Mop assembly with reversible head

A reversible mop head assembly for use with a mop handle is disclosed. The mop head assembly includes a transverse support shaft, a pair of end caps positioned at opposite ends of the transverse support shaft, a pair of opposed substrate support surfaces positioned between and supported by the end caps, and a head mount coupled to the transverse support shaft centrally between the end caps.

BACKGROUND

Various versions of floor mops are commonly available for the variety of cleaning needs in both commercial and domestic consumer environments. For example, cotton string floor dust mops are commonly seen cleaning the dust and debris from school and public building hallways. One problem with such cotton string dust mops is that the dirt and debris can build up in the cotton substrate. Such mop heads need to be regularly cleaned or replaced. Cleaning or replacing the substrate can be cumbersome and may result in significant added cost to the user.

Smaller versions of such dust mops are readily available for consumer home use and utilize disposable cleaning substrates that are applied to the mop head. The disposable cleaning substrate is most commonly wrapped across the floor-contacting surface of such mop heads and both of the substrate's free ends are clamped, grasped or otherwise attached to the upper surface of the mop head. Such disposable substrates also need to be regularly replaced as the substrate become soiled in use, however the substrate is easier to replace than the cotton string substrate of commercial dust mops.

A problem with such consumer dust mops that use disposable cleaning substrates is an inefficiency in the use of such disposable substrates. First, the substrate surface that comes into contact with the floor is the only surface that is used for cleaning; the sections of the substrate that are wrapped over the top surface of the mop head to hold the substrate in place are not used in cleaning. Secondly, the design of most available consumer dust mops have a flat bottom surface that the substrate is held against. Such a design results in more dust and debris being collected along the front edge of the substrate rather than utilizing the entire substrate surface. Finally, such substrates need to be replaced after this relatively small effective cleaning area of substrate becomes soiled.

Some have tried to address the inefficiency of the disposable cleaning substrate by utilizing a reversible mop head design. Such reversible designs use a disposable cleaning substrate on both the top and bottom surfaces of the dust mop such that the mop head can be flipped over to either side for cleaning. The use of a reversible design increases the amount of time that such a dust mop can be used in comparison to the single-sided dust mop discussed above. However, such mops still have the issues of substrate surface that is wasted to fastening the substrate to the mop and inefficient substrate use due to a flat head design, as described above.

Additionally, the design of such reversible dust mops may have their own unique problems. Designs that include a handle mount in the center of the head require a cutout in the head and in the substrate to allow the head to be flipped over. Such cutout area can then not effectively be used for supporting the cleaning substrate. One solution to such a problem has been the use of a head mount that connects the handle to the end of the mop head such that the handle is in a cantilevered position, similar in configuration to that of a traditional paint roller head and handle. However, such a cantilevered design does not have the mop control of a traditional floor dust mop where the handle is mounted in the center of the mop head; in use, such a head mount can flex with force applied to the handle and make control of the mop head difficult.

Secondly, while such designs provide a partial solution to the issue of substrate wasted to fastening the substrate to the mop head, they present their own unique challenge as to how to fasten such a substrate to the reversible head.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “fasteners” means devices that fasten, join, connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together. Fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, snap-fits, tacks, nails, loop fasteners, and interlocking male/female connectors, such as fishhook connectors, a fish hook connector includes a male portion with a protrusion on its circumference. Inserting the male portion into the female portion substantially permanently locks the two portions together.

As used herein, the term “couple” includes, but is not limited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating two things integrally or interstitially together.

As used herein, the term “configure(s)”, “configured” or “configuration(s)” means to design, arrange, set up, or shape with a view to specific applications or uses. For example: a military vehicle that was configured for rough terrain; configured the computer by setting the system's parameters.

As used here, the term “operable” or “operably” means being in a configuration such that use or operation is possible. Similarly, “operably connect(s)” or “operably connected” refers to the relation of elements being so configured that a use or an operation is possible through their cooperation. For example: the machine is operable; the wheel is operably connected to the axle.

As used herein, the term “hinge” refers to a jointed or flexible device that connects and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationary component. Hinges include, but are not limited to, metal pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and formed integrally between two members. A living hinge permits pivotable movement of one member in relation to another connected member.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to something which is done to a great extent or degree; for example, “substantially covered” means that a thing is at least 95% covered.

As used herein, the term “alignment” refers to the spatial property possessed by an arrangement or position of things in a straight line or in parallel lines.

As user herein, the terms “orientation” or “position” used interchangeably herein refer to the spatial property of a place where or way in which something is situated; for example, “the position of the hands on the clock.”

As used herein the terms “nonwoven fabric”, “nonwoven material”, or “nonwoven web” means a web having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. Nonwoven fabrics or webs have been formed from many processes such as for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, and bonded carded web processes. The basis weight of nonwoven fabrics is usually expressed in ounces of material per square yard (osy) or grams per square meter (g/m2or gsm) and the fiber diameters useful are usually expressed in microns. (Note that to convert from osy to gsm, multiply osy by 33.91).

As used herein, the term “spunbond”, “spunbonded”, and “spunbonded filaments” refers to small diameter continuous filaments which are formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a plurality of fine, usually circular, capillaries of a spinnerette with the diameter of the extruded filaments then being rapidly reduced as by, for example, eductive drawing and/or other well-known spun-bonding mechanisms. The production of spunbonded nonwoven webs is illustrated in patents such as, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,563 to Appel et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner et al. The disclosures of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference.

As used herein the term “meltblown” means fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into converging high velocity gas (e.g. air) streams which attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which may be to microfiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed, in various patents and publications, including NRL Report 4364, “Manufacture of Super-Fine Organic Fibers” by B. A. Wendt, E. L. Boone and D. D. Fluharty; NRL Report 5265, “An Improved Device For The Formation of Super-Fine Thermoplastic Fibers” by K. D. Lawrence, R. T. Lukas, J. A. Young; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241, issued Nov. 19, 1974, to Butin, et al.

