CN111839384B

CN111839384B - Injection spray type mop

Info

Publication number: CN111839384B
Application number: CN201910360467.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 弗拉维奥·德·罗玛·莱奥; 约翰·利登
Original assignee: Bradshaw International Inc USA
Current assignee: Bradshaw International Inc USA
Priority date: 2019-04-30
Filing date: 2019-04-30
Publication date: 2022-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-30
Also published as: CN111839384A

Abstract

An injective spray mop having a novel cleaning solution arrangement, wherein a dispensing bottle includes a bladder receptacle holder that receives a small injective bladder receptacle filled with a cleaning solution concentrate. The dispensing bottle is filled with water and the injection bladder releases concentrate into the water contained within the dispensing bottle by action of the bladder container actuator, thereby creating a cleaning solution for dispensing and use with the injection spray mop. Compared to single use containers attached to mops, the fill bladder container with concentrated cleaning solution is easy to store, has less waste and cost, and is not prone to spillage and is not a time consuming process of mixing cleaning solution from bottled concentrate and water.

Description

Injection spray type mop

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to cleaning devices, and more particularly to an injection spray mop.

Background

Mops have been used for many years to clean hard surface floors and related surfaces. The cleaning solution is typically located in a bucket in which a mop is placed for application of the cleaning solution. Dispensing the cleaning solution using a bucket is time consuming and tends to cause spillage and unsanitary distribution of dust and particles in the cleaning solution. In recent years, cleaning solution dispensing mops have become popular. These mops include a bottle of cleaning solution and a dispenser to deliver the cleaning solution to the front of the mop head during use. Typically, the purchased cleaning solution has been dispensed into a custom bottle for purchase. These bottles are disposable and represent a waste stream of continuous expense and disposable bottles and their associated packaging. In addition, mop heads typically include a disposable cleaning sheet that can be removed and discarded when soiled.

In addition, some of these cleaning solution dispensing mops include a motorized pump to transfer the cleaning solution from a cleaning solution storage bottle to a nozzle, which then dispenses the cleaning solution onto the surface to be cleaned. The use of an electric pump, while convenient, requires the use of batteries, which adds to the ongoing expense of cleaning solution dispensing mops, and is also not an environmentally responsible cleaning method due to the toxic nature of batteries and their associated disposal. In addition, the use of an electric pump and associated electrical components required for operation represent another potential point of failure for mops, particularly when exposed to humid environments and associated cleaning solutions.

Commonly used bottles of cleaning solution are bulky for storage by consumers and represent an increased cost of transportation and storage throughout the supply chain. While adding cleaning solution to reusable bottles on a spray mop is one way to reduce or eliminate the waste associated with single use cleaning solution bottles, refilling with cleaning solution can be cumbersome, time consuming, and prone to spillage or other minor accidents. What is needed is a way to refill the cleaning solution bottle of a jet mop that is small, compact, and cost effective without the large volume and cost of a disposable cleaning solution dispensing bottle.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an injection spray mop comprising a mop head and a nozzle attached to the mop head for delivering a cleaning solution, a dispensing bottle in fluid communication with the nozzle, a bladder receptacle holder comprising a bladder receptacle holder, wherein the bladder receptacle holder is connected to the dispensing bottle, and a bladder receptacle actuator axially advanceable towards and axially positionable with the bladder receptacle holder.

The preceding paragraphs have been provided by way of introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described in the specification, claims and drawings.

Drawings

The present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an injection spray mop;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the injection spray mop;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the injection spray mop;

FIG. 4 is an alternative side view of the injection spray mop;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a mop head of the injection spray mop;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the mop head of the injection spray mop;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the injection spray mop;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the lower portion of the injection spray mop;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the middle portion of the injection spray mop;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the upper portion of the injection spray mop;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the dispense vial assembly;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the complete bladder container;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bladder container in a released condition;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an inflatable bladder-like container;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the infusion assembly; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the pump housing.

The figures depict various views of an injection spray mop in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The drawings are exemplary and depict preferred embodiments; it should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the description, claims and drawings.

Detailed Description

An injection spray mop is described and depicted by the present specification and drawings. The term "jet mop" as used herein refers to a cleaning device that: the cleaning device has the ability to deliver a liquid to assist the device in the cleaning process. The term "injectable" refers to a combination of two or more liquids, such as the introduction of one or more liquids into another or more liquids.

For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.

