Assemblage comprising scrubbing wand and holder

Abstract

An assemblage including a scrubbing wand with an elongate handle having a platen; and, a holder for the scrubbing wand to be parked on. The elongate handle of the scrubbing wand, and a mast of the holder, may have complementary mating features that allow the scrubbing wand to be parked on the holder.

Description

[0001] PA103372W003

[0002] ASSEMBLAGE COMPRISING SCRUBBING WAND AND HOLDER

[0003] Background

[0004] Scrubbing articles are often used to clean surfaces, to remove food residue from dishware and cookware, and so on.

[0005] Summary

[0006] Herein is disclosed an assemblage comprising a scmbbing wand with an elongate handle; and, a holder for the scrubbing wand to be parked on. In one aspect, the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand, and a mast of the holder, comprise complementary mating features that allow the scrubbing wand to be parked on the holder. In another aspect, a scrubbing pad is removably attachable to a platen of the scrubbing wand to form a scrubbing tool. In another aspect, a scmbbing knob may also be provided, with the scrubbing pad being removably attachable to a platen of the scrubbing knob. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should this broad summary be construed to limit the claimable subject matter, whether such subject matter is presented in claims in the application as initially filed or in claims that are amended or otherwise presented in prosecution.

[0007] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary assemblage comprising a scrubbing wand parked on a holder, with a scrubbing pad removably attached to a platen of the scmbbing wand to form a scrubbing tool.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a top view, looking down along the vertical axis, of the exemplary assemblage of FIG.

[0010] 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, from one side and slightly above, of the exemplary assemblage of FIG. 1, with the scrubbing tool having been removed from the holder.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, from one side and slightly below, of the exemplary assemblage of FIG. 1, with the scrubbing tool having been removed from the holder.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective partially-exploded view of a portion of the exemplary scrubbing tool of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective partially-exploded view of the exemplary scrubbing wand of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary scrubbing pad that can be used in a scrubbing tool as disclosed herein.

[0015] FIGs. 8A and 8B are perspective views of two more exemplary scrubbing pads that can be used in a scrubbing tool as disclosed herein.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view, in partial cross-section, of an exemplary holder as disclosed herein. FIG. 10 is a perspective partially -exploded view of an exemplary holder as disclosed herein. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary assemblage comprising a scrubbing knob parked on an exemplary knob-holder, with a scrubbing pad removably attached to a platen of the scrubbing knob to form a scrubbing tool.FIG. 12 is a partially -exploded view of the exemplary assemblage of FIG. 11.

[0017] Like reference symbols in the various figures indicate like elements. Although terms such as and “first” and “second” may be used in this disclosure, it should be understood that those terms are used in their relative sense. Terms such as vertical, upward and downward directions along the vertical axis, and so on, have their customary meaning as applied to a herein-described assembly (comprising a scrubbing wand or scrubbing tool parked on a holder) with the holder of the assembly being positioned on a generally horizontal surface (e.g. a countertop). The vertical axis V, and upward and downward directions U and D along this axis, are indicated in various Figures herein. Terms such as forward and rearward, and a forwardrearward axis, are likewise used with reference to a herein-described assembly with the holder of the assembly being positioned on an at least generally horizontal surface. As used herein, a forward direction denotes the direction that a platen of the scrubbing wand of the assembly faces when the scrubbing wand is parked on the holder to form the assembly (a scrubbing pad of such an assembly will likewise face in this forward direction). A rearward direction is an opposing direction. Forward and rearward directions F and R are denoted in various Figures herein. It will be understood that all such positional and orientational descriptive terms are used for convenience of description of the various items and components described herein, and do not limit the orientation that any assembly such item, and / or any component or portion thereof, may take in actual use.

[0018] Terms such as radial, radially -inward and / or radially -outward may be used herein. Such terms are used in general with respect to a geometric center of an item when viewed along a vertical axis. Many such descriptions herein are applied to exemplary items that are at least generally circular (e.g., a base 110 as depicted in FIG. 2); however, such terminology is again used for convenience of description and does not limit such items to being strictly circular. For example, in some embodiments a base 110 might be oval, oblong, square, discorectangular, chevron, and so on. Terms such as radially-inward and radially-outward can still be applied to any such item. As used herein as a modifier to a property, attribute or relationship, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property, attribute or relationship 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; within + / - 20 degrees for angular orientations).

[0019] Detailed Description

[0020] Disclosed herein is a scrubbing wand 2 to which can be removably attached a scrubbing pad 50 to form a scrubbing tool 1. Scrubbing wand 2 (and thus scrubbing tool 1) can be provided as an assemblage that includes a holder 100; e.g., scrubbing tool 1 and holder 100 can be packaged together as a kit for sale. Scrubbing tool 1 can be removably parked on holder 100 to form an assembly 200, e.g. as depicted in exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1. According to the terminology herein, the term assemblage generically denotes a set that includes scrubbing wand 2 (or scrubbing tool 1) and holder 100; the term assembly specifically denotes a configuration in which scrubbing wand 2 (or scrubbing tool 1) is parked on holderHolder 100 comprises a base 110 and a mast 130. The exemplary assembly 200 of FIG. 1 is shown in a conventional configuration in which base 110 of holder 100 is positioned on a generally horizontal surface (e.g., on a countertop) with mast 130 of holder 100 extending at least generally, substantially or strictly vertically upward from base 110. Parking a scrubbing tool 1 on a holder 100 in the general manner shown in FIG. 1 will conveniently position scrubbing tool 1 so that a user can easily grasp elongate handle 3 of scrubbing tool 1 without touching scrubbing pad 50. As discussed in detail herein, scrubbing tool 1 can be parked on holder 100 in a manner that minimizes any dripping of soapy water, food residue, etc., from scrubbing pad 50 onto the horizontal surface (e.g. countertop) on which holder 100 is positioned. Rather, any such drips, rivulets, etc., as may escape from scrubbing tool 1 (in particular, as may drip or drain from scrubbing pad 50) will be captured by holder 100 and can be easily dealt with as discussed herein.

[0021] Such arrangements are illustrated in exemplary embodiment inFIGs. 1-4. An exemplary assembly 200 comprising scrubbing tool 1 (i.e., scrubbing wand 2 with scrubbing pad 50 attached thereto) parked on holder 100 is depicted in side view in FIG. 1 and in top view (looking downward along the vertical axis) in FIG. 2. FIGs. 3 and 4 present views (respectively from slightly above and slightly below) of a scrubbing tool 1 that has been separated from (unparked from) holder 100 and moved away from holder 100, upwardly along the vertical axis. Base 110 of holder 100 comprises a radially -outward perimeter (established e.g. by radially -outward sidewall 112 of base 110) that defines a drip-catching zone 114 of base 110. With scrubbing tool 1 parked on holder 100, no portion of scrubbing pad 50 is positioned radially outward of the drip-catching zone 114 of base 110 of holder 100, as is evident from FIG. 2. In other words, all portions of scrubbing pad 50 can be positioned radially inward of, or at most radially-even with, radially -outward sidewall 112 of base 110. This can ensure that anything that drips or otherwise flows generally downward from scrubbing pad 50, will be caught in drip-catching zone 114 of holder 100 rather than landing on the horizontal surface on which holder 100 is positioned. As discussed in detail later herein, any such residue that accumulates in base 110 of holder 100 can simply be allowed to evaporate; or, e.g. if a large volume of such material accumulates, it can be easily poured out or otherwise removed as desired.

