US20170238782A1

US20170238782A1 - Modular cleaning systems

Info

Publication number: US20170238782A1
Application number: US15/050,325
Authority: US
Inventors: Alexander Levi Yitzchak Varnai
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-02-22
Filing date: 2016-02-22
Publication date: 2017-08-24

Abstract

A cleaning device for combining the use of a mop or broom and a sponge. The modular cleaning system for broom and mops will allow a user to lower a connected sponge when desired. The sponge is easily attachable and detachable from the broom or mop. The device eliminates the need for a user to bend down or strain their back while cleaning. The sponge is retractable via a lever.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of cleaning devices and more specifically relates to a modular cleaning system.
2. Description of Related Art
A broom is a cleaning tool consisting of usually stiff fibers (often made of materials such as plastic, hair, or corn husks) attached to, and roughly parallel to, a cylindrical handle, the broomstick. It is commonly used in combination with a dustpan. A mop (such as a floor mop) is a mass or bundle of coarse strings or yarn, etc., or a piece of cloth, sponge, or other absorbent material, attached to a pole or stick. It is used to soak up liquid, for cleaning floors and other surfaces, to mop up dust, or for other cleaning purposes.
Both a mops and brooms are found in most households. Mops and brooms are products that we use daily to clean homes and offices. They sweep the dirt from location A to B, but when there's something stuck on the floor they don't help much. People tend to use either a sponge or something else while they sweep or wash the floors. However, the problem is, a user must to bend down. Often times cleaning using this method can create back pains. This is not desirable.
Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,584,518 to Fred I. Morad; U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,576 to James G. Horian; U.S. Pat. No. 3,157,901 to Hugh Murphy; U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,240 to Christopher J. Laux; U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,494 to Robert A. Cann; U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,942 to Harold Footer; U.S. Pat. No. 3,041,651 to George W. Jardine; U.S. Pat. No. 3,054,127 to Harold A. Petsch; U.S. Pat. No. 2,715,237 to Joseph H. Trindl; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,740,146 to Sidney P. Vaughn. This art is representative of cleaning devices. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.
Preferably, a cleaning device should provide users with a combination of a sponge and a broom for efficient household cleaning use and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable modular cleaning system to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known cleaning device art, the present invention provides a novel modular cleaning system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a device that combines broom and mop functions for efficient use.
The present invention is a convenient way to combine a sponge to brooms and mops. The sponge may easily modularly attach and detach from one broom or mop to another. The modular cleaning system for brooms and mops will allow a user to lower a connected sponge when desired for cleaning. A handle allows a user to lower and lift the sponge. The handle is to be an add-on component and therefore not permanently connected to the stick, but rather can be connected and disconnected securely. The handle may comprise plastic or other such suitable material.
A modular cleaning system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a modular cleaning assembly having a rod with a proximate end, a distal end, an outer surface, a length and an inner volume, a telescopic member, a cleaning-assembly having a first-cleaning-member, and a second-cleaning-member, and a manipulating assembly. The modular cleaning system, as such, comprises the modular cleaning assembly. The modular cleaning assembly comprises the rod, the telescopic member, the cleaning-assembly, and the manipulating assembly in functional combination.
The rod is defined by the proximate end, the distal end, the length, the outer surface, and the inner volume. The rod of the outer surface comprises a tubular profile. The rod is non-flexible such that the telescopic member is able to freely and reliably travel along a lower portion of the length within the inner volume. The distal end comprises an aperture for the telescopic member to extend outwardly therefrom when the manipulating assembly is adjusted in relation to the inner volume of the rod, the second-cleaning-member attached to the telescopic member, the second-cleaning-member not able to retract within the inner volume.
The inner volume of the rod comprises a housing for substantially supporting the telescopic member in relation to the rod. The inner volume is formed as a periphery about the telescopic member, the outer surface surrounding and forming the inner volume. The cleaning-assembly comprises the first-cleaning-member and the second-cleaning-member in functional combination. The first-cleaning-member and the second-cleaning-member are not used simultaneously. The first-cleaning-member comprises a broom with bristles suitable for sweep cleaning surfaces. The second-cleaning-member comprises a sponge suitable for scrubbing while cleaning the surfaces. The sponge comprises pores and channels allowing water to circulate through them. The second-cleaning-member comprises abrasives for scrub-cleaning the surfaces. The second-cleaning-member comprises abrasives for scrub-cleaning of wet the surfaces. The bristles are structured and arranged for cleaning of dry the surfaces.
The manipulating assembly further comprises a lever for allowing manipulation up and down during use of the first-cleaning-member and alternately the second-cleaning-member. The manipulating assembly comprises at least one spring. The spring is used to store mechanical energy. The lever is able to manipulate the spring between extended and retracted positions. The telescopic member is able to be moved by the manipulating assembly, the telescopic member able to traverse in relation to the inner volume of the rod between extended and retracted positions. The first-cleaning-member is able to be moved in relation to the second-cleaning-member via the manipulating assembly such that alternate use of the first-cleaning-member and the second-cleaning-member is enabled. The first-cleaning-member is fixed and occupies a position outside of the second-cleaning-member, the second-cleaning-member able to be moved into and out of the first-cleaning-member for use. The modular cleaning system is structured and arranged to provide a multi-functional means by which to clean the surfaces. Certain embodiments may comprise the second-cleaning-member being mounted external as a retro-fit to the first-cleaning-member as a side mount.
