Abstract:
A universal cleaning cart includes a wheeled platform, which platform supports a trash receptacle, snap-in units for holding brooms, mops, etc., receptacles for holding supplies, an area for supporting a vacuum cleaner and a support shelf for housing a wheeled bucket and wringer system. The bucket and wringer system are easily removable from the support shelf without lifting.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/800,395, filed May 16, 2006. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to transporting devices. More specifically, the invention is drawn to a mobile maintenance cart adapted to transport a waste container and cleaning implements. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Some industrial plants and commercial establishments such as hotels, office buildings, restaurants, etc. often require cleaning maintenance at off times when customers and workers are not in full attendance. The cleaning must be accomplished in an efficient manner so that the establishment or plant can be up and running at peak business hours. Mobile cleaning carts are currently utilized by cleaning personnel to expedite the cleaning process. These carts usually comprise wheeled platforms configured to support at least one trash receptacle. Plural compartments or trays, mounted on the platforms, are designed to contain bottles of cleaning solutions and other paraphernalia that may be needed to complete the cleaning process. Pertinent related art samples of the above-mentioned carts are cited and identified in the accompanying IDS. However, none of the cited and identified related art discloses a portable cleaning cart as will subsequently be described and claimed in the instant invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The universal cleaning cart of the present invention comprises a wheeled platform, which platform includes a unique trash receptacle, snap-in units for holding brooms, mops, etc., receptacles for holding supplies, an area for supporting a vacuum cleaner and a support shelf for housing a wheeled bucket and wringer system. The bucket is adapted to contain water for cleaning a floor. The bucket and wringer system are easily removable from the support shelf without lifting. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, the instant invention presents a cleaning cart that contains all implements and supplies needed to accomplish the cleaning process. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes. 
         [0008]    A clear understanding of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an environmental, perspective view of a cleaning cart according to the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a partial, rear view of a cleaning cart according to the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a partial, top view of a cleaning cart according to the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an exploded, perspective view of a wringer and bucket according to the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a sectional, side view of a first embodiment of a wringer according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a sectional, side view of a second embodiment of a wringer according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an auxiliary container according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    Attention is first directed to  FIGS. 1-3  wherein the cleaning cart of the present invention is illustrated. The cart comprises a platform  12 , which platform is mounted on two front wheels  14  and two rear wheels  16 . The front wheels  14  are larger in size (8″) than rear wheels  16  (3″). Rear wheels  16  are pivotally mounted to the underside of platform  12 . In contrast, front wheels  14  are mounted to the underside of the platform for axial rotation only and do not pivot. This arrangement allows the cart to have a high degree of maneuverability including the ability to easily traverse obstacles such as extension cords, thresholds and the like. The upper side of platform  12  provides an ample workspace area. 
         [0018]    A trash or garbage receptacle  18  is positioned at the rear of platform  12 . Trash receptacle  18  is fabricated from durable, dense plastic material and is provided with a lid to prevent inadvertent spills. A transparent plastic pocket  20  is disposed on top of the lid for the placement of work schedules and other important information. A removable metal frame  22  is utilized to secure a garbage bag placed in the receptacle. The upper end of trash receptacle  18  is encompassed by a handle  24 , which handle is attached to a frame structure  30 . A pair of doors  26  is attached to the front face of trash receptacle  18  to allow for easy removal of extremely heavy garbage bags, whereby the bags can be removed from the receptacle without tearing. Handles  26   a  are provided to facilitate opening and closing doors  26 . Provision is made for removable shelves (not shown) to be positioned in trash receptacle  18  if desired. 
         [0019]    The cart is equipped with a top shelf  32 . Plural snap-in holders  34  are disposed around the perimeter of the shelf. Snap-in holders  34  are designed to hold implements such as brooms, dust mops, wet mops, etc. Receptacles  36  are supported on platform  12  and are adapted to house cleaning solution containers, spray bottles and the like. Opening  38  is adapted to retain a removable rod for holding paper towels. A main tray having rectangular containers  40  therein are disposed on the top shelf  32  and are adapted to be filled with any needed work supplies. 
         [0020]    At its front end, platform  12  is designed with a cut-out portion  12   a  ( FIG. 3 ). Cut-out portion  12   a  is adapted to receive a washing bucket or pail  50  therein. Bucket  50  is mounted on plural wheels  52  so that the bucket can be easily moved with the cart. A unique wringer system  54  is mounted on bucket  50 . The bucket is available in two sizes. The smaller size is especially adapted for small business and household use. 
         [0021]    As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , wringer  54  comprises a notch  56  adapted to fit over the edge  50   a  of bucket  50 . A wringer panel  58  is pivotally mounted on axis  58   a . Handle  60  and rod  62  function to rotate panel  58  in groove  64  to extract water from a wet-mop (not shown) positioned adjacent panel  58 . 
         [0022]    A second embodiment of the wringer system is shown at  80  ( FIG. 6 ) and comprises a pair of wringer panels  82 ,  84  both pivotally mounted at their lower ends on a common axis  86 . The upper end of panel  82  is rotated in groove  88 . The upper end of panel  84  is rotated in groove  88   a . A linkage system  87  (shown in phantom lines) functions to stabilize rotation. A handle  89  is utilized to provide grasping means to rotate the panels. 
         [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates an auxiliary garbage container  70  having wheels  72  thereon. Container  70  is equipped with a handle  74  to enhance manipulation. Container  70  is adapted to fit into the front of the cart. 
         [0024]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.