US20190365186A1

US20190365186A1 - Floor cleaning system

Info

Publication number: US20190365186A1
Application number: US16/423,792
Authority: US
Inventors: James M. Buckley; William Harrington; Paul H. Adams; Douglas F. Melville; Joseph K. Patterson
Original assignee: Unger Marketing International LLC
Current assignee: Unger Marketing International LLC
Priority date: 2018-05-29
Filing date: 2019-05-28
Publication date: 2019-12-05
Also published as: US20230404353A1; US20230077150A1; US11896180B2; EP3801171A1; WO2019231969A1; EP3801175C0; EP3801173B1; EP3801169A4; EP3801175B1; EP3801171A4; EP4324377A3; US20190365193A1; EP3801173A1; US20240148217A1; WO2019231972A1; US20190365192A1; EP3801173C0; EP3801171B1; WO2019231974A1; WO2019231973A1

Abstract

A bucket for a floor cleaning system having a mop is provided. The bucket includes a first compartment, a second compartment, a fluid reservoir and a wringing assembly. The second compartment includes a recharging element, the recharging element being adapted to transfer fluid from the second compartment to the flat headed mop when the mop is positioned on a surface. The fluid reservoir is fluidly coupled to the second compartment. The wringing assembly is operably coupled to at least one of the first compartment or the second compartment, the wringing assembly having an extractor that removes fluid from the flat headed mop when the mop is moved through the wringing assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a nonprovisional application and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/677,376 filed on May 29, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/695,486 filed on Jul. 9, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/767,579 filed on Nov. 15, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/795,239 filed on Jan. 22, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/833,255 filed Apr. 12, 2019, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system for cleaning a floor, and in particular to a system having a multi-compartment bucket with a water extraction device for removing dirty or clean water from a flat mop.
Mops have been traditionally used to clean floors. Mops come in different styles, such as a string, strip, foam or flat mop for example. A flat mop has a generally planar end member with a flat microfiber pad coupled to one side. Further, one property of the microfiber pad is that it releases dirt when placed in water. The microfiber pad is then wrung-out, such as by pressing the mop head against a plate. One issue with many mop and bucket combinations it that the same water is used to both clean and recharge the microfiber pad. However, this means that the water used for recharging is dirty after the first time the microfiber pad is cleaned. Thus, after only a short while the user is left with a bucket of dirty water. If the water in this bucket is continued to be used, dirty water will be spread on the floor being cleaned.
A second issue that arises with current flat mops is the amount of water contained in the microfiber pad. Depending on the type of floor being cleaned, the desired amount of water will change. For example, when cleaning wood floors, it is desired to have only a small amount of water when compared to cleaning tile floors. The technique of pressing the microfiber pad against a plate is requires significant effort.
Accordingly, while existing floor cleaning systems are suitable for their intended purposes the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing a floor cleaning system having the features described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a bucket for a floor cleaning system having a mop is provided. The bucket includes a first compartment, a second compartment, a fluid reservoir and a wringing assembly. The second compartment having a recharging element, the recharging element being adapted to transfer fluid from the second compartment to the flat headed mop when the mop is positioned on a surface. The fluid reservoir is fluidly coupled to the second compartment. The wringing assembly is operably coupled to at least one of the first compartment or the second compartment, the wringing assembly having an extractor that removes fluid from the flat headed mop when the mop is moved through the wringing assembly.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the recharging element being a platform. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the recharging element being a microfiber cloth. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the microfiber cloth being sized to extend past an edge of the platform and have at least an end in fluid communication with a fluid in the second compartment.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the recharging element having a plurality of openings in the platform, the platform being movably mounted to the second compartment. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the fluid reservoir being adapted to flow a fluid into the second compartment in response to a fluid level in the second compartment being below a predetermined level. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the recharging element being a roller fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the recharging element being a displacement element having a base portion and a wall extending therefrom, the wall having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, the wall and a sidewall defining a fluid path therebetween, wherein the displacement element is configured to be positioned above a portion of the fluid in the second compartment.