阅读说明：本技术 分配器和清洁组合体 (Dispenser and cleaning combination ) 是由 阿列克谢·福曼 于 2020-03-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种清洁组合体包括手柄组合体,手柄组合体配置为抓住湿润的纸巾。在分配单元中包括一个滚筒以存储纸巾。当驱动组合体在第一位置和第二位置之间操作操纵杆时,分配单元选择性地从滚筒释放纸巾。滚筒位于分配单元内,与驱动组合体连通,其方式使得纸巾被密封并防止干燥。密封被选择性地打开以允许分配纸巾。清洁组合体允许用户能够清洁潜在不清洁的表面,而无需在任何时候与清洁纸巾、化学品或表面本身中的任何一个进行物理接触。使用者与潜在有害的表面和化学品分离。(A cleaning assembly includes a handle assembly configured to grasp a moist tissue. A roll is included in the dispensing unit to store paper towels. The dispensing unit selectively releases the towel from the drum when the actuating assembly operates the lever between the first position and the second position. The drum is located in the dispensing unit in communication with the drive assembly in such a way that the towels are sealed and prevented from drying. The seal is selectively opened to allow the tissue to be dispensed. The cleaning assembly allows a user to clean a potentially unclean surface without having to make physical contact with any of the cleaning tissues, chemicals, or the surface itself at any time. The user is separated from potentially harmful surfaces and chemicals.)

1. A cleaning combination comprising:

a handle assembly configured to grasp a tissue;

a drum configured to store paper towels; and

a dispensing unit configured to selectively release paper towels, the drum being located within a housing of the dispensing unit, the dispensing unit comprising a drive assembly for dispensing paper towels outside the housing.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit is configured to seal the opening of the drum between dispensing the paper towels to retain moisture of the paper towels.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the drive combination includes a lever operable between a plurality of positions, the drive combination dispensing the tissue when the lever changes position.

4. The combination of claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit includes a housing having a housing platform, the drum being in contact with the housing platform.

5. The combination of claim 4, wherein the housing platform includes a seal between the platform and the drum.

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein the drum has an opening located within and surrounded by the seal.

7. The combination of claim 6, wherein the drive combination includes a moving platform operably engaged with a lower surface of the housing platform, the moving platform sealing against the lower platform to prevent air from entering the drum through the opening.

8. The combination of claim 1, wherein the drive combination comprises a moving platform configured to selectively contact a housing platform in the housing, the moving platform being separated from the housing platform when a lever arm in the drive combination is changed between a plurality of positions.

9. The combination of claim 1, wherein the drum has an opening for passing the towel through the drum.

10. The combination of claim 1, wherein the drum is replaceable relative to the dispensing unit.

11. The combination of claim 1, wherein the drum includes an opening for dispensing the paper towel, the opening of the drum being surrounded by a seal on the housing, the paper towel passing through a slot in a platform of the housing for positioning the seal, the slot being surrounded by the seal.

12. The combination of claim 11, wherein the drive combination comprises:

a joystick operable between a plurality of positions; and

a mobile platform configured to selectively seal against the slot, the joystick actuating movement of the mobile platform.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein the lever moves the moving platform to break contact with the slot prior to dispensing a towel through the slot.

14. The combination of claim 1, wherein the handle is configured to grasp the tissue.

15. The combination of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a jaw configured to open and close, the jaw configured to grasp the tissue.

16. The combination of claim 15, wherein the tissue is placed on a pad on a lower surface of the clamp, the pad pressing the tissue against a surface to disinfect the surface.

17. The combination of claim 15, wherein the tissue is discarded by opening the jaws.

18. A tissue dispensing combination for a wall, comprising:

a drum configured to store paper towels, the drum having an opening;

a housing configured to store a drum, the drum being located on a housing upper platform, the housing platform having a slot for passage of the paper towels outside the drum, the housing platform having a seal around the slot, the seal configured to seal around an opening of the drum; and

a drive assembly with a lever for activating dispensing of the tissues outside the housing.

19. The combination of claim 18, further comprising:

a mobile platform configured to selectively seal against the housing platform and the slot, the joystick initiating movement of the mobile platform.

20. The combination of claim 19, wherein the drive combination comprises a plurality of rollers configured to apply a force to the paper towel to dispense the paper towel from the drum and outside the housing, the plurality of rollers operating only after the moving platform is separated from the housing platform and slot.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to hand-held cleaning devices and more particularly to a combination for dispensing moist towels and a handle device for grasping and using the towels.

