EP3349637B1 - Flat mop - Google Patents
Flat mop Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3349637B1 EP3349637B1 EP16770325.5A EP16770325A EP3349637B1 EP 3349637 B1 EP3349637 B1 EP 3349637B1 EP 16770325 A EP16770325 A EP 16770325A EP 3349637 B1 EP3349637 B1 EP 3349637B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- base plate
- release
- flat mop
- release member
- wing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012459 cleaning agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012864 cross contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- A47L13/24—Frames for mops; Mop heads
- A47L13/254—Plate frames
- A47L13/258—Plate frames of adjustable or foldable type
Definitions
- the invention concerns the field of floor mops and in particular flat mops for mopping floor surfaces and which have detachable absorbent mopping layers.
- mopping layers used for cleaning floors become soiled and hence become less efficient and require replacement.
- mopping layers may be discarded after every use to prevent contamination.
- a popular type of cleaning mop comprises an elongate handle extending from a mop head and a removable mopping layer. Having a removable mopping layer is desirable so that it can be washed or replaced, thus maintaining the ability to effectively clean floors or other flat surfaces.
- GB-A-2518449 discloses a mopping layer that can be released from the head, turned around and then re-fitted so that the other side of the mopping layer can be used, and its useful life extended.
- GB-A-2423698 , WO2014/187286 , US 2015/0113750 , CN203647273U and CN203388809U each disclose flat mops with detachable mopping layers.
- WO03/056997A discloses a flat mop having the features of the preamble of claim 1.
- a flat mop in accordance with any of the claims hereinafter.
- a flat mop comprising an elongate handle portion attached to a flat mop head, the mop head comprising a generally central base plate, an upper side of the base plate being attached to a handle mount via a pivot mechanism, wherein the base plate is disposed between two horizontally extending co-planar side wings to which a detachable mopping layer may be attached, wherein the side wings are movable one with respect to the other so as to articulate between the co-planar operative horizontal orientation in which they align with each other so as to retain a mopping layer extended between opposite ends of the wings and a folded, generally vertically depending orientation in which one wing is angled with respect to the other so that the separation between wing opposite ends is reduced thereby facilitating the detachment of the mopping layer or attachment of a new mopping layer, wherein the base plate includes a wing latching mechanism which holds the side wings in the horizontal orientation
- the change in position removes the constraint on the position of the side wings such that they are no longer impelled to be horizontally aligned and one or both can naturally lower due to gravity.
- the invention thereby allows a user to release a mop layer from a mop head by operating the actuation member to fold the side wings. In this way the user does not need to directly handle a soiled mop layer.
- a new mop layer can easily be fitted by engaging the mop layer using the wings and pushing the wings and release member or members (e.g. against the floor) so that they move back to the horizontal orientation, again avoiding the necessity for direct manual mop layer interaction by the user.
- the wings and release member(s) are in horizontal orientations the wings will be held there by the action of the release member(s) until depressed again. Mopping may thereby continue afresh.
- release members may conveniently adjoin each other.
- the release members are hinged to each other and displacement of the release members involves depressing the hinged regions of each release member.
- the hinging between the release members may take the form of a straight rod which couples sections of the release members. Coupled sections may be interleaving.
- the hinging e.g. the rod, hinders unintentional release member movement when in the aligned horizontal orientation and limits the degree of relative separation which the adjoining ends of the release members can attain. Further, if one of the release members is rotationally fixed with respect to such a rod while the other is able to pivot about it the movement of the release members may be more interdependent.
- either or both side wings may be attached to the base plate.
- the side wings should be secured with respect to the base plate but this need not necessarily be direct.
- each side wing inner end is pivotally attached to a respective opposite outer region of the base plate.
- each release member or members abut inner faces of the side wings to hold them horizontal when in an undisplaced position. It may be preferred for each side wing to adjoin only one release member. Conveniently each side wing is hinged directly to a release member. In such embodiments with two release members each would be hinged to a different side wing. Conveniently the hinging axis of each side wing to the base plate is vertically and horizontally offset with respect to its hinging to a release member such that moving the side wing from the folded to a horizontal orientation may pull the adjoining edge of a release member outwards such that the release member may be pulled towards the horizontal orientation.
