CLEANING CARTRIDGE

Abstract

A cleaning cartridge comprises an outer housing having a mouth; a cap for attachment to the housing at the mouth; a stiffening component attached to the cap; and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component. When the cap is attached to the mouth of the outer housing, the stiffening component and cleaning element fit inside the housing and the housing is sealable by the cap. When the cap is removed from the mouth, the stiffening component is released to expand the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface, and the outer housing is connectable to the free end of the cap to provide a handle for the opened cartridge, thereby transforming the cleaning cartridge into a standalone cleaning device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning cartridge. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cleaning cartridge that provides an expanded cleaning surface that is in a compressed and compacted state prior to use and the cleaning cartridge can be used as standalone cleaning device or with an external handling unit, an example of which is described in PCT Patent Publication No. WO2016/095053.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cleaning sponges and pads are routinely used for cleaning a variety of environments. In particular, sponges and pads typically have a capacity to absorb liquid, either as an aid to cleaning or to remove unwanted liquid. In use, sponges and pads become dirty, contaminated, and unsanitary, and are usually meant to be discarded after use without the need for cleaning same. Many disposable sponges and pads require the user to directly touch and handle the sponge or pad and any associated cleaning solution during use, which may be unpleasant and unsanitary and may be problematic for users with sensitive skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning cartridge comprising: an outer housing having an inner surface defining a chamber, a mouth providing open access to the chamber, a mouth end, and a closed end; a cap having a finger end and a free end; a stiffening component attached to the cap at or near the finger end, the stiffening component having a compressed position and an extended position; and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component, wherein in the compressed position, the stiffening component and cleaning element are compacted to fit into the chamber, and wherein in the extended position, the stiffening component extends to expand the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface, and the cleaning cartridge having a closed position, wherein the stiffening component and cleaning element are disposed in the chamber in the compressed position and the cap is removably attached to the outer housing to cover the mouth end; and the cleaning cartridge having an open position, wherein the cap is detached from the mouth end of the outer housing to release the stiffening component from the outer housing into the extended position, and the mouth end or the closed end of the outer housing is securable to the free end of the cap.

[0004] According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning cartridge comprising: an outer housing having an inner surface defining a chamber, a mouth providing open access to the chamber, a mouth end, and a closed end; a cap having a finger end and a free end; a stiffening component attached to the cap at or near the finger end by a ball-and-socket joint, the stiffening component having a compressed position and an extended position; and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component, wherein in the compressed position, the stiffening component and cleaning element are compacted to fit into the chamber, and wherein in the extended position, the stiffening component extends to expand the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface, and the cleaning cartridge having a closed position, wherein the stiffening component and cleaning element are disposed in the chamber in the compressed position and the cap is removably attached to the outer housing to cover the mouth end; and the cleaning cartridge having an open position, wherein the cap is detached from the mouth end of the outer housing to release the stiffening component from the outer housing into the extended position.

[0005] According to yet another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning cartridge comprising: an outer housing having an inner surface defining a chamber, a mouth providing open access to the chamber, a mouth end, and a closed end; a cap having a finger end and a free end; a stiffening component comprising a plurality of collapsible and extendible fingers held together by a hub via hinges, the hinges each having a wave-like formation, the hub being attached to the cap at or near the finger end, and the stiffening component having a compressed position and an extended position; and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component, wherein in the compressed position, the stiffening component and cleaning element are compacted to fit into the chamber, and wherein in the extended position, the stiffening component extends to expand the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface, and the cleaning cartridge having a closed position, wherein the stiffening component and cleaning element are disposed in the chamber in the compressed position and the cap is removably attached to the outer housing to cover the mouth end; and the cleaning cartridge having an open position, wherein the cap is detached from the mouth end of the outer housing to release the stiffening component from the outer housing into the extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Referring to the drawings, several aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in detail in the figures, wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the cleaning cartridge of FIG. 1 in a closed position. FIGS. 2A and 2B may be collectively referred to herein as FIG. 2;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one end of a cap of the cleaning cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an outer housing of the cleaning cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cap of the cleaning cartridge and a stiffening component attached thereto, with the stiffening component in a compressed position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning cartridge in the closed position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cap and the stiffening component attached thereto, with the stiffening component in an extended position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the cap, the stiffening component, and a cleaning element, in an expanded position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIGS. 9A and 9B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a cleaning cartridge in the open position, with the outer housing attached to a free end of the cap, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9A and 9B may be collectively referred to herein as FIG. 9;

