Patent Application
20230148235
The exemplary embodiments relate to buckets or containers for mopping, cleaning, or other actions requiring the use of liquids. The exemplary embodiments further relate to containers that are automatically filled and automatically emptied by a pump.
There have been previous means for mopping or cleaning as well as previous means for containing a liquid for use during such actions. However, these means fail to suffice as sufficient mopping or cleaning means, as well as fail to suffice as sufficient means for containing liquids for use during such actions. For example, a conventional mop bucket must be manually filled and drained. A conventional mop requires continued submerging in a liquid to apply the liquid to a surface or floor and continued squeezing to drain the liquid from the mop pad. In addition, other liquid using cleaning instruments, such as Swiffer® mops, fail to properly clean a surface to some user's liking.
Therefore, what is desired in exemplary embodiments is a container for housing a liquid to facilitate mopping, cleaning, or other actions that is automatically filled through operative connection with a liquid source and automatically emptied by a pump. Additionally, exemplary embodiments include a filter for removal of debris and bacteria from the liquid within the exemplary container. Further, exemplary embodiments additionally include an operatively connectable automatic mop configured to discharge and intake a liquid through or adjacent to a mop head or pad.
Exemplary embodiments comprise an apparatus, comprising: a container including an interior area configured to house a liquid therein; a plurality of casters in operative connection with a lower portion of the container to permit the container to be moved about on a floor or other support surface; a liquid inlet port configured to receive a liquid from an external liquid source into the interior area; a liquid outlet port configured to discharge liquid from the interior area; and a sealed chamber enclosing a pump in fluid connection with the interior area and the liquid outlet port, a pump motor to drive the pump, and a power source to provide electrical power to the pump motor, wherein the pump motor and the power source are in operative connection via at least one circuit, wherein the power source is operatively configured to selectively deliver electrical power to the pump motor via the circuit to cause operation of the pump, and wherein the pump is thereby selectively operative to draw liquid from the interior area and to cause the liquid to be discharged through the liquid outlet port.
Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise at least one filter for removal of debris from the liquid, wherein the filter is in fluid connection with the liquid outlet port.
In alternative exemplary embodiments the container further includes a spill resistant rim at an upper portion of the container.
In alternative exemplary embodiments the container further includes a bladed mixer disposed within the interior area and a mixer motor sealed from the liquid, wherein the mixer motor is in operative connection with the power source via the circuit and is operative to cause the bladed mixer to rotate to cause movement of the liquid in the interior area.
Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise an automatic mop, wherein the automatic mop is in operative connection with the container and includes: a mop head, a liquid discharge line and a liquid discharge port, a liquid intake line and a liquid intake port, a mop pump in operative fluid connection with the liquid and a mop motor sealed from the liquid, wherein the liquid discharge port and the liquid intake port are positioned adjacent to the mop head, and wherein the liquid discharge line extends from the liquid discharge port to the interior area and the liquid intake line extends from the liquid intake port to the interior area, wherein the mop motor is in operative connection with the circuit and the mop pump, and wherein the mop motor is selectively operative to cause the pump to move liquid from the interior area through the liquid discharge line and out the liquid discharge port and to move liquid from an external surface through the liquid intake port and through the liquid intake line to the interior area.
Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise a wet/dry vacuum in operative connection with the container, wherein the wet/dry vacuum is configured to remove liquids or solids from a surface.
In alternative exemplary embodiments, the apparatus as comprising a bucket for a mop, further comprises a wringer with a handle configured to wring out a mop head positioned within an interior area of the wringer.
In alternative exemplary embodiments the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port comprises a combined liquid inlet port and liquid outlet port with a selectively changeable valve configured to permit the combined liquid inlet port and liquid outlet port to selectively serve as one of a liquid input port and a liquid output port.
Alternative exemplary embodiments comprise: a container including an interior area configured to house a liquid therein; a plurality of casters in operative connection with a lower portion of the container, to permit movement of the apparatus along a floor or other support surface; a liquid inlet port configured to receive a liquid from an external liquid source into the interior area; a liquid outlet port configured to discharge liquid from the interior area; and a pump in fluid connection with the interior area and the liquid outlet port, the pump being selectively operative to draw liquid from the interior area and be discharged through the liquid outlet port.
In alternative exemplary embodiments the pump is manually operated.
In alternative exemplary embodiments the pump is electrically driven.
Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise an electric circuit to selectively provide electrical power to drive the electrically driven pump
Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise a sealed chamber enclosing the electrically driven pump, along with an electric pump motor that drives the pump and a power source configured to selectively provide electrical power to the electric pump motor.
In alternative exemplary embodiments the power source comprises a battery and a power switch located on an outside surface of the sealed chamber permits a user to selectively connect the battery to the electric pump motor to operate the electrically driven pump.
