Abstract:
The invention concerns a device attached to a mop base that facilitates its use on a wall, limiting its possible angular travel with respect to the handle and arranging it for a correct approach to and positioning against a vertical wall.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application PD2012/A000137, filed on 4 May 2012, and PCT Application PCT/IB2013/053543, filed on 3 May 2013, both incorporated herein by reference. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The scope of application of the invention concerns a device combined with a mop base that facilitates its use for cleaning walls. 
       DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
       [0004]    The cleaning sector is continually improving the services that can be obtained: both regarding the degree of cleaning, and the equipment used for carrying out the cleaning, as well as the capacity to clean spaces and surfaces that until a short time ago were unthinkable. 
         [0005]    This invention concerns precisely a product that can be applied to a cleaning surface that until recently had to be treated manually. 
         [0006]    In fact, as is well known, vertical surfaces have always been excluded from traditional cleaning operations that substantially dealt with horizontal surfaces like floors, tables, and horizontal surfaces in general. 
         [0007]    However, the need to clean vertical surfaces is just as important as horizontal surfaces. 
         [0008]    For example, the tiled surfaces of bathroom walls. 
         [0009]    Therefore, this type of cleaning has always been subject to a manual pre-treatment. 
         [0010]    Namely with a cloth or rag gripped by the operator. 
         [0011]    In reality there is a type of cleaning that treats vertical surfaces; the only cleaning carried out on vertical surfaces is the cleaning of glazed surfaces, which however, out of necessity and because of the equipment, require particular tools. 
         [0012]    Only in a rather pragmatic manner and completely inadequately, some operators have thought of using the same type of equipment for cleaning floors also for cleaning vertical walls. 
         [0013]    However, it is clear that this experimentation was an improvisation with a range of drawbacks, so that it was soon abandoned without any development. 
         [0014]    In fact, in order to be laid against a vertical wall, traditional mop bases, in passing from a situation where they are resting on the floor to one where they are up against the wall, have to maintain a position that is perpendicular to the support handle to which they are connected. 
         [0015]    However, normal bases for mops for cleaning floors, as soon as they are raised from the floor and when the handle is inclined in the horizontal, remain practically always parallel to the floor, forcing the operator to intervene manually by holding the base vertically allowing it to be rested against the vertical wall. 
         [0016]    Now high quality bases with improved functionality are connected to their handles with a double articulated hinge, a first articulation with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base and a second articulation with an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base. 
         [0017]    When a traditional base is used on a wall, the articulation with an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base should be temporarily blocked. 
         [0018]    In fact, very often said base, especially for significant heights, should be held with a single position with respect to the handle, avoiding angled positions; while at a lower height the base can be managed without an angled position. 
         [0019]    Generally, mop bases are not accessorised with a device for blocking just the desired hinged articulations. 
         [0020]    Since, lastly, very often, it is necessary to follow at least two different cleaning steps, the adoption of a base that could easily be used on one side or the other would be useful. 
         [0021]    This possibility of using both sides of a mop base is ruled out for traditional bases; which for a different type of cleaning require the application and use of a new cleaning cloth with all the drawbacks set out above. 
         [0022]    A mop base, however, that allows both sides of the mop to be used exists; however these bases, when they are raised from the floor, acquire an almost vertical position, but with the cloth not properly arranged for use. 
         [0023]    In fact, these bases, which can hold the cleaning cloth gripped along a lengthwise edge, being easily used by rotating the base itself with respect to the handle, without any constraint in passing from sustaining one surface to the opposite one, obviously cannot in any way restrain said base that is always in a vertical position with respect to the floor with the cloth attached that drops vertically following the base. 
         [0024]    Nor is the solution of limiting the movement to just the perpendicular axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base feasible, reducing the possibility of this base being used in normal floor cleaning, and in reality rendering practically impossible the cleaning of the wall with the handle arranged perpendicular to the base. 
         [0025]    Nor is the solution feasible that limits the angular travel of the movement with respect to an axis passing parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base, which can be assumed by the base with respect to the handle, since this limitation is excessively restrictive for a standard mop base and counter to the need to pass from one surface of the mop base to the opposite position on the other side, for a mop base with two active surfaces. 
         [0026]    Therefore, this limitation would render any base unsuitable for use on a floor and a wall. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    For all the reasons explained above there is need for a device that renders a mop base, and in particular a mop base with two active work surfaces, suitable for cleaning vertical walls, which can overcome and resolve one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks. 
         [0028]    The main purpose of the invention is to overcome one or more of the drawbacks of the prior art. 
         [0029]    Another object of this invention is to make available a device attached to a mop base that can allow the same base to be used easily for cleaning vertical surfaces. 
         [0030]    Another object is to make available a device attached to a mop base that can allow the base to assume and maintain an angled configuration so that it can be laid against the wall with the cleaning surface correctly positioned, preferably in a configuration of the base parallel to the surface to be treated with the cleaning cloth correctly positioned. 
