Reservoir mop and related method

A mop head with a structural base and a resilient, compressible cover defining an internal void volume forming a reservoir that can be at least partially filled with a cleaning liquid through a surface opening in the cover. The structural base includes one or more liquid discharge channels which are normally closed off by spring-biased stopper members to prevent discharge of the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid may be selectively discharged by application of compressing force against the cover during use. The application of such compressing force displaces the stopper members thereby opening the liquid discharge channels and permitting the cleaning liquid to flow outwardly through the discharge channels and away from the mop head.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to cleaning products, and more particularly to a mop tool incorporating a compressible hollow mop head defining an internal reservoir for liquid which can be expelled in a controlled manner by a user during a cleaning operation. The mop head also incorporates a lower surface adapted for reversible engagement with a disposable or reusable textile cleaning element.

BACKGROUND

Mopping is a well-known technique for cleaning floors and other surfaces. Often it is desirable to apply a liquid to the surface being cleaned during the mopping operation to act as a solvent and aid in the dissolution and removal of dirt. This liquid has traditionally been carried in a bucket or other container separate from the mopping tool. However, some users may find the use of a separate bucket to be undesirable due to issues such as spillage, contamination, and the like.

As an alternative to traditional bucket-based cleaning systems it is generally known to use reservoir structures that are attachable to the handle of the mopping tools and which feed liquid to the cleaning head through tubes or other suitable channels when activated by a user. It is also known to use mopping tools with hollow reservoir handles which can be filled with cleaning liquid for discharge. Prior known reservoir systems for mopping tools typically rely on a combination of inter-connected mechanical or electrical linkages that control valves or pumps to discharge a cleaning fluid by pumping force or gravity when the valves are simultaneously opened.

In prior known devices, filling the reservoirs may require ancillary dispensing systems and/or constant refilling of the system through small fill points. By way of example, in some systems a user is required to pour liquid into a relatively small opening in the elongated handle of the mopping tool while the handle is in a substantially vertical position. Such an operation may be difficult for many persons to perform without spillage. Moreover, such structures may require a relatively complex valve arrangement to permit an adequate volume of air to enter the reservoir to replace fluid as it is used. As will be appreciated, if enough air is not introduced into the fluid reservoir, fluid will be trapped and cannot be used. In addition, known current reservoir mops are typically triggered from the top of the handle by leaver, button, or other means. Mechanical or electrical linkages further complicate the design and may add considerable weight to the reservoir moping system.

In light of the various noted problems associated with known bucket and reservoir systems, an alternative construction for a mopping tool having an internal liquid reservoir system solely contained in the mop head would represent a useful advancement over the current art.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary construction, the present disclosure offers advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a mop tool incorporating a mop head with a structural base and a resilient, compressible cover defining an internal void volume forming a reservoir that can be at least partially filled with a cleaning liquid through a surface opening in the cover. The structural base includes one or more liquid discharge channels which are normally closed off by spring-biased stopper members to prevent discharge of the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid may be selectively discharged by application of compressing force against the cover during use, such as by downward pushing force applied through the mop pole (i.e. the handle) or a user's foot. The application of such compressing force displaces the stopper members thereby opening the liquid discharge channels and permitting the cleaning liquid to flow outwardly through the discharge channels and away from the mop head.

In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides a liquid dispensing mop head having a structural base of one-piece molded plastic construction having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes a plurality of hooking elements adapted to reversibly engage a textile structure in hook and loop connection. The structural base further includes at least one fluid discharge channel extending from the upper surface to an edge of the structural base such that fluid may flow from the upper surface to the edge for discharge away from the mop head. The structural base may further include a radially outward projecting raised lip disposed in elevated relation to the upper surface. A pliable one-piece molded polymer cover is disposed in covering relation over the structural base with a space between the cover and the structural base defining a fluid reservoir. The polymer cover includes at least one fluid opening adapted to receive fluid within the space between the cover and the structural base. The polymer cover further includes an integral connection structure adapted to engage a user manipulated pole. The polymer cover may include a tongue and groove seal disposed in stretched relation over the raised lip of the structural base. A stopper member is normally disposed in covering, flow-blocking relation to the fluid discharge channel at the upper surface of the structural base. The stopper member is operatively connected through a pivoting lever arm to a compressible spring normally applying an upward force to the lever arm and thereby urging the stopper member downward. The lever arm operatively engages the cover such that application of a downward force against the cover compresses the spring and raises the stopper member away from the fluid discharge channel to permit fluid flow through the discharge channel. Removal of the downward force against the cover causes the spring to urge the stopper member to return to covering, flow-blocking relation to the fluid discharge channel.

