WO2022221752A1

WO2022221752A1 - Mop with advancing cleaning fabric material

Info

Publication number: WO2022221752A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/025172
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alfred Raymond PIERCE JR.
Original assignee: Pierce Jr Alfred Raymond
Priority date: 2021-04-16
Filing date: 2022-04-18
Publication date: 2022-10-20
Also published as: EP4322811A1

Abstract

Provided is a mop and a removable cleaning cartridge. The mop includes a front and rear compartment, compartment lids, a bottom surface, and an advancement mechanism adapted to advance the fabric. The cleaning cartridge comprises a fabric attached at either end to a first and second axle, and extends from the front compartment, along the bottom surface, and into the rear compartment. The second axle interfaces with a rotational lock that prevents rotation of the axles when the rear compartment lid is closed and permits rotation of the axles via the advancement mechanism when the rotational lock is engaged. The advancing means is rotated to advance the first and second axles and the fabric such that the bottom surface is covered by a clean section of the fabric and a dirty section of the fabric advances into the front or rear compartment.

Description

MOP WITH ADVANCING CLEANING FABRIC MATERIAL

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/175,830, filed on April 16, 2021, entitled “Mop with Advancing Cleaning Fabric Material." The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field Of The Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to cleaning implements. More particularly, it pertains to a mop that utilizes a cleaning fabric that is advanced by a rotating dial that advances a section of clean fabric to cover the bottom surface of the mop while the dirty section of the fabric is advanced into a mop housing.

[0003] Mops are traditionally used for cleaning hard surfaces, such as linoleum, wood, and tile floors. Conventional mops require constant cleaning and rewetting, which often is accomplished with a wringer and bucket. This type of system requires a user to fill a bucket with a solution, wet the mop head, clean the floor, and periodically wring out the mop head to remove dirt. Once wrung out, new cleaning solution must be applied to enable cleaning to continue. [0004] The problem inherent with conventional mopping systems is that as the user continues to clean, the bucket containing the solution retains the dirt removed from the surface. As the mop is placed in the bucket to apply new solution thereto, it makes contact with the dirt, which can then be reapplied to the clean floor. Ensuring that all the dirt is removed from the floor with such a system is labor intensive and time consuming. Other types of cleaning mops use a single cleaning cloth that is placed on a flat surface area on the bottom of the mop. These types of mops require constant personal handling and replacement of the single cleaning cloth as it quickly becomes soiled and dirty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention overcomes the problems inherent in conventional mops by providing a self-contained system that does not require the use of a bucket or wringing mechanism, or the constant and frequent personal handling and changing of dirty, soiled cleaning cloths. The mop includes a handle, a housing, and a removable cleaning cartridge. The housing comprises a front compartment, a rear compartment, a front compartment lid, a rear compartment lid, a bottom surface, and a mechanism adapted to advance the fabric. The removable cleaning cartridge comprises a fabric and a first and second axle, wherein the fabric is attached at either end to the first and second axle and extends from the front compartment, along the bottom surface, and into the rear compartment. The first axle is positioned within the front compartment and the second axle is positioned within rear compartment, wherein the second axle interfaces with a rotational lock that prevents rotation of the first and second axle when the rotational lock is engaged and permits rotation of the first and second axle via the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric when the rotational lock is disengaged. The advancing means is rotated to advance the first and second axles and the fabric such that the bottom surface is covered by a clean section of the fabric and a dirty section of the fabric advances into the front or rear compartment.

[0006] In one embodiment, the mop further includes one or more spray nozzles that are fluidly connected to a reservoir for dispensing a solution. In an alternative embodiment, the mop can be constructed in a manner that does not require a solution to be dispensed. This is accomplished by providing the material in a pre-wetted format as a cleaning cartridge in a sealed bag, wherein the material is already wet with a cleaning solution.

[0007] The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing mops. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

Objects of the invention

[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of mops now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a mop wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience to the user for cleaning surfaces without the need for a bucket, ringer, or the constant replacement of the cleaning fabric. [0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved mop device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a mop device that utilizes a cleaning fabric that is advanced by a rotating dial, wherein the rotation advances a clean section of fabric to cover the bottom surface of the mop while the dirty section of the fabric is advanced into the mop housing.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop device with a lock that stops the cleaning fabric from advancing around the axle when the lid is closed and allows advancing of the cleaning fabric when the lid is open.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop device adapted to advance the length of the cleaning fabric material, thereby ensuring that a cleaning surface free of dirt and debris is constantly being used.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mop device with one or more spray nozzles that are fluidly connected to a reservoir for dispensing a solution onto a surface to be cleaned.