Referring to fig. 1, a perspective view of an injection spray mop 100 is shown. The depicted mop head 101 includes an upper half and a lower half. While the mop head 101 may have separate upper and lower halves connected together, in some embodiments of the invention, the mop head 101 is made of a single piece. For purposes of this description, such a one-piece embodiment would still have an upper half and a lower half. For example, the lower half is the portion of the mop head that contacts the floor or surface to be cleaned, either directly or by attaching a cleaning pad, brush, or the like. The mop head 101 is capable of receiving various cleaning surfaces, such as a microfiber pad, sponge, brush pad, and the like. Retaining means such as hook and loop fasteners, clips, adhesives, etc. may be employed to retain the cleaning surface on the mop head. The mop head 101 has a nozzle 103 attached thereto or otherwise formed by the mop head 101 as a nozzle 103, and the nozzle 103 is in fluid communication with a dispense bottle 113 and a pump housed within a pump housing 115. The pump is actuated by a trigger 111 or similar device so that dispensing of the cleaning solution contained within the dispense bottle 113 can be performed as desired by a user injecting the jet mop. The mop head 101 is attached to the shaft 107 by a universal hinge joint 105, the universal hinge joint 105 allowing multi-dimensional movement of the mop head 101 during the cleaning operation. Fig. 8 depicts the universal hinge joint 105 and the components of the mop head 101 and associated nozzle 103 in more detail. The line between the nozzle 103 and the dispense bottle 113 is not shown for clarity. The rod 107 may be made of metal such as steel, aluminum, etc. Various plastics, composites or wood may also be used. It can also be seen that a handle 109 having a curved appearance is attached to the lever 107 and a trigger 111 is located below the handle 109 in a lever type arrangement. The trigger 111 is actuated by a mechanical linkage and drives an internal pump within the pump housing 115, or in some embodiments of the invention, the internal pump is driven by a motor, and the trigger 111 includes electrical contacts (e.g., a switch that turns the motor on or off) to dispense cleaning solution through the nozzle 103 on demand by a user.

Notably, the pump housing 115 in FIG. 1 includes an internal mechanical pump or an internal electric pump as previously described. The pump housing 115 is attached to or formed by the stem underside portion or stem receiver portion and includes an opening, such as a cylindrical opening, for receiving the dispense bottle 113. As will be further depicted in subsequent figures, such cylindrical openings may include a larger opening to receive the body of the dispense bottle 113 and a smaller opening to receive a tapered or narrowed opening of the dispense bottle 113 (similar to the opening of a beverage bottle). The smaller opening delivers the cleaning solution from the dispense bottle 113 to an internal pump within the pump housing 115. The cover 117 can also be seen in fig. 1. The cap 117 not only seals the dispensing bottle 113, but the cap 117 also provides access to an inj ection bladder container arrangement in which an inj ection bladder container containing concentrated cleaning solution is placed in the dispensing bottle 113 already filled with water, and the action of the cap 117 in combination with the bladder container actuator causes the concentrated cleaning solution to be released into the water in the dispensing bottle 113, producing the cleaning solution used in the inj ection spray mop of the present invention for cleaning. The injection bladder releases the concentrated cleaning solution by puncturing, tearing, removing an assembly of the bladder, or the like. By way of example and not limitation, an injection bladder container is described herein in which the bottom separates to release a concentrated cleaning solution. An outer retaining ring 119 is also seen, the outer retaining ring 119 retaining the upper portion of the dispense vial 113 on the stem 107, creating stability for the dispense vial 113 during use.

The various components of the injection spray mop 100 may be made of materials such as plastic, metal, composite materials, wood, and the like. Examples of suitable plastics include Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, and the like. Bioplastics may also be used in some embodiments of the invention. The various components of the injection spray mop 100 may be made by injection molding, blow molding, machining, and the like.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the inj ection spray mop. The dispenser bottle 113 can be seen to be in the form of an elongated cylinder with a cap 117 secured to the upper portion and a pump housing 115 holding the lower portion. An outer retaining ring 119 is also shown.

Fig. 3 is a side view of an injection spray mop. Handle 109 can be seen angled with respect to shaft 107. The handle opening 301 can also be seen as an opening through the handle 109. In the example shown in fig. 3, the handle opening 301 is generally oval or slotted. Fig. 4 is an alternative side view of the injection spray mop. The two sides depicted by fig. 3 and 4 are substantially symmetrical.

Fig. 5 is a top view of a mop head of the injection spray mop. A pole receiver 501 can be seen which allows the universal hinge joint and attached mop head to be attached to the pole 107 as shown in figure 1. Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the mop head of the injection spray mop showing further details of the wand receiver 501.

