Patent Application
20200022555
The present invention relates generally to devices employed for ringing liquid out of cleaning devices and, more particularly, relates to devices utilized with containers for cleaning mops.
Many individuals utilize mops or other cleaning devices to clean floor surfaces. As part of the cleaning process, the individual will soak or otherwise expose the cleaning device in or to a liquid, e.g., water or a sanitizing substance. Before or after use of the cleaning device, most individuals desire to ring or otherwise remove liquid from the cleaning device. If the cleaning device is not rung, it can over saturate a floor surface, causing a safety risk for individuals and/or failure in the floor surface, e.g., buckling in wood.
Some known devices designed to drain liquid out of a cleaning device include a receptacle sized to receive the head of a cleaning device, wherein the receptacle has a plurality of apertures formed thereon for receiving liquid therethrough. The liquid transported through the apertures is housed within a container disposed underneath the receptacle. The liquid is transported through the apertures often through a centrifugal or compression force subjected to the head of the cleaning device by the receptacle. These devices, however, require two of the user's hands or a user's hand and a user's foot to cause the ringing of the cleaning device head. To that end, some devices include a lever extending from or coupled to the receptacle, wherein the lever causes the receptacle to rotate or compress together to force liquid out of the cleaning device head. For many users, that makes using the cleaning devices more time consuming, difficult, or impracticable.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.
The invention provides a mop draining bucket adapter that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that effectively and efficiently removes liquid from a cleaning device head, such as a mop head.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a mop draining bucket adapter having a first container coupling bracket with an extension bracket extending longitudinally therefrom and a mop compression assembly coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket. The mop compression assembly may include a first compression plate with an upper end, a lower end opposing the upper end of the first compression plate, an inner surface, two opposing sides separating and defining a first plate width, and a plurality of enclosed apertures defined thereon, and a second compression plate with an upper end, a lower end opposing the upper end of the second compression plate, an inner surface, two opposing sides separating and defines a second plate width, and a plurality of enclosed apertures defined thereon. The first and second compression plates are hingedly coupled together at their respective lower end along the first and second plate widths, coupled together at their respective upper ends proximal to each of the two opposing sides with a plurality of tether members, define a compression zone with the inner surfaces of the first and second compression plates, and are operably configured to rotate about their respective lower end in a plate compression path and vary a volume defined by the compression zone.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the container coupling bracket has a U-shaped sidewall defining an arcuate-shaped channel.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the container coupling bracket having a fastener selectively and rotatably coupled to an outer surface of the U-shaped sidewall of the container coupling bracket.
In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes at least one pivoting arm with a first end and a second end, opposite the first end of the at least one pivoting arm, wherein the first end of the at least one pivoting arm is directly and pivotably coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket and the second end of the at least one pivoting arm is directly and pivotably coupled to the upper end of the first compression plate.
In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a first tension spring with a first end coupled to the at least one pivoting arm and a second end coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the plate compression path having a first plate configuration and first position along the plate compression path with a first position volume defined by the compression zone and a second plate configuration and a second position along the plate compression path with a second position volume defined by the compression zone, wherein the second position volume is less than the first position volume and the first tension spring biasing the first and second compression plates in the first plate configuration.
In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second compression plates each having a first plate length and a second plate length, respectively, wherein the plurality of enclosed apertures defined on each of the first and second compression plates are disposed in a tightly spaced configuration and span at least 50% of the first and second plate lengths and the first and second plate widths of the first and second compression plates, respectively.
In accordance with an exemplary feature, an embodiment of the present invention also include a second container coupling bracket with an extension bracket extending longitudinally therefrom, a first pivoting arm with a first end and a second end, opposite the first end of the first pivoting arm, wherein the first end of the first pivoting arm is directly and pivotably coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket and the second end of the first pivoting arm directly and pivotably coupled to the upper end of the first compression plate, and a second pivoting arm with a first end and a second end, opposite the first end of the second pivoting arm, wherein the first end of the second pivoting arm is directly and pivotably coupled to the extension bracket of the second container coupling bracket and the second end of the second pivoting arm directly and pivotably coupled to the upper end of the second compression plate.