[0016] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning cartridge shown in FIG. 9;

[0017] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are a bottom perspective view, a top perspective view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a cap of the cleaning cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C may be collectively referred to herein as FIG. 11;

[0018] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cap and the outer housing of the cleaning cartridge shown in FIG. 9;

[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the stiffening component, with the cleaning element attached thereto, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning cartridge in the closed position, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are a side view, a perspective view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a membrane for use with the cap of the cleaning cartridge, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D may be collectively referred to herein as FIG. 15;

[0022] FIG. 16 is a top view of a stiffening component having a cleaning element attached thereto, according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the stiffening component is in a compact position;

[0023] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning cartridge having the stiffening component shown in FIG. 16;

[0024] FIG. 18 is a top view of the stiffening component shown in FIG. 16 in an expanded position;

[0025] FIG. 19 is a side view of a plurality of nested cleaning cartridges, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a stiffening component, according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the stiffening component is in an extended position.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments contemplated by the inventor. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0028] The present invention relates to a cleaning cartridge. The present invention is suitable for use in a variety of environments, particularly those having limited space for storing cleaning equipment and/or small spaces that require cleaning, including for example the interiors of vehicles, airplanes, ships, vessels, homes, etc. For example, applications for the present invention may include the cabin, lavatories and galley areas of airplanes, buses, coaches, recreational vehicles. Due to cleaning regulations, where applicable, and space constraints, the present invention may also be useful for cleaning the floor and working surfaces of ambulances and medical vehicles.

[0029] The cleaning cartridge comprises an outer housing, a cap attachable to the housing, a stiffening component secured to the cap, and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component, wherein the stiffening component and the cleaning element can be disposed inside the housing when the stiffening component is in a compressed (or storage) position. Upon removal of the cap, the cartridge is in an open (or operational) position wherein the stiffening component is extended, thereby expanding the cleaning element. In one embodiment, after the cap is removed from the housing, the housing is connectable to the free end of the cap to serve as a handle for the cleaning cartridge during use.

[0030] Turning now to the figures, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate a cartridge 20 comprising an outer housing 28, a cap 22 attachable to the housing, a stiffening component, which in this case is a plurality of collapsible and extendible fingers 7 secured to the cap, and a cleaning element 26 attached to the fingers 7. Housing 28 has an inner surface defining a chamber 6 for receiving the fingers and the cleaning element, and a mouth 8 providing open access to chamber 6. Fingers 7 and cleaning element 26 attached thereto are configured fit inside chamber 6 through mouth 8, when fingers 7 are in a compressed position (as shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). Cap 22 is configured to be attachable to the housing for covering mouth 8 and for securing the fingers and the cleaning element inside the chamber.