[0014] The mop device may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mop.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the mop.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mop housing.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of the front compartment and the removable cleaning cartridge.

[0020] FIG. 5A is a close-up view of the front compartment and the removable cleaning cartridge.

[0021] FIG. 5B is a close-up view of the front compartment and the removable cleaning cartridge.

[0022] FIG. 5C is a close-up view of the front compartment and the removable cleaning cartridge.

[0023] FIG. 6A is a close-up view of the front compartment.

[0024] FIG. 6B is a view of the interior of the front compartment. [0025] FIG. 7 A is a perspective view of the interior of the rear compartment.

[0026] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the interior of the rear compartment and the removable cleaning cartridge.

[0027] FIG. 8A is a side view of the gearing system.

[0028] FIG. 8B is a side view of the gearing system.

[0029] FIG. 9A is a close-up perspective view of the rear compartment, tension arm, and rotational lock.

[0030] FIG. 9B is a close-up perspective view of the rear compartment, tension arm, rotational lock, and second axle.

[0031] FIG. 10A is a prospective view of the cleaning cartridge.

[0032] FIG. 10B is a prospective view of the cleaning cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the mop device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for cleaning a floor. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. [0034] Generally, provided is a mopping system, comprising: a mop comprising a handle, a housing, and a removable cleaning cartridge. The housing comprises a front compartment, a rear compartment, a front compartment lid, a rear compartment lid, a bottom surface, and mechanism adapted to advance fabric. The front compartment comprises a flexible protruding gear rod and a sidewall groove. The rear compartment comprises a pair of sidewall grooves, a tension arm, and a rotational lock. The removable cleaning cartridge comprises a fabric, a first axle, a second axle, a dome shaped cap on a first end of the first axle, a disc shaped cap on a second end of the first axle, a gearing means on a first end of the second axle, a rotating end cap on a second end of the second axle, and a roll of cleaning fabric attached between the first and second axles. The fabric is attached at either end to the first and second axle, and extends from the front compartment, along the bottom surface, and into the rear compartment. The first axle is positioned within the front compartment, and the flexible protruding gear rod interfaces with an aperture in the center of the dome shaped cap, while the disc shaped cap fits within the groove. The second axle is positioned within the grooves in the rear compartment, and the second axle gearing means interfaces with the rotational lock and tension arm to prevent rotation of the first and second axle when the rotational lock is engaged, and to permit rotation of said first and second axle via the fabric advancing means when the rotational lock is disengaged. The advancing means is rotated to advance the fabric such that the bottom surface is covered by a clean section of fabric and the dirty section advances into the front or rear compartment. [0035] Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of the inventive mop 100. The mop 100 comprises a handle 101, an elongated shaft 102, a reservoir 103, and a housing 104. The handle 101 controls the mop 100 in a conventional manner that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The handle 101 further includes a lever 105 for activating a set of spray nozzles 107 that are disposed on the housing 104 for dispensing a liquid stored in the reservoir 103. Alternately, the reservoir 103 can be contained in the housing 104 as opposed to attached to the shaft 102

[0036] The handle 101 and shaft 102 are connected to the housing 104 via a C- shaped hinge 106. The C-shaped hinge 106 enables a user to move the mop 100 about a surface for cleaning, and further provides an attachment point that is closer to the cleaning surface, which allows the user to apply pressure to the housing 104 to prevent it from tipping forward or backward.

