Abstract:
A washing apparatus for mop heads and washing pads which has the introduction of cleaning solution into a compartment for the mop as well as an overflow and drain function. The washer provides affordability, eliminates the need for electricity as a power source or lifting the cleaning water so as to drain the unit, and eliminates the possibility of back injuries associated with lifting. The washing apparatus also affords versatility that it can be combined with a mop bucket with a wringer function. Further, it can include accessories such as a spray nozzle or a foam gun.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    NONE  
         STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    NONE  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    1. Technical Field  
           [0004]    This invention relates to washing apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for washing mop heads and pads.  
           [0005]    2. Background Art  
           [0006]    Mops are used extensively in cleaning floors. While much attention is given to products for use in the cleaning the floors, not much attention has been given to cleaning the mops.  
           [0007]    A typical sequence of usage of a mop involves placing it in a wash tub or bucket with cleaning solution, wringing out excess solution, mopping a floor, wringing out the dirty solution and placing the mop back in the solution. The sequence is then repeated. In many situations when the mopping operation is completed, no attempt is made to further wash the mop head such as by running clean water over it. Consequently when the mop is used subsequently, much of the dirt or foreign material is introduced into the wash water for the next mopping operation. The problem of the dirty mop becomes more serious when it is used to mop up breakage in a grocery store which involves all types of food items, such as pickle juice, ketchup, milk, etc. It becomes even more serious in institutions such as schools, wherein a janitor is required to mop up all types of materials including urine and vomit. Dirty mop water is not changed frequently enough due to the physical effort needed to lift and drain the bucket and the repugnance of physical contact with the contaminated cleaning solution and dirty mop head.  
           [0008]    There is no standard in North America for cleaning mops and pads. In general, on site wash machines have not been accepted in North America due to initial cost, space constraints, electrical hook ups and maintenance costs.  
           [0009]    The use of a dirty mop can result in the following:  
           [0010]    Degradation of floor appearance due to the use of dirty mops and pads.  
           [0011]    Floor finish discoloration leading to premature strip out and re-installation.  
           [0012]    Wasted labor dollars on ineffective daily maintenance.  
           [0013]    The spread of bacteria causing malodor and an unhealthy environment.  
           [0014]    The transfer of contaminants which may alter the floor surface and change the acceptable standard for the coefficient of friction possibly contributing to slip/falls.  
           [0015]    Shortened mop and pad life contributing to increased supply expenditures.  
           [0016]    Visual and sensory impact on a customer when dirty mop heads emitting malodor are used.  
           [0017]    Could be a primary cause in failed store inspections generating additional wasted dollars for compliance and possible fines.  
           [0018]    Possible increase in pest control budget due to spread of bacteria and contamination.  
           [0019]    Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus which can clean a mop head in an efficient manner so as to reduce the possibility of carryover of dirt, contamination, and foreign material into the cleaning solution for subsequent mopping operations.  
           [0020]    The objects of the invention therefore are:  
           [0021]    Providing a mop head and pad washing apparatus which can efficiently clean and sanitize a dirty mop head automatically as needed.  
           [0022]    Providing a mop head and pad washing apparatus of the foregoing type which is easy to operate without an increase in labor costs.  
           [0023]    Providing a mop head and pad washing apparatus which provides an efficient drain for both contaminated cleaning solution as well as sediment from a bucket bottom.  
           [0024]    Providing a mop head and pad washing apparatus of the foregoing type which includes a wringer function.  
           [0025]    Providing a mop head and pad washing apparatus of the foregoing type which does not require an electrical power source.  
           [0026]    Providing a mop head and pad washing apparatus which is compact and portable.  
           [0027]    Providing a mop head and pad washing machine of the foregoing type which can provide a fully automatic detergency and water cycle control.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0028]    The foregoing objects are accomplished and the shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the washing apparatus for mop heads and washing pads of this invention which includes in one embodiment a housing having a compartment for wash water with the housing having at least one side wall. A water inlet conduit is operatively connected to the compartment and a holding member for a cleaning product is operatively supported by the housing. There is a conduit for transporting the cleaning product from the holding member to the water inlet conduit. An opening is disposed in the side wall which is constructed and arranged for the exchange of contaminated cleaning solution with fresh solution by allowing contaminated solution to pass therethrough and a drain outlet that is provided in a bottom portion of the housing.  
           [0029]    In another embodiment, the drain outlet is not employed during a wash and rinse cycle.  
           [0030]    In a further embodiment, the water inlet conduit and drain outlet are connected together at the bottom of the compartment.  
           [0031]    In still another embodiment, the holding member is a container for the cleaning product and an eductor is connected to the water inlet conduit, with the conduit for transporting the cleaning product connected at one end to the container and at another end to the eductor.  
           [0032]    In yet another embodiment, the holding member is a compartment for the cleaning product. A water conduit is connected at one end to the water inlet conduit and to the compartment for the cleaning product at another end. A conduit for mixed product and water is connected at one end to the compartment for the cleaning product and to the water inlet conduit at another end.  
