Handle assembly, cleaning refill, and kit

Abstract

A handle assembly and a cleaning refill are disclosed. The handle assembly includes a housing including a first member extending from a first end toward a second end of the housing, a second member disposed at the second end, and a wall disposed between the first and second members and including a wall surface facing the second end, and first features extending from the wall surface toward the second end. The handle assembly further includes a hook at least partially disposed within the housing proximal to the second end. The hook includes fingers extending outwardly of the second member and configured to engage with an adapter of a cleaning refill, such that the cleaning refill is removably coupled to the handle assembly. Upon removable coupling of the cleaning refill to the handle assembly, the first features engage with second features of the adapter.

Description

[0001] PA103189W002

[0002] HANDLE ASSEMBLY, CLEANING REFILL, AND KIT

[0003] 5 Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a handle assembly, a cleaning refill, and a kit including the handle assembly and the cleaning refill.

[0005] Background

[0006] A wide range of products and tools are currently available for assisting consumers with cleaning tasks. Many, such as sponges, mops, brooms, brushes, etc., have been available for countless years. Others, such as hand-held wipes, spray-on cleaning chemicals, liquid-containing / dispensing implements, scouring pads, etc., represent more recent developments. Along these same lines, improvements to these and other products and tools5 are constantly being developed in an effort to address actual or perceived consumer needs presented by common cleaning tasks.

[0007] Summary

[0008] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a handle assembly for use with a0 cleaning refill. The handle assembly includes a housing extending from a first end to a second end. The housing includes a first member extending from the first end toward the second end. The housing further includes a second member disposed at the second end. The housing further includes a wall disposed between the first member and the second member. The wall includes a wall surface facing the second end. The housing further includes a plurality of first features extending from the wall surface toward the second end. The handle assembly further includes a hook at least partially disposed within the housing proximal to the second end. The hook includes a plurality of fingers extending outwardly of the second member. The plurality of fingers of the hook is configured to engage with an adapter of the cleaning refill, such that the cleaning refill is removably coupled to the handle0 assembly. Upon removable coupling of the cleaning refill to the handle assembly, the plurality of first features engages with a plurality of second features of the adapter. In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a cleaning refill for use with a handle assembly. The cleaning refill includes a cleaning member. The cleaning refill further includes an adapter connected to the cleaning member. The adapter includes a base. The adapter further includes a coupling structure connected to the base. The coupling structure extends opposite to the cleaning member along and about an adapter axis. The coupling structure includes a shoulder extending inwardly toward the adapter axis. The shoulder includes a shoulder surface facing away from the base. The adapter further includes a plurality of second features extending from the shoulder surface opposite to the base. The shoulder is configured to engage with a hook of the handle assembly, such that the cleaning refill is removably coupled to the handle assembly. Upon removable coupling of the cleaning refill to the handle assembly, the plurality of second features engages with a plurality of first features of the handle assembly.

[0009] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit. The kit includes a handle assembly and a cleaning refill. The handle assembly includes a housing extending from a first end to a second end. The housing includes a first member extending from the first end toward the second end. The housing further includes a second member disposed at the second end. The housing further includes a wall disposed between the first member and the second member. The wall includes a wall surface facing the second end. The housing further includes a plurality of first features extending from the wall surface toward the second end. The handle assembly further includes a hook at least partially disposed within the housing proximal to the second end. The hook includes a plurality of fingers extending outwardly of the second member. The cleaning refill includes a cleaning member. The cleaning refill further includes an adapter connected to the cleaning member. The adapter includes a plurality of second features complementary with the plurality of first features. The plurality of fingers of the hook is configured to engage with the adapter of the cleaning refill, such that the cleaning refill is removably coupled to the handle assembly. Upon removable coupling of the cleaning refill to the handle assembly, the plurality of first features engages with the plurality of second features.

[0010] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are 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 labelled with the same number.

