Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
  • A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
  • A47L13/20—Mops
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
  • A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
  • A47L13/50—Auxiliary implements
  • A47L13/51—Storing of cleaning tools, e.g. containers therefor

Definitions

• An aspect of the present invention relates to a wringer for a substantially flat mop pad.
• the wringer includes a frame configured to hold a bucket at a bucket location and providing first and fourth pivot locations. An imaginary straight line is formed between the first and fourth pivot locations.
• the wringer also includes a foot pedal member that is configured to be actuated by a user's foot.
• the foot pedal member is connected to pivot about the first pivot location on the frame, and extends to a second pivot location.
• the foot pedal member has a foot engaging region located on a first side of the imaginary line.
• the second pivot location is located on a second side of the imaginary line.
• the wringer also includes a presser member configured to press a flat mop pad, the presser member being connected to pivot about the fourth pivot location on the frame.
• the presser member includes a presser pad configured to press liquid from a flat mop pad and being located on the first side of the imaginary line.
• the wringer also includes an intermediate member connected to the foot pedal member at a second pivot location and connected to the presser member at a third pivot location, which is located on the second side of the imaginary line.
• Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the wringer of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of a mop bucket according to the present invention.
• Figure 4 is a rear, cross-sectional, perspective view of the mop bucket of Figure 3;
• Figure 5 is a side view of the wringer of Figure 1 and mop bucket of Figure 3; and
• Figure 6 is a side view of the wringer of Figure 1 with certain features removed for clarity and a cross-sectional view of the mop bucket of Figure 3.
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0011] Presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. An effort has been made to use the same or like reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
• FIG. 1 A first embodiment of a wringer 10 and a mop bucket 70 for a substantially flat mop pad according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1-6.
• the wringer 10 includes a frame 20, a foot pedal member 40, a presser member 50, and an intermediate member 60.
• the frame 20 is configured to hold the mop bucket 70.
• the frame 20 includes a base 21 and uprights 22.
• the base 21 can be made, for example, of plastic.
• the uprights 22 can be made, for example, of metal.
• the frame 20 preferably includes a bucket location 23 that is defined by a depression in the base 21. As shown in Figure 5, the bucket 70 fits into the bucket location 23 for use. In this preferred embodiment, the bucket 70 is detachable and is merely temporarily held at the bucket location 23.
• the bucket 70 could, however, be fixed to the frame 20 or even integral with the frame 20.
• the uprights 22 of the frame 20 include crossbar members 24, 25 that can be, for example, steel bars connected to the uprights 22 by conventional means.
• the crossbar members 24, 25 provide a first pivot location 26 for the foot pedal member 40 and a fourth pivot location 27 for the presser member 50.
• the first and fourth pivot locations 26, 27 are fixed in position relative to the frame 20 behind the bucket location 23 (see Figures 5 and 6).
• An imaginary straight line 28 (see Figure 6) is defined by and extends between the first and fourth pivot locations 26, 27. The significance of this line 28 will be explained below.
• the frame 20 can be made mobile by providing rolling members 29.
• the rolling members 29 can be, for example, conventional swiveling casters.
• the preferred embodiment can be moved by the user placing the mop in the bucket 70 on the wringer 10 and pushing the mop and wringer 10. If desired, however, a waist high handle could be mounted on the frame 20, such as on the uprights 22, to facilitate moving the wringer 10.
• the foot pedal member 40 is configured to be actuated by a user's foot.
• the foot pedal member 40 is connected to the frame 20 so as to pivot about the first pivot location 26 when actuated by the user. More particularly, the user can step down onto the foot pedal member 40 to move it from the location shown in Figure 5 to the location shown in Figure 6.
• a torsion spring 48 can be provided in a conventional manner to automatically return the foot pedal member 40 from the location shown in Figure 6 to the location shown in Figure 5.
• Other mechanisms could be used instead of the torsion spring 48, such as an extension spring, a compression spring, a flat spring, or a counterweight (all not shown).
• the foot pedal member 40 has a foot engaging region 41.
• the foot engaging region 41 preferably is located on a first side of the imaginary line 28 and, more preferably, in front of the bucket location 23.
• the foot engaging region 41 can be, for example, a plastic member.
• the foot pedal member 40 preferably also includes a first extending portion 42 that is configured to extend under the bucket location 23 (see Figure 5).
• the foot pedal member 40 can also include a second extending portion 43 that extends upwards to the first pivot location 26.
• the angle between the first extending portion 42 and the second extending portion 43 can be, for example, approximately 90 degrees.
• the crossbar member 24 extends through a hole (not shown) in the foot pedal member 40, to allow the foot pedal member 40 to pivot relative to the frame 20.
• the foot pedal member 40 can also include a third extending portion 44 that extends backwards and upwards to a second pivot location 45 (see Figure 6).
• the second pivot location 45 is located on a second side of the imaginary line 28.
• the angle between the second extending portion 43 and the third extending portion 44 can be, for example, approximately 158 degrees.
• the material of the first, second, and third extending portions 42, 43, 44 are preferably steel stampings providing with ribbing to increase their strength.
• the presser member 50 is configured to press liquid from a flat mop pad 80 (see Figure 6).
• the presser member 50 can include a presser pad 51 that is configured to press against the flat mop pad 80.
• the presser pad 51 can be located on the first side of the imaginary line 28 (see Figure 6).
