Attachment mechanism to removably and securely retain a cleaning implement attachment on a wringer mop

A cleaning attachment which removably holds the cleaning implement such as a scrubber pad or a scrub brush in place on a wringer mop head and will not fall off during the vigorous scrubbing or brushing action because it is locked in place by means of a novel attaching mechanism. The present invention is comprised of a receiving channel affixed to the mop head, the channel receiving the unique locking members of the present invention attachment mechanism. The attachment comprises an elongated base member which on one side either permanently or removably retains a scrubber pad. On the opposite side, the base comprises the locking members which are three snap wings, one extending in one direction and the other two extending in the opposite direction, so that when the snap wings are received within the receiving channel, the snap wings are snapped into and retained within the receiving channel with the wings abutting opposite elongated upper walls within the channel of the receiving member to lock the base in place within the channel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wringer mops and more particularly to a wringer mop which is provided with a cleaning implement such as a scrubber pad or scrub brush to thereby enable the mop to be used to perform the dual function of washing a floor with a mop in the normal manner, and alternatively to remove soil resistant to removal by washing by applying an abrasive surface to the floor or wall being cleaned.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In general, wringer mops with scrubber attachments are known in the prior art. The following twenty patents are relevant to the field of the present invention.

16. United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2004/0016072 A1 to Libman on Jan. 29, 2004 for “Wringer Mop With Removable Mop Head” (hereafter the “Libman Patent”);

The Roberts Patent which issued in 1923 is a scraper attachment for brooms. Specifically focusing onFIG. 1and on the second column on the first page beginning on Line64it states “Bar6on both of the edges of its angles is provided with a plurality of apertured lugs or ears9, by means of which the bar may be securely fastened to the brush block.” This is just simply fastening the scraper by three screws to the head of the broom.

The '888 Vosbikian Patent which issued in 1955 is a detachable bracket for mops with cleaning material. This is simply a rectangular bracket for holding bristle broom brushes and contains a screw mechanism by which it is attached to the sponge mop portion.

The '152 Vosbikian Patent which issued in 1959 is dealing with mops with replaceable mop heads and an extractor mechanism. This essentially involves attachment of a brush to a sponge mop and consists of a metal bracket with bolts through it which are fastened by wing nuts.

The Zottola Patent deals with a mop with a cam wringer and also has a method of attaching a brush to the cam wringing portion of the mop. Specifically, the focus of this invention deals with plate60which carries brush22. Plate60is secured to plate41which has the cam action wringer for the sponge mop through means of bolts passing through the brush22, plate60and plate41held in position by knurled nuts69and70.

The Burkhart Patent discloses a wringer sponge mop and scrubber attachment, the scrubber attachment carrying a detachable scrubber pad. Referring to Column2beginning on Line46, the patent states “The scrubber attachment40in the embodiment illustrated atFIGS. 1 to 4is defined by rigid bent wire46, either integral or of several wire pieces welded together, such that the end portions of the scrubber attachment40define a U-portions47over which the channel member42may be slid. Each one of a pair of arm members extending from U-loop portions47includes a loop48, to thereby define an apertured ear, each loop48terminating in an extending arm portion50. The portions46,48, and50define a rigid frame member . . . . As illustrated inFIG. 4, the pad carrying channel member42is slidable on and off of wire frame45.” With respect to the second embodiment most notably illustrated inFIG. 7, the scrubber attachment100includes a horizontal run102of stiff wire. The numeral120denotes a stiff, sheet metal base having a central, longitudinal running channel122and longitudinally running overhanging flanges124to provide stiffness to the base. Therefore, the wire is slid into this base for purposes of attaching the scrubber.

The O'Neil, Jr. Patent deals with a sponge mop with a scrubber attachment. It includes a scrubber attachment fixedly mounted to a wringer type sponge mop without the necessity for any extra attaching hardware. The scrubber attachment carries a scrubber pad that is secured to the mop head at a predetermined angle. The attachment is best illustrated inFIG. 4wherein the attachment40consists of a plastic plate or sheet. It also includes a pair of ears46having a central aperture through which the axles of the sponge mop protrude as illustrated in the cross-sectional views ofFIGS. 2 and 3.

