US20190246866A1

US20190246866A1 - Loop roll mop apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20190246866A1
Application number: US15/895,223
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert N. Diehl
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-02-13
Filing date: 2018-02-13
Publication date: 2019-08-15

Abstract

A loop roll mopping apparatus in which an elongate sheet of mopping material is apportioned over a foot structure. As the mopping material becomes soiled, it is advanced from a spool or cartridge of clean mopping material. Numerous embodiments are described to suit different applications, different unit sizing, commercial versus household use, and other situations. The soiled mopping material is either retained on a take-up spool, or retained on the take-up side to allow excess soiled mop material to be removed (torn off) and disposed of. Various tensioning mechanisms are described, which in a first mode allow mop material advance, while in a second mode hold the mop material taut during mopping.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF COMPUTER PROGRAM APPENDIX

Not Applicable

NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the material in this patent document may be subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.14.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The technology of this disclosure pertains generally to floor mops, and more particularly to a mop utilizing a looping roll of absorbent mop material.

2. Background Discussion

Cleaning of smooth floors has always been a cumbersome and time consuming process. Initially, cleaning was performed on one's knees with a sponge, rag, or clump of rags. Then a long stick handle was added to the sponge, rag or clump of rags in what became known as a “mop”. These mops required rinsing in a bucket of water and wringing to a damp state before use. Mopping was a wet and messy task.
More recently, forms of mops have arisen in which a cleaning pad is attached to the underside of a rectangular foot of the mop. Although these new forms of ‘mops’ are more convenient and less messy, they provide limited cleaning capability. In addition, it is still inconvenient to stop cleaning, remove the old soiled pad, and replace it with a new pad. As a result many users face “pad procrastination” and are content to continue mopping a little longer with a soiled pad rather than replace the pad, thus cleanliness suffers.
Accordingly, a need exists for new mop technologies which are simple to use and less messy, while still being able to clean large areas. The present disclosure fulfills that need and provides additional benefits over previous technologies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An improved spot cleaning mop having a movable band of mopping material selectively apportioned from a cartridge or roll mechanism. The cleaning surface of the disclosed mop can be easily advanced to a fresh portion of mop material without the need of replacing a mop pad, or performing a wash and rinse of the mop head. The mop material can be fed roll-to-roll in a continuous manner until it is depleted, and does not rely on individual unconnected pads or sheets of material as in previous mop devices.
Various embodiments are described herein for the disclosed loop roll mop, to allow quick and easy cleaning of lightly-soiled floors without incurring a frequent need of replacing a cleaning pad. In general, an elongated sheet of mop material is retained in a compact form and extended/advanced over the foot of the mop to a retention mechanism which may comprise a take-up and/or cutoff mechanism. Embodiments detail loop roll mops which are configured to hold different amounts of mop material, while others disclose retaining the source of mop material in a cartridge assembly. Different embodiments are described for keeping the mop material tensioned when it leaves the compact form of a roll or cartridge. In at least one embodiment, a spritzing or spray mechanism is incorporated in the mop device to allow the user to control the moisture content of the mop while mopping and/or to spray additional cleaner onto the adjacent floor surface.
Although the primary target is the consumer household market, additional embodiments are described for addressing commercial cleaning sectors.
Further aspects of the technology described herein will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the technology without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The technology described herein will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are perspective and side views, respectively, of a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the source and take-up spools of mop material are mounted from the handle of the mop device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mop material take-up spool for a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A through FIG. 3E are different views of a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the mop material moves between large spools retained within its housing.

FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D are different views of a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing small source and take-up spools mounted to the top of the mop base.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are two views of a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing mop material apportioned from a source over the mop foot and retained on the opposing side for sheets to be torn off.

FIG. 6A through FIG. 6E are different views of a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the use of structures on the side of the foot structure for clamping the material in place and applying tension on the mop material.

FIG. 7A through FIG. 7C are different views of a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the use of a combination cleaning material retainer and path redirection structures, and placing the clamp/tensioners at the top.

FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C are different views of a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the use of a cartridge containing horizontally pleated mop material.

FIG. 9A through FIG. 9C are different views of a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the use of a cartridge containing vertically pleated mop material.

FIG. 10A through FIG. 10E are different views of a loop roll mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing adjacent source and take-up mechanism, which may be contained within a housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. Loop Roll Mop Embodiments