• the presser member 50 also can include a first extending portion 53 that extends in a substantially straight line from the presser pad 50 to a third pivot location 54 on the second side of the imaginary line 28.
• the first extending portion 53 is pivotally connected to the frame 20 at the fourth pivot location 27.
• the crossbar member 25 extends through a hole (not shown) in the presser member 50, to allow the presser member 50 to pivot relative to the frame 20.
• the first extending portion 53 can be a member made of steel with ribbing for increased strength.
• the presser pad 51 preferably has a substantially flat surface for engaging the mop pad 80.
• the presser pad 51 can be configured to pivot relative to the pressure member 50 about a fifth pivot location 55.
• the presser pad 51 can include a crossbar member 56 that extends through a hole (not shown) in the first extending portion 53 to allow the presser pad 51 to pivot relative to the first extending portion 53.
• the presser pad 51 can include a gap 52 in its middle to accommodate connecting hardware on a mop (not shown).
• the intermediate member 60 is connected to the foot pedal member 40 at a second pivot location 45 and is connected to the presser member 50 at a third pivot location 54.
• the connections can be conventional connections that allow the components to pivot relative to one another.
• the intermediate member 60 can be an member made of steel that extends in a substantially straight line and having ribbing to increase strength.
• the wringer 10 can be constructed such that the second and third pivot locations 45, 54 are on the second side of the imaginary straight line 28 (see Figure 6).
• the wringer 10 includes sets of two of each of the first extending portion 42, second extending portion 43, third extending portion 44, torsion spring 48, intermediate member 60, and first extending portion 53.
• This configuration provides a preferred degree of robustness and stability.
• These sets of members each could be connected by cross linking devices (not shown) to further enhance their robustness and stability.
• the wringer 10 could, however, be configured with only one of each of those members.
• the mop bucket 70 is configured to be retained in the bucket location 23 of the frame 20. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the mop bucket preferable includes a wringer member 71 with a plurality of holes 72.
• the wringer member 71 is angled downward from a rear wall 73 at an angle of approximately 60 degrees relative to vertical to provide additional clearance at the front of the mop bucket 70 (see Figure 4). If the wringer member 71 extended in only the horizontal direction, it would occupy additional space in the horizontal direction. By providing the downward angle, additional space is made available in the horizontal direction for inserting, removing, and scrubbing the mop pad 80 in the bucket 70.
• the mop bucket can also include a scrub board 74 having a series of ribs 75. The scrub board 74 allows a user to scrub debris off of the mop pad 80 while rinsing the mop pad 80 in the liquid in the mop bucket 70.
• the surface of the scrub board 74 angles downward from a front wall 76 at an angle of approximately 32 degrees relative to vertical.
• the user can rub the mop pad 80 up and down along the ribs 75 (preferably while the mop pad is mounted on the mop pad support) to remove dirt and debris from the mop pad 80.
• the ribs 75 facilitate the scrubbing. Some of the ribs 75 can be wider than others to serve as volume level indicators for the liquid in the mop bucket 70.
• the mop bucket 70 can be, for example, made of plastic.
• the wringer 10 of the present invention is advantageous because, for example, it can be configured to provide a clearance between the presser pad 51 and the mop bucket 70 (see Figure 5).
• the torsion spring 48 returns the foot pedal member 40 to its upper position ( Figure 5), which raises the presser pad 51 above the rim of the bucket 70. It is important that the presser pad 51 clear the rim of the bucket 70 to allow easy insertion of the mop pad 80 and to allow easy removal of the bucket 70 from the frame 20 for emptying and cleaning.
• the wringer 10 of the present invention is advantageous because it can be configured to provide a desired amount of wringing pressure on the mop pad 80 in response to a particular amount of actuation force by a user on the foot pedal member 40. It has been determined through experimentation that, with a configuration like the embodiment shown in the drawings, a pressure of approximately 2 lbs. per square inch from the presser pad 51 onto a typical mop pad 80 on the wringer member 71 is needed to remove a desired quantity of liquid. Beyond 2 lbs. per square inch of pressure, the amount of liquid removal is less significant.
• a typical mop pad 80 has a plan area of about 125 square inches.
• F MOP could be at least 175 lbs. or, more preferably, at least 200 lbs.
• F PEDAL the force applied by the user to the foot pedal member 40
• F PEDAL the force applied by the user to the foot pedal member 40
• some users may be upwards of 140 lbs., preferably F PEDAL ⁇ 100 lbs.
• F PEDAL ⁇ 84 lbs the force (F MO P) at the pressure pad 51 84 lbs.
• the wringer 10 of the present invention can be configured to provide the desired force at the presser pad 51 in response to the available force on the foot pedal member 40.
• movement of at least the second pivot location 45 toward the imaginary straight line 28 upon actuation of the foot pedal member 40 by a user causes an increase in force applied by the presser pad 51.
• a wringer in accordance with the present invention thus can be configured to be foot operated, which relieves the stress and pain of having to wring out a mop bending over by hand. Additionally, the wringer can be configured to provide the desired force on the mop pad in response to a desired amount of force applied by the user's foot.
• the scrub board in the mop bucket also provides the ability to remove dirt and debris that accumulates on the flat mop.
• the wringer 10 of the present invention can be used with many flat mop pads and flat mop pad supports. Preferably, it is used with a flat mop pad disclosed in a patent application to be concurrently filed by Judy Cline entitled "Color Coded Mop Pads and Method of Color
• the wringer 10 is used with the flat mop pad support disclosed in a patent application to be concurrently filed by the present inventor entitled "Mop Having Ergonomic Handle and Joint" (Serial No. ; Attorney Docket Number 086554-1179), the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Landscapes

• Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
• Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
• Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)
• Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
• Amplifiers (AREA)
• Liquid Developers In Electrophotography (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=42646291

Family Applications (3)

Family Applications Before (1)

Family Applications After (1)

Country Status (10)

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• 2005
  • 2005-05-05 US US11/122,229 patent/US20050252921A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-05-05 EP EP05742024A patent/EP1750568A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
  • 2005-05-05 EP EP05745470A patent/EP1742561A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
  • 2005-05-05 ES ES05742132T patent/ES2309758T3/es active Active
  • 2005-05-05 WO PCT/US2005/015734 patent/WO2005107566A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2005-05-05 CA CA002565719A patent/CA2565719A1/fr not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-05-05 BR BRPI0509596-4A patent/BRPI0509596A/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2005-05-05 JP JP2007511605A patent/JP2007537789A/ja active Pending
  • 2005-05-05 CA CA002565715A patent/CA2565715A1/fr not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-05-05 DE DE602005008036T patent/DE602005008036D1/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2005-05-05 AT AT05742132T patent/ATE400215T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2005-05-05 CA CA2565718A patent/CA2565718C/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2005-05-05 EP EP05742132A patent/EP1742560B1/fr not_active Not-in-force
  • 2005-05-05 MX MXPA06012795A patent/MXPA06012795A/es unknown
  • 2005-05-05 MX MXPA06012794A patent/MXPA06012794A/es active IP Right Grant

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