The Jones Patent discloses a design patent for a wringer mop head with a scrubber.

The Decoopman Patent deals with a sponge mop. The device includes a scraper as illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14. The scraper includes a pad47secured to the support plate which in turn is fit into a cylindrical member by means of the portion they called finger49. Referring to Column10, line59, the patent states “In order to avoid any untimely disconnection of the pad47from the support plate48, the rail58projecting from the front face of said support plate48advantageously has a first abutment face60situated at one end and a first portion61of a snap-fastening system situated near its opposite end. The groove59in the rear face of the backing plate57then has a second abutment face62situated at one end and a second portion63of the same snap-fastening system situated towards its opposite. The pad is mounted on the support plate48by causing the groove59to slide on the projecting rail58. The sliding is continued until the first and second abutment faces60and62and also the first and second portions of the snap-fastening system61,63co-operate mutually so as to hold the pad locked in position.”

The '750 Vosbikian Patent deals with a sponge mop attachment. The device which holds the scrubber is best illustrated inFIGS. 3 through 9and includes two detent tabs14and15which fit into cutouts in the mops10and11. Also, there are openings19and18to receive a front tip of the squeeze arms6and7.

The '775 Petner Patent appears to have the same structural features of the previous Vosbikian Patent with respect to the attachment of the scrubber, although it does not have the front housing to which the scrubber is attached as in the Vosbikian Patent.

The '378 Petner Patent discloses a self-wringing swap mop with a scrubber. Referring to Column3, line24, it states “Attached to flat outer surface24is an abrasive scrubber member26. It will be appreciated that scrubber member26can be an abrasive pad, brush or similar course surface which can be permanently attached to the outer surface24or attached by means of Velcro.”

The Lewis Patent is a mop scrubber adapter. Referring particularly to Column3, line32, the patent states “As best shown inFIG. 3, the scrubber adapter10has detent tabs40which fit the sides and front of the head attachment16. Two arms44extend rearwardly from the scrubber adapter10, each arm having a side detent tab40at an end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the side detent tabs40are sized for insertion into a notch48of the head attachment A front detent tab50extends rearwardly from the adapter10and is sized to extend from a lower rear edge52of the head attachment16.”

The Reissue Petner Patent is a cam actuated roller mop with a scrubber attachment. The mop is combined with an integral mop attachment with an outer abrasive surface, designed and formed to be positioned within a wall surface. The attachment is removable and interchangeable for use on similarly configured roller mops. Referring to Column4, line60, the patent states “Frame14further preferably supports a removable floor scrubbing mop attachment20which has a planar abrasive scrubbing surface24as illustrated best in FIGS.1and11.” Referring to Column5, line18, the patent further states “As seenFIG. 11, removable mop attachment20includes a planar support panel74and is maintained in position in tunnel housing42of frame14by side support guides76and a central support stop78, all of which are preferably integrally molded with mop attachment20as a single piece of plastic.”

The Laux Patent relates to a modular sponge mop. The sponge mop is retained on a backing plate. Referring to Column3beginning on line55, it states “As may best be seen inFIGS. 2 and 8, the backing plate52further includes a pair of spaced legs70,72located adjacent opposing lateral sides of the backing plate52. The legs70,72are adapted to slide through corresponding slots74,76extending into the front edge18from the lower side thereof. In addition, each of the legs70,72includes a respective tang portion78,80extending perpendicularly thereto. The tang portions78,80engage a back surface82(FIG. 3) of the front edge18whereby the backing plate52is held in contact with the front edge18as it is inserted upwardly to engage the legs70,72within the slots74,76.”

The Fernandez Patent is a roller self-wringing sponge mop with a scrubber. The scrubber designated as42is provided on the narrow end of the mop head14. The scrubber/scraper42includes a scrubbing material42aand scraper edge42b. The scrubber/scraper42is attached to the mop head14in a removable manner such as by projections that slide within undercuts on the end of the mop head14and are held tightly by an interference fit.