In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a first tension spring with a first end coupled to the first pivoting arm and a second end coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket and a second tension spring with a first end coupled to the second pivoting arm and a second end coupled to the extension bracket of the second container coupling bracket.
In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the plate compression path with a first plate configuration and first position along the plate compression path having a first position volume defined by the compression zone and a second plate configuration and a second position along the plate compression path with a second position volume defined by the compression zone, wherein the second position volume is less than the first position volume and the first and second tension springs biasing the first and second compression plates, respectively, in the first plate configuration.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second compression plates each have a first plate length and a second plate length, respectively, wherein the plurality of enclosed apertures defined on each of the first and second compression plates are disposed in a tightly spaced configuration and span at least 50% of the first and second plate lengths and the first and second plate widths of the first and second compression plates, respectively.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the first and second compression plates are operably configured to translate together in a longitudinal direction.
Also in accordance with the present invention, the adapter is utilized in combination with a bucket having a bottom wall and a sidewall surrounding the bottom wall of the bucket, defining, with the bottom wall, a container cavity, and having a sidewall upper edge spanning a perimeter thereon, wherein the improvement includes a first container coupling bracket defining a first channel and with an extension bracket extending longitudinally from the first container coupling bracket, wherein the first container coupling bracket coupled to the sidewall of the bucket and with the sidewall upper edge disposed within the first channel. Additionally, a second container coupling bracket defines a second channel and with an extension bracket extending longitudinally from the second container coupling bracket, wherein the second container coupling bracket is coupled to the sidewall of the bucket and with the sidewall upper edge disposed within the second channel. The first and second container coupling brackets are disposed on opposing sides of the bucket. Additionally, a mop compression assembly having a first compression plate is coupled to the first container coupling bracket with a first pivoting arm, with an upper end, a lower end opposing the upper end of the first compression plate, an inner surface, two opposing sides separating and defining a first plate width, and a plurality of enclosed apertures defined thereon, and a second compression plate coupled to the second container coupling bracket with a second pivoting arm, with an upper end, a lower end opposing the upper end of the second compression plate, an inner surface, two opposing sides separating and defining a second plate width, and a plurality of enclosed apertures defined thereon. The first and second compression plates are hingedly coupled together at their respective lower end along the first and second plate widths, are coupled together at their respective upper end proximal to each of the two opposing sides with a plurality of tether members, define a compression zone with the inner surfaces of the first and second compression plates, and are operably configured to rotate about their respective lower ends in a plate compression path to vary a volume defined by the compression zone.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second container coupling brackets having a fastener selectively and rotatably coupled to an outer surface thereon and directly coupled to an outer surface of the sidewall.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the first and second compression plates are operably configured to translate together in a longitudinal direction toward the bottom wall of the bucket.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a mop draining bucket adapter, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user's perspective of the device (here, it is based on the position of the structures depicted in the figures). Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction from a lower end to an upper end of a container or bucket upon which the mop draining bucket adapter is coupled.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
With reference to
The adapter 100 is specially designed for its use with a bucket 124 having a bottom wall 500, a sidewall 502 surrounding the bottom wall 500, and defining, with the bottom wall 500, a container cavity 504 for housing a liquid thereon. In one embodiment, the bucket 124 is of a substantially rigid polymeric material, e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), has a 3-6 gallon capacity for the container cavity 504, and includes a sidewall upper edge 504 spanning a perimeter thereon. The sidewall 502 may also include a sidewall configuration for coupling with a lid. To that end, the adapter 100 may include one or more container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter 100 has two container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 operably configured to be disposed on and coupled to opposing sides of the sidewall upper edge 504 of the bucket 124 (best seen in
The container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 may each have extension brackets 104, 122 extending longitudinally from the container coupling brackets 102, 120. Said another way, each of the extension brackets 104, 122 may extend toward the bottom wall 500 of the bucket 124 and/or substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of container coupling bracket. Each of the extension brackets 104, 122 are beneficially configured to facilitate rotational and/or linear movement of compression plates 108, 110 pivotably coupled thereto with, for example, one or more pivoting arm(s) 200a-n, wherein “n” represents any number greater than one.