           [0033]    In one aspect, a grate member is positioned in the compartment for wash water and below the opening in the side wall.  
           [0034]    In another aspect, an outlet conduit is sealably connected to the opening in the side wall.  
           [0035]    In yet another aspect, there is a support member for the container operatively connected to the housing.  
           [0036]    In still other aspects, the housing further includes a mop wringing compartment; and a base portion with wheels connected thereto; a handle member is connected to a wringer in the wringing compartment; and a drain hose is connected to the drain outlet.  
           [0037]    These and still other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description which follows. In the detailed description below a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in reference to the full scope of the invention. Rather, the invention may be employed in other embodiments. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0038]    [0038]FIG. 1 is a back perspective view of the mop and a pad washing machine of the invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 2 is a back elevational view of the machine shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 3 is a top view of the machine with a portion of a grate broken away.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the machine showing the overflow port and conduit connections.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the overflow drain hose.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment showing a container for a solid detergent.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 7 is a partial top view with the wringer plate in a retracted position. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0045]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 3 , the mop and pad washing apparatus generally  10  includes a housing  12  with a base  14  which is attached to the casters  16 . As seen in FIG. 3, there is provided an upper compartment  18  and a lower compartment  22 .  
         [0046]    A wringer plate  20  is disposed in the upper compartment  18  and is activated by the handle  21 . This housing with the compartments previously described is provided in a unit available from Continental Manufacturing Company in St. Louis, Mo. and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,803. In practice, the mop is wrung out in compartment  18  with the excess water flowing through the apertures  26  in front wall  25 . The waste water then flowing into compartment  22 .  
         [0047]    As seen in FIG. 1, a water conduit  30  is provided with a hose connection  31  as well as an on/off valve  33 . Water conduit  30  is connected to an electronic water timer mechanism  35  available as the Touch-Set™ from Nelson located in Peoria, Ill. A container  40  for chemical cleaning concentrate is supported by the rack  42 . A preferred cleaning concentrate is VIROX™ available from JohnsonDiversey, Inc. A cap  41  is secured to the container  40  and is connected to a siphon tube  43 . An overflow hose  46  is supported from the housing  12  by the chain  47 . There is also a drain hose  44  for draining water from the compartment  22 . It is suitably supported from the housing by a loop and hook arrangement (not shown).  
         [0048]    As seen in FIG. 4, water conduit  30  is connected to eductor  52  which also has the siphon tube  43  connected thereto. On the downstream side of the eductor  52  a water conduit  54  connects to the Y connector  56  which in turn is connected to the orifice  60  in the base wall  57  of the compartment  22  for supplying cleaning and sanitizing agent to the compartment  22 . (See FIG. 3). It will also be noted in conjunction with FIG. 4 that the drain hose  44  is connected to the Y connector  56  and accordingly the orifice  60 .  
         [0049]    Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, there is a median wall  50  which provides a floor to the compartment  18 . It has an outlet  58  to which is sealably connected the overflow hose  46 . Median wall  50  is located behind front wall  25  and apertures  26 , as seen in FIG. 3 where a grate  62  is disposed in the bottom portion of the compartment  22  and above the orifice  60 . This is for the purpose of supporting a mop  63 .  
         [0050]    As seen in FIGS. 1, 4, and  5  there are hose connections  64  and  67  which are interconnected by the conduit  66 . Hose connection  64  affords a connection to a water supply hose for purposes of supplying water to the coiled hose  69  and spray nozzle  70 , via conduit  66  and connection  67 . The coiled hose is supported from the housing  12  by the strap  71 . A foam gun  72  is also supported by the housing  12  for connection to the hose  69 .  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 6 represents an alternative embodiment for supplying a cleaning or sanitizing agent. In place of the concentrate container  40  as well as the cap  41 , the tube  43  and the eductor  52  (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5), the detergent container  75  generally can be substituted with the solid cleaning detergent  80 . In this instance the detergent container  75  includes two cup portions  77  and  78  providing a compartment for the detergent  80 . Detergent  80  has a central passage  82  as well as exterior grooves  84  for purposes of the passage of water through it and over it so as to dissolve the detergent. Inlet tube  86  and the outlet tube  87  are connected, respectively, to the end portions of the cups  77  and  78  with an end cap  89  provided for connection to the inlet tube  86 . The water conduit  90  supplies water to the detergent container  75  by means of the inlet tube  86  which dissolves some of the detergent with the water and passage through outlet tube  87  which in turn will allow the concentrated solution to flow back into the conduit  90  which is ultimately connected to the orifice  60 .  
         [0052]    Referring to FIG. 7, handle  21  is connected to shaft  24  journaled in side walls  29  and  32 . Hinge arms  23  are connected to wringer plate  20  and a spring  27  biases one of the spring arms  23  and accordingly shaft and handle  21  to an outward position as seen in FIG. 1.  
