Floor Cleaning Apparatus

Abstract

There is provided a floor cleaning apparatus assembly comprising a base portion for engaging a floor during cleaning, means for creating suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of the base portion through the base portion via an opening provided at a front end of the base portion, a cleaning sheet provided with a first area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second area for collecting larger dirt particles, means for securing the cleaning sheet to the base portion but exposing the first area of the cleaning sheet, and a channel provided within the floor cleaning apparatus through which suctioned air travels, the channel beginning with the opening at the front end of the base portion, followed by passing through the second area of the cleaning sheet whereby larger dirt particles carried in the air are trapped thereat, and ending at an exit.

Description

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is related to a cleaning apparatus for floor cleaning.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

There is a great variety of implements for floor care on the market. Common variants include upright- and cylinder-type suction cleaners, stick-vacuum cleaners, hand-held vacuums and mops. There are also floor care products that combine vacuum cleaning and mopping. Lightweight stick vacuum cleaners are often equipped with a mopping pad, onto which a cleaning sheet or similar is attached, so that both larger and smaller dust particles can be cleaned off the floor. Many conventional suction cleaners are designed to necessarily equip with a relatively large container for collecting dust and a filter to clean suctioned air before it enters the suction motor. However, filters, dust containers and air ducting all add cost and complexity to any design, which is particularly sensitive to a low cost product. Also, replacement of such filters and dust containers by users is an added nuisance and cost.

The present invention seeks to provide a more user friendly floor cleaning apparatus which strike a balance between size, maneuverability and ease of use. More specifically, the floor cleaning apparatus may have reduced components and complexity and hence reduced cost and complexity, or at least to provide the public with an alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floor cleaning apparatus assembly comprising a base portion for engaging a floor during cleaning, means for creating suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of the base portion through the base portion via an opening provided at a front end of the base portion, a cleaning sheet provided with a first area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second area for collecting larger dirt particles, means for securing the cleaning sheet to the base portion whilst exposing the first area of the cleaning sheet, and a channel provided within the floor cleaning apparatus through which suctioned air travels, the channel beginning with the opening at the front end of the base portion, followed by passing through the second area of the cleaning sheet whereby larger dirt particles carried in the air are trapped thereat, and ending at an exit.

Preferably, the base portion may be relatively thin and generally rectangular in profile, with the width of the base larger than the length, and the opening being elongate in shape arranged across a substantial length at the front end of the base portion. Such configuration allows the base portion to reach areas which are difficult to clean, for example, under a couch.

Suitably, the base portion may be provided with a substantially flat bottom surface against which part of the cleaning sheet engages.

In one embodiment, the suction creating means may include a motor-and-fan assembly disposed above the base portion. Specifically, the suction creating means may be located at a handle portion of the apparatus.

The first area of the cleaning sheet engaging the floor may be substantially larger than the second area of the cleaning sheet. The first area may be used for floor mopping to attract finer dirt particles, such as dust, hair, etc. The second area of the cleaning sheet may be used for filtering larger dirt particles from the suctioned air, such as sand, food crumbs, etc. In a specific embodiment, the cleaning sheet may be provided with two surfaces, in which both the first and second areas of the cleaning sheet for collecting dirt particles reside on only one of the surfaces. With such configuration, after use the cleaning sheet can be folded against itself with the dirt collecting surface facing inwards to contain the dirt and then disposed easily.

In another embodiment, the cleaning sheet securing means may include gripping means for securing an end of the sheet at the base portion. The floor cleaning apparatus assembly may further comprise a cover pivotably mounted at an upped front end of the base portion, closing of which sandwiches part of the cleaning sheet', between the cover and the base portion. The second area of the cleaning sheet may be disposed above the first area of the cleaning sheet. This arrangement allows the use of a single cleaning sheet and yet produces two modes of cleaning, namely mopping and vacuuming.