[0037] The spray nozzles 107 are fluidly connected to the reservoir 103, and are configured to spray a solution in front of the mop 100. As the user moves the mop 100 forwards and backwards in a standard moping motion, the fabric is moved over the solution, which aids in cleaning the surface. Alternatively, the mop 100 can utilize a single spray nozzle located in the center of the housing (not shown). The reservoir 103 attaches to the mop 100 on the elongated shaft 102. The mop 100 includes internal lines for fluidly connecting the reservoir 103 to the spray nozzles 107 in order to dispense a solution contained therein. The reservoir 103 can be secured in place via a twist lock mechanism, friction fit, or the like. The reservoir 103 may include a threaded cap that enables a user to fill the reservoir 103 with a cleaning solution, water, or the like. Alternately, the reservoir 103 may be filled at the factory and disposed of once the contents contained therein are depleted. Any known cleaning solution may be used, and the composition of the solution may be changed based on the surface to be cleaned. As a non-limiting example, the reservoir 103 may be filled with a composition specifically designed for cleaning hardwood floors, ceramic floors, linoleum floors, and the like.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of the mop 100. The housing 104 includes a front compartment 201, a rear compartment 202, and a bottom surface 203. The front compartment 201 is designed to store a roll of clean fabric, which will be shown in greater detail below. The rear compartment 202 houses the dirty fabric once it has been used for mopping. When the fabric is mounted to the front and rear compartments 201, 202, the fabric extends from the front compartment 201, along the bottom surface 203, and into the rear compartment 202. A front compartment lid 204 covers the front compartment 201, while a rear compartment lid 205 covers the rear compartment 202. In the shown embodiment, the lids 204, 205 form an elongated channel that allows the fabric to pass therethrough in a closed configuration. The channel extends between the lateral sides of the front and rear compartments 201, 202. The lids 204, 205 can be independently opened to provide access to the interior of the compartments 201, 202 and closed to prevent the fabric from being inadvertently removed. In an illustrative embodiment, the lids 204, 205 are constructed from a transparent material, which permits the user to readily view the fabric contained therein. As can be appreciated, the transparent lid enables the user to determine when a new section of fabric is needed for cleaning, how far to advance the fabric when rotating the dial, and when the fabric has been completely used and requires replacement.

[0039] The housing 104 near the rear compartment 202 further includes an advancement mechanism adapted to advance the fabric 206. In one illustrative embodiment the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric 206 comprises a rotating dial and accompanying gearing, which will be discussed in greater detail below. In another illustrative embodiment, the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric 206 comprises a motor and accompanying gearing. The advancing means 206 is rotated to advance the cleaning fabric from the front compartment and into the rear compartment once the fabric has become dirty and a clean section of fabric is desired by the user.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective side view of the mop housing 104. Contained within the front compartment 201 and the rear compartment 202 is a cleaning cartridge 301 comprising a roll of cleaning fabric 302 that is used to clean a surface to be mopped. In an illustrative embodiment, the cleaning cartridge 301, which will be shown and described in greater detail below, comprises a first and second axle, a roll of fabric 302 therebetween, a dome end cap and a disc end cap on the first axle, and a groove wheel and a gearing means on the second axle. The fabric 302 includes a first end and a second end, and is stored in a rolled configuration. The fabric 302 can be constructed from a variety of materials in order to afford superior cleaning. In a first embodiment, the fabric 302 is pre-wetted with a cleaning solution for use when mopping a hard surface. Alternately, the fabric 302 may be dry for use with steam or a spray solution. As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the fabric 302 to be used can be selected based on the surface to be cleaned.

[0041] Also shown in FIG. 3 is the connection between the housing 104 and the C-shaped hinge 303. The shaft 305 and housing 104 are joined via the C-shaped hinge 303. The C-shaped hinge 303 attaches to the housing 104 on either side thereof at a distal end 306. A recess 307 in either side of the housing 104 creates a notch or a recessed area that enables the C-shaped hinge 303 to pivot. In one embodiment, the recess 307 allows the C-shaped hinge 303 to rotate about the distal end 306 approximately 90-degrees. In an alternative embodiment, the recess 307 extents towards the front compartment 201 to allow for more than 90-degree rotation thereof. Another function of the recess 307 is to prevent the C-shaped hinge 303 from rotating forward and making contact with the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric 206, which could possibly cause damage thereto. In yet another embodiment, the housing 104 lacks recesses and the C-shaped hinge 303 extends laterally thereby allowing the hinge 303 to rotate outside the lateral sides of the housing 104.