As used herein “multilayer laminate” means a laminate wherein one or more of the layers may be spunbond and/or meltblown such as a spunbond/meltblown/spunbond (SMS) laminate and others as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,041,203 to Brock et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,706 to Collier, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,727 to Potts et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,931 to Perkins et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,885 to Timmons et al. Such a laminate may be made by sequentially depositing onto a moving forming belt first a spunbond fabric layer, then a meltblown fabric layer and last another spunbond layer and then bonding the laminate in a manner described below. Alternatively, the fabric layers may be made individually, collected in rolls, and combined in a separate bonding step. Such fabrics usually have a basis weight of from about 0.1 to 12 osy (6 to 400 gsm), or more particularly from about 0.40 to about 3 osy. Multilayer laminates for many applications also have one or more film layers which may take many different configurations and may include other materials like foams, tissues, woven or knitted webs and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the problems and issues discussed above, it is desired to have a reversible mop head having more than a single substrate support surface to allow for longer use before changing the cleaning substrate. It is further desired the area of unused cleaning substrate be minimized and the usage of the entire cleaning substrate be maximized. Finally, it is desired that such a mop head be easy to control in use.

The present invention is directed to a reversible mop head assembly for use with a mop handle. The mop head assembly includes a transverse support shaft, a pair of end caps positioned at opposite ends of the transverse support shaft, a pair of opposed substrate support surfaces positioned between and supported by the end caps, and a head mount coupled to the transverse support shaft centrally between the end caps.

In some embodiments, the pair of end caps may be a moveable end cap and a fixed end cap. In such embodiments the moveable end cap is configured to be disengaged from the substrate support surfaces such that a sleeve substrate may be positioned over the substrate support surfaces. In further embodiments, the moveable end cap may have finger hold or a grip that aids the user in disengaging the moveable end cap from the substrate support surfaces.

In various embodiments of the assembly, the substrate support surfaces may include a fastener channel to receive and hold fastener strips, may include a curved lip on either the front and/or back edges of the support surface, or may be convexly curved. In other embodiments, the mop head may include a pair of opposing wheels positioned on the central portion of the transverse support shaft with each wheel positioned on opposite sides of the head mount. In some embodiments the head mount may also include a socket mount configured to releaseably couple to a mop handle and such a socket mount may additionally be threaded.

The invention is also directed to a reversible mop system including the reversible mop head, a mop handle and a singular cleaning substrate positioned over the substrate support surfaces of the reversible mop head. The mop handle may be a quick-release handle including a proximal end proximate to the mop head and a distal end distal to the mop head; a quick-release coupling assembly positioned on the proximate end of the handle, the quick-release coupling assembly configured to releaseably couple the handle to the head mount; and a button actuator positioned on the distal end of the handle, the button actuator operably connected to the quick-release coupling assembly. Additionally, in various embodiments, the handle may additionally include a coupler shroud that cooperatively couples with the head mount, the button actuator may be recessed within the end of the shaft, and the handle may include an ergonomic, freely-rotating knob.

In some embodiments, the system may include a continuous web of cleaning substrate, the continuous web having lines of weakness at regular intervals such that various widths of cleaning substrate are removable via the lines of weakness. Such a system may additionally include a container in which the continuous web of cleaning substrate may be contained and from which the substrate may be dispensed. Additionally, such a container may include a separator that assists in separating individual cleaning substrates from the continuous web of cleaning substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example and embodiment is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the invention include these and other modifications and variations as coming within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9in general, the mop head100of the present invention includes a transverse support shaft151having a pair of end caps121at opposite ends of the transverse support shaft151. A pair of opposed substrate support surfaces102are positioned between, and supported by, the end caps121. A head mount161is coupled to the transverse support shaft151at a central position on the transverse support shaft151between the end caps121. The head mount161is configured to releaseably couple the mop head100with a handle.

In use, a disposable cleaning substrate may be positioned upon the substrate support surface102and either side of the mop head100may be used to clean a floor (or other surface); when the substrate on floor-facing side of the mop head100becomes soiled, the mop head100may be flipped over such that the unused cleaning substrate surface becomes the floor-facing side of the mop head100.

The cleaning substrate is supported upon a lower substrate support surface103and an upper substrate support surface105. Both of these substrate support surfaces are preferably similar in size and shape. The terms “lower” and “upper” are used here to differentiate between the two substrate support surfaces for the sake of clarity in describing the mop head100as illustrated in FIG.ures. These terms and are not intended to be limiting as to in-use position of the substrate support surfaces; in use, the lower substrate support surface103may be facing the floor to be cleaned (as shown inFIG. 1) and then the mop head100may be flipped over such that the upper substrate support surface105is then facing the floor to be cleaned.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the mop head100is generally rectangular with a side-to-side width (the distance between the end edges115of the substrate support surfaces102) greater than its front-to-back depth (the distance between the front edge111of the substrate support surfaces102and the transverse support shaft151). However, the mop head100may be any size and shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical that is desired for the particular cleaning needs being addressed. Generally, the mop head100may have a side-to-side width of between about 10 inches (254 mm) and about 72 inches (1.8 m) and a front-to-back depth of between about 4 inches (102 mm) and about 16 inches (406 mm), though other sizes are possible. By way of non-limiting example, a mop head100intended for commercial use may have a width of about 48 inches (1.2 m) and a depth of about 12 inches (305 mm), while a mop head100intended for domestic use may have a width of about 10 inches (254 mm) and a depth of about 6 inches (152 mm). The dimensions of the mop head100may be any width and depth that is desired to meet the particular cleaning application.

