Patent Application
20060048318
The present invention relates to the field of cleaning implements, and, more particularly, to the field of multi-purpose cleaning implements useful for cleaning hard surfaces such as floors, sinks, bathtubs, shower walls and the like.
The literature is replete with products capable of cleaning flat hard surfaces such as ceramic tile floors, hardwood floors, counter tops and the like. In the context of cleaning flat surfaces, and in particular in the context of cleaning floors with a cleaning substrate, numerous devices are described comprising an elongated handle rotatably connected to a mop head via a universal joint. One example of such an implement is the SWIFFER® cleaning implement. The mop head of these implements includes typically a rigid support plate connected to a handle via a universal joint and a “bumper” or “cushion” pad located at the bottom of the rigid support plate and facing the surface to be cleaned. The “bumper” pad minimizes the risk that the flat surface might be damaged during the cleaning operation. In order to clean the flat surface, a user first attaches a cleaning substrate such as a disposable dry cleaning sheet (e.g. SWIFFER® cleaning sheet), or a disposable absorbent cleaning wipe or pad (e.g. a SWIFFER WET® pre-moistened cleaning pad), to slitted retaining structures located on the top surface of the support plate such that the cleaning substrate is “sandwiched” between the bumper pad and the surface to be cleaned, and then, wipes the flat surface with the chosen cleaning substrate. This type of implement used in combination with a disposable cleaning substrate has been shown to be convenient, easy to use and particularly hygienic as it limits the contact between the user's hand and the cleaning substrate, which is disposed of once the flat surface is cleaned. Nevertheless, the rigid support plate of this type of implement does not allow a user to clean curved surfaces effectively or efficiently, especially concave surfaces which are curved inwardly.
The literature is also replete with products capable of cleaning curved surfaces such as sinks, bathtubs and the like. Some of these products include cleaning solution which are applied directly on the surface to be cleaned and then rinsed off with water. Although these require minimum effort from the user, they generally do not provide the same cleaning efficacy as when a cleaning substrate is wiped against the surface to be cleaned. In order to enhance the cleaning performance, some cleaning products include cleaning substrates used in combination with a cleaning product. The most common of these are sponges. In order to clean a curved surface, a user typically holds the sponge in his or her hand and applies a cleaning solution either to the sponge or directly on the surface to be cleaned and then wipes this surface. Once the surface is clean, a user typically rinses this sponge and lets it dry such that it can be reused. Sponge materials (either natural or synthetic) are flexible and, as a result, they conform easily to the shape of the surface being cleaned. However, this type of reusable substrate becomes unsanitary over time and also requires the user to wear gloves to protect his or her hands depending on the “aggressiveness” of the cleaning solution which is used.
It is therefore one object of this invention to provide a cleaning implement which can be used with a disposable cleaning substrate in order to clean both flat, or curved surfaces in a convenient and hygienic manner.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a motorized cleaning implement which can be used with a disposable cleaning substrate in order to clean with minimum effort both flat and/or curved surfaces in a convenient and hygienic manner.
The invention relates to a cleaning implement for use with a cleaning substrate, comprising a mop head for receiving and retaining a cleaning substrate, the mop head comprises a bumper pad wherein the bumper pad is substantially nonabsorbent and wherein the bumper pad is deformable, and an interconnecting member connected to the bumper pad wherein the interconnecting member is substantially rigid and wherein the “Rigid to Deformable” ratio of the mop head is between about 0.1 and about 0.75 and a handle connected to the mop head.
The invention also relates to a cleaning implement for use with a cleaning substrate, comprising a bumper pad having a longitudinal axis, a front and a back edge, wherein the bumper pad is substantially nonabsorbent and deformable and wherein said bumper pad has an elliptical shape defined by the front and back edges, wherein the front and back edges intersect to form at least one tip located on the longitudinal axis and an interconnecting member connected to said bumper pad along the longitudinal axis.
The invention also relates to a cleaning implement for use with a cleaning substrate, comprising a bumper pad having a longitudinal axis, a front and a back edge, wherein said bumper pad is substantially nonabsorbent and deformable and wherein the bumper pad has an elliptical shape defined by said front and back edges, wherein the front and back edges intersect to form at least one tip located on the longitudinal axis and wherein the front and back edges form an angle α at the tip, wherein the angle α is between about 10 degrees and about 150 degrees.
