AGILE CLEANING DEVICE

A cleaning device has a handling section, a neck section, and a cleaning section. In an exemplary cleaning device, the neck section may be interconnected to the handling section and the cleaning section interconnected to the neck section. An exemplary cleaning section may have a frame that is rotatably interconnected to the neck section and configured to completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. The frame also has at least one flexible structure to engage a cover to be held in tension about the frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are embodiments of the invention that relate to, among other things, a cleaning apparatus with more flexibility in movement, such as may be in the form of a mop.

BACKGROUND

Current cleaning products in the form of mops use only one side of the cleaning surface for removing debris from a floor or other surface structure. These devices require re-usable cleaning surfaces in conjunction with the mop that will need to be disposed once the surface in contact with the floor is sufficiently used so as to no longer perform a cleaning function.

During cleaning, re-usable cleaning sheets or covers may come loose and inhibit the user's ability to effect a cleaning operation. Re-attachment to anchoring points on the device can be cumbersome and time consuming and is not desirable as it would subject the user to touching the unclean surfaces of the cleaning sheet or cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow disposed in both the neck and handling sections so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow disposed in both the neck and handling sections so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame may also have a plurality of treads coupled thereto.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow disposed in both the neck and handling sections so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame may also have a plurality of treads coupled thereto. Further, the cover is disposed on the frame via the plurality of treads.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow disposed in both the neck and handling sections so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame may also have a plurality of treads coupled thereto via the at least one flexible structure.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow disposed in both the neck and handling sections so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure, such as one or more spring-activated latches, to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow disposed in both the neck and handling sections so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure, such as one or more spring-activated latches pivotally mounted to the frame, to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow disposed in both the neck and handling sections so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure, such as one or more flexible hooks, to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow with at least three radii so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow with at least three equal radii so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section via an elbow with at least one 90-degree angle so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis of a joint between the neck section and the frame. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis substantially orthogonal with respect to a central axis of the handling section. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame.

An exemplary cleaning device may comprise a handling section, a neck section interconnected to the handling section, and a cleaning section comprising a frame. An exemplary frame of an exemplary cleaning device may be rotatably interconnected to the neck section so that the frame may completely rotate about an axis substantially orthogonal with respect to a central axis of the handling section. Additionally, an exemplary frame may also have at least one flexible structure to engage a cover configured to be disposed on the frame to hold it in tension about the frame.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures. The drawing figures, elements and other depictions should be understood as being interchangeable and may be combined in any like manner in accordance with the disclosures and objectives recited herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With respect toFIG.1, a mop100may be shown having a handling section10, a neck20, and the cleaning section or “head”30interconnected to one another via one or a combination of mechanical, magnetic, electrical, snap-fit, welded, over-molded, permanent, and semi-permanent joining and/or fastening methods known to those skilled in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, handling section10may be connected to neck20via a snap-fit connection while head10may connected to neck20via a mechanical method such as by screws or pins. Alternatively, handling section10and neck20may be integrally-formed as a single part to reduce costs. Further alternatively, handling section10may be over-molded to form the neck20thereon, and further reduce costs for mechanical or other fastening methods otherwise needed for these two sections of an exemplary mop100.

Referring toFIGS.2-4, an exemplary handling section10may comprise a shaft1and a cap2, which allows for covering any exposed material forming shaft1from the hands of a user. An exemplary cap2may span a minor portion to a major portion of the length of shaft1to enable better handling and/or gripping of the exemplary mop100made therefrom. In one embodiment, cap2may be a rubber material and in another embodiment, cap2may be a silicone material. Cap2may be made to have finger indents or palm indents to make handling of exemplary mop100easier on the hands of a user. Further, an exemplary cap2may have a rim or ridge at its furthest extent (e.g., the extent most proximal to a fastener position with a fastener3). In an exemplary embodiment, exemplary cap2may be screwed onto, over-molded, or snap-fit onto one or more engaging surfaces of shaft1. The end of shaft1opposite cap2may be configured to be inserted within a receiving orifice of mouth22of neck section20using the aforementioned fastener3. As further illustrated inFIGS.3and3A, fastener3may be shown in a sectional view A-A fromFIG.3and magnified inFIG.3A. As magnified inFIG.3A, an exemplary fastener3may be a spring engagement or snap-fit mechanism using a deflectable element4lodged within shaft1to allow fastener3to be pushed into shaft1so as to be released and spring back up when an accommodating opening above fastener3is present, e.g., an opening in a portion of a neck section20. While fastener3may be shown as a deflectable pin and spring4engagement, those skilled in the art may appreciate the fastener3may be any number of types of engagement mechanisms, such as magnetic, hook and loop, screw, friction fit, ball and socket, as well as other semi-permanent and permanent fixation methodologies. Further, it may be contemplated that shaft1may be comprised of multiple parts that may be assembled together or may telescope or slide within one another to elongate or shorten the length thereof.