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate an example embodiment of loop roll mop 10 having a foot structure 12 with optional compliant layer 13. A handle 14 extends up from a proximal end at connection 26 on foot structure 12 upwards to a distal end which is configured (e.g., shaped and/or textured) to be readily graspable by a user during the process of mopping a floor. In at least one embodiment the size of foot structure 12 is approximately 4 to 6 inches by 10 to 18 inches, although the structure may be sized according to the application.
An elongate sheet of mop fabric 19 is retained in a location in a compact form 18, such as in a cylinder, or cartridge, of mop fabric. If retained on a cylinder, the interior spindle or spool which holds the mopping material may be designed with a small inside diameter for the purpose of compactness. The mop fabric in this and the other embodiments described is a fabric material (e.g., synthetic fabric) which is configured for wet or dry mopping operation, and has sufficient tensile strength so that it will not tear in response to the tension applied while advancing (rolling and cranking) the material, it is resistant to shredding during mopping operations, and has a bursting strength sufficient to withstand ripping during the job, even when wet. The material may be offered in a color that consumers will associate with cleanliness, freshness or purity. It may be made of fibers or material that consumers will associate with sustainability, recyclability, earth-friendliness, “green” eco-sensibility, and similar. The mop fabric is sufficiently thin to allow rolling into a spool, or folding in a cartridge area, its width is sized to match the foot of the mop. The length is sized to allow apportioning fresh mop material over the foot structure multiple times before the need to replace the mop material. In a household device the mop material may be of a length that is as low as approximately five to ten times the width of the foot structure, thus allowing fresh mop material to be apportioned only five to ten times, while in other embodiments the mop retains more, or substantially more, mop material. In commercial settings, there may be a sufficient length of mop material to allow apportioning fresh mop material hundreds of times. The mop material may come pre-packaged such as in a spool or cartridge, and may include a take-up spool, such as already coupled to one end of the mop fabric.
The majority of applications for the loop roll mop can be addressed using a mop material that is sufficiently thin, so that a substantial length of the material can fit on a roll or into an accordion cartridge dispenser. It should be appreciated that in most applications the material is not used for soaking up big spills, but instead is configured for wiping the floor with cleaning spray so the dirt and germs get picked up. It should be appreciated that it is contemplated that different types of mop fabric material may be provided for the present loop roll mopping apparatus for different mopping applications.
In the embodiment shown, mop fabric 19 is rotatable when engaged on a first rotating structure 18 (cleaning material source). To use the mop, mop fabric 19 is loaded by pulling it over foot structure 12 with optional compliant layer 13, to a take-up mechanism, shown in this example as a take-up spool 22. The source spool 18 is seen attached to the mop with a first spool retention structure 16, while the take-up spool 22 is attached with a second spool retention structure 20. In use, the mop material can be apportioned (advanced) using a material advancing structure, such as a crank mechanism 24 in which a given number of turns on the crank moves the mop material toward the take-up reel a distance generally equal to or slightly exceeding the width of foot 12, so that the mopping surface is renewed with material. It will be appreciated that in this and the other embodiments described, that the advancing mechanism may accept different mechanical inputs, such as from a crank, lever, wheel, sliding lever, pull cord, or other known mechanical input structure which is mechanically coupled to the take-up reel.
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, the source spool (reel) is biased opposing the direction of cleaning material advance toward retaining a proper tension in the roll, and in some cases by utilizing a ratcheting mechanism. By way of example and not limitation, tension on a ratcheting spring mechanism at the source roll increases as the take-up reel is rotated, at a threshold tension T₁, the spring ratchets to a next cog while only marginally dropping tension to T_1−n. The tension thus applied to the cleaning material is always less than the breaking strength of the fabric material utilized, while the material is held somewhat taut between the source and take-up sides of the mop. It will be appreciated that alternate tensioning mechanisms can be utilized in this and other embodiments, such as by mechanically coupling the take-up spool, such as through gearing, to the source spool, so that as the material is advanced from the take-up side the source spool is being biased in an opposing direction to a limited threshold level of tension.
The mop can be configured for manual, or user activated spritzing with fluid. By way of example and not limitation, the fluid used may comprise wash water, rinse water, cleaner, disinfectant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, protectant, wax, or other cleaning/protecting/conditioning/polishing fluids which are scented or unscented. The type of fluid utilized generally depends on the type of mopping operation and the surface it is applied to, such as depending on tile, stone, linoleum, wood, or other types of flooring surface and the types of dirt and/or germs being cleaned. For the sake of simplicity of illustration, the figure depicts the use of manual spritzing 17, whereby the user can spritz the mop fabric prior to advancing it, or even after the material is advanced over the foot structure. At least one alternate embodiment of the mop has a user activated spritz device in which a reservoir of liquid is retained on the mop, and coupled through one or more passageways (e.g., tubing or molded-in passageways) to one or spray heads for allowing the user to select the time and amount of spritzing. In one embodiment, the spritzing is performed on the mop material prior to its being rotated over the foot structure, while another embodiment directs the spritz liquid from multiple nozzles (e.g., two, three or more nozzles) located in a pattern on the underside of the foot structure, wherein the mop material can be rewetted at any time during mopping. At least one embodiment of the spritzer is configured for user activation, such as the user squeezing a trigger (or lever, crank, or other mechanical input coupled to the spritzing device) located on the foot structure, the lower handle or the upper handle to spritz the mop material.
In another embodiment the user can spray the cleaning liquid forward onto the floor in front of the mop, and the mop can then spread the cleaning liquid around the flooring surface and allow it to become absorbed in the material. This can be facilitated by incorporating a spritzer mounted on the mop unit, or supplying a spritzing bottle which detaches from the mop unit for use.
It should be appreciated that spraying of liquids (e.g., squirt, spray or mist) can be performed in a number of ways without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure; the following being provided by way of example and not limitation. (a) Spraying can be performed utilizing a siphon action when a fast moving carrier (e.g., air) is directed over the siphon venturi to draw liquid up and entrain that liquid in the carrier for being expelled at the nozzle. The fast moving carrier can be created from a pressure vessel containing compressed carrier (e.g., as in an aerosol) used in combination with controlling opening of the spray nozzle. In a more typical embodiment, the fast moving carrier gas is created from compression in a carrier reservoir with compression performed either directly or indirectly by the user, or by electrical means including piezo pumps, motorized pumps and/or other means known to one of ordinary skill in the art. (b) Spraying can also rely on a positive displacement pump (e.g., having two one-way valves) as in a typical hand pump spray bottle. (c) The above and any other mechanisms and combinations thereof configured for expelling a fluid from a nozzle can be utilized without limitation in any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