[0022] An exemplary scrubbing wand 2 is illustrated in FIGs. 1-6. Scrubbing wand 2 comprises an elongate handle 3 with a first, upper end 4 and a second, lower end 5. Second, lower end 5 of elongate handle 3 comprises a platen 20 that comprises a forward face 21 supported by a platen-support member 22. Forward face 21 of platen 20 is configured to allow a scrubbing pad 50 to be attached thereto. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 5, this is achieved by providing forward face 21 of platen 20 with a multiplicity of hooks 23 and by equipping at least the rearward face 52 of scrubbing pad 50 with a fibrous layer into which hooks 23 can penetrate so as to removably attach scrubbing pad 50 to platen 20. In some embodiments, platen 20 can be equipped with forward face 21 and hooks 23 by taking a separately-made plate 29 that comprises hooks 23, and attaching plate 29 to platen 20 in the general manner evident fromFIG. 6. In other embodiments, any such hooks 23 may be integrally made with (e.g., molded as part of) platen 20.

[0023] In some embodiments, elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2 may comprise a graspable portion 15 that is hollow so as to comprise a detergent receptacle 7 therein. In the depicted embodiment, an endcap 8 is provided at the upper end of elongate handle 3; endcap 8 can be removed (e.g. unscrewed) so that liquid detergent can be poured or otherwise infilled into detergent receptacle 7. Scrubbing wand 2 can further comprise a detergent-dispensing valve 27 that is actuatable to cause detergent to flow generally forwardly through a detergent-dispensing orifice 28 in platen 20 so that the detergent can be dispensed into scrubbing pad 50.

[0024] In the depicted embodiment e.g. as shown in FIG. 6, scrubbing wand 2 comprises a main body 6 that is made (e.g. by injection molding) of a rigid organic polymeric material such as e.g. acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, or the like. In some embodiments, main body 6 will define the above-described detergent receptacle 7 therein. In the depicted embodiment, scmbbing wand 2 further comprises a secondary body 13 that is made of an organic polymeric material that is a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g. a thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, or the like). Secondary body 13 will be compliant; the terms rigid and compliant are defined herein on a relative basis, meaning that the compliant material exhibits a Young’s modulus that is less than 5 % of the Young’s modulus of the rigid material. In some embodiments, the rigid material of main body 6 may exhibit a Young’s modulus that is greater than 2.0 GPa, while the compliant material of secondary body 13 may exhibit a Young’s modulus that is less than 0.1 GPa.

[0025] In some embodiments, a compliant secondary body 13 can be disposed on a rigid main body 6 by overmolding secondary body 13 onto selected portions of main body 6, as evident from the exploded view of FIG. 6. Also as evident in FIG. 6, main body 6 may comprise an opening 9 within which is disposed a detergent-dispensing actuator 10 that is configured to actuate the above-described detergent-dispensing valve 27. Again as evident in FIG. 6, secondary body 13 may comprise an area 14 that overlies opening 9 of main body 6. The compliance of secondary body 13 ensures that area 14 of secondary body 13 can be deflected (e.g. manually pushed inward by a user’s thumb) to actuate the detergent-dispensing actuator 10. The compliant nature of secondary body 13 may also enhance the comfort that the user feels when grasping the graspable portion 15 of elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2.

[0026] Also disclosed herein is a holder 100 on which scrubbing wand 2 can be parked to form an assembly 200 as indicated in exemplary embodiment inFIGs. 1-4. Holder 100 comprises abase 110 and a mast 130 that extends at least generally vertically upward from base 110 as seen most easily in FIGs. 9 and 10. Base 110 comprises a radially -outward sidewall 112 that defines a drip-catching zone 114 of base 110 of holder 100. Base 110 may further comprise a generally horizontal partition 115 that, in combination with radially -outward sidewall 112, provides a first, lower compartment 116 and a second, upper compartment 118. First, lower compartment 116 may be configured to be a weighted compartment to provide that holder 100 (e.g. with scrubbing tool 1 parked thereon) is stable rather than being susceptibleto being knocked over. For such purposes, any suitably heavy weight or heavy material (e.g. a single puck of heavy material 117, as shown in FIG. 9; or, a particulate material such as sand) may be factory -installed into lower compartment 116. Upper compartment 118 of base 110 may be configured to be a dripreceptacle that is configured to catch and / or hold any material that drips or otherwise flows downward from scrubbing tool 1. In some embodiments, partition 115 and radially-outward sidewall 112 may be formed (e.g. injection molded) as a single, integral item. As evident from FIG. 9, a separately -made sealing plate 125 may be attached (e.g. by sonic welding) to the lower rim of radially-outward sidewall 112 to form the “floor” of lower compartment 116 (typically, this will be done after a weight 117 is inserted into the incipient lower compartment 116). In some embodiments, a lowermost slab 126 may be attached to the bottom of base 110 (e.g., attached to the underside of sealing plate 125). Such a lowermost slab may be e.g. made of a rubbery (e.g. compliant) material that provides non-slip qualities so that holder 100 will tend to remain in its desired position at a particular location on a generally horizontal surface such as a countertop. In some embodiments, sealing plate 125 may comprise one or more small through-holes such that when a molten thermoplastic organic material (the precursor to lowermost slab 126) is contacted with the underside of sealing plate 125 e.g. during a molding process, small portions of the molten material will penetrate into (e.g. through) the through-holes in plate 125 so as to firmly attach the thus-formed lowermost non-slip slab 126 to the underside of sealing plate 125.

[0027] In some embodiments, mast 130 of holder 100 may extend at least generally vertically upward from generally horizontal partition 115 as evident from FIGs. 9 and 10. Mast 130 will comprise an upper end 132 and a lower end 133. In some embodiments, mast 130 may be collectively provided by a separately-made elongate mast piece 134 and a mast-support boss 124 that is integral with generally horizontal partition 115, with mast piece 134 being attached to boss 124 e.g. by a snap-connection as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0028] In other embodiments, the entirety of mast 130 may be integral with partition 115. That is, in some embodiments, elongate mast piece 134, boss 124, and partition 115, may all be integral with each other, e.g. they may all be formed concurrently in a single injection-molding operation. In some such embodiments, elongate mast piece 134 may be at least slightly tapered (e.g. so that at least some of its radial sidewalls comprise a draft angle that is at least slightly away from strictly vertical) for ease of molding and demolding the thus-formed structure. In such embodiments, boss 124 will be an integral portion of mast 130, and may have any suitable form and shape, whether rather downwardly-outwardly-flared (as in the exemplary design of FIGs. 9 and 10) or whether having a relatively straight-walled junction with partition 115.