- Hinges between release members, release members and and side wings and/or between side wings and the base plate may conveniently take the form of a rod with respect to which certain parts may be fixed and others may be relatively free to rotate.
- a rod may couple sections of a side wing and release member. Coupled sections may be interleaving.
- the side wing may be substantially rotationally fixed with respect to the rod so that moving the side wing upwards pulls on the rod.
- the release member can rotate freely about the rod.
- a side wing may be coupled directly to the base plate.
- a rod could span between the sides of the base plate and through a section or sections of a side wing to engage it.
- Another option may be to have two shorter rods, one either side of the base plate and each engaging a separate part of a side wing, though this may be less desirable due to reduced stability.
- the side wing can rotate relatively freely about a base plate coupling rod or rods, such that the side wing may be easily displaced with respect to the base plate.
- a side wing is coupled by separate offset rods to the base plate and a release member, the side wing being rotationally fixed with respect to the release member rod but able to freely rotate with respect to the base plate rod and the release member being able to freely rotate with respect to the rod coupling it to the side wing.
- the rods form two axles arranged in an over-centre configuration such that when a side wing is moved from a folded (generally vertically depending) orientation to a horizontal orientation the adjoining edge of a release member is pulled outwards and thereby the release member is pulled towards the horizontal orientation. Coupled sections may be interleaving.
- two release members may optionally be symmetrical and/or may be the same shape but rotated (e.g. by 180°) with respect to each other.
- the actuation member may be movable in an axial direction with respect to the elongate handle attached to the handle mount.
- the actuation member may comprise a sleeve provided on the handle mount.
- the actuation member may comprise one or more axially oriented extensions for displacing the (or each) release member when operated.
- the actuation member outer sleeve may be in the form of a spring loaded plunger which is biased away from a release position. In this way the actuation member will conveniently be disengaged from the release member or members when not in use.
- the base plate may be provided with one or more apertures in an upper surface region thereof which permit the actuation member to access and displace one or both release members.
- One or more release member may comprise a raised platform which occupies a corresponding aperture in the base plate.
- the extent of the folding of either or both side wings with respect to the base plate may optionally be limited by one or more stop features provided on the base plate.
- a flat mop is shown generally as 11 in figure 1 .
- the flat mop 11 comprises a central generally planar base plate 12.
- the base plate has an upper central region provided with a two-axis pivot 13 via which an elongate handle portion 14 is attached.
- the pivot is of conventional construction and design.
- the handle portion comprises a handle mount 15 which has an upper region which is adapted to receive an elongate mop handle in the form of a rod or tube 35.
- the handle mount is provided with an axially-movable outer sleeve portion 16 which serves as a spring loaded plunger.
- the spring is not shown but could for example be a tension spring or compression spring, preferably a coil compression spring, one end of which is compressed by the plunger and the other being anchored to the handle mount, or vice versa.
- the spring loaded plunger has two extensions (downward facing axially extending prongs 17, 18 best seen in figure 6 ) which are disposed on either side of the sleeve lower region.
- the extensions are disposed and oriented to engage and displace platforms 19 and 20 when the plunger is lowered.
- the platforms are accommodated upstanding in respective rectilinear apertures provided on opposite upper side regions of the central base plate 12.
- Either side of the base plate are two releasable side wings 21 and 22.
- the side wings have respective tapered ends 31, 32 for engaging inward facing pockets 37 formed in upper end regions of a mopping layer 36 (shown in figure 2 ).
- the mopping layer has an absorbent underside for cleaning floor surfaces and the like.
- Figure 3 is a side view of the flat mop, showing the position of side wing pivots (rods) 42, 43 by which the wings are connected to the base plate 12.
- the base plate 12 has a trapezoidal profile, with bevelled end regions 38 which abut correspondingly bevelled inner ends 39 of the side wings.
- Figure 4 shoes the same mop in a wings-folded configuration in which both side wings have been unlatched and are splayed with respect to the base plate 12. Blunt end faces 40 of the bevelled side wing ends 39 rest against the bevelled base plate ends so as to prevent the wings from rotating further than the desired splayed configuration.
