EP4258968A1

EP4258968A1 - A mop connector

Info

Publication number: EP4258968A1
Application number: EP21902770.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kristian EEROLA
Original assignee: Pirkanmaan Raikas Linja Oy
Current assignee: Pirkanmaan Raikas Linja Oy
Priority date: 2020-12-09
Filing date: 2021-12-08
Publication date: 2023-10-18
Also published as: WO2022123118A1; FI20206269A; FI20206269A1

Abstract

A mop connector (10), comprising at least three mop connecting means (30) side by side.

Description

A MOP CONNECTOR

BACKGROUND

A mop is a cleaning device, typically used to clean floors. A flat mop is usually used for professional cleaning as a moist or wet mop. The flat mop is a good choice to be used on large, public areas such as corridors or halls. The flat mop may quickly become dirty, resulting in visible streaks after sweeping with the mop. The flat mop has a limited ability to collect and withhold dirt. The residual dirt from a congested flat mop is the primary cause for streaking. Usually the flat mop head is replaced periodically to reduce the streaking effect.

A rag mop or a yarn mop comprises a mass or bundle of coarse strings, yarn, a piece of cloth or microfiber strips attached to a mop head. The mop head may be connected to a mop handle to enable cleaning while standing or walking. Compared to the flat mop, the rag mop has increased cleaning surface that may lift and contain more dirt or dust from the floor. On the other hand, the contact to the floor surface is limited to the mop head diameter, which is usually limited compared to the flat mop. The user must do more sweeping to cover the floor area. For larger areas the rag mop may be a slower option, therefore rag mops are not often used for cleaning large areas.

EP2478815A2 discloses a rag mop structure with three mop heads in triangular formation.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

A mop connector is configured to be connected to multiple mop heads. In one embodiment the mop connector is connectable to at least three mop heads, wherein the mop heads reside side by side. As the mop heads are positioned side by side, the sweeping motion by the user is reminiscent of the flat mop operation.

Three mop heads side by side provide increased ability for the mop to collect dust or dirt from the floor. The mop heads are of a rag mop type, enabling additional dirt collecting ability over the flat mop structure. In one embodiment the rag mop heads are microfiber mop heads. Microfiber mop heads are known to collect dust and dirt very well.

The multiple mop head structure, where the mop heads are positioned in line, provides similar agility to reach corners or tight spots as the flat mop. The inventor has tested the mop structure in commercial floor cleaning use and discovered a significant effect in saving time and avoiding streaks while cleaning.

One benefit of the mop connector as disclosed is increase in the available cleaning surface that would allow the cleaner to effectively clean larger areas without the need for swapping the mop head.

The inventor has discovered that while using traditional flat mop heads to clean public corridors and staircases of a block of flats, the flat mop head must be replaced at each floor. However, when using the multiple mop head arrangement, the mop heads may be rotated to provide fresh surface to catch more dirt. The cleaner may sweep through the whole building with just one set of microfiber mop heads.

Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are not limited to implementations which solve any or all the disadvantages of known mop structures or mop connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a user cleaning with one exemplary embodiment of a mop having multiple heads side by side;

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of a mop assembly comprising the mop connector;

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector;

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector;

FIG. 5a illustrates schematically a side view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector;

FIG. 5b illustrates schematically a first isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector;

FIG. 5c illustrates schematically a second isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector;

FIG. 6a illustrates schematically a side view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector with twisting mop head extensions;

FIG. 6b illustrates schematically a first isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector with twisting mop head extensions;

FIG. 6c illustrates schematically a second isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector with twisting mop head extensions; FIG. 7 illustrates schematically an isometric exploded view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector and mop handle connecting means;

FIG. 8a illustrates schematically an isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector;

FIG. 8b illustrates a detail view of Fig. 8a;

FIG. 9a illustrates schematically a sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector; and

FIG. 9b illustrates a detail view of Fig. 9a.

Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

FIG. 1 illustrates one use case of a user 1 sweeping floor with one exemplary embodiment of a mop having multiple mop heads 11 . In this embodiment the mop has three mop heads 11 side by side. The mop heads 11 are in this example rag mops, wherein the rags are made of microfiber. Each mop head 11 is connected to a mop connector 10. A handle 12 is connected to the opposite side of the mop connector 10. The user 1 operates the mop by the handle 12 and sweeps the floor by multiple mop heads 11 . Multiple mop heads 11 provide increased ability to remove dirt and dust from the floor.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically another view of the same embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector 10 without the mop heads 11 or the handle 12. The mop assembly comprises the mop connector 10 for connecting multiple mop heads 11 to the mop by mop connecting means 30. The mop connector 10 comprises three mop head extensions 51 , 52, 53. A first mop head extension 51 and a second mop head extension 52 extend to opposite directions from the middle. A third mop head extension 53 is in the middle, in the same axis as the mop handle 12. Each mop head extension 51 , 52, 53 has one mop connecting means 30 at the end of the extension. In one embodiment, the three mop head extensions 51 , 52, 53 meet in the middle.