[0029] In some embodiments in which the entirety of mast 130 is integral with partition 115, partition 115 in turn may be integral with radially-outward sidewall 112. In such embodiments, elongate mast piece 134 (and its integral boss 124), partition 115, and radially-outward sidewall 112, will all be integral portions of a single (e.g. injection-molded) structure. A separately -made sealing plate 125 may be attached to this structure (e.g. after insertion of weight 117) to form holder 100. As noted above, in someembodiments a separately -made non-slip slab 126 may be optionally mounted on the underside of sealing plate 125. As discussed below, in some embodiments a separately-made, removable drip-basin 119 may be optionally installed in holder 100. It is noted that in embodiments in which mast 130 is integral with partition 115, sidewall 112, etc. in the general manner described above, mast 130 will be non-rotatably fixed in position relative to these items (and thus relative to base 110 and to holder 100 as a whole) rather than being e.g. rotatable relative to base 110 about a generally vertical axis of rotation.

[0030] In some embodiments, mast 130 will be positioned at a location that is offset (in a generally radially -outward direction) from the geometric center 111 of base 110 (noting that geometric center 111, and any radially -outward offset therefrom, is evaluated while viewing holder 100 along the vertical axis). This can provide that when scrubbing wand 2 is parked on holder 100, platen 20 of scmbbing wand 2 (and a scrubbing pad 50 attached thereto) will be positioned within (i.e., vertically above) the above-described drip-catching zone 114 of base 110, as evident e.g. in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, mast 130 will be positioned so that with scrubbing wand 2 parked on holder 100, platen 20 of scrubbing wand 50 will be positioned generally vertically over the geometric center of the base, as evident e.g. in FIG. 1.

[0031] In some embodiments, base 110 of holder 100 may comprise a drip-basin 119 as shown e.g. in FIG. 10 (noting that drip-basin 119 is omitted from FIG. 9 so that other items may be more easily seen). In some embodiments, drip-basin 119 may be a separately -made item that is attachable to base 110 and is removable therefrom as illustrated in FIG. 10. For example, in the depicted embodiment, drip-basin 119 comprises a radially-outward rim 121 that is snap-fittable onto the upper edge 113 of the previously-described radially -outward sidewall 112 of base 110. Such a drip-basin may be removable from, and reattachable to, base 110 as desired by a user. In some embodiments, drip-basin 119 may slope generally conically downward to a through-aperture 122 that (when drip-basin 119 is in place on base 110) radially -outwardly encircles a lower portion of mast 130, as evident in FIGs. 3 and 10. In some embodiments, dripbasin 119 may be configured so that radially -inward rim 123 of through-aperture 122 is spaced radially outward from the lower portion of mast 130 by a desired distance (e.g., 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 mm) at all locations of rim 123, as shown e.g. in FIG. 3. Such an arrangement can provide that any materials that drip from scrubbing tool 1 onto drip-basin 119 will be motivated by gravity to flow downhill to through-aperture 122 and fall therethrough into the above-described drip-receptacle 118, without the dripped material accumulating on the radially-outward surfaces of mast 130.

[0032] An arrangement of the general type discussed above may thus provide that any material that drips, flows, etc. from a scrubbing pad 50 of a scrubbing tool that is parked on holder 100, will accumulate in drip-receptacle 118, e.g. on the upper surface of the above-described generally horizontal partition 115. Drip-basin 119 may thus remain relatively free of excess amounts of such drip-residue and thus may present an advantageously attractive and clean appearance. In many instances, any such material that has dripped into drip-receptacle 118 may simply be allowed to evaporate and thus to leave drip-receptacle 118 in the form of water vapor that exits through aperture 122. In some instances, e.g. if a large amount of dripped material has accumulated in receptacle 118, drip-basin 119 can be temporarily removed and theaccumulated material can be poured out or otherwise physically removed from receptacle 118. Drip-basin 119 can then be re-attached to base 110. In some embodiments, the sidewall 112 of base 110 may include a registration feature (e.g. such as the notch that is visible, unnumbered, in FIG. 10) and drip-basin 119 may similarly include a complementary registration feature (not visible in FIG. 10) that allows drip-basin 119 to be properly oriented for reattachment to base 110.

[0033] As disclosed herein, scrubbing wand 2 and holder 100 will be configured so that scrubbing wand 2 can be parked on holder 100 in a desired configuration. By “parked” is meant that scrubbing wand 2 is placed atop holder 100 and held in that position by gravity without being latched or fastened (or in any other way secured) to holder 100, so that a user can remove scrubbing wand 2 from holder 100 simply by lifting wand 2 generally upward off holder 100 in the general manner illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4. To accomplish this, scrubbing wand 2 will have at least one first mating feature 31 and holder 100 will have at least one second mating feature 131 that is complementary to the at least one first mating feature 31 of scrubbing wand 2. In the depicted embodiment, the at least one first mating feature 31 of scrubbing wand 2 is in the form of a downwardly -open ended recess 31 (most easily seen e.g. in FIGs. 4-6) that extends generally upward along the vertical axis of elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2.

[0034] In the depicted embodiment, the at least one second complementary mating feature 131 of holder 100 is in the form of a protrusion that is located at the upper end 132 of mast 130 of base 110 of holder 100. Protrusion 131 extends generally upward along the vertical axis of mast 130. Protmsion 131 and recess 31 are shaped (e.g. with protrusion 131 having a general shape of a “D” when viewed along the vertical axis) and sized so that protrusion 131 is seated within recess 31 when scrubbing wand 2 is parked on holder 100. In the specific embodiment depicted herein, recess 31 of scrubbing wand 2 is defined by a portion of main body 6 of scrubbing wand 2, as evident from FIG. 6. When scrubbing wand 2 is parked on holder 100 with protmsion 131 seated within recess 31, the D-shaped downward-facing surface 17 (seen most easily in FIG. 6) of main body 6 of scrubbing wand 2 will rest on the D-shaped upward-facing surface 136 (seen most easily in FIG. 10) of mast 130 of base 110 of holder 100.

[0035] In this regard it is noted that the term “parked” denotes a specific configuration in which at least a portion of scrubbing wand 2 is above, and rests upon, a mast 130. As such, the term “parked” and like terminology specifically excludes any arrangement in which the entirety of a scrubbing wand 2 (or a scrubbing tool 1) is suspended below (e.g., is hung from) a supporting item or structure (e.g. a hanger, gantry, mast, beam, strut, etc.).