In a preferred embodiment, the floor cleaning apparatus assembly may be free of any dust receptacle or dust filter. The absence of a dirt collecting receptacle in the base portion allows it be made more compact and to reach difficult to clean areas more easily, like a regular mop. The absence of a dirt collecting receptacle at the handle portion allows the handle portion be made with more design freedom. Specifically, it gives a lower center of gravity, reduces weight and improves the maneuverability of the overall apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floor cleaning apparatus, comprising a base portion for engaging a floor during cleaning, means for creating suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of the base portion through the base portion via an opening provided at a front end of the base portion, means for securing a cleaning sheet provided with a first area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second area for collecting larger dirt particles; and a channel provided within the floor cleaning apparatus through which suctioned air travels, in use, the channel beginning with the opening at the front end of the base portion, followed by passing through the second area of the cleaning sheet whereby larger dirt particles carried in the air are trapped thereat, and ending at an exit.

Preferably, the portion may generally rectangular in profile, with the width of the base larger than the length, and the opening being elongate in shape arranged across a substantial length at the front end of the base portion.

Suitably, the base portion may be provided with a substantially flat bottom surface against which, in use, part of the cleaning sheet engages.

In one embodiment, the suction creating means may include a motor-and-fan assembly disposed above the base portion.

The cleaning sheet securing means may include gripping means for securing an end of the cleaning sheet at the base portion.

In another embodiment, the floor cleaning apparatus may further comprise a cover pivotably mounted at an upper front end of the base portion, closing of which sandwiches part of the cleaning sheet between the cover and the base portion.

The floor cleaning apparatus may be free of any receptacle for collecting dirt or filtering dust, free of any wheels or rollers on which the base portion ride, and/or free of any brush for sweeping dirt on the floor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floor cleaning apparatus assembly, comprising a floor cleaning apparatus as described above and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning sheet may be provided with a first area for collecting finer dirt particles and for engaging the floor and a second area for collecting larger dirt particles and residing in the apparatus, the first area being substantially larger than the second area. Two surfaces are defined by the cleaning sheet, both the first and second areas of the cleaning sheet for collecting dirt particles reside on only one of the surfaces.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floor cleaning apparatus comprising a base portion for engaging a floor during cleaning, an elongate handle portion upwardly extending from the base portion, and means for connecting the handle portion and the base portion, the connecting means includes a connector having a generally cylindrical upper portion which is flexible and flares out at a tower end thereof and connects with an upper surface of the base portion, the connector be made of an injection molded flexible polymeric material.

Preferably, the floor cleaning apparatus may comprise means for creating suction whereby suctioned air is drawn from the surrounding of the base portion through the base portion via an opening provided at a front end of the base portion, then through a passageway defined by the cylindrical wall of the connector and finally through an exit.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical wall may be made of a polymeric material. Specifically, the polymeric material may be selected from a group including thermoplastic elastomer and natural rubber.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical wall may have a non-uniform thickness. It is envisaged that the connector when viewed from above has a first central axis running from left to right and a second central from running from front to rear. The part of the cylindrical wall at or near the second axis may be thinner than the part of the cylindrical wall at or near the first axis. With such configuration, the handle portion can pivot forward and backward relative to the base portion with less restriction than it can pivot sideways, and yet the overall torque resistance is maintained at a reasonable level.

Alternatively, the cylindrical wall may have a generally uniform thickness. The cylindrical wall may however be provided with ribs longitudinally arranged on the exterior surface thereof to enhance structural integrity of the connector. The ribs at or near the second axis may be thinner than the ribs at or near the first axis. With such configuration, the handle portion can similarly pivot forward and backward relative to the base portion more easily than it can pivot sideways.

In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical wall of the connector may be sufficiently thick such that it can withstand the weight of the handle portion to which it connects so that the handle portion can maintain an upright position at default and yet the connector is flexible enough to allow the handle portion to swing forward and backward and/or sideways in use. The connector may also be configured to transmit torque from the handle, at any angle to about 60 degrees from vertical, without buckling, in rider to continuously drive the base in a rotational direction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floor cleaning apparatus comprising a base portion for engaging a floor during cleaning, a handle portion extended from the base portion and means for controlling operation of the cleaning apparatus, wherein the control means includes an infra red emitter located at an upper end of the handle portion and an infra red receiver located at a lower end of the handle portion.

Preferably, the floor cleaning apparatus may comprise means for creating suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of the base portion through the base portion via an opening provided at a front end of the base portion. The control means' serves as a switch for activating or deactivating the suction creating means.

In one embodiment, the handle portion may include a handle member generally in the form of a tube, and the infra red emitter is located within the upper end of the tube and positioned to emit infra red light receivable by the infra red receiver located within the lower end of the handle.