[0031] The cleaning cartridge 20 stores a stiffening component (e.g. fingers 7) and cleaning element 26 in a compacted state until activation occurs, at which time the fingers 7 are allowed to extend to render cleaning element 26 into a state suitable for cleaning various surfaces. The structure and configuration of the cleaning cartridges 20 may vary and thus should not be construed as being limited by the exemplary figures hereto.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the cleaning cartridge 20 generally comprises a cap 22, a plurality of collapsible and extendible fingers 7 secured to the cap 22, a cleaning element 26 (shown in FIG. 8) attached to fingers 7, and an outer housing 28 having an inner surface defining a chamber 6 for receiving fingers 7 and cleaning element 26 therein and a mouth 8 for providing open access to chamber 6 and for allowing the passage of fingers 7 and cleaning element 26 therethrough. The fingers are configured to fit into the chamber of the housing when in the compressed position. Cap 22 is configured to be removably securable to housing 28 at the finger end 9 for covering mouth 8 and for securing fingers 7 and cleaning element 26 inside the chamber.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the cap 22 may be comprised of various structures, but will preferably be comprised of a rigid, round cap-like structure to which the fingers 7 are fixedly secured. The cap 22 has an outer surface 23, an inner surface 24, a finger end 9, and a free end 10. The free end 10 of cap 22 is the end of the cap that is opposite to the finger end 9 to which the stiffening component is attached.

[0034] The cleaning cartridge has a closed position, wherein the fingers are disposed in chamber 6 and wherein the fingers are compressed by the inner surface of housing 28 into the compressed position, thereby compacting cleaning element 26 therebetween, and cap 22 is removably attached to housing 28, covering mouth 8 and securing the fingers and cleaning element in the chamber. The fingers are held in the compressed position within the chamber by the housing's inner surface and are configured to extend radially outwardly into an extended position when released from the housing (i.e. when housing 28 is removed from the finger end 9 of cap 22). When fingers 7 are released from the housing, the cleaning cartridge is in an open (or operational) position as shown for example in FIGS. 7 and 8. Preferably, fingers 7 are biased or spring-biased towards the extended position when the cleaning cartridge is in the open position, wherein the fingers 7 are not constrained by the outer housing.

[0035] While fingers 7 are shown as fully extended (i.e. about 90 degrees relative to the compressed position) in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fingers may not be extended or may only be partially extended (i.e. less than 90 degrees relative to the compressed position) when the cleaning cartridge is in the open position (i.e. when the fingers are in the "extended" position). In the extended position, the fingers may collectively provide a substantially planar frame for the cleaning element. Alternatively, the fingers may be extended to define a substantially planar frame for the cleaning element when pressed against a substantially flat surface. Optionally, the cleaning cartridge may include a mechanism for locking the fingers into place after they are extended.

[0036] The fingers 7 serve as a structural frame to provide some rigidity for the cleaning element 26. Therefore, fingers 7 are preferably made of a material with some stiffness to provide structural integrity to the cleaning element when expanded. In one embodiment, each finger 7 is tapered at its tip end which may facilitate the extension of same when released from the outer housing 28 upon removal of cap 22.

[0037] The fingers 7 are secured to the inner surface 24 of the cap 22 as shown throughout the figures. Various methods and devices may be used to secure the fingers 7 to the cap 22. For example, fingers 7 may be secured to cap 22 via such methods as friction fitting, frictional resistance, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, fasteners, or various other methods known in the art to fixedly secure one object to another. The fingers 7 are preferably fixedly secured to the inner surface 24 of the cap 22 in such a manner as not to become partially or fully dislodged as the cleaning element 26 is being drawn across various surfaces for cleaning.

[0038] According to a sample embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 7, fingers 7 are connected to one another by a central hub 13. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the fingers may each be connected to the hub 13 by a hinge 15. In one embodiment, hinge 15 may be spring loaded. Cap 22 includes hooks 11 for engaging hub 13 to secure fingers 7 to cap 22. In a sample embodiment, hub 13 has an opening for receiving hooks 11 such that hub 13 can be attached to the cap by hooking hooks 11 on to the inner edge of the hub's opening. Preferably, hooks 11 have some elasticity to allow them to be slightly compressed to fit through the hub's opening and then snap into place (i.e. hook on to the inner edge of the opening) once they are past the opening, thereby securing hub 13 to cap 22.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A, 11C, and 13, fingers 7 are connected to a cap 122 by a ball-and-socket joint. In the sample embodiment shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A, 11C, and 13, each finger 7 is connected to a hub 113 by a hinge 115, all of which may be formed and integrated into a single component. For example, hub 113, hinges 115, and fingers 7 may be formed from a single piece of material, wherein the area of the material between the fingers 7 and hub 113 is thinned out to define hinges 115. The thinning of the material allows the fingers to move from the compressed position to the extended position, and vice versa. In an alternative or additional embodiment, as shown for example in FIG. 20, hinges 115 may be defined by a "rippling" or wave-like formation of the material in the area between the hub 113 and the fingers 7. The rippling or wave-like formation may help reduce stresses in the material during compression, extension, and/or use.