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the injection spray mop showing how the dispense bottle 113 is formed with an upper fitting 701 and a lower fitting 703. The upper fitting 701 reduces the diameter of the dispense vial 113 so that it is fixedly mated to the pump housing 115. The lower fitting 703 further reduces the diameter of the dispense vial 113 so that the lower fitting 703 engages a receiver in the pump housing 115, as shown in fig. 16. The receptacle is a cylindrical structure that may also include internal threads or other such structures to retain the dispense vial 113 and create a fluid-tight seal. O-rings, gaskets, or other such sealing devices may also be used to ensure a fluid-tight seal. In some embodiments of the invention, the lower fitting 703 includes additional seals and valves and is press fit into the receptacle of the pump housing, creating a fluid-tight and easily removable seal.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the lower portion of the injection spray mop. The upper half of the mop head 801 and the lower half of the mop head 803 may be visible with fastener features for connecting the halves together. Nozzle 103 can be seen between the two halves. Tubing, such as plastic tubing, fluidly connecting the nozzle 103 with the dispense vial and internal pump is not shown. The first half of the rod receiver joint portion 805 and the second half of the rod receiver joint portion 809 can be seen. The two halves are joined together and further include a rod receiver insertion portion 807, the rod receiver insertion portion 807 extending outwardly for mating with a rod, such as a hollow steel or aluminum rod. The insertion portion 807 may also have ribs or ridges to provide increased strength and connection capability. The pump housing 115 can also be seen connected to the rod receiver. The pump housing may be cylindrical, wherein an axis of the generally cylindrical shape of the pump housing is generally parallel to an axis of the wand receiver and the wand of the injection spray mop. The rod receiver joint portion has a circular end with a hole for attachment to the universal hinge joint 105 by a pin or the like.

Turning now to fig. 9, an exploded view of the middle portion of the injection spray mop can be seen. The first and

second couplings

901, 903 serve to connect the two parts of the rod together and also to connect with the outer retaining ring 119. The first and

second couplers

901, 903 may also have ribs or ridges to provide increased strength and connectivity. Inside a portion of the hollow stem can be seen a lower tube part 909 for connecting the trigger to the internal pump and subsequently the nozzle 103. The outer retaining ring 119 can be seen as well as an inner retaining ring with a seat 907 for contacting and retaining the dispense vial 113 (see fig. 1). In addition to providing secure retention of the dispense vial, the support 907 provides a unique appearance to the dispense vial and retaining ring arrangement. In some embodiments of the invention, the dispense vial is transparent and the support creates the appearance of the dispense vial hanging or suspended within the retaining ring, thereby providing a practical and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the upper portion of the injection spray mop. In the upper portion shown, an upper tube portion 1001 is visible within the rod 107. The upper tubing section 1001 connects the trigger assembly of the handle 109 with the lower tubing section and internal pump. In addition, the trigger and handle 109 can be seen, where the handle 109 has an angle and the trigger is located at an actuation angle below the handle. The trigger may be generally parallel to the handle once it is activated, or may be at a slight offset angle relative to the handle 109 during partial flow or partial activation.

Fig. 11 is an exploded view of a dispensing bottle assembly clearly depicting a novel injection bladder container assembly for releasing the bladder container's cleaning solution concentrate into the water of the dispensing bottle for the production of self-contained cleaning solution for use in the injection spray mop of the present invention. A cap 117 can be seen, the cap 117 being capable of removably closing the dispensing bottle 113. In some embodiments of the invention, lid 117 has an interior lid 1101, interior lid 1101 being threaded and mating with bladder receptacle retainer 1103. The inner lid 1101 may be covered with a soft durometer material to form the lid 117. The capsule holder 1103 is cylindrically disposed inside the dispensing bottle and has a capsule holder (see 1503 of fig. 15). Next, a capsule holder is cylindrically disposed within capsule holder 1103 and is used to receive and hold an injection capsule 1109 containing a concentrated cleaning solution. The lid 117 or inner lid 1101 has a bladder-like container actuator 1107 affixed to the underside of the lid 117 or the underside of the inner lid 1101. Also visible is a valve or vent 1105 that allows for one-way movement of air from the dispense vial 113 when the cleaning solution is depleted. Bladder container actuator 1107 may be cylindrical and may also have an air release opening connected to valve 1105. The bladder actuator 1107, whether cylindrical or other geometry, must be of sufficient size to engage and push the bladder pusher 1205 (see fig. 12) downward to sequentially release cleaning solution concentrate from the inflatable bladder container 1109. When the cap 117 is screwed down onto the capsule-like container holder 1103 (in turn, the capsule-like container holder 1103 is fixed or contained within the dispense vial 113), the capsule-like container actuator 1107 engages with and pushes the capsule-like container pusher 1205 downward as depicted in fig. 12. Saccular container actuator 1107 is axially advanceable toward saccular container holder 1503 (see fig. 15), where saccular container holder 1503 is cylindrical with an axis defined therein. Axial travel of the bladder actuator 1107 is achieved by tightening the cap 117, pressing the cap 117 downward, or otherwise imparting linear motion to the bladder actuator 1107 that causes the bladder actuator 1107 to travel inward along the axis of the bladder container holder. As will be seen and described with respect to fig. 12 and 13, axial displacement of bladder-container actuator 1107 pushes bladder-container push rod 1205 downward, and bladder-container push rod 1205 is coupled to bladder-container base 1207, thereby causing bladder-container base 1207 to rupture from bladder-container cylinder 1201, releasing the contents of bladder container 1109 into water-filled dispensing bottle 113.

