal pressure in the internal cavity is increased and the cleaning solution is dispensed from the internal cavity into the scrubbing element via the dispensing valve.

[0009] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, with some components shown as transparent, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 A is a front view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3B is a side view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3C is a sectional front view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3D is a sectional side view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3E is a top view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5 A is a bottom view of a handle assembly of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the handle assembly of FIG. 5A, with some components not shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a main body of the handle assembly of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6B is a front view of the main body of FIG. 6A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 6C is a side view of the main body of FIG. 6 A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 6D is a sectional view of the main body of FIG. 6A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a sectional front view of a cleaning device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a sectional front view of a cleaning device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a sectional front view of a cleaning device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIGS. 10A to 10D are different views of a cleaning device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIGS. 11A to 11D are different views of a cleaning device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] FIGS. 12A to 12D are different views of a cleaning device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Detailed Description

[0031] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0032] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0033] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties).

[0034] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting of this disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” when used in conjunction with a feature or an element can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] As used herein, when a first material is termed as “same” or “similar” as a second material, at least 90 weight % of the first and second materials are identical and any variation between the first and second materials comprises less than about 10 weight % of each of the first and second materials.

[0036] As used herein, the term “elastic” means a material able to elongate and regain some or all of its original shape.

[0037] As used herein, the term “comprising” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0038] As used herein, the terms “nonwoven” or “nonwoven web” means a web having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted web. Nonwoven webs may be formed from many processes, such as, for example, meltblowing, spunbonding, needle punching and bonded carded web processes.

[0039] Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “attached,” “connected,” “coupled”, and variations thereof, are used broadly and encompass both direct physical connections, or indirect physical connections between two or more components that are connected together by one or more additional components. For example, a first component may be coupled to a second component by being directly connected or by being connected by a third component. In some examples, coupling, connection, and attachment may also include mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical coupling (such as a chemical bond) in some contexts.

[0040] The present disclosure provides a cleaning device. The cleaning device includes a scrubbing element and a handle assembly removably connected to the scrubbing element. The handle assembly includes a main body and an elastic body at least partially enclosing the main body. The main body extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end proximal to the scrubbing element and an opposing second end distal to the scrubbing element. The main body includes a rigid insert, a periphery defined by the rigid insert, and an internal cavity defined within the periphery for holding a cleaning solution. The internal cavity defines an internal volume at an internal pressure. The main body further includes at least one window defined on the periphery. The at least one window opens into and is fluidly communicated with the internal cavity. The main body further includes a dispensing valve disposed at the first end of the main body and fluidly communicated with the internal cavity. The dispensing valve is configured to dispense the cleaning solution from the internal cavity into the scrubbing element. The elastic body includes at least one squeeze portion corresponding to the at least one window of the main body. Upon squeezing the at least one squeeze portion of the elastic body, the internal pressure in the internal cavity is increased and the cleaning solution is dispensed from the internal cavity into the scrubbing element via the dispensing valve for cleaning purposes.

[0041] In some embodiments, the elastic body is made of an elastomer, such as silicone. In some embodiments, the rigid insert is made of plastic or any other hard material that is inelastic and non-deformable. As the main body is at least partially enclosed by the elastic body (i.e., silicone), the handle assembly is designed to be relatively long-lasting. The elastomer material of the elastic body makes the handle assembly resistant to shape deterioration and color degradation at high temperatures. Further, as the outer part of the handle assembly is made of the elastomer, the handle assembly can be gripped comfortably and cleaned easily by the user. Moreover, the elastomer material of the elastic body may not absorb water and get stained easily. Due to low surface energy of the elastomeric material of the elastic body, the handle assembly may be cleaned easily.

[0042] The rigid insert of the main body provides a reservoir (i.e., the internal cavity) which stores the cleaning solution as well as acts as a rigid platform or base for mounting of the elastic body around the main body. As the elastic body includes the at least one squeeze portion corresponding to the at least one window of the main body, the user can press or squeeze the at least one squeeze portion to dispense the cleaning solution from the internal cavity into the scrubbing element. When it is not required to dispense the cleaning solution into the scrubbing element, the user may hold or grip the cleaning device at the remaining portion of the elastic body corresponding to rigid or hard solid walls of the rigid insert. Thus, when it is not required to dispense the cleaning solution into the scrubbing element, the user may feel confident while holding or gripping the cleaning device at the remaining portion of the elastic body corresponding to rigid or hard solid walls of the rigid insert because pressing such portion of the elastic body may not lead to any change in the internal volume of the internal cavity.