[0040] A support 116 may be included to provide additional structural support for the hub 113 and fingers 7. For example, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, support 116 is a disc-shaped component disposed under the hub 113, inside the hinges 115, and between the hub and the cleaning element 26, to provide additional structural support. Support 116 is preferably made of a flexible material having some elasticity.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A, 11C, and 13, fingers 7 are pivotably and/or rotatably secured to cap 122. For example, cap 122 may include a ball 111 and hub 113 may include a socket 112 for receiving ball 111, which together form a ball-and-socket joint for pivotably and/or rotatably connecting fingers 7 to cap 122. In an alternative embodiment, the ball is instead in the hub 113 (shown for example in FIG. 20) and the socket is in the cap 122. The ball-and-socket joint allows the fingers 7, and in turn the cleaning element 26, to pivot and/or rotate relative to the cap, which may facilitate contact between the cleaning element and the surface to be cleaned.

[0042] In one embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, the cleaning cartridge 20 has an alternative outer housing 128 that is connectable to the cap 122 at both the finger end 9 and the free end 10. As described above, when the cartridge is in the closed position, the outer housing is removably connected to the cap at the finger end 9 for securing fingers 7 and cleaning element 26 inside the chamber 6. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the outer housing 128 is also removably or permanently connectable to the cap 122 at the free end 10 to form a handle for the opened cartridge for ease of maneuvering the cleaning element 26, thereby transforming the cleaning cartridge into a standalone cleaning device (in other words, a "mini mop"). Cap 122 may include a recess 4 at the free end 10 for receiving a length of housing 128 therein for securing the free end 10 of cap 122 to outer housing 128. While the housing 128 is shown to be connected to the cap 122 at its mouth end 108, the housing 128 may be configured to be securable to cap 122 at one or both of its mouth end 108 and closed end 110. There are many possible ways to secure housing 128 to the free end 10 of cap 122 including, for example, by threaded connection, friction fitting, adhesives, fasteners, etc.

[0043] In one embodiment, the cleaning cartridge is configured to store cleaning fluids therein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, hub 13 has an inner surface defining a chamber 14 for storing a volume of cleaning fluid. In an alternative embodiment, the cap may include a foil seal glued to the rim of the cap's mouth, thereby sealing in any fluids and the fingers along with the cleaning element inside housing 28.

[0044] Cap 22 is securable to housing 28 to help seal the cleaning cartridge to hold cleaning fluid therein and keep the fingers (along with the cleaning element) inside the housing until the cap is removed from the housing. There are many ways cap 22 may be secured to housing 28. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, cap 22 includes threads 5 and housing 28 includes threads 12 near its mouth such that cap 22 can be threadedly connected to housing 28.

[0045] In an additional or alternative embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, cap 22 may include a membrane 17 that can be penetrated by force, for example shear force. When cap 22 is attached to housing 28 and membrane 17 is intact, the cap and the membrane 17 restrict fluid flow into and out of housing 28. When the membrane 17 is penetrated, fluid can flow into the housing via the opening in the membrane. Membrane 17 may be configured such that, when penetrated, it allows fluid to flow one way (i.e. into the housing) and restricts and/or reduces fluid flow in the opposite direction (i.e. out of the housing). In an embodiment where hub 13 is present, penetration of membrane 17 allows external fluid to enter chamber 14 of the hub via the opening in the membrane. Where hub 13 is omitted, penetration of membrane 17 allows external fluid to directly enter chamber 6 via the opening in the membrane. Preferably, when membrane 17 is penetrated and fluid is introduced into housing 28, at least a portion of the fluid comes into contact with the cleaning element 26.