- pivot rod 43 is shown passing from one side wall of the base plate 12 through three spaced apart bosses 47, 48 which are accommodated in a recess 44 in the base plate end.
- An identical arrangement (not shown) is present on the opposite side of the base plate, in respect of pivot rod 42 and side wing 22.
- FIG 6 the top of the flat mop is shown with the side wings in a horizontal latched configuration.
- the sleeve portion 16 is grasped by the user and translated down against the spring bias and towards the upper side of the base plate, in the direction of the arrow A in figure 7 .
- the two prongs 17 and 18 which project from a lower end region of the sleeve portion impinge onto the platforms 19 and 20 which are seated in apertures through the base plate 12.
- the platforms are each displaced downwards from the aperture, as shown in figure 8 .
- the unlatching will be explained in more detail below.
- the splayed (or folded) side wings may now be withdrawn from the pockets 37 of the mopping layer 36, as shown in figure 9 .
- the base plate is provided with two release members 23 and 24.
- the platforms 19, 20 each project upwards from an upper face of each associated release member and are integrally formed therewith.
- the release members adjoin one another and are pivotally connected to each other by a transverse pivot rod (see dashed line 52) which passes through lapped portions 53 of the central inner regions of the release members.
- a transverse pivot rod see dashed line 52
- Each projecting block outer end is formed with a respective flat end.
- the projecting block of one release member is accommodated in a corresponding rebate of the other release member (and vice versa), as shown in figure 10 .
- the release members are pivotably connected to each other by pivot rod 52.
- the release members each have outer regions which are pivotably attached to an inner region of each side wing by interleaved hinge bosses which use respective common release pivot rods 25 and 26 (shown as dashed lines to mark the rod positions).
- the release pivot rods 25 and 26 each traverse from a boss 48' on one side of a side wing to the other, through two interleaving bosses 50, 51 of the associated release member and the three interleaving side wing bosses 47' and 48' (which are extensions of bosses 47 and 48 respectively, as shown in figure 11 ).
- wing pivot rods 42 and 43 each pass from one side of the base plate to the other, passing through the intervening sections of the relevant side wing but not through the release members.
- Figure 11 shows a section through one side of the flat mop, to show the latching mechanism and pivoting action.
- the side wing pivot rods 43 (42 not visible in fig 11 ) are disposed transversely in an upper region of each side wing via wing bosses 47 and 48 and the base plate opposite ends.
- the release pivot rods 25 (and 26 not visible in fig 11 ) are each disposed transversely in a lower than the region of the side wings and the release members, so that the wing pivot rods 42, 43 are disposed above (vertically separated from) and the release pivot rods 25, 26.
- the wing pivot rods are also spaced apart from each other slightly more than the release rods 25 and 26.
- the second release member 24 is visible.
- the second release member has a platform 20 and an outer region (not visible) which co-operates with the other side wing to permit folding and splaying of that wing on shifting of the release member (in the same way as the first release member 24). This is also shown in figure 13 .
- an over centre type latching mechanism permits hands free insertion of the wings of a splayed mop head into the pockets of a fresh mopping layer (see figure 9 ), and latching of the mop head in a horizontal working configuration simply by applying axial pressure on to the mop head via the handle portion to depress the base plate and press the side wings flat, causing the release members to revert to the stable horizontal orientation. This is typically accompanied by a confirming click sound. Again, this is a hands-free operation which prevents cross contamination between user and mopping layer.
Landscapes
- Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
Description
- The invention concerns the field of floor mops and in particular flat mops for mopping floor surfaces and which have detachable absorbent mopping layers.
- Over time, the mopping layers used for cleaning floors become soiled and hence become less efficient and require replacement. In sterile environments mopping layers may be discarded after every use to prevent contamination.
- A popular type of cleaning mop comprises an elongate handle extending from a mop head and a removable mopping layer. Having a removable mopping layer is desirable so that it can be washed or replaced, thus maintaining the ability to effectively clean floors or other flat surfaces.