[0012] FIG. l is a perspective view of a kit including a handle assembly and a cleaning refill according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a zoomed-in perspective view of a portion of the handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with a part of a housing thereof not shown;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cleaning refill according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cleaning refill taken along a line 1-1 of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 7A is a front view of an adapter of the cleaning refill according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the adapter of FIG. 7A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the handle assembly with the cleaning refill removably coupled thereto according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handle assembly and the cleaning refill of FIG. 8 A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the handle assembly with the cleaning refill decoupled therefrom according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handle assembly and the cleaning refill of FIG. 9A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a caddy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a refill holder of the caddy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the caddy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the caddy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0027] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the kit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Detailed Description

[0029] 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.

[0030] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0031] As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0032] 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).

[0033] The term “substantially,” unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0034] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about.” The term “about,” unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match. 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, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B.”

[0036] As used herein, the term “between about,” unless otherwise specifically defined, generally refers to an inclusive or a closed range. For example, if a parameter X is between about A and B, then A < X < B.

[0037] Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “attached,” “connected,” “coupled,” and variations thereof, are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect attachments, connections, and couplings.

[0038] As used herein, the term “configured to” is at least as restrictive as the term “adapted to” and requires actual design intention to perform the specified function rather than mere physical capability of performing such a function.

[0039] As used herein, the term “integral” when used in conjunction with two or more elements, refers to the two or more elements being made from the same material without being welded, bolted, threaded, or otherwise coupled together.

[0040] As used herein, the term “bell-shaped” when used in conjunction with an element, refers to the element having a bell shape. The bell shape may resemble a curve of a gaussian function. The bell shape may also resemble an inverted U-shape.

[0041] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a kit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] The kit 10 includes a handle assembly 100 and a cleaning refill 200. The handle assembly 100 and the cleaning refill 200 are for use with each other. That is, the handle assembly 100 is for use with the cleaning refill 200. The cleaning refill 200 is for use with the handle assembly 100.

[0043] The handle assembly 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 extends from a first end 111 to a second end 112. The housing 110 includes a first member 120 extending from the first end 111 toward the second end 112. The housing 110 further includes a second member 130 disposed at the second end 112. As shown in FIG. 1, the handle assembly 100 may further include a handle gripping component 115 disposed on a portion of the first member 120 proximal to the first end 111 of the housing 110. The handle gripping component 115 may be overmolded on the portion of the first member 120 proximal to the first end 111. The handle gripping component 115 may include, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. The handle gripping component 115 may facilitate gripping the handle assembly 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first member 120 may include a first portion 122 proximal to the first end 111, a second portion 124 spaced apart from the first portion 122 and proximal to the second end 112, and a curved portion 126 connecting the first portion 122 to the second portion 124. The first portion 122 and the second portion 124 may be substantially linear. The first portion 122, the curved portion 126, and the second portion 124 may provide the first member 120 with a curved profile. The curved profile may facilitate positioning the second end 112 of the housing 110 at locations which may be otherwise difficult to reach.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 2, the housing 110 further includes a wall 140 disposed between the first member 120 and the second member 130. The wall 140 may connect the first member 120 to the second member 130. In some examples, the wall 140 may be substantially perpendicular to an outer surface 132 of the second member 130.

[0046] The wall 140 includes a wall surface 142 facing the second end 112. The housing 110 further includes a plurality of first features 145 extending from the wall surface 142 toward the second end 112. The plurality of first features 145 may include, for example, projections and corresponding recesses. In some embodiments, the plurality of first features 145 may be connected to each other. In some embodiments, each first feature 145 from the plurality of first features 145 may include a triangular cross-sectional shape. The triangular cross-sectional shape of each first feature 145 may facilitate the plurality of first features 145 in engaging with complementary features.

[0047] The first member 120, the second member 130, the wall 140, and the plurality of first features 145 may be integral. Specifically, the first member 120, the second member 130, the wall 140, and the plurality of first features 145 may be made from the same material without being welded, bolted, threaded, or otherwise coupled together. This may reduce costs associated with the manufacturing and assembly of the housing 110, and consequently, the handle assembly 100. The handle assembly 100 further includes a hook 150 at least partially disposed within the housing 110 proximal to the second end 112. The hook 150 includes a plurality of fingers 152 extending outwardly of the second member 130. In some examples, the plurality of fingers 152 may include a pair of fingers 152 opposite to each other.