In utilizing the disclosed loop roll mop, the user can advance the mop material when the current foot print (material retained under the foot structure 12 for contacting the floor) is visibly dirty. Material is advanced by the user activating an advance mechanism. By way of example and not limitation, the advance mechanism can comprise a cranking mechanism, a ratcheting mechanism, a lever mechanism, other linear motion advancing mechanisms and/or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, advancing mechanisms which are configured to drive the mop material directly (instead of driving a roll of material which changes size as material is used) are preferably indexed so that the user performs a certain fixed level of movement to advance the mop material a distance equal or slightly greater than the width of the foot structure over which the mop material is advanced.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the mop material take-up reel 22 shown with engagement structures 23 (i.e., teeth, ‘Velcro’ hooks, clasping structure, slot, other material retention mechanisms, and/or combinations of the above) for engaging the sheet of mop material 19 to wind it on this take-up spool. After the mop material is fully engaged by the engagement structures of the take-up spool, the user activates the advancing mechanism, such as by turning a crank or other mechanical input structure, until the mop material is fully secured to the take-up spool and mop material covers the take-up reel. It will be noted that in at least one embodiment the roll of mop material contains a leader section which is configured for being engaged by the take-up reel and which is configured for being advanced onto that take-up reel until the subsequent mop material has been advanced to the extent that it completely covers the foot structure.
FIG. 3A through FIG. 3E illustrate another general embodiment 50 of the disclosed mop. A housing 58 is seen coupled over foot structure 52, with bifurcated arms 56 a, 56 b of handle 54 extending down to a pivot 72 at each side of housing 58 or engaged in foot structure 52, so that housing 58 does not block rotation of the handle. The handle 54 thus moves around the outside of the housing. In one embodiment the handle can be rotated to either side of the housing, or alternatively it can be configured to rotate to an approximate vertical position to simplify carrying and storage. In at least one embodiment, housing 58 is seen configured to slope toward the back of the foot structure thus increasing the clearance at the front of the loop roll mop apparatus. In at least one embodiment, housing 58 is configured to be fully or partially transparent (translucent), to allow viewing of the condition and relative state of depletion/fullness of the source roll and take-up roll. By way of example and not limitation, housing 58 is depicted with slots 59 a, 59 b into which spool ends extending past the ends of the source and take-up roll are slidably engaged into the housing. It will be noted that in this embodiment, the cleaning material rolls remain in the same orientation in relation to the housing and foot structure, regardless of how the handle is oriented.
In FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D a cleaning material path redirection bar 57 is seen for retaining the cleaning material in a low position (close to the top of the foot) at the front of the mop device, to better allow this portion of the mop to be able to reach under low lying structures (e.g., toe kicks, under cabinets, etc.). The redirection bar 57 comprises a smooth bar, or a rotating sleeve (or sleeve sections), which alter the path of the cleaning material without unduly increasing the force required to advance that cleaning material. Alternatively, one or more of the redirection bars in this and other embodiments may comprise multiple rollers (e.g., a pair of rollers) configured as pinch rollers, that are mechanically coupled for tensioning the cleaning material.
The source spool 62 and take-up spool 68 are seen in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C with cleaning material 64 configured for advancing between source and take-up spools along path 74 as seen in FIG. 3B.
By way of example and not limitation, an advancing mechanism 70 is seen in FIG. 3B, such as including a wheel (e.g., star-wheel, toothed-wheel, finger-indexed-wheel, wheel with crank, wheel with finger recess, wheel with retractable crank and so forth) mechanism configured for receiving user mechanical input and translating that motion into rotating take-up spool 68 toward pulling cleaning material from source spool 62 along a path over foot structure 52 toward take-up spool 68.
In at least one embodiment this advancing mechanism may be geared and contain a ratcheting device so that cleaning material can only move in one direction from source spool to take-up spool. In at least one embodiment, a ratchet override is provided to allow rolling the material back in the other direction, as may be convenient in certain applications of the loop roll mop apparatus. It should also be appreciated that the loop roll mop may accept user mechanical force on a crank, thumbwheel (daisy wheel), linear slider, or other mechanical input receiving member which converts the force and motion received through a mechanism coupled to the take-up spool for rotating the take-up spool.
In FIG. 3E an example embodiment is shown of a particular advancing mechanism. The advancing mechanism is shown with a star wheel 76 rotatable coupled by axle 78 through housing 58 to a ratchet wheel 80. A pawl 82 is rotatably coupled at pivot 84 and biased with spring 86 into contact with ratchet wheel 80. The shape of the teeth on the ratchet may comprise simple angled teeth to assure one way rotation of spool 62 in response to rotation of star wheel 76. Alternatively, the wheel may include major teeth for preventing reverse rotation between which are minor teeth for requiring a certain level of tension be applied for advancing the wheel.
In at least one embodiment the portions of the source and take-up spools which extend beyond the width of the cleaning material have a non-radially symmetric pattern, such as being in a square, hexagon, rectangle, configured for engaging slots 59 a, 59 b, and are configured to prevent free wheeling of the material from the spools. In at least one configuration, this extended portion of the spool contains the ratcheting tension mechanism on the source spool, and ratcheting mechanism which is configured for receiving user mechanical input when advancing the cleaning material. In at least one other embodiment, such as seen in FIG. 3E, the extended portion of the spool keys into the recess in the ratchet mechanism.
FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D illustrate an example embodiment 90 of a smaller and lighter mopping device. In FIG. 4A the base and handle portion are shown having foot structure 92, to which a handle 94 is attached at swiveling mechanism 96 coupled to mounting structures (bosses) 98 extending from foot structure 92. In this type of embodiment the handle is more preferably affixed directly to the foot with a universal joint or similar swivel. It should be noted that for this and other similar embodiments described herein, the swiveling mechanism, or universal joint, which attaches the handle to the foot structure, may be raised above the top of the foot structure as seen in FIG. 4D, such as for providing clearance over the material rolls even when one or the other of them is full. It should be appreciated that different applications or embodiments may be offered with large, high-capacity rolls or cartridges of material, and others may be offered with smaller rolls or cartridges.
Since the cleaning material in this embodiment is not dispensed and taken up from structures attached to the handle, the handle can be made to swivel in a second axis which is side to side, and thus swiveling mechanism 96 can be utilized. In at least one embodiment the swiveling mechanism 96 comprises a lower end of the handle terminating in pivot points 102 oriented in a first direction, which engage a structure 100 that pivots in mounting tabs 98, extending from the foot structure, in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction, thus providing a swiveling action. Alternative mechanisms can be utilized, such as ball and socket configurations, flexible springs, and other mechanisms for providing movement (freedom of motion) in at least one axis, and more preferably two axes.