Alternative exemplary embodiments comprise a mop bucket, comprising: a container including an interior area configured to house a liquid therein; a plurality of casters in operative connection with a lower portion of the container, to permit the mop bucket to be moved about on a floor or other support surface; a wringer with a handle, configured to wring out a mop head positioned within an interior area of the wringer; a liquid inlet port configured to receive a liquid from an external liquid source into the interior area; a liquid outlet port configured to discharge liquid from the interior area; and a pump in fluid connection with the interior area and the liquid outlet port, the pump being selectively operative to draw liquid from the interior area and to cause the liquid to be discharged through the liquid outlet port.
These and/or other aspects of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures.
The exemplary container 10 includes wheels or casters 20. The exemplary casters 20 are in operative connection with an underside of the container 10. For example, the casters 20 are in operative connection with the underside of the container 10 through respective downward extending flanges 22. Further, the exemplary flanges 22 may be operatively connected with a respective horizontal caster axel 24 (not shown). The exemplary casters 20 and flanges 22 are configured to be removable. Additionally, the casters 20 are configured to rotate relative to the flanges 22. However, this caster arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements used.
In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary container 10 further includes at least one basket 25 in operative connection with the at least one container wall 11. The exemplary basket 25 is configured to hold cleaning supplies or other cleaning utensils. As can be appreciated, this container arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used.
In exemplary embodiments, the exemplary container 10 includes a watertight chamber 26 in operative connection with a wall 11 of the container 10. The exemplary chamber 26 is sealed off from entrance of liquid by any combination of seals, gaskets, or other liquid resistant structures.
The exemplary chamber 26 includes, operatively positioned therein, a pump 28, a pump motor 29, a battery 30, at least one circuit 32, and a power connector 34. In exemplary embodiments, the pump 28, the pump motor 29, the battery 30, and the power connector 34 are in operative connection with the at least one circuit 32. Of course, this chamber arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other chamber arrangements may be used.
In exemplary embodiments, the exemplary power connector 34 is operative to receive a power cord 35 in operative releasable engagement therewith. The exemplary power cord 35, best shown in
In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary power connector 34 is operative to provide power from the power cord 35 directly to the pump motor 29 for operation of pump 28. That is, in such arrangements, the battery 30 may be foregone. In further alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary power cord 35 is in fixed operative connection with the circuit 32 and is configured to be extended and retracted via a spring-loaded wheel from a power cord chamber in operative connection with the container 10. The power cord 35 may be extended from the power cord chamber to be connected with a power source outlet external to the container 10. In still further alternative exemplary embodiments, the pump 28 may be drive by an AC motor, thereby eliminating the need for a battery and battery charger circuit. Of course, as should be understood, these power arrangements are merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used.
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In exemplary embodiments, as shown in
The exemplary liquid line 46 includes an end 52 disposed away from the liquid line connector 50. The end 52 is configured to be operatively, releasably engageable with a liquid source 54 such as the spout of a faucet of a sink, tub, or spigot. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary end 52 includes a clamp 56 in operative connection therewith, best shown in
The exemplary clamp 56 is operative to maintain the end 52 in surrounding relation of a spout 58 of the faucet, spigot, or other water source. The exemplary clamp 56 includes first and second clamp arms 60 and 62, a clamp head 63, and a wing nut tightener 64. As the wingnut 64 is tightened, the clamps arms 60, 62 and the clamp head 63 increasingly apply pressure to the end 52 in surrounding relation of the spout 58 so that the end 52 remains engaged with the spout 58. However, as can be appreciated, these arrangements are merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements maybe used.
In exemplary embodiments of the exemplary container 10, when the end 52 is engaged with the spout 58 and the liquid source 54 is turned to the on position, liquid is enabled to flow through the liquid line 46, through the liquid inlet 40, and into the interior area 14 of the container 10. The liquid within the interior area 14 of the container 10 is thereafter usable for cleaning, mopping, or other actions requiring a supply of liquid.
Now referring to
In alternative exemplary embodiments including a combined liquid inlet and liquid outlet, such embodiments also include a changeable valve, a first liquid path, and a second liquid path. In a first position of the exemplary changeable valve, the second liquid path is closed and liquid entering via the combined inlet and outlet from the liquid line 46 is caused to flow through the first liquid path into the interior area. When the exemplary valve is in the second position, the first liquid path is closed, and liquid is enabled to flow from the liquid discharge line 68 through the combined inlet and outlet into liquid line 46 to be drained in drain 66. However, this arrangement is exemplary, and other valve arrangements may be used.
In exemplary embodiments, pump 28 may comprise any pump suitable to move liquid from within interior area 14, through drain line 68, out of outlet 42, and through liquid line 46. For example, pump 28 may comprise a manual pump, a pedestal or submersible sump pump or the like, a jet pump including a motor and impeller, a centrifugal pump, or any other suitable pump and necessary structures.