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the recharging element having: the fluid reservoir fluidly connected to the second compartment by a nozzle; a pump operably coupled to pressurize the fluid reservoir; and a valve operably coupled to the nozzle, the valve being configured to flow fluid from the fluid reservoir through the nozzle based at least in part on a pressure in the fluid reservoir generated by the pump. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the nozzle being arranged to spray fluid on a mop pad of the mop in response to the flat headed mop activating the valve when the mop is inserted into the second compartment.
According to one aspect of the disclosure, a bucket for a floor cleaning system having a mop is provided. The bucket comprising a first compartment, a second compartment, a displacement element and a wringing assembly. The second compartment having a sidewall. The displacement element having a base portion and a wall extending therefrom, the wall having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, the wall and the sidewall defining a fluid path therebetween, wherein the displacement element is configured to be positioned above a portion of the fluid in the second compartment. The wringing assembly operably coupled to at least one of the first compartment or the second compartment, the wringing assembly having an extractor that removes fluid from the mop.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the fluid path being defined by a channel formed in one of the wall or the sidewall. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the fluid path being defined by a gap between the wall and the sidewall. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the displacement element moving downward in response to the flat headed mop being inserted into the second compartment, the fluid flowing through the fluid path in response to the downward movement of the displacement element.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the plurality of openings being positioned to flow fluid from the gap through the plurality of openings and onto the flat headed mop. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the plurality of openings being arranged in a row that extends transversely across the wall.
According to one aspect of the disclosure, a bucket for a floor cleaning system having a mop is provided. The bucket comprising: a first compartment, a wringing assembly, a second compartment, a fluid reservoir, a pump, and a valve. The wringing assembly being operably coupled to the first compartment, the wringing assembly having an extractor element configured to extract a fluid from the flat headed mop. The second compartment is adjacent the first compartment. The fluid reservoir is fluidly connected to the second compartment by a nozzle. The pump is operably coupled to pressurize the fluid reservoir. The valve is operably coupled to the nozzle, the valve being configured to flow fluid from the fluid reservoir through the nozzle based at least in part on a pressure in the fluid reservoir generated by the pump.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the valve being disposed to engage the flat headed mop when the flat headed mop is inserted into the second compartment. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the valve flowing a fluid from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle in response to the engagement with the flat headed mop.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the nozzle being positioned and configured to spray fluid onto a mop pad of the flat headed mop as the flat headed mop moves past the nozzle. In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the bucket may include the pump increasing the pressure within the fluid reservoir in response to manual activation of the pump by a user.
Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include a floor cleaning system that allows a floor to be cleaned or mopped while reducing the amount of time and/or number of steps used to recharge a mop pad. Further technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include reducing the amount of fluid in the floor cleaning system to reduce the weight of the system.
These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a two-compartment bucket for a floor cleaning system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2A-2C are schematic illustrations of a bucket for a floor cleaning system in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of a recharging section for the floor cleaning system of FIG. 2A-2C in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a mop in an operating position;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a recharging section for the floor cleaning system of FIG. 2A-2C in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the recharging section of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a recharging section for the floor cleaning system of FIG. 2A-2C in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7-FIG. 9 are schematic illustrations of a recharging section of a floor cleaning system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a floor cleaning system in accordance with another embodiment; and,

