阅读说明：本技术 网格设备 (Grid device ) 是由 托基尔德·卡兰德 于 2018-05-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种过滤分隔器,该过滤分隔器有助于在容器内部创建两个液体清洁区域。过滤分隔器上方的液体比过滤分隔器下方的液体更清洁。这是通过使用由多个网格元件组成的格栅来实现的。过滤分隔器可以可选地布置成可以被折叠。这样,可以将该过滤分隔器放置在容器的底部,并提供用于存储清洁用辅助用品的腔体。(The present invention relates to a filtering divider that helps create two liquid-cleaning zones inside the container. The liquid above the filter divider is cleaner than the liquid below the filter divider. This is achieved by using a grid consisting of a plurality of grid elements. The filter separator may optionally be arranged to be collapsible. In this way, the filtering separator can be placed at the bottom of the container and provide a cavity for storing auxiliary cleaning products.)

1. A mesh device, the mesh device comprising:

a grid (10) having a top surface (10A), a bottom surface (10B), and being arranged along the grid (10)A plurality of grid elements (20) in a plane, wherein the grid elements (20) comprise a width d in the top surface (10A)_{Top part}And a width d in the bottom surface (10B)_{Bottom part}A bottom opening (22);

the method is characterized in that:

the grid element (20) further comprising a plurality of walls (23) extending from an edge of the top opening (21) on the top surface (10A) of the grid (10) to a corresponding edge of the bottom opening (22) on the bottom surface (10B) of the grid (10); and wherein d_{Top part}Greater than d_{Bottom part}。

2. The mesh device of claim 1 wherein d is_{Top part}Ratio d_{Bottom part}From 25% to 70%, preferably between 40% and 65%, most preferably between 45% and 60%.

3. Grid device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that d is d_{Top part}Is 30mm to 5mm, preferably between 25mm to 10mm, more preferably between 18mm to 12 mm.

4. Grid device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that d is d_{Bottom part}From 5mm to 30mm, preferably between 6mm to 25mm, more preferably between 7mm to 20 mm.

5. Grid device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness d of the grid (10)_GridIs d_{Top part}From 15% to 150%, preferably from 30% to 100%, most preferably from 50% to 70% of the size of (c).

6. Grid device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that d is d_GridFrom 5mm to 30mm, preferably from 6mm to 25mm, most preferably from 7mm to 20 mm.

7. The mesh device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top opening (21) and the bottom opening (22) of the mesh element (20) are polygonal, preferably polygonal with 3 or more sides, more preferably polygonal with 3 to 12 sides, even more preferably polygonal with 4 to 8 sides, most preferably polygonal with 6 sides.

8. Grid device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of said grid elements (20) are arranged along said grid (10) in such a way that each grid element (20) shares one or more common edges with the grid elements (20) surrounding it.

9. Grid device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more supports (30) extend in a transverse direction from the grid (10).

10. Grid device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said two or more supports (30) are arranged so that said grid (10) is at an inclination angle θ with respect to the horizontal.

11. Grid device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more curved support dampers (31) are arranged on the bottom surface (10B) of the grid (10).

12. Grid device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid (10) comprises one or more folding axes (12) defined by one or more folding means (11); the grid (10) is foldable along the folding axis (12).

13. Grid device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each grid element (20) along the folding axis (12) is divided into two or more parts except at the top surface (10A) of the grid (10).

14. Grid device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (30) or the support damper (31) forms a cavity.

15. A cleaning system, comprising:

a. a container (40); and

b. a grid device comprising a grid (10) having a top surface (10A), a bottom surface (10B), and a plurality of grid elements (20) arranged in a plane along the grid (10), wherein the grid elements (20) comprise a width d in the top surface (10A)_{Top part}And a width d in the bottom surface (10B)_{Bottom part}A bottom opening (22); and wherein the one or more of the one,

c. the grid element (20) further comprising a plurality of walls (23) extending from an edge of the top opening (21) on the top surface (10A) of the grid (10) to a corresponding edge of the bottom opening (22) on the bottom surface (10B) of the grid (10); and wherein d_{Top part}Greater than d_{Bottom part}；

Wherein the grid device is arranged inside the container (40).

