Patent ID: 7386910
Filing Date: 2008-06-17
Classification: A47K,A47L

Abstract:
1. A cleaning assembly comprising: a disposable cleaning implement having a cleaning element mounted to a fitment having an elongated post; an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion and a distal implement attachment end thereof; a gripping mechanism coupled to the wand attachment end, and configured to releasably grip the fitment post to mount the cleaning implement; said gripping mechanism and said maneuvering wand cooperating to substantially limit pivotal movement of a longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative a longitudinal axis of said gripping mechanism to not more than about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees when said fitment post is subjected to forces radial to said longitudinal axis of the fitment post; said fitment post includes a retaining barb having a neck portion and a retaining head, said neck portion having a transverse cross-sectional dimension smaller than that of the retaining head; said gripping mechanism includes an expandable collet device adapted for selective movement between a gripping position, gripping the fitment retaining barb, and a release position, enabling selective axial release of the retaining head of the fitment retaining barb from the gripping mechanism; said attachment end of the maneuvering wand defining a wand opening into a cavity of said wand, and said wand opening being formed and dimensioned for axial insertion of the fitment post therein; said collet device disposed in said cavity, and defining a mouth portion thereof in coaxial alignment with said wand opening for receipt of said fitment retaining barb therethrough; said gripping mechanism further includes a plunger mechanism selectively engaging the collet device for movement between the gripping position and the release position; said plunger mechanism includes a plunger head adapted for selective reciprocating movement thereof along the longitudinal axis of the collet device between a disengaged condition, corresponding to the gripping position of the collet device, and an engaged condition, corresponding to the release position of the collet device; and said gripping mechanism includes a release device coupled to the plunger mechanism for selective movement of the plunger head between the disengaged and the engaged condition.