US3324497A - Mop construction and method of making same - Google Patents

Description

T. v. MOSS 3324,47

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INVENTOR. THEROAZ' 1/. MOSS 0%, d I H A T TORNE YS 3,324,497 MOP CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Theron V. Moss, 3175 Falmouth, Shaker Heights, (Bhio 44120 Filed May 28, 1964, Ser. No. 370,946 14 Claims. (Cl. 15-229) This invention is directed to a novel and improved mop construction and to a mop swab therefor, and more particularly relates to such a construction comprising a novel swab with end portions designed and arranged for maximum efficiency in mopping floors and the like.

Reference may be had to my prior patents, 2,825,914, 3,011,198, and 3,115,658 for a disclosure of certain features which are highly advantageous in the construction of mops particularly suited and arranged for mopping floors dry. Many of these features may, if desired, be included in the novel and improved construction disclosed herein to provide a mop which combines maximum effectiveness in picking up water with a rugged construction affording relatively long mop life.

The mop constructions which have been known heretofore have generally comprised bundles of yarn secured to an appropriate holder which is ordinarily a long handle. When such mops are used, the individual yarns or cords tend to become easily tangled, to unravel at their ends, and eventually to become matted together. As a result, such mops are very inefficient in their primary function of absorbing the maximum amount of water possible from a floor surface. Additionally, they tend to distintegrate rapidly once the plies of the yarn become untwisted.

The construction of these mops has generally been such that the swabs have end portions comprising individual cords which are cut off in a frill design. Mops with this design thus have cords with end portions which can easily become frayed and unraveled. When used, such mops will further unravel and produce lint. When Washed, as in a washing machine, they will also lose a large quantity of lint thereby decreasing the effective life of the swab, as well as tending to create mechanical difficulties within the washing machine.

Mop swabs of the type possessing individual cords and end portions also tend to produce streaking of a floor surface, since such individual cords and end portions absorb water from the floor surface only along the individual lines of contact with the surface. Consequently, it is very desirable to have a mop which will effectively absorb water from a floor surface, but which will not leave a streaked appearance.

It is accordingly a principal object of this invention to provide a mop construction in which the individual cords are oriented in a particular manner for maximum floor coverage and efliciency of water absorption.

A further object is to provide a mop construction in which the individual cords will be restrained against undue unraveling in use and which will not produce excessive lint when used or washed.

It is another object of this invention to provide a mop construction in which the individual cords will not readily become confused and tangled.

Yet another object is to provide a novel mop construction which will clean the surface of a floor without streaking same.

Other objects, advantages, and features of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following more detailed description of the invention.

These and other objects are achieved by means of this invention which provides a mop construction comprising a mop swab with individual cords having a novel end design and arrangement. The swab comprises a Patented June 13, 1967 bundle of absorbent cords which are secured together in a generally flattened form intermediate the end portions by a fabric band which encircles the cords and is stitched thereto. The individual cords are of a looped design at the end portions of the swab and extend longitudinally of the swab so as to form continuous cords along the length of the swab. Each of the loops of the individual cords overlies and extends transversely over other of the loops in a controlled pattern as will be more fully described hereinafter.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

In said annexed drawings:

FIG. 1 represents a general plan view of the novel mop swab of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary semi-diagrammatic view illustrating the design of the novel end construction of the preferred embodiment of my invention with lateral spacing of the cords somewhat exaggerated for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary semi-diagrammatic view illustrating an alternative embodiment of this invention with lateral spacing of the cords exaggerated for clarity; and

FIG. 4 illustrates the novel mop construction of this invention secured to a suitable holder.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the numeral 1 designates generally a mop swab with a fabric band 2 encircling such intermediate the end portions of individual cords to secure the individual cords together in a generally flattened form. Stitching 4 is provided in the fabric band 2 for securing the band to swab 1. Individual cords 3 are arranged in a generally looped configuration 5 intermediate the ends thereof, the individual cords extending in a single plane or layer adjacent tape means 7 longitudinally of the swab, as shown at 6, to form continuous cords along the length of the swab. The tape means 7 is provided in a region spaced a short distance from the ends of the swab to interconnect all of the individual cords and retain them in the desired configuration. Stitching is also provided in tape means 7 for securing same to swab 1. The cords are thus of a single layer thickness adjacent the tape means, but are of greater thickness in the region of the loops 5 and where the cords approach fabric band 2.