16. The cleaning system according to claim 15, characterized in that the container (40) is arranged such that the bottom surface (10B) of the grid (10) rests on one or more grid supports (41), which grid supports (41) are arranged at a distance above the bottom of the container (40).

17. The cleaning system of claim 15, wherein d is_{Top part}Ratio d_{Bottom part}From 25% to 70% larger, preferably from 40% to 70% largerBetween 65% and most preferably between 45% and 60%.

18. The cleaning system of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein d is_{Top part}Is 30mm to 5mm, preferably between 25mm to 10mm, more preferably between 18mm to 12 mm.

19. The cleaning system of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein d is_{Bottom part}From 5mm to 30mm, preferably between 6mm to 25mm, more preferably between 7mm to 20 mm.

20. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the thickness d of the grid (10)_GridIs d_{Top part}From 15% to 150%, preferably from 30% to 100%, most preferably from 50% to 70% of the size of (c).

21. The cleaning system of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein d is_GridFrom 5mm to 30mm, preferably from 6mm to 25mm, most preferably from 7mm to 20 mm.

22. The cleaning system according to any of the claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the top opening (21) and the bottom opening (22) of the grid element (20) are polygonal, preferably polygonal with 3 or more sides, more preferably polygonal with 3 to 12 sides, even more preferably polygonal with 4 to 8 sides, most preferably polygonal with 6 sides.

23. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that a plurality of said grid elements (20) are arranged along said grid (10) in such a way that each grid element (20) shares one or more common edges with the grid elements (20) surrounding it.

24. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that two or more supports (30) extend in a transverse direction from the grille (10).

25. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that the two or more supports (30) are arranged such that the grille (10) is at an inclination angle θ with respect to a horizontal plane.

26. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that one or more curved support dampers (31) are arranged on the bottom surface (10B) of the grille (10).

27. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein the grille (10) comprises one or more folding axes (12) defined by one or more folding means (11); the grid (10) is foldable along the folding axis (12).

28. The cleaning system according to claims 15 to 27, characterized in that each grid element (20) along the folding axis (12) is divided into two or more parts except at the top surface (10A) of the grid (10).

29. The cleaning system of any one of claims 15 to 28, wherein the support (30) or the support damper (31) forms a cavity.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a grid device, and more particularly to a grid device adapted to be positioned in a container with a fluid, preferably a liquid. The mesh device controls the flow of liquid in the fluid and facilitates the flow of contaminants in the fluid through the mesh in one direction. The fluid above the mesh device will be cleaner than the fluid below the mesh device. Related apparatus and systems are also presented.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a grid device comprising a grid having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of grid elements arranged in a plane along the grid, wherein the grid elements comprise a width d in the top surface_{Top part}And a width d in the bottom surface_{Bottom part}Is open at the bottom.

Background of the invention and technical problems to be solved

It is very common to wash soiled surfaces with a container containing a liquid. A good example of this is the use of soap, sponge and a container with water to wash a car.

In most cases, it is of interest that the water used for cleaning contains as little contaminants as possible. If the working system requires the use of a homogeneous liquid, particles of a certain size may cause injury or damage.

A widely understood problem is that as dirt and other particulate matter is washed off the surface to be cleaned, the water is made more dirty. In one setting, cleaning is performed by using used water from a container in such a way that particles are transferred into the water, causing contamination, and the movement in the water flow creates a mixture of liquid and particles of various sizes, reducing the utility value and increasing the risk of damage.

This can be solved in a number of ways. The most common is simply changing the water. However, this can be quite resource intensive, involving working time, effort and water, and also requires additives in the water, such as soap, resulting in inefficient and tiring work.

Another approach is to avoid using a water container together and use a hose or other continuous source of clean water; built-in cleaning tools are sometimes used. This not only wastes a large amount of water, but is not a portable solution.

