GB2255900A - Mopping accessory for a broom. - Google Patents

Abstract

An accessory for implementation with a variety of configuration brooms and the like for wet or dry mopping. The accessory is fabricated of an absorbent material and has an aperture (10) through which the broom handle (11) is fitted and is configured to envelope and extend longitudinally beyond the broom head for providing a mopping head for floor or wall maintenance. The accessory is removable from the broom for washing. <IMAGE>

Description

=KGROUIED of TNv#N'T' TO# 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to floor cleaning implements and accessories, and in particular an accessory for implementation with a variety of configuration brooms and the like for the wet or dry mopping of floor surfaces.

The accessory of the present invention is fabricated of an absorbent material such as terry cloth or the like, and is configured to envelope the broom head for providing a mop-like head for floor or wall maintenance.

The present invention is easily cleaned when soiled by merely removing it from the broom head and washing it in a clothes washer and dryer, allowing re-use, and thereby saving money.

The present invention further teaches a unique method of fabricating an accessory for the mopping floors and the like, as well as a method for mopping floors utilizing the present accessory.

The present invention provides a sanitary, economical, and effective system for the cleaning and mopping of floors, walls and the like utilizing only a broom as its frame or support, as opposed to the heretofore necessity of a separate mop.

2. Prior Art & General Background While the prior art is replete with various detachable mop heads and the like for use with mops, there are only two references noted directed to attachments for brooms or the like which facilitate dusting, both of which are clearly distinguishable from the present invention, which is primarily configured for light to heavy wet mopping.

A list of prior patents which may be of interest is presented below: Patent no. Patenteelsl Issue#te 2,342,280 Hertzberg 02/22/1944 2,342,281 Hertzberg 02/22/1944 2,382,205 Coats 09/14/1945 3,711,885 Griffin et al 01/23/1973 4,010,511 Komatsu 03/08/1977 4,407,039 Moss 11/05/1985 Patents 2,342,205 and 2,342,280 were the only references found teaching mopping and/or dusting attachments to brooms, while the remainder teach mops having removable mop heads.

The '205 reference to Coats and the '280 reference to Hertzberg teach attachments to brooms for the dusting of floors, walls, and the like, and are not designed for wet mopping, as is contemplated by the present invention. Indeed, the '205 and '280 references involve relatively involved, complex structures which would not function well for wet mopping, as the structures of the devices would not appear to hold up in such use, especially during re-use after cleaning in a washing machine and dryer.

Further, the Hertzberg reference contemplates a blank 10 configured of muslin or like material, which would be totally inappropriate for mopping because muslin fails to absorb liquids to any significant degree and would fail to hold particles from the wet mopping process. Like Hertzberg, the "blank" of Coats suggests a material unsuitable for wet mopping operations.

3. General Sundry Discussion of the Invention Unlike the prior art, the present invention provides a highly cost effective system for the wet mopping of floors and the like, allowing the easy and effective cleaning of the mopping material via the clothes washer and dryer.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a broom head enveloping attachment of moisture and particle absorbing material such as terry cloth or the like, wherein there is further provided additional cloth emanating about the broom head, for facilitating a mopping action when in use.

The present invention is configured to be easily installed and manufactured, the preferred embodiment being designed to merely slip over the broomstick to envelope the broom head. An alterna tive design of the present invention teaches a flat cloth having a handle accepting aperture, designed to fold about the base of the broon head and snap about the broom handle area.

A primary benefit of the present system over the prior art uops and the like relates to their cleaning. After using a traditional mop, it is very difficult to remove all of the soil and residue removed from the floor onto the mop head. The present system provides in effect a clean, laundered mop with every use, as one merely removes the soiled item from the broom, after use, replacing it with a newly laundered item.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an accessory for the wet mopping of floors and the like which may be used with a variety of configuration brooms.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an accessory for use with brooms and the like for the mopping of floors wherein the accessory is effectively washed and dried in a conventional clothes washer and dryer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wethod for easily and inexpensively making an accessory for use with brooms and the like, the accessory being configured for the lopping of floors.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an accessory for wet mopping floors and the like which is easily replaced and cleaned.

