A DEVICE FOR INTERCONNECTING FLOOR-CLEANING MOPS

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for interconnecting two floor-cleaning mop holders, comprising an interconnection member and engagement means on said holders, each end of said interconnection member arranged for removable engagement with said engagement means. The novel features of the invention are that said engagement means is an upwardly open groove (11) formed at least at the ends of each mop holder, and that the interconnection member (20, 20') is formed at both of its ends with a fastening element (21, 22; 21', 22') for removable, position-adjustable engagement with said groove.

Description: A DEVICE FOR INTERCONNECTING FLOOR-CLEANING MOPS The present invention relates to a device for inter¬ connecting holders for floor-cleaning mops. Background of the Invention and Prior-Art Technology In professional cleaning, it is often necessary to mop-clean large open floor spaces, for instance for cleaning corridors, dining-halls, gymnasiums, meeting halls and the like. Under these circumstances, it is desirable that the front of the floor-cleaning mop is as wide as possible to make the cleaning job efficient. This goal may be achieved in two different ways. It is possible to use a floor-cleaning mop with a prolonged mop holder the length (front) of which is designed particu¬ larly for mopping large and uncluttered surfaces. Alter- natively, two mop holders of standard length may be in¬ terconnected, thus together forming a wide mop front. In many respects, the latter alternative is preferable since it allows the same mops to be used as those intended for cleaning ordinary-size floor spaces, thus obviating the need to invest in special mops that may be used only under certain circumstances. One prior-art solution comprises a bar interconnect¬ ed between the handle mounts of two mop holders and a handle which is connected to the centre of the intercon- necting bar. This kind of solution has, however, proved to be complex and impractical in many situations. In addition to the disadvantage resulting from the static width, considerable manual force is required for instance to turn and rotate the entire unit. If one of the distal ends of the mop holder impinges for instance against the skirting board, a chair leg or the like, the mop holder forms a lever of great length which presents a consider¬ able torque, with consequential load on the user's wrists and forearms. Eventually, this type of stress may cause 2 nob injuries. In addition, the outer edges of the mop holders are easily damaged. In addition, professional cleaning activities re¬ quire that the interconnection may be effected rapidly and conveniently and that as few equipment components as possible are required. Some prior-art solutions are defi¬ cient from a user's point of view because they are diffi¬ cult to implement and/or require unnecessary ancillary equipment. An object of the subject invention thus is to obtain an interconnection means that is uncomplicated, inexpen¬ sive and easy both to implement and to handle. A further object of the present invention is to al¬ low the operative width of the mop device to be increased or reduced, also during the very moppmg-up work. A further object of the invention is to provide a solution allowing more flexibility, particularly in order to facilitate access when mopping narrow spaces that are difficult to reach, while at the same time making it pos- sible to mop using a wide mop front. A further object of the invention is to obtain an interconnection requiring but minor modifications of the mop holder arrangement. A further object of the invention is to provide a low structural height, allowing the mop to reach into spaces having a restricted height. A further object of the invention is to provide a device reducing the load on the user. Summary of the Invention The inventive objects are achieved by means of a device for interconnecting two floor-cleaning mop holders, comprising an interconnection member and en¬ gagement members arranged on said holders, each end of said interconnection member being arranged for removable engagement with said engagement means, characterised in that said engagement means is an upwardly open groove 3 formed at least at the ends of each mop holder, and in that the interconnection member is formed at either end with a fastening element for removable, position-adjust¬ able engagement with said groove. Alternatively, the inventive objects are achieved by means of a device for interconnecting two floor-cleaning mop holders, comprising a interconnection member and en¬ gagement means on said mop holders, each end of said interconnection member being arranged for removable en- gagement with said engagement means, characterised in that said engagement means is a rail formed at least at each end of the mop holders, and that the interconnection member is formed at both of its ends with a fastening element for removable, position-adjustable engagement with said rail. In accordance with the subject invention the fas¬ tening elements of the interconnection member preferably are displaceable along and rotational