The water may also be vibrated or otherwise agitated. In this way, the dropping of particulate matter to the bottom of the bucket is facilitated. This requires both an external power source and additional input energy into the system.

If the liquid contains particles of various sizes, which interestingly sink to the bottom and remain there, a measure is needed to ensure that the particles remain there, so that the water in the upper part is as far as possible uncontaminated. Preferably, this is achieved without the need for excessively frequent liquid changes, continuous supply of fresh liquid, agitation of the vessel, or application of electrical power.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a container with a grid device to keep the liquid above the grid device in the container clean. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a grid device which will reduce the flow of liquid below and above the grid and thus also reduce the flow of liquid through the grid. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention that the grid device facilitates the transport of contaminated liquid through the grid in one direction.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a mesh device, comprising: a grid having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of grid elements arranged in a plane along the grid, wherein the grid elements comprise a width d in the top surface_{Top part}And a width d in the bottom surface_{Bottom part}Is open at the bottom; wherein the grid element further comprises a plurality of walls extending from an edge of a top opening on the top surface of the grid to a corresponding edge of a bottom opening (22) on the bottom surface of the grid; and wherein d_{Top part}Greater than d_{Bottom part}。

In a preferred embodiment, d_{Top part}Ratio d_{Bottom part}From 25% to 70%, preferably between 40% and 65%, most preferably between 45% and 60%.

In a preferred embodimentIn d_{Top part}Is 30mm to 5mm, preferably between 25mm to 10mm, more preferably between 18mm to 12 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, d_{Bottom part}From 5mm to 30mm, preferably between 6mm to 25mm, more preferably between 7mm to 20 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the thickness d of the grid_GridIs d_{Top part}From 15% to 150%, preferably from 30% to 100%, most preferably from 50% to 70% of the size of (c).

In a preferred embodiment, d_GridFrom 5mm to 30mm, preferably from 6mm to 25mm, most preferably from 7mm to 20 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the top and bottom openings of the mesh element are polygonal, preferably polygonal with 3 or more sides, more preferably polygonal with 3 to 12 sides, even more preferably polygonal with 4 to 8 sides, most preferably polygonal with 6 sides.

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of said grid elements are arranged along said grid in such a way that each grid element shares one or more common edges with the grid elements surrounding it.

In a preferred embodiment, two or more supports extend in a lateral direction from the grid.

In a preferred embodiment, two or more supports are arranged such that the grid is at an angle of inclination θ with respect to the horizontal.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more curved support dampers are arranged on the bottom surface of the grid.

In a preferred embodiment, the grid comprises one or more folding axes defined by one or more folding means; the grid is foldable along the folding axis.

In a preferred embodiment, each grid element along the folding axis is divided into two or more parts, except at the top surface of the grid.

In a preferred embodiment, the support or the support damper is adapted to form a cavity in a bottom surface.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a cleaning system comprising a container and a grid device comprising a grid having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of grid elements arranged in a plane along the grid, wherein the grid elements comprise a width d in the top surface_{Top part}And a width d in the bottom surface_{Bottom part}Is open at the bottom; wherein the grid element further comprises a plurality of walls extending from edges of the top opening on the top surface of the grid to corresponding edges of the bottom opening (22) on the bottom surface of the grid; and wherein d_{Top part}Greater than d_{Bottom part}(ii) a Wherein the mesh device is disposed inside the container.

In a preferred embodiment, d_{Top part}Ratio d_{Bottom part}From 25% to 70%, preferably between 40% and 65%, most preferably between 45% and 60%.

In a preferred embodiment, d_{Top part}Is 30mm to 5mm, preferably between 25mm to 10mm, more preferably between 18mm to 12 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, d_{Bottom part}From 5mm to 30mm, preferably between 6mm to 25mm, more preferably between 7mm to 20 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the thickness d of the grid_GridIs d_{Top part}From 15% to 150%, preferably from 30% to 100%, most preferably from 50% to 70% of the size of (c).