The thickness of the mop head100is primarily the thickness of the end caps121plus the thickness of the substrate support surfaces102supported upon the end caps121. Both of the substrate support surfaces102and the end caps121are slightly convexly curved between the front edges111and the back edges113of the substrate support surfaces102. Resultantly, the cross-sectional profile of the mop head100is generally oblate in shape, however other shapes, symmetrical and asymmetrical, are possible. Additionally, the thickness at the back of the mop head100(proximate to the transverse support shaft) will be the thickness of the shoulder131of the end caps121.

Thus, the thickness of the mop head100may vary between the front and back of the mop head100. Generally, the mop head100may have a thickness between about 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) and about 1-inch (25.4 mm) at the front edge111, between about 1-inch (25.4 mm) and about 2 inches (50.8 mm) in the center, and between about 0.75 inches (19.1 mm) and about 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) at the back, though other sizes and cross-sectional profiles are possible.

The transverse support shaft151spans the side-to-side width of the mop head100and acts as the spine on which the mop head100is supported; the support shaft151brings all the elements of the mop into cooperation. The end caps121are coupled to either end of the support shaft151, with the arms133of the end caps121extending forward of the support shaft151. The substrate support surfaces102, on which the cleaning substrate is to be supported, are themselves supported by the arms133of the end caps121. The head mount161is coupled to the support shaft151and centered between the end caps121.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of stop collars153may be used to keep the head mount161properly positioned relative to the support shaft151. Additionally, a pair of wheels155may also be included on the transverse support shaft151. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the wheels155may be positioned between the head mount161and the stop collars153. During use, such wheels155may be included to help move the mop head100and keep the head mount161from rubbing on the surface to be cleaned.

In use, a handle10(seeFIG. 7) is coupled with the head mount161. When the user pushes on the handle10to clean a surface with the attached mop head100, the forces applied to the handle10are communicated through the head mount161, through the transverse support shaft151, and to both of the end caps121. By translating the forces applied the centrally located handle10to the end caps121of the mop head100, the user is given a greater degree of control of the mop head100than if the handle was directly connected to the center of the mop head100. By effectively controlling the mop head100from its ends, the user may easily turn the mop head100and maintain a desired angle of the front edge of the mop head100relative to the direction the mop head100is being pushed or pulled. Such ease of control relative to a handle mounted on the centroid of the mop head is magnified as the size of the mop head100is increased.

The transverse support shaft151is hollow to accommodate the end caps121. The hollowed nature of the support shaft151also decreases the weight of the mop head100and the amount of material used in making the support shaft151. The thickness of the hollow transverse support shaft151is a function of the materials used to make the support shaft151, the inside diameter required to accommodate the elements to be accommodated within the support shaft151, and the strength and weight desired. One skilled in the art would see how such variables could be balanced to produce the transverse support shaft151.

The transverse support shaft151may be made from any material that meets the needs of the particular mop head100. For example, a stronger transverse support shaft151may be desired for commercial applications while a lighter shaft may be desired for home applications. Other considerations may include, but are not limited to, weight, durability, compatibility with chemicals and substances the handle may come in contact, appearance, ease of cleaning, colors available, disposability, and the like. Typically, the support shaft151may be made of a metal, plastic, or wood. More particularly, the support shaft151may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, ABS-plastic, or the like. Again, one skilled in the art would see how such variables could be balanced to produce the transverse support shaft151.

As seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the end caps121are coupled to opposite ends of the transverse support shaft151. Each end cap121has a shoulder131and an arm133. The shoulder131of the end cap121is generally coaxial with the support shaft151and is configured to couple with the support shaft151. The coupling of the shoulder131to the support shaft151may be accomplished by any method or fastener as are known by those skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting examples, the support shaft151may be coupled to the end cap121by an adhesive, a screw, a bayonet mount, a threaded mount, a friction fitting, or other similar fixture or fastener.

As seen in the mop head100shownFIG. 2, and in the cutout ofFIG. 3, the end cap121may couple with the support shaft151by a shaft socket145present within the shoulder131of the end cap121. The support shaft151may include a retention rod157inside its hollow interior, the retention rod157extending between the pair of end caps121. As seen in the cutout inFIG. 3, one end of a tension spring159is anchored into the end of the retention rod157with the other end of the tension spring159attached to an eye bolt158within the interior of the shaft socket145of the end cap121. As shown inFIG. 3, this particular coupling allows for this particular end cap121to function as a moveable end cap123; the moveable end cap123permitted by the tension spring159to move back and forth along the axis of the support shaft151as well as rotate about the same support shaft151axis.

The opposed end cap121to such a moveable end cap123may be another moveable end cap123, similarly coupled to the opposite end of the retention rod157. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the opposed end cap121may be a fixed end cap125into which the transverse support shaft151and the retention rod157are anchored with an end cap attachment143.

A fixed end cap125, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, may include an end plate127that fits within an end recess139of the end cap121. Such an end plate127may be a flat plate as shown inFIG. 2or may provide additional functionality to the mop head100. As shown inFIGS. 5,6A,6B and6C, various shapes, tools or other items may be configured to fit within the end recess139of a fixed end cap125. In the example ofFIG. 6A, the end cap125may include a rounded end cap191that could help prevent the mop head100from scraping wall or other surfaces while in use. In the example ofFIG. 6B, the end cap125may include a brush end cap193. In the example ofFIG. 6C, the fixed end cap125may include a scrubbing edged end cap195having ridges made of a scrubbing material (e.g., rubber, plastic, sponge). Such examples are not intended to be limiting; one skilled in the art could see how other items could be incorporated into an end cap121to add functionality to the mop head100.

The arms133of the end caps121extend from the shoulder131of the end cap121and forward of the transverse support shaft151. Opposite faces of the arm133include surfaces upon which the substrate support surfaces102are supported. As shown inFIG. 2, the arm133may include an upper surface135upon which the upper substrate support surface105may be supported, and a lower surface137upon which the lower substrate support surface103may be supported. The terms “lower” and “upper” are used here to differentiate between the two surfaces of the arm133for the sake of clarity; these terms and are not intended to be limiting as to in-use position of the surfaces.