[0048] The housing 110 may further include a flange 160 proximal to the wall 140. As will be discussed later, the flange 160 may be used to conveniently operate other components of the kit 10 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the housing 110 may have a modular construction. Specifically, the housing 110 may include a first housing part 110A and a second housing part HOB that are connected to each other. In some embodiments, the first housing part 110A and the second housing part HOB may be connected to each other by ultrasonic welding. Ultrasonic welding may provide sufficient connection strength between the first housing part 110A and the second housing part 110B.

[0051] Further, the first member 120 may include a handle part 116 defining the first end 111 of the housing 110. The handle part 116 may be connected to the first housing part 110A and the second housing part 110B subsequent to the connection of the first housing part 110A with the second housing part 110B. The handle gripping component 115 may be at least partially disposed on the handle part 116.

[0052] The handle assembly 100 may further include an ejection assembly 170 operably coupled to the hook 150. The ejection assembly 170 is shown in an assembled configuration in FIG. 4. The second housing part 110B is not shown in FIG. 4.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the ejection assembly 170 may be partially disposed within the housing 110. The ejection assembly 170 may include an actuation member 171. The actuation member 171 may include a button 172 extending outwardly of the first member 120 (e.g., through an aperture of the first member 120 as shown in FIG. 1). The ejection assembly 170 may further include a hook member 174 configured to engage with the hook 150. The ejection assembly 170 may further include a rod 176 connecting the actuation member 171 to the hook member 174. The rod 176 may generally conform to a profile of the housing 110. The actuation member 171 may be biased to a coupling position 178. In some embodiments, the ejection assembly 170 may further include a biasing member 175 configured to bias the actuation member 171 to the coupling position 178. In some embodiments, the biasing member 175 may be a spring.

[0054] The actuation member 171 may be movable in a direction DI (shown in FIG. 4) extending from the first end toward 111 the second end 112 of the housing 110 to operate the hook 150. The actuation member 171 may be conveniently moved using the button 172. The handle assembly 100 may further include a button gripping component 173 disposed on the button 172. The button gripping component 173 may be overmolded on the button 172. The button gripping component 173 may include, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. The button gripping component 173 may facilitate gripping the button 172 for moving the actuation member 171.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the cleaning refill 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the cleaning refill 200 taken along a line 1-1 of FIG. 5.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cleaning refill 200 includes a cleaning member 210. The cleaning member 210 may include any suitable material for cleaning. For example, the cleaning member 210 may include a scrubbing pad with a thin sponge or a non-woven scrubber. The cleaning member 210 may be abrasive or non-abrasive.

[0057] The cleaning refill 200 further includes an adapter 220 connected to the cleaning member 210. The adapter 220 may be connected to the cleaning member 210 using any suitable technique. For example, the adapter 220 may be connected to the cleaning member 210 via thermal bonding.

[0058] The adapter 220 includes a base 230. The adapter 220 further includes a coupling structure 240 connected to the base 230. The coupling structure 240 extends opposite to the cleaning member 210 along and about an adapter axis 221. The coupling structure 240 may include a structure wall 242 extending along the adapter axis 221.

[0059] The coupling structure 240 includes a shoulder 250 extending inwardly toward the adapter axis 221. Further, the shoulder 250 may be spaced apart from the base 230 along the adapter axis 221. The shoulder 250 may extend inwardly from the structure wall 242 toward the adapter axis 221. The shoulder 250 includes a shoulder surface 252 facing away from the base 230. The adapter 220 further includes a plurality of second features 255 extending from the shoulder surface 252 opposite to the base 230. The plurality of second features 255 may be complementary with the plurality of first features 145 (shown in FIG. 2). The plurality of second features 255 may include, for example, projections and corresponding recesses.