Background

Many people are concerned about cleaning surfaces in homes and frequently visited businesses. Direct contact by hand with unsanitary or unclean surfaces and cleaning chemicals used to clean the surfaces is undesirable. In one example, one area of frequent concern is bathrooms, particularly toilet seats. Many methods and devices have been developed to ensure proper cleaning of toilets. For example, the cleaning agent and liquid may be sprayed from a spray bottle onto a surface to clean or disinfect the surface. After application to a surface, a user typically wipes the soiled surface with a wipe, sponge, paper towel, or other similar cleaning device. In this case, the cleaning device requires the user's hand to be close to the surface, typically in direct contact with the cleaning surface and/or cleaning towel. The towel then quickly saturates, typically in contact with the user's hand, and the device or towel must then be discarded, cleaned or washed. While some devices do protect the user from directly holding the cleaning towel with the hand during cleaning, the user is still required to grasp the towel with the hand and discard it after cleaning. The user may be required to wash his hands after use, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

As can be appreciated, this method of cleaning surfaces has various limitations and disadvantages. For example, to clean, once the cleaning wipe needs to be discarded or cleaned, the user's hand is in direct contact with the cleaning wipe before, during, or after cleaning. The hands are easily accessible to dirty surfaces and saturated areas of the cleaning wipe itself, causing many users psychological distress and possible irritation.

Thus, the aim of some users is to avoid such close contact with the cleaning devices or surfaces, in particular toilet seats, while many other users completely avoid the use of any public toilets because of unhygienic conditions and the lack of effective cleaning devices. In addition, many people have allergic or other harmful reactions and irritations to various cleaning products that can make contact with the cleaning compound dangerous. Others do not want to touch the cleaning paper because the cleaner emits an odor (i.e., an alcohol smell). Furthermore, it is difficult to estimate the number of detergents and cleaning devices required to avoid contact with detergents and to ensure thorough cleaning.

These disadvantages are only amplified by the unsanitary surfaces in commercial facilities (public toilets, handles, tables, hospitals, etc.). For example, any number of viruses and bacteria may be present in a hospital, even biological material (i.e., blood) that needs to be removed from a surface. The user does not want to be exposed to these things. Cleaning becomes more complicated because many cleaning devices are stored separately from the cleaning towels, forcing the user to go to the towel storage container each time a refill of towels is needed, increasing the chance of contamination and contact with towels, dirt and cleaning chemicals.

Despite the great advances in providing better cleaning devices and techniques, disadvantages remain. There is a need for an improved cleaning device that separates the user from direct contact with the surface, the cleaning agent and the cleaning wipe, while providing sufficient saturated cleaning wipe for further use.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present application to provide a cleaning combination comprising a handle combination configured to grasp a moist tissue. A drum is included in a dispensing unit and is configured to store paper towels. The dispensing unit selectively releases the towel from the drum when the actuating assembly operates the lever between the first position and the second position. The roller is located within the dispensing unit and is in communication with the drive assembly. The design of the cleaning combination allows a user to dispense, grasp and clean a moist tissue without any contact with the moist tissue or a selected cleaning surface.

Another object is that the cleaning assembly engages the drum to prevent the moist tissue from drying. The cleaning assembly has a housing with a platform for sealing the opening of the drum. A mobile platform is also included, selectively sealed beneath the housing platform. When the moist tissue is released, the mobile platform is separated from the housing platform.

It is another object of the present application to provide a drive assembly that separates the moving platform from the housing platform before the rollers are activated to begin the removal of the moist tissue. This prevents tearing of the moist tissue. Movement of the lever arm in the actuation assembly first lowers the mobile platform and then actuates the roller as the lever arm moves from the first position to the second position.

The drum is configured to be replaceable and optionally refillable with paper towels.

The handle includes jaws that open and close by user input. The gripper is designed to grip the moist tissue when dispensed from the dispensing unit. Using the handle, the user can position the towel over a desired surface and scrub the surface by pressing the handle pad against the towel on the surface. The user's hand does not have to touch the towel at any time.