A kit is also disclosed including: the modular cleaning assembly, the first-cleaning-member, the second-cleaning-member which is removably replaceable with another the second-cleaning-member, and a set of user-instructions.
A method of using a modular cleaning system is described herein comprising the steps of: holding a rod of a modular cleaning assembly, and manipulating a lever of the modular cleaning assembly to operate a first-cleaning-member to sweep and alternatively a second-cleaning-member to scrub for cleaning at least one surface. The method further comprises the steps of: extending and retracting the second-cleaning-member while the first-cleaning-member is fixed in relation to the rod.
The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a modular cleaning system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, modular cleaning system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a modular cleaning system during an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the modular cleaning system comprising a telescopic member according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating the modular cleaning system according to another embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating modular cleaning system comprising a rod, the telescopic member, a lever and a sponge according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-2B.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a kit for the modular cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the modular cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cleaning device and more particularly to a modular cleaning system as used to improve the use of mops and brooms during cleaning.
Generally speaking, the present invention is a convenient way to combine a sponge to brooms and mops. The sponge may easily attach and detach from one broom or mop to another. The modular cleaning system for broom and mops allow a user to lower a connected sponge when desired. A plastic handle allows a user to lower and lift the sponge. The plastic handle is to be an add-on component and therefore not permanently connected to the stick, but rather can be connected and disconnected securely. Modular cleaning system allows users to avoid carrying both a mop or broom and sponge. The modular cleaning system also eliminates the need for users to bend down and scrub the floor. The device is also able to work with a vacuum as an attachment on the front. The levered or telescopic device extends from the front of the vacuum in so-equipped embodiments.
Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, modular cleaning system 100 comprising: modular cleaning assembly 110 comprising rod 114 having proximate end 116, distal end 118, outer surface 120, and inner volume 122, telescopic member 130, and cleaning-assembly 154 having first-cleaning-member 156, second-cleaning-member 160, and manipulating assembly 170. Modular cleaning system 100 comprises modular cleaning assembly 110. Modular cleaning assembly 110 comprises rod 114, telescopic member 130, cleaning-assembly 154, and manipulating assembly 170 in functional combination.
Rod 114 is defined by proximate end 116, distal end 118, outer surface 120, and inner volume 122. Cleaning-assembly 154 comprises first-cleaning-member 156 and second-cleaning-member 160 in functional combination. Manipulating assembly 170 comprises lever 172 for allowing manipulation during use of first-cleaning-member 156 and alternately second-cleaning-member 160. Telescopic member 130 is able to be moved by manipulating assembly 170; telescopic member 130 able to traverse in relation to inner volume 122 of rod 114 between extended and retracted positions.
First-cleaning-member 156 is able to be moved in relation to second-cleaning-member 160 via manipulating assembly 170 such that alternate use of first-cleaning-member 156 and second-cleaning-member is enabled 160. First-cleaning-member 156 is fixed and occupies a position outside of second-cleaning-member 160. Second-cleaning-member 160 able to be moved into and out of first-cleaning-member 156 for desired use. Modular cleaning system 100 is structured and arranged to provide a multi-functional means by which to clean surfaces. First-cleaning-member 156 comprises a broom 158 with bristles suitable for sweep cleaning surfaces. Second-cleaning-member 160 comprises sponge 162 suitable for scrubbing while cleaning surfaces.
Distal end 118 comprises an aperture for telescopic member 130 to extend outwardly when manipulating assembly 170 is adjusted in relation to inner volume 122 of rod 114. Inner volume 122 of rod 114 comprises a housing for substantially supporting telescopic member 130 in relation to rod 114. Manipulating assembly 170 preferably comprises at least one spring 174. Spring 174 is used to store mechanical energy. Lever 172 is able to manipulate spring 174 between extended and retracted positions. First-cleaning-member 156 and second-cleaning-member 160 are not used simultaneously. Second-cleaning-member 160 comprises pores and channels allowing water to circulate through them. Second-cleaning-member 160 comprises abrasives for scrub-cleaning surfaces. Bristles are structured and arranged for cleaning of dry the surfaces. Rod 114 of outer surface 120 comprises a tubular profile. Inner volume 122 is formed as a periphery about telescopic member 130; outer surface 120 surrounding and forming inner volume. Rod is non-flexible such that the telescopic member is able to freely and reliably travel within the inner volume 122.
Modular cleaning system 100 may be sold as kit 440 comprising the following parts: at least one modular cleaning assembly 110 at least one first-cleaning-member 156; at least one second-cleaning-member 160; and at least one set of user instructions. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Modular cleaning system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different cleaning combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.
Referring now to FIG. 5 showing flowchart 550 illustrating method of use 500 for modular cleaning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4. As shown, method of use 500 may comprise the steps of: step one 501, holding rod 114 of modular cleaning assembly 110; step two 502, manipulating lever 172 of modular cleaning assembly 110 to operate first-cleaning-member 156 to sweep and alternatively second-cleaning-member 160 to scrub for cleaning at least one surface; and step three 503, extending and retracting the second-cleaning-member 160 while the first-cleaning-member is fixed in relation to rod 114.
It should be noted that step three 503, is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500.
It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A modular cleaning system comprising:

a modular cleaning assembly comprising;

a rod having;

a proximate end;

a distal end;

an outer surface; and

an inner volume;

a telescopic member;

a cleaning-assembly having;

a first-cleaning-member;

a second-cleaning-member; and

a manipulating assembly;

wherein said modular cleaning system comprises said modular cleaning assembly;

wherein said modular cleaning assembly comprises said rod, said telescopic member, said cleaning-assembly, and said manipulating assembly in functional combination;

wherein said rod is defined by said proximate end, said distal end, said outer surface, and said inner volume;

wherein said cleaning-assembly comprises said first-cleaning-member and said second-cleaning-member in functional combination;

wherein said manipulating assembly comprises a lever for allowing manipulation during use of said first-cleaning-member and alternately said second-cleaning-member;

wherein said telescopic member is able to be moved by said manipulating assembly, said telescopic member able to traverse in relation to said inner volume of said rod between extended and retracted positions;

wherein said first-cleaning-member is able to be moved in relation to said second-cleaning-member via said manipulating assembly such that alternate use of said first-cleaning-member and said second-cleaning-member is enabled;

wherein said first-cleaning-member is fixed and occupies a position outside of said second-cleaning-member, said second-cleaning-member able to be moved into and out of said first-cleaning-member for use; and

wherein said modular cleaning system is structured and arranged to provide a multi-functional means by which to clean surfaces.

2. The modular cleaning system of claim 1 wherein said first-cleaning-member comprises a broom with bristles suitable for sweep cleaning said surfaces.

3. The modular cleaning system of claim 1 wherein said second-cleaning-member comprises a sponge suitable for scrubbing while cleaning said surfaces.

4. The modular cleaning system of claim 1 wherein said distal end comprises an aperture for said telescopic member to extend outwardly when said manipulating assembly is adjusted in relation to said inner volume of said rod.