The dispense vial 113 is also removably and fluidly coupled with the pump housing 115 and the internal pump. While the upper fitting 701 reduces the diameter of the dispense vial 113 so that the upper fitting 701 fits securely into the pump housing 115, the lower fitting 703 (not clearly visible in fig. 11, see fig. 7) further reduces the diameter of the dispense vial 113 so that the lower fitting 703 engages a receptacle within the pump housing 115, as shown in fig. 16. The receptacle is a cylindrical structure that may also include internal threads or other such structures to retain the dispense vial 113 and create a fluid-tight seal. O-rings, gaskets, or other such sealing devices may also be used to ensure a fluid-tight seal. In some embodiments of the invention, the lower fitting 703 includes additional seals and valves and is press fit into the receptacle of the pump housing, forming a fluid-tight and easily removable seal. For example, one can see a screw on the cap 1111 that includes a valve stem 1115 and a valve 1117 with a spring 1113 and a sealing cap 1119. The valve may be made of silicone or other soft durometer material, thereby deforming and allowing fluid to flow from the dispense bottle 113, and at the same time causing a pressure change from actuation of the internal pump. This arrangement allows cleaning solution to exit the dispense bottle 113 toward the nozzle 103 only when the trigger is moved and the internal pump is then activated.

Fig. 12, 13, and 14 depict injection bladder container 1109 in various states. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an infusion bladder container 1109 containing concentrated cleaning solution. The infusion bladder container includes a bladder container cylinder 1201, a bladder container bottom 1207 releasably affixed to the bladder container cylinder 1201, a bladder container push stick 1205 mechanically coupled to the bladder container bottom 1207, and a bladder container top 1203, where the bladder container push stick 1205 is disposed concentrically through the bladder container top 1203. There may also be a seal between the capsule container push 1205 and the capsule container top 1203. Bladder vessel bottom 1207 may be attached to bladder vessel cylinder 1201 with an adhesive such that a known force is required to push bladder vessel bottom 1207 away from bladder vessel cylinder 1201 to release the cleaning solution concentrate from the injection bladder vessel 1109. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of inflatable bladder container 1109 in a released state wherein force F has been applied to bladder container push rod 1205 thereby pushing bladder container push rod 1205 downward and creating a downward force on bladder container bottom 1207 causing bladder container bottom 1207 to disengage bladder container cylinder 1201 such that cleaning solution concentrate within inflatable bladder container 1109 is released.

Fig. 14 is an exploded view of an inflatable bladder-like container showing bladder-like container cylinder 1201, a bladder-like container top having an aperture for receiving bladder-like container push 1205, and a bladder-like container bottom 1207 attached to bladder-like container push 1205. It should be noted that in some embodiments of the invention, bladder container top 1203 has a larger diameter than bladder container cylinder 1201 to retain inflatable bladder container 1109 in bladder container holder 1503 from moving axially inward as bladder container actuator 1107 travels axially inward to engage bladder container pushrod 1205.

Fig. 15 is an exploded view of the inflatable assembly showing the capsule container holder 1103, wherein the capsule container holder 1503 is cylindrically provided in the capsule container holder 1103. The inner lid 1101 has an actuator body 1501, and the actuator body 1501 may also hold a bladder container actuator 1107. In some embodiments of the invention, bladder container actuator 1107 has a hole or similar opening to allow air from the dispense bottle to pass through vent 705 of cap 117. The valve 1105 may also be used to allow one-way passage of air.

Finally, fig. 16 is a perspective view of the pump housing 115 showing the generally cylindrical shape of the pump housing 115, the inner retainer for receiving the lower fitting 703 of the dispense vial 113, and the cylindrical opening for receiving the upper fitting 701 of the dispense vial 113. A fluid mount 1601 can be seen which allows cleaning solution to pass from the dispense bottle 113 to the internal pump and then to the spray nozzles.