in respectively grooves or rails of the mop holders. Owing to this ar- rangement it becomes easy to displace and position the mop holders at an angle relatively to one another, allow¬ ing variable mopping. It is preferable that the mop holders are non-rigid- ly interconnected, for instance for the purpose of making it possible to retain collected dirt in front of the mop. By putting the mop holders at an angle relatively to one another with the angle opening oriented forwards collect¬ ed material is prevented from being displaced outwards, towards the mop sides. In addition, owing to the movable interconnection it becomes possible to decrease or in¬ crease the operative width of the mop during the mopping activity in order to present the largest possible clean¬ ing width towards the surface to be cleaned that the obstacles thereon allow. The movability of the intercon- nection also makes it easier for the user to turn the mop, since the maximum torque required for turning may be reduced. Owing to the flexibility and the movability of the interconnection the inner ends of the mop holders could at all times be maintained in abutting relation¬ ship, without any gap forming between the mop holders when the latter are placed at an angle relatively to one another. If a gap were allowed to form between the mop holders it would be impossible to collect and retain dirt in front of the mop, since the dirt would be allowed to slip through the gap. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention said groove, alternatively said rail, is arranged intermediate lengthwise recesses formed in the lower face of the mop holder in order to house fas¬ teners, such as Velcro tape fasteners, intended to secure a head of mop yarn to the mop holder. In this manner it becomes possible to give the mop holder a particularly low profile or building height, making low and narrow spaces accessible for cleaning. The mop holder including the groove, alternatively the rail, preferably is made as one integral piece. Pre- ferably, the groove or the rail extends along the entire length of the mop holder. The holder may be manufactured as one integral piece, for instance through extrusion, continuous casting, extrusion or injection moulding. Pre¬ ferably, the mop holders may be manufactured from extrud- ed aluminium. The present invention also offers the advantage that the handle mount as well as the end plugs and connective members may be easily attached to the very same length¬ wise groove or rail in the mop holder. A mop handle may be easily connected to each of the mop holders by making use of said groove or rail, render¬ ing the entire unit easier and more flexible to control and to handle. Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be described in the fol¬ lowing in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. IA is a perspective view of a floor-cleaning mop designed to allow interconnection, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Fig. IB is a perspective view showing the intercon¬ nection of two mops of the kind illustrated in Fig. 1 by means of an exemplary interconnection member; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the mop holder for the mop of the Fig. IA; Fig. 3 is a sectional view through the mop holder of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the interconnection member of Fig. IB; Fig. 5A is a view from below of the interconnection member of Fig. 4; Fig. 5B is a lateral end view of the interconnection member of Fig. 4; Fig. 5C is a lateral view of the interconnection member of Fig. 4; Fig. 6A is a view from below of a second alternative embodiment of the interconnection member for intercon- necting in accordance with Fig. IB; Fig. 6B is a lateral end view of the interconnection member of Fig. 6A; Fig. 6C is a lateral view of the interconnection member of Fig. 6A; Fig. 7 is a view from above of a second alternative embodiment of the end part of the mop holder intended to receive the interconnection member of Fig. 5 or 6; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view through a third alternative embodiment of the mop holder in accordance with the invention. Fig. 9A is a view from below of a third alternative embodiment of an interconnection member to be intercon¬ nected with the mop holder of Fig. 8; Fig. 9B is a lateral end view of the third embodi- ment of the interconnection member of Fig. 9A; Fig. 9C is a lateral view of the third embodiment of the interconnection member of Fig. 9A. