US 2023/0058613 A1 · DIRT CLEANING, COLLECTION AND CONTAINMENT DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for collecting and containing dirt or fluid. An apparatus comprising: hollow chamber (1); first actuator with scooping mechanism (5) which when retracted is proximate to the rim edge (4), and which when extended is proximate to the centre of the chamber opening; second actuator comprising holding or attachment member (7), which is moveable back and forth (on tracks 8) between distal and proximal ends; store of disposable containment tube material, held by the holding member. Methods of controlling a cleaning device, which allow for use of the device, using the containment tube for multiple actions, and disposing of the containment tube. A first embodiment (FIGS. 1, 6 & 7) has a double scoop mechanism (5) which is connected to the rim (4) by resilient (bridging members 6), with a disposable containment tube (10) drawn over the opening (FIG. 3). A second embodiment (FIGS. 2, 6 & 7) has triple arcuate scoop members (5) that are connected to rim (4). A further embodiment (FIGS. 4, 6 & 7) has first triple arcuate scoop members (11) and second triple arcuate scoop members (12).

Claims24

Dependent claims

A cleaning device comprising:

a hollow main body having a first end and a second end, wherein the hollow body defines a chamber between its first end and its second end, and wherein the chamber has an opening at the first end, the edges of the opening defining a plane;
a first actuator comprising a scooping member, wherein the first actuator is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein when the first actuator is in the retracted position, substantially All of the scooping member is disposed proximate the edge of the chamber opening, and wherein when the first actuator is in the extended position, at least a part of the scooping member is disposed proximate the centre of the chamber opening;
a second actuator, at least partly within the chamber, comprising a holding member, wherein the second actuator is movable;
and
a store of disposable containment tube material, from which, in use, disposable containment tube material can be drawn by a pulling force exerted on an already exposed portion of the stored containment tube material;
wherein, the holding member is configured to grip, in use, a portion of the disposable containment tube material.

3 more elements

A method of controlling a cleaning device according to any preceding claim wherein the cleaning device comprises:

a hollow main body having a first end and a second end, wherein the hollow body defines a chamber between its first end and its second end, and wherein the chamber has an opening at the first end, the edges of the opening defining a plane;
a first actuator comprising a scooping member, wherein the first actuator is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein when the first actuator is in the retracted position, substantially all of the scooping member is disposed proximate the edge of the chamber opening, and wherein when the first actuator is in the extended position, at least a part of the scooping member is disposed proximate the centre of the chamber opening;
a second actuator, at least partly within the chamber, comprising a holding member, wherein the second actuator is movable;
and a store of disposable containment tube material, from which, in use, disposable containment tube material can be drawn by a pulling force exerted on an already exposed portion of the stored containment tube material;
wherein, the holding member is configured to grip, in use, a portion of the disposable containment tube material;
the method comprising:
grasping the closed or sealed end of the disposable containment tube in the holding member of the second actuator;
moving the second actuator, drawing a length of disposable containment tube into the chamber to form a compartment open at the chamber opening;
manoeuvring the opening of the chamber to abut a surface to be cleaned:
moving the first actuator from the retracted position to the extended position, so as to close the compartment of the disposable containment tube;
performing a compartment sealing operation;
manoeuvring the opening of the chamber so that it no longer abuts the surface to be cleaned;
moving the first actuator from the extended position to the retracted position;
and
moving the second actuator, drawing a further length of disposable containment tube into the chamber.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dirt cleaning, collection and containment device

Life of this patent

Dirt cleaning, collection and containment device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24