GB-A-2518449 - When a user wishes to remove and replace the mopping layer of a current flat mop, it is necessary to manually detach and reattach the mopping layer. This means that the user handles both the soiled layer, which may be undesirable for hygiene purposes, and the clean layer, which may be undesirable due to the chemical nature of cleaning agents that may be present. It would therefore be beneficial to mitigate such problems.
-
GB-A-2423698 WO2014/187286 ,US 2015/0113750 ,CN203647273U andCN203388809U each disclose flat mops with detachable mopping layers.WO03/056997A - According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a flat mop in accordance with any of the claims hereinafter. Thus, there is provided a flat mop comprising an elongate handle portion attached to a flat mop head, the mop head comprising a generally central base plate, an upper side of the base plate being attached to a handle mount via a pivot mechanism, wherein the base plate is disposed between two horizontally extending co-planar side wings to which a detachable mopping layer may be attached, wherein the side wings are movable one with respect to the other so as to articulate between the co-planar operative horizontal orientation in which they align with each other so as to retain a mopping layer extended between opposite ends of the wings and a folded, generally vertically depending orientation in which one wing is angled with respect to the other so that the separation between wing opposite ends is reduced thereby facilitating the detachment of the mopping layer or attachment of a new mopping layer, wherein the base plate includes a wing latching mechanism which holds the side wings in the horizontal orientation, but which includes two movable release members which may be displaced to permit the wings to adopt the folded orientation, and the handle mount comprises an actuation member which is movable to approach the base plate to directly or indirectly displace the release member and permit side wings to adopt the folded orientation, characterised in that the release members are disposed between the side wings and each of which release members is movable between a locked horizontal orientation and an open downward orientation and which, when in the horizontal orientation, cooperate to hold the side wings in the horizontal orientation. Each release member may optionally be independently depressible by the actuation member.
- When the release member or members are sufficiently depressed / lowered the change in position removes the constraint on the position of the side wings such that they are no longer impelled to be horizontally aligned and one or both can naturally lower due to gravity. The invention thereby allows a user to release a mop layer from a mop head by operating the actuation member to fold the side wings. In this way the user does not need to directly handle a soiled mop layer. Further, a new mop layer can easily be fitted by engaging the mop layer using the wings and pushing the wings and release member or members (e.g. against the floor) so that they move back to the horizontal orientation, again avoiding the necessity for direct manual mop layer interaction by the user. When the wings and release member(s) are in horizontal orientations the wings will be held there by the action of the release member(s) until depressed again. Mopping may thereby continue afresh.
- In embodiments having two release members they may conveniently adjoin each other. Preferably the release members are hinged to each other and displacement of the release members involves depressing the hinged regions of each release member.
- The hinging between the release members may take the form of a straight rod which couples sections of the release members. Coupled sections may be interleaving.
- The hinging, e.g. the rod, hinders unintentional release member movement when in the aligned horizontal orientation and limits the degree of relative separation which the adjoining ends of the release members can attain. Further, if one of the release members is rotationally fixed with respect to such a rod while the other is able to pivot about it the movement of the release members may be more interdependent.
- Optionally either or both side wings may be attached to the base plate. In this regard the side wings should be secured with respect to the base plate but this need not necessarily be direct.
- Conveniently each side wing inner end is pivotally attached to a respective opposite outer region of the base plate.
- Preferably outer regions of each release member or members abut inner faces of the side wings to hold them horizontal when in an undisplaced position. It may be preferred for each side wing to adjoin only one release member. Conveniently each side wing is hinged directly to a release member. In such embodiments with two release members each would be hinged to a different side wing. Conveniently the hinging axis of each side wing to the base plate is vertically and horizontally offset with respect to its hinging to a release member such that moving the side wing from the folded to a horizontal orientation may pull the adjoining edge of a release member outwards such that the release member may be pulled towards the horizontal orientation.
- Hinges between release members, release members and and side wings and/or between side wings and the base plate may conveniently take the form of a rod with respect to which certain parts may be fixed and others may be relatively free to rotate.
- For example, a rod may couple sections of a side wing and release member. Coupled sections may be interleaving. The side wing may be substantially rotationally fixed with respect to the rod so that moving the side wing upwards pulls on the rod. Conveniently the release member can rotate freely about the rod.