The substrate support surfaces102are included in the mop head100to provide support to a cleaning substrate placed upon the substrate support surfaces102during use of the mop head100. In general, the substrate support surfaces102are singular, convexly-curved surfaces that are supported by, and between, the end caps121. Each substrate support surface102has a pair of opposed end edges115that extend along the front-to-back depth of the mop head100. Additionally, the substrate support surfaces102have a back edge113and a front edge111, where both edges extend along the side-to-side width of the mop head100; the back edge113being proximate to the transverse support shaft151.

In assembling the mop head100, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the substrate support surfaces102are coupled to at least one of the end caps121with substrate support surfaces opposed to each another. The front edges111of each surface proximate to each other and the back edges113similarly proximate to each other and configured such that the surfaces102are convexly curved outwardly and defining an interior space107between the surfaces102(seeFIG. 3).

The substrate support surfaces102may be made from any material that meets the needs of the particular mop head100. For example, a substrate support surface102may be desired for commercial applications may utilize a heavier and/or stronger material, while a lighter material may be desired for home applications. Other considerations may include, but are not limited to, weight, durability, compatibility with the cleaning substrate(s) to be used, compatibility with chemicals and substances the surfaces102may come in contact, appearance, ease of cleaning, colors available, disposability, and the like. Typically, the substrate support surface102may be made of a metal or plastic. More particularly, the substrate support surfaces102may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, ABS-plastic, or the like. Again, one skilled in the art would see how such variables could be balanced to produce the substrate support surfaces102.

The lower substrate support surface103and the upper substrate support surface105are illustrated inFIGS. 1,2and3as separate surfaces. Such a design maximizes support of the substrate in areas that the substrate will be effective used to clean a surface, while minimizing the materials used in the mop head100in consideration of weight and cost of materials. However, designs were the substrate support surfaces102are opposite sides of a solid central portion, or a continuous surface that forms an oblate tube between the end caps12, are also considered within the scope of the present invention.

For the mop head100illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the lower substrate support surface103is attached to the lower surface137of the fixed end cap125. Similarly, the upper substrate support surface105is attached to the upper surface135of the fixed end cap125. These substrate support surfaces102are attached to the arm133of the fixed end cap125by a surface attachment147. The surface attachment147may be any type of fastener capable of coupling the substrate support surface102to the fixed end cap125. By way of non-limiting example, the surface attachment147may be a rivet, a screw, a bolt, a magnet, an adhesive, or some other similar fastener.

Additionally, the substrate support surfaces102may include a front lip117along the front edge111and a back lip119along the back edge113of one or both of the substrate support surfaces102. Lips117,119on the front or back edges111,113of the substrate support surfaces102may help protect a cleaning substrate present positioned upon the substrate support surfaces102. When the substrate support surface102ends abruptly at the front edge111or back edge113, a cleaning substrate that is held over such an edge may tear against the edge during use. For example, by providing a front lips117on the substrate support surfaces102, a cleaning substrate held in place over the leading edge of the mop head100will help support the substrate in pushing around dirt and debris and decrease any tendency for the substrate to be torn by the front edges111of the substrate support surfaces102.

As discussed above, the substrate support surfaces102and the end caps121, on which the substrate support surfaces102are supported, are convexly curved from the front edge111to the back edge113. Traditional dry dust mops, disposable cleaning substrate mops, and sponge mops typically have a flat surface that contacts the surface to be cleaned (i.e., a floor). Such a flat-contacting surface maximizes the contact of the mop head or substrate with the floor, however, dust, dirt and debris tends to pile up at the edges of such mops, leaving the central portion of the mop or substrate unused. By providing a slight convex curve to the substrate support surfaces102of the present invention, a greater percentage of the entire cleaning substrate surface may be used.

The mop head100of the present invention is intended to be used with a disposable cleaning substrate. Such cleaning substrates are widely available and well understood. Typically such substrates may be woven, nonwoven, laminates, composites, or combinations thereof, and may be made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. By way of non-limiting examples, the disposable cleaning substrate may be a spunbonded polypropylene material, a knitted polyester substrate, a microfiber substrate made with a polyester/polyamide yarn, a stabilized open-cell thermoplastic foam laminate, a hydroentangled nonwoven composite material, a sponge substrate, or other such substrates as may be desired for particular cleaning needs.

Additionally, such cleaning substrates may be provided as a dry substrate or as a saturated substrate. The cleaning substrate may include additional substances such as cleansers, disinfectants, sanitizers, fragrances, or the like. The disposable cleaning substrate may also be electric treated to impart a static electric charge to the material to attract dust to the charged substrate. Similarly, the disposable cleaning substrate may be made from particular materials (such as rubber, spunbonded polypropylene, spunlace fabrics, or combinations thereof) that may develop such a static electric charge during it use on particular surfaces.

As shown inFIG. 3, the disposable cleaning substrate may be a sleeve substrate81; a loop, or tube, of material having two open ends. It is desirable that a sleeve substrate81have a width (between its two open ends) comparable to the side-to-side width of the mop head100on which the substrate81is to be used. Such a sleeve substrate81is positioned on the substrate support surfaces102, by pulling the sleeve substrate81over the exposed end edges115of the upper and lower substrate support surfaces105,103. It is also desired that the sleeve substrate81be sized appropriately so the sleeve substrate81fits snuggly over the substrate support surfaces102when positioned upon such surfaces102.