[0060] In some embodiments, the plurality of second features 255 may be connected to each other. In some embodiments, each second feature 255 from the plurality of second features 255 may include a triangular cross-sectional shape. The triangular cross-sectional shape of each second feature 255 may facilitate the plurality of second features 255 in engaging with the plurality of first features 145 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0061] The shoulder 250 may further include an engagement surface 254 opposite to the shoulder surface 252. The engagement surface 254 may face the base 230. The engagement surface 254 may be planar. As will be also discussed below, this may facilitate removable coupling of the cleaning refill 200 with the handle assembly 100 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0062] In some embodiments, the base 230, the coupling structure 240, and the plurality of second features 255 may be integral. Specifically, the base 230, the coupling structure 240, and the plurality of second features 255 may be made from the same material without being welded, bolted, threaded, or otherwise coupled together. This may reduce costs associated with the manufacturing and assembly of the adapter 220, and consequently, the cleaning refill 200.

[0063] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the adapter 220 in isolation. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7B, the adapter 220 may further include a stabilizing structure 260 connected to the base 230. The stabilizing structure 260 may extend opposite to the cleaning member 210 along and about the adapter axis 221. The stabilizing structure 260 may be spaced apart from the coupling structure 240. Specifically, the stabilizing structure 260 be spaced apart from the coupling structure 240 along a normal to the adapter axis 221. The stabilizing structure 260 may facilitate storing the cleaning refill 200. Specifically, the stabilizing structure 260 may facilitate stacking the multiple units of the cleaning refill 200 on top of each other in a storage device.

[0064] The base 230 may include a first base surface 231 and a second base surface 232 opposite to the first base surface 231. The second base surface 232 may face the cleaning member 210. The coupling structure 240 and the stabilizing structure 260 may extend opposite to the second base surface 232 along the adapter axis 221.

[0065] The stabilizing structure 260 may include a plurality of stabilizing portions 262 (shown in FIG. 7A) connected to each other. Each of the plurality of stabilizing portions 262 may be bell-shaped. In other words, the stabilizing structure 260 may have a wavy profde, with each stabilizing portion 262 from the plurality of stabilizing portions 262 forming a wave of the wavy profde. The stabilizing structure 260 may continuously extend along a periphery of the base 230.

[0066] Each stabilizing portion 262 that is bell-shaped may have a height along the adapter axis 221. When measured along the periphery of the base 230, the height of each stabilizing portion 262 may first increase to a maximum magnitude at a middle of the stabilizing portion 262 and subsequently decrease.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, the coupling structure 240 may include a first maximum height 240T along the adapter axis 221 from the base 230. Further, the stabilizing structure 260 may include a second maximum height 260T along the adapter axis 221 from the base 230. The first maximum height 240T and the second maximum height 260T may be measured along the adapter axis 221 from the first base surface 231 of the base 230.

[0068] The second maximum height 260T may be no greater than 105% of the first maximum height 240T. Further, the second maximum height 260T may be no less than 95% of the first maximum height 240T. That is, the first maximum height 240T and the second maximum height 260T may be substantially similar. The coupling structure 240 and the stabilizing structure 260 may together facilitate stacking the multiple units of the cleaning refill 200 on top of each other in the storage device.

[0069] The adapter 220 may further include a plurality of ridges 270 extending from the base 230 opposite to the coupling structure 240. The plurality of ridges 270 is spaced apart from each other. The plurality of ridges 270 may extend from the second base surface 232 away from the first base surface 231. The plurality of ridges 270 may further extend normally to the adapter axis 221. The plurality of ridges 270 may improve the connection between the cleaning member 210 and the adapter 220.

[0070] FIGS. 8 A and 8B illustrate the handle assembly 100 and the cleaning refill 200 in an assembled state 50. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the plurality of fingers 152 of the hook 150 is configured to engage with the adapter 220 of the cleaning refill 200, such that the cleaning refill 200 is removably coupled to the handle assembly 100. More specifically, the plurality of fingers 152 may be configured to engage with the shoulder 250 of the adapter 220, such that the cleaning refill 200 is removably coupled to the handle assembly 100.

[0071] The shoulder 250 may be configured to engage with the hook 150 of the handle assembly 100, such that the cleaning refill 200 is removably coupled to the handle assembly 100. More specifically, the engagement surface 254 of the shoulder 250 may be configured to engage with the hook 150 of the handle assembly 100.

[0072] Upon removable coupling of the cleaning refill 200 to the handle assembly 100, the plurality of first features 145 engages with the plurality of second features 255 of the adapter 220. The engagement of the plurality of first features 145 with the plurality of second features 255 may restrict rotation of the cleaning refill 200 relative to the handle assembly 100.

