Cleaning device and container containing a single dosage of cleaning material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device ( 1, 1 ′) especially for cleaning surfaces, as toilet bowls and the like, having a cleaning head ( 3, 3 ′) and a handle ( 2, 2 ″). The cleaning device further comprises delivering means operable, in use, to deliver a single dosage of cleaning material ( 17 ), preferably contained in a small container, into or next to the cleaning head ( 3, 3 ′) and to release the cleaning material ( 17 ) from the cleaning head ( 3, 3 ′). Thereby exactly the amount of cleaning material needed for the cleaning action is dispensed and distributed over the surface by the cleaning head, no overdosing occurs.

1 - 15 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         16 . A cleaning device for cleaning surfaces, the device comprising a cleaning head and a handle wherein the handle is adapted to receive at least one single dosage of cleaning material and by delivering means operable to deliver a single dosage of the cleaning material into the cleaning head and to release the cleaning material from the cleaning head.  
     
     
         17 . Cleaning device according to  claim 16 , adapted to receive a single dosage of cleaning material enclosed in a container made of a water soluble material.  
     
     
         18 . Cleaning device according to  claim 16 , wherein the handle comprises a hollow shaft extending to the cleaning head forming a passage for insertion and delivery of the single dosage of cleaning material.  
     
     
         19 . Cleaning device according to  claim 17 , wherein the handle comprises a hollow shaft extending to the cleaning head forming a passage for insertion and delivery of the single dosage of cleaning material.  
     
     
         20 . Cleaning device according to  claim 18 , wherein the handle further comprises a rod dimensioned to slide within the passage for pushing the single dosage of cleaning material into or next to the cleaning head.  
     
     
         21 . Cleaning device according to  claim 20 , further comprising a spring acting to push the rod to the bottom of the passage.  
     
     
         22 . Cleaning device according to  claim 20 , wherein the length of the rod is about half the length of the shaft.  
     
     
         23 . Cleaning device according to  claim 21 , wherein the length of the rod is about half the length of the shaft.  
     
     
         24 . Cleaning device according to  claim 18 , further comprising a cutting edge located at a bottom end of the passage for cutting or piercing a container inserted into the passage, the container containing the single dosage of cleaning material.  
     
     
         25 . Cleaning device according to  claim 18 , wherein the shaft comprises an insertion opening for feeding the single dosage of cleaning material to the cleaning device, the insertion opening located half way between an upper end and a bottom end of the shaft.  
     
     
         26 . Cleaning device according to  claim 25 , wherein the insertion opening is located at the upper end of the shaft.  
     
     
         27 . Cleaning device according to  claim 16 , wherein the cleaning head comprises at least one outlet opening through which cleaning material can be released.  
     
     
         28 . Cleaning device according to  claim 16 , wherein the cleaning head comprises a plurality of bristles and a plurality of outlet openings between the bristles.  
     
     
         29 . A container comprising a single dosage of cleaning material, wherein the container is made of a water soluble foil and contains powder or liquid, non-aqueous material.  
     
     
         30 . Container according to  claim 29 , wherein the water soluble foil comprises a low-temperature dissolving polyvinylalcohol (PVA).  
     
     
         31 . Container according to  claim 29 , wherein the container has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section.  
     
     
         32 . Container according to  claim 30 , wherein the container has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section.  
     
     
         33 . A method of cleaning surfaces comprising feeding a container comprising a single dosage of a cleaning material to a cleaning device as claimed in  claim 16 .  
     
     
         34 . A method of cleaning surfaces comprising feeding tablet comprising a single dosage of a cleaning material to a cleaning device as claimed in  claim 16.