For the mop head100illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the end cap121prevents such a sleeve substrate81from being positioned over the substrate support surfaces. Thus a moveable end cap123is required to use a sleeve substrate. The moveable end cap123illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, and as discussed above, is coupled to the transverse support shaft151in such way that the moveable end cap123may move back and forth along the support shaft151and rotate about the support shaft151. Thus, to position a sleeve substrate81on the mop head100, the moveable end cap123may be pulled out from the interior space107between end edges115of the substrate support surfaces102and then rotated about the transverse support shaft151axis. Resultantly, the ends115of the substrate support surfaces102are exposed such that the sleeve substrate81may be positioned on the surfaces102. When the sleeve substrate81is properly positioned on the substrate support surfaces, the moveable end cap123may be rotated back into proper position and allowed to be reinserted into the interior area107between the substrate support surfaces102.

To facilitate the ease in manipulating the moveable end cap123additional features may be added to the end cap123. For example, the design of the arm133of the moveable end cap123may be shaped to include a wedge149, tapered down from the support surfaces of the arm133; the wedge149facilitating the insertion of the moveable end cap123between the upper and lower substrate support surfaces105,103. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable end cap123may include a finger hold129to help the user pull the moveable end cap123from the end of the mop head100. Such a finger hold129may be a part of an end plate128attached to the end cap123or may be an integral part of the end cap123shape. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable end cap123may include a shoulder grip141on the shoulder131of the end cap123to help the user pull the end cap123from the end of the mop head100.

The disposable cleaning substrate may also be a singular sheet of material that is wrapped around the substrate support surfaces102. It would be desired that such a substrate would have a width similar to mop head100width. It would also be desired that such a substrate would have a length that would allow the substrate to be wrapped from the back edge113of the lower substrate support surface103, toward the front edges111of the lower and upper substrate support surfaces103,105, over the upper substrate support surface105, and to the back edge113of the upper substrate support surface105. The singular sheet cleaning substrate may be fastened to the substrate support surfaces102by clips, adhesives, or other similar fasteners, preferably positions proximate to the back edge(s)113of the substrate support surfaces102.

FIG. 4illustrates one potential fastener system that could be used with the substrate support surfaces102to secure the disposable cleaning substrate. A fastener channel171extending from the end edge115of the substrate support surface102may be included in the design of the substrate support surface. Such a fastener channel171may be configured to receive fastener strips181which could then secure the cleaning substrate to the substrate support surface102. The fastener strip181shown inFIG. 4includes a hook fastener185attached to a backing strip183.

Although a hook fastener185is shown inFIG. 4, the fastener present on the fastener strip181may be any fastener attached to a backing strip183that is compatible with the particular substrate material to be affixed to the mop head100. The fasteners may be appropriate to directly attach to the substrate material or they may cooperatively couple with a substrate fastener93(seeFIG. 15) included on the cleaning substrate. Non-limiting examples of such fasteners that may be used with the fastener strips181may include independent fasteners such as hook fasteners, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and the like, as well as cooperative fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, magnets, buttons, and the like.

The mop head100of the present invention may be included as part of a mop system that also includes a handle configured to be coupled to the head mount161. Such a handle may be a traditional mop stick, as are well known, having a conventional threaded tip that screws into the head mount161or some other similar common coupling mechanism. However, it is preferred that the handle of the mop system be a quick-release handle10that allows the user to disengage the handle10from the mop head100without having to bend over, reposition the mop, or otherwise come in close contact with the potentially dirty mop head100.

Referring toFIGS. 7 to 13in general, such a quick-release handle10may include an elongated shaft12having two opposite ends; a proximal end16and a distal end18. The proximal end16is proximate to the mop head100to which the handle10is to be attached. The distal end18is distal to the proximal end16and proximate to the user. The proximal end16includes the quick-release coupling assembly20that will cooperate with and couple the handle10to a mop head100. The proximal end16is also considered as the attachment end of the handle10and the terms “proximal end” and “attachment end may be used interchangeably.

Generally, the distal end18will have a grip41by which the user may grasp the handle10. The distal end18is also considered the grip end of the handle10and the terms “distal end” and “grip end” may be used interchangeably. Additionally, the distal end18accommodates the button actuator45which the user depresses to release the coupling assembly20from any mop head100that may be coupled with the proximal end16of the handle10. Thus, the user can release a mop head100from the handle10by manipulating the distal end18rather than repositioning the handle, bending over, or going anywhere near the potentially dirty proximal end16of the tool.

The elongated shaft12is shown inFIG. 9as generally cylindrical in shape, having a circular cross-section, as is common for most commonly available long tool handles. As such, the elongated shaft12has a single peripheral surface14. However, other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated and are considered within the scope of the present invention. By way of non-limiting examples, the cross-sectional shape of the elongated shaft12may be elliptical, polygonal, or any other symmetrical or asymmetrical shape. Any such alternative cross-sectional shape may provide the elongated shaft12with additional peripheral surfaces14.

Generally, it is desired that the elongated shaft12have a length of about 36 inches (0.9 m) to about 72 inches (1.8 m). For a quick-release handle10for use with the mop head100, the elongated shaft will preferably be about 5 feet (1.5 m) in length, similar to the length of commonly available tool handles. The elongated shaft12should have an outside diameter suitable for the intended mop heads100and that is comfortable for use by range of user hand sizes. Typically, the outside diameter will be in the range of about 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) to about 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). Preferably, the outside diameter of the shaft12will be similar to that of commonly available handles, 0.75 inches (19.1 mm). Also, the shaft12illustrated inFIG. 9is generally uniform in its diameter from the proximal end16to the distal end18. However, the shaft12may alternatively have a non-uniform diameter along its length and may have sections of uniform and non-uniform diameter along its length.

The elongated shaft12is hollow to accommodate the push rod31and the other associated elements of the button actuator45and quick-release coupling assembly20. The hollowed nature of the shaft12also decreases the weight of the handle10and the amount of material used in making the handle10. The thickness of the hollow elongated shaft12is a function of the materials used to make the shaft12, the inside diameter required to accommodate the elements to be accommodated within the shaft12, and the strength and weight desired. One skilled in the art would see how such variables could be balanced to produce the desired shaft12.