[0043] Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning device 100 may be used for example, to clean dishes, bathrooms, walls, fabric, showers, crockery, kitchen utensils, or any surface body parts such as motor vehicle bodies, windows, etc. The cleaning device 100 can be used on kitchen surfaces, which may include, but is not limited to: countertops, sinks, drains, faucets, fixtures, tables, stove tops, range hoods, ovens (inside and outside), microwaves, small appliances, refrigerators, cutting boards, cabinets, trash cans, walls and surrounding areas. The cleaning device 100 can also be used in the bathroom, which may include, but is not limited to: countertops, sinks, drains, faucets, fixtures, mirrors, cabinets, trash cans, toilets, toilet seats, shower, floors, shower doors, curtains, walls and surrounding areas. The cleaning device 100 may also be used around the home, which may include, but is not limited to: floors, carpets, BBQ grills, oven racks, outdoor furniture, and soft surfaces such as fabrics.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cleaning device 100, with some components shown as transparent, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is a front view of the cleaning device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a side view of the cleaning device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3C is a sectional front view of the cleaning device 100. FIG. 3D is a sectional side view ofthe cleaning device 100. FIG. 3E is atop view ofthe cleaning device 100. FIG. 4 is an exploded view ofthe cleaning device 100.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the cleaning device 100 includes a scrubbing element 102 and a handle assembly 104 removably connected to the scrubbing element 102. The scrubbing element 102 may be, for example, a scrub pad, an abrasive pad, a brush. The scrubbing element 102 is constructed of a material suitable for cleaning. In some embodiments, the scrubbing element 102 may be constructed of a material suitable for wiping, washing, scrubbing, and / or scouring. In some embodiments, the scrubbing element 102 is constructed of more than one material. Exemplary materials suitable for the scrubbing element 102 include, but are not limited to: synthetic or cellulose foam, fabric such a woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabric, scouring webs, bristles, or a combination of one or more of these materials.

[0046] For use as a scrubber on the human body, the scrubbing element 102 would generally be gentle, similar to the feeling of use of a bath towel on the human body. Whereas the scrubbing element 102 used for cleansing crockery would be similar to that of a crockery scrubbing pad generally used in a kitchen. In some embodiments, the scrubbing element 102 includes a nonwoven. In other embodiments, the scrubbing element 102 may be made of materials including, but not limited to: synthetic or cellulose foam, nonwoven fabric, scouring webs, bristles, or a combination of one or more of these materials. In some embodiments, the scrubbing element 102 includes a polyurethane foam material, such as open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, or reticulated foam. In some embodiments, the foam material of the scrubbing element 102 may be made from synthetic polymer materials and natural sponge material. In some embodiments, the polyurethane foam material of the scrubbing element 102 further bears an additional coating. The additional coating may be a phenolic resin. The additional coating may be coated onto the polyurethane foam material by any conventional technique, such as knife coating, spray coating, roll coating, and the like.

[0047] During use, a user grips the handle assembly 104 and applies the scrubbing element 102 to a surface to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the handle assembly 104 is removably connected to the scrubbing element 102 by a press-fit connection or friction-fit connection. However, other connecting means may also be used as to removably connect the handle assembly 104 to the scrubbing element 102. In FIG. 2, the scrubbing element 102 is shown as transparent for illustrative purposes.

[0048] The handle assembly 104 includes a main body 106 and an elastic body 108 at least partially enclosing the main body 106. In some embodiments, the elastic body 108 completely encloses the main body 106. In FIG. 2, the elastic body 108 is shown as transparent for illustrative purposes. FIG. 5 A is a bottom view of the handle assembly 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the handle assembly 104, with some components not shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The elastic body 108 is not shown in FIG. 5B for illustrative purposes.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5B, the main body 106 extends along a longitudinal axis LA between a first end 110 proximal to the scrubbing element 102 and an opposing second end 112 distal to the scrubbing element 102. The main body 106 includes a bottom plate 130 at the first end 110. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the main body 106, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a front view of the main body 106. FIG. 6C is a side view of the main body 106. FIG. 6C is a sectional view of the main body 106. FIG. 6D is a sectional view of the main body 106.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6D, the main body 106 includes a rigid insert 114, a periphery 116 defined by the rigid insert 114, and an internal cavity Cl defined within the periphery 116 for holding a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may be a liquid soap. The term liquid soap may include a variety of liquids such as, but not limited to: shampoo, body lotion, skin care liquids, for use on the human or animal body, or liquid detergent, shampoo, soap for use for cleaning crockery, kitchen utensils or body work of motor vehicles, or surfaces such as windows. The internal cavity C 1 acts as a reservoir for storing the cleaning solution. The internal cavity Cl defines an internal volume VI at an internal pressure Pl. Specifically, the internal cavity Cl defines the internal volume VI when there is no fluid communication between the internal cavity Cl and the scrubbing element 102. Further, the internal volume VI has the internal pressure Pl when there is no fluid communication between the internal cavity Cl and the scrubbing element 102.