The Libman Patent Application is a published application which was published on Jan. 29, 2004. This patent application discloses a slot arrangement for retaining a working brush. Referring to Section46of the application, it states “For further convenience, the working end24of the mop can be provided with a removable brush92. The brush illustrated inFIG. 22has a slotted resilient web93that fits within a sleeve95on the working end of the mop (FIG. 21). The web comprises a depression97that engages an internal knob99in the sleeve to hold the brush in place.”

The European Patent Application is in effect the European publication of the Libman Patent is disclosed above. This is the reason that the application was published. It effectively discloses the same thing as just discussed in the U.S. Libman patent publication.

The Oretti Patent is a butterfly sponge mop with an angle-adjustable handle. The patent also discloses an auxiliary cleaning tool and the method by which it is attached as best illustrated inFIG. 7. Referring to Column6, the patent states “The illustrated embodiment of the present invention also includes means for selectively mounting an auxiliary cleaning tool70, such as a scourer or a squeegee, on the front of the body portion40of the swivel housing34. As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 7, the auxiliary cleaning too70is mounted by a mounting plate72provided on the auxiliary cleaning tool70that is slidably lockable in a complementary key structure74formed in the front of the body portion40.”

Going to line51, the Oretti Patent states “The key structure74is advantageously molded of a plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene and may be designed and configured to positively permanently snap-fit to the body portion40of the swivel housing34.” Also, referring to Column7and in particular,FIG. 8, the patent states “The forward edge of the cover624is provided with a key structure626for securing a tool mounting plate550. The tool mounting plate has integral slide elements552,554and556which cooperate with the key structure626to secure the mounting plate to the front of the pivot mop assembly.”

The Slany Patent is a design patent that has a scrubber attached to the mop shaft.

The WO 01/03566 A1 Patent, this is the same as the United States Patent to Petner discussed as the Reissue Patent with the scrubber on the self wringing mop.

There is a significant need for an improved attachment mechanism to removably and securely retain a cleaning implement such as a scrubber pad or scrub brush on a wringer mop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a cleaning implement such as a scrubber pad attachment which removably holds the scrubber pad or scrub brush attachment which holds a scrub brush in place on a wringer mop head and will not fall off during the vigorous scrubbing action because it is locked in place by means of a novel attaching mechanism. The present invention is comprised of a receiving channel affixed to the mop head, the channel receiving the unique locking members of the present invention attachment mechanism. The attachment comprises an elongated base member which on one side either permanently or removably retains a scrubber pad or permanently retains a scrub brush. On the opposite side, the base comprises the locking members which are three snap wings, one extending in one direction and the other two extending in the opposite direction, so that when the snap wings are received within the receiving channel, the snap wings are snapped into and retained within the receiving channel with the wings abutting opposite elongated interior walls within the receiving channel to lock the base in place within the channel.

It has been discovered, according to the present invention, that if an attachment mechanism comprises a multiplicity of snap wings which can be inserted in a channel attached to a mop head, with at least one snap wing having a tooth abutting an interior wall of the channel and at last a second snap wing abutting an opposing interior wall of the channel, then the mechanism will be securely retained on the mop head and can retain a scrubber pad or scrub brush during vigorous scrubbing action.

It has further been discovered, according to the present invention, that if the mechanism further contains a pair of parallel side walls which abut respective ends of the channel walls, lateral movement of the mechanism during vigorous scrubbing will be prevented.

It has further been discovered, according to the present invention, that the preferred shape and the receiving channel walls is “L” shaped, however other wall shapes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It has additionally been discovered, according to the present invention, that while three snap wings are the preferred embodiment, any configuration having at least one snap wing with a flat surface pointing in a direction and a tooth pointing in a direction combined with at least a second snap wing with a flat surface pointing in a direction opposite to the direction of the flat surface of the at least one snap wing and a tooth pointing in a direction opposite to the direction of the tooth of the at least one snap wing is within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to have an attachment mechanism to removably and securely retain a scrubber pad and/or scrub brush attachment on a wringer mop.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mechanism to lock the scrubber pad or scrub brush retained into a receiving channel affixed to a mop head so that the mechanism will not move and will not fall out of the channel during a vigorous scrubbing process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation of the present invention is a scrubber pad attachment which removably holds the scrubber pad in place on a wringer mop head and will not fall off during the vigorous scrubbing action because it is locked in place by means of a novel attaching mechanism. The innovation of the present invention is also a scrub brush attachment which holds the scrub brush in place on a wringer mop head and will not fall off during the vigorous brushing action because it is locked in place by means of a novel attaching mechanism. The present invention is comprised of a receiving channel affixed to the mop head, the channel receiving the unique locking members of the present invention attachment mechanism. The attachment comprises an elongated base member which on one side either permanently or removably retains a scrubber pad or permanently retains a scrub brush. On the opposite side, the base comprises the locking members which are three snap wings, one extending in one direction and the other two extending in the opposite direction, so that when the snap wings are received within the receiving channel, the snap wings are snapped into and retained within the receiving channel with the wings abutting opposite elongated interior walls within the receiving channel to lock the base in place within the channel.