In a preferred embodiment, d_GridFrom 5mm to 30mm, preferably from 6mm to 25mm, most preferably from 7mm to 20 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the top and bottom openings of the mesh element are polygonal, preferably polygonal with 3 or more sides, more preferably polygonal with 3 to 12 sides, even more preferably polygonal with 4 to 8 sides, most preferably polygonal with 6 sides.

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of said grid elements are arranged along said grid in such a way that each grid element shares one or more common edges with the grid elements surrounding it.

In a preferred embodiment, two or more supports extend in a lateral direction from the grid.

In a preferred embodiment, two or more supports are arranged such that the grid is at an angle of inclination θ with respect to the horizontal.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more curved support dampers are arranged on the bottom surface of the grid.

In a preferred embodiment, the grid comprises one or more folding axes defined by one or more folding means; the grid is foldable along the folding axis.

In a preferred embodiment, each grid element along the folding axis is divided into two or more parts, except at the top surface of the grid.

In a preferred embodiment, the support or the support damper is adapted to form a cavity in a bottom surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is arranged such that the bottom surface of the grid rests on one or more grid supports arranged at a distance above the bottom of the container.

If the container is circular in cross-section, the liquid flow in the liquid will often create an undesirable swirling effect. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the container has a non-circular cross-section, i.e. the horizontal cross-section of the container is thus preferably formed as a square or rectangle.

The present invention has a number of advantages with respect to previous solutions to the technical problems discussed previously.

The present invention is a mesh device that includes a grid of filter elements. Due to the shape of the grid elements, the liquid above the grid will be cleaner than the liquid below the grid elements. This allows reducing the frequency of replacement of the liquid in the container.

This solution does not rely on a continuous supply of clean water. In addition, there is no need to agitate the container to encourage the particulate matter to fall to the bottom of the container.

During use of a container containing a liquid, a flow of liquid is generated within the container. These liquid streams will agitate the sediment that settles to the bottom of the vessel, making the liquid more dirty than if the sediment were not disturbed. Optionally, the invention includes a damper that reduces the size and intensity of the surface undulations and annular liquid flow within the container.

Drawings

Fig. 1 discloses a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 discloses a side view in cross-section of an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 discloses a top view of an individual grid element.

Fig. 4A discloses a side view of a cross section of a grid and grid elements.

Fig. 4B discloses a side view in cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the grid element.

Fig. 5 discloses a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

Fig 6 discloses a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the folding device.

Fig. 7 discloses a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention that has been folded.

Fig 8 discloses a cross-sectional view from the side of an embodiment of the invention located in a container.

Fig. 9 discloses a cross-sectional view from the bottom of an embodiment wherein the invention has been folded and placed inside a container.

Fig. 10 discloses a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention located in a container.

Detailed Description

The invention is described using the drawings, technical content and detailed description. Alternative embodiments will also be presented.

The present invention is one type of grid. It should be submerged in the liquid container. The grid is made up of a plurality of grid elements. One of the key features of these elements is that their openings on the top are larger than the openings on the bottom. This helps to keep the liquid above the grid cleaner than below the grid. Furthermore, the grid elements in the grid device will also reduce the liquid flow in the liquid above the grid and below the grid.

Refer to fig. 1. Which discloses a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The grid 10 is made up of a plurality of grid elements 20. A series of supports 30 are fixed to the bottom of the grid 10 at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the surface of the grid 10. The purpose of these supports is to allow the grid to be held in place at a desired height above the bottom of the container 40 (not shown in fig. 1).

In order to obtain an efficient grid device, i.e. a device which reduces the liquid flow in the liquid above and below the grid and which also facilitates the transport of water from the upper side of the grid to below the grid, the grid device comprises one, or preferably all, of the following features:

the top openings of the grid elements are larger than the bottom openings to allow easy access for the settled sediment;

the bottom opening of the grid element is narrow, which makes it difficult for the rising sediment to enter;

the high degree of packing of the grid elements reduces the surface area of the top surface and leaves little available surface area for the settling of settled sediment, thereby ensuring that sediment passes through the grid and does not settle on the grid surface;

-as large a total surface area as possible to reduce the liquid flow in the liquid;

a larger contact area with the liquid to increase friction in the water and reduce liquid flow.