[0036] It will be evident that the shapes of features 31 and 131 as depicted in the Figures herein are such that scrubbing wand 2 can only be parked on holder 100 when scrubbing wand 2 is in a specific rotational orientation (when viewed along the vertical axis). Such a rotational orientation will advantageously position the previously-described platen 20 of scrubbing wand 2 within (i.e., vertically above) the dripcatching zone 114 of base 110 of holder 100. This will in turn ensure that all portions of a scrubbing pad 50 that is present on platen 20 of scrubbing wand 2, will likewise be positioned within the drip-catching zone 114 of base 110.Numerous variations of the above-presented exemplary arrangements are possible. For example, the complementary mating features of the scrubbing wand and the holder do not necessarily have to take the specific shape of a “D”. Rather, they can be any shape that ensures that the scrubbing wand can only be parked on the holder in a specific rotational orientation. In general, any shape other than purely circular (which might allow free rotation of a parked scrubbing wand) can be used. Furthermore, it is not necessary to use only a single mating feature 31 of scmbbing wand 2 and / or a single mating feature 131 of holder 100. Rather, a set of mating features (e.g. posts) and complementary mating features (e.g. recesses) may be used. Still further, such arrangements are not limited to a male mating feature (e.g. a protrusion) being on holder 100 with a female mating feature (e.g. a recess) being on scrubbing wand 2. Rather, the mating features may be reversed or switched. (If multiple features are present on each item, each item may comprise a mixture of male and female features.)

[0037] The depicted embodiment is one in which scrubbing wand 2, once parked on mast 130 of holder 100, has very little ability to rotate relative to holder 100 (again, any such rotation is evaluated while viewing scrubbing wand 2 and holder 100 along the vertical axis, e.g. as depicted in FIG. 2). That is, mating features 31 and 131 are designed to be very closely fitting, so that any such rotation will be limited to an arc of rotation that is less than e.g. 5, 2, or 1 degree. However, this is not strictly necessary. Rather, in some embodiments, such mating features may be configured (e.g., a protrusion may be slightly undersized relative to the recess within which the protrusion is seated) to allow a greater (but still limited) arc of rotation. Such possible rotation is indicated by arrow 41 of FIGs. 2 and 3. In some embodiments, any such arc of rotation of scrubbing wand 2 relative to holder 100 will be limited to 20 degrees. By this is meant 20 degrees total; i.e., plus or minus 10 degrees from a “home” position as in FIG. 2. In further embodiments, any such arc of rotation may be limited to 10 degrees, or 5, 2 or 1 degree as noted above. (As noted earlier herein, in some embodiments mast 130 will be non-rotatably fixed to holder 100; thus, any such permitted rotation of scrubbing wand 2 relative to holder 100 will be by way of wand 2 rotating relative to mast 130 rather than by way of mast 130 rotating relative to holder 100.)

[0038] Any such rotational freedom may enhance the ease with which scrubbing wand 2 can be parked on holder 100. However, any such arc of rotation will be subject to the stipulation that at all positions within the arc of rotation, all portions of platen 20 of scrubbing wand 2 will be positioned within the dripcatching zone 114 of base 110. A similar stipulation applies to all portions of scrubbing pad 50 when present on platen 20 of scrubbing wand 2. In some such embodiments, all portions of scrubbing pad 50 will be positioned within (or at most, even with) the perimeter of base 110 as established by the radially -outward sidewall 112 of base 110. However, in some embodiments, the previously -described drip-basin 119 may be radially -oversized relative to the sidewall 112 of base 110, so that a perimeter region of dripbasin 119 extends radially -outwardly beyond sidewall 112. In such a case, the radially -outward perimeter edge of drip-basin 119 will define the perimeter of base 110 and will thus define the radially -outward boundary of the drip-catching zone 114 of base 110.In some embodiments (e.g. if some rotational freedom of a parked scrubbing wand 2 is present), the drip-catching zone 114 of base 110 (e.g. as defined by sidewall 112 and / or the radially -outward perimeter edge of drip-basin 119) need not be strictly circular (when viewed along the vertical axis). Rather, such items may have extensions, lobes, wings, or the like, that extend generally in a direction along the rotational pathway of the scrubbing pad 50 of a parked scmbbing tool 1, to ensure that any material that drips from the scrubbing pad will always fall within the drip-catching zone 114 of the holder. However, in some embodiments (e.g. as depicted in various Figures herein), a parked scrubbing wand 2 or scrubbing tool 1 will have very little freedom to rotate, and base 110 may thus be at least generally circular.

[0039] In some embodiments a scrubbing pad 50 that is attached to a scrubbing wand 2 to form a scrubbing tool 1 may have a longitudinal axis L as denoted e.g. in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, such a scrubbing pad 50 may be removably attached to the forward face 21 of the platen 20 of scrubbing wand 2, so that this longitudinal axis L of scrubbing pad 50 is at least generally vertically oriented. By this is meant that the longitudinal axis L of scrubbing pad 50 is aligned with the vertical axis V of scrubbing wand 2 (and of holder 100), except for a slight offset caused by an offset angle exhibited by the forward face 21 of platen 20. Such an offset angle of forward face 21 is an angle at which face 21 is tilted away from the vertical axis V, and is readily apparent e.g. in FIGs. 1 and 5 (the exemplary offset angle exhibited in these Figures is approximately 12 degrees). Such an offset angle can allow a user of scrubbing tool 1 to hold the graspable portion 15 of the elongate handle 3 of scmbbing wand 2 at a slight elevation above a surface that is being scrubbed by the scrubbing pad 50. This can minimize any chance of the user’s fingers coming into contact with the surface that is being scrubbed and can enhance the ease of using scrubbing tool 1.

[0040] Such an offset angle of forward face 21 of platen 20 of scrubbing wand 2 will necessarily cause a scrubbing pad 50 that is attached to forward face 21 of platen 20 to have a longitudinal axis L that is tilted away from the vertical axis V by an amount approximating the offset angle. Such an arrangement is what is specifically meant by the scrubbing pad 50 having a longitudinal axis L that is “at least generally vertically oriented”. It will be appreciated that arranging a scrubbing pad 50 so that when the scrubbing tool 1 is parked on holder 100, the longitudinal axis L of the scrubbing pad is at least generally vertically oriented, can minimize the size of the drip-catching zone 114 that base 110 of holder 100 must establish.

[0041] As noted, in the depicted embodiment, the at least one second, complementary mating feature 131 of holder 100 is positioned generally at an upper end 132 of mast 130. However, in the depicted embodiment, the at least one first mating feature 31 of scrubbing wand 2 is not positioned generally at a lower end 5 of the elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2. Rather, as evident e.g. in FIGs. 1, 3 and 5, mating feature (recess) 31 is at a position along handle 3 that is vertically offset upward from the lower end 5 of handle 3. Specifically, mating feature 31 is vertically offset upward from a lower end 25 of platen 20 of handle 3.