The base further comprises two transversely extending side members which are located at opposite ends of the three snap members and positioned such that when the snap members are locked within the channel, a respective transverse side member is positioned immediately outside the ends of the receiving channel so the base cannot move laterally in either direction. As a result, the base is firmly locked within the receiving channel and won't move during vigorous scrubbing action.

Referring toFIGS. 1,2and3, there is illustrated at100the head portion of a wringer mop which includes the head110, a portion of the shaft120by which the wringer mop is held and the sponge roller plates122and124by which the sponge126is wrung. The head110has a front surface112elevated above the front sponge roller plate124on which a scrubber pad attachment is conventionally placed so that the shaft120and head110can be positioned to cause a retained scrubber pad to apply abrasive pressure to difficult soil areas which will not come loose through ordinary washing with the sponge126.

The present invention attachment mechanism10addresses the problem found in conventional scrubber attachment mechanisms which come loose from the head110because of vigorous scrubbing action required to loosen the ingrained soil areas. The present invention attachment mechanism10comprises a receiving member20which has a first “L shaped wall22which includes a first sidewall24attached to or molded into the head110at one end and terminating in a first transverse wall26at its other end.

The receiving member20further comprises a second “L” shaped wall32which includes a second sidewall34attached to or molded into the head110at one end and terminating in a second transverse wall36at its other end. The first “L” shaped wall22and the second “L” shaped wall32are mirror images of each other so that they are spaced apart with first sidewall aligned parallel to second sidewall34and first transverse wall26extending toward second transverse wall36and second transverse wall36extending toward first transverse wall26so that a channel40is formed between first sidewall24and second sidewall34and an elongated gap42is formed between first transverse wall26and second transverse wall36which leads into channel40.

The second component of the present invention attachment mechanism is an elongated base50having a front side52to which a scrubber pad54is attached. The scrubber pad54can be permanently attached to the front side52of elongated base50by adhesive means or alternatively, the scrubber pad54can be removably attached to the front side52of elongated base50by removable attachment means such as Velcro® hook and loop fasteners with one hook or loop fastener positioned on the front side52of elongated base50and the mating loop or hook fastener positioned in the rear surface56of scrubber pad54. When affixed to the base50in this manner, the abrasive face58of scrubber pad54faces outwardly as illustrated inFIG. 1so that the abrasive face58of scrubber pad54can be rubbed against the wall or floor being washed.

The rear side60of elongated base50contains the locking members which are three snap wings. A first snap wing62is illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4and comprise a flat surface64and tooth surface66having a tooth68formed by sections of the surface coming together to form a tooth68.

Adjacent first snap wing62is second snap wing72which is illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 5and comprises a flat surface74and a tooth surface76having a tooth78formed by sections of the surface coming together to form a tooth78.

Adjacent second snap wing72at its opposite end is third snap wing82which is illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 6and comprises flat surface84and a tooth surface86having a tooth formed by sections of the surface coming together to form a tooth88.