The elongated shaft12may be made from any material that meets the needs of the various mop heads100with which such a handle10is expected to be used. For example, a stronger shaft12may be desired for commercial applications while a lighter shaft may be desired for home applications. Other considerations may include, but are not limited to, weight, durability, compatibility with chemicals and substances the handle may come in contact, appearance, ease of cleaning, colors available, disposability, and the like. Typically, the shaft12may be made of a metal, plastic, or wood. More particularly, the shaft12may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, ABS-plastic, or the like. Again, one skilled in the art would see how such variables could be balanced to produce the desired shaft12.

Additionally, designs in which the shaft12is telescoping, collapsible, and/or foldable are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

As discussed above, the quick-release coupling assembly20is positioned on the proximal end16of the handle10and is configured to be coupled with a mop head100. The coupling assembly20may utilize any releasable coupling mechanism, as are well known, to releaseably couple with a mop head100. By way of non-limiting examples, such a releasable coupling mechanism may utilize a detent ball assembly (as illustrated inFIGS. 10,11A and11B), a collet, a chuck, a clamping spring, a bayonet mount, a barbed fastener, a ribbed shank clip fastener, or other such mechanisms or any combination thereof.

The mechanism of the coupling assembly20is actuated by the user pressing and releasing the button actuator45on the distal end18of the shaft12. The button actuator45is operably connected with the coupling assembly20by the push rod31which extends along the length of the shaft12, from the button actuator45to the coupling assembly20. As can be seen in the example illustrated inFIGS. 10,11A,11B,12A,12B and13, the button actuator45is the terminus of the push rod31on the distal end18of the handle10. At the proximal end of the push rod31, a stop collar33is fitted around and attached to push rod31by a pin34. A spring35around the push rod31and compressed between the stop collar33and the end wall of the stepped tip21of the coupling assembly20keeps the push rod31biased toward the distal end18.

As shown inFIGS. 10,11A, and11B, the coupling assembly20at the proximal end16of the shaft12includes a stepped tip21having a first end711inserted into the proximal end16of the shaft12and a second end719that extends from the end of the shaft12and into the socket mount63of a head mount61of a mop head100to which the handle10is to be coupled. The stepped tip21has an internal longitudinal channel22that extends the length of the stepped tip21, from the first end711to the second end719. The first section712of the stepped tip21near the first end711has a diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the shaft12such that the stepped tip21may be snuggly fit into the proximal end16of the shaft12. A lip section714of the stepped tip21seats the stepped tip21in the proximal end16of the shaft12and prevents the stepped tip21from being pushed further into the shaft12.

As illustrated inFIGS. 11A and 11B, once the stepped tip21is installed in the shaft12, the push rod31extends into the longitudinal channel22of the stepped tip21. A stop rod23extends from the proximal end of the push rod31and is attached to the end of the push rod31. The stop rod23extends out of the longitudinal channel22at the second end719of the stepped tip21and is capped by a head portion25. The head portion25has a conical portion26that extends around the stop rod23inside the longitudinal channel22. When the stop rod23is attached to both the push rod31and the head portion25, the spring35that biases the push rod31toward the distal end18(as discussed above) also pulls the head portion25against the second end719of the stepped tip21.

The third section718of the stepped tip21additionally includes ports29that extend from the longitudinal channel22to the outer surface of the stepped tip21. A single detent ball27is retained by each port29and against the stop rod23or the conical portion26.

When the handle10and coupling assembly20are in the engaged configuration, such as shown inFIG. 11A, the spring35between the stop collar33and the first end711of the stepped tip21biases the push rod31toward the distal end18of the shaft12. The stop rod23attached to both the head portion25and the push rod31is subsequently pulled into contact with the second end719of the stepped tip21. The head portion25is only pulled to the second end719and thus the spring35cannot push the push rod31further toward the distal end18or pull the stop rod further into the stepped tip21. In such an engaged configuration, the coupling assembly20and push rod31are held in a neutral state by the spring35.

As shown inFIG. 11A, when the coupling assembly20is in the engaged state, the head portion25is pulled to the second end719of the stepped tip21such that the conical portion26of the head25is pulled into the longitudinal channel22. The conical portion26engages the detent balls27and pushes them into the ports29such that the detent balls partially extend outside of the exterior wall of the third section718of the stepped tip21.

FIG. 11Billustrates the release configuration of the handle10and coupling assembly20. When the user depresses the button actuator45at the distal end18, the push rod31and the stop collar33is pushed toward the proximal end16of the shaft12, compressing the spring35between the stop collar33and the first end711of the stepped tip21. The stop rod23, including the head25, is consequently pushed away from the second end719of the stepped tip21. As the conical portion26of the head25is pushed toward the second end719, the detent balls27are allowed to fall back into the longitudinal channel22and against the stop rod23. When the user releases the button actuator45, the spring35returns the handle10to the engaged, or neutral, configuration as illustrated inFIG. 11A.

To work with the coupling assembly20, the generic head mount61includes a socket mount63into which the coupling assembly20may be inserted. A retention stop65within the socket mount63cooperatively engages with the coupling assembly20to securely couple the working head and the quick-release handle10. Such a retention stop65may be anything within the socket mount63that cooperatively engages the detent balls27of the coupling assembly20. By way of non-limiting examples, the retention stop65may be a ring fixed within the socket mount63(as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B), recesses within the wall of the socket mount63, holes in the socket mount63(as shown inFIG. 9), or another configuration which can engage the detent balls27.