When viewed in cross-section from above, the grid elements 20 are shown as regular hexagons (all sides are equal in length). Such a shape allows the grid elements 20 to have a high packing effectiveness along the grid 10. This minimizes resistance to liquid flow during operation of the invention. There are many other polygonal shapes that will also result in very high packing effectiveness and low liquid flow resistance. If the shape of the top opening 21 is limited to a single type of regular polygon, the shape of the preferred embodiment is triangular, square or hexagonal. If two different regular polygons are to be used, the preferred embodiments are octagons and squares, triangles and squares, dodecagons and triangles, and hexagons and triangles. If three different regular polygons are to be used, the preferred combination is: (a) hexagons, triangles and squares; (b) dodecagons, hexagons and squares.

However, while hexagons are the most preferred embodiment, and the aforementioned polygons are additional preferred embodiments, these are not the only shapes that allow for high packing effectiveness. Any polygon (regular or irregular) is suitable. Although a straight edge is preferred for the top of the grid element 20, this is primarily to simplify manufacturing. However, it must be noted that the choice of using regular polygons is not a technical requirement, nor a manufacturing requirement. One skilled in the art can readily calculate the desired size or shapes. This is a well known mathematical problem from euclidean shape tiling studies and non-euclidean shape tiling studies.

Each grid element 20 of the grid 10 is shown as sharing a common edge. The manufacturing costs are reduced due to the reduction of the material required to form the grid elements 20. Although this is the preferred embodiment, the edges between the grid elements may also be spaced apart. This may be due to structural strength or due to the use of more than a single shape or size of the grid elements 20. For example, if a regular octagon is used as the shape of the grid elements 20, there will be squares located between opposite corners of each grid element 20. If different types of undesired substances (plaster or dirt) remain on the surface to be cleaned, it may be useful to use a grating 10 with grid elements 20 having different shapes.

Although fig. 1 illustrates the invention with a support 10, this is not essential. While it is desirable to position the grid 10 above the bottom of the container 40 of liquid (not shown) when it is used, this need not necessarily be accomplished using physical supports on the grid 10. It can be implemented in a number of ways. The support 30 may be molded into the container in which the grill 10 is placed.

The supports 30 can be easily separated so that they are no longer fixed to the grid 10. In this case, the support 30 will be placed first, and then the grid 10 will be placed on the support. This may be useful if the two different components are made of different materials. This may also be important if the same grid 10 is used in multiple vessels of different sizes. The grid 10 may also be placed at the correct height by hanging or other upward force from the edge of the container 40 (not shown).

In fig. 1, a support 30 with a curved front is shown. These bends are not strictly necessary. They provide additional strength and control of the liquid flow within the container. For maximum efficiency, such attachment of the support 10 and having a size such that the flow of liquid through the grid element 20 is not significantly reduced. However, a thick support 30 blocking one or more grid elements 20 would still allow the invention to function as intended, but with less efficiency.

Fig. 1 shows the invention with a total of 8 supports 10. These supports 10 are shown arranged parallel to the minor axis of the grid 10. The number of supports is only one example. If supports 11 are used, these supports 11 must be sufficient to maintain the grid 10 at the desired height in the vessel. This can be achieved by using a single support 11 if desired. Open gaps are shown between the supports 10, but there may be one or more covers along the front between the supports 11. This may give the present invention a higher strength. The supports 11 are shown as two separate pairs along the same axis. This is not essential, but in a preferred embodiment the grid 10 is folded and the supports 10 are then separated accordingly.