It is another object of the present application to provide a paper towel dispensing unit for a wall comprising paper towels. The apparatus includes a drum configured to store paper towels. The roll has an opening for passage of the tissue outside the roll. The combination further includes a housing configured to store the drum on a housing platform having a slot for passage of paper towels outside the drum and including a seal around the slot. The seal is configured to seal around an opening of the drum. Furthermore, the unit comprises a drive assembly having a lever for activating dispensing of the towel outside the housing.

The unit includes a mobile platform configured to selectively seal against the housing platform and the socket. The joystick initiates movement of the mobile platform. Likewise, the drive assembly comprises a plurality of rollers configured to apply a force to the paper towel in order to dispense it from the drum outside the housing. The plurality of rollers operate only after the moving platform disengages the housing platform and the trough.

The paper towel dispensing unit may be mounted away from the wall, for example on a stand, so that it can sit freely anywhere, or on a counter or overhead surface.

Finally, the invention may take many embodiments. In these ways, the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in the prior art. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Additional features will be described hereinafter and will form the subject of the claims appended hereto.

Many objects of the present combination will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like numerals designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present system in detail, it is to be understood that the assembly is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The combination is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present combination. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present combination.

Drawings

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. The application itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a handle assembly used in the cleaning assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is another side view of the handle assembly of fig. 2 with the jaws in an open position.

Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of the handle assembly of fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the dispensing unit used in the cleaning combination of fig. 1 with the front cover removed.

Fig. 6 is a side perspective view of the dispensing unit of fig. 5 with the side cover removed.

Figure 7 is a front lower perspective view of the roller in the cleaning combination of figure 1.

Fig. 8 is a rear lower perspective view of the drum of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of the housing of the dispensing unit of fig. 5.

Fig. 10 and 11 are enlarged front views of the housing of fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of the dispensing unit of fig. 5 with the roller and side covers removed.

Fig. 13 is a top view of the dispensing unit of fig. 12.

Figure 14 is a lower perspective view of the drive assembly in the dispensing unit of figure 12.

Fig. 15 is an upper perspective view of the drive assembly of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a top view of the drive assembly of fig. 14.

Fig. 17 is a bottom view of the drive assembly of fig. 14.

While the assembly of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the application as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description

Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiments are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the description, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and the spatial orientation of various aspects of the components, such as the devices illustrated in the drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, components, apparatus, etc. described herein can be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, use of terms to describe spatial relationships between various components or to describe spatial directions of aspects of such components should be understood to describe relative relationships between such components or spatial directions of aspects of such components, respectively, as the embodiments described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

Embodiments and methods according to the present application overcome one or more of the problems generally associated with the elevated platforms discussed previously above. In particular, the cleaning assembly of the present application allows a user to clean potentially unclean surfaces without physically contacting any cleaning tissues, chemicals, or the surface itself at any time. The user is separated from potentially harmful surfaces and chemicals. These and other unique features are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying figures.

The construction and operation of the embodiments and methods will be understood from the accompanying drawings and description. Several embodiments of the combination may be presented herein. It is to be understood that the various components, parts and features of the different embodiments may be combined and/or interchanged with one another, all within the scope of the present application, even if not all variations and specific embodiments are shown in the figures. It is further understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various embodiments is explicitly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from the present disclosure that features, elements and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise specified.

Embodiments and methods of the present application are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The cleaning assembly includes a handle assembly configured to grasp the moist tissue. A drum is included in the dispensing unit to store paper towels. The dispensing unit selectively releases the towel from the drum when the actuating assembly operates the lever between the first position and the second position. The drum is located in the dispensing unit in communication with the drive assembly in such a way that the towels are sealed and prevented from drying. Other features and functions will be illustrated and discussed below.

Reference is now made to the several figures of the drawing wherein like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout. The following figures describe embodiments of the present application and their related features. Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present application are described herein. It should be noted that, as used in this specification, the articles "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a perspective view of a cleaning assembly. The cleaning combination 101 comprises a dispensing unit 103 and a handle combination 105. Within the dispensing unit 103 are a plurality of tissues (not shown) that are selectively dispensed externally from the dispensing unit 103. The handle assembly 105 is configured to be picked up and grasped by a user for dispensing the tissue and to provide a means for applying a force to the tissue on the surface to be cleaned. The user is constantly separated from the paper towel, the cleaning surface and any chemicals on the paper towel. The paper towel can be discarded by operating the handle. As shown in fig. 1, the handle assembly 105 includes a hook that allows the handle assembly to rest and/or hang from a portion of the dispensing unit 103.