[0051] The main body 106 further includes at least one window 118 defined on the periphery 116. The at least one window 118 opens into and is fluidly communicated with the internal cavity Cl. In some embodiments, the at least one window 118 may be a cutout provided on the rigid insert 114. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A to 6D, the at least one window 118 includes a pair of windows 118 disposed opposite to each other. In other embodiments, the at least one window 118 may include a single window 118 or more than two windows 118 as per different application attributes. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A to 6D, the pair of windows 118 is disposed around the longitudinal axis LA. Specifically, the pair of windows 118 is disposed on sidewalls of the main body 106. However, in other embodiments, the at least one window 118 may be disposed on any other portion of the main body 106 as per different application attributes.

[0052] The main body 106 further includes a dispensing valve 120 (shown in FIG. 4) disposed at the first end 110 of the main body 106 and fluidly communicated with the internal cavity Cl . The dispensing valve 120 is configured to dispense the cleaning solution from the internal cavity Cl into the scrubbing element 102. The dispensing valve 120 is a one-way valve configured to prevent backflow into the internal cavity C 1 of the rigid insert 114.

[0053] Further, the elastic body 108 includes at least one squeeze portion 122 (shown in FIG. 3A) corresponding to the at least one window 118 of the main body 106. The at least one squeeze portion 122 is a pressable portion of the elastic body 108. In some embodiments, the at least one squeeze portion 122 includes a pair of squeeze portions 122 disposed opposite to each other corresponding to the pair of windows 118. In other embodiments, the at least one squeeze portion 122 may include a single squeeze portion 122 corresponding to the single window 118 or more than two squeeze portions 122 corresponding to more than two windows 118 as per different application attributes. In some embodiments, the pair of squeeze portions 122 is disposed around the longitudinal axis LA.

[0054] Upon squeezing the at least one squeeze portion 122 of the elastic body 108, the internal pressure Pl in the internal cavity Cl is increased and the cleaning solution is dispensed from the internal cavity Cl into the scrubbing element 102 via the dispensing valve 120. As the at least one squeeze portion 122 of the elastic body 108 is squeezed or pressed, the internal pressure Pl is increased due to decrease in the internal volume VI . The reduction in the internal volume VI leads to opening of the dispensing valve 120 due to increased pressure on the dispensing valve 120, thereby dispensing the cleaning solution from the internal cavity Cl into the scrubbing element 102. The handle assembly 104 is devoid of any pumping arrangement.

[0055] The rigid insert 114 of the main body 106 provides a reservoir (i.e., the internal cavity Cl) which stores the cleaning solution as well as acts as a rigid platform or base for mounting of the elastic body 108 around the main body 106. As the elastic body 108 includes the at least one squeeze portion 122 corresponding to the at least one window 118 of the main body 106, the user can press or squeeze the at least one squeeze portion 122 to dispense the cleaning solution from the internal cavity Cl into the scrubbing element 102. When it is not required to dispense the cleaning solution into the scrubbing element 102, the user may hold or grip the cleaning device 100 at the remaining portion of the elastic body 108 corresponding to rigid or hard solid walls of the rigid insert 114. Thus, when it is not required to dispense the cleaning solution into the scrubbing element 102, the user may feel confident while holding or gripping the cleaning device 100 at the remaining portion of the elastic body 108 corresponding to rigid or hard solid walls of the rigid insert 114 because pressing such portion of the elastic body 108 may not lead to any change in the internal volume VI of the internal cavity Cl.

[0056] In some embodiments, the elastic body 108 is made of an elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomer comprises silicone rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, plastisol, natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyvinyl chloride, gelatin, hydrogel, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the elastic body is over-molded on the main body. In some embodiments, the rigid insert 114 is made of plastic or any other hard material that is inelastic and non-deformable.

[0057] As the main body 106 is at least partially enclosed by the elastic body 108 (i.e., silicone or other elastomers), the handle assembly 104 is designed to be relatively long- lasting. The elastomer material of the elastic body 108 makes the handle assembly 104 resistant to shape deterioration and color degradation at high temperatures. Further, as the outer part of the handle assembly 104 is made of the elastomer, the handle assembly 104 can be gripped comfortably and cleaned easily by the user. Moreover, the elastomer material of the elastic body 108 may not absorb water and get stained easily. Due to low surface energy of the elastomeric material of the elastic body 108, the handle assembly 104 may be cleaned easily.