Refer to fig. 2. Which discloses a side view in cross-section of one embodiment of the present invention. The grid 10 having a top surface 10A and a bottom surface 10B is composed of a plurality of grid elements 20. Each grid element 20 has a width d_{Top part}Has a top opening 21 and a width d_{Bottom part}And a bottom opening 22. A wall 23 extends from each edge of the top opening 21 to each edge of the bottom opening 22. Because the top opening 21 is larger than the bottom opening 22, each wall 23 within the grid element 20 is angled relative to the top surface 10A of the grid.

A series of supports 30 are attached perpendicular to the top surface 10A of the grid. A curved support damper 31 is attached between the opening defined by the support 30 and the grille 10.

In the preferred embodiment, there are two support dampers 31 between each pair of supports: one in front of the opening and the other in the rear. However, as previously discussed, the presence of the support damper 31 may not be required. If higher strength is required, as many strut dampers as possible can be added to meet the specifications of the task.

The curved nature of the support damper 31 will help to direct the liquid in an annular manner so that as much liquid as possible passes under the bottom surface 10B of the grille and so that as little liquid as possible passes through the filter element from the bottom surface 10B of the grille to the top surface 10A of the grille. This will improve the efficiency of the invention.

Although the support damper 31 is shown perpendicular to the support 30, an angled support damper may be used. In particular, those that pass from the front of a support 30 on one side to the rear of another support 30 on the other side. The support damper 31 may have different shapes or different types of bent portions. This will depend on the cleaning liquid used, the shape of the container and the nature of the soil to be cleaned.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support 30 is not present, but the support damper 31 is present. In this case, the support damper 31 is directly fixed to the bottom surface 10B of the grille.

Refer to fig. 3. The figure discloses a top view of a single grid element 20. The grid element 20 has a width d_{Top part}A regular hexagonal top opening 21. It also has a width d_{Bottom part}A regular hexagonal bottom opening 22. A wall 23 extends from each edge of the top opening 21 to the corresponding bottom opening 22. Because the bottom opening 22 is smaller than the top opening 21, the wall 23 is angled. The angle can also be changed by changing the thickness d of the grating_Grid(not shown) to change.

The edge of the top opening 21 may have a textured surface. This will help to assist in any scraping operations that are required. The wall 23 may also be textured. By varying the surface of the wall 23, more or less surface resistance can be applied.

In an alternative embodiment, the shape of the top opening 21 and the shape of the bottom opening 22 need not be the same. In this way, some of the walls 23 within the grid element 20 may have different angles. This will allow some walls 23 to be vertical and others to be angled.

By rotating the top opening 21 with respect to the bottom opening 22, a grid element 20 with a twisted inner contour may be achieved. Depending on the particle size and the turbidity of the liquid, this may be advantageous to obtain the desired result.

Refer to fig. 4A. The figure discloses a side view of a cross section of a grid and mesh element 20. The top surface 10A of the grid is composed of grid elements 20. As previously mentioned, the filter 23 element has a width d_{Top part}Has a top opening 21 and a width d_{Bottom part}And a bottom opening 22. A wall 23 extends from each edge of the top opening 21 to the corresponding bottom opening 22. Thickness d of the grid_GridBetween the top surface 10A of the grid and the bottom surface 10B of the grid. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface 10B of the grid is coplanar with the bottom opening 22.

Refer to fig. 4B. Which discloses a side view in cross section of an alternative embodiment of a grid element 20. In this embodiment, the bottom opening 22 of the grid element 20 has a bottom protrusion 24 extending below the bottom surface 10B of the grid. The bottom tab 24 has the same shape as the bottom opening 22. Further, the bottom tab 24 is preferably slightly smaller than the bottom opening 22. Additional features may help direct the flow of liquid from the top opening 21 to the bottom of the container 40 (not shown) in a more vertical manner.

Refer to fig. 5. Which discloses a top view of an embodiment of the present invention. Folding means 11 are provided, which folding means 11 are arranged, in a preferred embodiment, along the central long axis of the grid 10. This allows the grid 10 to be folded along a folding axis 12, which folding axis 12 is defined along the path of the folding means 11. There are as many folding devices as possible. In one embodiment, the grid 10 is physically divided into multiple sections, with the multiple sections of the grid 10 being connected together with hinges. In the preferred embodiment, the folding means 11 are formed by small connectors that separate and lower the grid elements 20 at the top surface of the grid 10. The connection is flexible and allows the grille 10 to be folded. The folding device 11 is described in more detail in the discussion of fig. 6.