13RTEF DF#p#TpTToN p# ##p D1?AwTNa# For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given like reference numerals, and wherein: Figure 1 is an isometric view of the preferred, exemplary embodiment of the broom cover accessory of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the broom cover accessory of Figure 1, illustrating the partial installation of the accessory with the cover flap open.

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the broom cover accessory of Figure 1 illustrating the installation of the accessory in its fully closed position.

Figure 4 is an isometric view of an alternative, exemplary embodiment of the broom cover accessory of the invention, illustrating the placement of the accessory over the broom head handle (shown in phantom lines) Figure 5 is an isometric view of the accessory of Figure 4, illustrating the broom cover accessory in its fully installed disposition.

flRTAT#D D#sCRrP#TION of the P##RRED. #MPLARY EKBODI# As can be seen in Figure 1, the accessory B of the preferred, exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated article 1 having a somewhat rectangular configuration and made of simple, unadorned terry cloth or like water absorbent and flexible material. The accessory B has an inner 15 and outer 16 side and first 2 and second 3 ends.

Further included in the preferred embodiment are first snaps 4, 5, located near the first end 2, and second 6, 7 and third 8, 9 snaps located near the second end 3 of the accessory B. Juxtaposed to the first snaps 4, 5 is a handle aperture 10, configured for enveloping a broom handle, as will be more fully disclosed below.

Figure 2 illustrates the accessory B of Figure 1 in a partially installed configuration about a typical broom S. As shown in Figure 2, the handle 11 of the broom S is slid through handle aperture 10 to the throat 12 of the broom, and the first end 2 is then folded over the top of the broom to laterally expose first snaps 4, 5. The inside wall 15 of the accessory B is then brought laterally about the broom bristles 14 so as to envelope the broom head 13.

As shown in Figure 3, the open second end 3 of the accessory B is brought up such that second 6, 7 or third 8, 9 snaps communicates with first snaps 4, 5, fully enveloping the accessory B about the broom head. Note that the present invention as installed provides a degree of slack in the medial area 17 to facilitate a lopping action, the length of which is adjustable according to broom size via the utilization of the second 6,7 or third 8,9 snaps.

In use, the installed accessory B is utilized as any light mop would be used, and the accessory B when soiled could then be removed for washing in a washing machine as any washable clothing is cleaned, while another could be installed in its place.

It is noted that while elements 4-9 are illustrated as snaps, it should be understood that such characterization is for exemplary purposes only and that other joining means, such as hook and loop arrangements, button/buttonhole arrangements, tying arrangements, or any types of other well known joining means may be utilized with similar successful results.

Exemplary dimensions for the towel like cloth of the embodi xent of Figure 1 is a piece of terry cloth materials having a length of sixteen inches and a width of eight (top) to ten (bottom) inches for a typical broom head having a width at its throat of four inches, a width at its bottom of nine inches and a height for the head of fourteen inches.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein a different configuration accessory C is utilized with similar effectiveness as the above disclosed preferred embodiment.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the alternative embodiment accessory C comprises a somewhat rectangular piece 20 of terry cloth or like absorbent, yet durable material, which is folded about its medial area 29 in lateral fashion, forming first 30 and second 31 walls, having first 24 and second sides 25, top area 22 and unjoined bottom walls 26.

In order to form a structure suitable for enveloping a broom head or like cleaning device, the first 30 and second 31 side walls are stitched, sewn, heat fused, or otherwise joined at area 21, and a handle aperture 19 is provided about the top 22 area, allowing the handle 11 and broom throat 12 to pass therethrough, after the accessory C is directed down 27 over the broom head (see Figure 5).

Like the preferred embodiment, the alternative embodiment includes sufficient additional length to the bottom area 23 to provide slack 28 to allow for a mopping action in use.

In use, the accessory C is merely directed over the broom handle 11 such that it passes through handle aperture 19, bringing down (note direction arrows 27) the accessory C such that it fully envelops the broom head, with additional slack 28 at the base for mopping action.

The covered broom is then utilized much as a mop would be operated, with a mopping action. Like the preferred embodiment, the alternative embodiment is easily cleaned via a washing machine or the like when soiled, and would typically be replaced with another cover while the soiled one is being cleaned.