The invention also relates to a cleaning implement for use with a cleaning substrate, comprising a mop head for receiving and retaining a cleaning substrate, said mop head comprising a bumper pad wherein said bumper pad is substantially nonabsorbent and wherein the bumper pad is made of a deformable material and wherein the bumper pad includes a plurality of weaknesses for increasing the ability of the bumper pad to deform.
The invention also relates to a cleaning implement for use with a cleaning substrate, comprising a mop head for receiving and retaining a cleaning substrate, said mop head comprising a bumper pad having a longitudinal axis, a middle portion, a front and a back edge, wherein the bumper pad is substantially nonabsorbent and deformable and wherein the bumper pad has an elliptical shape defined by the front and back edges, wherein the front and back edges intersect to form at least one tip located on the longitudinal axis and wherein the thickness of the bumper pad at the tip is greater than the thickness of the bumper pad at the middle portion such that the ability of the bumper pad to deform at the tip is less than the ability of the bumper pad to deform at the middle portion.
The invention also relates to a cleaning implement for use with a cleaning substrate, comprising a bumper pad having a longitudinal axis, at least one retaining member for engaging and retaining a disposable cleaning substrate wherein the retaining member is located on said longitudinal axis of the bumper pad, a handle rotatably connected to said mop head and a disposable cleaning substrate having a longitudinal axis defining a first and a second half of the cleaning substrate wherein a portion of the first half and a portion of the second half are retained by the retaining member and such that the cleaning substrate does not interfere with the rotation of the handle relative to the mop head.
The invention also relates to a motorized cleaning implement for cleaning a surface which comprises a mop head for receiving and retaining a cleaning substrate and a handle connected to the mop head, the mop head comprising a bumper pad having a substantially continuous outer surface and an electric motor for causing the bumper pad to move relative to the motor, wherein the motor is operably connected to the bumper pad.
The invention also relates to a motorized cleaning implement for cleaning a surface comprising a mop head for receiving and retaining a cleaning substrate, the mop head having a top and a bottom surface, the mop head comprising an electric motor for causing the bottom surface of the mop head to move relative to the motor, wherein the motor is operably connected to the bottom surface of the mop head and a handle pivotably connected to the mop head by at least one pivotal connection.
The invention also relates to a motorized cleaning implement for cleaning a surface comprising a mop head for receiving and retaining a cleaning substrate and a handle connected to the mop head, the mop head having substantially continuous bottom and side surfaces and an electric motor for causing the substantially continuous bottom and side surfaces to move relative to the motor, wherein the motor is operably connected to the substantially continuous bottom and side surfaces and a cleaning substrate releasably attached to the mop head such that the cleaning substrate covers at least a portion of the bottom surface of the bumper pad and at least a portion of the side surfaces of the bumper pad.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
While not intending to limit the utility of the cleaning implement and substrate herein, it is believed that a brief description of its use will help elucidate the invention.
Modern cleaning implements employ disposable cleaning substrates such as sheets or absorbent pads, which are releasably affixed to the head of the cleaning implement, and which can conveniently be discarded and replaced after soiling. These cleaning implements have a handle which is rotatably connected to a mop head. The mop head of these is substantially rectangular and includes a rigid support plate which is connected to the handle, as well as, a “bumper” pad attached to the bottom surface of the mop head. This bumper pad, which is made of a flexible material, minimizes the risk that the surface might be damaged during the cleaning operation. The cleaning substrate is wrapped around the mop head and attached to slitted structures located on top of the support plate. One example of such a “modern” cleaning implement is the SWIFFER® cleaning implement sold by The Procter & Gamble Company and is shown is
In order to clean curved and/or narrow surfaces, a user can apply a cleaning solution directly on the surface without wiping it off the surface. However, better cleaning results are obtained when the surface is wiped with a cleaning substrate. A user can apply a cleaning solution onto a cleaning substrate or onto the surface and then wipe the surface with this cleaning substrate. The most common cleaning substrates are absorbent sponges which are deformable and, as a result, conform to curved surfaces. However, these conventional sponges require that the user wears plastic gloves to avoid contact with the cleaning solution and/or the dirt which is absorbed in the sponge. The effort required from a user in order to remove tough stains, renders the cleaning task difficult and inconvenient. In addition, since these sponges are intended to be reusable, after repeated usage, the sponge itself becomes dirty, unsanitary or unsightly.