As further illustrate inFIGS.2,4, and9A-C, an exemplary mouth22of an exemplary neck section20may be configured to snap-fit or be otherwise mechanically-fastened to the end of shaft1opposite cap2via the fastening mechanisms3and/or4or their mechanical equivalents known to those skilled in the art as previously described. Those skilled in the art would understand that any of the joining or fastening methods referred to previously may be employed for joining or fastening the neck section20to the handling section10. The neck section20may further comprise a web23to provide rigidity and strength to the neck section20. Further included in the neck section20may be an exemplary elbow24that may be made of the same or different material as neck20and/or may be permanently or removably attached to the same. In an exemplary embodiment, a pin21may affix elbow24within neck20. In a further exemplary embodiment, web23may provide additional rigidity and strength to elbow24while being held within neck section20. An additional rigidity enhancement of elbow24may be made by mechanical components or surfaces within mouth22. An even further additional rigidity enhancement for elbow24may be made by mechanical components or surfaces within mouth22and the fastening mechanisms3and/or4within shaft1. In other words, the combination of handling section10and neck section20may together enhance the rigidity of elbow24. This enhanced rigidity may allow users to make better use of the exemplary mop100because the multiple rigidity points for elbow24via neck section20and handling section10may ensure that wobbling does not occur in the event any one of the rigidity points becomes loose over time. In an exemplary embodiment, an elbow24may be integral with mouth22so that a web23may not be necessary as the two would be one in the same material, as may be illustrated inFIG.5A. An additional attachment pin, clip, or functionally equivalent component26may exist on an exemplary elbow24to permit attachment to the cleaning section30of an exemplary mop100.

In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary elbow24may have its own joinder pin or cavity27to attach it to an exemplary cleaning section30as may be illustrated inFIGS.5and9A-C. While the dimensions of an exemplary elbow24may vary, it has been found to be especially critical in an elbow of the type illustrated inFIGS.4and9A-C that the radius25of each bend in the elbow24be substantially equal. Further, exemplary section A of elbow24may be between 75% and 90% the length of section C of elbow24. Further, an exemplary section B of an exemplary elbow24may be between 35% and 50% of either exemplary section A or exemplary section B. In a further alternative embodiment, an exemplary section B may be substantially the same length as half the width of an exemplary cleaning section30.

In another embodiment, as may be illustratively shown viaFIGS.9A-C, an exemplary neck section20may have an elbow24comprised of a moveable mouth22and elbow24section. As illustratively provided, an exemplary mouth22, which may be joined to the handling section10of an exemplary mop100, may have a revolute joint comprised of two jaws22A and28coupled to or otherwise integrally-formed with mouth22and elbow24, respectively. The pin21previously referred to may exist as a plastic dowel or bearing that may be used to join the jaws22A and28to create a neck section20that can fold about the axis formed by the revolute joint by a certain angle α (as shown inFIG.9B). While the revolute joint shown inFIGS.9A-Cmay appear as a simple hinge joint, those skilled in the art would understand the joint may include ball-and-socket joints, ratcheting joints, and flexibly resilient. As shown inFIG.9A, an exemplary elbow section C may be joined to the remaining sections B and A of elbow24via a mechanical surface29that may use the cavity27to enable complete assembly of the full elbow24. A finally-realized neck section20comprised of elbow24may be shown in isometric view inFIG.9C.