Referring now also to fig. 2-4 of the drawings, various views of the handle assembly 105 are illustrated. The handle assembly 105 includes a handle 107, a lever 109, and a clamp 111. A rod 109 extends between handle 107 and clamp 111 to help maintain separation of the user from clamp 111. Using the handle 107, the user can grasp the handle assembly 105 and operate the jaws 111. The clamp 111 is configured to operate between open and closed positions. In fig. 2 and 4, the clamp 111 is closed. In fig. 3, the clamp 111 is shown in an open position.

At the bottom of the rod 109, the clamp 111 includes a base 113 and a lower member 115. When handle 107 is actuated, lower member 115 pivots relative to base 113 along axis 117 so as to partially disengage from each other. Along the upper surface of the lower member 115 is a textured surface 119 to help grip and hold the towel 102. Once the tissue 102 is inserted into the open jaws 111, the user can release the handle 107 and close the jaws 111. The towel is then placed on a surface and the pad 121 along the lower surface of the lower member 115 is pressed against the towel 102 on the surface to be cleaned. As shown, the hook 123 is located on the rod 109. It will be appreciated that the hook 123 can be located anywhere on the handle assembly 105 that suitably provides the ability to couple with a portion of the dispensing unit 103

Referring now also to fig. 5 and 6, there are shown front perspective views of the dispensing unit 103 with the front cover removed for clarity and side perspective views with the side cover removed. The front cover 120 is removed in fig. 5 to display the internal mechanism of the unit 103. The drum 106 is located inside. Within the drum 106 are a plurality of paper towels 102. The tissue is preferably moistened with a chemical to aid in sterilization and cleaning. However, the tissue may be dry.

As shown in fig. 6, the unit 103 comprises a drive assembly 108 configured to facilitate dispensing of paper towels from the drum 106. A plurality of gears, shafts, linkages, and other components are included in the drive assembly 108 and are coupled to the housing 128. Each component is used to help ensure the correct operation time of the unit 103 in order to seal/unseal and/or dispense the tissues in the correct sequence. In fig. 6, the side cover 122 is removed to show the drive assembly 108.

The combination 108 includes a joystick 125 operable between a plurality of positions. These locations are designated as locations 125a-125 d. Position 125a is a neutral position used before initiating any dispensing action of the towel 102. From location 125a to location 125b, the drum and towel are unsealed. From position 125b to position 125c, roller 127 of combination 108 is activated and exerts a force on towel 102 to dispense it from drum 106 outside unit 103. When the lever 125 is moved only between positions 125b to 125c, the roller 127 rotates. Further discussion regarding the operation of the combination 108 with the handle 124 will be provided later in fig. 10 and 11.

It is to be understood that although a joystick is disclosed, it is only a single example of the manual operation unit 103. In other embodiments, the unit 103 may utilize an electronically driven combination 108 having a motor and motion sensor that is capable of automatically sensing motion and then dispensing a predetermined amount of paper towels. In addition, combinations of the two types may be combined into a single embodiment having a button for selecting between the two types. For this reason, the manual operation will be discussed.

Referring now also to fig. 7 and 8 of the drawings, a view of the drum 106 is provided. The drum 106 is a cylinder with capped ends. Each end has an outwardly extending stop 129 which, when mounted in the housing 128, assists in proper alignment of the rollers 106. The notch portion 132 exists on the lower region of the drum 10. In the recess portion 132 is a key (keyed portion)131 having a series of protrusions extending from a surface thereof. The key 131 is unique to the type of drum 106 and helps to limit the use of the unit 103 to authorized or legitimate drums 106 from the original manufacturer. The drum 106 is replaceable 128 relative to the housing. For example, when the towel 102 is used up, the drum 106 may be interchanged with another drum. It should be appreciated that the key 131 may have any number of different protrusions. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that key 131 may comprise any type of device, such as an electronic device that may emit a signal for authentication. Any manual, physical and/or electronic key 131 is conceivable.

Further, the drum 106 includes an opening 133. The opening 133 is aligned with the stop 129 to allow operation within the housing 128. The towel 102 passes through the opening 133 from an interior location within the drum 106.