[0073] In FIGS. 8 A and 8B, the actuation member 171 is in the coupling position 178. In the coupling position 178, the plurality of fingers 152 of the hook may engage with the adapter 220. Specifically, in the coupling position 178, the plurality of fingers 152 may engage with the shoulder 250 of the adapter 220.

[0074] The plurality of first features 145 and the plurality of second features 255 may engage with each other to restrict rotation of the cleaning refill 200 relative to the handle assembly 100. Further, the plurality of first features 145 and the plurality of second features 255 may allow the cleaning refill 200 to be removably coupled to the handle assembly 100 at any orientation of the handle assembly 100 relative to the cleaning refill 200. Further, the engagement surface 254 of the shoulder 250 being substantially planar may allow the cleaning refill 200 to be removably coupled to the handle assembly 100 at any orientation of the handle assembly 100 relative to the cleaning refill 200. As a result, the handle assembly 100 may not require to be in any specific orientation relative to the cleaning refill 200 in order to removably couple the cleaning refill 200 to the handle assembly 100. This may improve the user-experience of using the handle assembly 100 with the cleaning refill 200.

[0075] The handle assembly 100 and the cleaning refill 200 may be in the assembled state 50 when the cleaning refill 200 is removably coupled to the handle assembly 100. The handle assembly 100 and the cleaning refill 200 in the assembled state 50 may be referred to as “the cleaning device.” The cleaning device may be used for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. The cleaning device may be suitable for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces of bathrooms and toilets. For example, the cleaning device may be used to scrub under the rims, in the tunnel, and everywhere around the bowl of toilets. The curved profile of the handle assembly 100 may facilitate cleaning of surfaces that are hard to reach. Furthermore, the button 172 may be conveniently operated to couple and decouple the cleaning refill 200 to and from the handle assembly 100.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the actuation member 171 may be movable to an uncoupling position 179 (shown in FIG. 9A). In the uncoupling position 179, the hook member 174 may engage with the hook 150, such that the plurality of fingers 152 moves toward each other and disengages from the adapter 220. That is, the actuation member 171 may be movable from the coupling position 178 to the uncoupling position 179, at which the plurality of finger 152 disengages from the adapter 220.

[0077] The actuation member 171 may move from the coupling position 178 (shown in FIG. 8 A) to the uncoupling position 179 (shown in FIG. 9A) in the direction DI that extends from the first end 111 toward the second end 112 of the housing 110.

[0078] The hook 150 may further include a plurality of arms 154 connected to the plurality of fingers 152. The hook 150 may further include a plurality of tapered members 156 connected to the plurality of arms 154. The hook member 174 of the ejection assembly 170 may be configured to engage with the plurality of tapered members 156 in the uncoupling position 179 ofthe actuation member 171. The plurality of tapered members 156 may allow smooth movement of the actuation member 171 from the coupling position 178 to the uncoupling position 179 and facilitate movement of the plurality of fingers 152 toward each other. This may allow the cleaning refill 200 to be conveniently decoupled from the handle assembly 100 when desired.

[0079] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a caddy 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the handle assembly 100 and the cleaning refill 200 also shown.

[0080] The caddy 300 includes a refill holder 310. The refill holder 310 is schematically depicted in FIG. 11. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the refill holder 310 is configured to receive multiple units of the cleaning refill 200 therein. The refill holder 310 may include a tube 320 including a tube opening 322. The tube 320 may be configured to receive the multiple units of the cleaning refill 200 therein through the tube opening 322. The tube 320 may be transparent or translucent to allow visually determining the number of units of the cleaning refill 200 stored therein from the outside. Further, the cleaning refill 200 stored in the tube 320 may be directly coupled with the handle assembly 100.

[0081] The refill holder 310 may further include a lid 330 pivotally connected to the tube 320 and configured to selectively cover the tube opening 322. As shown in FIG. 12, the pivotal connection of the lid 330 and the tube 320 may be aesthetically appealing. The flange 160 (shown in FIG. 2) may be conveniently used to operate the lid 330.