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method of cleaning a floor using the floor cleaning system described herein.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein provide for a floor cleaning system having a flat mop with a microfiber pad and a bucket cleaning assembly having a mop recharging feature. The bucket cleaning assembly includes a plurality of compartments that provides advantages in reducing the amount of fluid used to recharge the mop pad. Embodiments of the bucket cleaning assembly provided herein have a lower weight than traditional mop buckets due to the reduced fluid volumes contained herein.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a bucket assembly 100 is shown for a floor cleaning system. In an embodiment, the bucket assembly may be the same as that described in commonly owned United States Patent Application entitled “Floor Cleaning System” (Attorney Docket: UMI0007US7) filed concurrently herewith, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. In an embodiment, the bucket assembly may the same as that described in commonly owned U.S. Provisional Applications 62/833,255, 62/677,376, 62/695,486, 62/767,579, 62/795,239, each entitled “Floor Cleaning System” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The bucket assembly 100 is used with a flat headed mop having a microfiber pad or microfiber cloth
disposed thereon. In an embodiment, the bucket assembly may be the same as that described in commonly owned United States Patent Application entitled “Flat Headed Mop” (Attorney Docket: UMI0007US8) filed concurrently herewith, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. The mop 201 has a head positioning assembly that allows the planar head of the mop to rotate to a vertical position. When in the operating position, the planar head is generally parallel with the floor with the pole extending upward therefrom, such as is shown in FIG. 3B. As used herein, the term “vertical position” is where the mop head 212 (FIG. 8) is rotated flat against the pole, such that either the long axis or the short axis of the mop head 212 is generally or substantially parallel to the centerline of the mop pole 222. As used herein, the term “operating position” is where the mop head 212 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 3B where the pole 222 extends from the mop head 212, the angle between mop head 212 and the pole 222 may be at an angle between the vertical position (e.g about 90 degrees) and an angle greater than 0 degrees. In an embodiment, generally, the mop 201 will be in the vertical position when placed in the recharging compartment 354. In use, the pole 222 may be at an angle between about 0 degrees to 90 degrees, 20 degrees to 80 degrees, or 45 degrees to 60 degrees. It should be appreciated that while embodiments described herein may illustrate the mop head 212 rotated to the vertical or operating position, this for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited. Any of the bucket assemblies described herein may be configured, shaped, or sized to receive the mop head 212 in either the vertical or operating position.
In an embodiment, the bucket assembly 100 includes a first compartment 102 that is used to clean the mop pad when after the mop has been used. The first compartment 102 may be referred to as the “dirty” compartment because the fluid 104 within the first compartment will quickly become contaminated with dirt, particulates or debris during use. The first compartment has a generally hollow interior 106 with an open side 108 sized to receive the planar head when the planar head is in the rotated or vertical position. The rotation of planar head may be in response to a force applied by the user, or due to the influence of gravity. In an embodiment, the first compartment may include an agitator or cleaning plate 110. As will be described in more detail herein, the cleaning plate 110 includes a plurality of features, such as ribs or holes for example, that engage the fibers of the microfiber mop pad when the planar head is moved against the cleaning plate 110. This allows the cleaning of the mop pad and the removal of particles such as hair and fur.
The first compartment 102 further includes a first wringing assembly 112. The wringing assembly 112 may be the same as the wringing assemblies described in the aforementioned United States Patent Application entitled “Floor Cleaning System” (Attorney Docket: UMI0007US7). The first wringing assembly 112 includes elements that remove water from the microfiber mop pad as the planar head is moved through the first wringing assembly 112. It should be appreciated that the dirty or contaminated fluid in the mop pad will be removed from the mop pad and drain back into the first compartment 102. In this way, when the mop pad is subsequently immersed in the water/cleaning-solution fluid in a second compartment 114, either no or very little contamination of the fluid in second compartment 114 will occur. It should be appreciated that the term “fluid” includes water, a chemical cleaning-solution, or a combination or the foregoing. In some embodiments, a barrier 113 may be arranged adjacent the first wringing assembly 112 to prevent the mop pad from contacting the fluid 104. The barrier 113 may include holes, perforations or openings 115 that allow water to drain through into the fluid 104.