In another embodiment, the handle member may be comprised of a plurality of sections. The plurality of the sections may be secured together to form the handle member. The handle may be free of electrical wiring or mechanical mechanisms connecting the control means and the suction creating means.

In yet another embodiment, the floor cleaning apparatus may be free of an external hose through which suctioned air passes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described, by way of examples only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a floor cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lower portion of the floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the lower portion floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the interior of the lower portion of the floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is another schematic view showing the interior of the lower portion of the floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing air flow within a part of the lower portion of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a cleaning sheet fitted to the part of the lower portion shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the cleaning sheet shown in FIG. 7 when being removed from the base of the lower portion of the cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a simplified cross section view of a connector which connects a base portion with the rest of the floor cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lower portion shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the lower portion shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the base portion and the connector of the floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a series of diagrams showing the steps for removing a soiled cleaning sheet;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the connector shown in FIG. 9;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are side view and front view, respectively, of the connector shown in FIG. 14, showing the configuration thereof;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the connector shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a handle member of the floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 19 is an exploded view showing the handle member shown in FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Turning to the figures, the present invention is concerned with a floor cleaning apparatus 2. As best seen in FIG. 1, the floor cleaning apparatus 2 generally comprises a base 4 which engages the floor during cleaning, a handle 6 and a connecting portion 8 connecting the base 4 and the handle 6. The handle 6 and the connecting portion 8 may be considered as a handle portion or upstanding portion of the apparatus 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is shown that the base 4 is relatively compact and generally rectangular in profile. Specifically, the width of the base 4 is larger than the length.

Also referring to FIG. 2, it is shown that the connecting portion 8 includes an upper region 10, a mid-region 12 which is enlarged and a lower region 14 having a connector 16 connecting the base 4 and the rest of the connecting portion together. The connector 16 includes an upper neck region 18 and a lower skirt region 20 which flares out towards the lower region 14 of the connector 16 and connects with an upper surface 22 of the base 4, as also shown in FIG. 4. The connector 16 includes a circumferential wall defining a through hole 48 therein. The connection between the connector 16 and the base 4 is air tight.

FIGS. 3 to 6 and especially FIG. 12 show that the base 4 includes a padding structure 24 having a floor plate 26 and a front flange 28 which curves backward. The front flange 28 is provided with openings 30. The floor plate 26 is provided with a rear flange 32 that curves forward. The padding structure 24 serves as a frame within which a pad base 34 is housed.

At the front end of the pad base 34, there are similarly provided with openings 36. When the pad base 34 is fitted in the padding structure 24, the openings 36 align with the openings 30 of the padding structure 24 and these openings 36 together form a suction port. At a rear end of the pad base 34, there is provided a circular exit 38 defined by a circumferential flange 40. It is to be understood that after the pad base 34 is fitted within the padding structure 24, there is a cavity defined therein, a front end of the cavity is a suction port defining the openings 30, 36 and the other end of the cavity is the circular exit 38 leading to the connector 16. In other words, the cavity can be viewed as a channel or part of a channel beginning with the elongate openings 30, 36 (or the suction port) and ending with the circular exit 38. The circumferential flange 40 is the region where the lower end of the connecting portion 8 or the connector 16 connects. The padding structure 24 and the pad base 34 can be considered as a housing or part of the housing for the base 4.

The base 4 further includes a suction nozzle 42 generally in the form of a cover and is positioned at the front of the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34. The suction nozzle 42 is pivotably connected at a mid-region on top of the base 4. The suction nozzle 42 is configured to assume a first (open) position in which it is upwardly swung. Please see FIG. 11 for example. The suction nozzle 42 is also configured to assume a second (closed) position in which it is closed against the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34. Please see FIG. 2 for example. In other words the cavity of the suction nozzle 42 and the channel of the padding structure 24 and pad base 34 become continuous. In use, one end of a cleaning sheet is fitted between the suction nozzle 42 and the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34, as shown, in, for example, FIG. 11. The suction nozzle 42 defines a cavity therein and is provided with an elongate opening 44 at the front end and disposed laterally thereat. Specifically, the suction nozzle 42 when closed 42 is positioned with the elongate opening 44 located just above the floor such that in use when the base 4 is being moved back and forth dirt particles located below and adjacent the suction nozzle 42 is drawn into it along with suctioned air. The suction nozzle 42 is provided with an exit at the other end. When the suction nozzle 42 is at its closed position, perimeter of the exit of the suction nozzle 42 is pressed against perimeter of the elongate openings 30, 36 of the padding structure 24 and thus exit of the suction nozzle 42 flushes with the openings 30, 36 of the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34.