[0042] Such a vertically -offset arrangement can have several beneficial effects. First, it can provide that when a scrubbing pad 50 is present, no portion of the scrubbing pad 50 will be in contact with holder 100.In particular, a lowermost portion of scrubbing pad 50 will not be in contact with a drip-basin 119 (if a drip-basin is present). Rather, a vertical gap will be present between the lowermost portion of the scrubbing pad 50, and the drip-basin 119, as evident in FIG. 1. This can ensure that the lowermost portion of the scrubbing pad does not remain in contact with drip-basin 119 so as to trap liquid material (that would otherwise drip free of the scrubbing pad) in the lowermost portion of the scrubbing pad. In other words, this can ensure that the scrubbing pad can easily dry fully, rather than e.g. having lowermost portion that is still wet or soggy the next time the user picks up the scrubbing tool for use. Such an arrangement can further enhance the user experience in using scrubbing tool 1.

[0043] Another beneficial effect of such a vertically -offset arrangement is that it puts mating features 31 and 131 (and, in particular, the mating location (junction) of such features), at a location that is not in close proximity to scrubbing pad 50. This can minimize the chance of any liquid material that may be present in scrubbing pad 50 (e.g. liquid detergent, food residue, etc.), being able to travel to feature 31 and / or feature 131 and accumulate there (e.g. to dry there) so as to leave residue that makes it more difficult to mate features 31 and 131 to each other.

[0044] The above-discussed vertical offset of mating feature(s) 31 of scrubbing wand 2 can be quantitatively characterized relative to the vertical height of platen 20. This vertical height is the distance from the upper end 24 of platen 20 to the lower end 25 of platen 20 (these upper and lower ends will typically be at the forward face 21 of platen 20), and is denoted by arrow 26 as shown in FIG. 1. As is evident from FIG. 1, this distance is measured along the vertical axis V of scrubbing wand 2 (that is, this distance is not measured in a direction parallel to forward face 21 of platen 20).

[0045] This vertical height 26 of platen 20 can be used as a reference to characterize the vertical offset of mating feature(s) 31. As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical offset of mating feature(s) 31 is the distance (again, measured along the vertical axis V) from the mating feature(s) to the lower end 25 of platen 20, and is indicated by arrow 32 of FIG. 1. This vertical offset 32 of mating feature(s) 31 can be ratioed to the vertical height 26 of platen 20. In various embodiments, the vertical offset 32 of mating features 31 may be at least 25, 35, 40, 50, 60, or 70 % of the vertical height (i.e. the distance between upper and lower ends 24 and 25) of platen 20. In further embodiments, this vertical offset may be at most 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 65, or 55 % of the vertical height of platen 20. (In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the vertical offset is approximately 73 % of the vertical height of platen 20.)

[0046] In some embodiments, the main body 6 of scrubbing wand 2 may comprise a scraping edge 11, as depicted in exemplary embodiment e.g. in FIGs. 1, 5 and 6. Such a scraping edge 11 may e.g. extend linearly along a transverse axis of scrubbing wand 2, and may present a relatively sharp edge that can be used e.g. for dislodging strongly -adhered food residue from a surface. To use the scraping edge, a user can simply rotate scrubbing wand 2 approximately 180 degrees in their hand to bring the scraping edge to bear on a desired surface. After the scraping is finished, the scmbbing wand may be reversed to the original position in which the scrubbing pad 50 can be brought to bear on the surface.In some embodiments, such a scraping edge 11 can be vertically offset downward from the at least one first mating feature 31 of scrubbing wand 2. Such an arrangement can advantageously provide a suitable distance between scraping edge 11 and mating feature(s) 31, so that any material that is dislodged from a surface by scraping edge 11, is unlikely to travel to mating feature(s) 31 and / or to accumulate at mating feature(s) 31 in a way that might interfere with the ease of mating feature(s) 31 to complementary feature(s) 131 of holder 100.

[0047] Such a vertically downward offset of scraping edge 11 from mating feature(s) 31 is indicated by arrow 12 of FIG. 1, and can be characterized in relation to the above-described “height” (the distance between upper and lower ends 24 and 25) of platen 20. In various embodiments, scraping edge 11 can be vertically offset downward from the at least one mating feature 31 of elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2, a distance that is at least 25, 35, 45, or 55 % of the vertical height of platen 20. In further embodiments, scraping edge 11 can be vertically offset downward from the at least one mating feature 31 of elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2, a distance that is at most 95, 85, 75, 65, or 60 % of the vertical height of platen 20. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, this vertical offset is approximately 56 % of the vertical height of platen 20. In many embodiments, a scraping edge 11 may be integral with the main body 6 of the elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2. For example, scraping edge 11 may be formed as part of main body 6, in the injection molding operation in which main body 6 is formed. If a secondary body 13 made of compliant material is overmolded onto main body 6, this may be done so that secondary body 13 does not cover scraping edge 11. This ensures that scraping edge 11 will be comprised of a relatively rigid material (rather than e.g. a compliant or rubbery material) so that aggressive scraping can be performed.

[0048] In some embodiments, the elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2, and the mast 130 of holder 100, may be configured so that when scrubbing wand 2 is parked on holder 100, the mast 130 of holder 100 and a graspable portion 15 of scrubbing wand 2 are at least generally vertically aligned with each other. (Such an arrangement is shown in exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1.) By this is meant that graspable portion 15 of wand 2, and mast 130 of holder 100, are not only generally parallel with each other, but are actually aligned with each other in series along the same linear path (rather than being generally parallel to each other but displaced apart on separate linear paths). Such an arrangement may offer pleasing aesthetics.

[0049] In some embodiments, at least a portion of mast 130 of holder 100 may comprise an at least generally circular cross-sectional shape (again, when viewed along the vertical axis). Similarly, at least a portion of graspable portion 15 of scrubbing wand 2 may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. These cross-sectional shapes may be at least generally congment (e.g., they may have a similar or identical outside diameter) so that when the scrubbing wand is parked on the holder, the mast 130 of the holder and the graspable portion of the scrubbing wand collectively exhibit an overall shape in the form of a right circular cylinder, as evident from FIG. 1. Such an arrangement may again offer pleasing aesthetics.

[0050] However, in some embodiments, an elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2 need not necessarily exhibit a strictly linear shape along its vertical axis. Rather, in some embodiments, an elongate handle ofa scrubbing wand may exhibit slight curvature, whether for aesthetics, to enhance comfort when gripping the handle, and so on. Thus in various embodiments, an elongate handle of a scmbbing wand (e.g., at least a graspable portion thereof) may be at least slightly curved so as to exhibit an overall radius of curvature of less than 100, 50, or 20 cm. Similarly, an elongate handle need not exhibit an outer diameter that is constant along the length of the elongate handle. Thus for example, at least a graspable portion of a handle of a scrubbing wand may comprise e.g. waves, indentations, scallops, or the like, that are configured to allow a user to wrap individual fingers over or into.