- Further, preferably vertically and horizontally offset with respect to this, a side wing may be coupled directly to the base plate. For example, a rod could span between the sides of the base plate and through a section or sections of a side wing to engage it. Another option may be to have two shorter rods, one either side of the base plate and each engaging a separate part of a side wing, though this may be less desirable due to reduced stability. Conveniently the side wing can rotate relatively freely about a base plate coupling rod or rods, such that the side wing may be easily displaced with respect to the base plate.
- Preferably a side wing is coupled by separate offset rods to the base plate and a release member, the side wing being rotationally fixed with respect to the release member rod but able to freely rotate with respect to the base plate rod and the release member being able to freely rotate with respect to the rod coupling it to the side wing. In this way the rods form two axles arranged in an over-centre configuration such that when a side wing is moved from a folded (generally vertically depending) orientation to a horizontal orientation the adjoining edge of a release member is pulled outwards and thereby the release member is pulled towards the horizontal orientation. Coupled sections may be interleaving.
- It will be appreciated that configurations as discussed above may apply to either or simultaneously to both side wings as may be appropriate in various embodiments.
- In embodiments with two release members they may optionally be symmetrical and/or may be the same shape but rotated (e.g. by 180°) with respect to each other.
- The actuation member may be movable in an axial direction with respect to the elongate handle attached to the handle mount.
- The actuation member may comprise a sleeve provided on the handle mount.
- The actuation member may comprise one or more axially oriented extensions for displacing the (or each) release member when operated.
- The actuation member outer sleeve may be in the form of a spring loaded plunger which is biased away from a release position. In this way the actuation member will conveniently be disengaged from the release member or members when not in use.
- The base plate may be provided with one or more apertures in an upper surface region thereof which permit the actuation member to access and displace one or both release members. One or more release member may comprise a raised platform which occupies a corresponding aperture in the base plate.
- The extent of the folding of either or both side wings with respect to the base plate may optionally be limited by one or more stop features provided on the base plate.
- Following is a description, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of one mode for putting the present invention into effect.
- In the drawings:-
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a flat mop in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. -
Figure 2 shows the same flat mop which is equipped with an absorbent mopping layer. -
Figure 3 is a side view of the flat mop (without absorbent layer) in a horizontal working configuration. -
Figure 4 is a side view of the flat mop in a folded and splayed configuration for replacement or attachment of a mopping layer. -
Figure 5 is a perspective view from one end of the folded mop head offigure 4 . -
Figure 6 is a perspective view from one end of the mop head in the horizontal working configuration and with a mopping layer attached. -
Figure 7 is a similar perspective view, but with an actuating sleeve and plunger depressed onto unlatching platforms in a base plate of the flat mop. -
Figure 8 shows the base plate in detail with the platforms shifted so as to unlatch and splay the side wings of the mop head. -
Figure 9 shows detail of a side wing in proximity to a pocket of a mopping layer for attachment (or removal) of the mopping layer. -
Figure 10 is an underside view of the mop head's base plate showing the latching/unlatching mechanism. -
Figure 11 is a side view, partially in section and cut away, of one end region of the flat mop, in the horizontal working configuration, showing detail of the latching mechanism. -
Figure 12 is the same view, but in the unlatched configuration. -
Figure 13 is a perspective underside view of the flat mop, in the unlatched, folded configuration. - A flat mop is shown generally as 11 in