The foregoing considerations are addressed by the present invention, as will be clear from the detailed disclosures which follow.
All documents cited herein are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.
It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
All parts, ratios, and percentages herein, in the Specification, Examples, and Claims, are by weight, unless otherwise stated, and all numerical limits are used with the normal degree of accuracy afforded by the art, unless otherwise specified.
As discussed more fully hereafter, the present invention is, in its most preferred form, directed to a cleaning implement having a mop head, which is at least partially deformable, and a disposable cleaning substrate which can be affixed about the mop head during the cleaning operation.
I. Non-Motorized Cleaning Implement
Referring to
In one embodiment, the cleaning implement 10 comprises a mop head 20, a handle 30, which is rotatably connected to the mop head 20 by a universal joint 40 having a first rotational axis A-A and a second rotational axis B-B. By “elongated handle”, it is meant a handle whose length is at least about 5 cm, preferably at least about 20 cm, more preferably at least about 60 cm, and even more preferably at least 115 cm.
In one embodiment, the mop head 20 comprises a “bumper” pad 120 connected to an interconnecting member 220. The interconnecting member 220 can be attached to the bumper pad 120 via any method known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the interconnecting member 220 is adhesively attached to the bumper pad 120. The interconnecting member 220 includes a base portion 1220 and at least one, but preferably two projection portions 2220 and 3220 for pivotably connecting the universal joint 40 to the interconnecting member 220. In a preferred embodiment, the bumper pad 120 is substantially deformable and the base portion is substantially rigid.
By “substantially deformable”, it is meant that the bumper pad 120 is either deformed or “crushed” in the X-Y plane (i.e. horizontal plane) when the side of the bumper pad is pressed against a wall as shown in
In one embodiment, the mop head has a “Rigid to Deformable” ratio of at least about 0.1, preferably at least about 0.15, more preferably at least about 0.2, even more preferably at least about 0.25 and most preferably at least about 0.3. In one embodiment, the “Rigid to Deformable” ratio of the mop head is less than about 0.75, preferably at less than about 0.7, more preferably less than about 0.65, even more preferably less than about 0.6 and most preferably at least about 0.55.
Without intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the “Rigid to Deformable” ratio provides an effective measure of the ability of the mop head to conform to the surface being cleaned.
The “Rigid to Deformable ratio” of the mop head can be calculated by dividing the total area of the bottom surface of the base portion 1220 (which is made of a substantially rigid material and which is in contact with the bumper pad) projected in the X-Y plane, by the total area of the bottom surface of the deformable bumper pad projected in the X-Y plane. Since the force applied by a user to the handle 30 and/or the universal joint 40 is transmitted to the bumper pad via the base portion, one skilled in the art will understand that if the “Rigid to Deformable” ratio is too low (i.e. less than about 0.05) this force is applied over a relatively small area of the bumper pad rather than uniformly. Such a low “Rigid to Deformable” ratio reduces the maneuverability of the mop head, it limits the user's ability to control the direction of the mop head, it can potentially result in the bumper pad being damaged and it lowers the overall cleaning efficacy of the implement used in combination with a cleaning substrate attached to the bumper pad. One skilled in the art will also understand that if the “Rigid to Deformable” ratio is too high (i.e. more than about 0.75), the ability of the bumper pad to deform in the X-Y plane as well as in the Z direction is then limited by the rigidity of the base portion in contact with the bumper pad.
In a preferred embodiment, the total area of the bottom surface of the base portion 1220 projected in the X-Y plane is between about 1 cm2 and about 100 cm2, preferably between about 2 cm2 and about 50 cm2, more preferably between about 4 cm2 and about 30 cm2. The base portion 1220 can have any suitable geometric shape. One skilled in the art will understand that the base portion can be segmented resulting in a plurality of base portions and still provide the same benefits.