[0046] Membrane 17 is preferably made of an elastic material that can be penetrated by, for example, a sharp object such as a needle or other types of injection tip. Preferably, the sharp object has a small cross-section in order to minimize the size of the opening in the membrane, which may help minimize any leakage from the housing after the sharp object is removed.

[0047] In a sample embodiment, membrane 17 may be a plastic plug configured to fit into an opening in the cap 22 that provides open access to the opening in the hub 13, or to the chamber 6 if hub 13 is omitted. In one embodiment, the opening in cap 22 is positioned between hooks 11. Membrane 17 may have an area where the membrane material is thinner and/or weakened to facilitate penetration. Further membrane 17 may include an indicium, such as a dimple 16 (shown in FIG. 15), to indicate the location of the area where the membrane is thinner and/or weakened.

[0048] By including membrane 17, the cleaning cartridge 20 may be manufactured and transported empty (i.e. without any liquid inside), thereby reducing the weight of the cartridge, which may help reduce the cost of transporting same. A volume of cleaning fluid may be subsequently injected into the cleaning cartridge via membrane 17, for example, by penetrating the membrane with an injection tip in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid source. For example, the injection tip may be a needle and the cleaning fluid source may be a syringe containing the cleaning fluid. The type of cleaning fluid to be injected into the cleaning cartridge may be selected to suit the surface to be cleaned. For example, a cleaning solution for hardwood floors may have a different composition than that of a cleaning solution for bathroom tiles. As such, in addition to potentially reducing transportation costs, an advantage of allowing cleaning fluid to be injected via membrane 17 subsequent to the manufacturing of the cartridge is that a person downstream from the manufacturer (e.g., distributor, retailer, end user, etc.) can select the type of cleaning fluid to be injected into the cartridge depending on the intended cleaning surface.

[0049] The cleaning device allows a cleaning element and, optionally, cleaning fluids to be stored in a compact single unit, thereby reducing the need for additional accessories and/or cleaning fluids.

[0050] In a sample embodiment, with reference to FIG. 1, the outer surface of outer housing 28 may include indicia 3b to indicate to a user the direction to turn housing 28 to remove same from cap 22.

[0051] The outer housing 28 may be comprised of a rigid container or, in some embodiments, may be comprised of a flexible or semi-rigid structure surrounding the compressed fingers and cleaning element. Preferably, the outer housing 28 fully seals the fingers and cleaning element therein to prevent leakage of any cleaning solution included therewith.

[0052] A wide range of materials may be used for the cleaning element 26, so long as they may be compressed between the fingers and within the outer housing 28 prior to use and expanded upon removal of the outer housing 28. Further, the cleaning element is preferably made of an absorbent cleaning material. By way of example and without limitation, the cleaning element 26 may be made of microfiber, and may be for example a pad, sponge, or cloth. The cleaning element may comprise a single sheet of material or several sheets of material. For example, cleaning element 26 may be a pad with nodules and/or a microfiber surface. Cleaning element 26 may be fully or partially textured to provide a cleaning surface capable of removing stains from other surfaces without excess scrubbing.

[0053] For example, the cap and/or housing may be made of plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, etc.) and/or may be manufactured by injection molding. Of course, the cap and/or housing may be made of other suitable materials and by other manufacturing processes.

[0054] The stiffening component of the cleaning cartridge may be made of a variety of materials, including for example plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, etc.), metal, memory foam, etc., or a combination thereof. The stiffening component may be manufactured by injection molding.