The folding means may traverse the entire grid 10 and may be at any angle on the surface of the grid 10. The fold axis 12 need not intersect the center of the grid (along the major or minor axis) nor does it divide the grid 10 into equally sized regions. The invention may have a plurality of folding means 11 and thus a plurality of folding axes 12.

Refer to fig. 6. Which discloses a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the folding device. The grid element 20 encountered along the folding axis 12 of the folding device 11 is formed by dividing the wall 23 of the grid element into two parts. However, the wall 23 is not divided across the entire grille 10. The top surface 10A of the grid is not divided. Because the material of the top surface 10A of the grid is flexible and not separated, the grid can be folded along the fold axis 12. The folding means 11 may be made of the same or different material as the rest of the grid. For example, the folding means 11 may be made of rubber, or of another material that is more flexible than the rest of the grid 10.

Refer to fig. 7. Which discloses a perspective view of a folded embodiment of the invention. The grid 10 is made up of a plurality of grid elements 20. The grid 10 has been folded along a folding axis 12 defined by the position of the path of the folding means 11. The support 30 and the support damper 31 are arranged such that separate cavities are formed. Containers of cleaning products and other cleaning aids may be placed within these cavities.

The cavities may have different sizes and shapes depending on the exact arrangement of the support 30 and the support damper 31.

Refer to fig. 8. This figure discloses a cross-sectional view from the side of the invention located in a container. This is the preferred embodiment of the system in which the present invention is used. The grid 10 is composed of a plurality of grid elements 20 and the grid 10 is located inside the container 40. The grill support 41 holds the grill 10 at a distance from the bottom of the container 40. The support 30 and support damper 31 provide structural support in the middle of the grid.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support 30 and/or the support damper 31 are removed. This reduces the effort involved in manufacturing the invention.

The grid support 41 may be arranged such that it locks the grid 10 in place inside the container 40. The grill support 41 may be positioned at different heights along the sides of the container 40. This will angle the grill 10 relative to the bottom of the container 40. The grid supports 41 may also be adjustable such that each grid support 41 may be adjusted to place the grid 10 at a desired height inside the container 40.

Refer to fig. 9. The figure discloses a cross-sectional view from the bottom of the invention. The present invention has been placed inside the container 40 in a folded position; rests on the container holder 41. When the present invention is in the folded position, the support 30 and the support damper 31 form a cavity. As previously mentioned, the preferred embodiment of the folding means 11 is formed by dividing the grid element 20 into several parts, except at the top surface 10A of the grid (not shown). This creates a folding axis 12 through which the invention can be folded. In the preferred embodiment, the grid elements 20 are separated along their edges.

Refer to fig. 10. This figure discloses a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention located in a container. In the foregoing embodiment of the present invention, the grating 10 is held horizontally by the support 30 located therebelow. In fig. 10, the supports have different heights. This results in the grid being at an oblique angle θ with respect to the bottom of the container 40 on which said support 30 rests. The tilt angle θ is shown in the figure as being in a single plane. However, the reason why there is no angle in the xy axis, xz axis and/or yz axis is that there is no technical limitation.

This angle of inclination theta is advantageous in situations where it is desirable to contact different amounts of liquid above the grid at different locations. In one illustrative example: during the process of cleaning plaster, it is common for a large amount of plaster to stick to the implement (e.g., sponge) used to clean the surface. If the grid 10 is at an inclined angle θ, it may be easier to scrape the plaster off the sponge on the portion of the grid 10 furthest from the bottom of the container 40 (on the right in fig. 10) with less liquid. More liquid may make the cleaning device easier to wash clean; making it more desirable to locate the portion of the grill 10 closest to the bottom.