         [0031]    An even further object is to make available a device attached to a mop base that can make the handle assume any angle relative to the base after the base is resting against the wall and has assumed a correct vertical position. 
         [0032]    Another object is to make available a device attached to a mop base where the above-mentioned angled configuration can be induced, at least temporarily, without any manual maintenance operation on the part of the operator. 
         [0033]    An even further object of the invention is to make available a mop base fitted with the above-mentioned device where said base can be freely used on the floor without any restriction or limit to the degree of inclination between the base and the handle that is joined to it in an articulated way. 
         [0034]    Another object of the invention is to make available a device attached to a mop base that can realise all the above-mentioned purposes for both active surfaces that it has. 
         [0035]    An even further object of the invention is to make available a device attached to a mop base that can allow the base to assume and maintain, also after being correctly laid against the wall, a configuration with the handle aligned to the base, but maintaining blocked the rotation around the hinging with an axis perpendicular to the base. 
         [0036]    One or more of the above-mentioned purposes is realised with a mop base fitted with a rotation limiter that is characterised by one or more of the features set out in the attached claims. 
         [0037]    This is a mop base hinged, at least along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base, to its respective handle, with there being an element interposed between the base and the handle which in an initial position, close to the base, limits by means of interference the reciprocal rotation of the base and the handle to a position compatible with resting the base on a vertical wall with the cleaning cloth interposed, and a second position at rest, distanced from the base, which allows the free reciprocal rotation of the base and handle. 
         [0038]    Advantageously said element interposed between the base and the handle, called a rotation limiter, is configured as an element attached in a sliding manner to the handle, or to one of the articulation elements of the base, and fitted with one or more end parts facing the base that, in the first position, close to the base, interfere with the surface of the base facing the handle, reducing the free travel of the angle of rotation around the longitudinal axis of the base itself. 
         [0039]    Advantageously, said rotation limiter can in said first position maintain a perpendicular configuration between the base and the handle, suitable for positioning the base against the vertical wall with the cleaning cloth interposed. 
         [0040]    Usefully, this perpendicular configuration between the base and the handle, maintained by the rotation limiter, allows the handle to assume an erect and stable position, with the base that rests on the floor, without the operator having to rest the handle against the wall, or insert it inside a retaining handle-holder. 
         [0041]    Beneficially, said rotation limiter passes from said first position to said second position by means of a sliding movement with an axis parallel to the axis of the handle. 
         [0042]    Another benefit of said rotation limiter consists of the fact that the shifting between the first position and the second rest position is obtained by sliding along the base held against the wall, after the handle has been angled. 
         [0043]    Very opportunely, the base on which said rotation limiter carries out its function has two active work surfaces, so that it can make said limitation at least in combination with one side of this base. 
         [0044]    One advantage of the configuration of this device is obtained when it is symmetrically positioned and configured to be able to actuate the limitation for each active surface to be put against the wall. 
         [0045]    Opportunely, in combination with a base with two active surfaces, in the rest configuration, the above-mentioned limiter does not interfere with the rotation of the handle around the base, allowing the handle to position itself in an undisturbed manner for a rotation at the top of each of the active work surfaces of the base. 
         [0046]    In the eventuality that between the mop base and the handle there is a double hinging, the first of which corresponds to the one set out above, with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base, and the second of which has an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base, and there is an element that temporarily blocks the rotation around the hinging axis of the mop base along the perpendicular axis, then advantageously the rotation limiter is joined solidly to the above-mentioned temporary blocking element. 
         [0047]    Advantageously, the rotation limiter can pass from the first position to the second rest position, while the above-mentioned temporary blocking element in any event carries out its function of blocking the rotation around the perpendicular axis to the longitudinal axis of the base. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0048]    The technical characteristics of the mop base fitted with a rotation limiter according to this invention, for the above-mentioned purposes, can be clearly found in the claims below, and the advantages of it will be more clearly evident in the detailed description that follows, made in reference to the attached drawings, which represent an example of a preferred embodiment only that is in no way restrictive, where: 
           [0049]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a mop base of the type with two active surfaces, hinged with double articulation, along the longitudinal axis x-x and, using a link, along the perpendicular z-z axis; said mop base has on the handle support a block for the rotation of the perpendicular axis z-z, and attached to this block there is a rotation limiter around the longitudinal axis x-x; 
           [0050]      FIG. 2  shows the mop base of  FIG. 1  according to a side plane view, with the rotation limiter in a rest position, distant from the base; 
           [0051]      FIG. 3  shows the mop base of  FIG. 1  with the rotation limiter in an active position, close to the base, that can limit the angular travel between the base and the handle with its parts at the end facing the base; 
           [0052]      FIG. 4  shows the mop base of  FIG. 3  according to a side plane view; 
           [0053]      FIG. 5  shows the mop base of  FIG. 3  with the handle-carrier inclined with respect to the base, and with the end parts of the rotation limiter that limit by means of interference with the surface of the base the reciprocal rotation of the base and the handle; 
           [0054]      FIG. 6  shows the mop base of  FIG. 5  according to a side plane view, where the function of the rotation limiter that reduces the free travel of the angle of rotation around the longitudinal axis x-x of the base with respect to the handle is clear; 
           [0055]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the mop base, with a cleaning cloth correctly positioned for cleaning a wall next to the active surfaces, the position of the base is vertical and is kept perpendicular to the handle by the rotation limiter, whose ends are resting against the base; 
           [0056]      FIG. 8  shows the mop base of  FIG. 7 , according to a side plane view, showing clearly the position of the cleaning cloth positioned correctly for cleaning a wall; the base is kept in a vertical position perpendicular to the support handle by the rotation limiter, which is the object of this invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0057]    In the example of the drawings reference is made to a mop device having a mop base  1 , of the double active side variety  2 ,  3 , connected to a handle-holder  9  by means of articulation elements or a link  4  with two rotation possibilities: around an x-x axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base, and around an axis z-z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base. 
