Patent Application
20090271937
This invention relates, generally, to cleaning mops. More particularly, this invention relates to cleaning mops structured to meet specific requirements and challenges related to cleaning a variety of surfaces.
From the user's perspective, traditional mop 10 has difficulty cleaning uneven surfaces such as carpet. This is due, in part, to the shape and size of cleaning pad, which is too straight and too big, therefore unsuitable for cleaning uneven surfaces.
Embodiments of this invention are directed towards overcoming the above shortcomings by providing multi-purpose cleaning abilities, applicable to many different surfaces, including uneven surfaces such as carpet.
In one embodiment, a cleaning mop is constructed as follows: a handle is fixed onto a cylindrical coupler having rotational capability; a joint is fixed to the cylindrical coupler; a retainer for retaining a cleaning element is included; and a scrubber is formed with projections on one part and fins on the other part, extending side to side along the scrubber. The scrubber can be formed to have a circular cross-section. It also can be formed to have a polygonal cross-section. Each surface of the polygon is formed alternatively with either irregularly spaced projections or regularly spaced fins, such that the projections and fins alternate on every other face of the polygon.
Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
a is a side detail view of an embodiment of a cleaning mop according to the present invention used on an even surface.
b is a side detail view of an embodiment of a cleaning mop according to the present invention used on an irregular surface.
In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention, however, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention.
In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. For instance, “cleaning mop” or “mop” refers to any type of “cleaning device,” and “fins” refers to any panel or projection that is used to conform to contours and/or surface variations.
Scrubber 30 includes a retainer 38 configured to attach a replaceable cleaning element 100 (see
As illustrated, scrubber 30 includes fins 32 along one side and projections 34 along the other, although any combinations and/or patterns of fins 32 and projections 34 are contemplated. For example, the fins 32 extend laterally along the entire width of the scrubber 30 (see also
a illustrates a side detail view of an embodiment of a cleaning mop according to the present invention, used on an even surface. Cleaning element 100 is secured by retainer 38, wrapped around scrubber 30 including its fins 32 and projections 34. The cleaning element 100 can include a texture that interacts with the projections 34, and that can alter the surface contour of the cleaning element 100. For example, as illustrated in
As illustrated, the scrubber 30 is positioned with fins 32 downward, held flush against the even surface. Projections 34 face upwards. Contact between the scrubber 30 and the surface (via cleaning element 100) is enhanced via joint 36 and cylindrical coupler 40. As illustrated, joint 36 is flexed to allow the scrubber 30 to maintain positive contact with the surface. Joint 36 can include a spring effect to provide positive force against the surface. Additionally, scrubber 30 can fall into alignment laterally with the surface, due in part to the action of cylindrical coupler 40 that allows the scrubber 30 and joint 36 to rotate about the axis of the handle 22. Cylindrical coupler 40 can also include a spring effect to provide positive feedback to the user via the handle 22, and to ensure contact with the surface. Accordingly, cleaning element 100 is pressed consistently against the even surface, to ensure optimal cleaning.
b illustrates a side detail view of an embodiment of a cleaning mop according to the present invention used on an irregular surface. The irregular surface can include various surfaces such as carpet, tiles, or the like. Scrubber 30 is positioned with the projections 34 facing downward toward the uneven surface. The joint 36 is flexed to ensure that the cleaning element 100 is pressed against the uneven surface, to ensure optimal cleaning. As illustrated, the textured portion of the cleaning element 100 is in direct contact with the uneven surface. Projections 34 enhance the contact between the cleaning element 100 and the uneven surface. Any lateral variations in the uneven surface can be accommodated by the scrubber 30 as it rotates about the cylindrical coupler 40 thus ensuring proper contact.
Polygonal scrubber 60 includes a retainer 68 configured to attach a cleaning element 100 (see
As illustrated, polygonal scrubber 60 includes fins 62 along two alternate faces and projections 64 along the other alternate faces, although any combinations and/or patterns of fins 62 and projections 64 are contemplated. For example, the fins 62 can extend laterally along the entire width of two faces of the polygonal scrubber 60, and the projections 64 can be positioned irregularly along two faces of the polygonal scrubber 60. Alternatively, projections 64 can be positioned in regular rows, with each projection alternating with the spaces positioned between adjacent projections forming each of the adjacent rows. The cleaning element 100 (see
Thus, the various embodiments of the fins, projections, and cross-sectional shape (polygon, circle, etc.) of the cleaning mop can be used on many different types of surfaces and floors as needed, while the joint and cylindrical coupler accommodate any variations during use.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. Various embodiments of the invention remain useable in tandem or combination of one another.
This application claims priority to the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,789 filed on Jun. 21, 2007, for “Detachable Extension Handle,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, this application claims priority to the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/871,531 filed on Oct. 12, 2007, for “System for Detachably Connecting Mop Heads, Mop Pads, and the Like,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