The angle of inclination theta between the grid 10 and the bottom of the container 40 may be fixed at the time of manufacture or one or both of the supports 30 may be adjustable.

The embodiment of the invention shown in the various figures of the drawings has a series of cuts on the short edge and is rounded along half of the larger edge. This particular embodiment shows that it has been modified to fit a particular container 40; typically with a grid support 41. The cut-outs have no functional purpose for the ability of the invention to perform its designed task. Without these cuts, the present invention would work as well.

More than one layer of grid elements 20 may be provided on top of each other if desired. The second layer of grid elements 20 may be aligned or offset relative to the first layer of grid elements 20. This may provide a better filtering effect.

The following is a description of preferred embodiments of the present invention. The grid 10 is made up of a series of grid elements 20 having a regular hexagonal shape, which share edges with adjacent grid elements 20. In this way, the packing effectiveness is maximized and the resistance to liquid flow through the grid 10 is minimized.

The top opening 21 of the filter element 20 has a width, measured along the short side of the hexagon, of between 30mm and 5mm, preferably between 25mm and 10mm, more preferably between 18mm and 12mm, most preferably 15mm, measured along the short axis. This corresponds to a length of 8.7 mm for each edge.

The width of the bottom opening 22 of the filter element 20, when measured along the minor axis, is between 5mm and 30mm, preferably between 6mm and 25mm, more preferably between 7mm and 20mm, most preferably 9.6 mm. This corresponds to a length of 5.6mm for each edge.

The top opening 21 is larger than the bottom opening 22 by a ratio of between 25% and 70%, preferably between 40% and 65%, more preferably between 45% and 60%, most preferably 56.6%.

Thickness d of grid 10_GridBetween 5mm and 30mm, preferably between 6mm and 25mm, more preferably between 7mm and 20mm, most preferably 10 mm.

d_GridCan be expressed as d_{Top part}Percent (c). The thickness is d_{Top part}Is preferably between 30% and 100%, more preferably between 50% and 70%, most preferably 67%.

The width of the support 30 is between 1mm and 8mm, preferably between 1.5mm and 6mm, more preferably between 2mm and 3mm, most preferably between 2.1mm and 2.5 mm. The radius of the curved support damper 31 is between 20mm and 50mm, preferably between 25mm and 45mm, more preferably between 35mm and 45mm, most preferably 41.5 mm.

The thickness of the support 30 is between 0.2mm and 10mm, preferably between 0.3mm and 5mm, more preferably between 0.4 and 4mm, most preferably 0.8 mm.

The distance between the supports 30 has a thickness of between 4cm and 12cm, between 6.5cm and 10.5cm, most preferably 8.5 cm. The height of the support 30 is between 1cm and 20cm, preferably between 2cm and 15cm, more preferably between 4cm and 10cm, most preferably 5.8 cm.

The folding means are formed by separating the walls 23 of the grid element 20, leaving flexible edges on the top surface 10A of the grid. The thickness of the folding means 11 is between 0.2mm and 10mm, preferably between 0.2mm and 5mm, more preferably between 0.4mm and 4mm, most preferably 0.3 mm.

Note that these sizes are provided as non-limiting examples only. The size of the various parts of the invention may be readily adapted to the specific tasks to be performed by the person skilled in the art.

Even though the grid device is described herein as a separate system, it is meant that it can be used as part of a system consisting of the container 40 and the grid device. Optionally, the grid 10 of the present invention rests on a grid support 41 positioned inside the container 40. In this way, the fold axis 12 is along the long axis of the center of the top surface 10A of the grid.

A representative dimension of the grid 10 is a dimension of 349.7mm x 199.7 mm. The cutout of the grid support 41 may be 82.5mm by 30mm and centered on the long axis of the center of the grid 10. The folding means 11 are positioned along the long axis of the centre of the grid 10. The container 40 is adapted to contain the present invention.

Note that "step of … …" should not be interpreted as "step for … …". "consisting essentially of … …", "comprising", "including", etc., refer to an open collection, while "consisting of … …" refers to a closed collection.