The second compartment 114, sometimes referred to as the “clean” compartment, is used for recharging the mop pad with a fluid that contains no or little contamination. The second compartment 114 includes a generally hollow interior 116 having an open side 118 sized to receive the planar head of the mop in the substantially vertical position. The hollow interior 116 contains a volume of a fluid 120. In an embodiment, the second compartment 114 includes an optional second wringing assembly 122. The second wringing assembly 122 removes at least a portion of the fluid in the mop pad 210 when the mop head 212 is moved through the second wringing assembly 122. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the bucket assembly 100 includes only the first wringing assembly 112. In an embodiment, the second wringing assembly 122 covers substantially the entire open side 118. In an embodiment, the second wringing assembly removes a least a portion of the water from the mop pad when the mop head 212 is moved in a direction away from the fluid 120. It should be appreciated that in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, whether the fluid is removed from the mop pad 210 when the mop head 212 is moved in the downward (e.g. towards fluid 120) or the upward (e.g. away from fluid 120) direction, the fluid will drain back into the fluid 120. In various embodiments, fluid may also be extracted from the mop pad as the mop head is inserted and withdrawn (e.g. either and/or both directions).
In some embodiments, the two-compartment bucket assembly includes a single wringing assembly that is arranged to drain the fluid removed from the mop pad 210 into the first compartment 102. In other embodiments the bucket assembly may include a plurality of compartments for cleaning, wringing and recharging a mop pad of a flat mop. These bucket assemblies are similar to the bucket assembly 100 in that there is a first compartment 102 for cleaning the mop pad, such as with cleaning plate 110, and a second compartment 114 for recharging the mop pad with fluid 120. Further, there is a third compartment that includes a wringing assembly is used for extracting fluid from the mop pad 210.
In these embodiments, the third compartment, sometimes referred to as the “dry” compartment may be disposed between the first compartment 102 and the second compartment 114 (FIG. 2A). In other embodiments, the third compartment may be disposed adjacent one of the compartments 102, 114 opposite the other compartments. In still another embodiment, the third compartment is positions along a side of one or both of the compartments 102, 114 (FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C). The third compartment includes a generally hollow interior that is sized to receive the planar head of the mop when it is moved through a wringing assembly. It should be appreciated that the water removed by the wringing assembly drains into the hollow interior of the third compartment. In some embodiments, a barrier may be arranged within the third compartment adjacent the wringing assembly to prevent the mop pad from contacting any water that had been extracted and drained to the bottom of hollow interior. The barrier may include holes, perforations or openings that allow water to drain through to the bottom of hollow interior.
To use the floor cleaning system, the user first charges the microfiber mop pad with water/cleaning-solution fluid to a desired wetness. In an embodiment, the desired wetness is achieved by moving the mop head through a wringing assembly to remove a portion of the water/cleaning-solution fluid from the mop pad. In an embodiment, the user may select the desired wetness by actuating the mop thru the wringer multiple times or actuating a mechanism that changes the amount of wringing that is performed by the wringing assembly. Once the mop pad is charged, the user mops the floor. It should be appreciated that as the floor is mopped, the microfiber mop pad will become dirty. The user then inserts the mop head into the first compartment 102. It should be appreciated that one of the properties of microfiber is that dirt is released in the presence of a fluid. If desired or if additional contaminants are caught in the microfibers, the user may press and move the mop pad against the cleaning plate 110. With the mop pad cleaned, the mop head is moved through a wringing assembly 112 to remove the dirty water. The mop head is then inserted into the second compartment 114 to recharge the microfiber mop pad. A second pass through a wringing assembly 112, 122 changes the wetness of the mop pad to the desired level and the user may then continue with cleaning the floor.
Referring now to FIG. 2A-FIG. 5, another embodiment of a bucket assembly 340 is shown for a floor cleaning system. In this embodiment, the bucket assembly 340 includes a first compartment 102 that includes an optional cleaning plate 110. The first compartment 102 includes a fluid 342 within a hollow interior 344. In use the operator inserts the mop head 212 into the first compartment to wash or clean dirt and debris from the mop pad 210 as described herein.