[0042] The pivoting afforded by the recess 307 enables a user to push the mop 100 back and forth in a traditional mopping motion, wherein the shaft 305 and C-shaped hinge 303 can be pivoted independently of the housing 104. As can be appreciated, the independent pivoting allows the user to apply pressure to the housing 104 to prevent it from breaking contact with the surface to be cleaned. Additionally, the C-shaped hinge 303 includes a joint 308 that permits the shaft 305 and housing 104 to pivot left and to the right. As can be appreciated, the joint 308 enables the mop 100 to be rotated and walked along the edge of a wall or in a sideways continuous motion underneath kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the front compartment 201 and the removable cleaning cartridge 301 , and FIGs. 5A-5C show close-up views of the front compartment 201 and the removable cleaning cartridge 301. Shown here is the first axle 501, a roll of fabric 302, a dome shaped cap 401 on a first end of the first axle 501 , and a disc shaped cap 402 on the second end of the first axle 501. The caps 401 , 402, help keep the fabric 302 centered and in place on the axle when turning/advancing the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric. FIG. 5A shows the dome shaped cap 401 and the flexible protruding gear rod 502 located within the front compartment 201. The flexible protruding gear rod 502 interfaces with an aperture 503 in the center of the dome shaped cap 401. FIG. 5C shows the disc shaped cap 402. The disc shaped cap 402 fits within a groove 504 in the front compartment 201 and can rotate freely due to the groove wheel 505, which can spin freely. The groove wheel 505 is seated within the groove 504, wherein the groove 504 is formed on a side plate with an edge that receives the groove wheel 505.

[0044] In an illustrative embodiment, the flexible protruding gear rod 502 comprises a six or eight-sided protrusion the interfaces with the aperture 503 in the center of the dome shaped cap 401. The flexible protruding gear rod 502 is rotationally attached to the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric, such that rotation of the mechanism causes the flexible protruding gear rod 502 to rotate. This rotation causes the first axle 501 to rotate due to the interfacing of the aperture 503 in the center of the dome shaped cap 401 with the flexible protruding gear rod 502. This in turn, causes advancement of the fabric 302.

[0045] FIGs. 6A and 6B show views of the front compartment 201. In one illustrative embodiment the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric 206 (as best viewed in FIG. 2) is connected to the flexible protruding gear rod 502 through the sidewall 601. When the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric 206 is advanced, the flexible protruding gear rod 502 rotates, which causes the first axle 501 and fabric 302 to also rotate. In one illustrative embodiment, the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric 206 comprises a rotating dial 308, as best viewed in FIG. 3. In another illustrative embodiment, the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric 206 comprises a motor. In either embodiment, the mechanism adapted to advance the fabric 206 causes the fabric 302 to roll itself around the first axle 501.

[0046] FIGs. 7A and 7B show perspective views of the interior of the rear compartment 202 and the removable cleaning cartridge 302. The rear compartment 202 houses the removable cleaning cartridge 301 and the fabric 302. The second axle 701 is secured in position within the rear compartment 202 via a groove 702 built into either side of the sidewall 703. The grooves 702 permit the second axle 701 to rotate within the rear compartment 202. A first end of the second axle 701 includes a rotating end cap (not shown) that enables free rotation of the second axle 701. A second end of the second axle 701 includes a gearing element 704 that mates with the locking element (not shown) to prevent inadvertent rotation of the second axle 701 when the locking element is engaged, and to allow rotation when the locking element is disengaged. The fabric 302 extends from the second axle 701 within the rear compartment 202, along the bottom surface 203, and to the first axle 501 within the front compartment 201 (as best illustrated in FIG. 5A).

[0047] FIGs. 8A and 8B show side views of the gearing system. The gearing system includes a first window 801, a tension arm 802, a gearing element 704, and a rotating dial 308. The first window 801 is an opening in the rear compartment 202 that allows the tension arm 802 to constantly engage the gearing element 704 of the second axle 701. As can be appreciated, the constant pressure keeps the cleaning fabric (not shown) on the second axle 701 taut and prevents undesirable unraveling of the fabric until the rotating dial 308 is rotated. As pressure mounts from the fabric being pulled off the second axle 701 and along the bottom surface 203 to the front axle 501 , the tension arm 802 is forced to move backwards, thereby releasing the pressure on the gearing element 704 while spinning the second axle 701 the distance of the next spoke 803.

The tension arm automatically reengages the second axle 701, keeping the fabric tightly in place around both axles and under the bottom surface 203, where it is ready for use.