In operation, when the coupling assembly20is inserted into the socket mount63, the stepped tip21would proceed from the mouth of the socket recess67toward the recess terminus69. When the coupling assembly20is in the engaged (neutral) configuration, the detent ball27are pushed out of the ports29by the conical portion26of the head25, as discussed above. The inside diameter of the ring used as the retention stop65shown inFIGS. 11A and 11Bis designed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the third portion718of the stepped tip21. Thus, as the stepped tip21is inserted into the socket mount63, the third portion718snugly passes into the retention stop65, but the protruding detent balls27will come into contact with the retention stop65. As the user continues to apply insertion pressure to the stepped tip21, the detent balls27are forced into the ports29and push against the conical portion26and consequently push the head25from the second end719. Once the stepped tip21is pushed farther into the socket mount63, the detent balls27clear the retention stop65and are again forced out of the ports29by the conical portion26. The detent balls27engage the retention stop65as illustrated in the engaged configuration shown inFIG. 11A.

The socket mount63includes a socket recess67on the recess terminus side of the retention stop65. Such a recess67allows enough room for the head25to extend from stepped tip21as necessary for the detent balls27to drop inside the stepped tip21during insertion of the coupling assembly20or release of the working head, as discussed above.

The use of a coupling assembly20with the detent ball27mechanism described and illustrated inFIGS. 10,11A and11B, is only one possible coupling assembly20that may be used in the handle10of the present invention. As discussed above, other coupling mechanisms are contemplated for the coupling assembly20to couple the handle10with a mop head100and operably connect to the button actuator45such that the mop head100is released from the handle10when the button actuator45is manipulated.

For increased universality, the socket mount63may additionally be threaded from the mouth of the socket mount63to the retention stop65. Such a socket mount63could then also accept a standard handle with a thread tip, if the user so desired.

The second section716of the stepped tip21is designed to have an outside diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the socket mount63. This ensures that the coupling assembly20snuggly fits within the socket mount63such that the mop head100is securely and solidly held at the end of the handle10. If the socket mount63is threaded, the second section716would need to have an outside diameter slightly smaller that the threads.

Although not shown, a second spring could be included inside of the socket mount63, attached to the recess terminus69. Such a spring would be compressed upon insertion of the coupling assembly20into the socket mount63. When the button actuator45was subsequently pressed to release the mop head100from the handle10, such a spring would then bias the socket mount63off of the coupling assembly20.

Additional stability may be added to the connection of the head mount161of the mop head100and the coupling assembly20by the inclusion of a coupler shroud71at the proximal end16of the shaft12. As shown generally inFIGS. 7 and 8, the coupler shroud71has portions that both protect the exposed coupling assembly20from damage and cooperate with the designs of the head mounts161to securely couple the mop head100and handle10.

An example of a coupler shroud71and cooperating head mount161is shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. The illustrated coupler shroud71and the head mount161are cooperatively designed such that coupler shroud71fits within the head mount161and the heat mount161fits within the coupler shroud71. Such a cooperative design ensures a snug and solid coupling of the mop head100attached to the head mount161and the handle10. As such, the mop head100would be unable to rotate about the shaft axis. Additionally, such a head mount161along with the coupler shroud71could help protect the coupling assembly20from damage and minimize the contact the coupling assembly20has with the outside environment during use.

As shown inFIGS. 1,2,7and8, additional functionality may be added to a head mount161by including a head coupler75. The head coupler75connects the head mount161to the traverse support shaft151of the mop head100. The particular head coupler75shown inFIGS. 1,2,7and8has a coupler bracket79that fits around a portion of the traverse support shaft151. A coupler spacer77cooperates with the coupler bracket79to hold the coupler bracket79against the support shaft151. A pin169through the head mount161, coupler bracket79, and the coupler spacer77couples the head mount161and head coupler75.

The head coupler75, illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, allows the head coupler75, the attached head mount161, and the coupled quick-release handle10to rotate about the traverse support shaft151and consequently allow the distal end18of the handle10to move vertically relative to the floor and the mop head100. Additionally, the head coupler75is designed to interact with the head mount161such that the head mount161and coupled handle10may pivot on the pin169of the head coupler75such that the distal end18of the handle10may be pivoted from side-to-side, relative to the mop head100.

To aid the user in grasping the handle10, the distal end18may be equipped with a grip41and a knob43. The grip41has a slightly larger diameter than the shaft12and is preferably made of material, or is otherwise designed, to facilitate grasping of the shaft12. Additionally, such a grip41should be designed to have the necessary durability required for the typical use of such handle10. For example, the grip41may be made of rubber, plastic, metal, or the like. Such materials may be given a texture through processing or through design by the addition of ridges, patterns, or divots to the surface of the grip41(as shown inFIGS. 9,12A and12B).

The grip41, as shown inFIGS. 9,12A,12B and13, may additionally have a knob43that also provides the user with more comfort than a traditional stick used with common brooms or mops. Generally, such traditional sticks merely have the end rounded off and cause fatigue to the user's hand and often result in blisters or calluses in the palm of the hand after extended use. The small diameter of the end of such traditional sticks causes discomfort and is often difficult for the user to fully grasp.

A knob43such as shown inFIGS. 12A,12B and13, provides the user with a much larger diameter end to the handle10compared to traditional sticks. The larger diameter of the knob43, relative to traditional sticks makes the knob43much easier to grasp. By increasing the surface area of the distal end surface19of the knob43, the forces experienced by the user's hand are spread out over a greater surface area than can be achieved by a rounded end of a traditional stick. Such a better distribution of forces result in a reduction in the amount of fatigue the user experience in their hand.

The knob43may be formed as a unitary part of the terminus of the grip41or it may be an additional part added to the distal end18of the shaft12. The knob43shown in FIG.S.12A,12B and13is only intended to be an exemplary shape for such a knob43; the knob43may be any size and shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, that allows the user to comfortably grasp and utilize the handle10.

As can be seen inFIGS. 9 and 12A, the shape of the knob43is extended to the grip41of the distal end18of the handle10. This functional grab area44of the knob43allows a user to maintain a grip of the knob43, when the user pushes the handle10away from their body. This is particularly useful in mopping when a user will regularly “cast out” a mop and then bring the handle10and mop back to themselves.