An exemplary cleaning section30may be illustrated inFIGS.2,5,5A, and6. According to these illustrative embodiments, an exemplary cleaning section30may comprise an attachment point31, joint cavities31A, a frame32, one or more couplers33, coupling regions33A-B, capture mechanisms34, treads36having underside couplers36A-B, friction surfaces37, and a cleaner cover38, which in an exemplary embodiment may be disposed on one or more of the treads36and held thereto either via friction surface37, capture mechanism34, or combinations of the same. As may be illustrated inFIG.5A, which is an exemplary cross-section of the cleaning section30illustrated inFIG.5, an exemplary underside coupler36A and36B of tread36may be friction fitted to coupling region33B located at a peripheral region of frame32. In an alternative embodiment, as may be illustrated inFIG.6, an exemplary tread36may be coupled to frame32via adhesives or sonic welding between tread36material and one or more surface couplers33found within coupling region33A, which is located inwardly of the periphery of frame32. In a further alternative embodiment, an exemplary tread36may be coupled to frame32by a combination of couplers33found within coupling region33A and a coupling region33B. In another alternative embodiment, exemplary treads36may be over-molded onto frame32through spacing found in the coupler region33A, as may be illustrated by the ribbing structures in frame32illustrated inFIG.6.

An exemplary attachment point31may be any configuration of frame32alone or in combination with treads36that may hold or rigidly contain section C of the elbow24within the frame32to permit rotation about the same. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin26of section C of elbow24may be mechanically fixed in place within frame32upon the coupling of each tread36thereto. Alternatively, elbow24section C may be snap-fit or otherwise locked within elbow24before tread36are attached to the frame32. Alternatively, frame32may be rotationally attached to elbow24section C via a spring hinge located where pin26is shown (spring not shown) to allow frame32to be rotated in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) when a force is applied to the frame via one of the neck section20and/or handle section10and be forced to rotate to a second direction (e.g., clockwise) by the spring to return to a prior orientation. In a still further embodiment, the attachment between elbow24section C and frame32may be such that frame32may ratchet about the elbow24section C so that the angle of the frame32may be substantially held in place about the axis of section C.

Referring toFIGS.7A-B, an exemplary frame32may contain within it joint cavities31A that may be configured to receive one or more capture mechanisms34to make a completed cleaning section30(which is shown inFIG.7B). As may be illustrated inFIG.7A, an exemplary cleaning section30may be provided in exploded view to see the assembly of each capture mechanism34within frame32. An exemplary capture mechanism34may be coupled within frame32by a rotation pin34B and elastically connected by a compression spring34A. Each of compression spring34A may be housed within appropriately shaped cavities31A in the thickness of frame32while pin34B may transverse an opening through peripheral coupling region33B in frame32. Like an exemplary pin26, pin34B may also be mechanically locked in frame32after attachment of treads36. Alternatively, pin34B may be fixed in frame32prior to attachment of treads36to frame32. Further alternatively, pin34B may be integrally molded into frame32such that mechanism34may be snapped into cavity31A so as to be rotatable and substantially and rigidly fixed therein. This may be achieved by making the point where pin34B would otherwise pass into mechanism34a hemispherical surface on either side of mechanism34. A complementary spherical concavity within cavity31A of frame32would then allow the mechanism to snap into place following placement of compression spring34A therein. Once assembled, an exemplary capture mechanism34may be used by pressing against latches41in a direction that causes mechanism34to compress spring34A within frame32. As a result of that movement, catch42may rotate outwardly about the axis of pin34B or other rotational attachment arrangement to allow it to extend away from frame32. In an extended configuration, catch42may be used to clamp down upon one or more extensions from cleaner cover38(not shown). Alternatively, flexing of capture mechanism34may allow for cleaner cover38to envelop the treads36and frame32and, once released into a relaxed position, cause the latch41to hook through one or more openings in cleaner cover38. In either embodiment, capture mechanism's flexing capabilities via springs34A and pivot pin34B (or like arrangement) may result in substantially rigid and/or tensioned retention of cleaner cover38on treads36.

In yet another alternative embodiment, as shown inFIG.8, an illustrative spring-hook35may be frictionally held within passages31B-C in joint31. Passages31B-C cooperate with joint cavities31A to house spring hook35so that it may be held in place while in operation. Like capture mechanism34, spring hook35may be flexed to allow for capture of cleaner cover38so as to be held in tension around treads36. While spring hook35may be shown with a circular hook terminus, any C-shaped, S-shaped, or rectangular arrangement of wire may be used at the terminus of spring hook35to allow for pulling the same by a user and clamping down on one or more extensions of cleaner cover38. Alternatively, the terminus of spring hook35may be used to pass through openings in cleaner cover38to hold the same in tension about treads36. Exemplary passages31B-C may have friction surfaces to hold spring hook35in place or may themselves have clamping capabilities to hold onto spring hook35when in use. While passages31B-C may be integral with the remainder of frame32, the same may be formed as a result of the connection between elbow24and joint31. In other words, the connection between elbow24and joint31may result in the rigid holding of spring hook35to frame32without use of passages31B or31C.