[0048] FIGs. 9A and 9B show close-up perspective views of the rear compartment 202, tension arm 802, rotational lock 901, and second axle 701. In an illustrative embodiment, the mop can include a rotational lock 901 that prevents the gearing means 704 and second axle 701 from freely rotating. As can be appreciated, when the fabric (not shown) is made of a microfiber material, it produces additional friction when in contact with a cleaning surface. The additional friction can cause the gearing element 704 and second axle 701 to overcome the force created by the tension arm 802, which in turn inadvertently advances the fabric apart from rotating the dial 803 (as shown in FIG. 8). This advancing of the fabric due to friction is undesirable. To prevent inadvertent rotating, a rotational lock 901 is positioned in the sidewall 902 and is exposed inside the second compartment 202 through a second window 903. The rotational lock 901 includes teeth 904 that interface with the spokes 803 of the gearing element 704. A spring 906 releases the rotational lock 901 when the locking element 905 is disengaged, which allows for rotation of the dial 803 and advancing of the gearing element 704, second axle 701, and fabric attached thereto.

[0049] In an illustrative embodiment, a locking element 905 locks the rotational lock 901 to prevent it from being inadvertently disengaged from the gearing element 704. In some embodiments, the mop includes the tension arm 802 and rotational lock 901. In some embodiments, the mop includes the tension arm 802 and no rotational lock 901. In some embodiments, the mop includes the rotational lock 901 and no tension arm 802.

[0050] When the mop includes a tension arm 802 and a rotational lock 901 , the unlocking of the locking element 905 enables the rotational lock 901 to disengage and lift away from the teeth 904. In an illustrative embodiment, a spring 906 positioned below the rotational lock 901, and when decompressed, it pushes the rotational lock 901 up and away from the teeth 904, allowing for rotation of the dial and advancement of the fabric. Advancement is accomplished by the tension arm 802 being forced to move backwards, which releases the pressure on the gearing means 704 as described above. When the locking element 905 is engaged, the spring 906 is compressed and the teeth 904 interface with the spokes 803 of the gearing element 704 to prevent rotation of the axle 701.

[0051] FIGs. 10A and 10B show prospective views of the cleaning cartridge 301. In an illustrative embodiment, the cleaning cartridge 301 comprises a first axle 501, a second axle 701 , a dome shaped cap 401 on a first end of the first axle 501 , a disc shaped cap 402 on the second end of the first axle 501 , a gearing element 704 on a first end of the second axle 701, a rotating end cap 112 on a second end of the second axle 701, and a roll of cleaning fabric 302 attached between the first and second axles 501, 701. The dome shaped cap 401 further includes an aperture 503 that is rotationally attached to the flexible protruding gear rod 502, as described in FIGs. 5A-C. The disc shaped cap 402 further includes a groove wheel 505 that freely rotates within the groove 504 of the front compartment 201 as described in FIGs. 5A-C.

[0052] In an illustrative embodiment, the cleaning cartridge comprises a continuous roll of cleaning fabric of a predefined length and width, with each side of the fabric attached to an axle that is designed to fit within the mop. In an illustrative embodiment, the fabric can be attached to the axles by various mechanisms, including a assembly to permanently secure the fabric to the axles, thereby creating a disposable type of cleaning cartridge fabric and axles. In an illustrative embodiment, the means of attachment of the fabric to the axles includes glue, bonding, double-sided tape with a certain type of glue on both sides, and the like.

[0053] In an illustrative embodiment, the cleaning cartridge comprises a detachable means of attaching the fabric to the axles. The detachable means ensures that while in use the fabric does not separate from the axles, but after use can be removed from the axles, washed, and reattached to the axles, thereby enabling the entire cleaning cartridge to be reused.

[0054] In an illustrative embodiment, the means of temporary attachment of the cleaning fabric to the axles includes axles that separate, allowing the fabric ends to be placed in between the axles and then clamped down on the fabric holding it in place. The ends of the axles can include removable clamps allowing the fabric to be placed in or on the two parts of the separated axles and then closed securely with the fabric firmly attached thereto. Alternatively, a close-pin style of axle with one end opened to slide the fabric into and then placing a clip or disc around the open end to secure the fabric in place and then attach the two axles into place in their compartments on the mop housing.

[0055] In an illustrative embodiment, the means of attaching the fabric ends to the axles includes using a separate elongated clip that is shorter than the length of the axle ends that clamps down over/around the axles with the fabric underneath. In this embodiment, the fabric remains securely in place and the user can remove the clamp with force to remove it. This reusable/washable fabric process could be repeated as needed until the fabric eventually wears out. Alternately, if it is preferable to not reuse and wash the soiled fabric, it can be disposed of and a new two axle cleaning cartridge roll can be installed after each use.