[0082] FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the caddy 300. Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 13, the refill holder 310 further includes a holding structure 315 configured to support the handle assembly 100. The holding structure 315 may be configured to support the handle assembly 100 in any orientation of the handle assembly 100 relative to the refill holder 310.

[0083] At least one of the tube 320 and the lid 330 may define the holding structure 315. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13, the tube 320 and the lid 330 together define the holding structure 315. This arrangement may allow the holding structure 315 to support the handle assembly 100 regardless of whether the lid 330 is open or closed. In some other embodiments, the tube 320 may solely define the holding structure 315. In some other embodiments, the lid 330 may solely define the holding structure 315.

[0084] The caddy 300 may further include a base structure 340 supporting the refill holder 310. The base structure 340 may include a tube receiving portion 342 configured to at least partially receive the tube 320 to support the refill holder 310. In some examples, the tube receiving portion 342 may be configured removably receive the tube 320. The base structure 340 may further include a cup receiving portion 344 disposed adjacent to the refill holder 310. The cup receiving portion 344 may be connected to the tube receiving portion 342.

[0085] The caddy 300 may further include a holding cup 350 configured to at least partially receive the handle assembly 100 when the handle assembly 100 is supported by the holding structure 315 (as shown in FIG. 10). The holding cup 350 may be further configured to at least partially receive the cleaning refill 200 when the handle assembly 100 is supported by the holding structure 315 and the cleaning refill 200 is removably coupled to the handle assembly 100. The cup receiving portion 344 may at least partially and removably receive the holding cup 350. The holding cup 350 may be conveniently removed from cup receiving portion 344, cleaned, and reinstalled into the cup receiving portion 344. This may allow a more hygienic use of the caddy 300.

[0086] The caddy 300 may further include a gripping foot 360 arranged at a bottom of the base structure 340. The gripping foot 360 may be overmolded at the bottom of the base structure 340. The gripping foot 360 may include, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. The gripping foot 360 may engage with a surface on which the caddy 300 is placed. The gripping foot 360 may improve the grip of the caddy 300 on the surface and provide slipresistance to the caddy 300.

[0087] FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of the kit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] As discussed above, the kit 10 includes the handle assembly 100 and the cleaning refill 200. In some embodiments, the kit 10 may include multiple units of the cleaning refill 200. In some embodiments, the kit 10 may further include the caddy 300. The kit 10 may include a one or more packaging components 20 that securely package the handle assembly 100 and the cleaning refill 200, and optionally the caddy 300 therein. In some embodiments, the handle assembly 100, the cleaning refill 200, and the caddy 200 may be packaged together by the one or more packaging components 20. In some other embodiments, the handle assembly 100, the cleaning refill 200, and the caddy 200 may be packaged separately by the one or more packaging components 20.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A handle assembly for use with a cleaning refdl, the handle assembly comprising: a housing extending from a first end to a second end, the housing comprising: a first member extending from the first end toward the second end; a second member disposed at the second end; a wall disposed between the first member and the second member, the wall comprising a wall surface facing the second end; and a plurality of first features extending from the wall surface toward the second end; and a hook at least partially disposed within the housing proximal to the second end, the hook comprising a plurality of fingers extending outwardly of the second member; wherein the plurality of fingers of the hook is configured to engage with an adapter of the cleaning refill, such that the cleaning refill is removably coupled to the handle assembly, and wherein, upon removable coupling of the cleaning refill to the handle assembly, the plurality of first features engages with a plurality of second features of the adapter.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement of the plurality of first features with the plurality of second features restricts rotation of the cleaning refill relative to the handle assembly.

3. The handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising an ejection assembly operably coupled to the hook, the ejection assembly comprising: an actuation member comprising a button extending outwardly of the first member; a hook member configured to engage with the hook, and a rod connecting the actuation member to the hook member; wherein the actuation member is biased to a coupling position and is movable to an uncoupling position, wherein, in the coupling position, the plurality of fingers of the hook engages with the adapter; and wherein in the uncoupling position, the hookmember engages with the hook, such that the plurality of fingers moves toward each other and disengages from the adapter.

4. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein the hook further comprises: a plurality of arms connected to the plurality of fingers; and a plurality of tapered members connected to the plurality of arms, wherein the hook member of the ejection assembly is configured to engage with the plurality of tapered members in the uncoupling position of the actuation member.

5. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein the actuation member moves from the coupling position to the uncoupling position in a direction extending from the first end toward the second end of the housing.

6. The handle assembly of claim 3, further comprising a button gripping component disposed on the button.

7. The handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a handle gripping component disposed on a portion of the first member proximal to the first end of the housing.

8. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member, the second member, the wall, and the plurality of first features are integral.

9. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member comprises a first portion proximal to the first end, a second portion spaced apart from the first portion and proximal to the second end, and a curved portion connecting the first portion to the second portion.

10. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein each first feature from the plurality of first features comprises a triangular cross-sectional shape.

11. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a flange proximal to the wall.

12. A cleaning refill for use with a handle assembly, the cleaning refill comprising: a cleaning member; and an adapter connected to the cleaning member, the adapter comprising: a base; and a coupling structure connected to the base and extending opposite to the cleaning member along and about an adapter axis, the coupling structure comprising a shoulder extending inwardly toward the adapter axis, the shoulder comprising a shoulder surface facing away from the base; and a plurality of second features extending from the shoulder surface opposite to the base; wherein the shoulder is configured to engage with a hook of the handle assembly, such that the cleaning refill is removably coupled to the handle assembly, and wherein, upon removable coupling of the cleaning refill to the handle assembly, the plurality of second features engages with a plurality of first features of the handle assembly so as to restrict rotation of the cleaning refill relative to the handle assembly.

13. The cleaning refill of claim 12, wherein the engagement of the plurality of first features with the plurality of second features restricts rotation of the cleaning refill relative to the handle assembly.

14. The cleaning refill of claim 12, wherein the adapter further comprises a stabilizing structure connected to the base and extending opposite to the cleaning member along and about the adapter axis, wherein the stabilizing structure is spaced apart from the coupling structure.

15. The cleaning refill of claim 14, wherein the stabilizing structure comprises a plurality of stabilizing portions connected to each other, and wherein each of the plurality of stabilizing portions is bell-shaped.

16. The cleaning refill of claim 14, wherein the coupling structure comprises a first maximum height along the adapter axis from the base, wherein the stabilizing structurecomprises a second maximum height along the adapter axis from the base, and wherein the second maximum height is no greater than 105% of the first maximum height.

17. The cleaning refill of claim 12, wherein the adapter further comprises a plurality of ridges extending from the base opposite to the coupling structure, and wherein the plurality of ridges is spaced apart from each other.

18. The cleaning refill of claim 12, wherein the base, the coupling structure, and the plurality of second features are integral.

19. The cleaning refill of claim 12, wherein each second feature from the plurality of second features comprises a triangular cross-sectional shape.

20. The cleaning refill of claim 12, wherein the shoulder further comprises an engagement surface opposite to the shoulder surface, wherein the engagement surface is planar, and wherein the engagement surface is configured to engage with the hook of the handle assembly.

21. A kit comprising: a handle assembly comprising: a housing extending from a first end to a second end, the housing comprising: a first member extending from the first end toward the second end; a second member disposed at the second end; a wall disposed between the first member and the second member, the wall comprising a wall surface facing the second end; and a plurality of first features extending from the wall surface toward the second end; and a hook at least partially disposed within the housing proximal to the second end, the hook comprising a plurality of fingers extending outwardly of the second member; anda cleaning refill comprising: a cleaning member; and an adapter connected to the cleaning member and comprising a plurality of second features complementary with the plurality of first features; wherein the plurality of fingers of the hook is configured to engage with the adapter of the cleaning refill, such that the cleaning refill is removably coupled to the handle assembly, and wherein, upon removable coupling of the cleaning refill to the handle assembly, the plurality of first features engages with the plurality of second features so as to restrict rotation of the cleaning refill relative to the handle assembly.

22. The kit of claim 21, wherein the engagement of the plurality of first features with the plurality of second features restricts rotation of the cleaning refill relative to the handle assembly.