[0051] In particular, it will be noted that elongate handle 3 of scrubbing wand 2, and mast 130 of holder 100, do not exhibit a circular cross-sectional shape along their entire length. Rather, scrubbing wand 2 exhibits a cutout region 16 (indicated in FIGs. 3 and 5) generally toward the lower end of scrubbing wand 2, to the rear of platen 20. Similarly, mast 130 exhibits a cutout region 135 (indicated in FIGs. 3 and 9) generally in the upper section of mast 130, but extending downward well toward the lower end 133 of mast 130. These cutout regions of scrubbing wand 2 and mast 130 are configured (e.g., shaped and sized) so as to allow a significant section of mast 130, and a lower section of scrubbing wand 2, to nestle closely together when scrubbing wand 2 is parked on holder 100, as evident e.g. from FIG. 1. In some embodiments, when scrubbing wand 2 is parked on holder 100, no portion of scrubbing wand 2 will be in contact with any portion of holder 100 other than mast 130; for example, in some embodiments no portion of scrubbing wand 2 will contact any portion of base 110 of holder 100.

[0052] A scrubbing pad 50 of any suitable type, design, and composition may be used with a herein-disclosed scrubbing wand 2. In general, a scrubbing pad 50 will comprise a cleaning surface 51 that faces generally forwardly when scrubbing tool 1 is parked on holder 100, and will comprise an opposing surface 52 that is attached to platen 20 of scrubbing wand 2 and that faces generally rearwardly when scrubbing tool 1 is parked on holder 100. In some embodiments, a scrubbing pad 50 may comprise a through-hole 53 that extends (in a generally forward-rearward direction) through the scrubbing pad 50 as depicted in exemplary embodiment in FIG. 7. In some particular embodiments, such a through-hole 53 may take the form of an elongate slot that has a long axis that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the scrubbing pad 50. Any such through-hole, regardless of the particular design, may be configured so that liquid detergent that is dispensed from a dispensing orifice in platen 20 of scrubbing wand 2 as discussed previously herein, can easily travel to and into various portions of scrubbing pad 50.

[0053] In some embodiments, a scrubbing pad 50 may comprise a multilayer construction. For example, in some embodiments a scrubbing pad 50 may comprise an outward layer (a forward layer, when scrubbing tool 1 is parked on a holder 100 as described herein) 54 that is configured for excellent scrubbing performance. Such a layer may be e.g. a fibrous or spongy material (e.g., a reticulated foam) that is configured to perform scrubbing e.g. without scratching the surface that is being scrubbed. In some embodiments, an outwardmost sublayer of this outward layer 54 may be densified or otherwise treated to enhance the scmbbing ability of the outwardmost surface of outward layer 54. In some embodiments, an inward / rearward layer 55 may be present to augment the performance of outward layer 54. Such aninward / rearward layer 55 may not be necessarily configured for scrubbing, but rather may act as a reservoir that is able to store quantities of liquid detergent (that are dispensed into scrubbing pad 50 from a dispensing orifice of wand 2 as described earlier herein) and meter the liquid detergent into outward layer 54 as outward layer 54 is depleted of liquid detergent. Such an inward / rearward layer may also be easily compressible and / or deformable so as to serve as a compressible / deformable backing that enhances the ability of outward layer 54 to conform to (i.e., to scrub) non-planar surfaces. Such an inward / rearward layer 55 might be, e.g. a relatively hydrophilic (in comparison to outward layer 54), compressible material such as a soft, hydrophilic polyurethane open-celled foam. In some embodiments, a scrubbing pad 50 may comprise an inwardmost / rearmost layer 56 that is a fibrous material that is specifically configured to attach very well to the previously -described hooks 23 of scrubbing wand 2. In some embodiments (e.g. if the rear side of a single-layer scrubbing pad 50, or the rear side of an inward / rearward layer 55 of a multilayer scrubbing pad 50, is sufficiently able to attach to hooks 23), such a dedicated attachment layer may not be needed. However, in some embodiments it may be helpful to include such a dedicated attachment layer 56 as a rearmost layer of scrubbing pad 50. In the case of a multilayer scrubbing pad 50, any through-hole (e.g. slot) 53 may extend through all such layers of the scrubbing pad.

[0054] A scrubbing pad 50 may take any desired shape. For example, in some embodiments a scrubbing pad 50 may be generally oval, in shape, as depicted e.g. inFIGs. 1, 5 and 7. However, various other shapes may be used, e.g. as illustrated in FIGs. 8A and 8B. In some embodiments, a scrubbing pad of any such shape will still comprise a longitudinal axis that is oriented in the general manner described earlier herein. Materials that may be suitable for use in a scrubbing pad 50 and / or for use in one or more layers of a multilayer scrubbing pad, are described e.g. in U.S. Patent 8671503 and in U.S. Patent Application Publications 2007 / 0204518, 2009 / 0038092, 2009 / 0276971, 2017 / 0245724, and 2018 / 0296043.

[0055] Also disclosed herein is a scrubbing knob 310 that can accept a scrubbing pad 50, and a knobholder 320 for holding scrubbing knob 310, as depicted in exemplary embodiment in FIGs. 11 and 12. (A scrubbing knob of this general type is sometimes referred to as a “palm scrubber”.) In some embodiments, such a scrubbing knob 310 may be provided as an additional item of a kit that includes a scrubbing wand 2. In some such embodiments, the scrubbing knob 310 and the scrubbing wand 2 may be configured to identically accept a scrubbing pad 50. For example, a scrubbing knob 310 may comprise a platen 311 that comprises hooks 314 (as seen in FIG. 12) so that a scmbbing pad 50 can be removably attached thereto in the general manner described earlier herein for attaching such a scrubbing pad 50 to a platen 20 of a scrubbing wand 2. Thus, in some embodiments a kit may comprise a scrubbing wand 2, a scrubbing knob 310, and several scrubbing pads 50, each of which is attachable to scrubbing wand 2 or to scrubbing knob 310 as desired by the user. However, in some embodiments a scrubbing knob 310 may be provided and / or used (with a scrubbing pad 50) alone manner, rather than as an additional item of a kit that includes a scrubbing wand 2.