         [0058]    In the above-mentioned embodiment, reference is made to a block device  5  that can block the rotation around the axis z-z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x-x of the base, which slides along the main axis y of the handle. 
         [0059]    In the preferred embodiment the rotation limiter  5 , which is the object of the invention, is solidly connected to the above-mentioned blocking device. 
         [0060]    The double possibility of rotation examined above, is possible also thanks to a double articulation around two axes; the first axis x-x is longitudinal and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base  1 , very often the above-mentioned axes are near and sometimes coinciding; the second rotation axis z-z, however, is usually distanced from the first axis x-x, and is transversal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base  1 ; almost always the above-mentioned base  1  is hinged near the centre of gravity. 
         [0061]    A first articulation is generally hinged to base  1  and a second articulation is generally hinged to the handle-holder  9 . 
         [0062]    With this double articulation, it is possible to make the base assume any position with respect to the handle  6 . 
         [0063]    However, to work well on a wall the transversal hinging should be blocked. 
         [0064]    A mop base  1  with two active working sides  2 ,  3  can pass from one to the other with the simple rotation of the handle  6 . Again, through an opportune angling and rotation of the handle  6 , the operator can place the active side  2 ,  3  on the floor. 
         [0065]    To carry out the cleaning operations, first a cleaning cloth  7  is attached to said mop base  1  which is held along the lengthwise edge  8  by the gripper mouth. 
         [0066]    Having carefully selected the work side  2 ,  3  of the base  1  or the surface of the cloth  7  to be used in the cleaning, the base  1  is rotated, positioning the relative selected side  2 ,  3  of the base  1  on the floor, then the rotation limiter  5  is rotated to an active position moving it from its rest position, having it slide on the handle  6  (or on the handle-holder  9  or on the articulation elements of the base) towards the base  1 . 
         [0067]    The maximum angle attainable that can be maintained by the limiter between the base  1  and the handle  6  is perpendicular. 
         [0068]    With the rotation limiter  5  arranged in its limitation configuration, the base  1  can be raised and easily positioned against the wall, with this base  1  maintaining the same angulation with respect to the handle  6 , instead of descending in a vertical position, with the gripper mouth, on the longitudinal side  8 , facing down that holds the cloth  7  dangling vertically. 
         [0069]    While in the angle held by the rotation limiter  5 , the base  1  is always vertical (or in a close angulation) with the gripper mouth facing upwards that holds the cloth  7 , positioned adjacent to the active side  2 ,  3  that will be put against the wall, with the cleaning cloth  7  interposed. 
         [0070]    After the initial positioning against the wall, the function of the rotation limiter  5  is not important, since the pressure of the handle  6  on the base  1  keeps the correct position of the cloth underneath the cleaning base  1  pressed against the wall. 
         [0071]    This rotation limiter  5 , however, does not limit in an irreversible manner the angle of the base  1  with respect to the handle  6 , impeding a convenient cleaning operation, since following the inclination of the handle  6  with respect to the base  1 , with the base  1  always held against the wall, the rotation limiter  5 , sliding with its end parts  10  on the outer surface of a base ride, comes to a position that leaves a huge possibility of inclination between the base  1  and the handle  6  until this interference is disengaged leaving the rotation between the base  1  and the handle  6  completely free and unhindered, bringing said rotation limiter  5  to a rest state. 
         [0072]    Very advantageously, as we have seen said rotation limiter  5  is joined to the element that reduces to just a single degree of freedom the possible rotations of the base  1  with respect to the handle  6  (when the rotation limiter  5  intervenes on the other perpendicular rotation). 
         [0073]    Also when the above-mentioned rotation limiter  5  is in a rest state, and therefore the base  1  can rotate with respect to the handle  6  with respect to the hinging axis x-x, the element that reduces to just a single degree of freedom is still effective and active. 
         [0074]    Keeping this restriction to a single degree of freedom allows the wall to be worked effectively, eventually also inclining the handle  6  with respect to the vertical without any fear that the base  1  can further rotate, but remaining aligned with the handle  6 .