Also seen in FIG. 4A are cleaning material path redirection bars 104 and 106 on the front and rear of foot structure 92. In FIG. 4B is seen one example of source and take-up structures for the cleaning material. The source side is the source of the elongate sheet of mop material, while the take-up reel “takes” up the soiled section of mop material as new material is apportioned over the foot structure for use. It will be noted that in this and other embodiments, that the source roll (cartridge) may be at either the leading or trailing edge of the foot structure when the loop roll mop is in mopping position. It will be noted that the leading edge of the mop head is considered herein to be the front of the mop head when the mop is in mopping position. The handle can be shaped for bidirectional use as well, allowing the user to select either side of the mop head as the leading edge for convenience or user preference.
The source is shown in this example as a roll 110 axially supported in a structure 108, and similarly the take-up side contains a roll 114 on structure 112. The take-up side is also shown with a finger wheel 115 (or other user mechanical force input structure) for advancing the cleaning material over the foot structure along path 116 which is seen traversing under redirection bars 104, 106 and passing around 118 foot structure 92. As has been previously described, the cleaning material source side can be mechanically biased to oppose, up to the given threshold tension, the direction of cleaning material advance so that proper material tension is maintained. Planar structure 120 is an optional flip structure for supporting the spool structures 108, 112 as described in FIG. 4C.
It should also be appreciated that for any of the embodiments, a source roll of mop material need not be rotatable retained over a rod structure, but may be simply retained in a housing, such as a cylinder of sufficient diameter having an exit slot through which the mop material exits. As sufficient tension is placed on the mop material it is pulled from the roll through the slot and the roll rotates within the housing.
FIG. 4C illustrates a variation in which source roll 110 having a center spool hole 111 configured for being slidably engaged over a rod 108, while take-up roll 112 having center spool hole 113 is configured for being slidably engaged over a rod 112. In at least one embodiment, the rolls of mop material 116 can be packaged in a pre-threaded state with the leader portion of the source spool already coupled to the take-up reel, so that upon inserting the spools onto the loop roll mop apparatus the user can commence mopping without having to thread the material from source spool to take-up spool. Optionally, in at least one embodiment, the open ends of rods 108, 112 are stabilized by an engagement structure 120, which in one variation flips down to free the rods for removing of the rolls, and then after inserting new rolls, the engagement structure 120 flips back 121 over the rods to provide positional stability without the need of using heavy duty rod structures.
In FIG. 4D the pivot point of the handle is raised to allow the handle to clear the mop material rolls (or cartridge in other embodiments). In particular foot structure 92 is configured with extended mounting structures (bosses) 98′ extending from foot structure 92 into which swiveling mechanism 96 couples to handle 94. In at least one embodiment, the pivot point is sufficiently raised so that the handle may be angled to a position that is parallel to the bottom of the foot structure (and thus parallel to the floor when the mop is in use), without being obstructed by either roll (cartridge) in its full state, toward facilitating use of the loop roll mop to reach under deep structures such as beds or cabinets.
FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate an example embodiment 130 of a foot structure 132 coupled through swivel 136 to handle 134 in a loop roll mop that utilizes clips (anchoring feet) 146 a, 146 b for retaining the mop fabric material in position. Rather than store soiled material on a take-up reel, it can simply be discarded a little at a time with each cleaning job. Here tensioning bars are lowered onto the material to keep it taut and snugged up to the foot.
As in the other embodiments, handle 134 is coupled through swiveling mechanism 136, which is configured to provide freedom of handle movement along one or more preferably two axes. Source reel 140 is seen on a rotatable coupling 138 from a structure 139 extending from foot 132. Two clips (anchoring feet) are shown 146 a, 146 b for affixing the mop material to foot 132, whereby the sheet 142 of mop fabric material is drawn from source roll 140 under first clip 146 a and pulled around foot structure 132, on path 144, and up under clip 146 b. In at least one implementation the exterior of clips 146 a, 146 b (for this and other embodiments) comprise, or contain exterior portions of, a compliant material (e.g., rubber, latex, silicon, polymeric material, or combinations thereof) to facilitate a strong squeeze or grip of the mopping material.
These clips can be configured with a form of spring biased toward closure on the top of the foot structure, and may be lifted to allow movement of the mop fabric. To facilitate moving the mop fabric, these clips can be selectively disengaged, for example using a detent of the spring mechanism to temporarily latch the clips open, or alternatively utilizing a lever 148 or other user force input structure (e.g., pull-lever, slide lever, rotating lever, rotating wheel, pull cord, and so forth) to allow the user to thread the material under the clips, or to apportion new material over the foot structure, such as by disengaging the clips and simply pulling on the free end 143 of the mop material and tearing off any excess material. To facilitate tearing off terminal portions of the mop material, in at least one embodiment the sheet of mop material is configured with perforations along its length spaced to match the size of the foot structure or slightly larger. Similarly, in at least one embodiment the loop roll mop apparatus take-up side clip is configured with a sufficiently sharp, or toothed (serrated), edge to reduce the forces required for tearing away the soiled terminal portion of the sheet of mop material. In at least another embodiment, the take-up side clip is configured with a sheet cutter, such as a sharp element retained by a structure that is configured for movement in a sliding track spanning at least the width of the mop fabric.
FIG. 6A through FIG. 6E illustrate an example mop head embodiment 150 configured with side “squeezers” (clips) 160 a, 160 b on the leading and trailing edges of the foot structure. The tensioning bars now appear as bumpers along the leading edge and trailing edge of the foot structure. When released, the bumpers extend out fore and aft, then when retracted they are snugged in the stow position to squeeze up against the body of the mop foot and hold the mop material taut.
As in the other embodiments, handle 14 is coupled through swiveling mechanism 26, which can provide movement in two axes, although this can be alternatively configured for a single axis of motion as desired. Source reel 152 is seen rotatably mounted to a structure 153 extending from foot structure 158, while take-up reel 154 is similarly mounted on structure 155. Two mop material path clips 166 a, 166 b are seen extending from elongate members 164 a, 164 b which exit at locations 162 a, 162 b from foot structure housing 158. The mop cleaning material 156 is seen on a path surrounding the foot structure 158 and being retained in a fixed position when mop material path clips 166 a, 166 b are retracted against the housing. For the sake of clarity of illustration regarding the use of mop material path clips, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C do not show the reels and associated structures.