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In further alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary container 10 includes a filter box 74 including a filter inlet port 76 and a filter outlet port 78. The exemplary filter box 74 includes therein any suitable removable filter 80 for removal of debris, bacteria, or other materials. In exemplary arrangements, liquid within interior area 14 is caused to move into filter box 74 via inlet port 76, is caused to be filtered by the filter 80 therein, and to exit filter box 74 via outlet port 78. The liquid may be caused to move through filter box 74 by movement of the liquid caused by a user or other instrument or device submerged in the liquid, movement of the liquid by mixer 72, or by operative connection with pump 28 or an additional pump with necessary structures to cause liquid to be drawn into the box 74 and forced therefrom.
In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary filter 80 may be in operative connection with an interior of the liquid line 46 or liquid discharge line 68. In such arrangements, the exemplary filter 80 is configured to remove debris and other matter prior to the liquid reaching drain 66. In further alternative exemplary arrangements, the exemplary filter 80 may comprise a debris or matter catch, such as a screen, that is easily accessible and removable for cleaning thereof. Of course, these filtering arrangements are merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used.
In still further alternative exemplary embodiments, as shown in
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In alternative exemplary embodiments, liquid lines 46 are operatively connected to the discharge line 68 and the pump intake line 70. In such arrangements, liquid is drawn through the liquid line 46 into the pump intake line 70 and discharged through the pump discharge line 68 through liquid line 46 to drain 66. In such arrangements, the liquid inlet and outlet 40 and 42 may be foregone. Further, in such arrangements, the same liquid lines may be used for filling the interior area 14 with liquid. Of course, this arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other exemplary arrangements may be used.
In alternative exemplary embodiments, as shown in
The exemplary automatic mop 88 includes a mop head 90 or pad with an integrated liquid discharge port 92 and liquid intake port 94. The exemplary ports 92 and 94 allow the mop head to discharge liquid for cleaning purposes, and to intake or suction up the liquid when too much liquid has been discharged, or when the mop head 90 is too wet. For example, the mop head 92 is moved into an area containing too much liquid and the liquid intake is actuated, thereby suctioning or intaking the liquid from the surface, or by absorbing the liquid with the head 90 and suctioning or intaking the liquid from the head 90.
The exemplary mop 88 further includes at least one liquid line 96, in some embodiments two liquid lines 96, extending from the interior area 14 of the container 10 to the mop head 90 or the respective liquid discharge 92 and intake ports 94. Additionally, the exemplary mop 88 includes a mop pump 98, mop pump motor 100, and at least one switch 102 all in operative connection with the at least one circuit 32 for control of the liquid discharge and intake. Of course, this arrangement is merely exemplary, and other arrangements may be used.
In further alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary container chamber 26 additionally includes an electronic system comprising a processor, a memory and processor readable medium, a receiver, a transmitter, at least one sensor, and a wired input and output port, for example, a USB port all in operative connection with the at least one circuit. In exemplary embodiments, the electrical system is operative to collect data from the various components of the system as well as the pump, battery, motor, mixer, filter, and switch box and sensors associated respectively therewith. The exemplary electrical system is operative to send and receive data via the transmitter, receiver, or wired input/output port. In exemplary arrangements, the exemplary system is operative to determine when any of the various components of the system and container are malfunctioning or otherwise not working properly, to connect with a Global Positioning System to determine a location of the container, or to monitor usage of liquids used in the container, for example, a volume of water, cleaning fluid or detergent, or any other material or liquid. Of course, as can be appreciated, these components and functions of the electrical system are exemplary, and in other embodiments, other components and functions may be used or achieved.
In further alternative exemplary embodiments, as shown in
The exemplary wet/dry vacuum 104 is designed to be in operative connection with the container 10. The exemplary motor 106 is in operative connection with the circuit 32 and is configured to receive power from the power connector 34 or power cord 35 for operation of the motor 106. During operation, the motor 106 is operative to cause a suction force to be applied at an opening of an attachment 114. The suction force is operative draw liquids or solids through the opening of the attachment 114, through the length of hose 110, through filter 112, and into the storage tank or bag 108. The exemplary storage tank or bag 108 may be emptied through detachment from the container 10. Of course, this wet/dry vacuum arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used.
In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary automatic mop bucket may be integrally formed with both the automatic mop and the wet/dry vacuum.
In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary embodiments may be modified to form an autonomous cleaning device. In such arrangements, the exemplary container includes the automatic mop and wet/dry vacuum in operative connection with an underside of the container such that the mop head and the wet/dry vacuum are selectively movable to contact a surface. Further, the exemplary apparatus includes various sensors and processors to determine the condition of a surface and to make a determine whether the mop or wet/dry vacuum is needed. The exemplary apparatus further includes necessary components, devices, and mechanisms to cause raising and lowering of the mop head and the wet/dry vacuum to contact a surface and the actuate any motion for operation of the mop head or wet/dry vacuum. Of course, this arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other features and relationships may be used.
Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments or combinations of the various features and relationships of the exemplary embodiments may be made to form other embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63277516 | Nov 2021 | US |