In an exemplary embodiment, the various cavities31A and passages31B-C found in frame32may be present to allow manufacturing exemplary mops100meant to accommodate capture mechanisms34and spring hooks35.

An exemplary mop100may have numerous advantages by virtue of the above illustrative embodiments. In one aspect, an exemplary mop100may allow for one side of cleaner cover38to be used to clean a floor or other surface until no portion of the cover38remains available to take away debris. At such point, an exemplary mop100may allow for cleaner section30to flip about elbow24and allow the other side of cover38to clean the floor or other surface. In this way, a single cleaner cover38may be completely used on substantially all of its major sides to collect debris from the floor or other surface. When fully used, the capture mechanism34or spring hook35may be activated to release the used cover38so it can slide off of the treads36for disposal or washing. Further, the bare treads36may then allow the user to re-apply a new cover38to continue cleaning. Thus, the exemplary mop100may permit repeated use and replacement of covers38without sullying the hands of the mop100operator.

In another embodiment, a cleaner section30without cover38may be dipped in a soap or other cleaning solution so that any voids or pockets in frame32(e.g., found in or around couplers33) may be saturated with the soap or cleaning solution. When inserted into cover38, a saturated frame32may allow the soap or cleaning solution to elute into the cover38fiber to make for a controlled cleaning experience. In other words, unlike prior mops where all fibers are wetted with cleaning solution in an indiscriminate manner, the cover38of an exemplary mop may only have one wetted cleaning surface of cover38at a time, since the cleaning solution would operate under gravity to impregnate the fibers of the cover38portions in touch with the surface to be cleaned. When rotated, the other side of cover38may then receive any residual cleaning solution still found within frame32but not otherwise found within the portion of cover38previously in contact with the surface to be cleaned. Thus, an exemplary mop100may maintain at least one relatively wet portion of cover38in touch with the surface to be cleaned and one relatively dry portion of the same cover38opposite the at least one relatively wet cover38portion.

In yet another embodiment, the entire cleaner section30with cover38on frame32may be submerged in cleaning solution at the same time. Again, the exemplary mop100may promote use of all the cleaning solution through the portion of cover38in contact with the surface to be cleaned while the opposite portion of cover38may be relatively dryer. When flipped, any residual solution may be able to pass through frame32to the other cover38portion to continue the cleaning process. While treads36have been shown as solid pieces, they may be porous or have various ribs and passages to allow for liquids to pass through the same. Moreover, while the materials used to make up the various components of mop100have been identified, those skilled in the art may find that any component can be made from plastics, rubbers, metals, and combinations of the same. For example, exemplary treads36may be made from rubber or silicone while frame32may be a plastic, and elbow24a metal.

Additionally, while an exemplary cleaning section30may be shown as a rectangular component, those skilled in the art would understand that cleaning section30may be any other circle, circular (ellipsoid), or other polygonal shape provided that elbow24be shaped as an outline of the same to allow it to rotate in use. Thus, cleaning section30may comprise an octagonal frame32to rotate about an elbow24section C, while a plurality of radii25allow for the octagonal frame32to rotate freely thereby. The same is true for a circular frame32. Further, while an exemplary mop100may have a cleaning section30having two sides of a frame32to act as surfaces for holding portions of a cleaner cover38, those skilled in the art may appreciate that an exemplary mop100may have three or more sides to allow for numerous portions of cleaner cover38to be used to clean a particular surface.

In another embodiment, an exemplary cleaning section30may be flipped on its narrow end so that the thickness of frame32may be used to press against the cleaner cover38and thereby allow an exemplary mop100to fit into narrow spaces and under tight surfaces, further maximizing the cleaning capabilities of the mop100.

Many further variations and modifications may suggest themselves to those skilled in art upon making reference to above disclosure and foregoing interrelated and interchangeable illustrative embodiments, which are given by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the interrelated embodiments of the invention described herein.