[0055] In a sample embodiment, the cleaning element is a single sheet of material attached to the fingers that extend between the fingers when the fingers are in the extended position. In the extended position, the fingers spread out the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface. The cleaning surface may be of any planar shape, including for example triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. Alternatively, the cleaning element comprises multiple sheets of material that are attached piecewise to each finger, and the resulting cleaning surface may be roughly star-shaped.

[0056] There are many possible ways to attach the cleaning element 26 to the fingers 7 including, for example, by sonic welding, heat welding, adhesives, gluing, sewing, fasteners, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM.), etc. Another example is the cleaning element may include pockets each sized and shaped for matingly receiving a length of finger 7 at the tip end of same. Yet another example is each finger 7 may include grips thereon for gripping therebetween a small portion of the fabric of cleaning element 26. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, each finger has teeth-like grips 120 along the length thereof for gripping a portion of cleaning element 26 (not shown in Figure).

[0057] In some embodiments, the cleaning element 26 may be retained in a dried state. In other embodiments, the cleaning element 26 may be stored within the cleaning cartridge 20 with a cleaning solution to aid in cleaning various surfaces upon opening of the cartridge 20.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 3, 6, 8, and 11A, a seal 19 may be included in cap 22, 122 to help keep the cleaning cartridge fluid tight when the cap is attached to the housing to prevent leakage and/or evaporation of any fluids (e.g., the cleaning fluid). Optionally, cap 22, 122 may also include a locating ring 18 for ease of placement of seal 19. For example, seal 19 is shaped and sized for placement outside the circumference of the locating ring, but inside the inner rim of the cap. In one embodiment, the seal is made of thermoplastic vulcanizate or thermoplastic elastomers, and it is manufactured by injection molding. Of course, the seal may be made of other suitable materials and by other manufacturing processes.

[0059] In one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 8, the cleaning cartridge further comprises a covering 21 for the cleaning element. The covering 21 helps secure the cleaning element to the fingers. For example, the cleaning element may be sewn to the covering 21 with the fingers in the expanded position disposed therebetween. When the fingers are retracted in the compressed position, the covering 21 and the cleaning element fit into housing 28.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, the stiffening component of the cleaning cartridge may be a hoop 27 that is stored in the housing in a coiled position (referred to as the "compressed position"). Preferably, hoop 27 is made of a material with some stiffness to provide the cleaning element with some structural integrity when pressed against a surface while the hoop is in an expanded position.

[0061] In a sample embodiment, hoop 27 comprises one or more veins 29 extending radially outwardly from a hub 13'. In the compressed position, the veins are coiled around the hub about a central axis x thereof, as shown for example in FIGS. 16 and 17, and, in the expanded position, the veins are (at least partially) uncoiled and extend away from the hub, as shown for example in FIG. 18. The veins may be made of various elastic, flexible materials, including for example plastic. Preferably, the width of vein 29 (as measured in a plane substantially orthogonal to axis x) is smaller than its height (as measured on a plane substantially parallel to axis x. The narrower width of vein 29 may provide the hoop with more flexibility for compact storage and for ready uncoiling when released from housing 28. The greater height profile may provide the hoop with more stiffness and resistance to bending in the expanded position, which may allow a user to exert more downward pressure thereon when scrubbing the cleaning element on a surface.

[0062] In one embodiment, the cleaning element 26 is attached to the hoop 27 by one or more fixture points 25. For sample, fixture points 25 are located at or near the free ends of veins 29, such that when the veins uncoil from the hub when released from housing 28, the cleaning element is expanded to provide a cleaning surface. The fixture points may be a clip, a pin, an adhesive, a welded joint, etc.

[0063] Preferably, cleaning element 26 is sized such that when hoop 27 is in the expanded position, the cleaning element is slightly under tension, which may help provide a more resilient and even cleaning surface. In a further embodiment, pressing the expanded cleaning element against a surface to be cleaned and rotating same may produce a twisting effect on the cleaning element, which may help fully uncoil the veins 29 from the hub 13'.