[0056] A scrubbing knob 310 may comprise many of the features and functionalities described earlier herein with regard to a scrubbing wand 2. For example, a scrubbing knob 310 may comprise a detergent-dispensing actuator that is operatively coupled to a detergent-dispensing valve that is configured to dispense liquid detergent through an orifice in platen 311 of scrubbing knob 310, all in similar manner as described earlier herein. Similarly, scrubbing knob 310 may comprise a main body with a detergent receptacle and with an opening in which is provided the detergent-dispensing actuator. Scrubbing knob 310 may further comprise a secondary body that is e.g. overmolded onto the main body, and that has an area that covers the opening in the main body and that is deflectable so that the detergent-dispensing actuator can be easily manually actuated by the user, again in similar manner as discussed earlier herein.

[0057] A scrubbing knob 310 may be configured to be parked on a dedicated knob-holder 320. In some aspects, such a knob-holder 320 may share features and / or functionalities of the previously-described holder 100. For example, a knob-holder 320 may comprise a base 321 with a radially -outward sidewall 322 and a removable drip basin 327, with a drip-catching zone 323 of the knob-holder being defined by a perimeter of knob-holder base. The knob-holder base 320 may comprise a generally horizontal partition 324 that divides the base into a lower, weighted compartment 325 and upper, drip-receptacle compartment 326, all as indicated in FIG. 12. However, a knob-holder 320 may differ from a previously-described (wand)-holder 100 in other aspects. For example, instead of comprising a single mast, a knob-holder 320 may comprise a generally upwardly-U-shaped catch 330 that comprises first and second members 321 that extend generally vertically upward from generally horizontal partition 324. Scrubbing knob 310 in turn may comprise a neck 313 that is configured to rest in a space 332 defined by the U-shaped catch 330 of knob-holder 320.

[0058] As evident from FIGs. 11 and 12, when scrubbing knob 310 (with a scrubbing pad 50 attached to a platen 311 thereof) is parked on knob-holder 320, the scrubbing pad 50 will be positioned on a first side of the upwardly-U-shaped catch. Meanwhile, a graspable portion 312 of scrubbing knob 310 (which graspable portion 312 may be relatively large in relation to relatively narrow neck 313) will be positioned on a second, opposing side of the upwardly-U-shaped catch, so that scrubbing knob 310 is nicely balanced in its parked position.

[0059] It will be appreciated that such arrangements share many of the attributes discussed earlier herein. For example, with scrubbing knob 310 parked on knob-holder 320, no portion of scrubbing pad 50 will be positioned outward of a drip-catching zone 323 of knob-holder 320. Also, no portion of scrubbing pad 50 will be in contact with any portion of knob-holder 320; in particular, a lowermost portion of scrubbing pad 50 will not be in contact with drip basin 327 of knob-holder 320. Also, scrubbing pad 50 is positioned so that its longitudinal axis is vertically oriented, with commensurate advantages as discussed earlier herein.

[0060] Various other arrangements are encompassed within the disclosures herein. For example, rather than a scrubbing pad 50 being removably attached to a scrubbing wand 2 by way of hooks of the scrubbing wand being penetrated into, and entangled within, fibers of the rearward face of the scrubbing pad, the rearward face of the scrubbing pad may be factory-attached (via any desired attachment or bonding mechanism) to a fixture, e.g. a molded plastic fixture. Such a fixture can comprise at least one fastener that is configured to mate to a complementary fastener provided on a platen of scrubbing wand 2.As disclosed herein, a scrubbing wand 2 and its associated holder 100; and, a scrubbing knob 310 and its associated knob-holder 320, will be reusable items. In contrast, a scrubbing pad 50 that can be attached to a scrubbing wand 2 and / or to a scrubbing knob 310 will be a disposable item. The term disposable signifies that scrubbing pad 50 is a limited-use item that will be expected to gradually lose functionality over time (e.g. over several weeks or months) so as to need replacement. The term disposable broadly encompasses not merely scrubbing pads that are discarded, but also scrubbing pads that are recyclable, compostable, and so on. A reusable wand, knob or holder, in contrast, will have an indefinite lifespan (e.g. one or more years) in comparison to the disposable scrubbing pads that it is used with. In many embodiments, at least some such reusable items may be dishwasher safe.

[0061] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific exemplary elements, structures, features, details, configurations, etc., that are disclosed herein can be modified and / or combined in numerous embodiments. All such variations and combinations are contemplated by the inventor as being within the bounds of the conceived invention, not merely those representative designs that were chosen to serve as exemplary illustrations. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the specific illustrative structures described herein, but rather extends at least to the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures. Any of the elements that are positively recited in this specification as alternatives may be explicitly included in the claims or excluded from the claims, in any combination as desired. Any of the elements or combinations of elements that are recited in this specification in open-ended language (e.g., comprise and derivatives thereof), are considered to additionally be recited in closed-ended language (e.g., consist and derivatives thereof) and in partially closed-ended language (e.g., consist essentially, and derivatives thereof). Although various theories and possible mechanisms may have been discussed herein, in no event should such discussions serve to limit the claimable subject matter. To the extent that there is any conflict or discrepancy between this specification as written and the disclosure in any document that is incorporated by reference herein but to which no priority is claimed, this specification as written will control.

Claims

1. What is claimed is:

1. An assemblage comprising:a scrubbing wand comprising an elongate handle with a vertical axis and a first, upper end and a second, lower end, the second, lower end of the elongate handle comprising a platen that exhibits upper and lower ends and a vertical distance therebetween and that is configured to have a scrubbing pad attached thereto;and,a holder configured for the scrubbing wand to be parked thereon, the holder comprising a base and a mast that extends at least generally vertically upward from the base,wherein the elongate handle comprises at least one first mating feature and the mast of the holder comprises at least one second, complementary mating feature, the at least one first and second mating features being mateable with each other to park the scrubbing wand on the holder, wherein the at least one first mating feature is located at a position along the handle, that is vertically offset upward from the lower end of the platen, a distance that is from at least 25 %, to at most 90 %, of the vertical distance between the upper and lower ends of the platen, and wherein the at least one second mating feature is located at an upper end of the mast of the holder.

2. The assemblage of claim 1 wherein the second, lower end of the elongate handle comprises a scraping edge that is vertically offset downward from the at least one first mating feature of the elongate handle, a distance that is from at least 25 %, to at most 75 %, of the vertical distance between the upper and lower ends of the platen.

3. The assemblage of claim 2 wherein the scraping edge is integral with a main body of the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand.

4. The assemblage of claim 1 wherein the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand comprises a graspable portion that is hollow so as comprise a detergent receptacle, and wherein the scrubbing wand comprises a detergent-dispensing valve that is actuatable to cause detergent to flow generally forwardly through an orifice in the platen of the scrubbing wand, the detergent-dispensing valve being actuatable by a detergent-dispensing actuator located in the graspable portion of the elongate handle.