Additionally, the button actuator45is also present at the distal end18of the handle10. As shown inFIGS. 12A and 13, the button actuator45is incorporated into the knob43and is recessed within the distal end surface19. As such, the user may grasp the knob43during use without unintentionally depressing the button actuator45and accidentally releasing the mop head100. The button actuator45shown inFIGS. 12A,12B, and13is merely the terminus of the push rod31. However, the button actuator45may be a separate piece attached or otherwise operably connected to the push rod31

The knob43, as shown inFIGS. 12A,12B and13, may additionally have the added ability to freely rotate 360-degrees on the terminus of the distal end18of the shaft12. Such a freely-rotating knob43would reduce the rubbing and twisting that the user's hand experiences when using traditional sticks. By allowing the knob43to freely rotate, the user may maintain a grasp on the knob43during regular use of the tool and avoid the fatigue and blisters that often accompanied use of a traditional push broom, mop, or floor duster.

The rotation of the knob43may be accomplished with by any type of mechanical bearings, as are well known, that allow the desired 360-degrees of free rotation. By way of non-limiting examples, the rotation may be accomplished with sliding bearings or bushings, rolling-element bearings (such as ball bearings, roller bearings, taper roller bearings), fluid bearings, magnetic bearings, or the like. In the example shown inFIGS. 12A,12B, and13, the rotation of the knob43is accomplished with a track of ball bearings51that are held in place by cooperative recesses in both the end of the grip41and in the knob43. The ball bearings51allow the knob43to freely-rotate a full 360-degrees about the axis of the shaft12, on the end of the grip41.

The assembly of the freely-rotating knob43is illustrated inFIGS. 12A,12B and13. A shaft sleeve53is associated with the knob43such that the shaft sleeve53fits over the push rod31when the knob43and associated shaft sleeve53are inserted into shaft12. A knob-connecting collar55inserted into the shaft12fits around the shaft collar53. A set screw57is inserted from the exterior of the handle10, through the grip41, through the shaft12, and into the knob-connecting collar55. As such, the set screw57, holds the knob-connecting collar55in place within the interior of the shaft12. When the knob43and associated shaft sleeve53are inserted into the shaft12, the set screw57is aligned with a notch59circumscribed on the exterior of the shaft sleeve53. With the set screw57in place within the notch59, the knob43is held firmly in place on the terminus of the handle10and against the ball bearings51. As such the knob43may freely rotate 360-degrees upon the ball bearings51, the shaft sleeve53is allowed to also freely rotate within the shaft12, and the knob43is kept from being pulled from the end of the handle10.

Additionally, the shaft sleeve53has an interior diameter that allows the push rod31to pass through the shaft sleeve53such that knob43and shaft sleeve53may freely rotate about push rod31. As shown inFIGS. 12A and 13, the button actuator45is recessed within the distal end surface19. When in use, the knob43freely rotates about the button actuator45and push rod31without the risk of the user unintentionally depressing the button actuator45or the non-rotating button actuator45rubbing on the palm of the user's hand.

As an added benefit to the mop system of the present invention, the disposable cleaning substrate may be provided in a continuous web format. Such a continuous web format may provide a more conveniently stored than a multitude of individual cleaning substrates. Additionally, when users have more than one width of mop head100, the continuous web of substrate could be configured to be a selectable-size substrate85such that user need only store one continuous web of substrate rather than multiple sizes of individual substrates.

As shown inFIG. 14, the continuous web of selectable-size substrate85may have lines of weakness87at regular intervals along the length of the web85. Such lines of weakness87may be perforations, scoring, areas of weakened material, or other similar character that allows a portion of the cleaning substrate to be removed from the continuous web of substrate85. The regular interval between the lines of weakness87would be an interval that would balance the needs of various widths of mop heads100. For example, the system of the present invention may include floor mops having head widths of 12 inches (305 mm), 18 inches (457 mm), 24 inches (610 mm), 36 inches (914 mm), and 48 inches (1.2 m). In such a system, a selectable-size substrate85would preferably have lines of weakness87at 6-inch (152 mm) intervals. The user would then be able to easily tear off any appropriate length of substrate85for the particular width head that they were using.

Such disposable cleaning substrates may be a single flat sheet as shown inFIG. 14, a folded or two-ply sheet as shown inFIG. 15, a tubular substrate, or other formats that could be provided as a continuous web and as necessary for the various mop heads100widths of the system. As shown inFIG. 15, such substrates may additionally include substrate fasteners93that may interact with the particular mop heads100to attach the substrate to those mop heads100.

The selectable-size substrate shown inFIG. 14is provided in a roll format89. As such, the roll89could be mounted in a roll product dispenser, as are commonly available and widely understood. Such a dispenser could be available on the wall, on a cart, or wherever would be most convenient for the user of the system. Alternatively, the selectable-size substrate85may be provided to the user in a container98, such as shown inFIG. 15. The substrate85could be stored and dispensed from the container98through a dispensing opening97in the container98. The substrate85may be available in the container98in any format that is desired. It may be a roll89, as inFIG. 14, merely piled in the container98, or may be festooned within the container98.

Additional functionality could also be added to the container98. As shown inFIG. 15, the container98may have a separator99that the user could use to more easily separate the cleaning substrate along the lines of weakness87. Such containers98may also include indicia that would help the user identify the amount or type of substrate contained, instructions on proper use, disposal instructions, or other messages that are desired to be conveyed to the user. Such indicia may be any word(s), numeral(s), line(s), symbol(s), picture(s), color(s) and/or combination(s) thereof, that convey the desired message. Additionally, or alternatively, the container98may have additional features such as viewing slots such the user can see the amount of remaining substrate, mounting brackets for mounting the container98on a support surface, disposal/recycling features, or other such characteristics that enhance the system and make it easier to use.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples and discussion, given for purposes of illustration, are not to be construed as limiting the scope of this invention, which is defined by the following claims and all equivalents thereto.