The embodiments described herein in detail for exemplary purposes are of course subject to many different variations in structure, design, application and methodology. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many moditica- tions may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood. that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (10)

C7: < what is CLAIMED is:

1. An accessory configured to facilitate the utilization of a broom having a broom handle and broom head in a mopping operation, comprising: a somewhat rectangular piece of cloth having first and second walls, first and second sides, a medial area, and first and second ends, sufficient width to envelope a broom head and length to allow the enveloping of the broom head via folding of said cloth in said medial area with additional slack to facilitate mopping, said somewhat rectangular piece of cloth having a handle aperture configured to slidingly receive a broom handle, said handle aperture being situated near said first end and juxtaposed to said first and second sides; and joining means situated near said first and second ends of said rectangular piece of cloth, said joining means configured to join said first and said second ends in such a fashion as to envelope the broom head.

2. The accessory of Claim 1, wherein said rectangular piece of cloth is terry cloth.

3. The accessory of Claims 1, wherein said joining means conprises a snap arrangement.

4. The accessory of Claims 1, wherein said joining means comprises a hook and loop arrangement.

5. The accessory of Claim 1, wherein said joining means comprises a button/buttonhole arrangement.

6. The method of mopping a floor, comprising the following steps: a. providing a broom having a broom handle, broom throat, and broom head; b. providing an accessory configured to cover the broom head of the broom for a mopping operation, comprising a somewhat rectangular piece of cloth having first and second walls, first and second sides, a medial area, and first and second ends, sufficient width to envelope the broom head and length to allow the enveloping of the broom head via the folding over of said cloth in said medial area with additional slack to facilitate mopping, said somewhat rectangular piece of cloth having a handle aperture configured to slidingly receive the broom handle, said handle aperture situated near said first end and juxtaposed to said first and second sides, joining means situated near said first and second ends of said rectangular piece of cloth, said joining means configured to join said first and said second ends in such a fashion as to envelope the broom head, c. placing the handle aperture of said accessory over said handle of said broom and directing it toward said broom head, d. grasping said second end of said accessory and directing it about said broom head so as to envelope said broom head, e. joining said first and second ends of said accessory such that said cloth envelopes said broom head, f. wetting said accessory, and g. grasping the broom handle and mopping an area with said accessory.

7. An accessory configured to facilitate the utilization of a broom having a broom handle and broom head in a mopping operation, comprising: a somewhat rectangular piece of cloth having first and second walls, first and second joined sides, a medial area, and first and second ends, sufficient width to envelope the broom head and length to allow the enveloping of the broom head via folding of said cloth in said medial area, said medial area forming said first end, with additional slack to facilitate mopping, said second end being open, said somewhat rectangular piece of cloth having a handle aperture configured to slidingly receive the broom handle, said handle aperture being situated in said medial area juxtaposed to said first and second sides, said open second end having sufficient opening to allow the passage of the broom head therein.

8. The method of mopping a floor, comprising the following steps: a. providing a broom having a broom handle, broom throat, and broom head; b. providing an accessory configured to facilitate the utilization of a broom having a broom handle and broom head in a mopping operation, comprising a somewhat rectangular piece of cloth having first and second walls, first and second joined sides, a medial area, and first and second ends, sufficient width to envelope the broom head and length to allow the enveloping of the broom head via folding of said cloth in said medial area, said medial area forming said first end, with additional slack to facilitate mopping, said second end being open, said somewhat rectangular piece of cloth having a handle aperture configured to slidingly receive the broom handle, said handle aperture being situated in said medial area juxtaposed to said first and second sides, said open second end having sufficient opening to allow the passage of the broom head therein; c. placing the handle of said broom and directing it in through the opening of said second end of said accessory, further sliding said handle out through said handle aperture; d. grasping said accessory and sliding it down said broom handle and about said broom head, enveloping said broom head; e. wetting said accessory; and f. grasping the broom handle and mopping an area with said accessory.

9. An implement for mopping comprising a broom handle and a broom head and a piece of cloth substantially enveloping the broom head and extending generally longitudinally beyond the end of the broom head remote from the broom handle.

10. An implement for mopping substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any of Figures 1 to 3 or to either of Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.