figure 1 . Theflat mop 11 comprises a central generallyplanar base plate 12. The base plate has an upper central region provided with a two-axis pivot 13 via which anelongate handle portion 14 is attached. The pivot is of conventional construction and design. The handle portion comprises ahandle mount 15 which has an upper region which is adapted to receive an elongate mop handle in the form of a rod ortube 35. The handle mount is provided with an axially-movableouter sleeve portion 16 which serves as a spring loaded plunger. The spring is not shown but could for example be a tension spring or compression spring, preferably a coil compression spring, one end of which is compressed by the plunger and the other being anchored to the handle mount, or vice versa. The spring loaded plunger has two extensions (downward facing axially extendingprongs figure 6 ) which are disposed on either side of the sleeve lower region. The extensions are disposed and oriented to engage and displaceplatforms - The platforms are accommodated upstanding in respective rectilinear apertures provided on opposite upper side regions of the
central base plate 12. Either side of the base plate are tworeleasable side wings pockets 37 formed in upper end regions of a mopping layer 36 (shown infigure 2 ). The mopping layer has an absorbent underside for cleaning floor surfaces and the like. -
Figure 3 is a side view of the flat mop, showing the position of side wing pivots (rods) 42, 43 by which the wings are connected to thebase plate 12. Thebase plate 12 has a trapezoidal profile, withbevelled end regions 38 which abut correspondingly bevelled inner ends 39 of the side wings.Figure 4 shoes the same mop in a wings-folded configuration in which both side wings have been unlatched and are splayed with respect to thebase plate 12. Blunt end faces 40 of the bevelled side wing ends 39 rest against the bevelled base plate ends so as to prevent the wings from rotating further than the desired splayed configuration. - In
figure 5 thepivot rod 43 is shown passing from one side wall of thebase plate 12 through three spaced apartbosses recess 44 in the base plate end. An identical arrangement (not shown) is present on the opposite side of the base plate, in respect ofpivot rod 42 andside wing 22. - In
figure 6 the top of the flat mop is shown with the side wings in a horizontal latched configuration. To unlatch thesleeve portion 16 is grasped by the user and translated down against the spring bias and towards the upper side of the base plate, in the direction of the arrow A infigure 7 . The twoprongs platforms base plate 12. The platforms are each displaced downwards from the aperture, as shown infigure 8 . The unlatching will be explained in more detail below. The splayed (or folded) side wings may now be withdrawn from thepockets 37 of themopping layer 36, as shown infigure 9 . - From
figure 10 it will be seen that the underside of the mop head the base plate is provided with tworelease members platforms portions 53 of the central inner regions of the release members. On either side of the lapped central region projecting block regions of each release member extend beyond thecentral pivot rod 19. Each projecting block outer end is formed with a respective flat end. The projecting block of one release member is accommodated in a corresponding rebate of the other release member (and vice versa), as shown infigure 10 . The release members are pivotably connected to each other bypivot rod 52. - As shown in
figure 10 the release members each have outer regions which are pivotably attached to an inner region of each side wing by interleaved hinge bosses which use respective commonrelease pivot rods 25 and 26 (shown as dashed lines to mark the rod positions). Therelease pivot rods bosses bosses figure 11 ). - The inner regions of the side wings are hinged to outside regions of the base plate 2 by the respective transversely extending side
wing pivot rods wing pivot rods -
Figure 11 shows a section through one side of the flat mop, to show the latching mechanism and pivoting action. The side wing pivot rods 43 (42 not visible infig 11 ) are disposed transversely in an upper region of each side wing viawing bosses fig 11 ) are each disposed transversely in a lower than the region of the side wings and the release members, so that thewing pivot rods release pivot rods release rods - When the plungers act on the
release member platforms 19, 20 (as shown by arrow P infigure 11 ), therelease member 23 is depressed and the release members'connection pivot 52 is displaced downwards (arrow D infigure 12 ), while therelease member pivot 25 is shifted up (arrow U). This shift of pivots (which try to follow respective arcs, but are constrained against following these arcs) involves an over-centre type initial resistance to release and then a free release as theside wing 21 rotates down (in an anhedral direction).. - In the released configuration shown in
figure 12 thesecond release member 24 is visible. The second release member has aplatform 20 and an outer region (not visible) which co-operates with the other side wing to permit folding and splaying of that wing on shifting of the release member (in the same way as the first release member 24). This is also shown infigure 13 . - The use of an axially shifting release plunger which acts upon a release mechanism in the flat mop body permits "hands-free" detachment of dirty or contaminated mopping layers.