First snap wing62is identical to third snap wing82with their respective teeth68and88parallel to each other and pointing in the same direction and their respective flat surfaces64and aligned parallel. Second snap wing72is between and adjacent to first snap wing62and third snap wing82has its tooth78oppositely disposed to teeth68and88and has its flat surface74pointing in the opposite direction to flat surfaces64and84. The three snap wings62,72and82are pushed through elongated gap42and are firmly secured within channel40with their respective flat surfaces64,74and84resting against the head110of the mop wringer while their teeth68,78and88are pressed against walls of the receiving member20. In the embodiment illustrated teeth68and86abut the interior of second sidewall34while tooth78abuts the interior of first sidewall24and also rests adjacent the interior of first transverse wall26.

It will be appreciated that numerous alternate configurations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have a multiplicity of snap wings to retain the elongated base within the receiving member20. Three snap wings as illustrated with two having teeth pointing in one direction and the other having a tooth pointing in the opposite direction is preferred so that snap wings are sandwiched against first “L” shaped wall and second “L” shaped wall within channel40of receiving member20. The present invention will work with any two snap wings with teeth pointing in opposite directions to abut opposing “L” shaped walls. Even at least one snap wing is within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Adjacent the side of first snap wing62remote from second snap wing72is a first transverse side member90having an interior surface92adjacent to first snap wing62. Adjacent the side of third snap wing82remote from second snap wing72is a second transverse side member94having an interior surface96.

First sidewall24terminates in a first transverse end21and an opposite second transverse end25and first transverse wall26terminates in a first transverse end23and an opposite second transverse end27. Similarly, second sidewall34terminates in a first transverse end31and an opposite second transverse end35and second transverse wall26terminates in a first end33and an opposite second transverse end37. The transverse ends21,23,31and33are all aligned and transverse ends25,27,35and37are all aligned. When the three snap wings62,72, and82are press fit and snapped into and retained within channel40, interior surface92of first transverse side member90abuts transverse ends21,23,31and33and interior surface96and second transverse side member94abuts transverse ends25,27,35and37so that elongated base50is firmly secured within channel40so that lateral and side to side movement of snap wings62,72and82within channel40is prevented by first and second transverse side members90and92respectively abutting ends of receiving member20.

Therefore, through implementation of the present invention attachment mechanism, the scrubber pad assembly is very securely retained on the mop head and will not fall out because the snap wings securely retain the elongated base member within the receiving channel and the transverse side members prevent lateral movement of the elongated base during vigorous scrubbing.

The present invention attachment member including the elongated base50, the snap wings62,72and82and transverse side members90and92can be molded as one piece and formed of plastic or related synthetic material such as polypropylene, etc. Optionally, an internal rail98can also be molded onto the rear surface60of elongated base50and respectively positioned on the exterior sides of first and second transverse side members90and94to give them extra strength.

Although securely retained, the elongated base50and its snap wings or snap fasteners62,72and84of the transverse side members90and94are removable from receiving channel and can be replaced if necessary.

Referring toFIGS. 3,7and8, there is illustrated the head portion of a wringer mop which includes the head110, a portion of the shaft120by which the wringer mop is held and the sponge roller plates122and124by which the sponge126is wrung. The head110has a front surface112elevated above the front sponge roller plate124on which a scrub brush attachment is conventionally placed so that the shaft120and head110can be positioned to cause a retained scrub brush to apply brushing pressure to difficult soil areas which will not come loose through ordinary washing with the sponge126.

This alternative embodiment of the present invention attachment mechanism210addresses the problem found in conventional scrubber attachment mechanisms which come loose from the head110because of vigorous brushing action required to loosen the ingrained soil areas. The present invention attachment mechanism210comprises a receiving member20which has a first “L shaped wall22which includes a first sidewall24attached to or molded into the head110at one end and terminating in a first transverse wall26at its other end.

The receiving member20further comprises a second “L” shaped wall32which includes a second sidewall34attached to or molded into the head110at one end and terminating in a second transverse wall36at its other end. The first “L” shaped wall22and the second “L” shaped wall32are mirror images of each other so that they are spaced apart with first sidewall aligned parallel to second sidewall34and first transverse wall26extending toward second transverse wall36and second transverse wall36extending toward first transverse wall26so that a channel40is formed between first sidewall24and second sidewall34and an elongated gap42is formed between first transverse wall26and second transverse wall36which leads into channel40.