The enlarged mid-region 12 of the connecting portion 8 contains a motor- and fan assembly for generating suction. It is to be understood a channel (or an air path) for air flow is defined by the floor cleaning apparatus 2. Specifically, the channel starts with the elongate opening 44 of the suction nozzle 42 through which dirt-laden air is drawn. The channel then continues at the exit of the suction nozzle 42, the entrance or elongate openings 30, 36 of the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34, and then the interior of the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34. The channel then continues with the through-hole 48 of the connector 16 (as shown in FIGS. 5 to 9) and ending at an exit 46 serving as a vent located behind the motor-and-fan assembly for venting suctioned air. The channel is sufficiently air tight such that there is minimal loss of pressure throughout the course of the channel in order to maximize the suction efficiency at the nozzle 42. Please see, for example, FIG. 5 in which the air path of the suctioned air is illustrated by the arrows.

The base 4 is provided with gripping fingers 50 at the top rear end thereof, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11. In use, one end of a cleaning sheet 52 is secured in these fingers 50. Specifically, two corners of the end of the cleaning sheet 52 are pushed and fixedly at the fingers 50. The cleaning sheet 52 is wrapped around the bottom of the base 4 and the other end of the cleaning sheet 52 is secured between the suction nozzle 42, and the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34. For sake of clarity, the suction nozzle 42 is not shown in FIG. 7. However, it is envisaged that after the suction nozzle 42 is closed the cleaning sheet 52 is sandwiched and secured between the suction nozzle 42 and the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34.

Floor cleaning by the floor cleaning apparatus 2 is achieved in two mechanisms. In a first mechanism, dust-laden air is drawn into the nozzle 42 through the opening 44, as shown for example by the arrows in FIG. 5 and also in FIG. 7. The air then enters a first surface 54 at a first end 56 of the cleaning sheet 52 secured between the suction nozzle 42 and the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34 and leaves on the other (second) surface. This area (i.e. on the first surface 54 at the first end 56) is intended to filter larger dirt particles such as sand or food crump. Suctioned air that has been filtered by the first end 56 leaves the second surface of the cleaning sheet 52, passes via the padding structure 24, then passes the through-hole 48 of the connector 16 and finally exit the vent 46 located behind the motor-and-fan assembly. FIG. 6 is an alternative illustration showing the flow of the suctioned air into the suction port through the connector 16, although the suction nozzle 42 is not shown in for clarity reason. FIG. 7 illustrates the first end 56 of the cleaning sheet 52 after dirt particles in the suctioned air are trapped thereat.

In a second mechanism, dirt can be collected at the first surface 54 at a second end 61) of the cleaning sheet 52. This part (i.e. on the first surface 54 and the second end 60) of the cleaning sheet 52 is exposed and engages the floor in use, and is intended to collect finer dirt particles such as dust, hair, etc.

It is envisaged that as the floor cleaning apparatus 2 is moved back and forth, floor sweeping with the second end 60 of the cleaning sheet 52 and floor vacuuming cleaning with dirt-laden air filtered through the first end 56 of the cleaning sheet 52 are performed simultaneously.

After each cleaning exercise, the second end 60 of the cleaning sheet 52 is released from the gripping fingers 50 and then forwardly folded to a configuration as shown, in FIG. 13. It is illustrated that both the area for filtering larger dirt particles and the second area for collecting finer dirt particles resides on the same side, i.e. the first surface 54 of the cleaning sheet 52. This is advantageous because as long as the soiled cleaning sheet 52 is handled gently the dirt collected on the same side will remain there. The soiled sheet 52 can be folded against itself with the soiled surface faces inwardly. FIG. 13 includes a serious of diagrams and illustrates how a soiled cleaning sheet 52 can be removed from the cleaning apparatus 2 and disposed of conveniently.