To use the pour-in-spray mop, the cap 117 is removed from the dispensing bottle 113 and the dispensing bottle is filled with water. In some embodiments of the invention, the cap 117 will be removed using the bladder receptacle retainer 1103. Then, if the cover 117 has not been separated from the capsule container holder 1103, it is separated from the capsule container holder 1103. Injection bladder container 1109 is then placed into bladder container holder 1503 of bladder container holder 1103 with the bottom of injection bladder container 1109 placed through the top of bladder container holder (the top being the portion of bladder container holder that is threaded or otherwise secured to receive cap 117). In this manner, the top of the injection bladder container can be engaged with bladder container actuator 1107 affixed to the underside of lid 117. The capsule holder 1103 is then placed in the upper portion of the dispense bottle 113, if the capsule holder 1103 is not already there. The cap 117 is then placed over the capsule holder 1103 and tightened down (if equipped with threads, the cap 117 is screwed down onto the capsule holder 1103). Once the cap 117 is fully secured to the bladder receptacle holder S103, the bladder receptacle bottom 1207 will be released from the bladder receptacle cylinder, thereby releasing the concentrated cleaning solution of the injected bladder receptacle into the water of the dispensing bottle, creating a cleaning solution for use during mopping and cleaning operations. The user may then dispense the cleaning solution as desired by pulling the trigger 111. When the cleaning solution is fully used, the empty inject bladder can be removed and more cleaning solution can be made with new inject bladder and water.

It is therefore apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with various objects of the present invention, an injection spray mop. While various objects of the invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the present description, claims and drawings.

Claims

1. An injection spray mop comprising: a mop head comprising an upper half, a lower half, and a nozzle attached to the mop head for delivering a cleaning solution;

a dispense vial in fluid communication with the nozzle;

a bladder container holder comprising a bladder container retainer, wherein the bladder container holder is coupled to the dispense vial;

a bladder container for releasably holding a concentrated cleaning solution, the bladder container configured to be held by the bladder container holder;

a capsule-like container actuator axially positioned with the capsule-like container holder;

a pump housing containing a pump for delivering fluid contained in the dispense bottle through the nozzle;

wherein the capsule actuator is axially advanceable toward the capsule holder to release concentrated cleaning solution from the capsule.

2. The inj ection spray mop of claim 1, further comprising a cap capable of removably enclosing the dispensing bottle.

3. The injection spray mop of claim 2 wherein the bladder-like container actuator is affixed to the underside of the cover.

4. The inj ection spray mop of claim 3, wherein the cap further comprises threads configured to engage the dispense bottle and cause axial displacement of the bladder-like container actuator when engaged with the dispense bottle.

5. The injection spray mop of claim 1 wherein the bladder receptacle holder is cylindrically disposed within the bladder receptacle holder.

6. The injection spray mop of claim 5 wherein the bladder receptacle holder is cylindrically disposed within the dispensing bottle.

7. The inj ection spray mop of claim 1, further comprising a sealing cap having a valve and engaging the dispensing bottle.

8. The injection spray mop of claim 1 further comprising a sealing cap and a valve between the dispense bottle and the pump housing.

9. The injection spray mop of claim 1 wherein the bladder-like container is cylindrical.

10. A cleaning kit comprising:

the injection spray mop of claim 1; and

a concentrated cleaning solution contained within a bladder-like container.

11. An injection spray mop comprising:

a mop head comprising an upper half, a lower half, and a nozzle attached to the mop head for delivering a cleaning solution;

a dispense vial in fluid communication with the nozzle;

a cap removably closeable to the dispense vial;

a bladder receptacle holder comprising a bladder receptacle retainer, wherein the bladder receptacle holder is connected to the dispense bottle;

a bladder-container actuator axially positioned with the bladder-container holder and attached to an underside of the lid; wherein the capsule actuator is axially advanceable toward the capsule holder to release concentrated cleaning solution from the capsule;

a shaft having a universal hinge joint coupled to the mop head;

a retaining ring securing the dispense vial to the stem; and

a pump housing containing a pump for delivering fluid contained in the dispense vial through the nozzle.

12. The inj ection spray mop of claim 11, further comprising a handle having a trigger attached to the lever.

13. The inj ection spray mop of claim 12, wherein the trigger is mechanically coupled to the pump within the pump housing.

14. The injection spray mop of claim 11 wherein the pump housing retains the dispense bottle.

15. The inj ection spray mop of claim 11, wherein the retaining ring comprises an internal seat for contacting the dispense bottle.

16. The injection spray mop of claim 11 further comprising a vent through the cover.