The second component of the alternative embodiment of the present invention attachment mechanism is an elongated base250having a front side252to which a scrub brush254is attached. The scrub brush254is permanently attached to the front side252of elongated base When affixed to the base250in this manner, the brushes258face outwardly as illustrated inFIG. 7so that the brushes250of the scrub brush254can be brushed against the wall or floor being washed.

The rear side260of elongated base250contains the locking members which are three snap wings. A first snap wing262is illustrated inFIG. 8and comprises a flat surface and tooth surface having a tooth formed by sections of the surface coming together to form a tooth, comparable to flat surface64and tooth surface66with tooth68as illustrated inFIG. 4.

Adjacent first snap wing262is second snap wing272which is illustrated inFIG. 8and comprises a flat surface and a tooth surface having a tooth formed by sections of the surface coming together to form a tooth, comparable to flat surface74, tooth surface76and tooth78as illustrated inFIG. 5.

Adjacent second snap wing272at its opposite end is third snap wing282which is illustrated inFIG. 8and comprises a flat surface and a tooth surface having a tooth formed by sections of the surface coming together to form a tooth, comparable to flat surface84, tooth surface86and tooth88as illustrated inFIG. 6.

First snap wing262is identical to third snap wing282with their respective teeth parallel to each other and pointing in the same direction and their respective flat surfaces aligned parallel. Second snap wing272is between and adjacent to first snap wing262and third snap wing282has its tooth oppositely disposed to the teeth of snap wings262and282and has its flat surface pointing in the opposite direction to flat surfaces of snap wings262and282. The three snap wings262,272and282are pushed through elongated gap42and are firmly secured within channel40with their respective flat surfaces resting against the head110of the mop wringer while their teeth are pressed against walls of the receiving member20.

It will be appreciated that numerous alternate configurations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have a multiplicity of snap wings to retain the elongated base250within the receiving member20. Three snap wings as illustrated with two having teeth pointing in one direction and the other having a tooth pointing in the opposite direction is preferred so that snap wings are sandwiched against first “L” shaped wall and second “L” shaped wall within channel40of receiving member20. The present invention will work with any two snap wings with teeth pointing in opposite directions to abut opposing “L” shaped walls. Even at least one snap wing is within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Adjacent the side of first snap wing262remote from second snap wing272is a first transverse side member290having an interior surface292adjacent to first snap wing262. Adjacent the side of third snap wing282remote from second snap wing272is a second transverse side member294having an interior surface296.

First sidewall24terminates in a first transverse end21and an opposite second transverse end25and first transverse wall26terminates in a first transverse end23and an opposite second transverse end27. Similarly, second sidewall34terminates in a first transverse end31and an opposite second transverse end35and second transverse wall26terminates in a first end33and an opposite second transverse end37. The transverse ends21,23,31and33are all aligned and transverse ends25,27,35and37are all aligned. When the three snap wings262,272, and282are press fit and snapped into and retained within channel40, interior surface292of first transverse side member290abuts transverse ends21,23,31and33and interior surface296and second transverse side member294abuts transverse ends25,27,35and37so that elongated base250is firmly secured within channel40so that lateral and side to side movement of snap wings262,272and282within channel40is prevented by first and second transverse side members290and292respectively abutting ends of receiving member20.

Therefore, through implementation of the present invention attachment mechanism, the scrub brush assembly is very securely retained on the mop head and will not fall out because the snap wings securely retain the elongated base member within the receiving channel and the transverse side members prevent lateral movement of the elongated base during vigorous scrubbing.

The present invention attachment member including the elongated base250, the snap wings262,272and282and transverse side members290and292can be molded as one piece and formed of plastic or related synthetic material such as polypropylene, etc. Optionally, an internal rail298can also be molded onto the rear surface260of elongated base250and respectively positioned on the exterior sides of first and second transverse side members290and294to give them extra strength.

Although securely retained, the elongated base250and its snap wings or snap fasteners262,272and282of the transverse side members290and294are removable from receiving channel20and can be replaced if necessary.