It is to be noted that any sheet fabric that can pick up and/or filter dirt can be used as the cleaning sheet 52. For example, sheet fabric sold under the brand Swiffer Sweeper® may be used.

FIGS. 14 to 17 are schematic diagrams showing the connector 16. The connector 16 is made of a polymeric material. Although the specific material used in this embodiment is thermoplastic elastomer (TBE) any suitable polymeric material, such as an injection moldable, compression moldable or natural rubber material may be used. The connector 16 resembles a turtle neck. The upper region 18 of the connector 16 receives and is reinforced by a rigid circumferential end extended from the enlarged mid-region 12 of the connecting portion 8, as shown for example, in FIG. 5. A lower skirt region 19 of the connector 16 is however flexible and yet resilient. The lower region 19 is made of a wall with a thickness which is commensurate with the weight of the connecting portion 8 and the handle 6 such that at default the connector 16 is rigid enough to withstand their weight and at default the handle 6 can normally maintain an upright position without tipping over. The lower region of the connector 16 and specifically the skirt region of the connector 16 is made of a rotational fold material such that it is can withstand repeated rotational fold, in order to enable its upper portion to incline about 60 degrees from vertical in relation thereto.

In this embodiment, while the wall making up the connector 16 is generally uniform in thickness, radial and axial ribs are provided on the exterior surface of the wall to improve the torsional stability and thus resilience thereof. The thickness of the ribs at different regions of the wall is however different. Specifically, it can be envisaged that the connector 16 when viewed from above has a first central axis running from left to right and a second central axis running from front to rear. The ribs at or near the second axis are thinner or shallower than the ribs at or near the first axis. Specifically, in this embodiment, the thinner ribs have a thickness of about 2 mm and the thicker or longer ribs have a thickness of about 5 mm. The differential in thickness of the ribs allows a differential in resistance to bending in different directions. Due the thinner ribs at or near the second axis, the handle 6 can thus pivot forward and backward relative to the base portion more easily than it can pivot sideways. This is desirable because in a cleaning operation, the floor cleaning apparatus 2 is often moved forward and backward more frequently then it is moved sideways. The differential in thickness of the ribs on different regions of the connector 16 allows more effective maneuverability of the floor cleaning apparatus 2. FIG. 15 represents a side view of the connector 16 showing shallower ribs which require a smaller force to deform the connector and hence pivot the handle 6 relative to the base 4.

It can be envisaged that the connector 16 serves multiple functions. First, it serves to connect the enlarged mid-region of the connecting portion 8 with the base 4. Second, it acts as a universal joint at which the connecting portion 8 and the handle 6 can pivot in use. Third, due to the hollow interior of the connector 16, this interior provides a pathway through which suctioned air passes. The connector 16 however does pot have or does not have to possess any distinct rigid components. Specifically, the connector 16 is integral in structure and can be formed in a single molding step. This is desirable during manufacturing and assembling.

FIGS. 18 to 19 illustrate the handle 6 of the floor cleaning apparatus 2. The handle 6 is divided into three sections, namely an upper section 70, a mid-section 72 and a lower section 74. The handle 6 is provided with clip-locking means 76 for securing the sections 70, 72, 74 together. Once assembled, the handle 6 is in the form of a relatively long pole with a hollow interior. At an upper end of the handle 6, there is provided with an on-off switch 78 at the exterior, and the switch 78 is connected to a battery 80 and a battery operated infra-red emitter 82 located at the interior within the upper end of the handle 6. The upper end of the handle 6 is provided with an infra red LED display 84 on PCB. There is also provided an infra-red receiver above the motor-and-fan assembly near the lower end of the handle 16. The receiver is connected to the motor-and-fan assembly at one end controlling the activation of the fan. The receiver is also positioned to receive signals from the infra-red emitter 82.

It is to be understood that when the floor cleaning apparatus 2 is assembled with the sections 70, 72, 74 secured together to form the handle 6 and the cleaning sheet fitted to the base 4, the suction can be initiated by pressing on the switch 78. One pressing of the switch 78, an infra-red signal is emitted and received by the receiver instructing the (de)activation of the motor-and-fan assembly. The switch 78 and the motor-and-fan assembly are not electrically connected together or connected by electrical wires, and this allows the handle 6 be assembled or disassembled easily by a layman. When the handle 6 is dissembled, the apparatus 2 can be stowed away easily.