In response to user movement 169 of a selector 168, the elongate members 164 a, 164 b are moved either outwardly away from the foot structure for loading and advancing cleaning material, or drawn into the sides of the foot structure to retain the cleaning material in a taut fixed position. When elongate members 164 a and 164 b retract, they draw material path clips 166 a and 166 b snug up against the body of the mop foot. It will be noted that in least one embodiment, material path clips 166 a and 166 b are coated on their exterior with a soft compliant non-marring material (e.g., polymeric material) that provide gentle bumpers when the mop contacts a wall or other household surface. By way of example and not limitation, selector 168 is shown as a lever, although it may comprise one or more levers, sliders, rotating members, or other user force input structures whose motion is translated (e.g., by gears, levers, pulleys, or other mechanical couplings) into the movement of the elongate members 164 a, 164 b and correspondingly the mop material path clips 166 a, 166 b. So to advance the mop material to a clean section: (a) the user flips the lever to disengage the clips; (b) then activates the material advance input (e.g., star-wheel or other force input structure as previously described) until the foot structure is covered with fresh mop material; and (c) then flips the lever back into the engaged position to tension and retain the mop material over the foot structure.
FIG. 6D illustrates an example embodiment 150′ of a variant of the mop head foot structure seen in FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C. In this example foot structure 172 is configured with recesses 174 a, 174 b into which the path clips recess when retracted, thus increasing mop material retention forces, and can aid in tensioning the cleaning material automatically as clips are retracted against the foot structure housing.
In FIG. 6E an example embodiment 168 is shown of a user input for extending and retracting outer clips 166 a, 166 b. In this figure the outer clips 166 a are coupled through elongate members 164 a to an inner-foot sliding rail 170 biased toward the retracted position, such as biasing using springs 172 coupled between sliding rail 170 and tabs 171 extending from the housing into which the springs are connected. A threaded receptacle 174 receives a threaded rod 176 extending from which is lever 168. The opposing side of threaded rod 176 has threads in an opposing direction which engage a similar threaded receptacle, sliding rails, springs and so forth for activating the outer clips on the other side of the mop head. It will be noted that these threads are very coarse, for example, so that a 90 degree movement of the lever (from +45 degrees to −45 degrees) translates to approximately one half inch movement at clip 166 a. To allow retaining the clips in an open (extended) position, a notch can be provided in the housing slot through which lever 168 passes, whereby lever is rotated and dropped into the notch (e.g., notch at between 90 to 120 degrees off from direction of housing slot) to retain the open position. The lever is moved from the notch to return to the retracted position for mopping. Typically the rail 170, threaded receptacle 174 and threaded rod 176 all can comprise plastic, while lever 168 more preferably comprises metal pressed or threaded into a receiving aperture in threaded rod 176.
FIG. 7A through FIG. 7C illustrate an example mop head embodiment 190 in which the upper surface of the foot structure is configured with cleaning material clip “squeezers” that also operate as path redirection bars or rollers. Here the tensioning bars move through a curved arc rather than a straight reciprocal motion of up-and-down or back-and-forth. The tensioning bars also snug into the retracted (tensioned) position, resting in a slight groove, to further anchor the material.
As in the other embodiments, handle 14 is coupled through swiveling mechanism 26 to the foot structure 192. In this embodiment the tensioning bars 192 a and 192 b move 198 through a curved arc rather than a reciprocating motion. They also drop into slots 193 a and 193 b which further assist with mop material retention. The two mop material path clips 192 a, 192 b are seen extending from elongate members 194 a, 194 b which exit at locations 196 a, 196 b from foot structure housing 192. In this embodiment, the path clips 192 a, 192 b are retracted into recesses 193 a, 193 b into the top surface of foot structure 192. In the embodiment shown, user mechanical input on selector 168 extends and retracts the path clips in response to a rotating action, which simplifies the foot structure mechanicals to a bushing form of exit.
Source reel 152 is seen rotatably mounted to a structure 153 extending from foot structure 192, while take-up reel 154 is similarly mounted on structure 155. The mop cleaning material 156 is seen on a path surrounding the foot structure 192 to be retained in a fixed position when mop material path clips 192 a, 192 b are retracted against the housing, such as into recesses 193 a, 193 b as depicted in the figure. For the sake of clarity of illustration regarding the use of mop material path clips, FIG. 7B does not show the reels and associated structures.
In response to user movement of selector 168, the elongate members 194 a, 194 b are rotated either outwardly away from the foot structure for loading and advancing cleaning material, or drawn into the top of the foot structure to retain the cleaning material in a taut fixed position. By way of example and not limitation, selector 168 is shown as a lever, although it may comprise other structures as described in a previous embodiment.
FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C illustrate an example loop roll mop head embodiment 210 utilizing a cartridge 214 of mop material 218. As in other embodiments, handle 14 connects through swivel 26 to foot structure 212. In this example, cartridge 214 is seen coupled to the upper surface of foot structure 212, and may be recessed therein. For the sake of simplicity of illustration, structures for engaging cartridge 214 with/into foot structure 212 are not shown, however, it will be appreciated that any conventional fastener(s) may be utilized (e.g., rotating tabs which engage the cartridge, cam locks, springs, pins, levers, and so forth). Housing 213 of cartridge 214 contains a single long piece of mop material that is folded (pleated) 216 into a desired pattern (e.g., zig-zag, pleated, accordion folded). By way of example this figure shows each pleat lying horizontally parallel to the plane of foot structure 212. When sufficient tension is supplied on the cleaning material from the take-up roller 222, such as by a ratcheting daisy-wheel mechanism 223 or other form of one-way roll rotation control mechanism, then mop material is pulled from cartridge 214. Material clips 220 also operate as path redirection bars or rollers, which can be retracted into recesses 219 for retaining the mop material against the foot structure to prevent unwanted movements of the mop material (in either direction) when the mop is in use. For the sake of simplicity of illustration, the user extend/retract selector is not shown in this embodiment.
In FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C the mop cartridge 214 is configured with a suitably sized elongate aperture (slot) 224 through which the cleaning material 218 may pass, and an openable lid structure. Variations of the cartridge embodiments described above and later, can comprise a sealed cartridge containing pre-moistened cleaning material that the user unseals by flipping open a flap or other closure mechanism at the time of use, and reseals when the current session of mopping is completed. Alternatively, elongate aperture (slot) 224 may include one or more flexible seals (e.g., polymeric flaps) which are configured to continuously seal both sides of the mop material as it exits from cartridge 214.
FIG. 9A through FIG. 9C illustrate an example mop head embodiment 250 utilizes a variation of the mop material cartridge seen in FIG. 8A. In this embodiment, the pleats 256 of mop material 258 in cartridge 254 are directed vertically, instead of horizontally as was depicted in the prior example. In the example shown, a mechanical biasing device (e.g., multiple small springs) continuously pushes the material toward the front dispensing side of the cartridge, where mop material 258 exits through slot 264. Material clips 260 also operate as path redirection bars or rollers, which can be retracted into recesses 259 for retaining the mop material against the foot structure to prevent unwanted movement of the mop material (in either direction) when the mop is in use. In this embodiment, as well as in FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C, soiled mop material can be gathered on a take-up reel or torn away as taught in FIG. 5A.
In at least one embodiment, the cartridge is configured with one or more mechanical biasing devices 266, such as springs, that are utilized in the cartridge for maintaining a desired pleat-to-pleat tension as the material is drawn out of the cartridge, thus ensuring that substantially the same pressure is required for advancing the material when the cartridge is fresh as when the cartridge material has been used up (depleted) down to the last few pleats of material. Otherwise this embodiment has the same structures as in the previous embodiment.
