Apparatus and method for a cleaning device

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus is disclosed that includes a cleaning device and an insert. The cleaning device includes a cleaning head and a handle that defines a longitudinal axis. The handle has a proximal end portion that defines a first aperture aligned with the longitudinal axis for receiving the insert. The insert is removably positionable in the proximal end portion of the handle between a first position and a second a second position for use. The insert has a cleaning head that can be used in cooperation with the cleaning device or independent thereof. The insert and proximal end portion define a second aperture in the cleaning device that is transverse to the longitudinal axis that can receive a device to suspend the cleaning apparatus for storage. A method of use of the cleaning apparatus includes moving the insert from the first position in the handle of the cleaning device to the second position for cleaning. When the cleaning with the insert is completed the insert can be returned to the first position in the handle.

1 . A cleaning apparatus that comprises: 
 a cleaning device that includes a cleaning head and a handle, the handle has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion that define a longitudinal axis, the distal end portion connected to the head, the proximal end portion defines a first aperture aligned with the longitudinal axis and a second aperture transverse to the longitudinal axis;    an insert removably positionable in the first aperture, the insert has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion that define a second longitudinal axis, the distal end portion includes a cleaning head, the proximal end portion includes an aperture at least partially aligned with the second aperture of the handle when the insert is positioned in the first aperture of the handle, the proximal end portion including a protuberance that is received by the proximal end portion of the handle of the cleaning device.    
   
   
       2 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end portion of the handle includes a tubular wall and the second aperture of the handle includes two apertures defined in the tubular wall.  
   
   
       3 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein one of the apertures in the tubular wall is a notch.  
   
   
       4 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the apertures in the tubular wall that define the second aperture is adapted for use with a hook.  
   
   
       5 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the insert and proximal end portion of the handle overlap and define the second aperture.  
   
   
       6 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the protuberance is received by the notch when the insert is positioned in the proximal end portion of the handle.  
   
   
       7 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the aperture of the insert and the second aperture of the handle are at least partially aligned by the positioning of the protuberance in the notch when the insert is positioned in the proximal end portion of the handle.  
   
   
       8 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1  that further includes a locking mechanism that retains the insert in position in the proximal end portion of the handle.  
   
   
       9 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the locking mechanism engages the insert and handle such that the insert positioned in the handle can support the weight of the cleaning device and insert.  
   
   
       10 . A combination cleaning apparatus that comprises: 
 a cleaning device that includes a cleaning head connected to a handle that defines a longitudinal axis, a proximal end portion of the handle defines a first aperture aligned with the longitudinal axis and a second aperture transverse to the longitudinal axis, the proximal end portion has a tubular wall that defines a notch aligned with the second aperture;    an insert removably positionable in the first aperture, the insert has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion that define a second longitudinal axis, the distal end portion includes a cleaning device and the proximal end portion includes a protuberance and defines an aperture transverse to the longitudinal axis;    a first position of the cleaning apparatus wherein the protuberance of the insert is received by the notch of the handle, the aperture of the insert at least partially aligned with the second aperture of the handle; and    a second position of the cleaning device wherein the insert is removed from the handle.    
   
   
       11 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the second aperture of the handle includes two opposed apertures defined in the tubular wall of the proximal end portion.  
   
   
       12 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the notch extends distally from the proximal edge of the tubular wall of the proximal end portion.  
   
   
       13 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the insert and proximal end portion of the handle overlap and define the second aperture.  
   
   
       14 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the aperture of the insert extends at least partially through the protuberance.  
   
   
       15 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 10  that further includes a lock for securely positioning the insert in the first position.  
   
   
       16 . A method for cleaning comprising the steps of: 
 providing a cleaning apparatus including a cleaning device and an insert, the cleaning device includes a handle having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion that define a longitudinal axis, the distal end portion connected to a cleaning head having a second cleaning device and an opposed proximal end portion that define a longitudinally aligned aperture, the cleaning apparatus having a first position wherein the insert is positioned in a proximal end portion of the handle and a second position wherein the cleaning device is removed from the handle for use, the cleaning apparatus in the first position defining a second aperture for supporting the cleaning apparatus in a stored position.    removing the insert from within the proximal end portion of the handle; and    cleaning a surface using the second cleaning device of the insert.    
   
   
       17 . The method for cleaning of  claim 16  further including the step of repositioning the insert to the first position in the proximal end portion of the handle.  
   
   
       18 . The method for cleaning of  claim 16  further including moving the insert between the first and second positions by moving the insert along the longitudinal axis.  
   
   
       19 . The method for cleaning of  claim 16 , further including moving the insert between the first and second positions by moving the insert transverse to the longitudinal axis.  
   
   
       20 . The method for cleaning of  claim 16  further including the step of positioning the cleaning apparatus in a storage position by suspending the cleaning apparatus from at least one of the second aperture of the cleaning device and the aperture of the insert.  
   
   
       21 . A cleaning apparatus comprising: 
 a. a first handle;    b. a first cleaning head;    c. an aperture located atop the first handle; and    d. an insert, said insert including a second handle and a second cleaning head,    e. whereby the insert is removably inserted into the aperture of the first handle.    
   
   
       22 . The cleaning apparatus of  claim 1  whereby said second handle removably fits into said first handle.