- The use of an over centre type latching mechanism permits hands free insertion of the wings of a splayed mop head into the pockets of a fresh mopping layer (see
figure 9 ), and latching of the mop head in a horizontal working configuration simply by applying axial pressure on to the mop head via the handle portion to depress the base plate and press the side wings flat, causing the release members to revert to the stable horizontal orientation. This is typically accompanied by a confirming click sound. Again, this is a hands-free operation which prevents cross contamination between user and mopping layer.
Claims (14)
- A flat mop (11) comprising an elongate handle portion (14) attached to a flat mop head, the mop head comprising a generally central base plate (12), an upper side of the base plate being attached to a handle mount (15) via a pivot mechanism (13), wherein the base plate is disposed between two horizontally extending co-planar side wings (21,22) to which a detachable mopping layer may be attached, wherein the side wings are movable one with respect to the other so as to articulate between the co-planar operative horizontal orientation in which they align with each other so as to retain a mopping layer extended between opposite ends of the wings and a folded, generally vertically depending orientation in which one wing is angled with respect to the other so that the separation between wing opposite ends is reduced thereby facilitating the detachment of the mopping layer or attachment of a new mopping layer,
wherein the base plate includes a wing latching mechanism which holds the side wings in the horizontal orientation, but which includes two movable release members (23, 24) which may be displaced to permit the wings to adopt the folded orientation, and a handle mount (15) comprises an actuation member (16) which is movable to approach the base plate to directly or indirectly displace the release member (23, 24) and permit the side wings to adopt the folded orientation, characterised in that the release members (23, 24) are disposed between the side wings and each of which release members is movable between a locked horizontal orientation and an open downward orientation and which release members, when in the horizontal orientation, cooperate to hold the side wings in the horizontal orientation. - A flat mop according to claim 1 wherein the two release members adjoin each other in the base plate the release members are hinged (52) with respect to each other and displacement of the release members involves depressing hinged regions of each release member.
- A flat mop as claimed in claim 2 wherein the hinged regions of the release members are interleaved and wherein hinging between the release members takes the form of a straight rod (52) which couples the interleaved sections of the release members together.
- A flat mop according to any preceding claim wherein each side wing inner end is pivotally attached to a respective opposite outer region of the base plate.
- A flat mop as claimed in any preceding claim wherein outer regions of each release member or members abut inner faces of the side wings to hold them horizontal when in an undisplaced position.
- A flat mop according to any preceding claim wherein a side wing is coupled by separate offset rods (25,26) to the base plate and a release member, the side wing being rotationally fixed with respect to the release member rod but able to freely rotate with respect to the base plate rod and the release member being able to freely rotate with respect to the rod coupling it to the side wing whereby the rods form two axles arranged in an over-centre configuration such that when a side wing is moved from a folded (generally vertically depending) orientation to a horizontal orientation the adjoining edge of a release member is pulled outwards and thereby the release member is pulled towards the horizontal orientation.
- A flat mop according to any preceding claim wherein there are two release members of the same shape.
- A flat mop as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the actuation member (16) is movable in an axial direction with respect to the elongate handle attached to the handle mount.
- A flat mop according to any preceding claim wherein the actuation member comprises a sleeve provided on the handle mount.
- A flat mop according to any preceding claim wherein the actuation member comprises one or more axially oriented extensions (17,18) for displacing the or each release member when operated.
- A flat mop according to any preceding claim wherein the movable outer sleeve is in the form of a spring loaded plunger (16) which is biased away from a release member displacement position.
- A flat mop according to any preceding claim wherein the base plate is provided with one or more apertures in an upper surface region thereof which permit the actuation member to access and displace one or both release members.
- A flat mop as claimed in claim 12 wherein the or each release member comprises a raised platform (19, 20) which occupies a corresponding said aperture in the base plate.