[0064] In a sample embodiment, housing 28 is a cylindrical container having a diameter of about 1.7'' and a height of about 2''. Further, cap 22 is substantially cylindrical with a diameter of about 1.97 inches and a height of about 0.5''. Preferably, housing 28 has a slightly larger diameter at the mouth than at its closed end. In other words, housing 28 may be slightly tapered towards its closed end. In another embodiment, the diameter of housing 28 ranges from 1'' to 4'' and its length may also range from 1'' to 4''. Housing 28 may also have other configurations. Of course, the size and configuration of cap 22 depends on the size and configuration of housing 28.

[0065] In another sample embodiment, fingers 7 when extended are each about 1.42'' long and about 0.5'' wide. Further, in the extended position, the span from the free end (also referred to herein as the "tip end") of one finger to the tip end of the opposite finger is about 4.3''.

[0066] In yet another embodiment, chamber 14 is about 0.6'' deep and tapers from the open end to the closed end (attached to cap 22) from about 1.13'' to about 0.94''.

[0067] In an optional embodiment, chamber 14 may be sealed by a seal such as a foil or film cover, and the seal is torn or pierced when the housing and the cap are separated, or is pierced by a sharp object inside the cap when the cleaning element in the expanded position is pressed against a surface.

[0068] The cleaning cartridge may contain specialized cleaning solutions and/or specialized cleaning elements, for example, for hardwood surfaces, tile surfaces, dry sweeping, absorbing spilled liquids, etc. As discussed above, the cleaning solution may be added to the cartridge post-manufacturing.

[0069] Optionally, the stiffening component is configured such that it cannot readily be refolded and returned to the housing, thereby preventing reuse of the cleaning device to ensure hygiene. In another optional embodiment for use, for example, for home use, the cleaning element can be washed and returned to the compact position for reuse. Optionally, the materials of the cleaning cartridge and/or the cleaning element may be recyclable and/or biodegradable.

[0070] To manufacture the cleaning device, the stiffening component and cleaning element are assembled and attached to the cap. Then, the stiffening component is compressed and loaded into the housing, along with the cleaning element. The cap is fastened to the mouth of the housing to cover same. Fluids may be added to the housing and/or chamber before the cleaning cartridge is closed and/or afterwards, as discussed above.

[0071] In one embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 2A and 19, a cleaning cartridge 20z has a cap 22z which includes a recess 4 for receiving a portion of outer housing 28y of another cleaning cartridge 20y, such that cleaning cartridge 20y can be stacked on the cap 22z of cleaning cartridge 20z in a substantially coaxial manner. The cap 22y of cartridge 20y has a recess 4 for receiving a portion of outer housing 28x of another cleaning cartridge 20x such that cleaning cartridge 20x can be stacked on the cap 22y, and so on. By providing the recess 4 in the cap 22 and configuring same to receive a portion of outer housing 28 of another cartridge, a plurality of cleaning cartridges can be stacked in a substantially coaxial and nested arrangement (as shown in FIG. 19). The stackability of the cleaning cartridges may facilitate post-manufacturing storage and transportation of same.

[0072] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such as by use of the article "a" or "an" is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more". All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning cartridge, comprising: an outer housing having an inner surface defining a chamber, a mouth providing open access to the chamber, a mouth end, and a closed end; a cap having a finger end and a free end; a stiffening component attached to the cap at or near the finger end, the stiffening component having a compressed position and an extended position; and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component, wherein in the compressed position, the stiffening component and cleaning element are compacted to fit into the chamber, and wherein in the extended position, the stiffening component extends to expand the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface; the cleaning cartridge having a closed position, wherein the stiffening component and cleaning element are disposed in the chamber in the compressed position and the cap is removably attached to the outer housing to cover the mouth end; and the cleaning cartridge having an open position, wherein the cap is detached from the mouth end of the outer housing to release the stiffening component from the outer housing into the extended position, and the mouth end or the closed end of the outer housing is securable to the free end of the cap.

2. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a recess at the free end configured to receive a length of the outer housing.

3. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, wherein the mouth end or the closed end of the outer housing is connectable to the free end of the cap by one or more of: a friction fitting, a threaded connection, adhesives, and fasteners.

4. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, wherein the stiffening component is attached to the cap by a ball-and-socket joint.

5. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, wherein the stiffening component comprises a plurality of collapsible and extendible fingers.

6. The cleaning cartridge of claim 5, wherein the plurality of fingers each have a tip end and the tip end is tapered.

7. The cleaning cartridge of claim 5, wherein the plurality of fingers are held together by a hub, and where the hub is attached to the cap.

8. The cleaning cartridge of claim 7, wherein the plurality of fingers are each connected to the hub by a hinge and the hinge has a wave-like formation.

9. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured to store cleaning fluid and the cleaning fluid is sealable in the chamber by the cap.

10. The cleaning cartridge of claim 9, wherein the chamber is sealed with a seal, and wherein the seal is intact in the closed position and is broken in the open position, thereby allowing cleaning fluid to flow therethrough.

11. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, wherein the stiffening component is spring-loaded to bias itself toward the extended position.

12. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for locking the stiffening component into the extended position.

13. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, wherein the stiffening component comprises a hoop, and wherein, in the compressed position, the hoop is coiled and, in the extended position, the hoop is uncoiled.

14. The cleaning cartridge of claim 13, wherein the hoop comprises a hub and one or more veins extending radially outwardly from the hub, and wherein in the compressed position the veins are coiled around the hub about a central axis of the hub, and in the extended position, the veins are uncoiled and extend away from the hub.

15. The cleaning cartridge of claim 13, wherein in the extended position the cleaning element is under tension.

16. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cleaning element is attached to the stiffening component by one or more of: sonic welding, heat welding, adhesives, gluing, sewing, fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, grips, and teeth-like grips.

17. The cleaning cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a membrane, and when the finger end of the cap is attached to the mouth end of the outer housing, the membrane is penetrable to allow fluid to be injected into the chamber.

18. A cleaning cartridge, comprising: an outer housing having an inner surface defining a chamber, a mouth providing open access to the chamber, a mouth end, and a closed end; a cap having a finger end and a free end; a stiffening component attached to the cap at or near the finger end by a ball-and-socket joint, the stiffening component having a compressed position and an extended position; and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component, wherein in the compressed position, the stiffening component and cleaning element are compacted to fit into the chamber, and wherein in the extended position, the stiffening component extends to expand the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface; the cleaning cartridge having a closed position, wherein the stiffening component and cleaning element are disposed in the chamber in the compressed position and the cap is removably attached to the outer housing to cover the mouth end; and the cleaning cartridge having an open position, wherein the cap is detached from the mouth end of the outer housing to release the stiffening component from the outer housing into the extended position.

19. The cleaning cartridge of claim 18, wherein the stiffening component comprises a hoop, and wherein, in the compressed position, the hoop is coiled and, in the extended position, the hoop is uncoiled.

20. A cleaning cartridge, comprising: an outer housing having an inner surface defining a chamber, a mouth providing open access to the chamber, a mouth end, and a closed end; a cap having a finger end and a free end; a stiffening component comprising a plurality of collapsible and extendible fingers held together by a hub via hinges, the hinges each having a wave-like formation, the hub being attached to the cap at or near the finger end, and the stiffening component having a compressed position and an extended position; and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component, wherein in the compressed position, the stiffening component and cleaning element are compacted to fit into the chamber, and wherein in the extended position, the stiffening component extends to expand the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface; the cleaning cartridge having a closed position, wherein the stiffening component and cleaning element are disposed in the chamber in the compressed position and the cap is removably attached to the outer housing to cover the mouth end; and the cleaning cartridge having an open position, wherein the cap is detached from the mouth end of the outer housing to release the stiffening component from the outer housing into the extended position.