The bucket assembly 340 further includes a second compartment 346 having a wringing assembly 348. The wringing assembly 348 may include any of the wringing portions described herein. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the wringing assembly 348 may be fluidly coupled to the first compartment 102 and the second compartment 346 eliminated. The wringing assembly 348 includes an element 350, such as a roller or a blade for example, that extracts water from the mop pad 210 when the mop head 212 is moved through the wringing assembly 348 (down, up or both directions). In an embodiment, the wringing assembly 348 may be same as those described in aforementioned United States Patent Application entitled “Floor Cleaning System” (Attorney Docket: UMI0007US7). The wringing assembly 348 is coupled to an open end of the second compartment 346. The second compartment 346 includes a hollow interior 352 that is sized to receive the mop head 212 after it has passed through the wringing assembly 348. In use, after cleaning the mop pad 210 in the first compartment 102, the user inserts the mop head through the wringing assembly 348 which extracts the dirty water from the mop pad 210 and drains the extracted water into the hollow interior 352. The wringing assembly 348 may be configured to extract water when the mop head 212 is moved in a direction towards the hollow interior (e.g. on the way in), when the mop head 212 is moved away from the hollow interior (e.g. on the way out), or in both directions. It should be appreciated that when the mop head 212 is removed from the wringing assembly 348, the mop pad 210 is dryer (e.g. contains less fluid). In an embodiment, it may take one to four passes through the wringing assembly 348 to get the mop pad to the desired level of dryness. In an embodiment, a barrier 355 is arranged in the hollow interior 352 to prevent or reduce the contact of the mop head 212 from the extracted water that is located at the bottom of the hollow interior 352. The barrier 355 may have holes to allow the extracted water to drain therethrough.
With the mop pad 210 cleaned and dried, it is then ready to recharge with water/cleaning-solution fluid so that additional areas may be mopped. The bucket assembly 340 further includes a recharging compartment 354. In the illustrated embodiment, the recharging compartment 354 is shallower than the first compartment 102 or the second compartment 346. The recharging compartment 354 has a hollow interior 356 with a platform 358 disposed therein. The platform 358 is generally the same shape as the mop pad 210 and slightly larger in size. In an embodiment, the platform 358 is sized such that when the mop pad 210 is placed on the platform 358, the surface area of the mop pad 210 is engaged with the platform 358. In an embodiment, a microfiber recharging element 360 (FIG. 4) is disposed on top of the platform 358. The recharging element 360 is larger than the platform 358 such that the ends of the recharging element 360 extend past the side of the platform 358 and are in contact with a fluid 362 disposed within the recharging compartment 354. It has been found that when the ends of the recharging element 360 are placed in the fluid 362, the fluid will flow into the recharging element 360 and saturate the recharging element 360, even on top of the platform 358. In an embodiment, the recharging element 360 is made from a foam material or a textile (cotton, polyester, etc.) instead of a microfiber material.
In another embodiment (FIG. 3A) and as discussed further below, the recharging element 358 is a platform having a plurality of holes, or made of absorbent material such as a sponge, that extend therethrough. The platform is supported by one or more biasing elements, such as springs 370. When the user places the mop pad 210 onto the platform 358, the springs 370 deflect to allow the platform and mop head 210 to enter the fluid and recharge the mop pad 210.
In an embodiment, coupled to the recharging compartment is a fluid reservoir 364 having an outlet port 366. The reservoir 364 includes a fluid 368. When the level of the fluid 362 falls below the level of the outlet port 366, fluid 368 from the reservoir 364 flows into the recharging compartment 354 to replenish the fluid 362 (e.g. capillary transfer). In other embodiments, the fluid reservoir is the recharging compartment itself.
In use, the user moves the dried mop head 212 from the second compartment 346 and rotates the mop head 212 back to the flat or operating position. The rotation of the mop head 212 may occur due to gravity or through a spring biased hinge. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A and FIG. 4, when the mop pad 210 is then placed flat against the recharging element 360. The placement of the microfibers of the mop pad 210 against the recharging element 360 will transfer fluid from the recharging element 360 to the mop pad 210. With the fluid transferred to the mop pad 210, the mop is ready to be used by the user to clean the floor. It should be appreciated that the amount of fluid transferred to the mop pad 210 may be controlled by the user by varying the amount of pressure applied to the mop head 212 when the mop pad 210 is placed on the recharging element 360 or by changing the amount of time the mop pad 210 is placed in contact with the recharging element.