The particular design and arrangement of loops 5 is illustrated more clearly in FIG. 2 which constitutes the preferred embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a fragmentary broken portion of the assembly from which the swab is to be formed by bunching the middle portion of the cords together and securing them in such position with a fabric band. As shown, the loops 5 of the individual strands are arranged so as to overlie and to extend transversely over other of the loops and to extend longitudinally of the swa-b. In this figure, tape means 9 is shown for interconnecting the looped end portions and for retaining such in the desired position. It will be observed that, in this embodiment, there are eight individual cords which extend lengthwise of the swab. It should be understood, of course, that the concept of this invention is not to be restricted to any particular number of individual cords, but may include any number desired. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, each individual cord 8 extends the entire length and width of the swab, and each loop 5 overlies and extends transversely over seven other looped end portions of cords 8, intersects tape means 9, and extends continuously in such pattern across the width of the swab.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention comprising a sinusoidal curve arrangement of an individual cord. As seen, this embodiment comprises a single continuous cord which extends across the entire width of the swab. Cord 10 is looped asshown at 11. It will be observed that each individual loop 11 overlies and extends transversely across an adjacent loop overlie and extend transversely over other of such loops and also extend longitudinally of the swab as shown at 20 so as to form continuous cords along the length of the swab. The looped end portions of the cords are held in position by tape means and stitching 21.

It should be understood that the tape means and stitching which is positioned in a region a short distance from the end portions of the swab (represented by numeral 7 in FIG. 1) is included in the preferred form of this invention. The precise location of such means is generally approximately 2 to 3 inches from the end of the swab,

but can of course vary somewhat. The tape means and stitching serve to maintain the oriented arrangement of the individual cords and particularly that of the loops.

' It is preferred that tape means and stitching both be employed, but it should be understood that stitching may be used alone if desired. The stitching should preferably be of nylon thread to add strength to the swab construction, but other material may be used. Similarly, a strip of paper adhesive tape may, if desired, be placed upon the cords beneath the fabric tape to facilitate the stitching of such, as disclosed in my aforesaid patent, 3,115,658. It fshonld be further understood, however, that, although tape means and stitching are included in the preferred embodiment, this is not a limitation upon the inventive concept, such mop swab being very effective for its intended purpose without the inclusion of such means.

As illustrated, the swab is arranged so that the individual'cords are fanned out from the fabric band to the tape means and end portions. As explained in my prior U.S. Patent No. 2,825,914, this construction provides maximum floor coverage and also assists in minimizing tangling of the yarns.

In my co-pending application, Ser. No. 230,058, filed Oct. 12, 1962, now Patent No. 3,135,002, a novel apron construction is disclosed which is used with the fabric band encircling, the bundle of absorbent cords. It is to be -understood that such construction may also be employed with the mopv and swab of this invention, although such concept does not form a specific part of this invention.

The novel mop construction of this invention is thus distinguished from those previously known, such as U.S. Patent No. 1,977,948 which discloses an endless band type swab. Such swabs have end portions which are merely continuations of the individual cords and extend across the length of the swab thereby forming a plurality of continuous or endless bands. However, the swabs of the present invention are arranged such that each loop overlies and extends transversely over other loops and also extends longitudinally of the swab thereby forming continuous cords along the length of the swab. The swabs therefore are only one cord in thickness where the tapes are positioned, but are of agreater thickness in the region of the loops and in the region where the cords approach the fabric band.

It is thus seen that the construction of the mop and mop swab of this invention possesses many advantages over. the other swabs described above. With the previously known swabs, it is readily apparent that the loose uncontrolled ends can easily become entangled with objects which might be on the floor or baseboard. However, since the looped ends of the swabs disclosed herein are relatively small in size and are retained in a controlled pattern, they will not readily snarl or tangle.

The novel mop construction disclosed herein is thus inexpensive of construction, permits the employment of preferred materials, and enables the mop strands to spread out over a maximum area with maximum absorbing effect with all of the strands maintained in their proper respective relationship. Although the swab has been illustrated and described as forming two swab portions in some instances when the swab is used with certain types of available attachment means, no fabric band of any type need be used.

Many materials are suitable for use in the swabs of this invention including rayon yarn or cord, blends of rayon and cotton or rayon, cotton and nylon. Bleached hemp yarn or cord blended with a small percentage of braided nylon or other synthetic plastic strands currently available, such as Orlon and Dacron, may also be used or alternatively, cotton cord may be utilized.

It is thus seen that the objects of this invention have been fulfilled by the particular swab arrangement illustrated, wherein the swab comprises individual cords which have loops intermediate thereof and extend therefrom longitudinally of the swab so as to form continuous cords along the length thereof, with each of the loops of the swab overlying and extending transversely over other of such loops.

Other modes of applying the principle of the invention may be employed, change being made as regards the details described, provided the features stated in any of the following claims, or the equivalent of such, be employed.