[0056] Once the cleaning fabric is attached to the axles via temporary or permanent means, one side of axle contains the clean and unused portion of the cleaning fabric wrapped therearound. The overall length of the fabric rolled around the axle would vary in diameter and width according to the size of the compartment contained on the mop. The diameter of the mop compartment varies according to the overall size, weight and height of the preferred mop. Sizing can vary based on residential use, which would be smaller and lighter for consumers to use, while the height of the mop would also need to fit underneath small furniture and kitchen cabinet toe-kicks that are typically four inches high. Industrial uses can be considerably larger in size and diameter, thereby allowing for additional fabric to be contained on the axle and prolonging the use of the existing fabric roll without the need for constant replacement. The opposite side of the fabric attached to the second axle is preferably empty with just the end of the fabric attached thereto. The dirty fabric is rolled onto the axle as the fabric is advanced after use. [0057] In an illustrative embodiment, the cleaning cartridge comprises a roll of new or clean fabric of a certain size, type material, length, and diameter attached to the axles (permanently or temporarily) that is installed in the front and rear compartment on the mop housing, and passes from the compartment to the bottom surface of the mop, such that cleaning floors with the fabric takes place. After use and the bottom fabric becomes soiled and dirty, and the user advances the dirty fabric onto and around the second axle contained within the front or rear compartment on the mop.

[0058] In an alternate embodiment, the mop includes a steam generating system as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,813,523 B2, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. The base of the mop includes a plurality of feed lines that release steam generated within the housing. The mop may further comprise a heating element to create steam, which is released through the feed lines to aid with cleaning. Steam is generated via the heating element, and the steam is released through the feed lines and through the outlets. The steam makes contact with the fabric to provide heat and moisture thereto, which in turn provides improved cleaning for various surfaces. Alternately, the device may include a combination of a spray system and a steam system, wherein the user can select one or both systems for cleaning as desired.

[0059] Alternately, the mop can be constructed in a manner that does not require a solution to be dispensed. This is accomplished by providing the material in a pre wetted format as a cleaning cartridge in a sealed bag, wherein the material is already wetted with a cleaning solution. This embodiment is particularly beneficial for times when a user knows the surface area to be cleaned may use the entire roll of the cleaning cartridge wet cloth. As a non-limiting example, a user who needs to clean three to four rooms or floors may use an entire cleaning cartridge. The pre-wetted cleaning cartridges contain a predefined amount of cleaning cloth to clean a predefined number of rooms or square footage.

[0060] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0061] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A mopping system, comprising: a mop comprising a handle, a housing, and a removable cleaning cartridge; said housing comprising a front compartment, a rear compartment, a bottom surface, and an advancement mechanism adapted to advance fabric of the cleaning cartridge; said removable cleaning cartridge comprising the fabric, a first axle, and a second axle, wherein said fabric is attached at either end to said first and second axle and extends from said front compartment, along said bottom surface, and into said rear compartment; wherein said first axle is positioned within said front compartment and said second axle is positioned within said rear compartment; wherein said advancement mechanism is rotated to advance said first and second axles and said fabric such that said bottom surface is covered by a clean section of said fabric and a dirty section of said fabric advances into said front or rear compartment.

2. The mop system of claim 1 , wherein said housing comprises a front compartment comprising a flexible protruding gear rod and a sidewall groove.

3. The mop system of claim 2, wherein said housing comprises a rear compartment comprises a pair of sidewall grooves, a tension arm, and said rotational lock.

4. The mop system of claim 3, wherein said second axle interfaces with a rotational lock that prevents rotation of said first and second axle when said rotational lock is engaged and permits rotation of said first and second axle via said advancement mechanism when said rotational lock is disengaged, and wherein said removable cleaning cartridge further comprises a dome shaped cap on a first end of said first axle, a disc shaped cap on a second end of said first axle, a gearing mechanism on a first end of said second axle, and a rotating end cap on a second end of said second axle.

5. The mop system of claim 4, wherein said first axle is positioned within said front compartment such that said disc shaped cap fits within said groove and said flexible protruding gear rod interfaces with an aperture in said dome shaped cap.

6. The mop system of claim 5, wherein said flexible protruding gear rod comprises a six or eight sided protrusion that interfaces with said aperture in said dome shaped cap.