In accordance with one exemplary practice, it is contemplated that a mop tool consistent with the present disclosure need not require any mechanical or electrical linkages in the mop pole to actuate the release of fluid to the cleaning surface.

In accordance with another exemplary practice consistent with the present disclosure, it is contemplated the fluid storage and release structure may be housed exclusively in the mop head.

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings.

Before the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is in no way limited in its application or construction to the details and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the disclosure is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of terms such as “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described through reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to designate like elements in the various views. Referring now to the drawings, an exemplary mop head10(also referred to as a mop frame) is illustrated. As will be understood, the mop head10is adapted to be connected in pivoting relation to an elongated handle (not shown) which may also be referred to as a pole, through a suitable connection structure12as will be known to those of skill in the art to form a user-manipulated mop tool.

As shown, the illustrated exemplary mop head10includes a structural base14defining a substantially rigid bottom. Preferably, the structural base14is molded as a unitary one-piece structure from relatively rigid plastic. As seen inFIG.3, the underside of structural base14may include a pattern of integral hooking zones defining micro-hook structures adapted to reversibly engage corresponding fiber elements on a single-use or multi-use cleaning textile. Of course, different patterns of hooking zones may likewise be used. A single hooking zone across all or part of the bottom surface may also be used if desired. Regardless of the pattern of hooking zones, a textile cleaning element (not shown) may be engaged using a hook and loop connection and can then be released after use by application of a separating shear force in a manner as will be well known.

As indicated previously, the mop head10also includes a compressible cover16of resilient and flexible rubber-like polymer material disposed in overlying relation to the structural base14. By way of example only, and not limitation, the compressible cover16may be molded as a one-piece structure using suitable polymeric materials such as thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”); thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) and the like. The material forming the compressible cover16is preferably substantially more flexible than the structural base14.

In the illustrated exemplary construction, the cover16has a raised pyramid-shape profile with a substantially flat top and sloping sides. However, other geometries may also be used. As best seen inFIGS.6and7, the cover16has a concave interior which defines an internal void volume20forming a fluid containment reservoir between the upper surface of structural base14and the cover16. In the illustrated arrangement, the void volume20may be filled with a cleaning liquid such as an aqueous-based liquid or the like.

As best seen inFIG.7, the flexible cover16may include an integrally molded inwardly projecting tongue and groove seal22which is stretched over an outwardly projecting raised lip24on the structural base14to form a liquid-tight seal between the structural base and the cover. The tongue and groove seal22and the outwardly projecting raised lip24may each be substantially continuous around a substantially matched defined perimeter In this arrangement, the inherent elasticity in the flexible cover16permits adequate stretching to allow the pliable inwardly projecting tongue and groove seal22to be stretched over the more rigid raised lip and to then snap into place under the raised lip. A fluid-tight seal is thereby formed around the entire perimeter. However, any other suitable sealing arrangement may likewise be utilized.

In accordance with one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the cover16may include one or more fill openings30in the upper surface. As will be appreciated, such fill openings permit a user to submerse a mop head in a cleaning liquid for filling using a traditional mopping bucket without any required ancillary filling equipment. In the illustrated exemplary construction, a single fill opening30of substantially oval geometry may be centrally positioned in substantial alignment with the connection structure12. However, it is contemplated that multiple fill openings may be used if desired and that any number of alternative geometries and placement positions may likewise be used.

If desired, any fill openings may include a splashguard33such as a plastic ring or the like projecting downwardly around the perimeter of the opening and into the void volume20. During use, the downwardly projecting splashguard33aids in preventing the liquid contained within the void volume from splashing back up through the fill opening. Such a splashguard33may be integrally molded with the cover16or may be a separate component attached by adhesives or other suitable techniques as may be desired.