I, therefore, particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. A mop swap comprising a bundle of twisted stranded cords, said bundle being secured together in a generally flattened form midway of its length by a fabric band encircling the same and stitched thereto, the individual cords of said swab forming loops intermediate the ends thereof; adjacent the ends of said swab and extending therefrom longitudinally of said swab so as to form continuous cords along the length of said swab, each of said loops overlying and extending transversely over other said loops.

2. The mob swab of claim 1 in which tape means interconnecting all of said cords is stitched thereto in a region adjacent the ends of said swab spaced a short distance from said loops.

3, The mop swab of claim 2 in which said stitching is nylon.

4. The mop swab of claim 2 in which said loops overlie and extend transversely over seven other of said looped end portions.

-5. The mop swab of claim 1 in which said loops are secured by flexible interconnecting means in a region spaced a short distance from said loops.

6. A mop swab comprising a bundle of absorbent cords secured together intermediate their ends, means flexibly interconnecting said cords adjacent the ends of said swab, said cords forming loops intermediate the ends thereof adjacent the ends of the swab and extending therefrom longitudinally of said swab so as to form continuous cords across the length of said swab, each of said loops overlying and extending transversely over other of said loops.

7. A mop construction comprising handle means, means for securing a mop swab to said handle means connected thereto, and swab means secured thereto, said swab means comprising a bundle of absorbent cords secured together intermediate their ends, means flexibly interconnecting said cords adjacent the ends of said swab, said cords having loops intermediate the ends thereof adjacent the ends of the swab and extending therefrom longitudinally of said swab so as to form continuous cords across the length of said swab, each of said loops overlying and extending transversely over other of said loops.

8. The mop construction of claim 6 in which said flexible interconnecting means comprises tape means with stitching therein interconnecting all of said cords positioned in a region spaced a short distance from said loops.

9. The mop construction of claim 7 in which said bundle of absorbent cords is secured together intermediate their ends by a fabric band encircling same and stitched thereto.

10. The mop swab of claim 2 in which said cords are a single cord in thickness in the region adjacent said tape means.

11. A mop swab comprising a plurality of continuous sinusoidal cord loops, the cords being secured together in a bunched relationship intermediate the loops thereof centrally of the swab and fanned out from such bunched central portion to form a layer one cord in thickness adjacent said loops, said loops at least partially overlying adjacent loops, and means interconnecting said cords where thus forming such single layer to assist in maintaining this condition in use.

12. A method of manufacturing a mop swab comprising securing together a plurality of continuous cords in a bunched relationship intermediate the end portions of such swab, said cords having loops intermediate the ends thereof adjacent the ends of the swab, fanning out said cords from such bunched central portion to form a layer one cord in thickness adjacent the end portions, at least partially overlying said loops with adjacent loops, and interconnecting said cords Where thus forming a single layer to assist in maintaining such condition in use.

13. A mop swab comprising a bundle of absorbent cords, said cords having loops intermediate the ends thereof adjacent the ends of the swab and extending therefrom longitudinally of said swab so as to form continuous cords across the length of said swab, each of said loops overlying and extending transversely over other of said loops and means flexibly interconnecting the cords in a region adjacent the ends of the swab placed a short distance from the loops.

14. A mop swab comprising a continuous cord of absorbent yarn, said continuous cord including a plurality of loops intermediate the ends thereof adjacent the ends of the swab and extending from said loops longitudinally of said swab, each of said loops overlying and extending transversely over other of said loops, means flexibly interconnecting said cord adjacent said loops, and means for securing said cord together in a generally flattened form intermediate the ends of such swab.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,940,543 12/1933 Hertzberg 15-2292 2,825,914 3/1958 Moss 15-229.0 2,895,535 7/ 1959 Ono. 3,115,658 12/1963 Moss 15-229.0 3,246,656 4/1966 Sorrells 15-2291 X DANIEL BLUM, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. 6. A MOP SWAB COMPRISING A BUNDLE OF ABSORBENT CORDS SECURED TOGETHER INTERMEDIATE THEIR ENDS, MEANS FLEXIBLY INTERCONNECTING SAID CORDS ADJACENT THE ENDS OF SAID SWAB, SAID CORDS FORMING LOOPS INTERMEDIATE THE ENDS THEREOF ADJACENT THE ENDS OF THE SWAB AND EXTENDING THEREFROM LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID SWAB SO AS TO FORM CONTINUOUS CORDS ACROSS THE LENGTH OF SAID SWAB, EACH OF SAID LOOPS OVERLYING AND EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OVER OTHER OF SAID LOOPS.

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