[0058] In some embodiments, the main body 106 further includes a plug 124 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 A) removably attached to the rigid insert 114. The plug 124 is configured to be removed and reattached to the rigid insert 114 to allow for refilling of the cleaning solution into the internal cavity Cl of the rigid insert 114. For refilling of the cleaning solution into the internal cavity Cl, the cleaning device 100 is inverted and a tool is used to remove the plug 124 from the main body, thereby allowing to refill the cleaning solution into the handle assembly 104. In some embodiments, the plug 124 is in the form of a stepped ring. In some embodiments, the dispensing valve 120 is received within the plug 124. The plug 124 may act as a seat for the dispensing valve 120.

[0059] In some embodiments, the plug 124 includes a plurality of external threads 126 (shown in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the rigid insert 114 includes a plurality of internal threads 128. The plug 124 is threadably connected to the rigid insert 114 through the plurality of internal threads 128 of the rigid insert 114 and the plurality of external threads 126 of the plug 124. This threaded connection is used to removably attach the plug 124 to the rigid insert 114.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a sectional front view of a cleaning device 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Th cleaning device 200 is substantially similar and functional equivalent to the cleaning device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 4, with common components being referred to by the same numerals. However, in the cleaning device 200, the main body 106 further includes one or more hooks 132 extending from the bottom plate 130 along the longitudinal axis LA and engaging with the scrubbing element 102, such that the engagement between the one or more hooks 132 and the scrubbing element 102 provides an additional securement feature for connecting the handle assembly 104 to the scrubbing element 102. In some embodiments, the one or more hooks 132 are injection molded to the bottom plate 130 of the main body 106. The one or more hooks 132 engage with the scrubbing element 102 so as to form a friction-fit between the main body 106 of the handle assembly 104 and the scrubbing element 102. Therefore, the one or more hooks 132 assist the connection between the handle assembly 104 and the scrubbing element 102. In some embodiments, the one or more hooks 132 may include four hooks 132 in total. In other embodiments, the one or more hooks 132 may include two hooks 132 in total, or three hooks 132 in total, or more than four hooks 132 in total.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a sectional front view of a cleaning device 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Th cleaning device 300 is substantially similar and functional equivalent to the cleaning device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 4, with common components being referred to by the same numerals. However, in the cleaning device 300, the rigid insert 114 further includes one or more hooks 134 extending from the plug 124 along the longitudinal axis LA and engaging with the scrubbing element 102, such that the engagement between the one or more hooks 134 and the scrubbing element 102 provides an additional securement feature for connecting the handle assembly 104 to the scrubbing element 102. In some embodiments, the one or more hooks 134 are injection molded to the plug 124. The one or more hooks 134 engage with the scrubbing element 102 so as to form a friction-fit between the main body 106 of the handle assembly 104 and the scrubbing element 102. Therefore, the one or more hooks 134 assist the connection between the handle assembly 104 and the scrubbing element 102. The one or more hooks 134 may be substantially similarto the one or more hooks 132 shown in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the one or more hooks 134 may include four hooks 134 in total. In other embodiments, the one or more hooks 134 may include two hooks 134 in total, or three hooks 134 in total, or more than four hooks 134 in total.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a sectional front view of a cleaning device 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Th cleaning device 400 is substantially similar and functional equivalent to the cleaning device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 4, with common components being referred to by the same numerals. However, in the cleaning device 400, the main body 106 further includes one or more anchors 136 extending from the rigid insert 114 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA, passing through the elastic body 108, and engaging with the scrubbing element 102, such that the engagement between the one or more anchors 136 and the scrubbing element 102 provides an additional securement feature for connecting the handle assembly 104 to the scrubbing element 102. The one or more anchors 136 may have toothed profile to firmly engage with the scrubbing element 102. In some embodiments, the one or more anchors 136 may include a pair of anchors 136 disposed opposing to each other. In other embodiments, the one or more anchors 136 may include three or more anchors 136.

[0063] FIG. 10A is a front view of a cleaning device 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10B is a side view of the cleaning device 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10C is a sectional front view of the cleaning device 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10D is a sectional side view of the cleaning device 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning device 500 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent to the cleaning device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 4. However, components of the cleaning device 500 have slightly different design characteristics than components of the cleaning device 100. Further, the advantages of the cleaning device 500 may be the same as that of the cleaning device 100.