Defined in detail, the present invention is an attachment mechanism to retain a cleaning implement attachment on a wringer mop including a head having a front surface, the attachment mechanism comprising: (a) a receiving member attached to the front surface of the mop head, the receiving member further comprising a first “L” shaped wall having a first sidewall attached to the mop head at one end and terminating in a first transverse wall at its other end, the first sidewall having first and second transverse ends and the first transverse wall having first and second transverse ends, and a second “L” shaped wall having a second sidewall attached to the mop head at one end and terminating in a second transverse wall at its other end, the second sidewall having first and second transverse ends, and the second transverse wall having first and second transverse ends, the first and second “L” shaped walls being spaced apart and parallel to each other and a mirror image of each other so that the first sidewall is parallel to the second sidewall and the first and second transverse walls extend toward each other with an elongated gap separating them and leading to an internal channel formed by the first and second “L” shaped walls; (b) an elongated base having a front side to which a cleaning implement is attached, and a rear side comprising a first snap wing extending away from the side of the elongated base, the first snap wing having a flat surface and a tooth surface having a tooth, a second snap wing aligned with and adjacent the first snap wing, the second snap wing extending away from the rear side of the elongated base and having a flat surface and a tooth surface having a tooth, and a third snap wing aligned with and adjacent the second snap wing, the third snap wing extending away from the rear side of the elongated base and having a flat surface and a tooth surface having a tooth; (c) the first and third snap wings being parallel to each other with their respective flat surface extending in the same direction and their respective teeth extending in the same direction, the second snap wing positioned between the first and third snap wings with the flat surface of the second snap wing extending in an opposite direction to the flat surfaces of the first and third snap wings and the tooth of the second snap wing extending in the opposite direction to the teeth of the first and third snap wings; (d) a first transverse side member extending away from the rear surface of the elongated base member and having an interior surface located adjacent an end of the first snap wing remote from the second snap wing and a parallel second transverse side member extending away from the rear surface of the elongated base member and having an interior surface located adjacent an end of the third snap wing remote from the second snap wing; (e) the three snap wings insertable into the channel of the receiving member by being pushed through the elongated gap so that their respective flat surfaces abut the front surface of the mop head and the tooth of the first snap member and the tooth of the third snap member abutting interior prongs of the second “L” shaped wall and the tooth of the second snap member abutting an interior portion of the first “L” shaped wall, the interior surface of the first transverse side member abutting the first transverse ends of the first “L” shaped wall and the second “L” shaped wall and the interior surface of the second transverse side member abutting the second transverse ends of the first “L” shaped wall and the second “L” shaped wall; (f) whereby the attachment mechanism is securely retained within the receiving member and the three snap wings prevent the attachment mechanism from being pulled out of the receiving channel and the two transverse side members prevent lateral movement of the snap wings within the channel.

Defined broadly, the present invention is an attachment mechanism to retain a cleaning implement attachment on a wringer mop including a head having a front surface, the attachment mechanism comprising: (a) a receiving member attached to the front surface of the mop head and formed of a pair of parallel spaced apart “L” shaped walls each having a sidewall attached at one end to the mop head and having a transverse wall at its opposite elongated end, the transverse walls extending toward each other with a gap between them, the two “L” shaped walls forming an internal channel between them which is connected to the gap, the “L” shaped walls having first and second transverse ends; (b) an elongated base having a front side to which a cleaning implement is attached, and a rear side comprising three aligned snap wings, a first and third snap wing separated by a second snap wing positioned between them, the first and third snap wings each having a flat surface extending in the same direction, the second snap wing having a flat surface and a direction opposite to the flat surface of the first and third snap wings, the first and third snap wings each having a tooth extending in the same direction and the second snap wing having a tooth extending in the opposite direction; (c) the rear side of the elongated base further comprising a pair of parallel transverse side members, respectively located adjacent one end of the first snap wing and one end of the third snap wing; and (d) the three snap wings insertable into the channel of the receiving member by being pushed through the gap so that they are firmly secured within the channel with a surface of each snap member abutting the mop head, and each respective tooth of the first and third snap members abutting an interior portion of one “L” shaped wall and the tooth of the second snap member abutting an interior portion of the other “L” shaped wall, the parallel transverse side members respectively abutting the first and second transverse ends of the “L” shaped walls; (e) whereby the attached mechanism is securely retained within the receiving member and the three snap wings prevent the attachment member from being pulled out of the channel and the two transverse side members prevent lateral movement of the snap wings within the channel.