In a preferred embodiment, the total area of the bottom surface of the deformable bumper pad projected in the X-Y plane is between about 2 cm2 and about 500 cm2, preferably between about 4 cm2 and about 400 cm2, more preferably between about 6 cm2 and about 300 cm2.
In one embodiment, the interconnecting member 220 is attached to the bumper pad 120 along the longitudinal axis L-L. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the interconnecting member 220 measured along the longitudinal axis L-L of the bumper pad 120 is at least about 20%, preferably between about 20% and about 85%, more preferably between about 35% and about 75% of the length of the bumper pad measured along the longitudinal axis L-L. In one embodiment, the width of the interconnecting member 220 measured along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L-L of the bumper pad 120 is between about 10% and about 60%, preferably between 15% and about 50%, more preferably between about 20% and about 40% of the width of the bumper pad measured along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L-L.
In one embodiment, the bumper pad is made of a deformable material having a hardness or durometer of between about 10 Shore C and about 50 Shore C, preferably of between about 15 Shore C and about 40 Shore C, more preferably of between about 20 Shore C and about 35 Shore C. The hardness or durometer is measured via a hardness tester available from Pacific Transducer Corp., from Los Angeles, Calif.
In one embodiment, the thickness of the bumper pad (i.e. in the Z direction) is at least about 2 mm, preferably at least about 5 mm, more preferably at least about 10 mm, and even more preferably at least about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the bumper pad (i.e. in the Z direction) is less than about 100 mm, preferably less than about 80 mm, more preferably less than about 50 mm. One skilled in the art will understand that for a given hardness or durometer, the ability of a material to deform is inversely proportional to its thickness. In other words, a relatively thin bumper pad made of a deformable material will tend to deform more than a thicker bumper pad made of the same material.
In one embodiment, the bumper pad 120 comprises “weaknesses” for facilitating the deformation of the bumper pad. By “weaknesses for facilitating the deformation of the bumper pad” it is meant any alteration made to or formed within the bumper pad material in order to increase its ability to deform in the X-Y plane and/or in the Z direction. Non-limiting examples of such “weaknesses” include slits made on a portion of the bumper pad, slits made through the whole thickness of the bumper pad, bubbles or voids created within the bumper pad, cavities made on the top and/or bottom surface of the bumper pad, holes or openings extending through the entire thickness of the bumper pad and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, these weaknesses are uniformly located on the bumper pad in order to increase the ability of the pad to deform uniformly. In a preferred embodiment shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the bumper pad 120 includes at least one but preferably a plurality of weaknesses which are holes or openings 1120 made or formed through the whole thickness of the bumper pad. Among other benefits, these holes 1120 facilitate the deformation of the bumper pad 120 in the X-Y plane and in the Z direction. In one embodiment, a bumper pad 120 comprises between 1 and 50 holes, preferably between 2 and 30 holes, more preferably between 6 and 20 holes. The holes or openings 1120 can have any geometric shape know in the art such as circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, longitudinal, curved inwardly or outwardly relative to the center of the bumper pad and still provide the same benefits.
In a preferred embodiment, the bumper pad 120 is made of a substantially nonabsorbent material. By “substantially nonabsorbent material”, it is meant that the weight of water absorbed into an originally dry bumper pad, and after 5 minutes of full immersion in water without undue deformation or squeezing of the bumper pad, is less than about 50% of the weight of the dry bumper pad, preferably less than about 30%, more preferably less than about 20%, even more preferably less than about 10% and most preferably less than about 2% of the weight of the dry bumper pad. Among other benefits, since the cleaning implement is used with a disposable cleaning substrate, the majority of the dirt removed from the surface being cleaned is trapped into the disposable substrate. As a result, only a residual amount of dirty solution is left of the nonabsorbent bumper pad after the cleaning operation, and this residual amount can easily be rinsed off with water. Consequently, the cleaning implement provides a hygienic/sanitary way to clean surfaces as opposed to conventional sponges.
The bumper pad 120 can have any suitable geometric shape. In one embodiment shown in
In one embodiment represented in
In one embodiment, the thickness of the bumper pad is constant.