[0064] FIG. 11A is a front view of a cleaning device 600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 IB is a side view of the cleaning device 600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11C is a sectional front view of the cleaning device 600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 ID is a sectional side view of the cleaning device 600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning device 600 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent to the cleaning device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 4. However, components of the cleaning device 600 have slightly different design characteristics than components of the cleaning device 100. Further, the advantages of the cleaning device 600 may be the same as that of the cleaning device 100.

[0065] FIG. 12A is a front view of a cleaning device 700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12B is a side view of the cleaning device 700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12C is a sectional front view of the cleaning device 700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12D is a sectional side view of the cleaning device 700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning device 700 is substantially similar and functionally equivalent to the cleaning device 700 of FIGS. 1 to 4. However, components of the cleaning device 700 have slightly different design characteristics than components of the cleaning device 700. Further, the advantages of the cleaning device 700 may be the same as that of the cleaning device 100.

[0066] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0067] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cleaning device comprising: a scrubbing element; a handle assembly removably connected to the scrubbing element, the handle assembly comprising: a main body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end proximal to the scrubbing element and an opposing second end distal to the scrubbing element, the main body comprising: a rigid insert; a periphery defined by the rigid insert; an internal cavity defined within the periphery for holding a cleaning solution, the internal cavity defining an internal volume at an internal pressure; at least one window defined on the periphery, wherein the at least one window opens into and is fluidly communicated with the internal cavity; and a dispensing valve disposed at the first end of the main body and fluidly communicated with the internal cavity, wherein the dispensing valve is configured to dispense the cleaning solution from the internal cavity into the scrubbing element; and an elastic body at least partially enclosing the main body, the elastic body comprising at least one squeeze portion corresponding to the at least one window of the main body; wherein upon squeezing the at least one squeeze portion of the elastic body, the internal pressure in the internal cavity is increased and the cleaning solution is dispensed from the internal cavity into the scrubbing element via the dispensing valve for cleaning purpose.

2. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a plug removably attached to the rigid insert, and wherein the plug is configured to beremoved and reatached to the rigid insert to allow for refdling of the cleaning solution into the internal cavity of the rigid insert.

3. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein: the plug comprises a plurality of external threads; and the rigid insert comprises a plurality of internal threads, and wherein the plug is threadably connected to the rigid insert through the plurality of internal threads of the rigid insert and the plurality of external threads of the plug.

4. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the plug is in the form of a stepped ring.

5. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the dispensing valve is received within the Plug-6. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the rigid insert further comprises one or more hooks extending from the plug along the longitudinal axis and engaging with the scrubbing element, such that the engagement between the one or more hooks and the scrubbing element provides an additional securement feature for connecting the handle assembly to the scrubbing element.

7. The cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the one or more hooks are injection molded to the plug.

8. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing valve is a one-way valve configured to prevent backflow into the internal cavity of the rigid insert.

9. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly is removably connected to the scrubbing element by a press-fit connection.

10. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises one or more anchors extending from the rigid insert orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, passing through the elastic body, and engaging with the scrubbing element, such that the engagement between the one or more anchors and the scrubbing elementprovides an additional securement feature for connecting the handle assembly to the scrubbing element.

11. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises: a bottom plate at the first end; and one or more hooks extending from the bottom plate along the longitudinal axis and engaging with the scrubbing element, such that the engagement between the one or more hooks and the scrubbing element provides an additional securement feature for connecting the handle assembly to the scrubbing element.

12. The cleaning device of claim 11, wherein the one or more hooks are injection molded to the bottom plate.

13. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the elastic body is made of an elastomer.

14. The cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the elastomer comprises silicone rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, plastisol, natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyvinyl chloride, gelatin, hydrogel, or a mixture thereof.

15. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the elastic body is over-molded on the main body.

16. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the rigid insert is made of plastic.

17. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: the at least one window comprises a pair of windows disposed opposite to each other; and the at least one squeeze portion comprises a pair of squeeze portions disposed opposite to each other corresponding to the pair of windows.

18. The cleaning device of claim 17, wherein the pair of windows on the periphery and the pair of squeeze portions are disposed around the longitudinal axis.

19. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the scrubbing element comprises a nonwoven.

20. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the scrubbing element comprises a polyurethane foam material, such as open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, or reticulated foam.

21. The cleaning device of claim 20, wherein the polyurethane foam material further bears an additional coating.

22. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly is devoid of any pumping arrangement.

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