Referring now also to fig. 9 of the drawings, a front perspective view of the housing 128 is shown. In this figure, the drum 106 is removed for clarity. Of note are the mating portions 135 located on the inside. This matches the key 131. When the fitting portion 135 and the key portion 131 are matched, the operation of the actuation assembly 108 is allowed. In other words, the operation of the drive assembly 108 is regulated by whether the key portion 131 and the mating portion match 135.

Another feature of the housing 128 is the use of a housing platform 137 that extends from one side of the interior cavity to the other. Platform 137 includes a trough 139. The drum 106 is configured to align specifically with the platform 137 and the trough 139. As the tissues 102 exit the drum 106, they will pass through the slot 139. The platform 137 also includes a seal 141, the seal 141 being located on an upper surface of the platform 137 and extending around the groove 139. With the drum 106 positioned or seated within the housing 128, the opening 133 is positioned within the seal 141, above the groove 139. A seal 141 is located between the platform 137 and the drum 106. The seal 141 prevents the water from leaving the drum 106 and the paper towel 102 dry.

As previously described, the towel 102 passes through the slot 141, thus requiring a means of sealing the slot 141 from the bottom of the platform 137. The drive assembly 108 also includes a translation platform 143 in communication with the joystick 125 via one or more gears. The moving platform 143 is configured to move (i.e., pivot, rotate, translate, etc.) as the joystick 125 is actuated between positions. The moving platform 143 is configured to abut against the lower surface of the platform 137 and seal around the groove 139. This effectively seals off any air and moisture loss within the drum wheel 106.

Referring now also to fig. 10 and 11 of the drawings, there are shown enlarged front views of the platform 137 and the mobile platform 143 in different positions. In fig. 10, the movable platform 143 is in a fixed position against the lower surface of the platform 137, thereby sealing the drum 106 from air. In this position, the joystick 125 is in position 125 a. In fig. 11, the mobile platform 143 is shown in a lowered position. This occurs when the joystick 125 is moved to position 125 b. The mobile platform then remains in the lowered position until the joystick 125 is moved back to position 125 a. At positions 125b-125d, the mobile platform 143 remains lowered. It will be appreciated that the amount of movement of the platform 143 may vary. Movement is necessary to release the towel 102 to allow the roller 127 to pull or dispense more towel for the user. In position 125d, the rollers 127 do not rotate and the moving platform 143 remains in the lowered position. In this case, the drum 106 is easier to replace because the slot 139 is opened by the platform 137. A new drum 106 can be inserted and the towel 102 passed through slot 139 before passing over roller 127. Once reloaded or in a state ready for operation, the lever 125 can then be rotated back to position 125a in preparation for dispensing. The roller 127 need not be configured to rotate when the joystick 125 is turned from position 125d or 125c to 125 a. The rotation of the roller 127 will result in more paper towels 10 being dispensed or some being withdrawn. This is not necessary, although it is possible in selected configurations.

Referring now also to fig. 12 and 13 of the drawings, a view of the housing 128 with the driver assembly 108 and rollers 127 is provided.

Referring now also to fig. 14-17 of the drawings, views of the actuator assembly 108 are provided. As previously described, the actuator assembly 108 includes a joystick 125, a plurality of gears or mechanical drives, a translation platform 143, and rollers 127. The gears in turn operate the moving platform 143 and the rollers 127 as the lever 125 changes position. The key 131 and the fitting 135 serve as a safety locking means to regulate the movement of the lever 125 and the operation of the unit 103. As shown particularly in fig. 15, the mobile platform 143 is shaped so that it fits and conforms to the contours of the platform 137. It is understood that other shapes are possible.

Ideally, the rod 125 preloads a predetermined rest position at an upper position of the position 125 a. This means that the user will have some feedback moment when switching to positions 125b and 125c, because the joystick 125 naturally wants to rest in position 125 a. However, at position 125d, the feedback moment of the joystick 125 is eliminated to allow for interchangeability. In a preferred embodiment, when the joystick 125 is placed in the position 125d and until the user changes its position, the joystick 125 naturally remains in the position 125 d. In other embodiments, the joystick 125 may be secured thereto by a fixture, since the feedback torque is felt in all positions. If left unchecked, the joystick 125 will transition from positions 125b and 125c to position 125 a.

The mobile platform 143 is configured to rotate about an axis 145. A spring is connected to the shaft to ensure a preload pressure in a fixed position. This pressure can be overcome by moving the joystick 125 to position 125 b.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the specification. It is apparent that the present application has been described and illustrated with significant advantages. While the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.