As in the other embodiments, handle 14 is coupled through swiveling mechanism 26 to the foot structure 252. As previously described, the swivel, or universal joint, could have an attachment point which is raised above the top of the foot structure, such as by from one to three inches, but not so high as to make the foot structure unstable. Housing 254 of the cartridge contains a single long piece of mop material that is folded (pleated) 256 into a desired pattern. By way of example this figure shows each pleat laying vertically, which is perpendicular to the plane of foot structure 252. When sufficient tension is applied on the cleaning material from the take-up roller 262, such as by a ratcheting daisy-wheel mechanism 263 or other one-way roll rotation control mechanism, then material is pulled from cartridge 254. Both the source and take-up sides of the mop foot structure are configured with the material clips 260 that also operate as path redirection bars or rollers, which can be retracted into recesses 259 for retaining the mop material against the foot structure to prevent unwanted movement of the mop material when the mop is in use. For the sake of simplicity of illustration, the user extend/retract selector is not shown in this embodiment. In FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C different views of the cartridge are shown.
FIG. 10A through FIG. 10E illustrate an example embodiment 270 of a loop roll mop which has the take-up tensioner on the same side as the source reel or cartridge. As in the other embodiments, handle 14 is coupled through swiveling mechanism 26, which can provide movement in two axes, although this can be alternatively configured for a single axis of motion as desired.
In FIG. 10A housing 272 is shown as a combination foot structure and housing. Housing 272 is depicted with an aperture or slot 274 through which elongate mop material 279 passes to be fed under foot region 275, back to a mop material take-up and/or retention structure 284. As in previous embodiments, aperture/slot 274 can be configured with a seal structure configured to seal between the mop material and housing 272. Housing 272 shows a separation line 276 through which halves of the housing are separated for replacing mop material roll 278. It should be appreciated that housing 272 may be alternatively configured to open in different ways for replacing the source of mop material, such as using different separation lines or multiple separation lines, or hatches, and so forth. In embodiments which contemplate, or allow for, the use of pre-moistened mop material, the edges along which housing 272 separates are configured with seals (e.g., interleaving (finger-in-slot) structures, polymeric seals, or similar moisture sealing mechanisms, toward maintaining the moisture of a pre-moistened roll of mop material within housing 272. The roll 278 of mop material 279 is seen on spool 280, which is configured to allow material to be unrolled from it while maintaining tension on the material, as has been described for other embodiments herein. By way of example and not limitation, a tensioning ratchet can be utilized, or other mechanism used which allow material to be pulled from the spool in response to applying a tension that exceeds a tension threshold, while it continues to apply a tensioning force to the material. The housing can provide a sleeker, more streamlined appearance to the loop roll mop apparatus, and can also provide more shielding from outside air so that the material stays damp longer if a pre-moistened roll is being used. The aperture or slot 274 may be fitted with a flexible seal, for example flexible “curtain” structures on each lengthwise side of the slot, such as a long piece of squeegee material. These seals lightly contact the mopping material and further shield outside air from flowing into the housing, thus allowing pre-moistened material to remain damp longer.
At least one tensioning bar or roller 282 is seen on the opposing side of the housing from the spool for redirecting and tensioning mop material, this may also comprise a set of pinch rollers for more easily retaining tension on the mop material to keep it taut under foot structure area 275 of housing 272 in response to tension applied to a terminal end 290 of mop fabric 279 engaged by take-up tensioner 284, such as a daisy-wheel 288 with a set of pinch rollers 288.
In FIG. 10B a variation is shown in which an additional tensioning bar or roller 292 is utilized to further shape the path of the mop fabric so as to reduce the height of the leading edge side of the housing toward facilitating utilizing the mop in height confined spaces or reaching under an overhanging obstacle like a cabinet or bed. In view of the different shape of this variant, a different separation line 276′ is depicted, although it should be appreciated that the separation line (or lines) for these embodiments may configured as desired without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
In either of the above embodiments, the take-up and/or retention structure 284 in this embodiment is shown as a pair of pinch rollers 286 having a compliant exterior (e.g., rubber, silicon, polymer) for pinching the mop material to prevent it from slipping from pinch rollers 286. User input on take-up and/or retention structure 284 causes pinch rollers 286 to rotate and advance the end 290 of mop material where it can be torn off. For example in the embodiment shown, a daisy-wheel 288 accepts user rotation input, and gear teeth on an interior ring of daisy-wheel 288 is coupled to exterior gear teeth on one pinch roller, these gear teeth in turn are coupled to the other pinch roller whereby the pinch rollers move in opposing rotational directions (one clockwise, one counterclockwise) thus feeding mop material. A ratcheting mechanism is coupled to daisy-wheel 288, such as described in prior embodiments, this preventing the material from unrolling out of take-up retention structure 284.
As in other embodiments, the underside of the foot structure in at least one embodiment includes a compliant (conformal) layer 283 (e.g., closed cell foam, polymeric matrix) which slightly compresses under the weight of the mop head to assure that the mop material makes full contact with the floor being cleaned, thus eliminating missed spots where the floor may have slight surface irregularities and increasing mopping efficiency.
In at least one embodiment, this configuration is packaged in a sleek outer clamshell housing 272, which is tapered at the front near opening 274 to reach under countertops. Housing 272 opens or separates, to allow the old empty spool to be removed and a new full spool inserted into the loop roll mop. In at least one embodiment housing is configured to separate into two halves such as seen along line 276. In FIG. 10C housing 272 is shown having a hinge line 293 with the rest of the housing opening along line 276. Although this embodiment shows the hinge at the front, it could also be configured with the hinged side at the back, or at other locations or forms of separation structures that provide access to the interior of housing 272.
In FIG. 10D and FIG. 10E the interior of housing 272 is seen containing structures 294 for receiving the new roll of mop material. In FIG. 10E these structures 294 are seen to mate with a spool end 298 which in this case is shown having an index structure 296 preventing rotation of this end within structure 294. In a preferred embodiment, a structure which is complementary to structure 294, engages an opposing side of spool end 298, so that the spool does not become dislodged when the mop device is turned upside down. Although this indexing structure 296 is depicted in a rectangular shape, it should be appreciated that it can be indexed with any shape aside from a circle with smooth exterior. For example the index structure may comprise a cross-section which is a rectangle, square, rectangle with rounded ends, triangle, hexagon, octagon, and so forth.
In at least one implementation the housing is made from molded plastic in an attractive color, which may be opaque, translucent (semi-transparent), or transparent, containing any desired shades or combinations of colors, along with any additives (e.g., metal flakes, or other decorative elements retained within the plastic of translucent or transparent housings, or patterns applied to the exterior surface).