       Operation  
       [0053]    A fuller understanding of the washing apparatus  10  will be had by a description of the operation. Referring to FIGS.  1 - 3 , the washing apparatus  10  will be initially utilized as both a mopping device and as a mop cleaner. Cleaning water with detergent is placed in compartment  22  and utilized in the usual manner to clean a floor surface. With the collection of dirty water, the mop is placed in the compartment  18  and the mop compressed by an upward movement of the handle  21  which presses the wringer plate  20  against the mop with the resulting dirty water flowing through the apertures  26  back into compartment  22 . This compressing of the wringer plate  20  is visualized in conjunction with FIG. 7 wherein the handle  21  rotates the shaft  24  which in turn pivots the hinge arms  23 .  
         [0054]    When it is desired to clean the mop, the dirty water can be emptied from the compartment  22  by an opening of the drain hose  44  which will have a suitable valve  45  connected to an end thereof. When emptied, the drain hose  44  is closed and the water conduit  30  connected to a water source such as another hose. A dirty mop  63  with handle left attached, is then placed in the compartment  22  and rests on the grate  62 . Overflow hose  46  is lowered to the bottom of the unit and the closure cap  51  opened. The timer  35  is set to deliver a quantity of water for a given period of time through the water conduit  30  as well as water conduit  54  leading into the compartment  22  via the orifice  60 . As it passes through the eductor  52  it siphons concentrate from the container  40  through the tube  43 . When the water in the compartment  22  reaches the height of the outlet  58  in the median wall  50 , it flows through slots  28  into overflow outlet  58 , and into the overflow hose  46 . This affords the removal of contaminated solution and replaces with clean solution. The timer  35  can be set for multiple cycles at different time intervals introducing either clean water or water combined with cleaning solution. The timed intervals allow for a soak stage. After a suitable period of time, the timer stops all flow and the mop can be allowed to soak in the solution. When it is desired to empty compartment  22 , the valve  45  on the drain hose is opened which allows the compartment  22  to drain. The excess cleaning solution can be removed from the mop by placing it in the compartment  18  and compressing it by the wringer plate  20  as previously described. With the mop cleaning operation completed, the drain hose  44  and the overflow hose  46  are returned to their normal positions as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0055]    If it is desired to utilize the spray nozzle  70  on the hose  69 , the hose is connected to the connection  67  and a water inlet hose is disconnected from connection  31  and connected to hose connection  64 . In this mode, the foam gun  72  can be substituted for the spray nozzle  70 .  
         [0056]    If it is desired to use the solid detergent  80  as the cleaning material, then the detergent container  75  will be substituted for the solution container  40  as previously described.  
         [0057]    In the previous description, the water entering water conduit  30  siphons concentrate from the concentrate solution container  40  at all times. If it is desired, it can be bypassed by providing a valve arrangement so as to bypass the eductor and introduce clean water into the compartment  22 .  
         [0058]    A mop  63  has been described for washing in compartment  22 . A mop washing pad can be cleaned in a similar fashion.  
         [0059]    It will thus be seen that there is now provided a fully automatic “set and forget” mop and pad cleaning apparatus. This is achieved by solution exchange. This is effected by timed cleaner &amp; rinse cycles which fill from bucket bottom displacing contaminated solution with fresh solution as well as soak and metered chemical efficacy. Automatic cleaning cycles can be custom set to accommodate different soils and soil loads.  
         [0060]    Manual drain &amp; auto fill is also provided. The bucket drain hose  44  affords for quick drain of contaminated cleaning solution and refill with fresh solution using the timer “quick fill” setting when employed as a conventional floor cleaning system. The bucket drain hose  44  is also used to remove accumulated sediment from bucket bottom.  
         [0061]    A two-in-one cleaning system is further afforded as the washing apparatus automatically cleans mop heads without having to remove from mop handle and cleaning pads. The system will automatically clean and refill bucket with fresh cleaning solution for the next use. It can be used as a semi-automatic mop and bucket floor cleaning system by using the bucket drain hose and a quick fill timer setting for refilling with plain water or metered cleaning solution and water.  
         [0062]    The washing apparatus affords a unique cleaning and rinsing function by introducing cleaning solution and rinse water from the bottom of the compartment  22  while draining contaminated solution and rinse water from an upper level at the side such as through outlet  58 .  
         [0063]    The washing apparatus has been described in conjunction with a mop bucket. It is not essential that the wringer compartment  18  be utilized and can be eliminated.  
         [0064]    The preferred eductor will have an air gap for back flow preventions. The air gap is advantageous for use with the washing apparatus  10  as it will allow some air to enter the water conduit  54  thus providing oxygen in conjunction with the cleaning solution to the compartment  22 .  
         [0065]    An alternative to draining the wash water from the compartment  22  would be to leave it in the bucket and merely charge in the mop cleaner solution with excess water flowing out through the overflow outlet  58 . Further, it is not necessary to have the hose connections  67  and  64  for the hose  69  and spray nozzle  70  or the foam gun  72 . While the Touch-Set timer mechanism has been indicated, it is one of many timer mechanisms which can be employed for the described timing functions. All such and other modifications within the scope of the invention are meant to be within its scope as defined by the appended claims.