More specifically, and with reference to
In one embodiment, the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n are circular and may be approximately 0.1-1 inches in diameter. However, other shapes and sizes of the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may also be utilized to effectuate transfer of liquid therethrough and into the bucket 124. The plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may also be disposed in a tightly spaced configuration, i.e., within 0.1-1 inches from one another, and may also be uniformly spaced from one another. To again facilitate in quickly and effectively transferring rung liquid from the cleaning device head to the container 124, the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may span at least 50% of the first and second plate lengths and the first and second plate widths of the first and second compression plates 108, 110, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may span at 80% of the first and second plate lengths and the first and second plate widths of the first and second compression plates 108, 110, respectively. Additionally, the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may also start spanning upwardly toward the upper end 1400 from a point proximal to the lower end 1402 of each of the compression plates 108, 110. Said differently, as the bottom of each of the compression plates 108, 110 will receive the cleaning device head 610, placing the apertures 1404a-n at or near the lower terminal end of the plates 108, 110 will enable liquid to be more quickly transferred to the bucket 124.
Referring back to
The compression plates 108, 110 may be also coupled together at their respective upper end 1400 and proximal to each of the two opposing sides 1500, 1502 with a plurality of tether members 202a-b. In one embodiment, ends of the plurality of tether members 202a-b are directly coupled to the inner surfaces of each of the compression plates 108, 110 and may be of an inelastic material, e.g., rope or stainless-steel cable. The plurality of tether members 202a-b beneficially prevent the compression plates 108, 110 from over-rotating when the cleaning head 610 is inserted into a compression zone 114 defined by the inner surfaces of the first and second compression plates 108, 110 and pressed up against the compression plates 108, 110.
Said another way, when the user desires to drain or ring out liquid retained in the cleaning head 610 of the cleaning device, he or she will apply a downward force (represented with arrow 612) against the inner surfaces of the compression plates 108, 110. In one embodiment, the downward force against the compression plates 108, 110 causes the compression plates 108, 110 to pivot with respect to the hinged connection at the lower ends and rotate together, compressing the cleaning head 610. The rotation of the compression plates 108, 110 is represented in
The plate compression path 600, 614 may also be said to generate a first plate configuration and first position (exemplified with arrow 602) along the plate compression path with a first position volume defined by the compression zone 114. The plate compression path 600, 614 may also be said to generate a second plate configuration and a second position (exemplified with arrow 604) along the plate compression path with a second position volume defined by the compression zone 114. The second position volume is less than the first position volume, thereby causing the compression of the compression plates 108, 110 against the cleaning head 610. The one or more spring(s) 116, 202 bias the first and second compression plates 108, 110, respectively, in the first plate configuration, i.e., leaving an opening caused by the upper ends of the plates 108, 110 for the cleaning head 610 to be inserted therein and into the compression zone 114. In one embodiment, the two compression plates 108, 110 may define side opening(s) while in either the first or second position along the plate compression path. In other embodiments, the sides of the two compression plates 108, 110 may have an elastic or inelastic fabric or water-resistant covering to prevent errand liquid from exiting the compression zone 114, and the container 124.
As best seen in
The tension spring(s) 116 may include a first end coupled directly to a pivoting arm or indirectly to a pivoting arm through an arm connector 1704. The tension spring(s) 116 may include a second end coupled to an extension bracket. The tension spring(s) 116 may be of a substantially rigid material, such stainless steel.
With reference to
With reference to
Although a specific order of executing the process steps has been described herein, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps described herein and depicted in the figures can be combined into a single process.
Additionally, various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/702,246 filed Jul. 23, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62702246 | Jul 2018 | US |