In a one embodiment shown in
In yet another embodiment shown in
In addition, the thickness of the bumper pad can impact its ability to deform. Consequently, it is possible to create zones with increased rigidity (or reduced deformability) on the bumper pad by providing a bumper pad with a gradually increasing or decreasing thickness. Among other benefits, a bumper pad with increased thickness toward the tips 1120 and 2120, improves the ability of the mop head to remove tough stains as discussed hereinafter.
In one embodiment represented in
In one embodiment, the lower member 140 forms a hand-grip that a user can hold with one hand. Among other benefits, this embodiment allows a user to clean large surfaces (such as floors, bathtubs) or surfaces which are hard to reach (such as walls) by using the mop head 20 in combination with the elongated handle 30, but it also allows a user to clean smaller surfaces (such as mirrors) or surfaces which are easy to reach (such as a sink) without the elongated handle 30 by simply holding the hand-grip with one hand and then wipe the surface.
In an even preferred embodiment, the base portion 1220 is connected to the bumper pad 120 such that the rotational axis A-A of the lower member 140 is substantially parallel with the line L-L joining the tips 2120 and 3120. Among other benefits, this embodiment allows a user, who is holding the hand-grip with one hand, to “concentrate” the force he or she applies onto the grip in a region adjacent to one of the tips 2120 or 3120 by bending the bumper pad 120 such that only this region of the bumper pad adjacent to the tip is in contact with the surface to be cleaned as shown in
In a preferred embodiment represented in
In an even preferred embodiment, the length of at least one but preferably both projections portions 2220 and/or 3220 is slightly greater than the inner distance between the first and second leg portions 1240 and 2240 of the upper member 240 such that a user can temporarily lock the universal joint 40 (i.e., prevent rotation of both the lower member 140 and the upper member 240) by forcing or pushing the upper member 240 against one of the projection portions. Among other benefits, this embodiment prevents the upper member 240 from rotating while the user's fingers are within the “path” of the upper member 240 and minimizes the risk that his or her fingers might be pinched accidentally. A preferred example of such a lockable universal joint is described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/499,852 to James et al. filed Sep. 3, 2003, and n copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/562,000 to James et al. filed Apr. 13, 2004, both assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company
As previously discussed, the cleaning implement 10 is used with a disposable cleaning substrate which is releasably affixed to the mop head 20.
In one embodiment, the mop head 20 comprises at least one retaining member for engaging and retaining a disposable cleaning substrate about the mop head 20 during the cleaning operation. Non-limiting examples of suitable retaining members include deformable attachment structures, hook or loop fasteners, clamping device, protrusions, clips, adhesive or any combinations thereof
In a preferred embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, the mop head 20 comprises at least one but preferably two attachment structures formed within the base portion 1220. In a preferred embodiment, the mop head comprises at least one but preferably two attachment structures 320 and 325 connected to the deformable bumper pad 120 as shown in
One skilled in the art will understand that a bumper pad having a rectangular shape and two retaining member located on the bumper pad as previously discussed can be used with a substantially wider cleaning substrate but that this cleaning substrate can interfere with the universal joint and/or the handle. To prevent the cleaning substrate to interfere with the universal joint, a cleaning substrate can have at least one but preferably two slits or notches or cut-outs made on the cleaning substrate such that the universal joint and/or handle are free to rotate without any interference from the cleaning substrate attached to the bumper pad.
In one embodiment, the outer surface of the bumper pad 120 is preferably substantially continuous, and the bumper pad is preferably made of a deformable and nonabsorbent material. By “substantially continuous outer surface”, it is meant that the outer surface of the bumper pad is uniform and/or uninterrupted as opposed to, for example, the outer surface of a brush having a plurality of bristles, which together form a discontinuous surface. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the bumper pad can be textured and/or have a three-dimensional pattern formed onto the bumper pad. Non-limiting examples of suitable deformable nonabsorbent materials include ethylene vinyl acetate, SANTOPRENE®, neoprene, krayton, natural rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene rubber, polyurethane, synthetic foam or any other suitable material.
In one embodiment, the outer surface of the bumper pad 120 can be substantially continuous as previously discussed, but also include bristles 60 attached to the deformable bumper pad. In a preferred embodiment, the bristles 60 can be attached to the bottom surface of the bumper pad and/or to the side surfaces of the bumper pad as shown in FIG. 14. Bristles 60 can be beneficial to scrub surfaces but also to retain a disposable nonwoven cleaning substrate.