Defined more broadly, the present invention is an attachment mechanism to retain a cleaning implement attachment on a mop including a head having a front surface, the attachment mechanism comprising: (a) a receiving member attached to the front surface of the mop head and formed of a pair of parallel spaced apart “L” shaped walls each having a sidewall attached at one end to the mop head and having a transverse wall at its opposite elongated end the transverse walls extending toward each other with a gap between them, the two “L” shaped walls forming an internal channel between them which is connected to the gap, the “L” shaped walls having first and second transverse ends; (b) an elongated base having a front side to which a cleaning implement is attached, and a rear side comprising a multiplicity of snap wings with at least one snap wing having a flat surface and a tooth extending in one direction and at least a second snap wing having a flat surface extending in a direction opposite to the flat surface of the at least one snap wing and having a tooth extending in a direction opposite to the tooth of the at least one snap wing, the at least one snap wing and the at least second snap wing being aligned; (c) the rear side of the elongated base further comprising a pair of parallel transverse side members, respectively located adjacent one end of the at least one snap wing and one end of the at least second snap wing; and (d) the multiplicity of snap wings insertable into the channel of the receiving member by being pushed through the gap so that they are firmly secured within the channel with a surface of the at least one snap wing and at least one second snap wing abutting the mop head and the tooth of the at least one snap wing abutting an interior portion of one “L” shaped wall and the tooth of the at least second snap wing abutting an interior portion of the other “L” shaped wall, the parallel transverse side members respectively abutting the front of the transverse ends of the “L” shaped walls.

Defined even more broadly, the present invention is an attachment mechanism to retain a cleaning implement on a mop including a head having a front surface, the attachment mechanism comprising: (a) a receiving member attached to the front surface of the mop head and formed of a pair of parallel spaced apart “L” shaped walls each having a sidewall attached at one end to the mop head and having a transverse wall at its opposite elongated end the transverse walls extending toward each other with a gap between them, the two “L” shaped walls forming an internal channel between them which is connected to the gap, the “L” shaped walls having first and second transverse ends; (b) an elongated base having a front side to which a scrubber pad is attached, and a rear side comprising a multiplicity of snap wings with at least one snap wing having a flat surface and a tooth extending in one direction and at least a second snap wing having a flat surface extending in a direction opposite to the flat surface of the at least one snap wing and having a tooth extending in a direction opposite to the tooth of the at least one snap wing, the at least one snap wing and the at least second snap wing being aligned; and (c) the multiplicity of snap wings insertable into the channel of the receiving member by being pushed through the gap so that they are firmly secured within the channel with a surface of the at least one snap wing and at least one second snap wing abutting the front surface of the mop head and the tooth of the at least one snap wing abutting an interior portion of one “L” shaped wall and the tooth of the at least second snap wing abutting an interior portion of the other “L” shaped wall.

Defined even more broadly, the present invention is an attachment mechanism to retain a cleaning implement attachment on a mop including a head having a front surface, the attachment mechanism comprising: (a) a receiving channel attached to the front surface of the mop head, the receiving channel having a pair of oppositely disposed walls and having an exterior gap leading to the interior of the channel, the walls of the receiving channel having respective interior surfaces and the walls of the receiving channel having opposite transverse ends; (b) an elongated base having a front side to which a cleaning implement is attached, and a rear side comprising a multiplicity of snap wings with at least one snap wing having a flat surface and a tooth extending in one direction and at least a second snap wing having a flat surface extending in a direction opposite to the flat surface of the at least one snap wing and having a tooth extending in a direction opposite to the tooth of the at least one snap wing, the at least one snap wing and the at least second snap wing being aligned; and (c) the multiplicity of snap wings insertable into the receiving channel by being pushed through the gap so that they are firmly secured within the channel with a surface of the at least one snap wing and at least one second snap wing abutting the front surface of the mop head and the tooth of the at least one snap wing abutting an interior portion of one channel wall and the tooth of the at least second snap wing abutting an interior portion of the other channel wall.