7. The mop system of claim 6, wherein said flexible protruding gear rod is rotationally attached to said advancement mechanism, such that rotation of said advancement mechanism causes said flexible protruding gear rod and said first axle to rotate via said protrusion that interfaces with said aperture in said dome shaped cap.

8. The mop system of claim 5, wherein said second axle is positioned within said grooves in said rear compartment, and said second axle gearing mechanism interfaces with said rotational lock and said tension arm to prevent rotation of said first and second axle when said rotational lock is engaged and to permit rotation of said first and second axle via said advancement mechanism when said rotational lock is disengaged, wherein said rotational lock is engaged and disengaged by a locking mechanism and a spring.

9. The mop system of claim 1 , further comprising a pair of spray nozzles for dispensing a liquid.

10. The mop system of claim 4, wherein said tension arm constantly engages said gearing mechanism of said second axle to prevent unraveling of said fabric until said advancement mechanism is rotated.

11. The mop system of claim 4, wherein said rotational lock is exposed inside said second compartment and comprises teeth that interface with said gearing mechanism, wherein a spring releases said rotational lock when said rotational lock is disengaged, allowing for advancing of said gearing mechanism, said second axle, and said fabric via advancement of said rotating dial.

12. A mopping system, comprising: a mop comprising a handle, a housing, and a removable cleaning cartridge; said housing comprising a front compartment, a rear compartment, a bottom surface, and an advancement mechanism adapted to advance the fabric; said front compartment comprising a flexible protruding gear rod and a sidewall groove; said rear compartment comprising a pair of sidewall grooves, a tension arm, and a rotational lock; said removable cleaning cartridge comprising a fabric, a first axle, a second axle, a dome shaped cap on a first end of said first axle, a disc shaped cap on a second end of said first axle, a gearing mechanism on a first end of said second axle, a rotating end cap on a second end of said second axle, and a roll of cleaning fabric attached between said first and second axles; wherein said fabric is attached at either end to said first and second axle, and extends from said front compartment, along said bottom surface, and into said rear compartment; wherein said first axle is positioned within said front compartment, and said flexible protruding gear rod interfaces with an aperture in the center of said dome shaped cap, and wherein said disc shaped cap is positioned within said groove; wherein said second axle is positioned within said grooves in said rear compartment, and said second axle gearing mechanism interfaces with said rotational lock and said tension arm to prevent rotation of said first and second axle when said rotational lock is engaged, and to permit rotation of said first and second axle via said advancement mechanism when said rotational lock is disengaged, wherein said rotational lock is engaged and disengaged by a locking mechanism and a spring; wherein said advancing means is rotated to advance said fabric such that said bottom surface is covered by a clean section of said fabric and said dirty section advances into said front or rear compartment.

13. The mop system of claim 12, wherein said flexible protruding gear rod comprises a six or eight sided protrusion the interfaces with said aperture in said dome shaped cap.

14. The mop system of claim 13, wherein said flexible protruding gear rod is rotationally attached to said advancement mechanism, such that rotation of said advancement mechanism causes said flexible protruding gear rod and said first axle to rotate via said protrusion that interfaces with said aperture in said dome shaped cap.

15. The mop system of claim 12, further comprising a pair of spray nozzles for dispensing a liquid.

16. The mop system of claim 12, wherein said tension arm constantly engages said gearing mechanism of said second axle to prevents unraveling of said fabric until said advancement mechanism is rotated.

17. The mop system of claim 12, wherein said rotational lock is exposed inside said second compartment and comprises teeth that interface with said gearing mechanism, wherein a spring releases said rotational lock when said locking mechanism is disengaged, allowing for advancing of said gearing mechanism, said second axle, and said fabric via advancement of said rotating dial, wherein said rotational lock is engaged and disengaged by said locking mechanism.

18. A mopping system comprising: a mop comprising a front compartment, a rear compartment, and a bottom surface; a removable cleaning cartridge comprising a fabric, a first axle, a second axle, a dome shaped cap on a first end of said first axle, a disc shaped cap on a second end of said first axle, a gearing mechanism on a first end of said second axle, a rotating end cap on a second end of said second axle, and a roll of cleaning fabric attached between said first and second axles; wherein said fabric is attached at either end to said first and second axle, and extends from said front compartment, along said bottom surface, and into said rear compartment.

19. The mop system of claim 18, wherein said fabric is attached to said axles in a permanent manner.

20. The mop system of claim 18, wherein said fabric is attached to said axles in a removable manner.