As previously discussed, the interconnecting member 220 and universal joint 40 are preferably made of a substantially rigid material. Non-limiting examples of substantially rigid materials include wood, metal(s), ceramic, glass, plastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, Acrylonitrile Butadiene-Styrene, nylon, acetyl (any acetal homopolymer or copolymer resins), polystyrene, and any combinations thereof
In a preferred embodiment bumper pad 120 is fixedly connected to the interconnecting member 220. The bumper pad can be fixedly attached via any method known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the bumper pad 120 is adhesively attached to the interconnecting member 220 with an adhesive such as synthetic water-borne, hotmelt or solvent-borne.
As previously discussed, the attachment structure(s) 320 and/or 325 are preferably made of a substantially flexible material. Non-limiting examples of substantially flexible materials include low density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment structure(s) 320 and/or 325 is fixedly connected to the bumper pad 120. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment structure 320 is adhesively connected to inner surface of a peripheral rim or ring whose outer surface is adhesively connected to the bumper pad.
As previously discussed, a cleaning implement 10 includes an elongated handle 30. The handle 30 can be any handle known in the art and can be a single piece, segmented, telescopic or collapsible handle.
The described cleaning implements are preferably used with a disposable cleaning substrate. However, one skilled in the art will understand that these implements can also be advantageously used with a reusable substrate material such as a sponge or any other absorbent material. Non-limiting examples of suitable disposable cleaning substrates include “dry cleaning sheets” which are used to remove particulate matters (such as dust, crumbs, hair, lint, allergens) from a surface to be cleaned, “dry absorbent cleaning wipes or pads” which are used for wet cleaning of a surface by applying a cleaning solution and then wiping the surface with the wipe or pad to remove the dirty solution, or “pre-moistened cleaning wipes or pads” which are pre-impregnated with a cleaning composition. The disposable cleaning substrate can comprise a single layer or multiple layers of substrate material. The disposable cleaning substrate is made preferably of a nonwoven material.
II. Motorized Cleaning Implement
Referring to
In one embodiment, the cleaning implement 11 comprises a mop head 21 and a handle 31, which is connected to the mop head 21, preferably pivotably connected to the mop head by a joint 41.
In one embodiment, the mop head 21 comprises a “bumper” pad 121 connected to a sliding member 221. The sliding member 221 can be fixedly attached to the bumper pad 121 via any method known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the sliding member 221 is adhesively attached to the bumper pad 121.
The bumper pad 121 can be any of the bumper pads previously described in the context of a non-motorized cleaning implement.
In one embodiment, the mop head 21 has a “Rigid to Deformable” ratio of at least about 0.1, preferably at least about 0.15, more preferably at least about 0.2, even more preferably at least about 0.25 and most preferably at least about 0.3. In one embodiment, the “Rigid to Deformable” ratio of the mop head is less than about 0.75, preferably at less than about 0.7, more preferably less than about 0.65, even more preferably less than about 0.6 and most preferably at least about 0.55.
The “Rigid to Deformable ratio” of the motorized mop head can be calculated by dividing the total area of the bottom surface of the sliding member 221 (which is made of a substantially rigid material and which is in contact with the bumper pad 121) projected in the X-Y plane, by the total area of the bottom surface of the deformable bumper pad 121 projected in the X-Y plane.