5. The modular cleaning system of claim 1 wherein said inner volume of said rod comprises a housing for substantially supporting said telescopic member in relation to said rod.

6. The modular cleaning system of claim 1 wherein said manipulating assembly comprises at least one spring.

7. The modular cleaning system of claim 6 wherein said spring is used to store mechanical energy.

8. The modular cleaning system of claim 7 wherein said lever is able to manipulate said spring between extended and retracted positions.

9. The modular cleaning system of claim 1 wherein said first-cleaning-member and said second-cleaning-member are not used simultaneously.

10. The modular cleaning system of claim 1 wherein said second-cleaning-member comprises pores and channels allowing water to circulate through them.

11. The modular cleaning system of claim 10 wherein said second-cleaning-member comprises abrasives for scrub-cleaning said surfaces.

12. The modular cleaning system of claim 11 wherein said second-cleaning-member comprises abrasives for scrub-cleaning of wet said surfaces.

13. The modular cleaning system of claim 2 wherein said bristles are structured and arranged for cleaning of dry said surfaces.

14. The modular cleaning system of claim 1 wherein said rod of said outer surface comprises a tubular profile.

15. The modular cleaning system of claim 14 wherein said inner volume is formed as a periphery about said telescopic member, said outer surface surrounding and forming said inner volume.

16. The modular cleaning system of claim 1 wherein said rod is non-flexible such that said telescopic member is able to freely and reliably travel within said inner volume.

17. A modular cleaning system comprising:

a modular cleaning assembly comprising;

a rod having;

a proximate end;

a distal end;

an outer surface; and

a length;

an inner volume;

a telescopic member;

a cleaning-assembly having;

a first-cleaning-member;

a second-cleaning-member; and

a manipulating assembly;

wherein said modular cleaning system comprises said modular cleaning assembly;

wherein said rod is defined by said proximate end, said distal end, said length, said outer surface, and said inner volume;

wherein said rod of said outer surface comprises a tubular profile;

wherein said rod is non-flexible such that said telescopic member is able to freely and reliably travel along a lower portion of said length within said inner volume;

wherein said distal end comprises an aperture for said telescopic member to extend outwardly therefrom when said manipulating assembly is adjusted in relation to said inner volume of said rod, said second-cleaning-member attached to said telescopic member, said second-cleaning-member not able to retract within said inner volume;

wherein said inner volume of said rod comprises a housing for substantially supporting said telescopic member in relation to said rod;

wherein said inner volume is formed as a periphery about said telescopic member, said outer surface surrounding and forming said inner volume;

wherein said first-cleaning-member and said second-cleaning-member are not used simultaneously;

wherein said first-cleaning-member comprises a broom with bristles suitable for sweep cleaning surfaces;

wherein said second-cleaning-member comprises a sponge suitable for scrubbing while cleaning said surfaces;

wherein said sponge comprises pores and channels allowing water to circulate through them;

wherein said second-cleaning-member comprises abrasives for scrub-cleaning said surfaces;

wherein said second-cleaning-member comprises abrasives for scrub-cleaning of wet said surfaces;

wherein said bristles are structured and arranged for cleaning of dry said surfaces;

wherein said manipulating assembly further comprises a lever for allowing manipulation up and down during use of said first-cleaning-member and alternately said second-cleaning-member;

wherein said manipulating assembly comprises at least one spring;

wherein said spring is used to store mechanical energy;

wherein said lever is able to manipulate said spring between extended and retracted positions;

wherein said modular cleaning system is structured and arranged to provide a multi-functional means by which to clean said surfaces.

18. The modular cleaning system of claim 17 further comprising a kit including:

said modular cleaning assembly;

said first-cleaning-member;

said second-cleaning-member which is removably replaceable with another said second-cleaning-member; and

a set of user-instructions.

19. A method of using a modular cleaning system comprising the steps of:

holding a rod of a modular cleaning assembly; and

manipulating a lever of said modular cleaning assembly to operate a first-cleaning-member to sweep and alternatively a second-cleaning-member to scrub for cleaning at least one surface.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of:

extending and retracting said second-cleaning-member while said first-cleaning-member is fixed in relation to said rod.