- A flat mop according to any preceding claim wherein the extent of the folding of either or both side wings with respect to the base plate is limited by one or more stop features (38, 40) provided on the base plate and/or on each side wing.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB1516618.4A GB201516618D0 (en) | 2015-09-18 | 2015-09-18 | Flat mop |
PCT/GB2016/052894 WO2017046601A1 (en) | 2015-09-18 | 2016-09-16 | Flat mop |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3349637A1 EP3349637A1 (en) | 2018-07-25 |
EP3349637B1 true EP3349637B1 (en) | 2020-11-25 |
Family
ID=54544501
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16770325.5A Active EP3349637B1 (en) | 2015-09-18 | 2016-09-16 | Flat mop |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3349637B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2865290T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB201516618D0 (en) |
PT (1) | PT3349637T (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017046601A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109730598B (en) * | 2019-03-12 | 2024-05-10 | 邓雷冲 | Washing and throwing integrated rotary folding flat mop set |
WO2022130249A1 (en) * | 2020-12-15 | 2022-06-23 | Ipc Tools S.P.A. | Tool for cleaning surfaces, in particular floors |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT411566B (en) * | 2002-01-11 | 2004-03-25 | Engl Johannes | FLOOR CLEANING EQUIPMENT |
DE202004014180U1 (en) * | 2004-09-11 | 2004-12-09 | Lingl, Josef | Mop has head which is made up of three sections, two outer sections being pivoted on fixed central section and swiveling upwards to vertical position, facilitating cleaning of head in bucket |
FR3010622B1 (en) * | 2013-09-13 | 2016-03-11 | Spontex Sa | AUTOMATIC TILTING HEAD BROOM FOR SURFACE CLEANING |
-
2015
- 2015-09-18 GB GBGB1516618.4A patent/GB201516618D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2016
- 2016-09-16 ES ES16770325T patent/ES2865290T3/en active Active
- 2016-09-16 PT PT167703255T patent/PT3349637T/en unknown
- 2016-09-16 WO PCT/GB2016/052894 patent/WO2017046601A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-09-16 EP EP16770325.5A patent/EP3349637B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PT3349637T (en) | 2021-03-02 |
ES2865290T3 (en) | 2021-10-15 |
EP3349637A1 (en) | 2018-07-25 |
WO2017046601A1 (en) | 2017-03-23 |
GB201516618D0 (en) | 2015-11-04 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2931655C (en) | Multi-purpose cleaning implement | |
US9179815B2 (en) | Floor mop with removable base plate | |
US6868989B2 (en) | Cleaner with adjustable aerosol canister retainer | |
US8640296B2 (en) | Adjustable cleaning head for a cleaning tool | |
AU2005335185B2 (en) | Microfiber cleaning apparatus with cleaning pad removal feature | |
EP3349637B1 (en) | Flat mop | |
EP2446872A2 (en) | Egress assist endboard | |
US8087121B1 (en) | Mop | |
EP2375956B1 (en) | Cleaning element | |
US8607400B2 (en) | Disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle | |
JP2014212837A (en) | Washing assembly for cleaning of floors or other planar surfaces | |
US9044131B1 (en) | Multipurpose grout cleaning apparatus | |
US9468354B2 (en) | Holder for mop heads | |
US20130019428A1 (en) | Displaceable attachment | |
GB2477096A (en) | Flat mop | |
EP2869746B1 (en) | Cleaning device having a variable size and shape head | |
DE102017116676A1 (en) | Cleaning device with a motor driven vibration plate | |
EP0980667A2 (en) | A mop | |
CN109528114B (en) | Mop with handle | |
KR102122385B1 (en) | Mop for easy connection and separation | |
CN209220164U (en) | Novel mop | |
GB2602831A (en) | A mop head and a kit of parts | |
CA3101557A1 (en) | A cleaning device with a disposable cleaning head | |
CN117241717A (en) | Tool for cleaning surfaces, in particular floors |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20180315 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20190822 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20200616 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1337312 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20201215 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602016048619 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: PT Ref legal event code: SC4A Ref document number: 3349637 Country of ref document: PT Date of ref document: 20210302 Kind code of ref document: T Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION Effective date: 20210224 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: FP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: NV Representative=s name: BOVARD AG PATENT- UND MARKENANWAELTE, CH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1337312 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20201125 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210226 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210225 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210325 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210225 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602016048619 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2865290 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 Effective date: 20211015 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20210826 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20210930 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20210916 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210325 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210916 Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210916 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210916 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210930 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20160916 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230519 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Payment date: 20230912 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Payment date: 20230908 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20230912 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230920 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20231003 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20231001 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201125 |