In one embodiment the mop connecting means 30 comprises a male thread, wherein the mop head 11 comprises a corresponding female thread that is connectable to the mop connecting means 30. Alternative embodiments of the mop connecting means 30 comprise a clamp, a hanger with strands doubled over the hanger, claws attached to the strands, push-fit connection and push- turn-fit connection. Other alternatives of mop connecting means 30 may be used without losing the effect of the invention. In one embodiment the mop connecting means 30 allows the mop head 11 to rotate. In one embodiment the mop connecting means 30 allows the mop head 11 to pivot along a horizontal axis. The mop connecting means 30 may be made of plastic, composite material or metal, such as aluminium. In one embodiment the mop connecting means 30 is integral with the mop connector 10 having the same material. In one embodiment the mop connecting means comprise different material than the body of the mop connector 10.

The mop connector 10 comprises at least three mop connecting means 30 side by side. The connected mop heads 11 are in one embodiment similar, wherein they cover additional floor area per one sweep. In one embodiment the mop heads 30 are different, for example the mop head 11 in the middle is a moist mop and the outer mop heads 11 are dry mops. In one embodiment the mop connecting means 30 are configured to connect to a rag mop head. The rag mop head, which may also be called as yarn mop head, comprises a mass or bundle of coarse strings, yarn, a piece of cloth, sponge or other absorbent material. The yarns or strips are in one embodiment made of microfiber. In one embodiment the mop connecting means 30 are configured to connect to a round mop head 11 , i.e. the mop head 11 facing towards the mop connector 10 by a round-shaped surface. The round mop head 11 comprises a round support plate, a disc support plate, a conical support or a frusto-conical support, where the rags or yarns are being attached. The shape of the mop head 11 around the round support is flexible along the freely moving rags or yarns. The round shape allows the mop head 11 to be easily rotated, for example when connecting it to the mop connecting means 30. In one embodiment the mop head 11 has square shape. Square-shaped mop head 11 may be used for example with push-fit connectors that do not require rotating the mop head 11 .

In one embodiment the mop connector 10 comprises mop handle connecting means 20. The mop handle 12 is in one embodiment a detachable bar, made of metal, for example an aluminium tube. The mop handle connecting means 20 is in one embodiment a push-fit connector, wherein the mop handle 12 tube is pushed over the protruding portion of the mop connector 10. The mop handle 12 tube has at least one opening configured to receive a spring-loaded pin from the mop handle connecting means 20 to lock the mop handle 12 onto the mop connector 10. The mop handle 12 may be made of other suitable materials, such as plastic, composite or wood. The mop handle connecting means 20 may be selected to be suitable for the mop handle 12 material and/or the mop connector 10 material.

In one embodiment the mop connector 10 comprises a mop handle 12, as they are fixedly connected. In one embodiment, the mop connector 10 is an extension of the mop handle 12, both being made of the same material. FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary embodiment, wherein the mop connector 10 and the mop handle 12 are integrated as one single component. The component may be made of metal, for example aluminium. The embodiment is reminiscent of a trident in shape, wherein each of the three ends comprises the mop connecting means 30.

In one embodiment each mop connecting means 30 is configured to a protrusion extending from the mop connector 10. The distance between adjacent mop connecting means 30 is arranged to accommodate the mop heads 11 , allowing the footprint of each mop head 11 to cover the floor to be swept and the consecutive mop heads 11 not interfering each other. The mop connecting means 30 may be in a flat bar, transverse to the mop handle 12. The number of mop connecting means 30 and mop heads 12 to be connected is in one embodiment three, in one embodiment four, in one embodiment five and in one embodiment six pairs.

FIG. 5a illustrates schematically a side view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector; FIG. 5b and FIG. 5c are isometric views of the same embodiment. The embodiment comprises two mop head extensions 51 , 52 that extend transversely to the axis defined by the mop handle 12, or transversely to the mop handle connecting means 20. In one embodiment, the mop connector 10 has two asymmetrically extending mop head extensions 51 , 52, where only the first mop head extension is transversely to the mop handle 12. In one embodiment the first mop head extension 51 and the second mop head extension 52 extend symmetrically to opposite directions.

In one embodiment, at least the first mop head extension 51 is configured to twist under force applied to the mop head 11 . Typically the force is exerted to the mop head extension 51 by the user. The user cleans the floor by a first sweeping motion that continues by rotating the mop at the end of the sweeping motion. Rag mops collect dirt inside the rags and push the dirt continuously forward, so the user must use the same side of the mop heads 11 facing forward. This is achieved by rotating the mop and continuing to second sweeping motion to second direction. Rag mops are rarely lifted from the floor during the reciprocating sweeping motions. As the user may hold the mop handle at different angles, various forces are applied to the first mop head extension 51 and the second mop head extension 52 during the sweeping motions. The twisting of the mop head 11 is found to be useful during the rotating motion of the mop at the end of each sweep. This allows all three mop heads 11 to maintain sufficient pressure against the floor, capture and push the dirt forward.