As noted, the cover16may include an integral connection structure12for connection to a clamping portion of a mop pole (not shown) as will be well known to those of skill in the art. By way of example only and not limitation, one exemplary pole clamp which may be suitable for attachment is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,574,777 to Fuller, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. However, it is likewise contemplated that any other clamping arrangement may likewise be utilized if desired.

In the illustrated exemplary construction, the connection structure12has a substantially stirrup shaped configuration with a cross bar36extending between a pair of upstanding post elements38. However, it is contemplated that other constructions may also be used if desired. By way of example only, in one alternative construction, the cross bar36may be replaced by a pair of opposing lugs that each lug projects inwardly for attachment to a pole clamp without spanning the full width between the upstanding post elements38. Regardless of the configuration used, it is contemplated that the connection structure used to engage the pole clamp may be integrally molded with the cover to form a one-piece unitary construction.

As noted previously, in the illustrated exemplary construction, the structural base includes one or more liquid discharge channels40(FIGS.1and7) providing fluid communication between the internal void volume20and a forward edge41of the structural base. In this regard, it is to be understood that the term “forward edge” refers to the leading edge of the mop head10when being pushed forward by a user across a surface to be cleaned. The liquid discharge channels40are normally closed by spring-biased stopper members42at the upper surface of the structural base to prevent discharge of the cleaning liquid. In the exemplary construction, the stopper members42may be resilient pads of low durometer polymer such as TPE and or TPU adapted to seal off the interior openings to the liquid discharge channels in a manner similar to covering a drain opening.

In the illustrated construction, the stopper members42may be held in place by spring-biased lever arms44supported at a fulcrum point46. As best seen inFIG.5, a corresponding arrangement may be provided on both sides of the mop head10. As seen inFIG.7, biasing springs50within the void volume normally apply a continuous force upwardly against the lever arms44to hold the stopper members42in place in blocking relation to the liquid discharge channels40. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the springs50are helical springs supported at the interior by posts projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the structural base14. However, other spring arrangements including leaf springs and the like may likewise be used if desired.

In the exemplary construction, a downward compressing force to the cover16may deform the cover and be transmitted to the lever arms44such that the lever arms44are pivoted about fulcrum point46and the biasing springs50are compressed. The stopper members42are thereby raised away from the liquid discharge channels40. In this regard, such downward force may be applied by a user through the attached mop pole and/or directly by lightly stepping on top of the resilient, deformable cover16with his or her foot. With the stopper members42in the raised condition, liquid can then flow out of the void volume20and through the liquid discharge channels40. When the applied downward force is removed, the cover16resumes its original shape and the stopper members42are urged back into sealing relation to the liquid discharge channels40by the biasing springs50.

As will be understood, when the application of downward force against the cover16opens the liquid discharge channels40, gravity causes the liquid to flow outwardly in projectile fashion away from the mop head and to the surface being cleaned without the need for any additional driving force other than the naturally occurring fluid pressure. Efficient discharge may also be aided by sloping the liquid discharge channels40towards the forward edge41of the structural base14. The upper surface of the structural base14may also be sloped downwardly towards the forward edge41to further promote complete liquid discharge if desired.

In accordance with one exemplary feature, it is contemplated that the fill openings30may remain open both for filling and during use of the mop head. That is, the fill openings may be free from any cover. This open arrangement facilitates a continuous supply of air to enter the void volume20as cleaning liquid is dispensed thereby promoting efficient flow through the liquid discharge channels40.

In practice, a mop head consistent with the present disclosure will permit a user to fill the mop head10with a desired liquid through a surface opening by simply submersing the mop head in a bucket and to then selectively apply pressure against the cover16during a mopping operation to discharge the liquid at a leading edge of the mop head as needed. If internal maintenance or cleaning is required, the cover may be easily disconnected from the structural base and then be reattached for continued use. The present disclosure thus provides an elegant and highly efficient apparatus and technique for the discharge of liquid to a surface during a mopping operation.