In one embodiment, the sliding member 221 is positioned in between a first and a second guiding member 321 and 421 such that both the bumper pad 121 and the sliding member 221 are moveable, preferably slideably moveable relative to the first and second guiding members 324, 421, along the C-C axis. In one embodiment, each guiding member includes a tongue 1321 and 2321 for engaging corresponding grooves 1221 and 2221 made on each side of the sliding member 221 and for allowing the sliding member 221 to slide back and forth along the C-C axis. One skilled in the art will understand that the location of the tongue and grooves can be inverted and still provide the same benefits. One skilled in the art will also understand that mechanisms other than tongue and groove such as for example wheels, can be used and provide the same benefits. In order to minimize friction and between the tongue and groove, a low friction material is preferably used and the shape of the tongue and groove is optimized by providing a smooth and/or round surface, in order to limit the contact between the tongue portion and the groove portion
In one embodiment, the sliding motion of the sliding member 221 is provided by an electric motor 521 connected to the mop head. The motor 521 can be electrically connected to at least one battery (either disposable or rechargeable), which is preferably located within the handle 31. The electric motor can be actuated via a switch 131, which is preferably located on the handle 31. The electric motor 521 includes a rotating shaft which is operably connected to the sliding member 221. A non-limiting example of a suitable motor include a Direct Current permanent magnet motor (made by Action Motor, having 6V operating characteristics of 10750 rpm and 0.32 A current draw at no load and 89.10−3 Nm torque and a 14.5 A current draw at maximum torque which can be used with AA disposable batteries. Non-limiting examples of suitable switches include on-off switch, momentary switch, potentiometer, variable speed switch, and combinations thereof
In one embodiment, the rotating shaft of the motor 521 is operably connected to the sliding member 221 by a rotating drive 621, which includes a driving pin 1621 orbiting around the rotational axis of the rotating drive 621. In one embodiment, the driving pin 1621 engages a slot 3221 made on the top surface of the sliding member 221 and which is preferably perpendicular to the C-C-axis. One skilled in the art will understand that as the driving pin 1621 orbits around the rotational axis of the rotating drive 621, the pin can navigate within the slot 3221, and as a result, pushes and pull the sliding member 221 and the bumper pad 121 relative to the guiding members 321, 421.
In one embodiment, the sliding frequency of the sliding member and bumper pad is between about 3 Hz and about 40 Hz, preferably between about 5 Hz and about 25 Hz, more preferably between about 8 Hz and about 17 Hz. By “sliding frequency” it is meant the number of back and forth motion of the sliding member in one second. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the sliding frequency of the sliding member depends on the rotational speed of the rotating drive 621 and that the amplitude of the sliding member motion, or displacement amplitude, depends on the distance between the driving pin 1621 and the rotational axis of the rotating drive 621. In one embodiment, the displacement amplitude is between 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between about 2 mm and about 20 mm, more preferably between about 4 mm and about 12 mm.
In one embodiment, the rotating shaft of the electric motor 521 is directly connected to the rotating drive (i.e. the rotational axis of the rotating shaft and the rotating drive are the same. In a preferred embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, the rotational axis of the rotating shaft of the motor 521 is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the rotating drive 621.
In a preferred embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, the joint 41 of the handle 31 is a fork including a first and a second leg member 141 and 241, which are pivotably connected to the housing 721 about the D-D axis. In a preferred embodiment, the leg members 141 and 241 define a volume which can be occupied by at least a portion of the housing 721 when the handle 31 is pushed downwardly as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the handle 31 is resiliently connected to the housing 721 such that the handle 31 returns to it original position when a user releases the pressure applied on the handle 31.
In one embodiment, the handle 31 is resiliently connected to the housing 721 via at least one but preferably two spring members 51 such as the one shown in
In one embodiment, the battery, which is located within the handle 31, can be electrically connected to the motor via electric cables, which can be positioned within the handle, the leg element 141 and/or 241 and then penetrate into the housing 721 through an opening made to the pivotal connection between the leg member 141 and/or 241 and the housing 721. Among other benefits, electric cables positioned within the handle and penetrating the housing through the pivotal connection allows the handle to pivot relative to the housing 721 while limiting the risk that the cable may be damaged or may be in contact with water during the cleaning operation.
III. Tensioning Mechanism
As previously discussed, the non-motorized or motorized cleaning implements can be used with a cleaning substrate (preferably a disposable cleaning substrate) which is attached to the mop head of the implement such that at least the bottom portion of the substrate contacts the surface to be cleaned.
In one embodiment shown in
At least a portion of the bumper pad of the cleaning implement can be inserted into the pocket 350 through the opening 1350. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom layer 150 of the cleaning substrate 50 is longer than the top layer (when measured along the longitudinal axis 23-23) in order to form an extension portion 450. In one embodiment, the extension portion 450 is optionally attachable to the mop head by any mechanism known in the art.