In one embodiment, also the second mop head extension 52 is configured to twist. The mop connecting means 30 and the mop head 11 connected to the mop head extension 51 , 52, is allowed to move into alternative angle as the mop head extension 51 , 52 twists. The mop head 11 in the middle, connected to the third mop head extension 53. Figures 6a - 6c are further illustrations of the same embodiment, wherein the first mop head extension 51 and the second mop head extension 52 are in twisted position. Although both the first mop head extension 51 and the second mop head extension 52 are illustrated to twist simultaneously, in practical use mop head extensions 51 , 52 twist alternately.

In one embodiment, the mop head extensions 51 , 52 are configured to twist and simultaneously resist bending. This is achieved by at least two parallel support flanges 60 along the length of the mop head extension 51 , 52. The material is in one embodiment plastic, composite or other material suitable to provide torsional flexibility. The support flanges 60 provide a H-shaped profile to the mop head extensions 51 , 52.

FIG. 7 illustrates schematically an isometric exploded view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector 10 and mop handle connecting means 20. The mop connector 10 comprises a spigot for connecting the mop handle 12 to the mop connector 10 by a spigot joint. In the spigot joint structure the mop handle 12 is a female part, a bell, positioned over the spigot. In one embodiment, the connection comprises a retaining pin 70 that is configured to be inserted through a hole 71 at the mop handle 12, to the opening 72 at the mop connecting means 20. In one embodiment, the retaining pin 70 comprises a flexible sleeve configured to surround the mop handle 12 at least partially. The flexible sleeve holds the retaining pin 70 in place and allows the retaining pin 70 to be removed.

FIG. 8a illustrates schematically an isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector, and FIG. 8b illustrates a detail view of the mop handle connecting means 20. The bottom portion of the spigot 80 is tapered, slightly increasing the diameter towards the end. This allows the mop handle 12 to stay firmly in place. FIG. 9a illustrates schematically a sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of the mop connector. FIG. 9b is a detail view of the tapered spigot joint connection. A mop connector is disclosed herein. The mop connector is configured to be connected to a mop head by a mop connecting means, comprising at least three mop connecting means side by side. In one embodiment, each of the mop connecting means are configured to connect to a rag mop head. In one embodiment, each of the mop connecting means are configured to connect to a round mop head. In one embodiment, the mop connecting means is configured to be connected to a microfiber mop head. In one embodiment, the connector is configured to be connected to at least three similar mop heads. In one embodiment the mop connector comprises a mop handle. In one embodiment the mop connector comprises a mop handle connecting means. In one embodiment the mop connector comprises a first mop head extension extending transversely to the mop handle connecting means. In one embodiment the mop connector comprises a second mop head extension, extending to opposite direction from the first mop head extension, and transversely to the mop handle connecting means. In one embodiment, at least one of the first mop head extension and the second mop head extension is configured to twist by a force exerted to the mop connecting means at the end of said mop head extension. In one embodiment the first mop head extension comprises at least two parallel support flanges along the length of the first mop head extension, configured to prevent the first mop head extension to bend and to allow the first mop head extension to twist. In one embodiment, the second mop head extension comprises at least two parallel support flanges along the length of the second mop head extension, configured to prevent the second mop head extension to bend and to allow the second mop head extension to twist. In one embodiment, the mop handle connecting means comprises a spigot for connecting the mop handle to the mop connector by a spigot joint. In one embodiment, the spigot joint comprises a retaining pin. In one embodiment, the retaining pin comprises a flexible sleeve configured to surround the mop handle at least partially.

Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought.

Although at least a portion of the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items.

The term ‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A mop connector, configured to be connected to a mop head (11 ) by a mop connecting means (30), characterized by comprising at least three mop connecting means (30) side by side; and each of the mop connecting means (30) is configured to be connected to a microfiber mop head (11 ) or a rag mop head (11 ).

2. An mop connector according to claim ^characterized in that the mop connector (10) is configured to be connected to at least three similar mop heads (11).

3. A mop connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by comprising a mop handle (12).

4. A mop connector according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized by comprising a mop handle connecting means (20).

5. A mop connector according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized by comprising a first mop head extension (51 ) extending transversely to the mop handle connecting means (20).

6. A mop connector according to claim 5, characterized by comprising a second mop head extension (52), extending to opposite direction from the first mop head extension (51), and transversely to the mop handle connecting means (20).

7. A mop connector according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the first mop head extension (51) and the second mop head extension (52) is configured to twist by a force exerted to the mop connecting means (30) at the end of said mop head extension (51 , 52).

8. A mop connector according to any of the claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first mop head extension (51 ) comprises at least two parallel support flanges (60) along the length of the first mop head extension (51), configured to prevent the first mop head extension (51 ) to bend and to allow the first mop head extension (51 ) to twist.

9. A mop connector according to any of the claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the second mop head extension (52) comprises at least two parallel support flanges (60) along the length of the second mop head extension (52), configured to prevent the second mop head extension (52) to bend and to allow the second mop head extension (52) to twist.

10. A mop connector according to any of the claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the mop handle connecting means (20) comprises a spigot for connecting the mop handle to the mop connector by a spigot joint.

11. A mop connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the spigot joint comprises a retaining pin (70).

12. A mop connector according to claim 11, characterized in that the retaining pin (70) comprises a flexible sleeve configured to surround the mop handle (12) at least partially.