5. The assemblage of claim 4 wherein the scrubbing wand comprises a main body that is integrally molded of a rigid organic polymeric material and that defines the detergent receptacle of the graspable portion of the elongate handle, the scmbbing wand further comprising a secondary body that is overmolded onto selected portions of the main body and that is made of a compliant organic polymeric material, andthe main body comprising a window in which is located the detergent-dispensing actuator, an area of the secondary body overlying the window in the main body with the secondary body being deflectable so that the detergent-dispensing actuator can be actuated by pressing on the area of the secondary body and deflecting the area of the secondary body so as to actuate the detergent-dispensing actuator.

6. The assemblage of claim 4 wherein the first, upper end of the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand comprises a removable cap that can be removed to access the detergent receptacle of the scrubbing wand so that liquid detergent can be loaded into the detergent receptacle.

7. An assembly comprising the scrubbing wand and holder of claim 1, with the scrubbing wand parked on the holder.

8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein with the scrubbing wand parked on the holder, the mast of the holder and a graspable portion of the scrubbing wand are at least generally vertically aligned with each other.

9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of the mast of the holder comprises a generally circular cross-sectional shape when viewed along the vertical axis and at least a portion of the graspable portion of the scrubbing wand comprises a generally circular cross-sectional shape when viewed along the vertical axis, and wherein the mast and the graspable portion of the scrubbing wand are configured so that when the scrubbing wand is parked on the holder, the mast of the holder and the graspable portion of the scrubbing wand collectively exhibit an overall shape in the form of a right circular cylinder.

10. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the at least one first mating feature of the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand comprises one or more downwardly -open-ended recesses that extend generally upward along the vertical axis of the elongate handle into a main body of the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand, wherein the at least one second, complementary mating feature of the mast of the holder comprises one or more protrusions that extend generally upward along the vertical axis of the mast, and wherein the one or more protrusions of the mast of the holder are configured to be seated within the one or more recesses of the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand when the scrubbing wand is parked on the holder.

11. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the at least one first mating feature of the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand comprises one or more protrusions that extend generally downward along the vertical axis of the elongate handle, wherein the at least one second, complementary mating feature of the mast of the holder comprises one or more upwardly -open-ended recesses that extend generally downward along the vertical axis of the mast, and wherein the one or more protrusions of the elongate handle of the scrubbingwand are configured to be seated within the one or more recesses of the mast of the holder, when the scrubbing wand is parked on the holder.

12. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the at least one first mating feature of the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand, and the at least one secondary, complementary mating feature of the mast of the holder, are configured so that the scrubbing wand can be parked on the holder only in a position in which all portions of the platen of the scrubbing wand are positioned within a perimeter of the base of the holder.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the at least one first mating feature of the elongate handle of the scrubbing wand and the at least one secondary, complementary mating feature of the mast of the holder are configured so that with the scrubbing wand parked on the holder, the scrubbing wand can be rotated about a rotation axis that is aligned with a vertical axis of the scrubbing wand, through a total arc of rotation of less than 20 degrees, with the stipulation that at all positions within this arc of rotation, all portions of the platen of the scrubbing wand are positioned within the perimeter of the base of the holder.

14. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the mast that extends at least generally vertically upward from the base, is positioned at a location that is offset from a geometric center of the base, so that with the scrubbing wand parked on the holder, the platen of the scrubbing wand is positioned generally vertically over the geometric center of the base.

15. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the base of the holder comprises a radially -outward sidewall that defines a drip-catching zone of the base, and wherein the base of the holder comprises a generally horizontal partition that, in combination with the radially-outward sidewall, provides a first, lower compartment of the base that is configured to be a weighted compartment, and a second, upper compartment of the base that is configured to be a drip-receptacle, and wherein the mast extends generally vertically upwardly from the generally horizontal partition of the base.

16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the base of the holder further comprises a removable drip-basin having a radially-outward rim that is removably mountable onto an upper edge of the radially-outward sidewall of the base of the holder, the removable drip-basin sloping generally conically downward to a through-aperture that radially -outwardly encircles a lower portion of the mast, with a radially -inward rim of the through-aperture being spaced radially outward from the lower portion of the mast by at least 2 mm at all locations of the radially -inward rim.

17. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the mast is collectively provided by an elongate mast piece and a mast-support boss that is integral with the elongate mast piece and with the generally horizontal partitionof the base, so that the elongate mast piece, the mast-support boss, and the generally horizontal partition of the base are all integral portions of a single, integral, injection-molded structure.

18. The assembly of claim 7 wherein a scrubbing pad is removably attached to the platen of the scrubbing wand to form a scrubbing tool.

19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein the base comprises a radially-outward perimeter that defines a drip-catching zone of the base, and wherein with the scrubbing pad removably attached to the platen of the scrubbing wand and the scrubbing wand parked on the holder, no portion of the scrubbing pad is positioned radially outward of the drip-catching zone of the base and no portion of the scrubbing pad is in contact with any portion of the holder.

20. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the scrubbing pad comprises a longitudinal axis and wherein with the scrubbing pad removably attached to the platen of the scrubbing wand and the scrubbing wand parked on the holder, the longitudinal axis of the scrubbing pad is at least generally vertically oriented.

21. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the platen of the scrubbing wand comprises a multiplicity of generally -forwardly -extending hooks, and wherein the scrubbing pad comprises a major rear surface that is fibrous so as to be engageable with the hooks of the platen to attach the scrubbing pad to the platen.

22. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the scrubbing pad comprises at least one through-hole that extends through an entire thickness of the scrubbing pad.

23. A kit comprising the assemblage of claim 1, the kit further comprising:a scrubbing knob with a platen that is configured to have the scrubbing pad attached thereto; and, a knob-holder that is configured to allow the scrubbing knob to be parked on the knob-holder.

24. The kit of claim 23 wherein the knob-holder comprises a knob-holder base with a radially-outward sidewall that defines a drip-catching zone of the knob-holder base, and wherein knob-holder base comprises a generally horizontal partition that, in combination with the radially-outward sidewall, provides a first, lower compartment of the knob-holder base that is configured to be a weighted compartment, and a second, upper compartment of the knob-holder base that is configured to be a drip-receptacle, and wherein the knob-holder base comprises an upwardly -U-shaped catch that comprises first and second members that extend generally vertically upwardly from the generally horizontal partition of the knobholder base.

25. The kit of claim 24 wherein the scrubbing knob comprises a neck that is configured to rest in the upwardly -U-shaped catch of the knob-holder base, so that when the scrubbing knob is parked on the knobholder base and a scrubbing pad is attached to the platen of the scrubbing knob, the scrubbing pad is positioned on a first side of the upwardly -U-shaped catch and a graspable portion of the scrubbing knob is positioned on a second, opposing side of the upwardly -U-shaped catch, with no portion of the scrubbing pad being positioned radially outward of a drip-catching zone defined by the radially -outward sidewall of the knob-holder base.

26. A method of making an assembly from the assemblage of claim 1, the method comprising removably parking the scrubbing wand on the holder.

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