The above described floor cleaning apparatus 2 serves as a combination floor sweeper and vacuum cleaner although no dust receptacle or dust tank is used.

It should be understood that various features the above described embodiment are illustrated in the context of different aspects of the present invention. Some of the features may be provided separately or in any appropriate combinations to form other embodiments of the present invention without deviating from the broad scope of the preset invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, there is provided with a flow cleaning apparatus having a base and a connector as described above although no infra red signal transmission is used. Alternatively, in another embodiment, there may be provided with a floor cleaning apparatus having a base and the handle as described above although no polymeric connector is used. In yet another embodiment, the base and the connector may be configured such that water may pass through the channel. There may also be other linkages, electrical or otherwise, provided in the connector. It is envisaged that the connector and/or the handle may be detachable with the base.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly comprising: a. a base portion for engaging a floor during cleaning;b. means for creating suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of said base portion through said base portion via an opening provided at a front end of said base portion;c. a cleaning sheet provided with a first area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second area for collecting larger dirt particles;d. means for securing said cleaning sheet to said base portion whilst exposing the first area of said cleaning sheet; ande. a channel provided within said floor cleaning apparatus through which suctioned air travels, the channel beginning with the opening at the front end of said base portion, continued with passing through the second area of said cleaning sheet whereby larger dirt particles carried in the air are trapped thereat, and ending at an exit.

2. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base portion is relatively thin and generally rectangular in profile, with the width of said base larger than the length, and the opening being elongate in shape arranged across a substantial length at the front end of said base portion.

3. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base portion is provided with a substantially flat bottom surface against which part of said cleaning sheet engages.

4. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said suction creating means includes a motor-and-fan assembly disposed above said base portion.

5. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first area of said cleaning sheet engaging the floor is substantially larger than the second area of said cleaning sheet.

6. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein two surfaces are defined by said cleaning sheet, both the first and second areas of said cleaning sheet for collecting dirt particles reside on only one of the surfaces.

7. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cleaning sheet securing means includes gripping fingers for securing an end of said sheet at said base portion.

8. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cover pivotably mounted at an upper front end of said base portion, closing of which sandwiching part of said cleaning sheet between said cover and said base portion.

9. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly, wherein the second area of said cleaning sheet is disposed above the first area of said cleaning sheet.

10. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assembly is free of any receptacle for collecting or filtering dirt, free of any wheels or rollers on which said base portion ride, and/or free of any brush for sweeping dirt on the floor.

11. A floor cleaning apparatus, comprising: a. a base portion for engaging a floor during cleaning;b. means for creating suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of said base portion through said base portion via an opening provided at a front end of said base portion;c. means for securing a cleaning sheet provided with a first area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second area for collecting larger dirt particles; andd. a channel provided within said floor cleaning apparatus through which suctioned air travels, in use, the channel beginning with the opening at the front end of said base portion, continued with by passing through the second area of said cleaning sheet whereby larger dirt particles carried in the air are trapped thereat, and ending at an exit.

12. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said base portion is generally rectangular in profile, with the width of said base larger than the length, and the opening being elongate in shape arranged across a substantial length at the front end of said base portion.

13. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said base portion is provided with a substantially flat bottom surface against which, in use, part of said cleaning sheet engages.

14. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said suction creating means includes a motor-and-fan assembly disposed above said base portion.

15. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said cleaning sheet securing means includes gripping fingers for securing an end of said cleaning sheet at said base portion.

16. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a cover pivotably mounted at an upper front end of said base portion, closing of which for sandwiching part of said cleaning sheet between said cover and said base portion.

17. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said apparatus is free of any receptacle for collecting or filtering dirt, free of any wheels or rollers on which said base portion ride, and/or free of any brush for sweeping dirt on the floor.

18. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly, comprising a floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, an elongate handle portion upwardly extending from the base portion, and means for connecting the handle portion and the base portion, the connecting means includes a connector having an upper portion having a generally cylindrical wall which is flexible and flares out at a lower end thereof and connects with an upper surface of the base portion, said connector made of a polymeric material.

19. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the channel includes a passageway defined by the cylindrical wall of said connector.

20. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of an injection moldable material, a compression moldable material, a thermoplastic elastomer and a natural rubber.