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Fig. IA illustrates schematically a floor-cleaning mop in accordance with the invention, comprising a handle 5, a mop holder 10 the lower face of which is designed to receive a head of mop yarn and the upper face of which is provided with an interconnection groove 11, and a handle mount 6 for attachment of the handle 5 to the mop holder 10. The ends of the mop holder are provided with end plugs 12 and 13 made from a plastics material and serving both to protect the groove 11 from entrance of dirt and the like and to protect walls, edgings or the like in the surrounding environment from being damaged when the mop holder 11 is pushed against or pulled along them. Fig. IB illustrates schematically the interconnec¬ tion of two floor-cleaning mop holders of the kind illu¬ strated m Fig. 1 with the aid of an interconnection mem- ber in accordance with the invention. Fig. 2 illustrates schematically a mop holder 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The mop holder is configured in the classical manner as an elongate flat element with a recess forming an under- cut groove 11. In accordance with this preferred embodi¬ ment the groove extends lengthwise along the entire width of the mop holder and has an essentially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In addition, the groove is an end- to-end groove, and it is open upwards and arranged on the upper face of the mop holder. The groove is designed to receive an interconnection member as will be described m closer detail below. In addition, the mop holder 10 is provided with end plugs 12 and 13 which may be formed with projecting parts (not shown) which are introduced laterally into the end openings of the groove 11 to retain the plugs in position inside the groove by means of friction or press fit. Obviously, other means serving the same function as the end plugs could be used as could also various means, for instance special fasteners, in order to keep the end plugs m engagement with the groove. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the mop holder 10 of Fig. 2. As appears from this drawing figure, the mop holder 10 has two parallel projections 15 and 16 associated with the groove 11, said two projections 15 and 16 extending partly across the groove and forming the undercut groove structure. Thus, the groove 11 essential¬ ly has an inverted T-shaped configuration. The thus con¬ figured groove has a maximum width a and a groove opening width b. The lower face of the mop holder is formed with rectangular grooves or recesses 17 and 18 to accommodate fasteners such as Velcro tape fasteners intended to secure the head of mop yarn to the holder. The recesses 17 and 18 extend preferably in parallel along the entire length or longitudinal sides of the mop holder. Prefer- ably, the undercut groove 11 extends between the recesses 17 and 18 to allow a highly reduced building height. Thus, less material is used to produce the mop holder while at the same time the mop holder profile becomes lower. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of an interconnection member 20 designed to interconnect two mop holders in accordance with Fig. 2. The interconnection member com¬ prises an elongate link member 24 presenting on its lower face, one fastening element 21 and 22, respectively, at each end, said fastening elements projecting perpendicu¬ larly from the member for rotational and preferably dis¬ placeable engagement m their respective groove 11 of the mop holders to be interconnected, as will be described m more detail in the following, The upper face of the elongate link member 24 pre¬ ferably has a circularly concave cross-sectional configu- ration and is provided with a Velcro tape fastener piece 23 whereby the interconnection member, when not m use, may be secured to the holder by means of a co-acting Velcro tape fastener piece (not shown) in an intended interconnection member storage position on the mop handle 5. Owing to this arrangement, the interconnection member 20 always accompanies the mop and s easily available whenever interconnection is to take place. Figs 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the interconnection member of Fig. 4. In the manner illustrated each fasten- mg element 21, 22 is formed with a first upper or inner cylindrical portion 29 the diameter e of which is some¬ what smaller than the width b of the opening of the groove 11. In addition, each fastening element 21, 22 is formed with a second, lower or outer portion 26 the width c of which exceeds the width b of the opening of the groove 11 but is slightly smaller than the largest groove width a. In addition, the lower portions 26 of the fas¬ tening elements are formed as circles with cut-away seg¬ ments, whereby two essentially parallel faces 27 and 28 are produced, giving to the lower portions 26 of the fastening elements a minimum width d that is somewhat smaller than the groove opening width b. The parallel surfaces 27 and 28 preferably extend at right angles to the longitudinal extension of the elongate member 24. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figs 5A, 5B and 5C the diameter e of the upper portion 29 equals the smallest width d of the lower portion 26. The attachment of the interconnection member 20 of Fig. 5 to the mop holder 10 of Figs 2 and 3 is performed by directing the interconnection member in such a manner that its longitudinal extension is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove 11, whereby the parallel surfaces 27 and 28 of the lower portion 26 of for instance the fastening element 21 will extend in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the groove 11. Because the spacing d between the two parallel sur- faces 27 and 28 as well as the diameter e of the first portion 29 are slightly smaller than the width of the groove opening, the fastening element 21 may be inserted into the groove 11. When the first portion 29 of the fas¬ tening element 21 is level with the projections 15 and 16 that partly overhang the groove, the interconnection mem¬ ber 20 is turned to allow the laterally projecting parts of the lower portion 26 of the fastening element 21 to be introduced underneath the projections 15 and 16, causing the fastening element 21 to engage the groove, without it being possible to remove the element therefrom by simply pulling it straight out of the groove 11. Because of the design and arrangement of the holder of Fig. IB the fastening element 21 is prevented by the associated end plug 12, 13 from being displaced outwards, towards the mop holder ends along the groove 11, said plugs thus serving as fastening element stops. In accordance with this embodiment, the fastening element 21 may be displaced in the longitudinal direc¬ tion of the groove as well as be rotated therein because of the diameter of the lower portion 26 being slightly smaller than the largest width of the groove 11. However, it is possible to adapt the dimensions of the fastening elements 21 and 22 and those of the groove 11 in such a manner that, after having been rotated, the fastener element is retained in a chosen position inside the groove, for instance by means of friction or press fit in cooperation with the walls of the groove 11 and/or the projections 15 and 16. The lower portion, if given an essentially oval shape, provides the same function. In a corresponding manner the fastening element 22 of the interconnection member 20 is secured in another mop holder. Thus, the two mop holders are interconnected in a simple and reliable manner. Because of the movable engagement of the fastening elements 21, 22 with their respective groove 11, 11', see Fig. IB, the mop holders 10, 10' could be placed at an angle and be displaced relatively to one another m a very simple manner. In Figs 6A, 6B and 6C is shown a second, alternative embodiment of the fastening elements 21' and 22' of an alternative interconnection member 20'. In accordance with this embodiment, the second, outer or lower portion 26' of each fastening element 21', 22' is configured as a full circular disc. Consequently, the lower portion has a diameter c which exceeds the opening width b of the groove 11 but is slightly smaller than the largest width a of the groove. In addition, each fastening element 21', 22' has a first, upper or inner portion the diameter size e of which is slightly smaller than the opening width of the groove 11. Fig. 7 is a view as seen from above of an alterna¬ tive embodiment of the end portion of a mop holder, which mop holder is intended to be interconnected with another mop holder by means of the coupling member of Fig. 6. As appears from this drawing figure, the groove 11 exhibits notches of circular segment shape formed in one area of the projections 15, 16. The circular opening 14 thus formed is of sufficient size to allow introduction there¬ in of e.g. the lower portion 26' of the fastening element 21'. The fastening element 21' is inserted down into the groove 11 until its first portion 29' is level with the projections 15 and 16, in which position the fastening element 21' is displaced to the desired position along the groove 11, preferably in the direction towards the closest end of the mop holder, the fastening element thus being secured vertically by the projections 15 and 16. As is easily understood also the fastening elements 20, 21 of the interconnection member 20 m Fig. 5 may be made to engage the groove 11 by making use of an opening 14 as above. In accordance with another embodiment the intercon¬ nection member of Fig. 5 or 6 may be introduced into the groove 11 which in this case may lack the above-mentioned circular opening, by removing one of the end plugs 12 or 13 of the mop holder 10, introducing the lower portion 26 of for instance the fastening element 21 into the groove 11 and then replacing the end plug 12 or 13. If the end plug is maintained in position at the groove end by means of friction or press fit there is, however, a risk in¬ volved with this embodiment inasmuch as the friction or the press fit may deteriorate gradually as a consequence of repeated removal and mounting. To eliminate this prob- le a suitable stop means may be placed in the groove end area. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view through a third embodiment of the mop holder 10. Contrary to the preced¬ ing embodiments the mop holder is in this case provided with a T-shaped rail 30. The rail 30 is positioned cen¬ trally on the upper face of the mop holder and extends preferably along the entire length of the mop holder. The rail is formed by two L-shaped grooves. The upper face of the rail is level with the upper face of the mop holder. It is of course equally possible to arrange the rail upstanding from the upper face of the mop holder. Figs 9A, 9B and 9C are lateral views of the third embodiment of an interconnection member 40 intended to engage the rail 30 of Fig. 8. Each fastening element 41, 42 of the interconnection member 40 is arranged so as to be able to engage with and be displaced on the rail 30. The third embodiment illustrated in Figs 8 and 9 is based on the same principle as the preceding embodiments but the coupling between the interconnection member and the mop holder is effected in a reversed manner. The mop holder rail 30 has two flanges or legs 31 and 32 project¬ ing in opposite directions and forming a head on the rail, and a web portion 33. Each fastening element 41, 42 has an undercut groove 45 formed by hook members 43 and 44 arranged in facing relationship. The hook members 43 and 44 completely or partly enclose the flanges 31 and 32 when the interconnection member 40 is arranged in engage¬ ment with the rail 30. Each fastening element 41, 42 may be applied on the rail 11 by inserting the fastening ele¬ ment from the end face of the holder and then, according to need, blocking the end portion with the aid of an end plug or the like. Alternatively, an embodiment corresponding to that of Fig. 7 is possible. According to this variant the flanges 31, 32, or head of the rail are formed with indentations in one area, making the width of the head somewhat narrower in that area than the smallest spacing between said hooks. Thus, it becomes possible to apply the rail from above and then to displace it laterally in order to obtain the engagement of the fastening element. In order to allow the fastening element to be turned about a vertical axis relatively to the mop holder it is possible to give the undercut groove, which is defined by the hooks 43 and 44, an essentially arcuate shape in the parts facing the rail, as illustrated in Fig. 9. Also other configurations are possible, such as pointed, in order to similarly allow a certain movability about said vertical axis. With the embodiments presenting a groove on the mop holder the handle mount may advantageously be joined to the mop holder middle portion by means of a member which is introduced into the groove 11 and configured to ensure that the projections 15 and 16 of the groove 11 engage said member. The latter then preferably is prevented from being displaced in the lengthwise direction of the groove by deformation of a portion of the projections at the sides of the member. In a corresponding manner, with the embodiments including a rail, the handle mount may be joined to the centre portion of the mop holder by means of a member which is applied on the rail and configured to allow the rail flanges 31 and 32 to engage the member. The latter then preferably is prevented from being dis¬ placed on the rail by deformation of a part of the flanges at the sides of the member. Although the fastening elements m accordance with the embodiments above are generally cylindrical, they could be configured differently, for instance having a rectangular, elliptical or other cross-sectional shape. It is likewise possible to make the fastening elements displaceable and/or adjustable relatively to one another. In addition, the fastening elements may be locked m the groove or on the ra l, respectively. The groove or rail could extend otherwise than shown. For instance, the groove or the rail do not have to extend the full length of the mop holder. Preferably, however, groove or rail sections are formed at least at both end areas of the mop holder to allow the latter to be coupled to another mop holder at any one of its two ends. For instance, transverse grooves or rails are pos¬ sible, which in that case extend along the short side of the mop holder, close to each end thereof. Although the above described T-profiled configura¬ tion is the preferred one, other preferably undercut groove profile or rail profile configurations may be used, for instance an L-shaped profile configuration. The described embodiments refer to mop holders pro¬ vided with a groove or a rail and to fastening elements provided on the interconnection member for removable and position-adjustable engagement with the groove or the rail. However, it is easily understood that the groove and the rail could easily be arranged on the interconnec¬ tion member and the corresponding fastening elements on the mop holder without departing from the scope of pro- tection afforded by the invention.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A device for interconnecting two floor-cleaning mop holders, comprising an interconnection member and engagement means on said holders, each end of said inter¬ connection member arranged for removable engagement with said engagement means, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that said engagement means is an upwardly open groove (11) formed at least at each end of each mop holder, and that said interconnection member (20; 20') is form¬ ed at both of its ends with a fastening element (21, 22; 21', 22') for removable, position-adjustable engagement with said groove. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i s e d in that said groove (11) is undercut; and that each fastening element (21, 22; 21', 22') of said interconnection member comprises a projection including a first upper portion (29; 29') and a second lower portion (26; 26'), the first portion (29; 29') having a width that is smaller than the width (b) of the groove opening, and a second portion (26; 26') having a width in excess of the width of the groove opening but smaller than the largest width (a) of the groove. 3. A device as claimed in claim 2, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i s e d in that said undercut groove (11) is defin¬ ed by facing projections (15, 16) partly overhanging the groove and having a part with notches formed therein, said notches forming an opening (14) allowing introduc¬ tion of the second portion (26; 26') of the fastening element into said groove. 4. A device as claimed in any one of claim 2 or 3, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the lower portion (26) of said fastening element has two essentially parallel lateral faces (27, 28) spaced a distance (d) apart which is smaller than the width (b) of the opening of the groove (11), allowing introduction of the lower portion (26) of the fastening element into the groove (11), said lateral faces (27, 28) preferably extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal extension of the inter¬ connection member (20) . 5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the intercon¬ nection member (20; 20') is arranged for displaceable and preferably also rotary engagement with said groove (11) . 6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that said groove (11) is formed in the upper face of the mop holder pro¬ per. 7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that said groove (11) extends in the lengthwise direction of the holder. 8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that said groove (11) is arranged intermediate lengthwise recesses (17, 18) formed on the lower face of the mop holder to accom¬ modate therein fastening means, such as Velcro tape, for attachment of a head of mop yarn to the mop holder. 9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the mop holder including said groove is made in one piece, preferably as an extruded or moulded profile section component. 10. A device for interconnection of two floor-clean¬ ing mop holders, comprising an interconnection member (40) and engagement means on each mop holder, each end of said interconnection member arranged for removable engagement with said engagement means, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i s e d in that said engagement means is a rail (30) formed at least at each end of each mop holder; and that the interconnection member (40) is provided at both of its ends with a fastening element (41, 42) for removable, position-adjustable engagement with said rail (30) . 11. A device as claimed in claim 10, c h r a c ¬ t e r i s e d in that said rail has a lower web portion (33) and an upper flange portion (31, 32); and that said fastening elements (41, 42) of the inter¬ connection member comprises an undercut groove (45) intended to be applied on and to engage with said rail (30) . 12. A device as claimed in claim 11, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i s e d in that said fastening element groove (45) is delimited by opposite projections (43, 44), preferably configured as facing, preferably generally convex projec- tions, thereby allowing rotation of the interconnection member (40) relatively to the mop holder when the fasten¬ ing element engages said rail (11) . 13. A device as claimed in any one of claims 11 or 12, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the flange portion (31, 32) of said rail (11) has a section with notches therein forming a narrowed part on said flange portion, allowing application and engagement of projections (43, 44) formed on said fastening element about the flange portion (31, 32) of said rail (11) . 14. A device as claimed in any one of claims 10-13, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the interconnection mem¬ ber (40) is arranged for displaceable and preferably also rotary engagement with said rail (30) . 15. A device as claimed in any one of claims 10-14, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that said rail (30) is ar¬ ranged on the upper face of the mop holder. 16. A device as claimed in any one of claims 10-15, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that said rail (30) extends in the lengthwise direction of the mop holder. 17. A device as claimed in any one of claims 10-16, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that said rail (30) is posi¬ tioned intermediate lengthwise recesses (34, 35) formed on the lower face of the mop holder to accommodate there¬ in fastening means, such as Velcro tape, intended to secure a head of mop yarn to the mop holder. 18. A device as claimed in any one of the claims 10-17, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the mop holder including said rail is manufactured as one single piece, preferably in the shape of an extruded or continuously cast profile section component.

Inventors: ANEHORN LARS G, ANEHORN, LARS, G.
Applicants: ANEHORN LARS G, CARPETING I STOCKHOLM AB, ANEHORN, LARS, G.
Application year: 1996
Main classification: A47L13
IPC codes: A47L13