At a glance
| Patent number | CN212488975U (application CN202021215471) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | Cleaning tool capable of automatically adding liquid (一种自加液的清洁工具) |
| Patent owner | Ningbo Haishu Liangpin Living Goods Co., Ltd. |
| Inventors | Xia Dongquan |
| Filing date | 2020-06-28 |
| Grant date | 2021-02-09 |
| Status (China) | In force in China until at most 2030-06-28 (if annual fees are paid) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 1 later document |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN212488975U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - a self-filling cleaning tool with a liquid storage device and a cleaning device that detachably connects to it. The liquid storage device has a cleaning agent container. The cleaning device has a brush body and a wiper. The brush body contains a buffer chamber, and the liquid storage device has a liquid filling channel communicating with the buffer chamber so cleaning agent enters it.
Claim 2 - the liquid storage device includes a bracket; inserting the cleaning device into the bracket connects the filling channel and buffer chamber. Claim 3 - the wiper is bristles, brush balls or a sponge brush. Claim 4 - a first check valve between the filling channel and buffer chamber opens when the brush is inserted or pressed, and closes when pulled out or released. Claim 5 - a pressing portion on the liquid storage device pushes agent through the channel into the buffer chamber. Claim 6 - the buffer chamber has an air pressure relief mechanism. Claim 7 - the relief mechanism is an air pressure relief hole or pressure relief valve. Claim 8 - the pressing portion is on the brush body instead, formed as one piece with a squeezing part. Claim 9 - a pulling part on the brush body draws liquid into the buffer chamber. Claim 10 - the cleaning agent container is replaceable, and a puncturing device on the bracket pierces it upon installation to open the flow path. Claim 11 - depends on claims 1-9 (text truncated in source).
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently in force in China until at most 2030-06-28 (if annual fees are paid). Making or selling this exact design in China needs the owner’s permission. It has no US or other foreign counterpart.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Self-dispensing cleaning brushes and squeeze-mop mechanisms are actively patented in the US by various household goods companies, so a freedom-to-operate (FTO) review of the check valve arrangement, buffer chamber and bracket docking method is needed before tooling.
- Chemical compatibility. The plastics and elastomers chosen for the buffer chamber, check valve and container must withstand the specific cleaning agents (acidic, alkaline or solvent-based) intended for the US market without degrading or leaching.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Wiper type | Bristles, brush balls or sponge brush heads |
| Container format | Refillable bottle, sealed bag or rigid cavity; bayonet or screw mount |
| Actuation | Pressing portion on the storage device or integrated on the brush body; pulling part option |
| Valve design | Silicone or rubber check valve tuned for different liquid viscosities |
| Handle length | Short handheld brush or extended handle for floor/wall use |
| Colors and branding | Custom plastic colors, logo molding or pad printing |
Things to plan for (US market)
- FHSA labeling (16 CFR 1500) - if the tool is sold with detergent refills or a pre-filled liquid storage device, the cleaning liquid needs hazardous-substance precautionary labeling on the cartridge and carton.
- CPSC - general consumer products must not pose unreasonable risks; small parts like puncturing devices or detachable caps need evaluation if the product could reach children.
- California Prop 65 - plastic resins, colorants and elastomers require screening for listed chemicals.
- EPA FIFRA - if the tool is sold pre-filled with an antimicrobial or pesticidal cleaning agent, the liquid itself falls under EPA registration rules.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - wiper type, container format, actuation method, target liquids and quantity.
- Design - 3D modeling of the bracket, brush body, buffer chamber geometry and valve seats.
- Prototype - printed or soft-tooled samples to verify check valve sealing, pressure relief airflow and dispensing volume per press.
- Pilot run - injection-molded parts assembled for chemical compatibility testing with intended detergents and cycle testing of the docking mechanism.
- Production - mold fabrication, injection molding, elastomer valve molding, assembly, quality checks and packaging.
Quantities & timeline
The brush body, bracket and container require precision injection molds, while the check valves and pressure relief seals need dedicated elastomer tooling. Chemical compatibility soaking tests and mechanical cycle tests on the docking mechanism take significant development time. Send us your wiper preference, container format, target cleaning agents, estimated quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