23. The kit of claim 21, wherein the handle assembly further comprises an ejection assembly operably coupled to the hook, the ejection assembly comprising: an actuation member comprising a button extending outwardly of the first member; a hook member configured to engage with the hook, and a rod connecting the actuation member to the hook member; wherein the actuation member is biased to a coupling position and is movable to an uncoupling position, wherein, in the coupling position, the plurality of fingers of the hook engages with the adapter; and wherein in the uncoupling position, the hook member engages with the hook, such that the plurality of fingers moves toward each other and disengages from the adapter.

24. The kit of claim 23, wherein the hook further comprises: a plurality of arms connected to the plurality of fingers; and a plurality of tapered members connected to the plurality of arms, wherein the hook member of the ejection assembly is configured to engage with the plurality of tapered members in the uncoupling position of the actuation member.

25. The kit of claim 23, wherein the actuation member moves from the coupling position to the uncoupling position in a direction extending from the first end toward the second end of the housing.

26. The kit of claim 23, wherein the handle assembly further comprises a button gripping component disposed on the button.

27. The kit of claim 21, wherein the handle assembly further comprises a handle gripping component disposed on a portion of the first member proximal to the first end of the housing.

28. The kit of claim 21, wherein the first member, the second member, the wall, and the plurality of first features are integral.

29. The kit of claim 21, wherein the first member comprises a first portion proximal to the first end, a second portion spaced apart from the first portion and proximal to the second end, and a curved portion connecting the first portion to the second portion.

30. The kit of claim 21, wherein each first feature from the plurality of first features comprises a triangular cross-sectional shape.

31. The kit of claim 21, wherein the housing further comprises a flange proximal to the wall.

32. The kit of claim 21, wherein the adapter further comprises: a base; and a coupling structure connected to the base and extending opposite to the cleaning member along and about an adapter axis, the coupling structure comprising a shoulder extending inwardly toward the adapter axis, the shoulder comprising a shoulder surface facing away from the base, wherein the plurality of second features extends from the shoulder surface away from the base, and wherein the shoulder isconfigured to engage with the hook of the handle assembly to removably couple the cleaning refdl to the handle assembly.

33. The kit of claim 32, wherein the adapter further comprises a stabilizing structure connected to the base and extending opposite to the cleaning member along and about the adapter axis, wherein the stabilizing structure is spaced apart from the coupling structure.

34. The kit of claim 33, wherein the stabilizing structure comprises a plurality of stabilizing portions connected to each other, and wherein each of the plurality of stabilizing portions is bell-shaped.

35. The kit of claim 33, wherein the coupling structure comprises a first maximum height along the adapter axis from the base, wherein the stabilizing structure comprises a second maximum height along the adapter axis from the base, and wherein the second maximum height is no greater than 105% of the first maximum height.

36. The kit of claim 32, wherein the adapter further comprises a plurality of ridges extending from the base opposite to the coupling structure, and wherein the plurality of ridges is spaced apart from each other.

37. The kit of claim 32, wherein the base, the coupling structure, and the plurality of second features are integral.

38. The kit of claim 21, wherein each second feature from the plurality of second features comprises a triangular cross-sectional shape.

39. The kit of claim 21, further comprising a caddy, the caddy comprising a refill holder configured to receive multiple units of the cleaning refill therein, wherein the refill holder comprises a holding structure configured to support the handle assembly.

40. The kit of claim 39, wherein the refill holder comprises:a tube comprising a tube opening, wherein the tube is configured to receive the multiple units of the cleaning refill therein through the tube opening; and a lid pivotally connected to the tube and configured to selectively cover the tube opening, wherein at least one of the tube and the lid defines the holding structure.

41. The kit of claim 39, wherein the caddy further comprises: a base structure supporting the refill holder and comprising a cup receiving portion disposed adjacent to the refill holder; and a holding cup configured to at least partially receive the handle assembly when the handle assembly is supported by the holding structure, wherein the cup receiving portion at least partially and removably receives the holding cup.

42. The kit of claim 41, wherein the caddy further comprises a gripping foot arranged at a bottom of the base structure.

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