In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the platform 358 may be a grid made from plastic (e.g. a planar surface with optional holes extending therethrough), a perforated plate and/or a sponge applicator. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 358 is covered by a microfiber, foam or textile recharging element 360. When the user places the mop head 212 on the recharging element 360 the platform 358 moves downward in the direction indicated by arrow 372 into the fluid 362. In an embodiment, the microfiber recharging element may be omitted and the mop pad 210 is recharged by the fluid 362 flowing through the holes or perforations. It should be appreciated that as the platform 358 moves into the fluid 362, the fluid will flow through the holes, perforations or sponge material and into the mop pad 210. In some embodiments there is an adjustable or incremental settable mechanism/device that limits the amount of fluid that the mop head is immersed into and recharged.
As discussed above, in other embodiments, the platform 358 is fixed (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) relative to the recharging compartment and the microfiber recharging element extends past the sides of the platform 358 and into the fluid. The microfiber recharging element wicks the fluid into the area that the mop pad contacts to allow transfer of the fluid.
Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment is shown of the recharging compartment 354. In this embodiment, the platform is in the form of a roller 380 that is rotationally coupled on one end 382 to a sidewall 384 of the recharging compartment 354. An opposite end 386 is sealingly and rotationally coupled to an outlet port 388 of a reservoir 390. Fluid within the reservoir flows through the outlet port 388 into an interior of the roller 380. The roller 380 is made from a fiberous material that is semipermeable such that fluid from the reservoir 390 will wet the outer diameter of the roller 380 In an embodiment, when the mop head applies pressure against roller, a valve mechanism (not shown) opens allowing cleaning fluid into the interior of the roller and, thus, to the surface of the mop head as it moves respectively to the roller. In an embodiment, the valve mechanism may transfer fluid under capillary transfer, or may be a mechanical valve that is activated when the mop head is inserted, such as by shifting the roller or by rotation of the roller. In this embodiment, to recharge the mop pad 210, the user places the mop head 212 into the recharging compartment 354 with the mop pad against the roller 380. As the user moves the mop pad 210 against the roller 380, fluid is transferred from the roller 380 to the mop pad 210 to recharge the mop pad 210. The user can increase the amount of chemical transferred by increasing the contact time with the roller (e.g. by number of times the mop pad is passed over the roller or slower rotation during insertion/removal).
Referring now to FIG. 7-FIG. 9, another embodiment is shown of the recharging compartment 354. It should be appreciated that this recharging compartment 354 may be used with any of the bucket assemblies disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the recharging compartment 354 includes a hollow interior 400 containing a volume fluid 402. Floating within the fluid 402 is a displacement element 404. The displacement element 404 is made from a suitable material (such as polypropylene) such that the displacement element 404 will float on top or near the top of the fluid 402. In another embodiment, a biasing element (e.g. a spring) is disposed between the bottom surface of the displacement element 404 and the bottom of the hollow interior 400 to bias the displacement element 404 towards the top of the fluid 402. In other embodiments, the displacement element 404 could also contain a hollowed sealed volume (e.g. blow-molded) to create buoyancy.
In another embodiment the displaced water can be used to rinse/clean off the dirt/debris in the dirty water chamber with openings 407 (arranged at different levels) along the wall 405.
In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement element 404 includes a projection or wall 405 that includes a plurality of openings 407 near a top side of the wall 405. The plurality of openings 407 are arranged in a row that extends transversely across the wall 405 (vertical orientation or perpendicular to the fluid level). The displacement element is sized such that there is a gap 409 between a sidewall 410 and the wall 405.
In an embodiment, the wall 405 is sized to be against, or movably sealed to, the sidewall 410. In this embodiment, grooves, slots or channels may be formed on the side of the wall 405 that extend from the bottom surface 411 of the displacement element 404 to the openings 407. It should be appreciated that the channels may further be formed in the sidewall 410 instead of the wall 405. In this way, when the displacement element 404 is moved into the fluid 402, the water flows up the channels and out onto the mop pad. In other embodiments, additional openings 407 may be placed across the surface of the mop pad to improve the distribution of water to the mop pad.
As the user inserts the mop head 212 into the hollow interior 400, a leading edge 406 of the mop head 212 will contact and engage the displacement element 404 (FIG. 8). As the user continues to move the mop head 212 and press against the displacement element 404, the fluid 402 will flow through the gap 409 between the wall 405 and the sidewall 410 (or channels formed therein). As the volume of the displacement element 404 displaces the fluid 402, the fluid 402 will rise to a sufficient height to flow through the openings 407. As the fluid 402 flows through the openings 407 it will cascade down the wall 405, flowing over and around the width of the mop pad 210 to recharge the mop pad 210.
Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment is shown for bucket assembly 420 for a floor cleaning system. In this embodiment, the bucket assembly 420 includes a first compartment 102 having a hollow interior with a volume of fluid 104. The first compartment 102 further includes a wringing assembly 112 coupled to an open end. The wringing assembly 112 extracts fluid from the mop pad 210 when the mop head 212 is moved therethrough (e.g. in the upward direction after being immersed in the fluid 104). In some embodiments, the entrance to the first compartment may include additional clearance to allow the user some movement for rubbing the mop pad against the cleaning plate 110. In an embodiment, the first compartment 102 may include two entrances, one that allows the user to rub the mop pad against the cleaning plate 110 and a second entrance for the wringing assembly 112. In another embodiment, the wringing assembly 112 is configured to allow the user to both wring the mop pad and rub the mop pad against the cleaning plate 110. The wringing assembly 112 could be any of the wringing assemblies or wringing portions described herein or those described in the aforementioned United States Patent Application entitled “Floor Cleaning System” (Attorney Docket: UMI0007US7). The first compartment 102 could further include a cleaning plate 110. In an embodiment, the cleaning plate 110 will contact the top of the mop pad surface when the mop head is fully inserted into the bucket.
Adjacent the first compartment 102 is a second compartment 422. The second compartment 422 includes a hollow interior 424 that is sized to receive the mop head 212 when the mop head 212 is in the rotated position. The second compartment 422 is configured to receive the mop head 212 with the mop pad 210 facing the sidewall 426. Adjacent the second compartment 422 is a spray assembly 428. The spray assembly 428 includes a pump 430 that is operably coupled to a reservoir 432. The spray assembly 428 further includes a nozzle 434 that is operably coupled to a switch or valve 436. In an embodiment, during operation the user first pressurizes the reservoir by manually pumping the pump 430. After cleaning the mop head 212 in the first compartment 102 and drying the mop pad 210 in the wringing assembly 112, the user inserts the mop head 212 into the second compartment 422. The insertion of the mop head 212 activates the switch/valve 436 releasing fluid from the reservoir 432 through the nozzle 434. As the mop head 212 is moved past the nozzle 434, the fluid flows onto the mop pad 210 and is recharged. Repeating this recharge action will increase the moisture content of the mop pad. In an embodiment, the nozzle 434 sprays the fluid under pressure. In another embodiment, the nozzle 434 flows the fluid under the influence of gravity.
Referring now to FIG. 11, an embodiment of a method 500 of cleaning a floor using a bucket assembly described herein. The method 500 begins in block 502 where the mop pad 210 is charged. This may be accomplished with one of the means disclosed with respect to recharging compartment 354 or the second compartment 422 as described herein. The method 500 then proceeds to block 504 where the user mops the surface being cleaned. When the mop pad 210 becomes dirty or contaminated, the method 500 proceeds to block 506 where the mop pad 210 is cleaned in the first chamber of the bucket assembly and/or agitated with a cleaning plate. The method 500 then proceeds to block 508 where fluid from within the mop pad 210 is extracted in a wringing assembly. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the mop pad 210 may be inserted into the wringing assembly multiple times to remove the dirty or contaminated fluid. The method 500 then proceeds to block 510, where the mop pad 210 is recharged to a desired level vis one of the means disclosed with respect to recharging compartment 354 or the second compartment 422 as described herein. If the user has more surface to clean, the method 500 loops back to block 504 and the process continues.
It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein may refer to a flat headed mop, this is for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the recharging compartment embodiments described herein may be used with other types of mops, such as but not limited to string mops, spin mops, a cut-end mop, a looped-end mop, a microfiber mop, a sponge mop or a rag mop for example. It should further be appreciated that while embodiments herein may refer to a particular type of wringing assembly, this is for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, other types of wringing assemblies may be used, such as but not limited to a down press-type winging assembly, a side press-type wringing assembly, a reverse-press wringing assembly, a funnel-type wringing assembly, or a spin wringing assembly for example. In some embodiments, the wringing assembly may be incorporated into the mop handle for example.
The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.
While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bucket for a floor cleaning system having a mop, the bucket comprising:

a first compartment;

a second compartment having a recharging element, the recharging element being adapted to transfer fluid from the second compartment to the flat headed mop when the mop is positioned on a surface;

a fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to the second compartment; and

a wringing assembly operably coupled to at least one of the first compartment or the second compartment, the wringing assembly having an extractor that removes fluid from the flat headed mop when the mop is moved through the wringing assembly.

2. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the recharging element is a platform.

3. The bucket of claim 2, wherein the recharging element is a microfiber cloth.

4. The bucket of claim 3, wherein the microfiber cloth is sized to extend past an edge of the platform and have at least an end in fluid communication with a fluid in the second compartment.

5. The bucket of claim 3 wherein the recharging element includes a plurality of openings in the platform, the platform being movably mounted to the second compartment.

6. The bucket of claim 3, wherein the fluid reservoir is adapted to flow a fluid into the second compartment in response to a fluid level in the second compartment being below a predetermined level.

7. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the recharging element is a roller fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir.

8. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the recharging element is a displacement element having a base portion and a wall extending therefrom, the wall having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, the wall and a sidewall defining a fluid path therebetween, wherein the displacement element is configured to be positioned above a portion of the fluid in the second compartment.

9. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the recharging element includes:

the fluid reservoir fluidly connected to the second compartment by a nozzle;

a pump operably coupled to pressurize the fluid reservoir; and

a valve operably coupled to the nozzle, the valve being configured to flow fluid from the fluid reservoir through the nozzle based at least in part on a pressure in the fluid reservoir generated by the pump.

10. The bucket of claim 9, wherein the nozzle is arranged to spray fluid on a mop pad of the mop in response to the flat headed mop activating the valve when the mop is inserted into the second compartment.

11. A bucket for a floor cleaning system having a mop, the bucket comprising:

a first compartment;

a second compartment having a sidewall

a displacement element having a base portion and a wall extending therefrom, the wall having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, the wall and the sidewall defining a fluid path therebetween, wherein the displacement element is configured to be positioned above a portion of the fluid in the second compartment; and

a wringing assembly operably coupled to at least one of the first compartment or the second compartment, the wringing assembly having an extractor that removes fluid from the mop.

12. The bucket of claim 11, wherein the fluid path is defined by a channel formed in one of the wall or the sidewall.

13. The bucket of claim 11, wherein the fluid path is defined by a gap between the wall and the sidewall.

14. The bucket of claim 13, wherein the displacement element moves downward in response to the flat headed mop being inserted into the second compartment, the fluid flowing through the fluid path in response to the downward movement of the displacement element.

15. The bucket of claim 14, wherein the plurality of openings are positioned to flow fluid from the gap through the plurality of openings and onto the flat headed mop.

16. The bucket of claim 15, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged in a row that extends transversely across the wall.

17. A bucket for a floor cleaning system having a mop, the bucket comprising:

a first compartment;

a wringing assembly operably coupled to the first compartment, the wringing assembly having an extractor element configured to extract a fluid from the flat headed mop;

a second compartment adjacent the first compartment;

a fluid reservoir fluidly connected to the second compartment by a nozzle;

a pump operably coupled to pressurize the fluid reservoir; and

18. The bucket of claim 17, wherein the valve is disposed to engage the flat headed mop when the flat headed mop is inserted into the second compartment.

19. The bucket of claim 18, wherein the valve flows a fluid from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle in response to the engagement with the flat headed mop.

20. The bucket of claim 19, wherein the nozzle is positioned and configured to spray fluid onto a mop pad of the flat headed mop as the flat headed mop moves past the nozzle.

21. The bucket of claim 17, wherein the pump increases the pressure within the fluid reservoir in response to manual activation of the pump by a user.