Patent ID: 6125494
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: A47L

Abstract:
A self-wringing mop, comprising:a. an elongated handle member having a proximal section with a proximal end, a middle section, and a distal section with a distal end;b. a mop head having a plurality of absorbent strands and removably attached to said proximal end of said handle member;c. a hollow tubular wringing member disposed about an axis and mounted substantially coaxially for longitudinal and rotational movement along said proximal section of said handle member between a retracted position and an extended position, the tubular wringing member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal protruding ribs integrally formed with the interior surface along a portion of the tubular wringing member and located adjacent to said proximal end;d. a ratchet mechanism including a hollow cylindrical shaped ratchet wheel attached to said middle section of said handle member and a pawl integrally formed with the interior surface of said tubular wringing member and located adjacent to said distal end, the ratchet wheel having a plurality of longitudinal ribs and being covered by said distal section of said tubular wringing member, where the pawl engages with the plurality of ribs of the ratchet wheel for assisting in longitudinal and rotational movement of said tubular wringing member so that said plurality of ribs on said tubular wringing member engage with said plurality of strands of said mop head to remove an amount of liquid carried by said plurality of strands of said mop head; ande. a stop collar attached to said proximal section of said handle member for preventing said proximal end of said tubular wringing member from extending beyond free ends of said plurality of strands of said mop head.