In one embodiment, a cleaning implement includes a tensioning mechanism 70, shown in
The tensioning mechanism 70 a male element 170 having a three-dimensional protruding portion 1170 and a female element 270 having a corresponding three-dimensional recessed portion 1270 which can be engaged by the protruding portion 1170. The protruding portion and recessed portions can have any shape known in the art.
In one embodiment, the female element 270 is operably connected to the male element 170 such that the protruding portion 1170 engages the recessed portion 1270 when the tensioning mechanism is in a first position (or closed position), and such that the protruding portion 1170 does not engage the recessed portion 1270 when the tensioning mechanism is in a second position (or open position). In a preferred embodiment, the female element is pivotably connected to the male element 170 along the E-E axis.
It will be understood that the tensioning mechanism can also be used with a non-motorized cleaning implement and still provide the same benefits.
In a preferred embodiment, the sliding member 221 of a motorized cleaning implement is connected to the top surface of the tensioning mechanism 70 such that the tensioning mechanism and the bumper pad can move longitudinally relative to the motor of the implement.
When the tensioning mechanism 70 is in the second (or open) position as shown in
When the tensioning mechanism is closed as shown in
Among other benefits, the tensioning mechanism provides a retaining mechanism for maintaining the cleaning substrate attached to the mop head of the cleaning implement during the cleaning operation. In addition, the tensioning mechanism reduces the slack of the pocket. In the context of a motorized cleaning implement, it is also beneficial to remove this slack in order to have the cleaning substrate and the bumper pad move relative to the motor. On skilled in the art will understand that if the bumper pad were substantially free to move relative to the cleaning substrate within its pocket portion, the movement of the cleaning substrate relative to the motor can be limited.
In addition, the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning substrate used with a cleaning implement is increased when the substrate is tightly held against the bumper pad and a greater portion of the cleaning substrate (the bottom surface and the side surfaces) can be used to clean.
As previously discussed, the non-motorized or motorized cleaning implement can be used with a disposable cleaning substrate, preferably a substrate including a nonwoven material. This disposable cleaning substrate can be substantially dry or include a cleaning composition (either liquid or paste) impregnated onto the substrate.
In one embodiment, a user can attach the cleaning substrate to the bumper pad of the motorized implement and then the user can turn the switch on in order to have both the cleaning substrate and the bumper pad move back and forth along the C-C axis. A user can then apply the bottom surface of the cleaning substrate against the surface to be cleaned in order to remove soils present on this surface. When the cleaning substrate moves back and forth against the surface to be cleaned at a sliding frequency of between about 3 Hz and 40 hz and a displacement amplitude of between about 1 mm and about 30 mm, a user can clean a surface effortlessly while applying minimum pressure on the handle. It should be noted that the motorized cleaning implement can also be used when the switch is turned off but a user is then required to move the bumper pad back and forth.
When a user wishes to remove tough stains, or a user wishes to scrub a surface thoroughly, the user can apply upward or downward pressure on the handle while still having the cleaning substrate move back and forth.
When the motorized cleaning implement is used to clean curved surfaces such as bathtubs, sinks and the like, a deformable and elastic bumper pad as previously described allows the cleaning substrate to conform to the surface being cleaned while still being able to be moved back and forth.
In addition, when a cleaning substrate is attached to the bumper pad such that it covers the sides and the bottom surface of the bumper pad, the cleaning substrate can be used to clean multiple surfaces at the same time. For example, a cleaning substrate covering the bottom surface of the bumper pad and an adjacent side of the bumper pad can be used to clean surfaces formed by two substantially perpendicular walls. In one embodiment, at least a portion of one of the right or left sides of the bumper pad can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis C-C (i.e. the axis along which the bumper pad translates back and forth). In a preferred embodiment, portions of both the left and right sides are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis C-C. In addition, when the bumper pad includes at least one tip portion (as discussed in the context of the non-motorized implement) and the cleaning substrate covers the bottom and sides of this tip portion, the cleaning substrate can be used to clean corners formed by three substantially perpendicular walls or surfaces formed by two parallel walls connected by a perpendicular wall such as for example shower tracks.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible and contemplated in light of the above teachings by those skilled in the art, and the embodiments discussed were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical application. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and which should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
