Cleaning device

April 19, 1960

2,932,840

Η. T. LATHROP

CLEANING DEVICE

Filed May 21, 1958

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2,932,840

Patented Apr. 19, I960

2,932,840 CLEANING DEVICE Henry T. Lathrop, Grand Rapids, Mich. Application May 21, 1958, Serial No. 736,766 2 Claims. (Cl. 15—136)

This invention relates to the construction of cleaning devices, and has been developed primarily as a tool for cleaning fabrics and upholstery. It has also been found useful in cleaning baseboards, walls, cupboards, and numerous other surfaces.. The primary function is that of a dispenser for a liquid cleaning solution carried in a flexible reservoir which preferably also serves as a handle. The cleaning solution is of the type capable of being foamed, and the structure of the unit is directed toward generating the necessary rate of release of the liquid and at the same time inducing the foam formation as a result of the movements made with the device.

The rate of discharge of the cleaning solution is detei mined by the fact that the entire flow must take place through a permeable sponge, with the liquid being admitted to the sponge at a central point on the side opposite from that at which the cleaning operation is conducted. As the solution flows through the sponge under the to-and-fro movement of a mild scrubbing action, a foaming action is induced within the intercellular spaces of the sponge which results in presenting the complete- 35 ly foamed material to the open face of the sponge in contact with the fabric. It is preferable that the sponge block be surrounded by a group of bristles which add somewhat to the effectiveness of the scrubbing movement, and also provide a porous and yielding confine- 40 ment to the edges of the sponge block. The bristles facilitate the admission of air and yet serve to support the movements of the sponge material. The several features of the invention will be analyzed in detail through a discussion of the particular embodiments illustrated 45 in the accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

Figure i presents a side elevation of a device showing its position when in use.

Figure 2 is a sectional elevation taken through the central portion of the unit on a vertical plane.

Figure 3 is a section through the unit on a vertical plane perpendicular to that of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a section of the plane TV—-IV of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a view on an enlarged scale showing the perforation of the adhesive film attaching the sponge to the backing member.

Referring to the drawing, the cleaning unit is shown in its operating position being manipulated by the hand 10 indicated in dotted lines. The reservoir 11 is preferably of a molded plastic material having considerable ⁶⁰flexibility, and is commonly known as a “squeeze bottle.” There are several well-known materials for such containers, with the specific physical characteristics of the plastic material being selected to avoid any reaction with the contained cleaning solution. The end of the container 11 is normally in threaded engagement with the opening 12 in the housing 13, and a tight threaded engagement will be sufficient to establish a liquid seal. The housing 13 is preferably of die-cast construction, and provides a conduit 14 normally communicating with the container 11 and also with the chamber 15 established by the wall 16 in engagement with and extending below

2o the inner surface of the backing member 17 of the brush K-^T?^{e cilamber 15} includes the perforations 18 and 19 which are disposed in the central area of the unit opposite the cellular porous sponge block 20 The material of the sponge block is preferably of the type referred to as “semi-open” cellular polyurethane. The backing member 17 may be conveniently formed of the conventional molded plastic material, and is normally fixed with respect to the housing 13 through being pressed nrmly into engagement with the surrounding flange 21 which serves as a retaining frame. The backing member 17 has a peripheral ridge 22 for receiving a row of groups or bristles 23 surrounding the sponge block 20 It is preferable that the length of the bristles should be se. lected to extend slightly beyond the thickness of the sponge block for the best cleaning action. This system tends to provide a support for the sponge so that the bearing action of the scrubbing movement is not carried exclusively by it, with the net result that a small space normally exists under the sponge for facilitating the foam formation and dispensing. With the arrangement of the bristles shown in the drawing, a flexible retaining wall is established by them extending over the full length of the side of the sponge block for admission of the air necessary to foam formation, and for establishing a resilient confinement tending to permit the necessary pulsations of the sponge block and yet provide some degree of structural support.

The most convenient manner of attaching the sponge block 29 to the backing member 17 is through the use of a layer of adhesive as shown at 24. Unless precautions are taken, however, this adhesive will serve to seal off the perforations 18 and 19 so as to prevent the necessary flow of cleaning solution into the sponge. As a subsequent operation after the application of the adhesive, and before assembling the brush unit to the housing, it is necessary to punch out the material forming the adhesive layer which would otherwise cover over these perforations. Figure 5 illustrates this formation, with the area indicated at 25 being poked through with some convenient instrument to permit the flow of liquid.

The particular embodiments of the present invention which have been illustrated and discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be considered as a limitation upon the scope of the appended claims. In these claims, it is my intent to claim the entire invention disclosed herein, except as I am limited by the prior art.