2. General Scope of Embodiments

The embodiments described are examples of specific implementations of the loop roll mop, while the specific structures of any specific implementation of loop roll mop may utilize any of the described features in any desired combination. The following are provided by way of example and not limitation of some of these combinations. Loop roll mop embodiments can be configured with a mop material source coupled to either the mop handle, a mop head enclosure, or to a foot structure. Similarly, the take-up side of the loop roll mop, which may comprise a take-up spool or a structure for tearing off soiled sheets, can be attached to the mop handle, mop head enclosure, or to a foot structure. The mop material source may be on the opposite side of the mop head as the take-up side or take-up reel, or the mop material source and take-up structures may be on the same side of the mop head. Any of the embodiments may utilize a handle swivel which pivots near the upper surface of the foot structure, or above it to provide clearance over the mop material source and take-up operations. All loop roll mop embodiments in which the source and take-up are coupled to the foot structure can be configured with a handle that pivots in two axes.
Any of the embodiments may apportion the elongate mop material from either a spool or cartridge, with soiled mop material being collected on a take-up spool, or torn off for disposal. Attachment of source and take-up spools may be of any desired configuration, for example they may comprise elongate rods for engagement through the center of cylindrical spools, or the spools themselves may have extending rods ends (of any cross-sectional shape) for engaging into a structure (such as 59 a, 59 b seen in FIG. 3B) to allow for spool rotation, or selective spool rotation (e.g., unidirectional rotation (ratcheted), rotation in response to tension above a motion threshold, rotation in response to user selection through a lever or other mechanism). A spool that is undriven, need not have a center rod, but may simply be retained in a housing, such as a cylinder of sufficient diameter having an exit slot through which the mop material exits.
Maintaining proper tension on the elongate mop material retained under the foot structure may be performed using any of a number of tensioning devices, such as mechanical biasing mechanisms, ratchets, and similar, coupled to or within the spool structures, or by utilizing one or more path redirection devices, and/or material retention clips, on the top or leading and trailing edges of the foot structure, and which move linearly or by rotation. These path redirection devices may be separate or combined with the operation of the material retention clips. Any desired sort of user force input device can be provided to accept user input, such as a lever, the force applied to it being converted through gears, pulleys, levers, and combinations thereof into movement of the material retention clips. In any of the embodiments described one of the material retention clips can be configured for retaining the end of the mop material and allowing for the end portion of the mop material extending past the retention clip to be removed, torn off, or cut off, such as facilitated by using mop material which is periodically perforated along its length, and/or including a sharp structure (serrated or non-serrated) of a length spanning the width of the mop fabric or that can be slid in a track across the width of the mop fabric.
Any of the embodiments can contain some form of spritzing mechanism, such as those attached to spray under or in front of the mop head, and triggered by the user in any desired way.
From the description herein, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses multiple embodiments which include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. A mopping apparatus, comprising: (a) a foot structure; (b) an elongate handle rotatably coupled to an upper side of said foot structure; (c) an elongate sheet of mopping material retained in a source spool or cartridge of mopping material; and (d) a mopping material retention mechanism configured in a first mode to allow selective advance of said elongate sheet of mopping material over the underside of said foot structure, and in a second mode to retain said elongate sheet of mopping material in a taut position over the underside of said foot structure during a mopping operation.
2. A mopping apparatus, comprising: (a) a foot structure; (b) an elongate handle rotatably coupled to an upper side of said foot structure; (c) an elongate sheet of mopping material retained in a source spool or cartridge of mopping material; (d) a mopping material retention mechanism configured in a first mode to allow selective advance of said elongate sheet of mopping material over the underside of said foot structure, and in a second mode to retain said elongate sheet of mopping material in a taut position over the underside of said foot structure during a mopping operation; and (e) a pair of mop material path clips extending from said foot structure of said mopping apparatus, said pair of mop material path clips are configured for applying pressure to squeeze the mop material against said foot structure when in a retracted position used during a mopping operation, and configured for being moved into an extended position wherein said pair of mop material path clips allow said mop material to be moved to apportion fresh mop material over said foot structure.
3. A mopping apparatus, comprising: (a) a foot structure; (b) an elongate handle rotatably coupled to an upper side of said foot structure; (c) an elongate sheet of mopping material retained in a source spool or cartridge of mopping material; (d) a mopping material retention mechanism configured in a first mode to allow selective advance of said elongate sheet of mopping material over the underside of said foot structure, and in a second mode to retain said elongate sheet of mopping material in a taut position over the underside of said foot structure during a mopping operation; (e) a mopping material advancing mechanism which is mechanically coupled to a mop material take-up structure, wherein user mechanical input on said mopping material advancing mechanism causes said take-up structure to mechanically advance mopping material over said foot structure; and (f) a pair of mop material path clips extending from said foot structure of said mopping apparatus, said pair of mop material path clips are configured for applying pressure to squeeze the mop material against said foot structure when in a retracted position used during a mopping operation, while in an extended potion said pair of mop material path clips allow said mop material to be moved to apportion fresh mop material over said foot structure.
4. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said foot structure is in the shape of a rectangle.
5. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said elongate handle is rotatably coupled in one or two axes to the upper side of said foot structure.
6. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said elongate sheet of mopping material comprises a synthetic fabric material whose length is at least five to ten times its width.
7. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said mopping material retention mechanism comprises a take-up spool which is configured for receiving soiled mop material around the take-up spool, as mop material is apportioned from said mop material source spool or cartridge.
8. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said mopping material take-up spool is on an opposing side of said foot structure as said mop material source spool or cartridge.
9. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said mopping material take-up spool is on a same side of said foot structure as said mop material source spool or cartridge.
10. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a mopping material advancing mechanism which is mechanically coupled to said take-up spool, wherein user mechanical input on said mopping material advancing mechanism causes said take-up spool to mechanically advance mopping material over said foot structure.
11. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising one or more tensioning bars or rollers along the path of said mopping material.
12. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising one or more retention clips along the path of said mopping material for retaining said mopping material taut over an underside of said foot structure while in a first position, and allowing the advancement of said mopping material over said foot structure while in a second position.
13. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said retention clips retract to engage a recessed structure on said foot structure for retaining said mopping material taut over the underside of said foot structure.
14. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said mopping material retention mechanism comprises a retention clip under which a terminal side of said mopping material is retained, allowing a soiled portion of the mopping material to be removed.
15. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said retention clip for retaining the terminal side of said mopping material is on an opposite side of said foot structure than said source spool or cartridge of mopping material.
16. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said retention clip for retaining the terminal side of said mopping material is on a same side of said foot structure as said source spool or cartridge of mopping material.
17. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a spritzing mechanism configured for wetting said mopping material, or the floor nearby said mopping material, from liquid in a reservoir in response to user activation of a spritzer trigger mechanism.
18. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein said mopping material retention mechanism is configured for receiving a source spool upon which mopping material is already loaded, with a terminal end of said mopping material already connected to a take-up spool, whereby the user need not thread the mop material onto the take-up spool.
As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to an object in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.”
As used herein, the term “set” refers to a collection of one or more objects. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single object or multiple objects.
As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “about” are used to describe and account for small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or circumstance occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event or circumstance occurs to a close approximation. When used in conjunction with a numerical value, the terms can refer to a range of variation of less than or equal to ±10% of that numerical value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%. For example, “substantially” aligned can refer to a range of angular variation of less than or equal to ±10°, such as less than or equal to ±5°, less than or equal to ±4°, less than or equal to ±3°, less than or equal to ±2°, less than or equal to ±1°, less than or equal to ±0.5°, less than or equal to ±0.1°, or less than or equal to ±0.05°.
Additionally, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values may sometimes be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and should be understood flexibly to include numerical values explicitly specified as limits of a range, but also to include all individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly specified. For example, a ratio in the range of about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include the explicitly recited limits of about 1 and about 200, but also to include individual ratios such as about 2, about 3, and about 4, and sub-ranges such as about 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 100, and so forth.
Although the description herein contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art.
All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the disclosed embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed as a “means plus function” element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for”. No claim element herein is to be construed as a “step plus function” element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “step for”.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A mopping apparatus, comprising:

(a) a foot structure;

(b) an elongate handle rotatably coupled to an upper side of said foot structure;

(c) an elongate sheet of mopping material retained in a source spool or cartridge of mopping material; and

(d) a mopping material retention mechanism configured in a first mode to allow selective advance of said elongate sheet of mopping material over the underside of said foot structure, and in a second mode to retain said elongate sheet of mopping material in a taut position over the underside of said foot structure during a mopping operation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said foot structure is in the shape of a rectangle.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongate handle is rotatably coupled in one or two axes to the upper side of said foot structure.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongate sheet of mopping material comprises a synthetic fabric material whose length is at least five to ten times its width.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mopping material retention mechanism comprises a take-up spool which is configured for receiving soiled mop material around the take-up spool, as mop material is apportioned from said mop material source spool or cartridge.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said mopping material take-up spool is on an opposing side of said foot structure as said mop material source spool or cartridge.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said mopping material take-up spool is on a same side of said foot structure as said mop material source spool or cartridge.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a mopping material advancing mechanism which is mechanically coupled to said take-up spool, wherein user mechanical input on said mopping material advancing mechanism causes said take-up spool to mechanically advance mopping material over said foot structure.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more tensioning bars or rollers along the path of said mopping material.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more retention clips along the path of said mopping material for retaining said mopping material taut over an underside of said foot structure while in a first position, and allowing the advancement of said mopping material over said foot structure while in a second position.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said retention clips retract to engage a recessed structure on said foot structure for retaining said mopping material taut over the underside of said foot structure.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mopping material retention mechanism comprises a retention clip under which a terminal side of said mopping material is retained, allowing a soiled portion of the mopping material to be removed.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said retention clip for retaining the terminal side of said mopping material is on an opposite side of said foot structure than said source spool or cartridge of mopping material.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said retention clip for retaining the terminal side of said mopping material is on a same side of said foot structure as said source spool or cartridge of mopping material.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spritzing mechanism configured for wetting said mopping material, or the floor nearby said mopping material, from liquid in a reservoir in response to user activation of a spritzer trigger mechanism.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mopping material retention mechanism is configured for receiving a source spool upon which mopping material is already loaded, with a terminal end of said mopping material already connected to a take-up spool, whereby the user need not thread the mop material onto the take-up spool.

17. A mopping apparatus, comprising:

(a) a foot structure;

(c) an elongate sheet of mopping material retained in a source spool or cartridge of mopping material;

(d) a mopping material retention mechanism configured in a first mode to allow selective advance of said elongate sheet of mopping material over the underside of said foot structure, and in a second mode to retain said elongate sheet of mopping material in a taut position over the underside of said foot structure during a mopping operation; and

(e) a pair of mop material path clips extending from said foot structure of said mopping apparatus, said pair of mop material path clips are configured for applying pressure to squeeze the mop material against said foot structure when in a retracted position used during a mopping operation, and configured for being moved into an extended position wherein said pair of mop material path clips allow said mop material to be moved to apportion fresh mop material over said foot structure.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said retention clips retract to engage a recessed structure on said foot structure for retaining said mopping material taut over the underside of said foot structure.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said mopping material retention mechanism is configured for receiving a source spool upon which mopping material is already loaded, with a terminal end of said mopping material already connected to a take-up spool, whereby the user need not thread the mop material onto the take-up spool.

20. A mopping apparatus, comprising:

(a) a foot structure;

(d) a mopping material retention mechanism configured in a first mode to allow selective advance of said elongate sheet of mopping material over the underside of said foot structure, and in a second mode to retain said elongate sheet of mopping material in a taut position over the underside of said foot structure during a mopping operation;

(e) a mopping material advancing mechanism which is mechanically coupled to a mop material take-up structure, wherein user mechanical input on said mopping material advancing mechanism causes said take-up structure to mechanically advance mopping material over said foot structure; and

(f) a pair of mop material path clips extending from said foot structure of said mopping apparatus, said pair of mop material path clips are configured for applying pressure to squeeze the mop material against said foot structure when in a retracted position used during a mopping operation, while in an extended position said pair of mop material path clips allow said mop material to be moved to apportion fresh mop material over said foot structure.